A car show and carnival coming up

The end of September brings two big events to the area — one on Sept. 22 and the other on Sept. 29

Drive Down Memory Lane Car Show is an annual event for the Galt Historical Society. Held at the McFarland Living History Ranch, this nostalgic car show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 22. Organizers expect 75 to 100 vehicles 1972 and older to participate with ten awards given for the best in show.

But how can you say what is best? All of us have a different view of what we like and that’s how it is judged. Ten people will select their favorite. According to Ida Denier, during the years she has worked with the show no judge has ever picked the same car. Amazing!

I attended last year and really enjoyed talking to the proud owners, finding out how long they’ve had their cars, why they selected that particular model, and how long it took to refurbish.

Vendors, music, food and a raffle will be part of the family friendly show. And McFarland House will be open for tours.

Admission is $5 per person with children under 12 free.

For a “fun” time head out to the McFarland Ranch Saturday for the Car Show.

——— LFIT Carnival on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Barrel Room, Lodi Grape Festival grounds, is an event you won’t want to miss — not only for the food, music and games but to help a great cause -- one I’ve just learned about.

LFIT stands for Let’s Face It Together, a non-profit foundation that brings community members together to fill the gap between what is available in the healthcare system and what is required to make patients whole. Their goal is to help people with facial alterations with the necessary facial surgery.

Unfortunately, many people are uninsured or underinsured, having policies that pay only the bare minimum. The Foundation makes up the difference to restore not only facial features but confidence and self-esteem.

Dr. Kimberly Cockerham heads this project with Foundation offices in Lodi at 1826 W. Kettleman Lane. An example of her work is one woman who talked about what happened

when she saw Dr. Cockerman. The doctor reviewed the data and studied the woman’s photos. Then she charted a one-year course of action that included surgery and other reconstructive procedures.

LFIT Carnival is from 7-10 p.m. at the Barrel Room, Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, There will be a catered dinner, local wines, and live music. A silent auction and games also will be part of the fun. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the event and can be purchased on line at LFITfoundation.org or at 209-333-8369.

Your contribution will help pay for medications, surgical supplies, surgery, anesthesia and prosthetics. All professional expertise and time are donated.

——— So nice to see Sheila and Jack Dunn, Joanne Mounce, Corrinne Terry, Kathy and Katherine at my book signing. Fun to catch up with the news and tell them about my books.

And fun to meet the many other people who came by, chatted and bought books. I just might do another one soon to meet more interesting people.

However, in talking to a woman from Casa de Lodi where I once lived, I was appalled at her news and what was happening to the residents of the street where I lived on the river. Seems they are being overrun by the homeless — something that did not happen when I lived there three years ago.

Yes, I was well aware of the homeless who literally lived next door under the Highway 99 bridge. But they kept to themselves. If you can believe it, I kept my deck sliding door open at night when it was warm and never had a problem. Obviously, that is a thing of the past.

I understand the homeless camped on the property I once owned until finally sent out by the police. Residents find them sleeping on their porches. Items are stolen. The woman with whom I talked said she can’t afford to buy a regular house so is trying to move into the park itself across the street where she will feel safer.

These are senior citizens who do not have a lot of money and should be protected. This should not have been allowed to happen. I feel if people care as much for senior citizens who are strapped for money as they do for the homeless they would start to do something about this situation.

What do you think? Let’s help the Senior Citizens of Casa de Lodi regain a peaceful life.