A Summer Break
By Vicky Hererra, RN

"If I let go, a lot of people are going to get wet."

The blazing summer heat did not stop the PNAGKC members and their families from enjoying our Annual Family and Friends Picnic held at Shawnee Mission Park last July l9, l997. It was another opportunity to meet new members, catch up news with the veterans, feast on the tasty dishes, (who's counting calories?) exchanged point of views or act kid-silly for a change to have a wonderful time. And this is exactly what we did!

"Look Ma! One gulp and no hands!"

We always have fun on our summer picnics, but in this particular one, attendees seem to easily and readily bellow laughter louder. It must be the summer heat with just the right breeze that created this almost euphoric effect. There was no shortage of giggles and laughter all afternoon when the games began.

The little ones enjoyed the statue dance, sack race, and the " hat version" of trip to Jerusalem. The "not so little ones," pumped up their sinewy muscles on the tug of war, swiftly gulped down watermelons, or tried their spitting kills in the cherry-eating-pit-spitting contest! Hitting the elusive "movable piñata," was the culminating game event. The multi-colored bag showered the delighted onlookers with coins, candies and toys. Before the afternoon was over, we were exhausted but have made new friends, exchanged tidings, ate to our heart's content, and have laughed our heads silly until our sides hurt. And you know what? It felt great!

"It's all about lung capacity." Dr. Lisondra shows a crowd the art of cherry eating-pit spitting.

Time is a commodity that most of us say, we don't have! But if we examine it closely, we have time. The issue is... how we choose to spend it. Taking a summer break from the monotony of a routine, job or housework is not only healthy but is a necessity. Massively tickling your funny bones, once in a while, does not hurt anyone either. You should try it more often!!!

If you missed this picnic, plan to come next year. Don't get left out again. We invite you to face the challenge! Can you defeat the 1997 Summer Annual Picnic champs? Sonia Tumanut- the farthest cherry -pit -spitting queens? Helen Austria- the fastest watermelon eater? or Rod Herrera- the sneaky movable pinata target hitter?. Can your team outdo the mighty strong "tug of war" team champs? Start practicing, for there is only one way to find out!!!

Once again, kudos to the social committee for another invigorating summer picnic. Thanks to Jojie Villarante, Marilyn Moyo, Irma Labre, Arvin Figueroa, Reggie Ancola, and Vicky Herrera.

"My hat's off to you, buddy!" Jared Tiu passes the cap in the modified "Trip to Jerusalem" game as other children of PNAGKC members look on.

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