Home is where our heart is….really!
In Orinda, home is where our heart, and tummy, like to be. On Nov. 1, Men Make Dinner Day encourages men to cook, to learn to cook, or make something challenging for dinner if they know how to cook. We live in a town that appreciates gourmet food, and I am lucky that the men in my life are great cooks. While you are hanging around waiting for dinner, please collect your extra coats for the One Warm Coat drive at The Orinda Association office. Drop off begins Nov. 1 and runs until mid-December.
Remember last March when Daylight Saving Time started? On Nov. 4, at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving Time Ends: “Spring forward; Fall back” so move your clocks back one hour. Use that extra hour you get back with daylight savings time for extra productivity or activity, or just sleep in!
Nov. 6 is Election Day. It is every American’s right and privilege to vote for our government officials. Exercise your right to vote for the candidates of your choice. In that context, The Orinda Association would like to thank The League of Women Voters for the great job they did at our Candidate forums last month. Stress Awareness Day on Nov. 7 helps identify the ever-present stress factors in our lives. Workplace stress is a large contributor, and for some the holidays really add more stress to our “days off.” Take it easy and stay around town to shop and entertain family and friends.
S.T.E.A.M. Day on Nov. 8 (as in “innovate”) is the day to inspire kids in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Our schools, up to the task, consistently lead state test scores. Drop by the Artisan Faire at Orinda Country Club on Nov. 9 to check out local artists, enjoy food and wine tasting, and buy a few locally made holiday gifts.
USMC Day on Nov. 10 celebrates the birth of the United States Marine Corps, originally the Continental Marines, created during the Revolutionary War. Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11 honors all members of the Armed Forces, particularly living veterans who served this country valiantly. Veterans gave their time, and risked their lives to preserve our way of life. The Orinda Association will hang American Flags this Veteran’s Day, the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. Thank you!
The 20th anniversary of World Kindness Day, on Nov. 13, highlights the good deeds in our communities, focusing on the positive power of kindness. Orinda has a great community of volunteers, and we are thankful for their giving and kindness daily.
OWC Festival of Trees on Nov. 15 is a great Holiday tradition. The Orinda Woman’s Club will again hold its fashion show and luncheon which supports many very deserving groups in our area with the funds raised at this single event. Nov. 15 is also Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. For goodness sake, don’t make this an annual event! I think it is a pre-turkey day prep for all your leftovers. And Great American Smokeout Day is also Nov. 15. The goal of this day is quite obvious: to get people to quit smoking, resulting in fewer health problems.
Nov. 17 is the last Farmers’ Market in Orinda. Get down to the market and fill up your bags with fall vegetables and flowers.
Orinda Holiday Bazaar is Nov 17 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Community Center will be filled that day with great gift options for all ages and interests. And maybe you can buy yourself a holiday boost! Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Day, is an American celebration to give thanks for the harvest of the past year. Start your day with a parade and end with a pledge to share your harvest with others. Support local businesses with Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24, then take a break from gift-buying on Nov. 27, Giving Tuesday. Support The Orinda Association’s community programs and events, and donate your unused items to charity.
Orinda Chamber of Commerce will kick off the “SHOP ORINDA” Holiday Season on Dec. 1 with events on both sides of town, photos with Santa, locally made gifts and special packages.
Home is in the hearts of Orinda’s many kind an supportive residents. We are thankful!
