| June Greetings, Classmates ! Our long-awaited spring arrived in central Ohio and soared straight into summer. We have been pounded with rain, storms, and temps in the 90s. After all those weeks at ten degrees below normal, we are averaging out. The Grapevine is fairly bursting with news so let's get started! First of all, I want to announce that the class web site has moved. We can now be found at www.willis61.com. How simple is that? Check it out. If you have suggestions or criticism, let me hear from you. ############################ Vicki Brown Osborn took an extended road trip.
I just returned home to Lake Butler, Florida from a month long trip to Tucson, AZ by way of Emporia, KS where I picked up my sister, Arlou Brown Senft. We drove out to Tucson to visit our brother, Rodger Martindale. First time in over 35 years the 3 of us have been together. We've visited each other but just not all 3 together at one time, so it was extra special. The drive itself was outstanding -- all the mountains, desert, rock formations, cactus, etc., that Arlou and I had not seen before. On my drive out I spent time with my step-daughter Paula and her children in Harrison, AR. In fact, my husband Larry was able to make that part of the trip, and then on to Blackwell, OK to visit some of his friends from when he lived there. He then flew back to Florida and I spent the next 3 weeks visiting and sight-seeing with family from the land of Oz, aka Kansas. Good for you, gal. Getting family members together is not always easy, but always rewarding. ############################ If you enjoy bird-watching, this is fun. The Hancock Wildlife Foundation sponsors a live feed of an eagle's nest. Currently there are two eaglets in the nest. Mama is very attentive. On one of her most recent scouting expeditions, she returned with a special gift for the babies. Sondra Parks Duffy found this site. ############################ Sally Jo Scott's cruise to Mexico in April had some pretty exciting moments. Here is how she tells her story: Our cruise was great. The weather was warm on the shore excursions and our first stop was Cabo San Lucas. We had signed up for a zip-line day, knowing that a day in the “jungle” would be cooling and the experience would be great. Little did I know!! The day was really warm – high 80’s -- and when was arrived at the staging area, the guides trussed us up so we could climb mountains. Should have run for cover right then but when we saw the group ahead of us come back and the little 10-year-old boy said it was “great,” we headed out. A hike to the first platform was hard but we both really enjoyed the ZIP. Our daughter, Wendy Jo, was the first one to go and didn’t do the hand work correctly and as you can see, got stuck. Mr. Cutie guide went to the rescue and Wendy worked her way across the tree tops (maybe scrub bushes would be more correct). We hiked over boulders, logs and stumps on our way to the next staging area and zipped again. Three zips and then we come to the river crossing. The guides hooked us onto the guide lines and encouraged us to go for it. What choice did we have?? I can swim but the little river didn’t look very inviting; although, it was probably cool.  The picture shows me holding on for dear life and trying to keep track of my feet. My knees were jello, my guts were shaking and I wanted to GO HOME. Scottie had gone before me and had smacked into the dreaded wall climb. Well, let me tell you that by the time I had climbed up the wall, I was done!!! Too hot, too old and all I wanted to do was take off the Indiana Jones equipment and ride back to the staging area and go to the bathroom. The guides stayed with us and radioed to the crew for a pick-up which came to the rescue. We did have to climb another short distance but at the top, there was the wonderful ride with four wheels. Now I know that it may be hard to believe that we had a good week, when the first stop was about the end of us, but we had so much time to be together. Played cards, talked, ATE, and just enjoyed each other's company. Our next two stops were uneventful and the snorkeling, beach walking and town exploring were relaxing. Can’t wait to do it all again. ############################ Husband Bill and I rehab used computers to give to seniors. We recently visited with Wesley "Skeeter" Watson, who made a contribution to the cause. While we were there, Wesley showed us his den/trophy room which houses all the awards he won during his auto racing years. Pretty impressive! But my favorite of his mementos was the picture of Wesley with Sheriff Joe Arpaio, of Maricopa County, Arizona. Pretty neat. ############################ Sondra Flowers Hopper was thrilled to participate in a Seattle first. These photos were taken at a charity event in Seattle on May 17th. My students were asked to perform prior to THE TEN GRANDS CONCERT in Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. They also performed for the whole intermission in the lobby. The money from this event goes to underprivileged children to help buy instruments, pay for lessons, and to bring musical programs to schools who have no music in their curriculum across the state of Washington. It was a fabulous first-time event and over 2000 tickets were sold. Benaroya Hall is a beautiful building in Seattle. I will definitely be involved again next year. I have been teaching piano for over 28 years. I used to teach ten or less in Ohio and Michigan because I wanted to be free to do things with our own two boys. However, once we moved out here in the Northwest I got really involved because Steve was a senior and Bryan was a freshman in high school. Now I have twenty students every year with a long waiting list. I am active in two professional teachers' associations, and I volunteer tons of hours to those groups plus musical events for my students, such as adjudications, competitions, festivals, and fundraisers. I have always loved working with young people. It keeps me young mentally, even though my body doesn't feel that young anymore. Music is a big part of my life, and I love it. Of course, I had to research The Ten Grands Concert. It refers to ten grand pianos on one stage and the concept originated in Portland, Oregon. Highlights of the 2007 Portland concert can be seen here. ############################ Shirley Piper Robinson wishes to clarify last month's article: The article the Gazette did was really nice and we appreciate the vote very much....we try hard. However sometimes the Gazette prints what it wants to and not what we say. We do not own the depot. We own the freight station across the tracks. I hate to give people the wrong info. ############################ Sadly, Mike Casey lost his battle with colon cancer on June 6, 2008. As of this date, no obituary notice has been posted. His brother Bill succumbed to cancer on May 31. How heartbreaking for the family to lose two brothers within a week. ############################ Howard Dawson was the only classmate I was unable to locate. The Gazette recently printed a notice of Howard's death on May 27, at a Columbus nursing facility. Our condolences go out to his family. ############################ An addendum to the May birthday roster: Shirley Dorsey Ward JUNE BIRTHDAYS Sharon Stearns Hunter Roger Ross Sally Jo Scott Scott (I love saying that!) John Rapp These birthdays were listed in the class directory. If I have overlooked anyone, please let me know. ############################ RECOMMENDED READING Being SuperMom by Erasmus B. Dragon ############################ Do you have an interesting tidbit to share? A fun experience? A provocative opinion to discuss? Let's put it before the class. | |