Bev's Blog

Very soon Valentines day will be here. Is that a candy/card holiday for you? I think when your a newlywed and those early married years, those important dates really counted, but as we age, for me it doesn't have the sparkle and glamor it once had. Most items you need or want you purchase yourself. (Now B/4 you get rattled wtih that comment, this is my opinion.) I know, I'll hear from those who remember your special gal/guy with candy, diamonds and maybe even a car. Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with that.

I've been thinking about a couple projects I'd like to implement for 2010. Both of these will involve your participation. They are:

Ken has always said that when I'm thinking out loud, he's afraid to ask me how much it's going to cost. Whats nice about this, it isn't going to cost a dime. I know each one submitted will be different and meaningful and will have "No explanation needed.' After reading further into this newsletter, you'll read mine and then I hope you will tell me about yours.

What a tragic ending to a Grand Haven landmark,

This photo certainly tells the story on that fateful day in 1963 when the community lost Central School. I remember it well and know numerous others do too. I went there from early education right through to junior high on the top floor! Also that fire escape and the many fire drills we had to do! Walking down those steps was a terrible experience as it was so scary! Can't help thinking of the wonderful time spent on that third floor and our teacher Mr. Frank Meyers. What an impression he made on every student and he left GH, moving to Washington DC and worked wih President Ford. A gentleman through and through.

Answers to Trivia: Lake Michigan Auto Parts located next to present building. Torn down to provide parking. Hostetters was the Bus location. Jeans hat shop next to the Big Store and next to VerDuins Sport center. Judge Fred Miles was the Probate Judge. Krogers next to the Big Store.

Here's one of my ideas I'd like to implement. I'll start and as you remember, I'd like you to submit yours.The fun will be 'how' long can the list get? Here goes.

1. I remember when: milk came in only glass bottles. 2. I remember when: S & H stamps were given when items were purchased. 3. I remember when: my dad and my Grandpa owned Studebakers. 4. I remember when: Fire drills at Central school and descending those steps. 5. I remember when: Gene and Judy were crowned King & Queen. 6. I remember when: the Robinhood theater was 12 cents for a Saturday matinee. 7. I remember when: we had to wear those ugly gym suits for GAA. 8. I remember when: the GHHS was directly behind Central School 9. I remember: several guys in HS typing on toilet paper in Mr Tuttles typing class. 10. I remember: the Bridges between GH/SL, one went up, the other swung sideways!

If you can't do ten, do as many as you can. I know it will get to be a challenge as time goes on. Whose going to be the first one to submit theirs?

Trivia: What business in Spring Lake was operated by the Ver Plank Family in the 50's to the 70's?

When the ecomony began to sag, the large Muskegon Correctional facility was given notice to close as the state combined prisons, thus housing prisoners elsewhere. The Muskegon prisoners were placed in prisons throught the state. Numerous correctional officers lost their jobs with many of them from the Tri-Cities. Recently the state of PA. gave permission to ship 1,000 prisoners to Muskegon which now will keep many of those officers employed. The state of PA. will pay MI. $62.00 a day per person and what a gift to our state and to the employees as it saved 175 jobs!

After the city council gave it's final blessing for the new World War ll memorial placed in Central Park, a local resident would now like the city council to research and concentrate on scanning the grounds for burial plots. Two gravesites were located and moved back in 1940 when underground work was done. His desire is to make sure that no plots are in the sacred ground below. Remember, Central park was the 1st cemetery prior to Lake Forest.

Trivia : Can you name the family who owned the GH Tribune during our school years ?

Error is a hardy plant: It flourisheth in every soil.

The city opened the Ski Bowl in December 1963, but it closed in the late 70s because the city didn't want to fix the aging ski hill equipment. Several residents and supporters stepped in and raised money to reopen the Ski Bowl in 1981. The YMCA took over the operation in the early 1990s, which may have kept it from being closed again. The YMCA ran it until 2005 when its own budget constraints became an issue and the city took it over again. A local group stepped up and asked to take over the operations. They were instrumental in building a new lodge in 2007. The Ski Bowl's operational budget is about $150,000 a year; and they raise between $25,000 and $35,000 a year in donations that go into a local endowment and emergency needs funds. A recent Saturday 'Burgers on the Bowl' was an all day event that brought in $10,000. The present lodge was built in 2007.

