AWe need to attract more people to this site. Accordingly, Max and I have had some bumper stickers printed up along with a handout to ask folks to join us. The bumper sticker is 3” x 10” and looks like this:
The bumper stickers and handouts are available free from us by the snail mail post office. They are designed to work in tandem, but can be used separately. We hope you will request some to help get the word out. Just e-mail us at
Bobreed7@ aol.com
Include your mailing address and the number of handouts and/or bumper stickers you want or can use. We’ll send them out to you.
Bob Reed
This discussion thread is closed. You may click below to read and catch up, but go to the current thread to continue the conversation.
So how about some info on the proposal for the biodiesel plant in Marcus? At lunch the other day someone said something about the "new" ethanol blend and I told them it's been pumped in vehicles in the midwest for years.
ReplyDeleteAlso wondering about an update on the Holy Name reunion. Any numbers yet?
Any memories about the month of June out there? What thoughts come to mind?
I asked Margaret Dorr for permission to run a few of her columns in this space too. Thought some of you might want the chance to read them. So I'll be dropping one of those in too in the next few days.
Dear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! When I was running television stations, we would occasionally get calls protesting a particular program. We would listen patiently and politely and if the caller continued to harangue, we would finally be forced to point out that there was an on-and-off switch on their TV set.
So it is that I agree with your point that no one is forced to attend or participate in the “Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)” events that you find entertaining and subscribe to. It’s a personal choice.
And although I disagree with you on the value of these exhibitions, I’d be willing to defend to the death your right to participate in—or watch—them as long as they are lawful. Live and let live.
But to call these atrocities a “sport” makes a mockery of that term and diminishes those amateurs and professionals who engage in legitimate and honorable competitions. Still, you say there are some rules for the bashing and thrashing in ultimate fighting.
Evidently one can’t bite, so I guess Mike Tyson wouldn’t be allowed to participate. And you state that doctors are present. I can’t imagine that any physician who swears by the Hippocratic Oath to “first do no harm” would agree to serve in such a venue. Perhaps they are veterinarians?
But my light-hearted attempt to bring these events to the attention of others on this blog raises other, broader issues. Are these things legal?
The mothers and fathers of Fort Dodge and Sioux Falls must believe so. The City Councils apparently approve, since they haven’t been shut down.
Common wisdom says that you can’t govern human nature and morality. One man’s pornography is another man’s art. One man’s entertainment is another’s horror. And in this age of conformity, perhaps such “sporting” exhibitions can even aid democracy by stretching the limits of the acceptable. Bear baiting anyone?
But since the beginning of time, every collection of people has devised a system of rules and regulations to govern themselves. The cave dwellers sought some restraints on human behavior, lest the big clubs prevail.
Every society that calls itself civilized has devised some laws to control our basic instincts. They help us to keep from slipping into a morass of anarchy and degrading and dehumanizing conduct.
Most communities have an informal set of standards of acceptable behavior. Sometimes things come along to threaten those standards and further the follies and foibles of humankind.
I believe that is so with “extreme/ultimate fighting” at UFC events. You and I are at opposite ends of the bar on this one. I think the folks who promote these events should be prosecuted for creating—at the least—a civil nuisance.
The participants on this blog come from a variety of communities and standards. It would be most interesting to hear their comments on our disagreement.
Closer to home, what would have happened if Boze had scheduled one of those bashes in the back alley of my favorite watering hole, the old Hawkeye? Or what would happen today if the JCs seek to sponsor a ”Night of Extreme Fighting” on Main Street to help fund the fireworks on the Fourth of July?
And, Mr. Anonymous, since you say that former Division I athletes are involved in UFC events, how about the MMC Booster Club staging one of the brawls on the football field some afternoon before the game? The admission fees would eliminate the need to cook so many hotdogs, and the spectacle would be a real inspiration for our high school boys’ and girls’ teams.
Maybe the Fair Board will want to hold one of those brawls in the Hall of Progress some afternoon.
Or the Grace Methodist Church will want to stage one of those barbaric fights in their parking lot some Saturday night, to support their missionaries in the Congo. (They’ll sacrifice two virgins on the following Sabbath morning.)
