The end isn’t always the end
Aclassic Chinese story begins with a man who had a loved son and a horse. One day the horse escaped the corral and disappeared into the hills. His neighbors declared that this was a devastatingly bad day. The owner saw it as a bad day, but not the end.
The next night the horse returned to his familiar corral at the time to be fed and watered…he was leading 12 wild stallions. The farmer’s son saw the 13 horses in their corral. He slipped out and secured the gate. They went from one horse to none, and now 13. The observing neighbors commented, “You had a good day.” The old Chinese gentleman quietly acknowledged their appraisal.
Several days later the son was training one of the
Hope that Helps stallions. He was thrown off and broke his leg. The neighbors said as they visited that night, “This was a bad day.” The old man acknowledged their repeated evaluation with a calm demeanor.
A short time passed, and a warlord came through town conscripting every able-bodied young man. He took them off to war, never to return. The young man was saved because of his broken leg.
Be careful about putting a period where there could be a comma. What seems to be an end to the book could be an opportunity for a better chapter.
June 3
‘ETUDES & EXCERPTS’
WHEN: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Snider Auditorium, 400 S. 6th Ave. GOING ON: Yuma Ballet Academy will present two performances of
“Etudes & Excerpts.” This annual event showcases Academy students ages 3-18, demonstrating technical and artistic skills acquired during the year. In addition, the Ballet Yuma Intermediate company will open each program with a new ballet choreographed by Artistic Director, Emma M.K. Cong. Closing each performance will be Ballet Yuma company dancers performing a finale piece with graduating senior dancer, Harley Coleman, in her final performances with the Academy.
COST: $15 for adults, $10 for children INFO: Contact the Academy at (928) 3144762.
PURPLE HEART CEREMONY
WHEN: 4 p.m.
WHERE: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Post 1763, 2485 E. 14th St., Yuma
GOING ON: Officers and Purple Heart Recipients of VFW Post 1763 will host a Military Order of the Purple Heart Ceremony, honoring Purple Heart recipients and families of those that have received the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart recipient or family member will place a Purple Heart on a plaque attached to the wall, fostering goodwill and comradery among combat wounded veterans. This event raises awareness of the heroism that our military members display regularly. Immediately following will be a no-host happy hour for attendees.
CEMETERY CLEANUP
WHEN: 6 a.m.
WHERE: Desert Lawn Memorial Park
GOING ON: Volunteers are needed to pick up the crosses and put away the flags held over from Memorial Day. Volunteers will meet at 6 a.m. to try to avoid the heat while saving the crosses and flags from sun damage. The event will take 3-4 hours to complete – or less with more volunteers. INFO: Email Noel at noelepke@yahoo.com
Sunday June 8
WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S BUSINESS MIXER
WHEN: 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m.
WHERE: Brewers Sports Bar, 2331 S Avenue B, Yuma
GOING ON: Join us for our first Yuma
Walk Mixer. Connect with other business leaders who share your desire to make a difference, and learn how your company can participate at the Yuma Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
COST: Free
INFO: Hosted by Alzheimer’s Association – call 520-230-1754, or email vdcruz@alz.org
Friday June 9
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE WHEN: 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHERE: Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 300 S. 13th Ave., Yuma
GOING ON: A conference to provide tools to empower women with methods of stress relief, boosting self-esteem, and learning from others who have overcome difficult situations to achieve success.
COST: Free
INFO: Hosted by the Healing Journey – call 928-920-6220, or email a.cuen@thjaz.org
Saturday June 10
PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER
WHEN: 4-7 p.m.
WHERE: Immanuel Southern Baptist Church, 1000 E. 24th St.
GOING ON: Yuma’s Amputees Helping Amputees group will host a pasta dinner fundraiser. Proceeds will be used to help local amputees with educational experiences and mobility clinics, as well as the Inclusive Play Project, which is raising funds to create inclusive playgrounds here in Yuma, allowing children of all abilities to play together.
INFO: To learn more or to donate raffle items or funds, contact Jean Hobkirk at 928-341-1965.
Wednesday June 15
TRAIN RIDES
WHEN: 8-10 a.m.
WHERE: Yuma Crossing Railroad, Riverside Park below the Yuma Territorial Prison GOING ON: Free train rides will be offered to the public by the Yuma Territory Live Steamers. No tickets are required
COST: Free, although donations are gladly accepted
INFO: Call Carlos, (928) 247-3925
Tuesday June 20
VITALANT BLOOD DRIVE
WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: River Valley Estates, 7053 E. 31st Place, private dining room
GOING ON: Vitalant is Arizona’s largest nonprofit community blood provider that fulfills transfusion needs for 100% of the hospitals in Maricopa County and 90% statewide. INFO: For donation appointments, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
Wednesday June 21
VITALANT BLOOD DRIVE
WHEN: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
WHERE: Yuma Regional Medical Center, 2400 S. Avenue A, Admin Entry
GOING ON: Vitalant is Arizona’s largest nonprofit community blood provider that fulfills transfusion needs for 100% of the hospitals in Maricopa County and 90% statewide. INFO: For donation appointments, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).
Friday June 23
VITALANT BLOOD DRIVE
WHEN: 2-6 p.m.
WHERE: Yuma Regional Medical Center, 2400 S. Avenue A, Admin Entry
GOING ON: Vitalant is Arizona’s largest nonprofit community blood provider that fulfills transfusion needs for 100% of the hospitals in Maricopa County and 90% statewide. INFO: For donation appointments, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).