The Beaver Dam
Friday, August 20, 2004
This is the quilt that Mary Ann Cassatt Dunn made for the reunion, Betty Taylor was the lucky winner. It has all of the signatures of the class members that were at the 50th reunion plus all of the deceased members on the back. With the old High School in the center. Mary Ann and her sister delivered it to Betty on August 18th.
It is a very unique piece of History.
Many Thanks to Mary Ann
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Congratulations, Joe!
It was nice to see some photos on the blog; I'm sure more will come now.
We haven't heard yet of anyone in our class who was affected by Hurricane Charley. Our place in St. Petersburg was in jeopardy in the beginning, but thankfully nothing happened there. We feel so badly for those who were caught unaware in Punta Gorda and Orlando. My husband has classmates in both places and they had damage, but did not lose their property totally. The season isn't over yet and we, here in North Carolina, are very aware of that.
It was nice to see some photos on the blog; I'm sure more will come now.
We haven't heard yet of anyone in our class who was affected by Hurricane Charley. Our place in St. Petersburg was in jeopardy in the beginning, but thankfully nothing happened there. We feel so badly for those who were caught unaware in Punta Gorda and Orlando. My husband has classmates in both places and they had damage, but did not lose their property totally. The season isn't over yet and we, here in North Carolina, are very aware of that.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Mary Ann Cassatt says after Lincoln Nebraska, Corry looks like New York City. Photo courtesy of Betty Taylor
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Looks like Sylvia Cassett is having some difficulty connecting to the blog. Anybody nearby who can assist her?
Anyhow the following was relayed thru Beverly Little:
I am still here. I will send Joe info from calendar this week. Still waiting for daughter in law to connect me to blog. I have saved my new invitations. Should have new computer by the time she gets round to it. HA!
Went to Ginny Crowells 50th wedding anniversary party a couple ofweeks ago. I was her maid of honor. I took some pictures if you are going to do a Beaver Tale it would be nice to put in. Talk to you later.
From Joe
We are still having difficulty attaching photos to the blog. The chat groups are all almost as frustrated and anxious as we are. I will stay on top of things and if having pictures is not possible with this program, we'll just change!
Anyhow the following was relayed thru Beverly Little:
I am still here. I will send Joe info from calendar this week. Still waiting for daughter in law to connect me to blog. I have saved my new invitations. Should have new computer by the time she gets round to it. HA!
Went to Ginny Crowells 50th wedding anniversary party a couple ofweeks ago. I was her maid of honor. I took some pictures if you are going to do a Beaver Tale it would be nice to put in. Talk to you later.
From Joe
We are still having difficulty attaching photos to the blog. The chat groups are all almost as frustrated and anxious as we are. I will stay on top of things and if having pictures is not possible with this program, we'll just change!
Monday, August 09, 2004
Could anyone please help? I believe our blog could use a monthly posting of classmates having birthdays during that month. What do you think? I am not suggesting day and year of birth, just the month. Please RSVP with any birth months you feel pretty certain about.
Many Thanks
Many Thanks
Sunday, August 08, 2004
I got a laugh when I read what Betty had to say about her father's philosophy on politics. You can't imagine how interesting things get around here with one of us a Republican and the other a Democrat. Although, I must admit, we seldom vote a straight ticket. We had a very good and informative conversation with Helen (S) and Gordie Rater, and plan on seeing them again before September rolls around, but was wondering if any of my classmates, other than the Rater's, have spent any time in the Middle East recently? Neil and I are planning a guided trip next month to Jordan, and I am busy getting things in order and even intertaining doing some early packing for this trip. If you have any suggestions as to what is really necessary and what is not to take along I'd really appreciate your input. Except the suggestion that we don't go at all! When I get a little nervous about it, he just rolls his eyes at me and says "What's to worry?" I'm not worried, I am just getting everything in the house in order (that includes cleaning and straightening all drawers, etc) just in the event that something does happen to us, and the kids have to come in and do damage control. Actually, it's a good thing having a deadline to get some things done that seems to be normally easy to put off doing. I will watch the Blog for any suggestions, or email me directly at ssief@kinzua.net Thanks! Sally Dickinson Siefert
Monday, August 02, 2004
It's great to see more and more classmates getting on the Blog. If you are still having trouble e-mail Joe at schnauzer_99@yahoo.com He can issue you an invitation, another invitation in case you deleted yours, or explicit instructions in case you signed up while he was working out the bugs , and have not been able to get on since. Joe has been doing kind things for our classmates. He recently made copies of the class booklet for Barb Huntley, who had lost hers, and for Loretta Nichols, one of our lost sheep. He has offered to do the same for anyone else who would like one.
It's great to hear from Lea Johnston. Many people have asked about you, Lea. Joe -have you thought about where "W" might retire to if he loses the upcoming election?!?!?? As for me, I'm one of the polarized majority. If you want feedback, Jacki Lanphere is your girl. She can match you point for point.