While writing the paragraph about the prison, reminded me of a person Ken and I know who is a prisoner at the Muskegon Correctional Prison. The system never makes it easy on the family as he started out there but has been placed in many prisons for no reason other than it was time for a 'change.' Hundreds of miles away from his family and so difficult for them to visit. Six and a half years ago he was found guilty of drunk driving, third offense. He was given 7 to 35 years minimum sentence. Leaving Hooters late one afternoon, he never stopped at the traffic light and struck 3 cars. There were no serious injuries but two were taken to the hospital for observation. What a hardship he's placed on his family, his four children probably have forgotten what he looked like. Since 2008 he hasn't been allowed to see his family because of a discipline problem. I've wished I had the chance to speak to him face to face. He no doubt would not like what I'd have to say but one question I'd ask: if that day at Hooters was worth the shame and heartache his family has endured since his confinement?

We've never thought the confinement fit the crime as we know some who never had to spend time incarcerated. (All you have to do is read the paper or watch TV and see that many who have been convicted have only gotten a slap on the wrist or their license revoked for a time period.) We are not saying that he shouldn't be punished but wearing a tether after a 5 year confinement and being able to earn a living with no driving priveledges would make more sense we think. We, you and I, are feeding and housing him for his entire sentence.The other night, GR told about a man sent to prison for 5 years for killing another while drunk driving, he had numerous alcohol charges over the years, with a chance he would be paroled in 24 months. The others who can afford good representation will not spend time in prison because of their financial situation. Thinking of OJ and how his team of expensive lawyers were able to get him off murder charges, whether he was guilty or not isn't the question, how much can you afford to pay to have charges against you dismissed?

This mans family has suffered immensely with the bread winner away. Has he suffered? I sometimes ask myself that question. Her parents have been saviors as well as her church to do what they can to ease the problem, but he being a recovering alcoholic, that first drink he took was the end of his sober days! As another year comes and goes, April will mark his 7th year behind bars. Because this happened in Muskegon County rather than Ottawa, our county is very lenient on addiction behavior. It should be one type of charge that fits every single person. (Please know this is strictly my opinion. If he would have killed or injured a person my opinion would be much different.)

Trivia: What was the name of the motel in downtown SL? ( It certainly was in the news at one time for all the wrong reasons!)

February Birthdays

Trivia: Can you name the 3 brothers who operated the Texaco station on Water St?

With one full year under their belt, the SL aquatic and fitness center has exceeded all expectations! The 14 million dollar project has been overwhelmingly accepted with over 1,100 memberships. Opening it in the down economy and yet still thriving, has made closing the books for 2009 a success story. It's doing extremely well which has pleased the SL public school officials. We know many who use it regularly.

An American teenager in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit! OR It seems an Arkansas fellow wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape.
'Remember, they walk among us.'

The first block of downtown has been transferred into an ice skating rink. What a great idea to put that road project to good use. I hope it gets used because we think it's a winning idea. I had lunch downtown the first week of January and you could have shot a cannon off without interrupting a soul. No wonder the stores are crying for the inconvenience of the road. We hope they can make it through until summer.

Trivia: In GH on Third street was a large moving-van company. Can you name it?

A REMINDER THAT THE TRI CITIES REUNION IN ENGLEWOOD WED. MARCH 3RD. I HAVE INVITATIONS FOR RESERVATIONS.

Caring Concerns Corner:
Please drop a line to those not feeling well. A card or short note does wonders to lift ones spirits.

Julie Fischer 112 Wiliams St. Spring Lake, MI. 49456
Mary Vivian 506 Clinton St. Grand Haven, MI. 49417
Diane Gignac 15235 Millhouse Ct. Grand Haven, MI. 49417
Gord Knoll Seville 16331 Robbins Rd. Grand Haven, MI. 49417
Bev Crandle 3446 St. Paul Blvd. Rochester, NY. 14617
Barb Wolf 755 E.16th St. Waverly Meadows #118 Holland, MI.49423

Trivia: At the east end of Pennoyer was a Marina/Marine construction company. Can you name it?

