The
Dalles is a wonderful community with so many folks working to make it even
better - demonstrated by the support the Center has received for the UpLifitng
Elevator Campaign. But that is just one of many capital construction projects
the community has supported through local giving. The Wonderworks Children’s Museum
last year finally owns their building, and The Dalles/Wasco County Library is moving
towards construction of the John and Jean Thomas Children’s Wing. Also the
Civic Auditorium Historic Preservation Board is still working hard to restore the
900-1000 seat theater. And just recently, Joe Martin announced a donation of
land to give new life to his 15 year vision of building a Youth Center.
,
I
believe the community has the capacity to complete these remaining capital
construction projects - making our community even stronger for our youth,
families and older adults. Admittedly, it will take more hard work and hundreds
of small $25 - $100 donations, but also larger gifts such as the anonymous $50,000
to the Uplifting Elevator Campaign and the $100,000 matching donation that kicked
off the library’s expansion project. With the passion and commitment behind
these projects, and the community’s generosity - particularly of older adults, I
know they will be completed.
There
is good news to report about the UpLifting Elevator Campaign. From this most
recent mailing, the Center has received over $8,000 in individual donations
which brings the total of local dollars raised from individuals and business to
just shy of $130,000.
We
have also been fortunate to receive several large foundation grants: a Ford
Family Foundation grant of $115,000, a Collins Foundation grant of $20,000 and
just last week we heard the Center will receive $15,000 from the Oregon
Community Foundation.
In
addition we have been designated to receive several local grants: $10,000 from
the PUD, $5,000 from the MCMC Health Foundation, and a Rural Community grant
$1500 from Northwest Farm Credit Services.
Because
of your generous donations, the Center has raised $295,000 towards the
estimated $380,000 cost. It has taken many years, but we are getting so close, I
can almost hear the elevator coming up the shaft.
If you
haven’t given, I hope you will consider making a donation before the end of the
year. There are many worthwhile projects in the community. It is time to
complete the Uplifting Elevator Campaign and check it off the list.
With
everything so perfectly manufactured by high tech programmable machines, it is
refreshing to purchase something handmade – and sometimes with a few mistakes
to prove it. You will get a chance to purchase that perfect gift Saturday November
21st at the Holiday Bazaars at St. Mary’s from 9:00 – 4:00 and at
the Center from 9:00 – 3:00.
If you
are trying to navigate your way through the landmines of computers and tablets,
there is help. Besides the Center’s drop in class every Wednesday at 9:00, The
Dalles – Wasco County Library offers drop-in tech help on Mondays and Saturdays
at 10:30; plus you can make an appointment with a Tech Tutor by calling
541-296-2815. The library also offers several classes this month: beginning
email class on Friday November 20th and Social Media on Wednesday
November 25th at 1:30 PM.
For
the Tuesday Night Music and Dance on November 24th, Country Roads
will be performing. But during the winter months of December and January music
will be starting at 6:30 and over by 8:30, so you can be in bed by 9:00 for you
early risers. Everyone is welcome and donations are always appreciated.
The
leader of the Chinese Nationalists when they were forced by the Chinese
Communist to retreat to Taiwan was Chiang Kai-shek. (The winner of a free quilt
raffle ticket is the student of history, Joann Scott.)
Last
week, along with a bag of clothes, a woman’s hat with the price tag still
attached was donated to the Nu-2-U Shop. And if you are thinking what I am
thinking, you already know this week’s “Remember When” Question. What female country
comedian appeared on the Grand Ole Opry for more than 50 years and whose hat is
on display in the National Museum of American History. Email your answer to
mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it with the
directions to Grinder’s Switch, Tennessee.
Well,
it’s been another week trying to walk on the bright side. Until we meet again, remember
it’s easier to ride the horse in the direction it’s going.
“I'm
sick of following my dreams. I'm just going to ask them where they're goin',
and hook up with them later.” Mitch Hedberg
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