Tuesday, October 3, 2017

October, 2017






 
 
      Ah, October at last.  Soon I will open our windows and enjoy the autumn breezes as they sweep the dog hair, cat hair, and dust into the corners so that I can catch them better.  If I feel like it.  The older I get, the less I am interested in housework, yard work, and just work in general.  There are so many other interesting things to do.  Although I don't dwell on my demise, I am aware that it can't be too far away, or at least my ability to be active will be curtailed, so I have to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of my days.  Now that doesn't mean that I am on the road all the time.  Just reading and watching television take up a lot of my time.  I have to admit that it does take longer to cook dinner now, but I love going to Bay Chorale once a week, even though my pipes are not as agile as they once were.  It's the friends I see there and at AAUW and at MCREA who keep me going. Considering my long life so far, it has always been my family and my friends that were the most important part.  All the achievements, prestige, education, and possessions which once seemed important are like the dust in the corners now.  I can't be bothered wasting time on them.
 
    Our September meeting was eventful as usual.  We came for the fellowship, the great lunch, and the program, in that order.  Each item met my criteria. We welcomed some new members and I hope more are considering joining us.  Our speakers from Take Stock in Children asked for volunteers to mentor students one day a week through 8-12th grade.  Another new volunteering opportunity that they presented was to become a mentor to a college student who has graduated from the program and may need help managing his or her initial college experience.  As an example, she mentioned one mentor who helped a student who was being overcharged for car repair.  Yes, practical things that we learned from our families, which may not be available to a student who is the first to attend college in his or her family, or who no longer lives at home. 
 
    Our October meeting is always a highlight of the year.  Come in costume if you can.  We will have a costume parade and prizes for the best.  Through the years, we have seen some highly original ones.  Sandra Stephenson will again lead us in Halloween Bingo with great (well, interesting)  prizes for the winners.  Remember to bring 20 quarters to play.  The money will go to our local MCREA Scholarship. 
 
    We are still collecting food for the Manatee Food Bank, toiletries and other items for the Salvation Army, and children's books for distribution at as yet undecided venue. FELT is so overwhelmed with children's food distribution that they have little time and no storage space for our books.  Also, they were gifted with a books from an on-line retailer who retired.  Those books are currently being stored by the Kiwanis Club.  If you have a suggestion for a school or other place that would welcome our books, let me know.  The Board will be deciding the venue at our Oct. meeting.
 
     I hope to see you on Wednesday, Oct. 18.  We cannot meet on our usual Thursday because of an event previously engaged at Renaissance on 9th.  If your caller has not gotten in touch before Oct. 14, please call Mary Ann Jensen at 792-4127 or Phyllis Omilak at 723-1360.
 
Ellen