By Marie Benes

C.A.R.E. TimeBank members worked with friends painting and numbering rocks in June, to hide around the city of Antigo during the months of July and August, for a fun summer outdoors. We could not have accomplished this without the help of staff and members at The Boys and Girls Club, and the staff and residents at The Bay at Eastview, along with the generosity of some local businesses. TimeBanks basic thought is that people are of more value than money. People, not money, invent things, discover things and return love and make life happier.

Studies prove kids who spend time outdoors are happier, healthier and smarter. More of the senses are stimulated outdoors, than with video games. Nature reduces stress and fatigue for all ages. With that thought in mind, C.A.R.E. TimeBank members decided to expand the popular Antigo Rocks to demonstrate that when we share and care, we all benefit! During the months of July and August there will be special painted and numbered rocks hidden around Antigo. These numbered rocks will have value to them. For the eight weeks of July and August, there will be some $25 rocks, $10 rocks and $5 rocks, in addition to prizes. Anyone finding one of these rocks can take it to the Antigo Resale Frontier Shop at 815 5th Ave. and get their prize. They will be on the walking trail, in city parks, outside businesses, by the museum, etc… We hope to encourage families, and children of all ages to spend time outdoors looking up, down and around. Our mission and vision is to let people know they are not alone. There are good people willing to extend a helping hand, building a happier, healthier community. People need people!

Local businesses donating cash or certificates are: CoVantage –  2/$25 rocks; Aspirus – 2/$25 rocks; Walmart – 2/$25 Walmart gift certificates; C.A.R.E. Timebank – 2/$10 and 6/$5 rocks; Antigo Resale Frontier Shop –  2/$10 rocks; El Tequila – $10 gift certificate; Parsons – free oil changes; Dixie – $10 gift certificate; The Bay at Eastview – 2/$10 Walmart gift certificates; Lil’ Caesar’s –  2 large, 1 topping pizzas; Palace Theatre – 2 movie passes; Subway – 4, 6-inch sandwiches; Culvers – 2 dinners with dessert; Lakeside – 10/$2 certificates; Two Angels – 6/$5 gift certificates; Pizza Hut – $5 gift certificate; Chase Bank – 2 piggy banks and 3 tall traveling cups; Burger King – 1 Kkds’ meal and 12 ice cream cones; McDonald’s – 10 desserts; Taco John’s – 6 certificates for one (1) free potato for a month for 12 months; Dairy Queen – 71 Starkiss Treats (popsicles).

C.A.R.E. Timebank has their own website http://.care.timebanks.org. We now have 44 members. The more members the greater potential of who knows? Anyone wanting more info can also search Timebanks U.S.A. online.

Background checks are done on all applying members to ensure security for those that may need someone coming to the home to replace/fix a screen or clean, or whatever. This community is so full of so many good talented people. We all can live in abundance if we share and use all we have in ourselves and each other. The Timebank is similar to a pay it forward network of people. The potential is amazing and fun!

Have fun this summer in the outdoors looking for those special rocks. Also, enjoy all the beautiful rocks that more talented painters have painted.