Let me share this invitation with you from the Masons in Los Ba&#241;os to attend their open house and learn about their philanthropic support of so many worthwhile projects such as the Shriners Hospital and local scholarships. One interesting fact I've learned is that the Masons initiated and sponsored Public School's Week. If you have always been curious, this is a good way to learn more about this group. They promise good food and good conversation. The open house will be held Sept. 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Canal Farm Lodge, 1510 Canal Farm Lane. For more information call Bill Hardy at 826-4458 or John Sorenson at 392-6537.</p><p><b>Pitter patter of little feet</b></p><p>Congratulations to Hester and Shannon Stiers on the birth of their new son Jayden Dean, born on Sept. 9 at 21 3/4 long and 8 pounds 15 ounces. That is number four for Shannon and Hester. All are doing well.</p><p><b>Charleston fall festival annual event </b> The Charleston Elementary School fall festival is one of the highlights of my year, such good old-fashioned fun. Save Oct. 17 for food, fun, games, silent auction, and more. Part of the fun will be the drawing of their special raffle for a $500 Wal-Mart gift card, laptop computer and a patio set. The raffle tickets are just $1 each. Come on, you're feeling lucky. Call Lara Olson at 827-0667 for raffle tickets.</p><p><b>Take Back the Night, an evening for hope and tribute</b></p><p>Domestic violence is one of the most destructive forces in America today and its legacy affects all of our futures. In Merced County the statistics of domestic violence and its aftermath are particularly alarming. As tension grows with unemployment and unrest, so does concern of increased domestic violence. We need to put into the light the darkness of this problem. Awareness breeds action. For many years the annual Take Back the Night Walk was a way to educate, motivate and honor victims. I am proud to say this event will take place again this year on Oct. 22. The March will begin at 6 p.m. at Pacheco Park and will culminate with speakers at City Hall. This event will be the joint effort of many people and organizations that care deeply about this cause. A big tip of the hat to Leanne Croker for her incredible drive and dedication, which helped, make this year's walk possible. Once more I am proud of being part of this event as a Soroptimist, a group that has been dedicated to fighting this battle for years.</p><p><b>Fusions to welcome you</b></p><p>Becki Foell, owner of Fusions, our local Day Spa, tells me there will be an open house there on Sept. 22 from 6 - 8 p.m. There will be fun, food, drink and free raffle. So drop by. Fusions is located at 303 I Street.</p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>Special wishes to a wonderful, charming couple, our friends, Jim and Loretta Garcia.</p><p>Happy anniversary to John and Grace Taylor. </p><p><b>European evening</b></p><p>Strolling through the charming courtyard at New Bethany Residential Care during their Annual Guilds fund-raiser on Sept. 12 was a pure pleasure. I have attended their fund-raiser every year, and the dinners and auctions have always been wonderful, but this was a unique twist. Linda Allegretti and I felt like we were in Europe as we looked at all the clever booths and grazed on gourmet temptations that drove my taste buds mad, especially the stuffed mushrooms and warmed dates stuffed with goat cheese. I give the event a four star rating as it was fun, tasty and novel. The turnout was fantastic and I got to see so many friends, the highlight being Sister Lillian.</p><p><b>Quilt quest</b></p><p>Your eyes will be met with an explosion of fabric and color, when you attend the Pacheco Pass Quilters Cornucopia of Color Quilt Show held at the Ted Falasco Arts Center located at the corner of 5th and K Street. The magic will happen on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, which is good for both days. For more info call Judy West 827-8929. </p><p><b>Some tasty enchiladas</b></p><p>The amazing ladies of YLI will be holding their annual Enchilada Sale on October 23. These are delicious and come two to a package, a real bargain at $6, and yes, they freeze well. Order and pay for your enchiladas now, and pick them up on the 23rd at the DES Hall between 9 am and 5 pm. Call me at 827-0667 or 826-0874 for your tickets or ask any YLI member.</p><p><b>Past-a perfect</b></p><p>Don't forget to buy your luncheon tickets for the Los Ba&#241;os Milliken Museum Societies Pasta and Meatball luncheon. This annual event will be held on Oct. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Elks Lodge, 565 E Street and cost just $9. Please call me for your ticket at 827-0667 or 826-0874.</p><p><b>Thoughts and concerns</b></p><p>My wishes for quick healing go to "Auntie" Liz Mengetti, feel better real fast. Prayers for a complete recovery go out to gracious Irene Miano. Hope Robin Depew has but more hip in his hop and is having a good day. </p><p><b>Once more, thank you boys</b></p><p>Making Sept. 11 even more a poignant today was the waving of our American flags across town thanks to the hard work of our veterans. What a great group of men! A special thank you to the veterans and members of the American Legion for letting those of us working for Measure A hold our rally there. Your support of the Los Ba&#241;os Police and Fire Departments is so appreciated.</p><p><b>Finger licking ribs </b> In the mood for some tasty ribs? Then the Los Ba&#241;os Sportsmen is serving up your delight on Oct. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at their club, 13989 S. Mercey Springs Road. For just $25 you get a full slab of ribs with beans, enough to feed four people and they are yummy. Call Ron at 564-1430 for information or me at 827-0667.</p><p><b>Birthday balloons</b></p><p>Happy birthday wishes to Aaron Barcellos, Dennis Sparks, Paul Seto, James Tangen, Richard Goncalves, Jane Baffuna, Maryann Freeman, Rosemarie Tristao, Gladys Affonso, and Pauline Paradiso.</p><p><b>In the autumn of our days </b> One of the magical things about autumn is the changing of the colors of the leaves, the slow transition from shades of fresh green to warm, rich siennas and brown tones. The colors are very different, but all beautiful in their own way, all part of the total picture, dependent on each other, equal, though each unique. Life is similar, and so I find myself in the autumn of my days, much like we find our calendar. Although my body is far less nimble, much like the dry crustiness of a leaf, it is delighted when it does anything, and enjoys the sheer ecstasy of waking up each morning. My eyes are clouded, but what I see seems more precious. I can go nuts over seeing a bird on my porch, in my youth it would probably have gone unnoticed. Things instead of being just objects have become vessels of memories. One of my favorite possessions is an old cigar box of my Grandpa Day, just touching it makes me feel, well, safer and loved. My memory is not as good as it used to be, but those I have are more vivid, treasured. Days mean more too. I used to think I had endless time, now each day needs to be explored for the artifact it will soon be. I look at my children, my grandchildren, and I'm in wonder. Time has flown before my eyes, yet when I look again I see them newly born, and just beginning. It is 2009, imagine. Impossible. But, in this autumn girls mind, it still has the makings of a very good year, so until next time, may all your news and days be good ones.