Set-Up: September 20, 2011

Well, this week started off with a big SOS about multiple possible set-ups but has ended quietly.  All move-ins, aside from the one on the 20th, have been pushed off to next week.  Thanks so all who answered our cry for help and you know we'll be getting in touch with you very soon.

Before I get any further, don't forget to pop by the Open Bin tomorrow and say hi to Lisa!

As you all know, most of our energy in this past year has been spent at Westwood Transitional Village and through our attendance at Advisory Board meetings, we hear of the many programs and activities that they do on a continuing basis, particularly with the children who live there.  Back-to-school clothing, shoes, supplies and extra-curricular activities all cost money and we thought that since this year has been good for TWC we would like to share something with them.  We approached Community Partners asking if a 501(c)(3) can gift money to another 501(c)(3) and with their approval, Topanga Women's Circle has given WTV a check for $1,000 to be used for their back-to-school needs.  Our Advisory Board agreed with us that this was a good move and to quote Wendy Scolfield's Mom Mimi, "Money is like manure, unless it's spread around it starts to stink!"  This is a departure from anything TWC has done before but we hope you agree that it was a good sound donation on our part.

The set-up on the 20th went well, thanks to the terrific help of Noelle Berman, Pia Christensen and Teresa Rosati-Royer.  Karen and I marveled afterwards that we were pretty much finished in an hour and a half.  Thank you ladies.   Here are some photos to show you what it looked like, all taken by Karen with her fancy new camera.  Remember, three little girls are sleeping in that one small bedroom.  I'm sure you'll all agree that it looked pretty special by the time TWC was finished with it.

 Noelle always brings a tea kettle and this set-up was no exception!

 Three little girls will share this room and I'm sure they'll love it.  The older two will have the bunkbed with the single bed reserved for the two-year old.  Teresa bought brand new pjs for the girls.

 Pia put the magnetic letters on the fridge with the special "At Home" message.  If any of you have these from when your kids were small, pass them our way.  They look terrific.

 A bowl of fresh fruit is always welcoming

 Games and books in the living room

 And pretty cushions on the couch, courtesy of Pia.