It's great to hear from Lea Johnston. Many people have asked about you, Lea. Joe -have you thought about where "W" might retire to if he loses the upcoming election?!?!?? As for me, I'm one of the polarized majority. If you want feedback, Jacki Lanphere is your girl. She can match you point for point.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
To all the classmates who have joined the Beaver Dam blog, and to those who have not yet accepted the invitation, or may not know that they have been invited to participate, I am sure our poet Lea Johnston, would acknowledge the following with a solemn "Amen"
The Shoes
My alarm went off...
It was Sunday again.
I was sleepy and tired,
My one day to sleep in.
But the guilt I would feel
So I'd go and I'd pray.
I got there and sat
In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer
As I closed my eyes,
I saw the shoe of the man next to me
Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side,
I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine,
But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father" I thought,
"This man with the shoes has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched
Even worse, there are holes on the side!"
Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer,
But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best
When walking through that door?
Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought,
Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended
And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud,
Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters,
His hands were raised high,
The Lord could surely hear
The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering
And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached
Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out,
What the shoe man put in,
Then I heard a soft "clink"
As when silver hits tin...
The sermon really bored me
To tears, and that's no lie
It was the same for the shoe man,
For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service,
As is the custom here,
We must greet new visitors
And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow
And wanted to meet shoe man
So after the closing prayer,
I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark,
And his hair was truly a mess
But I thanked him for coming,
For being our guest.
He said, "My names' Charlie,
I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes
But he had a large, wide grin
Let me explain," he said
Wiping tears from his eyes.
I've been coming here for months,
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"
I know that my appearance
Is not like all the rest,
But I really do try To always look my best."
I always clean and polish my shoes
Before my very long walk
But by the time I get here,
They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."
My heart filled with pain and
I swallowed to hide my tears
As he continued to apologize
For daring to sit so near. He said,
"When I get here, I know I must look a sight.
But I thought if I could touch you,
Then maybe our souls might unite."
I was silent for a moment
Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison.
I spoke from my heart, not my head
Oh, you've touched me," I said,
And taught me, in part,
That the best of any man
Is what is found in his heart."
The rest, I thought,
This shoe man will never know. . .
Like just how thankful I really am
That his dirty old shoe touched my soul...
You might be best friends one year,
pretty good friends the next year,
don't talk that often the next year,
don't want to talk at all the year after that.
So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life,
you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.
No matter how often you talk, or how close you are,
Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them,
and tell new friends you never will.
Remember, everyone needs a friend,
someday you might feel like you have no friends at all.
Just remember this post and take comfort in knowing
somebody out there cares about you and always will.
May you always have LOVE to share,
HEALTH to spare
and FRIENDS that care.
The Shoes
My alarm went off...
It was Sunday again.
I was sleepy and tired,
My one day to sleep in.
But the guilt I would feel
So I'd go and I'd pray.
I got there and sat
In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer
As I closed my eyes,
I saw the shoe of the man next to me
Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side,
I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine,
But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father" I thought,
"This man with the shoes has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched
Even worse, there are holes on the side!"
Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer,
But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best
When walking through that door?
Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought,
Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended
And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud,
Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters,
His hands were raised high,
The Lord could surely hear
The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering
And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached
Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out,
What the shoe man put in,
Then I heard a soft "clink"
As when silver hits tin...
The sermon really bored me
To tears, and that's no lie
It was the same for the shoe man,
For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service,
As is the custom here,
We must greet new visitors
And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow
And wanted to meet shoe man
So after the closing prayer,
I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark,
And his hair was truly a mess
But I thanked him for coming,
For being our guest.
He said, "My names' Charlie,
I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes
But he had a large, wide grin
Let me explain," he said
Wiping tears from his eyes.
I've been coming here for months,
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"
I know that my appearance
Is not like all the rest,
But I really do try To always look my best."
I always clean and polish my shoes
Before my very long walk
But by the time I get here,
They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."
My heart filled with pain and
I swallowed to hide my tears
As he continued to apologize
For daring to sit so near. He said,
"When I get here, I know I must look a sight.
But I thought if I could touch you,
Then maybe our souls might unite."
I was silent for a moment
Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison.
I spoke from my heart, not my head
Oh, you've touched me," I said,
And taught me, in part,
That the best of any man
Is what is found in his heart."
The rest, I thought,
This shoe man will never know. . .
Like just how thankful I really am
That his dirty old shoe touched my soul...
You might be best friends one year,
pretty good friends the next year,
don't talk that often the next year,
don't want to talk at all the year after that.
So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life,
you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.
No matter how often you talk, or how close you are,
Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them,
and tell new friends you never will.
Remember, everyone needs a friend,
someday you might feel like you have no friends at all.
Just remember this post and take comfort in knowing
somebody out there cares about you and always will.
May you always have LOVE to share,
HEALTH to spare
and FRIENDS that care.
