It was a little difficult working last Friday afternoon.

Thanks to Denny Herzog’s farewell party in the newsroom, we stuffed ourselves with pizza, cupcakes and fudge.

Who brought the carrots?

It’s not easy to stay on task when sugar levels are bouncing from wall to wall. When you can’t concentrate, might as well surf the net.

I clicked on The Silverton Standard and the Miner site at www.silvertonstandard.com, and read the good news regarding the school bond issue passing 234-105 on election day.

According to the story, the bond will allow an $11.8 million overhaul of the 98-year-old school and the adjacent gym, which was added in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration project. The funds will go toward a new heating system for both buildings, a new elevator to make the school building handicapped accessible and a general rehabilitation of both buildings.

As a Silvertonian from 1966-72, I was privileged to attend the K-12 school from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school — when I attended — was a mere 55 years old, barely old enough for a midlife crisis, but even then, it was showing its age. Often the boiler was on the blink, and winter coats and mittens were donned as we learning our ABCs and 123s.

It didn’t help that when we’d break for recess or lunch, it was mandatory that you played in the snow. Snow plus kid rolling around in it equals cold, wet clothes most of the day.

It was a great time and a great place to be a kid. Much has changed since the days I wandered the halls of the already aging building. It was a time I remember with fondness, and I bet, if you listen close enough, you can still hear my childhood laughter echoing through the halls.

Or, at least my teeth chattering.

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Jessi Macedo, a sophomore at Montrose High School and a member of the varsity softball team, is organizing a fundraiser that will provide blankets to The Salvation Army and Homeward Bound Shelter in Grand Junction, and raise funds for the softball team to attend the Arizona State Softball camp.

Through Nov. 20, the team will sell blankets that will be given to those who stay in the shelters and more importantly to those who are turned away from full shelters and left out in the cold. A portion of each sale will benefit the softball team.

The Salvation Army will distribute the blankets from Grand Junction to Durango.

Call Jessi or her mom at 596-8029 for more information.

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The Western Colorado Decorative Artists will meet Saturday at the First Congregational Church, 1425 N. Fifth St.

A social gathering will begin at 9 a.m. and the business meeting at 9:30 a.m., followed by a paint session, when Char Stempel will paint a cute Halloween project. Later, the group will have its major fundraiser — an auction of painted lunch pails — with a box lunch.

Call 241-8228 for more information.

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The Christian Motorcycle Association will host a Christmas party Nov. 28 for families in need, featuring a free concert by John Bayley.

Motorcycles riders are invited to gather at Motorcycle Accessories, 2060 E. Main St., at 11 a.m., with a donation of at least one new toy. There will be free coffee and doughnuts for all riders. The riders will travel parade style — lead by Santa Claus — to the party at the Moose Lodge, 573 25 1/2 Road, bringing toys for the kids and their families gathered there. Families in need are welcome to attend the party.

Call Bear at 260-5167 or Bill at 270-4741 for more information.

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Submit your Planner and community news items by e-mail to communitynews@gjsentinel.com, by fax at 244-8578, or by mail to P.O. Box 668, Grand Junction, CO, 81502. Items to be considered for Your Town should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.