The falling leaves of red and gold have begun to fall as we welcome October, which can be one of the most lovely months in this beautiful place we are fortunate to call home. Oh, with the beginning of a new month, keep in mind there are now only 85 shopping days to Christmas!
CLOSE CALL
A word of caution however, just before I sat down to write this message, I took my fur pal Frankie out for her late afternoon “duty” patrol. As we walked down a gravel walk way in our yard, I noticed a hole had been dug beside a landscape timber. I thought some animal had sought a new home. I retrieved a shovel and fortunately took Frankie in and returned to place gravel in the hole. Then all hell broke loose when a swarm of yellow jacket wasps exited the hole and attacked me. I quickly retreated, flailing to fend them off. However, I was stung three times, on the hand, and leg. Fortunately, I was wearing long pants; however, one even found its way up my pant leg. i could feel it and squished it before it could do further damage. My hand swelled and I developed a hive type rash on my upper leg. I quickly cleaned the bites and took an antihistamine. It seems that all is well. I contacted a pest control company to get rid of this menace.
Moral of this story is beware when doing winterizing yard work of possible ground nests and be cautious of any holes in the ground or even in gravel. Those nasty devils are able to dig and move rock and gravel and viciously guard their “home”. A nest can be home to a thousand or more of these aggressive pests. These things are quite active in late summer, early fall, especially during these warm, sunny days. If stung, and possibly sensitive to stings, do not hesitate to promptly seek medical help.
CENTER EXTERIOR REPAINTING
Moving on, I met with a representative of Trapper Creek Job Corp. regarding the exterior painting of the Center building. He indicated his team of students would be available, but not until next spring, when weather permits. Thus, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions as to colors that will update and make our building be more visible and “appealing”, especially as we work to enhance rental activity of our Bitterroot Room. Please notice that our roof has a green appearance and our gutters brown; the representative suggested not painting the gutters. Please also give thought to the word content of a proposed new sign on the large wall, directly to the right of the main entrance door. Let me know if you have questions.
HEADS UP
I have been informed by the Manager of the nutrition program at the Council on Aging (COA) that to comply with requirements of the program, the COA will ask each of us who participate in the program to assist them by completing a new Risk Assessment Form during the month of the anniversary date of the previous form you completed. The purpose is to confirm or update, as the case may be, the information in the form currently on file. I have asked for further clarification from COA as to timing when the form must be completed. I will provide further guidance as I receive it. I understand your possible frustration and apologize for the inconvenience. It is a lot of additional work for our wonderful desk volunteers. Thank you all!
NEEDED, BINGO VOLUNTEERS
As you may know, as a revenue generating event, the Center sponsors Bingo the first and third Saturdays throughout the year. The event is held in the lunch room portion of the building and the doors open about noon, with the games beginning about 1 p.m. running until about 4 p.m. Preparations and set up are usually done after lunch on Friday. I and after lunch folks usually assist with the setup which takes about a half an hour.
After Marci retired a couple of months ago, Lauraine Bourne graciously took the reins. She has been assisted by a helper from the Victor Senior Center during a learning period. After meeting with Lauraine, it is evident she is overwhelmed, and has indicated she is unable to do the number calling both Saturdays. She also shared that whoever does the calling needs an assistant to help with selling the Bingo cards and making the payouts. It is also preferable to have one or more helpers to help with take down and cleanup, (wiping down tables, floor sweep). The Bingo as presently run, generates between $3000 and $4000 annually. Loss of this revenue would have an impact on operations.
Especially during the winter months, Bingo provides socialization, fun and possibly “reward”. If you would be able and like to help, please see me or Connie for more information. Thanks to Lauraine for her assistance and dedication to the Center. The more help we have, the less work for everyone.
THANKSGIVING DINNER RESERVATIONS
Shaunna and our fantastic volunteers are making plans for the Center’s annual supercalifragilistic Thanksgiving feast, which will take place Monday, November 23rd. As in the past, to assist in planning, we ask that you make a reservation by signing up at the welcome desk. Sign up will begin October 26th, with the last date to sign up will be November 13th. Because this is a special lunch event, the cost of which exceeds our reimbursement from COA, we are asking for an additional dining charge of just $5.00, payable at the time of making your reservation. Such a deal!!!! Questions, see me or Connie.
If you think this is great, just wait until we share our plans for our Christmas celebration luncheon!
FLEA MARKET
Looking forward a bit, there will be a flea market at the Center in the Bitterroot Room on Saturday, November 14 and also on Saturday, December 12. Sale hours are from 8 a.m. until about 2:30 p.m. If interested in reserving selling space, contact Kathy Owens at 406-369-5261. Even if you are not a seller, stop by to search for some treasure you absolutely cannot live without.
SIGNIFICANT DATES IN OCTOBER
October 1, NATIONAL OLD PEOPLE DAY. I know none of us consider ourselves as “old”, but give yourself a pat on the back, (or wherever) anyway.
October 4, NATIONAL ANIMAL DAY. Give your fur pal an extra pat or treat. They deserve all the love we can give for what they give us.
October 10, ANNUAL TOY AND TRAIN SALE at the Center; see me or Connie for more information and time. If you are interested in model railroading, or a toy collector, a great event to find some fun stuff.
October 12, COLUMBUS DAY. Rediscover America!
October 14, GENE’S GIGANTIC FUNDRAISING BAKE SALE. You had a sneak preview of the dessert delights that will be auctioned. Show off your baking skills by preparing your specialty to share and to support “the happiest place in town”. It is always fun and we so appreciate Gene spearheading this event and demonstrating his auctioneering skills. Looking forward to the calories!
October 31, HALLOWEEN. Please be a kid again and be silly and dress for the occasion on Friday the 30th for lunch. Who knows, there may be a prize for the prize get up.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
The older I get, the more I understand why roosters scream to start their day!
Being popular on Facebook is like sitting at the “cool table” in the cafeteria of a mental hospital.
You know you’re over 50 when you have ‘upstairs ibuprofen’ and ‘downstairs ibuprofen’.
REMEMBER, WE ARE ONLY OLD ONCE, SO “GO FOR FOR IT” EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY.
THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS, WITHOUT WHICH THERE WOULD NOT BE OUR WONDERFUL CENTER.
ONWARD !!!!!!!!!
President Ron