West End News Nov. 4, 2009

In days past when we had grandchildren attending Birch Grove, we were in the Birch Grove building every week for one purpose or another; but I realized as I walked into the Center that it had been a long time since I was last there. I was pleased to see that the building is in great condition, obviously well tended.

 

Diane Norman, who is the Sawtooth Clinic nurse who usually is on duty during clinic days, took the board on a tour of the clinic. Diane pointed to a couple of pieces of furniture in one of the exam rooms which were from the era when the clinic was in a house in the community of Taconite Harbor. There was a small desk and a stool. Diane said that she could remember the desk and the stool from the time that she was very young. Diane grew up at Taconite Harbor.

 

When the clinic first moved to Birch Grove it was located right inside of the front door of the school. A couple of years ago the school office was moved to the location by the front door, and the clinic was moved to the rear of the building. This space was remodeled very nicely. It has very convenient access through the back door of the building, as well as immediate access to a handicapped accessible bathroom.

 

The West End should be very proud of the Birch Grove building and the many community programs that the building makes possible.

We really enjoyed the trick or treat crowd on Halloween. Most of the potential tricksters seemed to be 6 or 7 or younger. It is fun to see the little ones in their costumes.

 

There is always one child who manages to stand out from the crowd. As one group of five or six little ones was walking back down the driveway after getting their treats I called "Night, night" to them. One small person turned, walked all the way back to me and said,"I am not going night-night. I am going to more houses.” So there, that set me straight.