I (Bernie) have been working on dish cloths and headbands. There is no fixed pattern for those. Some of the volunteers crochet them I knit them. We are hoping to have one for each gift pack.
We have also received more donations of jewelry.
And I have a funny story that is indirectly related to our project. As you are aware, our society has received some recognition for the volunteer work we do. We received an award from the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Center. Nancy and myself also received an award from the province for the work we do inside and outside of our society. That was all very exciting. Etc etc etc.
On Friday the 13th of May I received a call at home from a local politician. He said he was handing out certificates that evening to local community leaders and he had one for us and would we be available to come get it. I thought it was short notice but he's a busy guy so I said sure no problem. I'll even bring a cheesecake. He likes cherry cheesecake.
I contacted Nancy and told her. She thought she might need a new dress and to have her hair done. I also contacted the board members so that they could be there to support us.
I get all dressed up. Shirt, tie, Fedora. I got my cheesecake in one hand. I'm going over in my head a little speech I prepared and I'm trying to figure out where I'll hang the thing because I've received all those other awards and my ego wall is getting crowded.
I waltz in and I see a group of people huddled at the far end of the room. Is that my brother? What's he doing here? And isn't that my.......
Everyone yells SURPRISE!!!!!! and then I clue in. My 60th birthday was May 20th and this was my party. So now I'm standing there with this look on my face that says what? no award? And I realize I brought a cake to my own birthday.
The party had been arranged by the MLA, the MP, and the city councillor for my district. They had conspired together with my wife over the past few months and I never even saw it coming. I did actually receive two certificates. One in recognition of our contribution to the community. And one that described a resolution passed in the NS House of Assembly to acknowledge my birthday.
It was very humbling. Just thought I'd share that moment with you.
Correction: the dish cloths are sold at craft tables. It's the headbands that go in the gift bags.