The mind boggles! Are there ordinances covering these possibilities in the City Council offices in the Municipal Building? Get with it, fellas!
Compared to the war in Iraq, the tragedy in Darfur, and the earthquakes in Indonesia, this little contretemps between you and me is “not worth the scent of burning straw,” to borrow a phrase from Stephen Crane. It maybe fills a slow news day for a few people.
I’m too old to climb into a cage to debate you on this matter. But I would be very willing to take you on in this or any other forum you choose, if I only knew who you were. Are there two of you? You hide behind the cloak of anonymity.
Come out, come out—whoever you are. Let’s have at it!
Bob Reed
From the marcusiowa website:
ReplyDelete2005 Marcus Fair Schedule
Starting Thursday, August 11
through Sunday, August 14
Admission: FREE
EXHIBIT BUILDINGS:
Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
(Closed for Parade at 4:00 PM)
Sunday: Noon – 8:00 PM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11 – ENTRY DAY
3:00 - 9:00 PM Entry Day for Exhibit Buildings & Commercial Exhibits
Weigh-In for All Livestock
7:00 PM Little Miss Marcus Fair Pageant
Babies On Parade
Induction of Hall of Fame Board Members
Induction of Rev. Samuelson Memorial Award Members
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
ALL DAY Visions in Logs – Wood Carving Demonstration
ALL AFTERNOON Smith Amusements & Kiddie Barn
ALL AFTERNOON Jaycee Dunking Booth
9:00 AM Junior Carcass Hog Show – Hall of Progress
9:00 AM - NOON Judging in Exhibit Buildings
10:00 AM Swine Show – Hall of Progress
1:00 PM Lamb Show – Hall of Progress
2:00 PM Greased Pig Contest
2:00 - 3:00 PM Dawn Fokken, Women's Speaker – Fairgrounds Church
3:30 - 6:30 PM Health & Safety Fair – Centennial Hall
5:00 - 7:00 PM Lions Club Pork Feed – North of Food Stand
6:00 PM Horse Game Classes (Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Team Sorting etc.) – Horse Arena
6:00 - 10:00 PM Bingo – North of Food Stand
6:30 PM Kiddie Parade – Hall of Progress
6:30 PM Local Tractor/Pickup Pull – North of Ball Field
7:30 PM Cash Drawing – Hall of Progress
8:00 PM Two for the Show – Hall of Progress
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
ALL DAY Visions in Logs – Wood Carving Demonstration
ALL DAY Middle School Girl's Softball Tournament
ALL AFTERNOON Smith’s Amusements & Kiddie Barn
ALL AFTERNOON Jaycee Dunking Booth
9:00 AM Beef Show – Hall of Progress
9:00 AM 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (High School & Adults), All Season Arena
11:00 PM - Noon Kids Make It & Take It, Grades K-5 – Centennial Hall
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Craft Classes & Demonstrations – Centennial Hall
1:00 PM Small Pet Show
2:00 PM American Natural Soy Processors, Mark Schuett – Fairgrounds Church
4:00 PM Parade
5:00 PM Ride-In Motorcycle Show – Ball Field
5:00 PM Open Car Show – Ball Field
(Sponsor: ABU BEKR Vintage Wheels)
6:00 PM Release All Livestock
6:00 PM Mini-Rod & Garden Tractor Pull – North of Ball Field
6:00 - 10:00 PM Bingo – North of Food Stand
7:00 PM Open Horse Driving Competition – Horse Arena
7:30 PM Auction of Wood Carvings – Hall of Progress
8:00 PM Cash Drawing – Hall of Progress
8:00 PM Ken Geiger, Hypnotist – Hall of Progress
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
ALL AFTERNOON Smith Amusements & Kiddie Barn
ALL AFTERNOON Jaycee Dunking Booth
10:00 AM Mud Volleyball – West of the Church
10:30 AM Church Service – Hall of Progress
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Quilt Show – Fairgrounds Church
NOON 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (4th-8th Grades), All Season Arena
12:30 PM Cooking School – Hall of Progress
12:30 PM Kids Contests – Ball Field
2:30 PM Bike Give-Away – Centennial Hall
2:30 PM Pedal Power Pull – Centennial Hall
2:30 - 6:00 PM Marcus Ministerial Association Gospel Music – Fairgrounds Church
3:00 PM Antique Tractor Pull – North of Ball Field
5:00 - 6:30 PM Lions Club Beef Feed – North of Food Stand
6:00 - 10:00 PM Bingo – North of Food Stand
6:30 PM Free Ice Cream – North of Food Stand
7:30 PM Cash Drawing – Hall of Progress
7:30 PM Ervin Pickhinke & Sara Sennert, Father/Daughter Duo – Hall of Progress
MONDAY, AUGUST 15
8:00 AM FAIRGROUND CLEAN-UP
ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME!
