Messy Fun at the Senior Center

Guest Commentary today, written by Debbie Love

Thank you Ellen Weissman for asking me to be a part of 3.14 Pi(e) Day to benefit the Sandpoint Area Senior Center. This was for a great cause, and honored to have been a part of it. Also, thanks to Pa and Ma Love for joining me and being my surrogate Pie Thrower. 🤣

Those that know me—know that my love for elders started at a young age as I spent much of my childhood after school volunteering at Treasure Valley Manor in East Boise helping my grandmother who chose to work as a nurse there for more than 25 years. I enjoyed many of my daily visits and always counted on Mrs. Reust needing directions to Hollywood Blvd. and escorting her through the halls until we made it to our destination. 
I also had the opportunity to pick out a baby blanket for the stuffed cat my grandmother purchased for Ms. Lin who longed for her kitty. She always needed me to wrap her cat every afternoon and place her in the bed. 

There were many more on the east wing that kept my afternoons filled with love, life skills, and education. I appreciated the help with my homework by the residents and the other staff. 

I’ll never forget Roger who threw one of my books away and told me that you’ll learn everything you need in life by listening, helping others, and to always remember that you do not know everything; to listen. 

I have never forgotten his words, and my grandmothers voice who made me go back and pull my book out of the garbage. (I had to listen to grandma.) 😉 😂 ❤️

                               Debbie Love

NonVictims, a few members of the gleeful "glad-they-didn't-have-to-participate" gallery. 

The Senior Center also served a nice St. Patrick's Day feast, including corned beef and cabbage. 

Rehab Man Bill played the "exempt" role: don't throw pie at a cripple. 

These ladies who prepared the creamy, sticky ammunition may have enjoyed their role as much as the pie flingers. 

Ron and Sharon came for lunch and the fun.  BTW:  lunch also included pie with apples.  

It was good to see longtime friend Barb. 

Pianist Betty provides her talents throughout the community, especially for seniors.

Emcee Marchelle from Life Care kept the crowd giggling with her commentary. 

We don't see our neighbors across the fence very often, 'cept when we go to town.

Wes, Sr., who volunteers at the Food Bank, came along for the fun yesterday.

Wes, Sr. lives even closer to us than his son Wes, Jr. 

While enjoying lunch, Bill, Debbie and I met Rob, a recent Minnesota transplant and retiree. 

Rob is getting acquainted with Sandpoint and deciding where he wants to do some volunteering.

Of course, Debbie issued an invitation for him to help with the Food Bank garden. 

County Commissioners participated, and Dan McDonald seemed to be the most popular pie recipient.

I don't know why, but I heard the words "Socialism" and "Climate Change" shouted out in fun during the fun. 

All the "victims" were great sports, and I think the Senior Center enjoyed great success with this hilarious fundraiser.