Category: On The Bricks

Got my Christmas card from my eldest son and it had several beautiful photos of three of my grandchildren, my son and his wife. Great card. Loved the message on it. “The biggest blessings are in the smallest moments.” So true.

Blessing #1 from last week: All four of my children attended the two eldest grandson’s football semi – final playoff game. That the boys were playing in such an important game was great and wonderful. But the photo of all four of my children being there to support them, faces smiling and so happy was the best blessing. To have your kids be adults and treat one another well is a huge blessing that makes me so thankful.

Blessing #2 from last week: Not in the photo that I mentioned above, but in other’s taken that day were the spouses of the three married kids who were all there doing the same … and being such an important part of our family. Also, in the photos were the three grandchildren who didn’t sport a Gruver Greyhound football uniform … all of them beaming with pride for Will and Nick.

Blessing #3 from last week: I sent the On the Bricks column from last week about my friends to Pam, Nancy, and Deets (the topic of the column). I figured they might as well know what I’m saying about them. And I received an email from Nancy, who, funny enough, is the one that usually takes years to answer emails, in response. She wrote, “WOW. I’m very humbled by your words. You have such a powerful gift of the written language. I guess it’s from copying my English papers. Seriously you made my day … no, my life. I love you.” Signed “Nancy Evans, On the streets.” She is so funny. She is the one who copied MY English papers. I copied her math assignments. Good friends.

Blessing #4 from last week: In a conversation with a friend of mine that I worked with when I was with the Oklahoma Department of Tourism, we talked about the difference between wants and needs. And then it went to some wants we had, and I told him about always wanting Christmas dishes. But it didn’t make sense because we had beautiful fancy dishes from the husband’s great aunt and we always used them for Christmas dinner and other family gatherings, so it would be silly to buy another set of fancy dishes. He talked about some Transformer he wanted as a kid (he’s a lot younger than I am). Last week I got a package in the mail. Christmas dishes. Yep. Go figure. I couldn’t believe it. All I can say is, he’s not getting that Transformer.

The purpose of this rambling is not to brag about my blessings, but to help you think about what blessings you have received and not given sufficient thought to. Remember, it’s the simple things, the smallest moments, that are the blessings you need to make sure you don’t miss. Justin and Sammy’s Christmas card reminded me. I’m sharing and reminding you.

And after you consider your blessings, then think about how you’re going to be someone else’s blessing today. Remember, simple things. Say a prayer. If you don’t know who to pray for, just say one for every person that you see today. That should do it. Or for those people that asked me for directions. No telling where they ended up.

Catch you on the bricks!

Some people seem to not know how to be a good friend. We need to teach our children how to be a good friend so that they will have friends.

Hopefully I have enough friends, strong ones, to serve as my pall bearers. People laugh when that is said, but there is some serious thought to it if you give it a moment to sink in.

“My life has been blessed with the best friends a person could ever have.” I wrote that sentence in the little book of memories I wrote for my kids. The prompt on the page was “Do you remember your childhood friends?”

My response: “First are my cousins, but they are expected to stand by me because we’re family. And we grew up together.

“In first grade, right at my sixth birthday, I was introduced to Nance, Pammy, and Deets. Through elementary the other friends started to slide back. In Junior High and High School it was obvious we were ‘the girls,’ as people called us. We had other friends, others we did things with, but we always came back to the four of us. We fit. We understood one another. We were four who knew what it took to be a good friend. We were in sports and competed together. We laughed together. I suppose we cried together.

“I know with a certainty deep in my heart that when and if I ever need them, they will be there. There with no judgement, just being there to provide whatever I need.

“My strength comes from always knowing I have the Granthams and the girls. That no matter what I do, they will continue to love and accept me.

“Knowing this has made life easy. They don’t correct, but they listen. They don’t expect me to tell them everything, but they understand. They only expect me to love them as much as they love me. I can be totally vulnerable with them because they are part of me.

