September, a month of transition, celebration and recognition as well as realization that, “holy cow, Christmas is only 115 shopping days away”. For me, it is the realization that although with respect to our Center, your Board and Officers have and continue to identify opportunities for improvement and to enhance the experience for our guests, our efforts have exposed only the tip of the iceberg.
Various Corporate documents are under review for possible updating and improvement. Opportunities to increase revenues, donations and grants, to keep pace with and of necessity, exceed operating costs, remain a priority. One small, but important step is investing a portion of our existing assets in conservative investments, exceeding yields now realized. We are also reviewing needed enhancements and repairs to our facility, to make it more “inviting” to the community, as a desirable place to rent for various events.
With respect to a core and important part of our Mission, thanks to a grant from the Rapp Foundation and a generous donation in memory of our dear friend, Helen Sullivan, we have been able to provide Shauna and Joh with the tools necessary to prepare a variety of tasty and nutritious lunch meals.
We discuss with them the menu for each month, endeavoring to provide a menu of variety. While we attempt to develop a menu that has wide appeal, we welcome your input for other menu ideas. I know I often joke about having lobster as an entree. Regretfully, it presently exceeds the budget. See me, or put your ideas in our suggestion box if you are shy.
Also of note, is that with respect to the recent changes to the voluntary contribution to the Council on Aging for meals enjoyed at the Center, we met with the COA staff to address a few remaining reimbursement issues. They are aware the letter those of us who participate in the lunch program receive each month, and perceived by many to be a “bill” is not popular and is confusing. However, they ask for your understanding that it is a requirement by the designers of the program at the Federal level, and not the COA.
Another item of note regarding the COA, is that effective the end of August, Cathy Orr, the current Executive Director will retire. Katie Aiken, a longtime employee of the Council, will assume Cathy’s position, pending appointment of her successor. We appreciate Cathy’s efforts serving the senior community and wish her well in her future endeavors.
MEET A BOARD MEMBER
Last month, I introduced you to Becki Linn one of our Board members. This month, I introduce you to Jim Purbaugh. Jim and his wife Gracie moved to Montana from Wittier CA in 2001 and currently reside in Corvallis. Among his many pursuits and interests, in his younger years, he had and still has a love of baseball. He pursued his love of the game and his dream was realized when he enjoyed a stint as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers minor league organization, an experience he will never forget. Jim, my sport in my youth was also baseball! Prior to retiring to our community, he was grounds supervisor for a seven high schools district. He has been a member of the Elks for 25 years, holding several chairs over the years. He is a valuable member of the Board and has much to offer, especially with regard to building and grounds issues.
Thanks Jim!
SIGNIFICANT DATES IN SEPTEMBER
RAVALLI COUNTY FAIR, September 2-6: Enjoy community and appreciate the talents of the folks in our Valley; Give the young people who work so hard raising their prize animals, an enthusiastic “thumbs up”.
LABOR DAY, September 7: A National day of tribute to the social and economic achievements of the American worker. It is also the unofficial date of the last day of Summer; (the official date is September 22nd, the Autumnal Equinox). Labor Day is also touted as the end of the hot dog eating season, but not at the Fair!
NOTE, THE CENTER WILL BE CLOSED ON LABOR DAY!
NEVER FORGET, September 11, 2001.
LIBRARY POP-UP BOOK SALE, September 12: A fundraiser sponsored by our fantastic library, starting at 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Buy a great read for $2.00 per inch high, or a “special deal” of 15 inches for $20.00. A great place and way to stock up for cozy days reading by the fire during the winter days just around the corner.
CONSTITUTION DAY, September 17: The date in 1787 when our Constitution was adopted by the Constitutional Convention.
POW/MIA RECOGNITION DAY, September 18: A day of remembrance of those who served our country and endured capture or never returned.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
A hacker called me and said he had all my passwords, I got a pen and paper and said ‘Thank God for that, what are they’.
I’ve been in bed for 20 minutes and I’ve just remembered, I only came upstairs for a pen.
I did some financial planning and it looks like I can retire at 97 and live comfortably for eleven minutes.
NOW FOR SOME WISDOM
One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time! Some people develop eye strain looking for trouble!
The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!
Smile, be happy, be safe, be well, be generous and enjoy every day, no matter the season!
President Ron, ONWARD!