February 15, 2024 Newsletter

A quick reminder: 
 

This weekend is Barnyard Races! Saturday February 17th at 3pm in the social room in 195. 

 
Back by popular demand, come join in the fun while  2 cows, a horse, a sheep, a donkey, and a goat (all toys) race each other, their speed determined by a throw of die.

Bring quarters if you want a place a very small bet to make the race a bit more exciting. All the proceeds are distributed back to the winners, this is not a fundraiser, it is a FUN raiser. 

A second event follows at 5, an hors d'oeuvres potluck. I have no idea if that is the right spelling, I copy/pasted from Bernetta's note. I usually use the expression finger foods. Or appetizers. Regardless, bring a plate of something that can be consumed from a napkin! Ken reports after 2 conference receptions this week, that yes, this will make a full meal (but without all the bother of plates and cutlery and without the ton of leftover food of a traditional pot luck.) Please bring a beverage of choice. 

You can attend one and not the other as your schedule (or interests) allow, but both promise to be a fun time with your neighbours. 

Thursday, Feb 22 will be the first of the monthly Homestead stuff exchanges. It will run from afternoon into the evening, so those who work outside the home can still drop by to check out what is being shared by their neighbours. 

I don't have exact times for this, yet. Look for a sign in the Homestead notice boxes by the elevator or in the IPTRA notice box in the mail room. 

This will work just like the ones IPTRA held, drop off your stuff that you no longer want. All items are offered at no charge. 

After the end time, any leftovers will be gathered up to be donated. If you are associated with a charity/need, please come by in the early evening to help pack up things to take to your group. Anything leftover will be put in the dumpster by Homestead staff. 

While this sounds harsh, that is what happens to any item that is left out on a table or ledge for others. Homestead removed our sharing shelves in the garage over a year ago but residents have been leaving things out as they used to and the majority of the time, these items are disposed of by staff. For that matter, previous IPT staff also were disposing of items from the sharing shelves, they just weren't quite as quick to get items into the garbage (they would leave things out for a few hours.) 

It is Homestead's hope that residents will save up their things to share if they know there will be a monthly event, and thus less will be left around, and more will be taken by others. 
 
Also Feb 22, Pub Night at Churchills, 356 Richmond Road, starting at 4:30. It is a chance to come out for a pint and a relaxed visit with neighbours. Many of us stick around and enjoy the Thursday Night special of Fish and Chips but even if you can just drop by for one drink, we'd love to see you. 
 
(Note this happens every 3rd week, so if you can't come next week, there are other chances.) 

Finally, one of the residents is an enthusiastic book worm and has started a "Book Corner" column to describe what's available in the residents' library in the social room. The first installment is linked here. They spent quite a bit of time pouring through what is there and have a large number of recommendations. 

 As I write this, I'm looking at the storm out my windows and thankful I won't have to be shoveling in the morning! Life is good here at Island Park Towers!