Had a conversation with a friend this morning and we discussed those who complain about things and those that do things. There is such a big difference. Negative vs. positive and it can be on the same issue! Which are you?
Now, nobody is supposed to fix the whole world, but if each of us just did one thing …
“People need to think about something other than them,” she said. And I followed with a big ole “AMEN.”
Recently we taped the April “On the Bricks” TV show (PTCI’s local channel) and the people who were guests are always busy doing things for others. Robert Etbauer, who is Assistant Coach of the Oklahoma Panhandle State Rodeo Team and a two – time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, didn’t really enjoy the camera or the interview, but he would do it for those OPSU cowboys and cowgirls. And he won’t brag about himself but he has no problem bragging about the team.
During the years that he and I served on the Pioneer Day Rodeo Committee Robert wore his boot soles to a sliver walking the streets and gathering sponsorship dollars for our local rodeo. He and Craig Latham and Danny Etbauer visited a little boy who loved rodeo in the hospital, he visited a classroom of special needs kids. He did and did and did. And it wasn’t for personal gain.
Robert knows how to do and he certainly doesn’t waste much time talking about it.
Rick Furnish came on the show and talked about the upcoming benefit chicken fried steak chuckwagon feed that Bob’s is putting on. Rick and his crew go to a lot of work and none of that goes in his pocket. At Bob’s they know how to do and to give.
Rick is also involved in the OPSU Rodeo Team Reunion (we actually call it the Rodeo Round Up) that takes place on April 26th at Bob’s Cowboy Bar. It is a fun time for past participants in the OPSU Rodeo Team and their supporters. You should join us! We have lunch that costs $10 a person, sit around and visit, and then everyone heads to the OPSU Rodeo at 4 pm.
Jada Breeden and Earl Helms talked about the upcoming Pioneer Days. Wow. You talk about a lot of volunteers, it’s absolutely amazing how many people do and give for this wonderful community event put on by the Chamber of Commerce.
Then OPSU Football Coach Russell Gaskamp talked about the OPSU Belly Open Golf Tournament that happens on April 26 (yes, you can golf, reunion, and rodeo watch all in one day!). All those who work the golf tournament and participate are giving to the OPSU athletic programs. Do and give.
Gaskamps football boys and a bunch of other OPSU athletes also work many other Pioneer Day events as volunteers. They are such great help. Learning how to be doers and givers.
Another TV show interview was with Nancy Davis about the Iron Thunder’s Five State Motorcycle Run. That is a phenom event that happens the weekend after Pioneer Days. And every dollar gained from that event goes to help someone or something in the community. Doers and givers.
It was humbling to be with all those folks in the room. I respect each and every one of them and what they do for others.
Let’s see, what other happenings are coming up?
The Main Street Shutterbugs are having a Photo Adventure to Kenton on April 5. For more information, contact Arlene Winfrey at 562.277.5468 or Beth McKee at 580.651.7694.
Facebook 101 to learn the basics is a class being taught by PTCI on Thur., April 17 from 5:30 – 6:30 at 2222 NW Hwy 64.
The Main Street Dementia Support Group is brining author Tam Cummings for a free Dementia Education Seminar on Tues., April 29. The seminar is from 9 am to 3 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church. Please RSVP if you are wanting the lunch, which is provided at $10 a person, to Dorothy Countryman at 580.651.4645.
And be thankful for all the people you know who are putting these things together! For all those doers … It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy!
“May neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accept you.” I love how the Irish use the words!
See you on the bricks!