Lately I’ve sure felt like life is one big circle. My daughter’s shows me the ‘new’ handbag styles or cute clothes and I’m remembering the clothes and purses I had in high school and college. Our college student asks me to checkout a ‘new’ tune and it’s either a remake by a young artist or one of my favorites from 25+ years ago.
While our President hasn’t personally contacted me to say, ‘Check this out, Gretchen,’ his message reminds me of an attitude that I was surrounded by at a very young age. There’s even the charm and smooth speaking style; the actions showing acceptance of all levels of people, not just the well-to-do. But what impresses me most, is the encouragement for all to become involved, to serve, where we live. That hasn’t been ‘in’ since the Peace Corp!
As a young adult, I met another man who got me involved in my community. If I wanted change, I had to do something constructive about it. There were NO excuses. The first time I was asked to help he needed a large batch of baked beans for a fundraiser (regardless of the fact I’d never cooked or eaten them), “so open a cookbook and figure it out!”
I’m a firm believer in taking action; no idle commentary. By joining my local Soroptimist club I made a commitment to help my community. I’ll offer my talents and skills to help others. I hope I add to my talents and skills too – I want to learn new things from others as we accomplish our goals. I hope that I leave an impression on at least three other people also, so that they too continue the circle by serving others.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Blanket of White
We rose to a blanket of white. Forecasters had estimated a total of just over a half inch for our area; when we sat down to pancake, it was obvious there was nearly a 2” frosted blanket on the ground. The excess was a pleasant and relaxing start to the weekend. Our plans were adjusted so we could enjoy the snow.
A local women’s service organization is in the midst of their annual linen drive. We’d brought home a box of donated king-size sheets that had minor tears in each. I asked my two teens if they’d want to learn to use the serger and practice on the sewing machine to help make bedding for the Mission and shelters. Imagine the great feeling when both dedicated hours to help make six twin flat sheets and a dozen pillowcases today!
The time together led to discussions about boring white sheets, families without homes, what a class had discussed about women’s rights in Asian countries, and odd things, like why one of the dogs kept sitting on the power foot of the serger. (‘He was trying to sew but forgot the fabric.’)
Besides making the task more interesting and getting two helpers (the basics), today was priceless in the way we worked as a focused team. They will remember working on the project for ages. They improved a skill.
While working I remembered the lesson of teaching a man to fish and how he could then provide for many. It made me think of what the Business Partner and Community Supporter program does: the community supports the school/students by donating supplies or supporting a program (basics) but it teaches a life lesson – we, the adults and businesses around you support you and want you to succeed!
The white blanket over the surface today had a purpose. Our pace changed and the focus of the day was helping our community.
WISH LIST: The Business Partner and Community Supporter program has a wish list submitted by administrators and teachers in USD#450. The list isn’t posted as in changes as donations are made and new items appear. Whether you help provide broken machines the 7th graders use learning about simple machines, axles, pulleys, and wedges; your organization provides funding for special needs curriculum; or your business can help with bricks and mortar efforts, every part of the puzzle, each individual has something that will help our students in their educational efforts. Thanks for being there for them!
A local women’s service organization is in the midst of their annual linen drive. We’d brought home a box of donated king-size sheets that had minor tears in each. I asked my two teens if they’d want to learn to use the serger and practice on the sewing machine to help make bedding for the Mission and shelters. Imagine the great feeling when both dedicated hours to help make six twin flat sheets and a dozen pillowcases today!
The time together led to discussions about boring white sheets, families without homes, what a class had discussed about women’s rights in Asian countries, and odd things, like why one of the dogs kept sitting on the power foot of the serger. (‘He was trying to sew but forgot the fabric.’)
Besides making the task more interesting and getting two helpers (the basics), today was priceless in the way we worked as a focused team. They will remember working on the project for ages. They improved a skill.
While working I remembered the lesson of teaching a man to fish and how he could then provide for many. It made me think of what the Business Partner and Community Supporter program does: the community supports the school/students by donating supplies or supporting a program (basics) but it teaches a life lesson – we, the adults and businesses around you support you and want you to succeed!
The white blanket over the surface today had a purpose. Our pace changed and the focus of the day was helping our community.
WISH LIST: The Business Partner and Community Supporter program has a wish list submitted by administrators and teachers in USD#450. The list isn’t posted as in changes as donations are made and new items appear. Whether you help provide broken machines the 7th graders use learning about simple machines, axles, pulleys, and wedges; your organization provides funding for special needs curriculum; or your business can help with bricks and mortar efforts, every part of the puzzle, each individual has something that will help our students in their educational efforts. Thanks for being there for them!
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