“We were always there for one another. Absence doesn’t even take that away.

“My children, don’t try to fix your friends. Don’t try to get your friends to be like you. Be who you are meant to be and help your friends be who they are meant to be. Be honest or be quiet. Trust them or they will never trust you. A friend is a companion for whom you have few responsibilities. And don’t try to make them responsible for you. They are to share adventures with, to tell stories to, to relax with, a place you are always safe because they protect you, just as you protect them – not because they’re right, but because they’re your friend.

“Be brave – be a forever friend.”

Start thinking about what other people need, rather than what you want. That is the first step to being a good friend.

Jan Karon wrote in the first Mitford Series book, first page, He arrived at the office, uttering the prayer he had offered at its door every morning for twelve years: “Father, make me a blessing to someone today …. “

What a perfect way to start a day.

Merry Christmas and I’ll see you on the bricks!

The day after Thanksgiving was a total relaxing day. My body was sore. My mind was tired. And all the things that had to be done, were finished. So, I sat in my chair and turned to Netflix streaming. One of the OPSU football boys taught me about this and I shall forever be in his debt.
There are some crime series that I follow and some movies that I enjoy, but the mind was a bit slow that day, so I picked a Christmas movie. One of those Hallmark – like movies, low budget, simple storyline and no brain work involved in watching. And I loved it. So I watched another one. And another one. And another one. That day were many of these seemingly unending movies on Netflix.
And now, every day that I get home from work, I watch another one.
They are a little sappy. Most of them the actors are not Oscar winners. The plot is usually very predictable. And I’ve been having the best time watching them.
I don’t have my Christmas decorations up. But I did do my Christmas cards while watching. And I’m about to get out a Christmas puzzle to do while watching them.
And don’t worry. There seem to be plenty of them to last me the entire time to Christmas. Maybe even until next Christmas.
Never thought I would be such a cheesy movie binge watcher. But it has happened.
I hope that you have found something as enjoyable during the holidays. Whether it be reading your Christmas cards, sending out notes in your cards, finding excellent gifts at some of these great events like Live Local (Dec.1), Dickens of a Party at the Library (Dec. 4), Shop and Dine (Dec. 6), Christmas Open House and Tree Lighting (Dec. 7), and Christmas Village (Dec. 8). There are also the helping days like Christmas Cheer for Children (Dec. 6), Craft for a Cause’s Hot Chocolate and Ornaments (Dec. 13, a fund raiser for Loaves and Fishes), and the Christmas Shopping Spree (Dec. 15).
There are also Christmas concerts and contatas at the churches, a living nativity at the Nazarene Church, and beautiful Christmas decorations to see. Find what makes you smile and what makes your day better and take a friend and enjoy it.
Another good thing to consider, especially if you’re near retirement age, is to go to the Ready Group at Brown and Graham on the morning of Dec. 8. At 9:30 am they will have coffee and a brunch, then the program is to be Rinda Wolgamott about the Prime Timers. It’s a fun and educational time provided by Brown and Associates Insurance. They’re also having a Christmas cookie exchange that day!
And, almost better than Santa Claus, is the Guymon Community Theatre production “Outlaws, In-Laws, and Other People You Want to Shoot” … or something like that. A comedy for all. It will be showing Dec. 7, 8, and 9. It’s even a good play to go to for people who aren’t lovers of plays.
Find something to make you smile. Then share the smile. There are good things happening in the community.
See you on the bricks!