Trivia answers: Car Dealership-Botbyls, Dealership on Washington: Carl Bergs/later Rosso, Waffle Shop on Wash./next to railroad tracks small unique place, Chamber was located corner of Washington/Water St. Rays is celebrating 50 years!

Almost anything is easier to get into than to get out of!

It’s been quite awhile since I asked for your input in my newsletter. (the last being the magnificent profiles 2006-2007.) I think 2010 would be a good year to start an ongoing project. I know each of us in some way or another has had a life altering experience, one that you know God certainly had His hand in the outcome.

Ken and I have had a few and I’ll tell you one of mine and then hope you’ll keep it going by relaying yours. If you do not want your name used, please let me know. It will be one that makes you shake your head in wonderment knowing, that yes there truly is a higher power.

Several years ago, Ken and were driving home heading south on U.S. 31. We had just passed Pontaluna Road and approaching where International Aid is on Hickory. On the side of the road stood a young girl, her car evidently broken down. Two older gentleman were standing very close to her, talking we assumed. They were in a van with Indiana plates and we thought they looked supicious and if they took her, they’d never find her. Each of us as we passed said, we should have stopped, it just did not look right to us. (this was about the time that many kidnappings had happened throughout several states, and always with men in vans.)

As we went a little further, Ken said I’m going back I don’t like what I saw. So we exited off Van Wagoner, west to Old GH Rd., North to Pontaluna, then back down the X-way to where the girl was. This was at least 5 miles back and very much out of our way. We hoped and prayed she was still there and as we approached Ken pulled right near where the men/girl were standing. Instantly those two men jumped in their van and exited. She came by our car, very upset and asking if we could help and ’can you take me home? She said: "I was so afraid because they wanted me to get in the van and I didn’t want to!’

She told us she lived right up the road in an apartment compex. We assured her she was safe and got in and we drove to her apartment and dropped her at the door. This was about 9:30 p.m. She thanked us over and over, we exchanged names and we were so tickled we had turned around.

The following days Tribune told about a fire in this complex and how a young woman was instrumental in waking residents by banging on their doors. That woman was the same young gal we had brought safely home the night before. We certainly know God’s hands were in this entire encounter. Have you had something like that? A head shaking type of incident that you can’t explain? If so, lets share and I’ll insert them in the newsletters. It just seems with all the economy crunch stories, the doom and gloom about Haiti, it warms hearts to relay stories that have food for thought. This was mine, I’ll await yours.

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point When you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Over the Christmas holiday, an accident in Duncan Woods claimed the life of an 11 year old Nunica boy. He was sledding with his family when he went down a hill away from his fathers view. He hit a log under the snow which wasn't visible. Only blocks from the hospital, the family took him there and he was then transferred to GR where he died later that night of internal injuries. The teachers at SL school were called in and met with numerous students who have a hard time grasping such a tragic accident. A fun day of sledding with family members turned into a tragedy. The problem being with the natural beauty of the woods.......with stipulations when presented as a gift, it MUST be left in it's natural setting. Fallen trees can only be removed if they are on the roadway.

Do you remember this Home Ec project? Miss Shell, Miss Towers Miss Oatley's classes?

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing

It was wonderful for drying children's tears and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold grandma wrapped it around her arms.Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.Send this to those who would know (and love) the story about Grandma's aprons.

REMEMBER: Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron. Funny thing I never caught anything from an apron.

Spending many years in this building brings back great thoughts. It certainly was a stately structure wasn't it? I can remember those black pipe handrails around the outside walkway! Girls and Boys sitting and swinging on them.

With the ability to insert all the pictures I want, I'm having a great time choosing what to insert in each letter! I should be so lucky.....

Trivia: Two brothers owned jewelry stores. One in SL, another in GH. Can you name the brothers?

After a tough year and decade that seemed to bring more job loss than gain, the area in Muskegon could be in the beginning of a turnaround for this entire region. The prediction of 4,300 plus new jobs could be gained from a new lithium battery manufaturing plant in Muskegon, that would have a rippling effect in towns up and down the coast of Western Michigan. They are saying: for future employment if you are not prepared for a lifetime of learning, you are not prepared to be a lifetime wage earner. As this plant maybe becomes a reality in the area, I will report more. Once in operation, it would employ 745 jobs. Since writing that paragraph, it's a go for it to be built!

