Well, I’m back after a few months off, and I am delighted to be
able to share with you
Second Chance Week, sponsored by the cities of Morgan Hill and
Gilroy. I’m a firm believer in living a life of simplicity, yet in
our society, we are constantly seduced into buying and owning more
things.
Well, I’m back after a few months off, and I am delighted to be able to share with you Second Chance Week, sponsored by the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy. I’m a firm believer in living a life of simplicity, yet in our society, we are constantly seduced into buying and owning more things. Having opportunities to reuse and recycle items feels great and I’m thankful for the city staff who work so hard to bring us these events.
This year Gilroy and Morgan Hill will have separate garage sale dates, with Gilroy’s on the weekend of Sept. 10 and 11. On Monday, Sept. 12 you can donate TVs VCRs, computers and other electronic equipment to local e-water recyclers on Support E-Water Reuse and Recycling Days. More information can be found at www.morganhill.ca.gov
Tuesday, Sept. 13, is Donate and Shop at Local Thrift Stores. I enjoy shopping at our local Goodwill and Salvation Army stores. Knowing that I am reusing an item and keeping it from going into the local landfill delights me. I also have a tendency to wear my food, so twice a year I stock up on tops and blouses. A consignment shop in Morgan Hill would be wonderful to have again.
Wednesday, Sept.14, is Coat Donation Day. Both children and adult coats are needed for those less fortunate. The Cultural Center at 17000 Monterey Road will have a barrel set up for donations. There are families here in South County that do not have warm coats, so your sharing will keep someone healthier and more comfortable. Your donation will also free up more space in your home, which will simplify your life. Too often we have too many coats and not enough closet space to hold them.
Thursday, Sept. 15, is Save the Mercury and Recycle Your Old Household Batteries Day at Morgan Hill John Lumber Ace Hardware, 600 Tennant Ave. Also used fluorescent tubes will be accepted. Be sure to place your thermometer into a ziploc bag before bringing it. Even though we own rechargeable batteries and a recharger, we still accumulate batteries.
Friday, Sept. 16, is Second Sight Day sponsored by the Lions Club. Bring your old eye glasses to the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center at 16200 Condit Ave.
Saturday, Sept. 17, is Keep Your Gear in Play Day and gently used sports equipment and clean sleeping bags will be collected at the Community and Cultural Center at 17000 Monterey Road. Soccer balls, footballs, baseball gloves and bats, boxing gloves and other items will be accepted, then donated to local nonprofit groups.
Second Chance Week ends with our town’s Garage Sale on the weekend of Sept. 17 and 18. A list of those participating homes will be on the web at www.morganhill.ca.gov and at City Hall on Sept 15 and 16.
Reducing the amount of things we own reduces the amount of stress in our lives. Reducing, reusing and recycling helps our planet, our country, our state, our city and ourselves.
On an end note, I am saddened to hear we will not have a Sept. 11 observance in our city due to budget cuts.
May you use your resources, talents, gifts and possessions wisely and with gratitude. Until next month, know you are precious, loved and unique. No one else is like you, so beam brightly, practice random acts of kindness, be a peace bringer and maker, practice forgiveness and gratitude. Life is a gift to be treasured, and that is why the present is a “present.”
