When I first moved to Los Ba&#241;os 17 years ago, I felt so alone. Everywhere I looked I saw friends with other friends, families gathered together, people who belonged. I was, sigh, an outsider. The obstacle of belonging seemed so daunting to me. How could I ever fit into a community that seems so, well, closed? Where, how, could I fit in? I sat in my house and felt sorry for myself, and then I went into action. I would reach out and I would look for opportunities. Every face, every place became a possibility. It was Rhoda Garcia who first knocked on my door with her beautiful smile as the welcome lady. Who would have known we would become close friends? Because Ron commuted over the hill everyday he got a CB radio and we got involved with a group of fellow commuters, The Wild Bunch. We made so many lasting relationships through that group like Larry and Sharon Chandler. I have to thank June Erreca for opening her heart to me, and taking me as guest to Soroptimist. I was just a lost looking woman in her flower shop and she took me. I called Salvation Army around the holidays and volunteered. Later I became their chairperson and made many friends at the same time. I began to look for every opportunity I could to volunteer. Working side by side with the locals, an amazing thing happened, I was accepted. Soon I began to feel a real part of the community by giving myself to the community. I read the Enterprise way before I began to write for it, seeking information that would lead me to events or clubs, and the more I reached out and learned, the more at home I felt. In 1998 I was voted volunteer and citizen of the year. Now, that was humbling. In the 10 years since, I have continued to try to be a part of the community by reaching out, often beyond my comfort zone, to help and be an active member of Los Ba&#241;os. Now, it seems strange to think I have not always been here. I feel a symbiotic love with the town. It is a miracle to me that this all began when I realized, one day, home alone, that Mohammed would not come to the mountain, so I reached out and moved my mountain to him. Reach out, and become involved. You are all welcome here. </p><p><b>My new mantra</b></p><p>I know, I know, I have said this before, but some things bear repeating. SHOP LOCAL. Even the crows know that the economy is having a tough time right now. Los Ba&#241;os is not alone in feeling the effects of housing values dropping, an unusual up swing in foreclosures, travel deterred by high cost of gasoline, food and other items rising in cost due to the gasoline increase, and sales tax revenue way down because of it. In subtle, and not so subtle ways, it is going to effect all of our pocketbooks. Feel helpless? I know it is easy to feel that way, but there is a simple thing we can all do to help the community, and thus ourselves. Shop local. Keep your much needed sales tax money here where it pays you back in services. Many of us have gotten in the habit of shopping out of town, assuming we can't find what we want/need here at home. Look here first, you may be surprised by the treasures we have right here in our own backyard. If a store does not carry what you need, try talking to them to see if they can get it. Perhaps some downtown stores might think of making their hours more shopper friendly for those who work out of town. We all need to live on budgets. So does the city. Help me with my campaign to encourage others to shop local first, and be part of the solution.</p><p><b>Birthday balloons</b></p><p>June 28 is the 80th birthday of one of my guys from the VFW Color Guard, Tommy Hammond. Tommy loves our flag and has carried it proudly probably thousands of times. Tommy is also very involved with the Masons, as he dedicates himself 500 percent to anything he does. Ron and I think the world of him. Have a special day Tommy!</p><p>One of the most gracious ladies I have ever known is Eileen Sorensen, who celebrates her day June 29. I can't begin to say how much Eileen has always impressed me, her inner strength, faith, grace, charm; Eileen is a rare one of a kind I am proud to claim as my friend.</p><p>Belated happy birthday to sweet Elaine Sullivan who shares the same birthday as my daughter Lara.</p><p>Happy big 61st birthday to Cheerios Contreras with love from his wife Nancy.</p><p>More June birthdays; happy birthday to Barbara Cobarruvias, Patricia Simas, Josephine Foletta, Cathy Powers, Florence Machado, Betty Coderniz, Margaret Ann Baffunno, Jeanette De Vietro, Jennifer King, Diana Burke, Cecilia Desa, Mable Celano, Tony Dutra, Charles Wyman, Connie Anazola, Charles King, Ruben Hernandez, Benjamin Duarte, Norman Freitas and Bernadette Germino.</p><p><b>Let them be your guest </b></p><p>Help make the world a smaller place by being a host family this summer. This year there are 33 students from Japan who need welcoming homes. This can be really remarkable experience for you and your family. What a generous act, and what a great way to learn of another culture. Think about opening your heart and home to a guest student. Students will be arriving July 24 thru August 20th. Call teacher coordinator today, Barbara Cobarruvias at 826-9547 or 777-0595 for more information.</p><p><b>Fourth of July around the corner</b></p><p>We are so fortunate to have a real old time, traditional Fourth of July celebration in Los Ba&#241;os. Plan to come out and support it, and encourage your friends and family from near and far to join in on the festivities. Watch the Enterprise for more information or call the Chamber of Commerce. </p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>June 27 is the wedding anniversary of Don and Carly Van Someren.</p><p><b>This and that</b></p><p>Feel better wishes go out to one of my favorite guys in town, simply adorable Tex Owens. Tex adds so much fun to this town, we need him!</p><p>Good to hear that Arlene Salha is recovering well from her car accident, you just can't keep a good gal down.</p><p>Continued prayers go out to Rhoda and John Garcia, as they deal with John's illness. They are such a wonderful couple, and have sure had more than their fair share. I know they truly appreciate the community's support while John is at Stanford Hospital.</p><p>A special thank you to Hope Cook for the lovely card and handmade Gods pocket. You bring hope to all who know you, you sweetheart you! </p><p><b>Congratulations tim</b>e</p><p>Recently the wonderful ladies of Lomita's Parlor No. 255 of the Native Daughters of the Golden West presented their yearly scholarship awards to Michaela Neeb and Cody Nunes. Each of these students was given their $500 scholarships at the Los Ba&#241;os High School awards ceremony by education and scholarship chairperson, Mary Louis Cotta.</p><p><b>Some of my favorite things </b></p><p>I love that song of whiskers on kittens and warm fuzzy mittens sung by Julie Andrew in "The Sound of Music." Hard not to be happy when that song is sung. We all could write our own lyrics, couldn't we? So, let me write a few lyrics of my own;</p><p>Chocolate Pepsi from Los Ba&#241;os Drug counter</p><p>Dining there is always a fun encounter.</p><p>Walking into Lou's Salon for a chat</p><p>A home away from home I'm often at.</p><p>Going out with my Red Hatters</p><p>We laugh so hard that nothing else matters</p><p>Sitting in church listening to Father Dan</p><p>Encourages me to be better than I am</p><p>Lunch with Lara and with Ron</p><p>Every Friday at Hot City we're on</p><p>Movies with Linda or off to Chukchansi</p><p>Just being together, nothing fancy</p><p>With a friend your life is less to carry</p><p>Glad that in mine there is Rhoda and Mary </p><p>Writing my column, around town</p><p>Cats and dogs and more cats to spare</p><p>Helene, Daisy, Mona, and others who care</p><p>So you see When ever I feel blue</p><p>I simply remember my favorite things</p><p>And, until next time may all your news be good news.