My papa bought me my first “real” book, a hardback titled “Lassie.” I was probably eight years old, or so. I always loved to read, learning early on that you could travel anywhere in the world in a book. And you could learn so many interesting things in almost any book you picked up and spent some time with.
Did you know there is a group called the Friends of the Library that all love reading and work to support our local library? My peeps.
This group is going to host a “Dickens of a Party” on Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. That Tuesday evening there will be Christmas singers, photo stops, refreshments (bring your favorite Christmas treats and you might win a prize), book readings for children, and other children’s activities. They are also sponsoring a Christmas Light Tour contest. If you decorate for Christmas at your house, register by going to the Friend of the Library on facebook … or register at the library. You have only a short time to register, but then you need to get to hanging those Christmas outdoor lights! It’s going to be a fun evening.
On Sat., Dec. 1, is the Fa La La La Live Local event downtown with a static parade, stores open for shopping, and at home businesses and artists located at the RC Party Room, bank lobbies, and other places. Keep an eye out for this fun time from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. We’ll have Shutterbugs sharing their art at the Main Street Guymon office.
That is also the first night for the Guymon Community Theatre production of “Outlaws, In-Laws, and Other People (who ought to be shot)”. So, go shopping and partake of the downtown party and then mosey on into the theatre and enjoy a wonderful evening entertained by the play.
Christmas Open House is on Fri., Dec. 7, starting at 5:30 with Santa landing at the courthouse in an Apollo MedFlight helicopter and the Christmas Tree Lighting by the Chamber of Commerce.
Connections Church has another chance to see local arts and crafts and other gift ideas at the Christmas Village from 9 am to 6 pm.
And don’t forget to consider being a volunteer at the Christmas Shopping Spree for Children by the Guymon Lions Club who will meet with the volunteers at 7 am in the Methodist Enrichment Center at 6th and Quinn. There are never enough volunteers, so think serious about taking part this year.
Remember, Christmas is a time of giving and a time of loving. Giving does not mean buying more than you can afford or being all about gifts. It is a time of giving from your heart. Giving time and giving love. Money isn’t how you show people how much you love them.
Christmas plans should not be a mental stress on you. If it is, reflect on how you can bring it back to a time of being with those you love and being a person who shows love.
And have a piece of fudge if it just seems to be stressful, anyway.
Merry Christmas and I hope to talk to you at some of the downtown activities!
See you on the bricks.

Today is going to be a cheat day. I’m going to share something that I wrote for my kids, before I have even given it to my kids. Doesn’t really sound fair, does it? But, then, life is never fair.

For a very long month I have been toiling over this book that one of my daughters gave to me … for the life of me, I cannot remember which one did give it to me. It is called a Mom and Me Book or some such and asks for memories and different things. There are prompts and it gives you several pages to write the answer. Some was easy, some I had no clue as to the answers.

The prompt on this was “If you felt the need to offer some advice to me, what would it be?” I am a mom. I always have advice for my kids. So, the pen fairly flew on these pages. With such sage words, I feel the need to share on a broader field.

“Start each day with something that makes you happy. I love my coffee and when I take that first drink, it is full – on a drink of happiness. Nobody should have to start their day with a grouch. If that is you, have someone hit you with a 2 x 4. There are probably several willing to do it.

“Nobody is responsible for your happiness except you. Nor are they who you can blame your unhappiness on. You have decided to be unhappy. It is all on you.

“Save some money every month unless you want to work until the day you die. Most of the things we buy we don’t care about in a month. Remember that. Get a grip on the difference between a want and a need.

“Lie in bed at the end of each day and thank God for each of the blessings he brought to you that day. Don’t treat God like a sugar daddy, always asking for favors – end the day thanking him.

“Remember, if you talk about other people – they have a right to talk about you, too. So, let’s try our best to just say positive things about people – or stay away from them.

“Always, when something bothers you about someone, take an honest look at yourself because you likely do / say the same things. Judge ourselves by the same standards as we judge others. If you do this honestly, and look at yourself with truth, you should find yourself being more kind to others.

“Pay attention to other people. Don’t assume you know they, what they have, what they want. Buying a gift for someone because it is something YOU want is shallow. Not buying something someone wants because you don’t agree may be egotistical and judgmental – but, then, we shouldn’t gift things that are bad for someone, so just be reasonable.

“Never miss a chance to tell someone thank you. There is never too much appreciation shown.

