It all started Saturday morning (April 21) when Jonah and his grandmother came by for our final meeting on his senior project. Even though I was a late choice for his community mentor, I was glad to help when I heard that the project involved Jonah's exploration of services for our elders. As part of my responsibility, I introduced Jonah to Mike Ruggles out at the Senior Center and sat in on their initial interview. After that, Jonah became a lunchtime volunteer at the Center, and included in that experience was the chance to ride along and help out on the Meals on Wheels route. Sitting across from me at my kitchen table this past Saturday, Jonah described some of his feelings about helping out people who lived in isolated circumstances. After our interview was over, Jonah's grandmother took a picture of the two of us on my front porch. He said he wanted to put the picture in his report.
Later that day, I attended the Tuolumne County Historical Society's annual Lamplight Dinner at the Fairgrounds. I go every year because I am a member of the group, and I like to be around people who have an interest in history. I love reading history for pleasure and have been doing that since I was quite young. At the dinner, I sat with Susan Thompson and her relatives. Susan is past president of the Society. Also at the dinner were Craig and Ruth Pedro; Joe and Betty Sparagna; John Gray and Eleda Carlson; Donald Segerstrom and his mother, Marietta Segerstrom; Winnie LoVine, Dave and Imelda Sheppard, Sherrin Grout and many more. The food was outstanding. The speaker was brief and interesting. She told of the women's sufferage movement in San Francisco during the 19th and 20th centuries.
When Sunday at 2:00 PM rolled around, I went over to the Elks Lodge for "A Taste of Mentoring." I go to this event each year because I like its "home-made" quality. Guests can sample desserts from many of Tuolumne County's fine restaurants while watching periodic cake walks and listening to the Ukulele Orchestra from Columbia. There is a silent auction for those who enjoy them. I met up again with Sherrin Grout and Donald Segerstrom. Also talked with Gary Linehan, Elena Linehan (the organizer), April Robles and her Mom, and Shelly Hance. And others! Oh yes, in the parking lot was a display of antique cars, thanks to the Mother Lode Region Antique Car Club.
Good "home town" activities!
