Hi everyone. After planning to meet at the Herb Garden and then Boa Vista, we finally ended up at the VETS. They have some strict rules we need to follow but the 18 members who were able to attend seemed to feel safe. We had hand sanitizer, face masks and shields available for those who wished to wear them.

Four of our members talked about gifts from the kitchen. DonnaRae Caccavo talked about the flavored salts her guest, and now new member, Linda Thompson, introduced her to. Jane Reed demonstrated how easy it is to make fermented chutney. Liz Niles described a spice blend that she usually buys at Trader Joe’s but because of the long lines she hasn’t been shopping there. So, necessity being the mother of invention, she figured out how to make it herself. And I talked about making pickled asparagus. 4 easy gifts that most people would love to receive. Thanks ladies, for sharing.

Speaking of sharing, we had the food and clothing drive for our Veterans, which was a huge success. We received a thank you card from Jennifer New-man and her team that said, “You are a great example of everything that’s right with the world.” Jennifer added the following thank you message: “On behalf of the El Dorado Veteran Resources & Military Family Support Group, I would like to extend a warm heartfelt thank you to your beautiful group for the food and clothing donations. No matter what we are going through, it is so welcoming knowing we have community support for our VETS. God Bless.”

Because of Covid restrictions, we won’t be having our Holiday lunch this year. However, the VETS is allowing meetings to take place with limited attendance and specific rules to follow. We will hold a regular meeting on Friday, December 4, from 10:00 to Noon at the VETS. And we will have our gift exchange. Please keep the following requirements in mind:

• This meeting is for members only, no guests or family members.
• No food service is allowed and the kitchen is “off limits”. Members can bring their own beverage and snack if they wish.
• Only four people per table.
• Face masks or shields are recommended but not required.

Also, keep in mind that these requirements can change so check your email frequently as we get closer to the date. Ada Brehmer will notify everyone if plans change.  Back to the gift exchange. For new members, our tradition is “Make it, Bake it or Grow it” but we’re very flexible. The purpose is to get together and have fun!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, 

Jan Keahey

Are you interested in becoming a member? It is very simple. Click here to access the membership form. Once you have filled out the form, bring it to one of our monthly meetings, along with the membership fee and join our wonderful group!

You can use this form to renew your membership as well.