Recognize anyone?

Front: Pete Sherwood, Dennis Shermeta,Frank Weiler, Jack Sinke, Jim Wayne, Bob Arbogast, George Swiftney, Phil Scheltema, 2nd Row: Barb Yemc, Joan Voss, Mary Lou Witherell, Marian Witkowski, Bev Sovis, Judy VerDuin, Sharon Schroeder, Marilyn Williams, Mary VanHorssen, Shanna Vanooy, Mary Ann Sherwood, 3rd Row: Bill Scott, Bob VerDuin, Nancy VanSchelven, Barb VanEsselt, Barb Teasley, Nancy VanderMeiden Bev Stillson, Carrie Vanderfifer, Pearl White, Larry Tindall, Jeff Wilson, Miss Yurick

(Left:) Dick and Velma Stafford (Middle:) Paul and Harriet Helmer (Bottom): Pete and Bev Woods

I hope all of you enjoy the new format and the chance to catch up on any in the archives that you might have missed - - Today I'll leave you with this thought: Greatness is not standing above our fellows and ordering them around -- it is standing with them and helping them to be all that they can be!


bev@macleod.com	Welcome to Bev's Blog Created out of the love and passion of Bev MacLeod Bev got her start in 2002 (her 45th class reunion.) She wanted to create a means by which classmates, friends, and family could stay connected. With the support of many, she strives to maintain that sense of community.
>>Back<<	Febuary 2010 Happy Valentines Day Very soon Valentines day will be here. Is that a candy/card holiday for you? I think when your a newlywed and those early married years, those important dates really counted, but as we age, for me it doesn't have the sparkle and glamor it once had. Most items you need or want you purchase yourself. (Now B/4 you get rattled wtih that comment, this is my opinion.) I know, I'll hear from those who remember your special gal/guy with candy, diamonds and maybe even a car. Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with that. I've been thinking about a couple projects I'd like to implement for 2010. Both of these will involve your participation. They are: 1. 'I remember when' 2. 'No explantion needed' Ken has always said that when I'm thinking out loud, he's afraid to ask me how much it's going to cost. Whats nice about this, it isn't going to cost a dime. I know each one submitted will be different and meaningful and will have "No explanation needed.' After reading further into this newsletter, you'll read mine and then I hope you will tell me about yours. What a tragic ending to a Grand Haven landmark, This photo certainly tells the story on that fateful day in 1963 when the community lost Central School. I remember it well and know numerous others do too. I went there from early education right through to junior high on the top floor! Also that fire escape and the many fire drills we had to do! Walking down those steps was a terrible experience as it was so scary! Can't help thinking of the wonderful time spent on that third floor and our teacher Mr. Frank Meyers. What an impression he made on every student and he left GH, moving to Washington DC and worked wih President Ford. A gentleman through and through. Answers to Trivia: Lake Michigan Auto Parts located next to present building. Torn down to provide parking. Hostetters was the Bus location. Jeans hat shop next to the Big Store and next to VerDuins Sport center. Judge Fred Miles was the Probate Judge. Krogers next to the Big Store. Here's one of my ideas I'd like to implement. I'll start and as you remember, I'd like you to submit yours.The fun will be 'how' long can the list get? Here goes. 1. I remember when: milk came in only glass bottles. 2. I remember when: S & H stamps were given when items were purchased. 3. I remember when: my dad and my Grandpa owned Studebakers. 4. I remember when: Fire drills at Central school and descending those steps. 5. I remember when: Gene and Judy were crowned King & Queen. 6. I remember when: the Robinhood theater was 12 cents for a Saturday matinee. 7. I remember when: we had to wear those ugly gym suits for GAA. 8. I remember when: the GHHS was directly behind Central School 9. I remember: several guys in HS typing on toilet paper in Mr Tuttles typing class. 10. I remember: the Bridges between GH/SL, one went up, the other swung sideways! If you can't do ten, do as many as you can. I know it will get to be a challenge as time goes on. Whose going to be the first one to submit theirs? Trivia: What business in Spring Lake was operated by the Ver Plank Family in the 50's to the 70's? When the ecomony began to sag, the large Muskegon Correctional facility was given notice to close as the state combined prisons, thus housing prisoners elsewhere. The Muskegon prisoners were placed in prisons throught the state. Numerous correctional officers lost their jobs with many of them from the Tri-Cities. Recently the state of PA. gave permission to ship 1,000 prisoners to Muskegon which now