Ramblin' With Ray 

Wow! It's about time for us to start gathering again on Wednesday mornings for our Shepherd Center programs for learning and fellowship.

As the saying goes, "time flies" and it seems to fly faster these days. A few years ago a friend called me a few days before my birthday and said, "You have a birthday coming soon don't you?" I answered, "Yes, and they sure come quick these days." He replied back, "Yes, about every six months." That feels so true sometimes. I hope you have had an enjoyable summer and are ready to again participate in the exciting programs that the Manchester Shepherd Center offers.

I experience our Shepherd Center as a community. Yes, we have other "communities" in which we relate: church, clubs, social groups, and for some the retirement community in which many of you live. Our Shepherd Center community has been saddened in the past few months because of the deaths of some very faithful attendees and leaders.

Their participation and their personalities will be missed and we join together in thankfulness for their lives that have enriched us. However, life does move on and so with appreciation for their past gifts of leadership, we, as the Shepherd Center Community, begin this next year of programs with anticipation of new ones joining with us in experiencing learning in all stages of our lives.

I encourage you to invite your friends and neighbors who have not yet come to any of our Wednesday gatherings. As we again experience the challenges of learning new thoughts as Dr. David Waas presents "Newstalk", and learn from special guests during the "Adventures in Learning" presentations about their specialty either in hobbies or occupation, there is something for everyone. Added to this, the third Wednesday guest medical professional hosted by Dr. Wilbur McFadden always adds input for our own health needs and questions.

Other offerings and services include the stretch and flex exercise twice a week, the monthly library book discussions, the weekly blood pressure checks, exciting travel excursions, and volunteering to pick up litter on a two mile section of SR 114 west of town. If there is interest in any new program or project feel free to contact me or any board member.

September 14 will be our first meeting and I look forward to seeing you.

Larry Ray