June 2011

Upcoming Events

• BBQ and Open House - Sunday, July 10, 4:00 PM, Torrance, CA.  Everyone is welcome to come see what we are all about.  We would like to introduce you to Counterpoint and show you what we're up to.
• Swag Drive from Programmer's Fair: It's that time of year when DIRECTV has its annual Programmer's Fair and all our programmers bring swag/chotchkies promoting their channel or TV show to give as gifts to employees.  We will be collecting unused promotional items for local transition center for the homeless and for shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child in November. 
• School Supplies
• Clothing and Accessories
• Toys and Games
• Toiletries
• Bags and other useful item
• Kitchen Drive: Kitchen Drive has been postponed until after the Swag Drive.

June Dinner Topics

• New Sponsored Child:  I am sponsoring a new child through Save the Children.  I received my package with his photo and information.  His name is Gerald and he is 10 years old.  He lives lives in the Philippines in a house made of palm leaves.  He is shy and likes to read.  Save the Children is working in his community to improve school facilities, libraries and youth resource centers.  I am looking forward to exchanging letters and photos with him.  Isn't he adorable?

Quote: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
                                                                 ~Anne Frank

• Buying Local Produce:  We have pledged to buy more local produce.  Many of us have signed up with Farm Fresh To You, http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/.  They deliver fresh, organic produce from local Community Supported Agriculture farms to your door.  I got my first box.  Wow, I never knew carrots and lettuce could taste so good!  Incredibly delicious tomatos and green beans, plus peppers, blackberries, melons and more.
• 150 Messanger Bags:  Word has gotten around and now the marketing department calls me when they have out-dated promotional items.  Instead of throwing them in the trash, I deliver them to the needy as appropriate.  This time I got 3 boxes of messanger bags which were delivered to the homeless at Harbor Interfaith Services and Shared Bread.
• Phuket, Thailand:  Mona and Cynthia returned from their fantastic vacation in Phuket and shared pictures with us.  The region seems to be well recovered from the disastrous tsunami that struck in 2004.  They had a great time kayaking, riding elephants and relaxing.