Thursday, July 11, 2019

Volunteer to Payment




            This summer Jenna decided she would do some volunteer work at various places so that she could earn job recommendations for whenever the time should come for seeking actual employment.  Last year she had worked on stage at the theatre, but she hadn’t expected she would get paid for it.  The tips that were left were split among the cast members for their first show.  That was an unexpected bonus.  Jenna truly enjoys acting and was happy just to do that.

            On June 24 she had put in her time at the library – taking over my role as story lady.  Last week we went and picked blueberries – though not a lot.  We plan to return next week.

            It is three miles to get downtown from our house.  It is another five miles to the blueberry farm. I remember the farm had opened to the public the year that we moved in.  There had been a request for assistance with blueberry picking.  I thought the amount would perhaps be appealing to the youth as a summer job.  Evelyn said that is hard to find assistance.  As Jenna and I were driving home, inspiration hit me – perhaps she could volunteer to help pick blueberries.

            This morning I drove her out to the patch where she assisted with picking berries for about three hours.  Evelyn fed her and I came and picked her up, but will be returning her tonight after the temperatures have cooled down (the weather is no longer the wonderment I mentioned in my last post).  Evelyn is paying Jenna 50 cents a pound.  An added bonus and possibly even gas money. Evelyn also feeds her - which, in Jenna's case - seems more valuable than money.


            When we lived in West Valley, Jenna’s school was 2 miles away on straight roads.  It usually took us 20 minutes to get from our house to the school in Salt Lake Traffic.  It takes the same amount of time to get to the blueberry patch on windy roads and no to very little traffic.  Jaime is thrilled with her new summer job.

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