NVCC Hears From Andy Behlen, Craig Moreau

The Navidad Valley Community Communications Center in Schulenburg had two powerhouse speakers this past week, both Andy Behlen, digital editor for the Fayette County Record and Craig Moreau, Director of the Fayette County Office of Emergency Management.

Andy came in on Monday and gave a riveting presentation on his life and his loves. I say this because he told us a little about himself and how could he do that without mentioning the love of his life, his dear wife. After that, he had us in the palm of his hands as he expanded into his story of his passions. He told us how he got into the news reporter business, but he really shone when he spoke of his love for gardening.

Andy told us about his penchant for trying some different, more exotic that we are used to, types of peppers, tomatoes, and healthy greens. Gosh, we thought, that makes him kind of exotic, too! To be brave and step out of the box to try, to maybe fail, but to always learn, well, that describes Andy quite well. He told us about some of his challenges and how he worked through them. These experiences have made him very knowledgeable and adventurous to try new things like Thai peppers and Asian greens.

He left us with a promise to return and follow up with us on winter gardens and what we should be doing to get ready for spring. He was off to finish preparing his fall garden and he sure left us with a wealth of information, from how to keep deep out, how to start onions from seeds, to how to plant healthy greens for your family.

Then to top things off, Craig Moreau came in and addressed an audience of almost 30 senior citizens at the Center. Craig was wonderful and presented the most current information to us. He stayed at the Center for almost two hours answering every question and concern ranging from family, travel, the holiday season, prevention, treatment, vaccines, boosters, etc. You name it, he addressed it.

He also stay for another little while and spoke with individuals with specific issues. Craig and his opinion are always welcome and needed at the Senior Center. He is a well-respected man who is an expert in his field of work. He presented everyone with his business card and asked us to post his office number (979) 968-6469, for anyone who had any questions to call him and he will work with you.

October is Literacy Month and the Senior Center is asking folks to “bring a book” to the Center. We will collect books this month and will donate them to area libraries, assisted living and nursing homes. This is one way we can give back to our communities and help others. We are also having some fun by asking members to bring in a baby picture or childhood picture. They will get posted later in the month and we’ll have a contest to see who can match them up to people on the list who brought a photo in.

There are some craft sales coming up in the area that we would like to be present at to show off the projects we have worked on and get some exposure. If you’d like to work with us, to get involved in a small project with others, and to help us out give CarolAnn or Cindy a call at the Center (979) 743-3227.

One of the best things to have happened to us is being blessed with awesome volunteers who are just as mission-driven as the staff are. Julie Clements, Cindy Meredith, and Sharon Rodriguez have made such a tremendously positive impact on our organization.

Jim Miksch is an angel on earth for helping us take the heavy trash bag out every Wednesday, and a big shout out to Arvin Gresham, for sawing 8, 8 ft. 4x4 fence posts in half for us to work on at the Center. Where would we be without our volunteers?

The Center is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our phone number is (979)-743-3227 or check out the website www.navidadvalleycc.org.