Delicious fundraiser events help Galt and Lodi historical societies

Summer brings two big fundraising events that are always fun —

Galt Historical Society’s Sip and Snack at the Mac (McFarland Ranch) on July 27 and Lodi Historical Society’s Ice Cream on Pine on Aug. 10.

With Sip and Snack not only do you savor food and drink from the best food establishments, wineries and breweries of Galt, Lodi and surrounding counties, but you also have an opportunity to tour historic McFarland House. Galt Historical Society uses the funds raised for continued restoration of both the McFarland House and surrounding landscaping, a neverending job.

If you haven’t been to the event before, you are in for a treat. Booths are set up on the grass in front of the house with food, wine and brew vendors — at least 10 to 12 for food and wine, fewer for brew. My first

time at the event was two years ago — and enjoyed all the food and wine (not a brew drinker).

Entertainment is provided plus tours of McFarland House which takes you back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Docents are in every room or two to describe in detail what it was like to live then.

Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door. You can buy them online at www.galthistory.com or at the Barsetti Vineyards Tasting Room in Galt. Sip and Snack starts at 6 p.m. on July 27th.

Now to the delicious Ice Cream on Pine of the Lodi Historical Society, to be held late Saturday afternoon on Aug. 10. This delightful event started two years ago and has grown into a “must” event for everyone. They have special parking for bicycles, with quite a few taking advantage last year. Pine Street is blocked off in front of City Hall with tented tables set up along the street.

Beside “yummy” ice cream you’ll be treated to a variety of entertainment. To tempt you even further are beautiful baskets to be raffled off. The society invites everyone to enjoy this special time.

•••

Have you bought or renewed your Lodi Community Concert Association membership yet? If not, do it before July 31, when it goes from $70 to $80. Even $80 is an excellent price for the entertainment quality of five shows. How many shows can be seen for less than $20 a show anymore?

Concert goers will see M5 Mexican Brass, a brass quartet with international recognition; Sandra Dolores, a Sacramento singer with a “captivating” voice; The Maxwell Quartet from Scotland; Loren and Mark, guitarists with varied selections; and Sons of Serendip, who were finalists on “America’s Got Talent.”

Adults before July 31 are $70; Family Plan (two adults and any number of students) is $150; and students 18 years of age and under are $15. Contact the Lodi Community Concert Association at 209-333-0360.

•••

Don’t know about you, but how about this thought, which may be typical as you age?

The worst thing about life is there are always “shouldas” and “couldas.”

•••

Have been reading a priceless book about aging by David Roper, titled “Teach Us to Number Our Days.”

In his introduction, he says, “I write from the perspective of an older person having crossed the Biblical boundary of ‘threescore and ten’ five years ago.” Aha! I can add that as the years continue to add up that perspective becomes more accurate. He uses numerous quotes from writers throughout the ages as well as Biblical notations.

“Ageless Delight” is one chapter I thoroughly enjoyed because he mentioned the truth about our shock to find all the things we no longer can do. As Solomon said, “In old age your body no longer serves you so well. Muscles slacken, grip weakens, joints stiffen ...” You get the idea and I’m sure can add to the list.

And this Roper comment about aging is certainly me — and I bet you as well: “The odd thing, however, is that most of us don’t feel old.” Maybe in body when we awaken in the morning, but not in the mind. As an only child I grew up around adults and said for years when I was younger that I was “born 40.” The thing is, I still think that way.

The delight? That older people can laugh about their ailments — and laugh about life as well. The person who has retained his or her sense of humor will simply enjoy every remaining moment on this earth unless faced with a severe illness.

And how many of us know older people with many ailments who still would rather laugh and enjoy? Let’s do that. After all, at our age, “each day is a bonus.”