One of Margaret Dorr's columns about a well-known church in Marcus ...
ReplyDeleteMy Favorite Neighbor
Spring has been a bit elusive this year, but in spite of the thermometer Easter, the ultimate SPRING for Christians, has just been reverently observed. Perhaps it is in this frame of mind that I have been pondering the presence of a favorite neighbor of mine which happens to be a building rather than a person.
Holy Name Catholic Church is just one block up the street from my home. We are not of that denomination, so our family has never attended that place of worship, but it has still profoundly affected us over more than half a century. For many years we had an even closer association, for Holy Name School, which is no longer in existence, was at the north end of our block. The empty lots between us formed their playground When well-meaning friends would ask how we put up with all of that noise during the school year, I always explained that we owed the school a whole lot more than they owed us. We could never have raised our large family on our narrow town lot if we hadn’t had their playground on which to overflow. In that space, ball games, rounds of kick-the-can, and all sorts of other innovations provided endless hours of entertainment for our kids and all their neighborhood pals.
Even if we couldn’t have seen the church, its bell would still have served us as a special inspiration. I am told that it was purchased in 1898 for an earlier church building which stood on a site, two blocks to the north. When the present church was completed in 1914, the lovely bell was transferred to its lofty location. I don’t enjoy it as much as I once did since my house has been more effectively insulated and weather-proofed, and (if I must admit it) I’ve suffered from a bit of personal hearing loss. Still I fondly recall a time many years ago when a particularly astute priest had the bell solemnly tolled, one stroke for each year of age, when a church member died. That was a beautiful and meaningful custom, which caused us all to pause and wonder “for whom the bell tolled.” I don’t know about others but, in the midst of my busy life, it was often good for me to stop for a moment and quietly put things in perspective.
We have gotten to know and enjoy many interesting priests at Holy Name over the years. I recall one gentleman, a true Irish wit, who provided numerous light moments when we happened to meet in the Post Office or grocery store. Another of the fathers surprised one of my sons and his wife by turning out to be a real jazz fan. That common interest provide them with a number of delightful visits. A disabled Polish priest, who had suffered horrible injuries during WW II, came to serve as an associate priest for a time, providing one of the most moving encounters I can remember. I will share that story with you in my next Gray Matter.
The second part of the essay on Holy Name ....
ReplyDeleteThe building itself is a fine structure, well-designed, of quality materials, inside and out. After a recent total renovation, it is truly “a thing of beauty”. I heard rumors that some may have objected to the expense involved when that process got underway. This, I’m sure, was a simple reflection of human nature which could be expected. However, I am willing to wager that no one complains now when they enter that lovely sanctuary.
By the way, it is always open and anyone who wishes may go in and enjoy the quiet elegance.
The magnificent stained glass windows, given as memorials those many years ago, were restored and given a layer of protective exterior material at the time of a previous restoration. Those windows have probably provided some of my most meaningful memories. When our kids were small, Christmas Eve was an especially busy time. First there was the special children’s Christmas program in our own church. Then we gathered around our live tree at home for family worship. After the reluctant youngsters were persuaded to go to bed, there came all of the “Santa” duties. That made for a LONG evening. Tired as I was, even after their Daddy had given up and gone to bed, I always enjoyed a quiet moment of peaceful contemplation when I looked up the street and saw the glowing jewel-like windows of Holy Name as the worshippers gathered for Midnight Mass.
Yes, I am still gratefully appreciating my favorite neighbor this spring, as I intend to do through however many seasons I may yet be granted to enjoy it !
