Dateline Dayton — My Boy Scout training – be prepared — came in handy last week.
I was attending a function for the Learning Tree Farm, where one of our Board members was being honored, and the Farm was being presented with a check for a grant it was receiving.
Emails were going back and forth between the person running the presentation/awards ceremony, with me being copied. One email from the organizer asked, who should be on the platform with David while he was being presented his award for Volunteer of the Year? “Mike Hennessey, our Board President,” one Farm founder responded.
When I went home for lunch that day, I told Pauline I was going to change into a suit and take a tie along, just in case. When I got back to the office I found another email with an agenda that said the grant was being presented to the Farm's Director and Marketing Manager. They share responsibility for the operation of the Farm. The agenda listed me as the person introducing David.
I learn that 100 people had made reservations and that the president of the University of Dayton would be there. I felt a necktie was going to be required. Was I right. Although some men did not have ties, I was comfortable with mine. If I were going to err, it should be in this manner.
Speaking of the Farm, last Thursday I spent a half day there, meeting with Brady Kress, president of Dayton History, discussing how Carillon Park and the Learning Tree Farm could partner. It was a productive meeting, with many ideas discussed. The outcome was that the education staff managers of both facilities would meet and brainstorm.
Thursday afternoon found us looking at condos with our realtor Jennifer, in the development where we live. Our son Chris has to move. The house he has been renting is being sold. Since it would be nice to have him close, and we could be receiving the rent payments. I thought it was a good idea to purchase another condo in our development.
After some back and forth, we received word that the owner had accepted our revised offer, although it was not nearly as good as where we started. It was in our favor, though. How about that!
Saturday I was back at the Learning Tree farm's for its annual Autumn Fest and Cow Pie Plop Contest. A beautiful September day in southwestern Ohio and the turnout was outstanding. We hosted more exhibitors and demonstrations than in the past. All were pleased with the turnout.
Usually I work the welcome tent, but this year I volunteered to be one of the cooks. We were preparing the food on site rather than having it catered. My job was to cook hamburgers to perfection. I did. We sold out — of everything.
Last year our son Chris was in charge of this event. This year our partners, Montgomery County Soil and Water, took the leadership role.
Our son Bill and his daughter Madi had such a good time selling popcorn last year, they asked if they could do it again this time. They worked from opening until noon, when they had to leave for a wedding in Columbus.
Our other son Jon drove the hayride tractor last year and had his turn with that chore again this year. I really appreciate how our kids help with this project. Chris had to work through the weekend and was unable to participate.
Fall is here, leaves are just starting to turn colors. We had hoped to get away for a few days, but it doesn't look as though that will happen.
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net