will keep many of those officers employed. The state of PA. will pay MI. $62.00 a day per person and what a gift to our state and to the employees as it saved 175 jobs! After the city council gave it's final blessing for the new World War ll memorial placed in Central Park, a local resident would now like the city council to research and concentrate on scanning the grounds for burial plots. Two gravesites were located and moved back in 1940 when underground work was done. His desire is to make sure that no plots are in the sacred ground below. Remember, Central park was the 1st cemetery prior to Lake Forest. Does your American Flag fly each day? What an honor to do so. Trivia : Can you name the family who owned the GH Tribune during our school years ? Error is a hardy plant: It flourisheth in every soil. Fun on the slopes at Grand Haven Ski Bowl The city opened the Ski Bowl in December 1963, but it closed in the late 70s because the city didn't want to fix the aging ski hill equipment. Several residents and supporters stepped in and raised money to reopen the Ski Bowl in 1981. The YMCA took over the operation in the early 1990s, which may have kept it from being closed again. The YMCA ran it until 2005 when its own budget constraints became an issue and the city took it over again. A local group stepped up and asked to take over the operations. They were instrumental in building a new lodge in 2007. The Ski Bowl's operational budget is about $150,000 a year; and they raise between $25,000 and $35,000 a year in donations that go into a local endowment and emergency needs funds. A recent Saturday 'Burgers on the Bowl' was an all day event that brought in $10,000. The present lodge was built in 2007. OUR CLASS PICNIC IS SATURDAY JULY 31st. Details later. New Smoking Ban: GH area restaurant managers see the downside as well as upside to their businesses. The new law bans smoking from all public work places except three casinos in Detroit, tobacco shops and cigar bars, home offices and inside commercial vehicles. As a former smoker, I think it's a good law for everyone. When dining out, Ken and I have a hard time supporting restaurants where smokers have the tables by the entrance and non smokers must walk through that section on the way to the NS area. Ever eat at the SL Holiday Inn and walk past the bar to get to the dining area? There is nothing that smells worse than the stale stench of smoke and I'm the biggest complainer. No one enjoyed smoking more than Bev MacLeod...but quitting was the right thing to do. Bev's opinion While writing the paragraph about the prison, reminded me of a person Ken and I know who is a prisoner at the Muskegon Correctional Prison. The system never makes it easy on the family as he started out there but has been placed in many prisons for no reason other than it was time for a 'change.' Hundreds of miles away from his family and so difficult for them to visit. Six and a half years ago he was found guilty of drunk driving, third offense. He was given 7 to 35 years minimum sentence. Leaving Hooters late one afternoon, he never stopped at the traffic light and struck 3 cars. There were no serious injuries but two were taken to the hospital for observation. What a hardship he's placed on his family, his four children probably have forgotten what he looked like. Since 2008 he hasn't been allowed to see his family because of a discipline problem. I've wished I had the chance to speak to him face to face. He no doubt would not like what I'd have to say but one question I'd ask: if that day at Hooters was worth the shame and heartache his family has endured since his confinement? We've never thought the confinement fit the crime as we know some who never had to spend time incarcerated. (All you have to do is read the paper or watch TV and see that many who have been convicted have only gotten a slap on the wrist or their license revoked for a time period.) We are not saying that he shouldn't be punished but wearing a tether after a 5 year confinement and being able to earn a living with no driving priveledges would make more sense we think. We, you and I, are feeding and housing him for his entire sentence.The other night, GR told about a man sent to prison for 5 years for killing another while drunk driving, he had numerous alcohol charges over the years, with a chance he would be paroled in 24 months. The others who can afford good representation will not spend time in prison because of their financial situation. Thinking of OJ and how his team of expensive lawyers were able to get him off murder charges, whether he was guilty or not isn't the question, how much can you afford to pay to have charges against you dismissed? This mans family has suffered immensely with the bread winner away. Has he