Evergreen Outreach

By Joyce Mueller
This time of year is bringing several special occasions. Thanksgiving is soon approaching, and holiday decorations are beginning to be seen.
It won’t be long before those attending our afternoon programs will be wearing coats and mufflers.
The music of pianist Bernie Ray greeted the guests as they arrived at the Evergreen Outreach gathering on Monday. She played several favorites, including, “Smile a While,” “Honey,” “Frankie and Johnny,” “When My Dreamboat Comes Home,” “Have You Ever Been Lonely?” and “I Met A Million-Dollar Baby (in a five and 10-cent store).”
The Rev. Jim Fackler, leader of the day, continued the program as he and Erna Wasmuth led the group in the “Welcome"  and "EO” songs.
We were delighted to see first-time visitor Donna Blair.
The refreshments included lemonade,   iced tea and cookies donated by Gwen Johnston.
Celebrating birthdays this week were: Ginny Pratt, Tom Mann, Wolf Schlicht, Bari McElroy and Betty Stolte.
Fackler’s scripture subject was, “What did Jesus look like?” He gave three examples: (1) in John 20:15, Mary Magdalene mistook him for a gardener; (2) in Luke 24:13, he was not recognized by two men on the way to Emmaus; and (3) in Luke 24:36, he appeared to startle disciples who thought he was a ghost.
Fackler closed with a quote from Matthew 25:40, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Sharing the special entertainment segment were Judy Varga and Randy Schukar. They always set the mood and energy level of the afternoon with outstanding choices of songs.
Randy’s first selection was, “I Was On His Mind,” and Judy followed with requests “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and “Crazy.”
They then presented a duet of, “Elvira,” followed by “The Gambler,” which was sung by Randy. The crowd’s favorites seemed to be the “Chicken Dance” (as almost everyone joined in it) and “Do The Locomotion.”
Erna Wasmuth and Cody Elam led the line of “cars” as they proceeded around the room. Judy concluded with “Tennessee Waltz,” and Randy closed with “Hey, Good Lookin'.”
Defeats were in order at the pinochle tables. The team of Flo Lange and John Hunsley bested Richard Kruenegel and Shirley Locke, 4-0. Wolf Schlicht and Mary Woolsey defeated Peggy Lippold and Rosamund Hobler, 3-0.
Scheduled for next week: Beverly Hood, leader; the Rev. Tom Farris, scripture; Phyllis Thoman, pianist; Joyce Mueller, writer; and special entertainment by the FourGiven Quartet.
A final note: the Olde Tyme Christmas event will be this Friday from 5-9 p.m. Among the festivities will be sleigh rides, a window decorating contest, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a live nativity and a lighted Christmas tree atop Gallatin Street near Seventh Street.
Come and enjoy the evening.
CARPE DIEM (sieze the day).