“Learn something new every day so your conversation is never boring. Your opinions aren’t good conversation. People are drawn to those who tell entertaining and SHORT stories or who talk positive about other people.

“We are wonderful and unique … just like everyone else!”

There is a little sharing of the book of memories that I’ve put together for my kids. What advice would you give if you did a little book?

Happy Thanksgiving!

And I’ll see you on the bricks.

Today is a day rife with random thoughts going through my mind. These are fun days.

There are the thoughts about Thanksgiving and the family gathering together. But talking about that is rather tiresome. Everyone seems to have sunshine rays coming out their orifices when they write this time of year. It isn’t a happy time for everyone. It is my favorite holiday, but it’s a good idea to skip talking about Thanksgiving. That is so … well, predictable.

There are thoughts about this week three of my children had a birthday on November 14. But, I probably talked about that last year and several times since last November. Another predictable topic.

Taking out my folder with “On the Bricks” written on the tab, I have lots of random thoughts filed away to share and they fit this random morning. Besides, it will be good to get this folder cleaned out and organized.

Charles White came to the board meeting not long ago and he said he was always told, “If you can’t be on time, be early.” Wow. There’s some sort of wisdom in that, but I’m thinking it wasn’t thought up by an Okie. Not one that I know, anyway.

Card I bought at SPC, “Please come to my pity party. I’m registered at the liquor store.” Now that is funny. Even to a teetotaler, I think it’s funny.

At our Career Focus, Liz McCulloch said, “Always be kind. You can’t go wrong with kind.” That is so true and something I really need to aspire towards. And hopefully those that I’m around are working towards being kind, too.

She also said, “Be responsible for the energy you bring to the table.” Liz is telling us that we make a choice to be positive or negative. It’s up to us to choose and go the positive way.

We also need to have purpose in our life. And we are the ones who need to set that purpose. What is your purpose?

SPC card, “I know it’s your birthday, and you feel you’re old. But just think, if you died tomorrow, people would say, ‘Wow, she was so young.’” Another funny one. I bought it. That being kind just seems to be elusive to me …..

An article I read recently says that “to get results, you need more than just leaders. You need people who translate vision into reality. You need people who roll up their sleeves and get to work. You need doers.

“Doers are efficient, detail – oriented, and highly skilled. They get things done and don’t let anything stand in their way. They show high levels of intrinsic motivation and take pride in a job well done. They might not be in the spotlight, but they are highly sought after.

“Execution without leadership won’t get you far, but leadership without execution will get you nowhere. To be successful, you need to have both.”

Main Street Guymon has both. We have volunteers that are excellent leaders and great at brain storming. And we have the doers that turn those ideas into workable, real programs. What assets. I love the Main Street volunteers.

This past month we have held our first Pangaea event and it was awesome. We held a three – day state training where Main Street volunteers (mostly board members) made it happen and run so smooth. And I sat at the table with my Board of Directors and saw the people that really make all this come forth and be real.

My life is good.

But it still rings true when I read this on the card from SPC, “At your age maybe you should stop buying green bananas.” Ouch. Skip kind one more time.

Enjoy your holiday. Remember that we can’t go wrong with kind.

See you on the bricks.

Went to the last home volleyball game at Panhandle State and it was exciting. The team played excellent and they had great enthusiasm, but it was only intensified by the spectators (mostly OPSU baseball and football players). So much energy, so much fun. The team won. It was fabulous to be there. That means recently the football team, basketball team, rodeo team, and volleyball team won. I suspect if the computer information team, the business team, and cross – country had competed, they would have won, too. There is just a feeling of belief going on there that I certainly have bought in to. Oh, yes, and the OPSU World Series baseball game (aka scrimmage) happened and it’s no surprise that they won, too. And lost. But that was going to happen, wasn’t it? There were more people in the stands that day then I have ever seen. All is good. Consider being a part of some of these events. They certainly can put a smile on your face and bring out the positive thoughts. Unless you are a critical mass of negativity. Then sit on the other side from me, please.

