As part of their menu for expanding membership and demonstrating broader appeal and outreach to the community, the adult group Forest Folk is hosting Thursday evening meeting, potluck and movie nights at Town Hall. “The purpose of the series is to bring in more people and to let them know what we’re doing as a group,” said Folk Secretary Avianna Jones. There is a short business meeting at 5:30 p.m., then the potluck and then the film. “It’s been going well,” Jones said, “with 20 to 50 people showing up.” Films for the remainder of this series, through first week of January 2013 are: Nov. 29, “Some Like It Hot,” Dec. 6, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” Dec. 13, “Bringing Up Baby,” Dec. 20, “Christmas Vacation,” Dec. 27, “The Holiday,” and Jan. 3, “The Sixth Sense.”
Another important step forward in the group’s expansion plan was the Internal Revenue Service’s approval of their tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. Approval was a necessary step in the group’s growth plans and in their march toward securing a dedicated senior center, according to President Reba Coulter. The approval, dated Oct. 30, allows them to receive donations that are tax deductible. “We’re always accepting donations for yard sales,” said board member Sandra Wilkes.
The Folk plan on working with the county Office on Aging to provide services for improving health and quality of life for Hill seniors living alone who may be disconnected from their families. They also plan to have a booth at the Saturday, Nov. 24, Idyllwild Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at which they will distribute information about the group’s mission and programs and sell baked goods and glazed pine cones to raise funds.
The Folk are also active in securing, with the county’s help, a community garden for next year’s growing season.
For more information visit www.forestfolk.org. The board members are: Reba Coulter, president; Audrey Brown, vice president; Sandra Wilkes, treasurer, Avianna Jones; secretary and Pat Ruffner, director. Check their website under “resources” for a list of discounts for those over 50 from chain restaurants, grocery and travel companies.