suffered? I sometimes ask myself that question. Her parents have been saviors as well as her church to do what they can to ease the problem, but he being a recovering alcoholic, that first drink he took was the end of his sober days! As another year comes and goes, April will mark his 7th year behind bars. Because this happened in Muskegon County rather than Ottawa, our county is very lenient on addiction behavior. It should be one type of charge that fits every single person. (Please know this is strictly my opinion. If he would have killed or injured a person my opinion would be much different.) Trivia: What was the name of the motel in downtown SL? ( It certainly was in the news at one time for all the wrong reasons!) February Birthdays 02/04 - Bill Bucy 02/06 - JoAnn Marcinak Davis 02/12 - Barbara Brazda VanDongen 02/14 - Ruth Kinkema Brown 02/20 - Deanna Gleason Godfrey 02/27 - Bob Borgman 02/29 - Jean Engle Bolthouse 02/29 - Paul Kosch Trivia: Can you name the 3 brothers who operated the Texaco station on Water St? With one full year under their belt, the SL aquatic and fitness center has exceeded all expectations! The 14 million dollar project has been overwhelmingly accepted with over 1,100 memberships. Opening it in the down economy and yet still thriving, has made closing the books for 2009 a success story. It's doing extremely well which has pleased the SL public school officials. We know many who use it regularly. An American teenager in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit! OR It seems an Arkansas fellow wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape. 'Remember, they walk among us.' The first block of downtown has been transferred into an ice skating rink. What a great idea to put that road project to good use. I hope it gets used because we think it's a winning idea. I had lunch downtown the first week of January and you could have shot a cannon off without interrupting a soul. No wonder the stores are crying for the inconvenience of the road. We hope they can make it through until summer. Trivia: In GH on Third street was a large moving-van company. Can you name it? A REMINDER THAT THE TRI CITIES REUNION IN ENGLEWOOD WED. MARCH 3RD. I HAVE INVITATIONS FOR RESERVATIONS. Caring Concerns Corner: Please drop a line to those not feeling well. A card or short note does wonders to lift ones spirits. Julie Fischer 112 Wiliams St. Spring Lake, MI. 49456 Mary Vivian 506 Clinton St. Grand Haven, MI. 49417 Diane Gignac 15235 Millhouse Ct. Grand Haven, MI. 49417 Gord Knoll Seville 16331 Robbins Rd. Grand Haven, MI. 49417 Bev Crandle 3446 St. Paul Blvd. Rochester, NY. 14617 Barb Wolf 755 E.16th St. Waverly Meadows #118 Holland, MI.49423 Trivia: At the east end of Pennoyer was a Marina/Marine construction company. Can you name it? Trivia answers: Car Dealership-Botbyls, Dealership on Washington: Carl Bergs/later Rosso, Waffle Shop on Wash./next to railroad tracks small unique place, Chamber was located corner of Washington/Water St. Rays is celebrating 50 years! Almost anything is easier to get into than to get out of! It’s been quite awhile since I asked for your input in my newsletter. (the last being the magnificent profiles 2006-2007.) I think 2010 would be a good year to start an ongoing project. I know each of us in some way or another has had a life altering experience, one that you know God certainly had His hand in the outcome. Ken and I have had a few and I’ll tell you one of mine and then hope you’ll keep it going by relaying yours. If you do not want your name used, please let me know. It will be one that makes you shake your head in wonderment knowing, that yes there truly is a higher power. Here’s mine: Several years ago, Ken and were driving home heading south on U.S. 31. We had just passed Pontaluna Road and approaching where International Aid is on Hickory. On the side of the road stood a young girl, her car evidently broken down. Two older gentleman were standing very close to her, talking we assumed. They were in a van with Indiana plates and we thought they looked supicious and if they took her, they’d never find her. Each of us as we passed said, we should have stopped, it just did not look right to us. (this was about the time that many kidnappings had happened throughout several states, and always with men in vans.) As we went a little further, Ken said I’m going back I don’t like what I saw. So we exited off Van Wagoner, west to Old GH Rd., North to Pontaluna, then back down the X-way to where the girl was. This was at least 5 miles back and very much out of our way. We hoped and prayed she was still there and as we approached Ken pulled right near where the men/girl were standing. Instantly those two men jumped in their van and exited. She came by our car, very upset and asking if we could help and ’can you take me home? She said: "I was so afraid because they wanted me to get in the van and I didn’t want to!’ She told us she lived right up the road in an apartment compex. We assured her she was safe and got in and we drove to her apartment and dropped her at the door. This was about 9:30 p.m. She thanked us over and over, we exchanged names and we were so tickled we had turned around. The following days Tribune told about a fire in this complex and how a young woman was instrumental in waking residents by banging on their doors. That woman was the same young gal we had brought safely home the night before. We certainly know God’s hands were in this entire encounter. Have you had something like that? A head shaking type of incident that you can’t explain? If so, lets share and I’ll insert them in the newsletters. It just seems with all the economy crunch stories, the doom and gloom about Haiti, it warms hearts to relay stories that have food for thought. This was mine, I’ll await yours. Aging: Eventually you will reach a point When you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. Trivia: The U.S. Government has departments in GH. Can you name two? Over the Christmas holiday, an accident in Duncan Woods claimed the life of an 11 year old Nunica boy. He was sledding with his family when he went down a hill away from his fathers view. He hit a log under the snow which wasn't visible. Only blocks from the hospital, the family took him there and he was then transferred to GR where he died later that night of internal injuries. The teachers at SL school were called in and met with numerous students who have a hard time grasping such a tragic accident. A fun day of sledding with family members turned into a tragedy. The problem being with the natural beauty of the woods.......with stipulations when presented as a gift, it MUST be left in it's natural setting. Fallen trees can only be removed if they are on the roadway. Do you remember this Home Ec project? Miss Shell, Miss Towers Miss Oatley's classes? The History of 'APRONS' I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children's tears and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold grandma wrapped it around her arms.Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the menfolks knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.Send this to those who would know (and love) the story about Grandma's aprons. REMEMBER: Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron. Funny thing I never caught anything from an apron. Spending many years in this building brings back great thoughts. It certainly was a stately structure wasn't it? I can remember those black pipe handrails around the outside walkway! Girls and Boys sitting and swinging on them. With the ability to insert all the pictures I want, I'm having a great time choosing what to insert in each letter! I should be so lucky..... Trivia: Two brothers owned jewelry stores. One in SL, another in GH. Can you name the brothers? After a tough year and decade that seemed to bring more job loss than gain, the area in Muskegon could be in the beginning of a turnaround for this entire region. The prediction of 4,300 plus new jobs could be gained from a new lithium battery manufaturing plant in Muskegon, that would have a rippling effect in towns up and down the coast of Western Michigan. They are saying: for future employment if you are not prepared for a lifetime of learning, you are not prepared to be a lifetime wage earner. As this plant maybe becomes a reality in the area, I will report more. Once in operation, it would employ 745 jobs. Since writing that paragraph, it's a go for it to be built! Recognize anyone? Front: Pete Sherwood, Dennis Shermeta,Frank Weiler, Jack Sinke, Jim Wayne, Bob Arbogast, George Swiftney, Phil Scheltema, 2nd Row: Barb Yemc, Joan Voss, Mary Lou Witherell, Marian Witkowski, Bev Sovis, Judy VerDuin, Sharon Schroeder, Marilyn Williams, Mary VanHorssen, Shanna Vanooy, Mary Ann Sherwood, 3rd Row: Bill Scott, Bob VerDuin, Nancy VanSchelven, Barb VanEsselt, Barb Teasley, Nancy VanderMeiden Bev Stillson, Carrie Vanderfifer, Pearl White, Larry Tindall, Jeff Wilson, Miss Yurick Classmates (Left:) Dick and Velma Stafford (Middle:) Paul and Harriet Helmer (Bottom): Pete and Bev Woods This puts an end to this months newsletter. Welcome aboard Nancy - Toni. I hope all of you enjoy the new format and the chance to catch up on any in the archives that you might have missed - - Today I'll leave you with this thought: Greatness is not standing above our fellows and ordering them around -- it is standing with them and helping them to be all that they can be! From Class Central, Bev

Febuary 2010

February Birthdays

Recognize anyone?