“Incontinence hotline. Please hold.”

That is a good enough reason for some negativity. But just because you’re a grouch isn’t. Which is it?

Could be you have been wronged and have trust issues.

“Never trust an atom. They make up everything!”

Could be you don’t think you get enough attention.

“I was raised as an only child, which really annoyed my sister.”

Could be you miss your family pet.

“I named my two dogs Rolex and Timex. They’re watch dogs.” Or “I named my dog Five Miles so I can tell people ‘I walk Five Miles everyday.’”

Could be that you’re just wanting to isolate yourself and hold your very own little pity party. Might be time to try to get out of that habit.

“Last year I joined a support group for anti – social people. We haven’t met yet.”

Could be you also have a bad habit of blaming other people for lots of things and fostering anger in your world.

“I’d like to join the anger management therapy group, but those jerks piss me off.”

Could be you are selfish and too focused on yourself.

“I find attending my altruism (definition: the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others) club unrewarding.”

Could be you aren’t a very agreeable person.

“My Anarchist Club could never agree on a time or place to meet or elect officers.”

Could be that you just fail to see the good all around you.

“If you’re looking for a group of people that have completely despaired of everything, there’s hope for you. Join the Depressive Collective today. We want to help you fail to help yourself. Together, we can create a pointless tomorrow.”

Could be you have been putting things off that you need to get done.

“The November Procrastinators Club meeting has been postponed.”

Time to take stock of ourselves and get our lives in a better balance and make sure are attitude isn’t the bad apple in the bushel.

Things you might want to attend:

• Nov. 3 OPSU Chili Cookoff and Football Game, Goodwell.
• Nov. 3 Texhoma Elementary Fall Festival, 5 to 8:30 pm.
• Nov. 3 Arts and Craft Bazaar, 9 am to 6 pm, Guymon High School.
• Nov. 3-4 Pumpkin Patch Craft Show, Sat. 9 to 6, Sun 11-4 at Activity Center.
• Nov. 5 Guymon Chamber of Commerce General Membership lunch at the Ambassador, noon.
• Nov. 6 Main Street Guymon’s Pangaea International Evening, $30 for a ticket, 6:30 pm at Pickle Creek. Call for tickets at 338-6246 because there are no tickets sold at the door!

It’s a delightful day, part of a wonderful week, in a beautiful month. Don’t forget to notice the good people around you, the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, and all the opportunities that we have to make this a better world and a better community.

See you on the bricks!

It is difficult to keep a group moving forward, whether it is a class, church group, civic organization, support system, or any other sort of group. But recently I read some advice on how to keep a group together and active.

First, practice gratitude when you are together. People are inclined to notice when thing go wrong more often than when they go right. Leaders can shift this paradigm by catching people doing things right and thanking them on the spot. Immediate and specific feedback create a nurturing environment in which people thrive, because prompt, affirmative reinforcement increases positive behavior and motivation – people do more of what they are thanked for. This is why genuine praise is one of the best parenting, relationship and management techniques available.

Second, actively encourage kindness. As we give our random acts of kindness, we feel a deep level of contentment that keeps our brains in positive mode. Kind acts also deepen social connection, a key indicator of happiness.

Third, don’t forget to move. Our physiology directly affects our psychology. Frequent movement is beneficial for both bodies and brains, improving creativity, focus and efficiency. Exercise augments neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing both short and long – term happiness.

Fourth, recharge in rhythm. Learn how to tune in to internal body – clock rhythms and pay attention when it’s time to take a break – when you become distracted, tired, thirsty, hungry, fidgety or frustrated. It is possible to ignore these signals, say if you have a report deadline looming and just doesn’t want to stop; your body will go into fight or flight mode, pushing through with a burst of adrenaline. This is acceptable from time to time, but if you continue this practice day in and day out, you will reach a chronic state of stress, which has serious health consequences.
Main Street Guymon has two fabulous events happening on Sun., Oct. 14. The first is the Anthropology Lecture by Dr. David Mains of the University of Oklahoma on “Learning about Ethiopian and Eritrean Cultures.” There will be Ethiopian coffee served by K2 Coffee in Gruver, Tex., and Neima Adem will be bringing some Ethiopian snack to try. This all takes place from 2 – 3 pm at the Guymon Public Library, 1718 N. Oklahoma Street (enter at the side door). The event is free to all.

