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Evergreen Outreach

By Joyce Mueller
The last days of April usher in thoughts of the tradition of May Day, which is celebrated as a spring festival in many countries. Little baskets of flowers were often placed on doors of friends and neighbors.
So, not to be outdone, Evergreen Outreach  volunteers placed small May Day baskets on each of the tables, delighting those attending our Monday program.
Charlene Jett set the stage for an enjoyable afternoon, leading in the “Welcome” and “EO” songs.
She then recognized those celebrating birthdays this week: Erma Hall, Mike Cross, Kathy Erickson, Brian Brown, Ethel Jackson and Elizabeth Krist, and then led everyone in singing “Happy Birthday” in their honor.
Cakes, cookies and iced tea were prepared and served by volunteers.
The devotional theme of the Rev. Ernie Flowers was on providing and deliverance, taken from Psalm 34. That Psalm reads, in part: “I will always thank the Lord; I will never stop praising him. I will praise him for what he has done.” Flowers went on to say, “He helps in our life; when we have afflictions, God helps take care of us; his love is endless.” He closed with prayer.
Our special entertainment, waiting at the rear door, consisted of eight kindergarten-through-second-grade students from Vandalia Christian Academy, with their teacher, Carla Rogers. Their selections  included a medley of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “Books of the New Testament,” “B.I.B.L.E.,” and “Chickadee.” As they filed off the stage, Faith, Vy, Ashtyn, Gabe, Olivia, Kolton, Gwen and Madison went through a “London Bridge” formed by some of the volunteers.
Charlene continued the program, asking for childhood recollections. The Rev. Jim  Fackler recalled a cherished book “The Little Engine That Could,” which he read while living in Louisiana. Somehow, it became mislaid. A friend ordered another copy for him (for $2.10, plus postage) from a lady in Toledo, Ohio. He plans to bring it to read to us at EO one day. Other guests reminisced on happenings, such as backing up a car at the age of 8 (with their dad catching it just in time); making hats and cup holders; carrying eggs from a neighbor’s yard (and ordered by Grandma to take them back and apologize); having a complete set of “Boxcar Children” books; and falling off horses.
Two guests have upcoming vacations – one is going to Memphis for four days, and the other is going to Hawaii for a month. We wish them safe and happy trips.
As the guests filed out, they were given “May Day cones” containing flowers and sugarless candies, which brought big smiles from all.
In the pinochle corner, Rosamund Hobler and Peggy Lippold tied with Shirley Locke and Mary Woolsey, with each team having one win.
Scheduled next week are: Beulah Brown, leader; the Rev. Joe Lawson, scripture; Bernie Ray, pianist; Sharon Mueller, writer; and elementary students, special entertainment.
We extend a special salute for National Hospital Week, May 6-11. Several of their personnel are involved in the Evergreen program, and are deeply appreciated.
CARPE DIEM (Seize the day).

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