PRAIRIE CITY lm glad I got the last bit of painting done two weeks ago. Now maybe the weather will cooperate and I can start on the second coats.

May 29 was our May birthday recognition day. I found two celebrants among the 57 diners in the hall: Yogi and Billy Drinkwater. Senior programs manager Veanne Weddle drew Billys number, so he got the $10 gift certificate from Huffmans Market.

The real kicker is that his son Ronny got the $5 in trade from Prairie Drug and Hardware & Village Gifts. Now thats keeping it in the family. Ronny and wife Carolyn were here to celebrate Billys 96th birthday. And the subject of Gouge-Eye came up. That was the original name of Drewsey. Postal Service officials didnt think that was appropriate, so another name was chosen. Thats where my dad was born and some of Billys relatives lived.

We had a full set-up crew: Buzz, Bruce, Derrol, Jim and Marvin. But they had to contend with persons unknown who made a mess in the hall that they did not clean up. Anyone with any information, let me know.

Veanne announced the Health Fair will be June 21. Scholarships are available for anyone needing help paying for any of the tests. She also told about a gentleman who will be at the John Day Senior Center June 20 to explain how to get a free phone for those who are hard of hearing or have other disabilities.

We had a pick-up crew for our servers: Pam Howard, Gary Jacobson, Lorna Askew, Leone Meador and Mollie Gill. Bob Meador asked the blessing.

For our meal we had grape juice, pasta and fruit salad, carrots, chicken legs and wings, and biscuits. And for dessert, black bottom cake and vanilla ice cream.

The Blue Mountain Nursing Home ladies, Lorna and Kellyn, brought Dorothy Blasing, Lola Kastl, Patty Perry and Charlie Oliver. Ruby came to sit with Charlie.

Were off to Portland again. Our granddaughter, Daria Agnieszka will be baptized on Sunday. So well celebrate two birthdays and Fathers Day, too. Then its back to the medical run-around between applying gallons of paint.

From Moms stuff, I found a Drewsey newspaper, The Pioneer Sun, dated Dec. 23, 1921. From the State News In Brief column: Salem officials and employees of the United States National Bank hereinafter will hold revolver practice regularly, it was announced Saturday. Other bankers announced that their employees also would engage in target practice as soon as the necessary equipment could be provided. Food for thought, huh?

Ecc. 3:22 … nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities … JOHN DAY The John Day Senior Center was closed May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

There will be no Tuesday night bingo until further notice.

The May 30 meal was cheesy chicken and rice casserole, green salad, hot rolls and rhubarb dump cake. Brandi got a new recipe for the cake from the FSA delivery driver. Very good cake, Tommy.

Elsie Husky and Gayle Ryder greeted us at the desk. The entrée was sponsored by Isa Larkin in memory of her mother, Isa MacDonald. The servers were from Cornerstone Church Fellowship. Kathy Stockdale led the flag salute, and Sherry Nance gave the blessing. Brandi, Veanne and Phil delivered 17 meals, and 53 dined in. Isa Larkin won the Chesters Thriftway certificate. The free meals-for-two at Valley View were won by Wally Wedde.

On June 3, the cooks served burrito casserole.

Senior programs manager Veanne Weddle said Dave Walker will be here Thursday, June 20, to do the phone clinic for impaired folks. Share this information with friends and family who could benefit.

The annual Health Fair will be Friday, June 21. Veanne Weddle has scholarships for anyone needing help to pay for the tests. The People Movers DialA-Ride will continue the Saturday services from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The entree for Thursday, June 6, will be Judis delectable pork loin, and on Monday, June 3, well have soup, salad and a roll.

MONUMENT The menu for May 28 was chili dogs, salad and homemade cinnamon rolls that were fresh out of the oven. There were 44 people present. We had a few visitors: Dorothy Worrington, Al Kline, and Jan and Michael Steele visiting from Crane. Its always enjoyable to visit with them.

The certificates went to Bob Cockrell, Lens Drug; Jerry Cowger, Chesters Thriftway; and Sharon Falls, free meal. All of us here at the Monument Seniors Center appreciate Lens Drug and Chesters Thriftway for their generous contributions.

The Health Fair is coming June 21, and anyone wanting a scholarship can call Veanne Weddle at the John Day Senior Center, 541-575-1825. Also, people can sign up for a ride on the van/bus from Monument to the Health Fair and back.

Telecommunications Devices Access Program, or TDAP, loans adaptive telephone equipment at no cost and with no income restrictions to eligible Oregon residents who are hearing, vision, speech, cognitive or mobility impaired. There are corded or cordless amplified telephones and equipment for vision impaired, deaf-blind, mobility impaired and amplified weak speech/speech impairments. Those interested can contact 1-800-848-4442, email to puc.rspf@state.or.us or write to P.O. Box 2148, Salem, OR 97308-2148.

Congratulations to all who graduated from high school this year. May the commencement of a new chapter in your life be full of rich blessings. May everyone experience a wonderful and safe summer.