The Special Game Day, a baseball game for families with someone who has special needs, is going to take place this year because of the weather in the Noble Center. It will be a Home Run Derby rather than a game, but it’s baseball fun at it’s best with the best baseball players ever – the Panhandle State Baseball team. The registration is at 3, with practice starting at 3:30, and a snack break at 4. Then at 4:30 the game begins and is followed by a Seaboard Foods hot dog dinner. All are invited to come and partake!

Deirdre Harbison has started a Costume Closet for this Halloween. If you have an old costume that you no longer use and it is in good shape, call Harbison and that costume could provide the fun a kid needs for the holiday. Call Harbison at 580-754-5623. What a great idea!

The Guymon High School Alma Folklorica Dance Group is hosting an Enchilada Dinner Fundraiser on Oct. 15 from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Guymon High School Commons. Tickets are $8 for an adult and $5 for a child 10 and under. The ticket includes your dinner plate and a live performance by the dancers.

Mark the Texhoma Elementary Fall Festival on your calendar. It take place Nov. 3 from 5 to 8:30 pm and includes bingo for those who love the game! There are other fun games for kids. A great evening for the family.

Lions Club members are selling peanuts. Call Charles at 580-206-0111 or John at 580-468-8611 if you want some!

Be good, stay warm, and I’ll see you on the bricks!

There are times the arrogant person is much easier to like than the one who doesn’t treat themselves with respect. It happens in various ways, but you can feel yourself inching away from someone who gives you clues that they don’t care much for their own self.
Consider yourself with these statements:

• A person who respects themselves will face issues and conflict.
• A person shows respect for themselves if they take responsibility for their own decisions and actions. Your choices are not someone else’s fault. Ever.
• Admitting your errors is respectful to yourself.
• Speaking clearly and not sending out confusing messages is respectful.
• A person who respects themselves accepts (even asks for) help when they need it.
• Recognize your own strengths … and limitations.
• It is respectful of yourself and others if you accept praise, appreciation, and recognition, gracefully.
• Stand up for yourself.

By these standards, do you show yourself respect? We need to check ourselves on occasion because it is hard for others to respect us if we don’t show the same. Just something to think about.

Here’s something else to think about … you need to be able to laugh at yourself.

I called Clinton at the The Garage last week and told him the air conditioner in my car was broken. He seemed to understand the amazon lady didn’t handle the heat so well, so he walked over, took my car to the shop and was back in a short time with the car. Handing my keys to me, he told me I just needed to set the temperature down. Whoops. You mean I accidentally hit the temperature and there was nothing wrong with it? I got embarrassed and Clinton got to take another walk. The man is a saint because he just acted as if people made those stupid mistakes all the time.

Laugh. It’s funny. You and I make mistakes and sometimes we do stupid things. It doesn’t mean the world is ending or that we’re always stupid.

Several things happening around town that you should consider participating in. Go to www.tcec.coop and click under the “Our Community” tab to find out about the recipe book they are putting together for their 7th anniversary. Or call them at 580-652-2418. And if you like recipe books, you might pick up Main Street’s Guymon Farmers Market recipe book at Whispering Bliss Boutique at 1009 N. Main.

The Luncheon at Masha’s with Jenna Blum (New York Times best selling author) has been changed to 5:30 – 7:00 at the Library and the tickets are $15 per plate. A great meal from Masha’s menu. Masha’s is the restaurant featured in Blum’s new novel, “The Lost Family.” Go by the library or Main Street Guymon to get a ticket. No tickets sold at the door.

