Pinball Benefits Teen Center, 4-H
Years ago my Dad would hand my sister, cousin, and I a bucket of quarters and send us off to the bowling alley across the street from his business so he could get some work done. I’m sure he didn’t realize that he was helping us make memories we would never, ever forget.
My cousin Tony was a pinball wizard and we would laugh so hard we couldn’t breathe at his efforts to teach my sister and I how to play. He had the timing of the little flappers down to a science and after days and days of pinball fun, we did manage to score a few extra games. But that wonderful memory is why I decided to volunteer to help out at this year’s ‘Pin-a-Go-Go’ to benefit the Dixon Teen Center and local 4-H Clubs.
It will be held at the fairgrounds—just like it has for the past many years—from Friday through Sunday, May 17-19. There will be hundreds of games to play and promises fun for the whole family.
Friday entry is $15, all day Saturday is $20 and Sunday is $15. You can also purchase a 3-day pass for $35 and take part in their pinball school and/or tournaments. It promises fun for the whole family.
The Teen Center volunteers will be offering snacks and refreshments for small prices and you can go to www.pinagogo.org to find the details.
Cruizin’ For A Cure
And, if you don’t want to do the Pinball thing, you can always check out the Classic Cars and Custom Motorcycle Show at Ron DuPratt Ford, 1320 North First Street, Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
This is also a fundraiser but this one is for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. There is free admission plus a bounce house for children, face painting and a raffle. Food and beverages will also be available.
The awards ceremony for People’s Choice, Best in Show, and Longest Distance will be at 2 pm. For more information, contact Melanie Spencer at (707) 718-0096.
You Are Not Special
If you haven’t read the most recent cover story of Time Magazine, it is worth a trip to the library. There is an article about the ‘Millennials,’ the generation of 80 million Americans born between 1980 and 2000. The article says that the “lazy, entitled’ may actually be the perfect entrepreneurs.”
Since I have a couple children inside Generation X and both are entrepreneurs, I had to read. It is a very, very interesting article saying that the main characteristic traits—backed by statistics and surveys--appears to be narcissism but it is also about being optimistic, pragmatic, and confident young people—a requirement for entrepreneurship!
But, I will tell you two nuggets I pulled out of the several pages to share: One, with the new mothers that meet on Wednesday mornings at our shop. It is more important to praise hard work, creativity, and perseverance than it is to tell your child she or he is an artist, beautiful, or a pro.
It will be disappointing to them when they are growing up and not everyone else thinks so highly of them. Compliment their effort, their character, their hard work. Don’t’ say just ‘Oh, you’re so smart,’ experts say. Children who have a realistic—not inflated—understanding of how they are seen by others tend to be more resilient.
And, two: The Commencement Speech by David McCullough to graduating high school seniors, titled, “You Are Not Special.” It is on You Tube and it is funny and true. Have a great week--TTFN!
