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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - November 02, 2009)
You say spring cleaning wears you out? I say getting ready for fall and winter is far more complicated. Families and friends begin to prepare for the festivities of the season. It is past time to get your flu shots, true. But not too late to remind your family how germs are spread. Please remember not to spread your germs. Cover your mouth when you cough. Stay away from others, when symptoms appear. Last but not least, wash your hands!
Oh my goodness! “Did I say, “Wash your hands?” You bet, everyone should wash their hands frequently. Why else would there be signs in every public restroom in Oroville, reminding visitors and clerks to wash their hands before returning to shop or work. The reason, “Germs are contagious! You could have gotten contaminated by touching a door knob, or sitting on a stool. You can pick up germs at a grocery store or in the school cafeteria! It doesn’t matter whose germs, yours or someone else’s, if you use consideration, others will, too.” Wash your hands.
Remind yourself and the family to stay warm and dry. There is also a job ahead of you to clean the leaves and branches that are blown off the trees with each storm. Of course, you already cleaned the gutters of your home. What about overflows on sidewalks? Well, if it wasn’t done earlier, you need to make a call and request some quick repairs.
Now, about the children. Drive carefully, they are in school. Remind them to wash their hands frequently and to stay clear of others who appear sick. The flu is contagious, and this is the time of the year, we all need to respect one another. Keep your darlings at home if they appear feverish, are coughing, or have runny noses. It is not polite to spread germs. While you are doing all this cleaning up, leaves and branches blown off trees; gutters causing leaky roofs, and overflows onto sidewalks, drive carefully and remember wet roads are slick, and our children are in school. I suggest you get your fireplace ready and do some cuddling. I know by now you have broken down the summer and patio furniture. Right? Now you can look forward to chilly nights, and sweeping up the debris after the storms.
I want to tell you about a nifty lady, whom I met while checking out all the talent who dedicate their time and skills at the Birdcage Theatre. The one lady I met, who opened doors to me is Carol Kitchen! Yes, I call her a nifty lady, because she is so involved and dedicated to her cause. One would think she was primary school teacher. I think I mentioned it before in this column. This ordinary lady actually approached the Oroville City Council and Mayor Steve Jernigan to initiate a “Proclamation, in Recognition and Support of the I Wish Program.” What is that? How does it affect you, me, and our families? Hang in there, I am going to tell you more...
The City of Oroville has proclaimed and will support the “I Wish Program!” As a result, they are urging all citizens to join in and encourage healthy habits—in our children, with our families and throughout the entire Oroville Community...
Let me tell you, this nifty lady has turned my entire life up-side-down. Oh my goodness, there is so much to tell you. Oophs, but not in this column. Watch for future information about hand washing, your children, and the creativity of this unusual lady, Carol Kitchen, who has written a play and is dedicating the next six months to turning all of our children into actors, actresses, and clean, healthy citizens. The best is yet to come.
There is an “I WISH PROGRAM” coming your way. It is an original musical play, that teaches and promotes healthy habits to combat preventable illnesses. It is a collaborative effort between our friend Rose Anne Edmondson and Carol. (I love her energy, enthusiasm, and get-it-done attitude. Amazing.) Keep all this information in mind as you prepare your children to perform. Wow! It is truly overwhelming. Hang in there guys and gals; this involves us, and our children, ages Kindergarten through 2nd grade. The open-to-public presentation doesn’t begin until next year. But the advice from The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention are supportive of this new program.
#1. Cover your mouth, when you cough.
#2. Don’t send your children to school. when they are sick.
#3. The best time to teach healthy habits is while your children are young.
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It’s almost here—First Friday Fall Festival. On November 6 from 4-7 p.m. there will be music (including “Al’s Pals”), food, pie eating competition (also pies for sale baked by the good women of the Methodist Church) and lots of specials in the shops. What are you going to do Friday Night? We can walk Downtown and check out what they have planned, right? Hope to see you there, della@diggernews.com
della bacon, The Newcomer
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