Panhandle Partner’s evening event is also Oct. 4, from 6-8 pm at Pickle Creek.

BOP’s Craft for a Cause is Oct. 6 and has a Christmas theme with the proceeds going to Christmas Cheer for Children. Call the bank to make your reservations.

The Special Game Day for folks with special needs is going to be Sun., Oct. 7, at the OPSU Baseball Field. For more information, call 338-6246. It’s great fun! And if you like to make cookies, we would love to have some to go with the Seaboard hot dogs.

The Business and Breakfast Class at BOP is Oct. 9 and is about taxes. The class is open to everyone, free of charge, and BOP provides breakfast. It starts at 8 am and runs for an hour.

Dr. Dan Mains is coming to Guymon on Sun., Oct. 14, to share with us interesting facts on the Ethiopian and Eritrean cultures. His lecture runs from 2 – 3 at the Guymon Public Library, 1718 N. Oklahoma. It’s free and we’ll have Ethiopian coffee served, too!

Fall is here and the weather is perfect for sitting on the patio. Enjoy!

See you on the bricks!

There is a folder in my desk that I drop things in that I find interesting. Lots of them are just cute. Some are funny. Some are thought provoking. Take a look in my file with me today.

Here’s an article that talks about a church quilting group in Wisconsin. They call themselves the Cover Girls. What a hoot. Great name.

Then there is the birthday card one of my best friends sent me. She, Nancy Hallmark Evans, is one of my four best friends that started first grade together, graduated from high school, and then attended Panhandle State together. We also played sports together. And had a Senior picture taken together. Really. Not kidding. Anyway, Nancy sent me a card that says on the outside, “Remember when we were little we couldn’t wait to be mature, responsible adults?” You then open the card and it reads, “What the heck were we thinking?”

But Nance has to make it better by writing, “Who said we are responsible?! I hope you do something silly and blame it on Pammy and Deets.” Yep, that’s the other two. Nance always has such good advice.

Dianna Brown taught the first class of the Career Focus last week and she asked the class, “What draws you to other people?” The answers came from the 15 class members and varied, but included intelligence, honesty, positivity, kindness, responsibility, compassion, and confidence. Dianna then stressed that these are the same qualities that we need to present to have people drawn to us. That sounds simple, but it’s actually very deep. To have friends, you need to know how to be one.

One September Sunday, we had a reading from the book of James. The words explaining the reading said, “Faithful Christians do not show partiality to the rich and powerful of the world, especially at the expense of the poor and weak. Likewise, faith does not pay mere lip – service to God’s will. Instead, a living Christian faith expresses itself in acts of compassion and mercy for those in need.”

All good words. And we can say they’re good words, but they tell us to act and do, not just hear. That’s the hard part, isn’t it?

While you’re thinking on that, ponder taking part in these community activities.

Charles White Insurance is sponsoring the Beard Contest at the Farmers Market on Saturday. That’s Sept. 22 and there’s monetary prizes!

The Chamber of Commerce banquet is Tues., Sept. 25. This is when the Citizen of the Year is named and several other great awards like Volunteer of the Year and Small Business of the Year. Hope you sent in a nomination.

On Oct. 9, the second Tuesday of the month, is the BOP Business and Breakfast class, “Taxes Don’t Have to be Taxing.” No matter how much you know, you can always learn something at these classes. They run from 8 – 9 in the morning and BOP serves you breakfast. The class takes place in the BOP board room.

The Special Game Day at OPSU is on Sun., Oct. 7. This is for folks with special needs to have their day with their team playing baseball. The OPSU Baseball team facilitates it and it’s one of the best events on earth. A goal is to have the stands filled with people to encourage the team. The game starts at 4 pm and we hope you can be there. There are also free hot dogs from Seaboard Foods, free snowcones from Charles White State Farm Insurance, free watermelon from PTCI and more great things!

See you on the bricks!