Building in fun

CMCA's central office had a chili cook off this afternoon at lunch time. Thanks to Leah Patrick and Mollie Rackers for coming up with the idea and carrying it through. The idea was to raise funds to purchase a picnic table outside on the south side of the building and to have a little fun. The nature of work in Community Action Agencies is pretty serious. We're trying to help people who are struggling with the crises of poverty to meet an immediate need or to think longterm about what it takes to get out of poverty. With that work we necessarily see some extremely difficult and emotionally trying circumstances. Rather than letting those circumstances suck the life out of us who are trying to help, it's important to have some fun and fellowship from time to time. It takes the focus temporarily off of the realities we see and allows us to appreciate our colleagues and friends in an environment that allows us to catch our breaths. I encourage all county offices, Head Start centers, and Career Centers (as well as anybody that reads this) to think about creating opportunities like this to keep yourselves sane.

In addition to Leah and Mollie, thanks to our entrants: Chris Macy, Liz Popovich, Teresa House, Smilin Bob Green, Andy Prevo, and Pat Lockwood . . . and to everybody that took a time out to eat some awesome chili and visit. Special congratulations to Smilin Bob Green for winning with his special recipe. I hope he enjoys the Mickey Mouse cookie jar!