October News
The main news everyone knows already...which is that it seems to be raining a little earlier than usual this year. Two people came by and said this is the earliest they've ever had to fire up their wood stoves in fifteen years. Here at the center, I'm pleased to report that the forced air heater is working very nicely, keeping even the bathrooms reasonably toasty. We also got the outside lights working (it's #13 on the circuit breaker box inside the closet). The grading, drains and concrete are working perfectly, keeping the water & mud away from the building.
There's a muddy spot we still need to deal with outside the men's room, next to the road. I think a little rock will fix that OK for now. Oh yeah, speaking of the men's (& boy's) room, there's a small leak in there. Yesterday (during a break in the rain) Ron from the school district climbed up on the roof and put some sealant. We hope that takes care of it.
Last night the school dance was a big success, according to Marc Wilson. The older kids danced & the adults stayed out of the way (mostly keeping an eye on the little kids in the playgroup area). He says they're going to have another one soon.
Driving by, I was thinking it was great to see the center busy at night with so many people having fun, but it's getting dark early now. If we're going to have night-time events here, we need better outside lighting. We have one motion-detector light fixture still in the box. We need another one of those, and someone comfortable with 110V who can help put them up. (Give us a call: 926-1025)
The 6th, 7th & 8th grades made $401 in their wood raffle, and Charlie Stillwell won the prize. The kids are raising the money to pay for a ropes course. They would like to thank everyone who bought a raffle ticket for helping to make the trip possible.
This September has been a very busy month, with school starting, weather changing, garden harvesting, people coming and going, and new activities at the center growing. We've been so busy making news that we haven't had a chance to report any news. In particular, we've been neglectful in putting out our "thank you's" to all the people who've been contributing time, money and materials to the center. So that's why I've made a whole section later in this newsletter called The Honor Roll to mention their names and to express the gratitude of our entire community.
Actually I think this is a good place to mention that our long-awaited playground has arrived! It will be beautiful when it's set up, but right now it's in many small pieces. Do you like to do jigsaw puzzles? Were you good at playing with TinkerToys or Erector sets?? I think we could use your skills in the next few weeks...
The playgroup is doing well, with about 14 kids and their parents participating. Playgroup leader Debbie Rodas asked me to tell everyone that there's still space available for more kids, and that donations of money, art supplies, toys and picture books & magazines are always appreciated! Playgroup meets every Thursday morning, from 10 am until noon, and parents must accompany the kids.
April Wilson and Liz Carl went to Washington DC last week to a conference on Youth Development. They participated in discussions with national leaders, and also did a little sightseeing, including the new Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial.
Do you have dead cars in your yard that you want to get rid of? A few days ago someone (at this minute, I can't remember who...) came in and we were talking about a company in Fortuna that will come and remove dead cars for free, if there are enough in one trip. (I think like 30, maybe.) So I said we could put it out in the newsletter and tell people to call and leave a message. We're not going to organize it ourselves, but if one of the people with the cars wants to do it, we'll give them the messages.
Erin O'Malley, our adult education teacher, is at the center every Wednesday from 11 am to 4 pm. She has an opening for another student. If you are interested call or come by on Wednesday. Or on other weekdays, you can call Sue Eldridge at the school district office at 923-2789.
Elsie's Market in Blocksburg is open again! I understand she'd like to do some kind of farmer's market there. It's nice, isn't it, to see things open, instead of closed. Best of luck to Elsie!
Anne's classroom is selling raffle tickets for a Half-a-Beef, cut, wrapped & frozen. They're raising money for a field trip. Buy tickets at the Alderpoint store (and now, the Blocksburg store!) or call Barbara Lindsay: 926-5442
The Alderpoint Friends of the Eel River Meeting & Potluck is on the 17th of every month, at the Community Center (potluck at 6, meeting at 7). Ruth Goodfield, from ERWIG (that's Eel River Watershed Improvement Council), is helping us write a grant for education and restoration projects.
The HITS group teaches new computer tricks to old dogs like us on Saturdays (November 8, December 13, January 17) at the Community Center, 11 am until 3 pm. Don't miss these FREE, one-day-per-month, opportunities to get some FREE help. If you've been having problems with your computer, or want to learn some new skills, or especially if you would like a web site of your very own, come in and talk to the "user-friendly" HITS group. (Did I say it was FREE?) Do bring pictures to scan! (Don't bring $$$!)
The PTA Harvest Festival was on Saturday, October 25 in "Downtown" Alderpoint, 11 am until 4 pm. Everyone had fun, the PTA made around a thousand dollars (no kidding!), but the big news, of course, was that George kissed the pig.
The Resonance Music Workshop with Andy Barnett was on Wednesday, October 29, at the Community Center, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Instruments were provided. Music students included Marc & April, Rob & Sara, Railroad Dave, Carol R & Richard E. Andy is not only a talented musician, but also an excellent teacher, and a very nice guy. Oh yeah, besides being a musician and teacher and nice guy, Andy is the producer of the monthly Humboldt Bandwagon Live Radio show. For information call Andy at 926-5370.
The Casterlin PTA Halloween Party was very much fun this year, even without the Haunted House.
Alderpoint Legion Auxiliary Arts & Crafts Fair is on Saturday, November 8 at the American Legion Hall starting at 9 am. This is the perfect event for Christmas shopping. Many kinds of beautiful and interesting and useful things will be on sale. Booth space, by the way, may still be available if you have stuff you'd like to sell. Admission is free, but there is a small charge for booth space. For info and reservations call Georgia at 926-5453 or Dolores at 926-5161.
The 8th grade is accepting donations for Puff the Magic Dragon to be at the Arts & Crafts Fair. Call Danielle at 926-5487 or put your donation in the jar at the Alderpoint store.
If there is anything you would like announced in the next newsletter (we're guessing it will be quarterly), drop it off at the center, or leave a message on the phone (707-926-1025), or especially send me some email: george@hits.org.
here's to indian summer!
love, george
P.S. that smelly hairball MUTSO wants to talk to you some more, click here if you really have nothing better to do...
geo.