Michael's Message - Make a Friend in February
When we think of February holidays and events, most of us immediately think of Valentine’s Day, don’t we? Then, maybe we remember that Presidents’ Day is in February, too … but else is there to celebrate or take note of this month?
For starters, February is Black History Month. Find creative ways to learn about and celebrate America’s black heritage. Did you know that Martin Luther King, Jr came to Seattle in November of 1961 and gave speeches at the University of Washington, Garfield High School, Temple de Hirsch, and at the Eagles Auditorium? He was invited here by his Morehouse College classmate, Reb. Samuel B. McKinney, and his visit was considered controversial. It was his only visit to our state. If you attended any of his speeches in 1961, let us know!
The Super Bowl will be on the 4th, but with the Seahawks out of it, will you be watching? Do we have any Patriots or Eagles fans here in Sequim? If so, wear your Patriots or Eagles team jersey, t-shirt or hat to Shipley Center during the month of February and get 1 free “activity buck” at the front desk! (Mention this article to claim your buck! L emit one per person for the month.)
The Winter Olympics begin on February 9, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show starts on February 12. Mardi Gras is February 13. Do you know any Olympic athletes, past or present? Have you been an amateur or professional athlete ever in your life? Have you ever had a dog that won a blue ribbon in a dog show? Have you been to New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro for Mardi Gras? She you stories with friends you meet here at the Center.
Finding things to talk about is an important way to make friends and keep them. Did you know that February 11 is Make A Friend Day? Try setting a goal of making just one new friend in February. With our tagline of Friendship * Recreation * Education, Shipley Center is the perfect place to Make A Friend!
Learn a new name, ask where they are from, play a game or take a class together – Make A Friend! Find common interests, go on a bus trip, and Make A Friend! Or tell a joke, relay a story, or play Jeopardy! and Make A Friend! So many opportunities to explore the interesting lives of others in so many ways – don’t miss your chance to Make A Friend this month. Another idea suggested by retired physical therapist, Barb Paschal (pg. 17 of newsletter), is to become an exercise buddy!
Finally, there is no better way to Make A Friend or be a friend than to do things for others. February 17 is “Random Acts of Kindness Day”.
Shipley Center is a great place to commit random acts of kindness! You could bring non-perishable food items and put them in our collection box for the Food Bank. You could treat an old friend or a new friend to lunch in The Café. You could donate $45 at the front desk to fund a membership for someone who cannot afford one.
We can all do something as simple as holding a door open for someone, letting the other car go in front of us, smiling at someone who needs a smile, and being lavish in our praise or compliments this month. When I hang out on weekends, one compliment we give each other is, “I hold you in high esteem”.
And if we all hold each other in high esteem, we’ll all have more friends, which will enrich their lives and ours. Go for it in February and Make a Friend or renew a friendship at Shipley Center!
Thanks, as always, for your support of your Center and its members and mission!
— Michael
