April’s Fool.

By George Garner

According to Wikipedia, that great America bastion of knowledge, April Fool’s Day began when Europeans observing the Gregorian calendar moved the New Year from the end of March to January 1. Those who resisted the change were taunted and ridiculed by their first of January celebrating brethren.

And this is why I hate April Fool’s Day.

I hate the day because I hate what it stands for – people ridiculing and taunting each other for different ideas, taking something seemingly insignificant and treating it way too seriously. See, I’ve been stuck in the middle of a lot of verbal pushing and shoving lately with people who take things way, way too seriously. And there are days I want to take those pushers and shovers, give them a light smack upside the head and say, “Lighten the h-e-double hockey sticks up!”

Don’t get me wrong – I take the things I do very seriously. Too seriously, in fact, sometimes to a fault, and that’s why I have to remind even myself to lighten the h-e-double hockey sticks up. But that’s when I run head first into a huge brick wall because there are some people that, on some things, just… won’t… quit. And these types of people, if things aren’t done to their liking every single time, well, they just… don’t… quit.

It’s time for détente. Time to take a big breath, exhale, and repeat, “It’s not a big deal.” If we’d all just relax a little bit and realize that the world doesn’t begin and end from eight to five, I think we’d all be a lot happier. I know I’d be a lot happier. So I say, let ‘em celebrate New Year’s in March. No need to make someone feel bad for doing things a little bit different.

Last book read:  The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama.

Favorite movie:  I really enjoy live theater, my favorite is a Steve Martin play called ‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’. 

Favorite weekend activity:  I love to go camping in the wilderness when I get a chance, and leave my cell phone behind.

Why did you join ‘BASS:  I was new to the area and wanted to get more involved in the community.

Recent news:  I got to go to Vegas for the first time in March!

Favorite ‘BASS event:  Happy Hours are always a lot of fun, and a great way to catch up with everyone as well as meet new people.

Hobbies:  Right now it is watching Formula One racing!

Favorite Vacation:  Anywhere with a beach or a lot of history.  One of my favorite places to go in the winter is Key West.

How did you hear about ‘BASS:  In a magazine put out by the Indiana Pharmacy Alliance about management and places in Indiana to relocate.

What do you do for a living:  I’m a pharmacist with Walgreen’s.

How would your friends describe you:  Outgoing, energetic, easy to get along with and for some reason I get called ‘squirrelly’ a lot which goes all the way back to my high school days.

What’s your ‘BASS experience been like so far:  I’ve met so many great people in the area and learned my way around that I finally feel at home in South Bend.  ‘BASS offers so much to get involved with; I always have things to look forward to.

Favorite local restaurant:  Hey, Sushi!

Any advice for new people:  Don’t be afraid to just show up to a meeting or event, even if you don’t think you will know anyone there.  By the next time you will know plenty of friendly faces.   

Thursday, April 17: The Hour of Happy

Join us at 7:00 p.m. on April 17th at the new Main Street Pub for our monthly happy hour. Need to know more? Contact social@bass-club.com. 

Saturday, April 19: Adopt-a-Block

Grab your gloves, rake, and garden tools and meet us at The Near Northwest Neighborhood Office (corner of Portage and California) at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19th for their Adopt-a-Block Program. A light breakfast will be provided so bring your appetite and your desire to help out a great organization. Need to know more? Click here or contact service@bass-club.com.

Who couldn't use a couple of laughs?! It's time for our 4th Annual Funny Bone visit! We're seeing the 7:30 p.m.(be there by 7:00) show and are meeting beforehand at Hacienda at 5:30 p.m. We'll be hitting the Center Street Pub afterwords for music and dancing. Need more info? Click here or contact social@bass-club.com.

Wednesday, April 30: Volleyball

We're kicking off our uber-popular volleyball leagues from 7:00-9:00 p.m. April 30th at Memorial Health and Lifestyles. You don't want to miss out on this super fun time so be sure to sign-up for our May-August leagues. Click here for the full details or contact sports@bass-club.com.

Saturday, June 21: Kickin' It

It's official! The 4th Annual "Kicks for Kids Adult Kickball Tournament" will be held on June 21, 2008. It takes lots of prep to get to this exciting and fun-filled day, so we're looking for helpers who would like to be involved. Contact Corey at main@bass-club.com for opportunity information. You'll not only have loads of fun, you'll also be helping out your community. What could be better?

New Member Benefit

'BASS has teamed with Memorial Health and Lifestyle Center to help you get healthier! Join Memorial for $99 and only $48 a month. That's over $100 off the enrollment and $20 off the monthly fee, so it's a great chance to start that winter workout routine. Visit www.qualityoflife.org/hlc, call 647-2653, or visit their facility downtown to learn more and sign up!