A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose - And A Way To Help Homeless

For approaching birthdays and holidays, choose a gift that gives twice. The “Holiday Miracle Rose” from Harry and David Co. is available beginning today through Jan. 15. The miniature rosebush arrives ready to bloom and can be replanted in the spring.

For each rosebush purchased, Harry and David will make a $5 donation to The Better Homes Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless families.

The rosebush (which grows to a height of 24-36 inches) arrives in a 6-inch nursery pot nestled inside your choice of decorative containers. Choose either an elegant white ceramic cachepot (item No. 8036H, $34.95 plus $9.45 delivery) or a hand-woven, verdigris basket (item No. 8855H, $24.95 plus $6.95 delivery).

Accompanying the gift is a card that gives complete plant-care instructions and explains that a donation is being made toward a program specifically linking homeless children nationwide with schools and vitally needed services.

To order the “Holiday Miracle Rose,” call (800) 227-3313, department 5235-8.

Second Timers

Second Timers, a local group originally formed to support grandparents raising grandchildren, has expanded to include aunts, uncles and anyone caring for a younger relative.

The Second Timers support group meets two Wednesdays each month at 10:30 a.m. This fall, the meeting dates are Sept. 6 and 20; Oct. 11 and 25; Nov. 8 and 22.

The meetings are held at Children and Family Services, 1425 N. Washington in Spokane; child care is provided. For more information, call Karen at (509) 456-3991.

For grandparents only

Looking for ways to build family ties? A new magazine, Your Grandchild, is loaded with creative ways to keep in touch with grandkids through communication and shared activities.

The current issue features topics such as planning a spectacular reunion, sharing hobbies with your grandchild and keeping the peace when you are the baby sitter.

For a free sample copy or subscription ($12.95 per year for six issues), call (800) 243-5201.

Story of your life

Everyone has a story to tell and writing it down makes it a treasure for the future.

To get you started, author Denis Ledoux has written “Turning Memories into Memoirs - A Handbook for Writing Lifestories” ($17.95, Soleil Press).

Ledoux provides a simple step-by-step approach to writing a memoir. He also includes writing exercises, memory jogs, life story excerpts and an extensive resource list, written in a conversational style to reassure reluctant or novice writers.

To order, call (800) 352-6657.

Single people unite

The American Association of Single People is a national organization that provides a “safety net” of spiritual and emotional support to those experiencing loneliness.

For those alone either by choice or by chance, the AASP is establishing local chapters, open to anyone regardless of race, sex, age or religion.

For more information about setting up an Inland Northwest chapter or joining AASP, write: AASP, 130 Shore Road, Suite 130, Port Washington, NY 11050 or call (516) 933-8806.

Girl Scouts

Girl Scout registration week is Sept. 11-15. Informational fliers are available at local elementary schools or by calling the Girl Scouts Inland Empire Council office at (800) 827-9478.

xxxx