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Evergreen Outreach-Nov. 18, 2010

By Pat Rhodes
The air was crisp, but the sun was shining when we arrived at Wesley Hall on Monday for Evergreen Outreach.
We have been blessed with some lovely days lately, which enabled me to clean up my garden and tuck everything away for the winter.
Our friend Russ Osborn was driving the bus on Monday, which brought our guests from Long Term Care, Vandalia Rehab, FAYCO and Sweetbriar.
Sandy Dothager took her place at the piano and began playing Christmas songs, which I was not expecting to hear. The lineup included “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red- Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The crowd joined in to sing along,  and it reminded me that Christmas is only about five weeks away.
We had a special treat of cake from a reception that was held at the church over the weekend. The kitchen crew distributed the cake, along with a drink, to all the guests as they arrived. I think they all must like cake as much as I do, because the plates were cleaned very quickly.
Beverly Hood welcomed everyone and commented on the beautiful weather, despite the fact that it is so dry. She said that she lives by the lake, and it is very low right now, so we need some rain. Genelle and Andrea, the birthday girl, held up the words to the songs, and we all joined in to sing the "Welcome" and "Evergreen" songs. After recognizing the birthday people – Andrea Tate and Dari McElroy – we all sang "Happy Birthday."
Carl Rhodes, minister at Northside Christian Church, brought the message from the book of Matthew 9:36-37. In that passage, Jesus saw the people and felt compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful,  but the workers are few.” Likewise, we are all called to help those who are in need, sharing with them the promise of salvation.
Phyllis Rames took the microphone to talk about Thanksgiving. She asked the folks what their favorite holiday foods are. Pumpkin pie, turkey and dressing were most often given as must-haves. Phyllis told us that they are having their celebration on the Friday after Thanksgiving, at her house, with all of their family in attendance. She will be making homemade cherry pie at the request of her son. Her challenge to us was to celebrate every day, and be thankful for each day we are given.
Next on the program was Beverly Hood, singing an old favorite, “Bless This House,” accompanied by Sandy on the piano. Beverly told us that they often sing this song at Habitat for Humanity house dedications.  She told us that she has purchased her turkey, but is not sure yet about when or where they will be eating it.
The Rev. Jim Fackler was in the crowd on Monday and stepped to the microphone to tell us about his Thanksgiving plans. He stated that he prefers to eat ham – or dead pig, as he called it. Plymouth Rock, pilgrims and Native American Indians were among the topics of his Thanksgiving trivia challenge.
Cherie Logsdon, activity assistant at Long Term Care, raises turkeys on her farm in St. Elmo. She gave us some interesting facts about the turkeys and their eggs – and about the eggs from all the different kinds of chickens they have.
There were two tables of folks playing pinochle on Monday. At the first table, Ruth Ann Scott and Peggy Lippold tied with Van Rine and Mary Woolsey, each winning one game. John Hunsley and Rosamund Hobler also tied their table mates, Shirley Locke and Richard Kruenegel, with one game each.

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