Julie:
ReplyDeleteWhat "MOM" didn't write about was the neat old "GYM." That had at the time more significant meaning to us than the CHURCH did for the boyz of the hood! Soap Box Derbys, dances, swinging from the stage on a rope over the gym floor, basketball practices for many numerous teams throughout the community.........and last but not least a safe haven where we could enter on our "OWN TERMS" during a cold winter Saturday or Sunday afternoon and play basketball until the SISTAS of the HOOD came walking across the street. Needless to say our lookout sitting in the top row of the northwest corner of the gym never gave the "girls" a chance to catch us as we were long gone out the back door by the time they made it across the street.............Now Father O'Reilly was another matter but when he caught us he was usually pretty cool........and then again to watch the likes of Rocky Bork and Craig Strub play basketball in that gym.....as they say in the hood, them boyz were some of the best "BALLERS" to ever come out of old Marcus High!!!!
To turn a phrase from C-SPAN, I am a long-time reader, first-time correspondent of this blog. I started following the blog following the DM Register article and have enjoyed greatly the posts over the past year.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the prior post, I wanted to share that I was fortunate to meet a few members of Earl Rae’s family Memorial Day weekend. Earl’s son, James, and I lived on the same floor of Burge Hall at the U of I about 15 years ago. We lost touch after school but I wondered what happened to him after reading Earl’s posts on this blog. Although I am not able to return to Marcus much anymore I was back in Marcus Memorial Day weekend and briefly saw James and met a few members of his family.
James said he selected his father’s plot because you could see the football field from the site. I thought that was a nice touch.
By coincidence, I was at the cemetery earlier in the weekend and, while passing the grave of my great-great-great grandparents, I literally stepped back onto the headstone of Earl’s parents, James and Minnie Rae. I guess you can’t help but bump into people you know when you are in Marcus.
Kyle Drefke
IOWA PROUD!
ReplyDeleteDid you know that Iowa was ranked the third most-livable state in America, according to Morgan Quitno (a research firm) in 2006? And that it has the third highest high school graduation rate in the nation?
The state is first in the country in ethanol production this year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. And it’s third in the nation in wind-energy production, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
Notable recent movies filmed in Iowa include Twister, The Bridges of Madison County, and of course Field of Dreams. That film had the memorable phrase, “Heaven? – No it’s Iowa.”
The U.S Census Bureau has now released its figures from 2002. Iowans enjoyed the sixth lowest housing costs in the nation in that year. While Florida has a greater proportion of retirees and older citizens than any other state, Iowa is right up there in the top five.
Wow! So if it’s one of the most livable states with low housing costs, great education, an innovative economy, a lot of senior citizens, and the attention of Hollywood, why are all of us expatriates still living elsewhere?
Those darn cold winters and hot summers might have something to do with it. Bob Reed
Love the bumper sticker idea ... do we order them? Could be fun to have t-shirts to wear to the Marcus Fair???? The Iowa State Fair? ... Disneyworld? Paris? Actually a simple iron-on would be easy and inexpensive ... even down-loadable? And then we could iron them on our own t-shirts, etc.
ReplyDeleteJulia, I left off part of Bob Sr's message. Take a look again and maybe refresh your browser to see the request for help and offer to provide bumper stickers.
ReplyDeleteBob Jr.
I just saw this picture posted on eBay. It's of a Marcus Iowa basketball team. The statement said pre-1920. Thought you might enjoy seeing it.
ReplyDeleteKara Spieler
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6287343973
What a great story about Gerry Pallesen! Back in the '40's we would sometimes get together for a "jam" session. He'd bring his trumpet, I'd pump away on my trombone and occasionally we'd get some other guys like Don Peters on clarinet to join in. My mother was once pursuaded to play the piano. We faked the pop tunes of the day and tried some old Dixieland numbers.All improvised.The sound we made wasn't that good, but it was great fun for a bunch of highschoolers. And it kept us out of trouble.
ReplyDeleteBob Reed
I just received one of the nicer Father's Day presents I've been given in a long time. My wife found an email address on Ebay for contact with a representative of The Fabulous Flippers.
ReplyDeleteFor all you mid-60's high school types out there in Blog Land, one of their drummers is still around selling Flippers' memorabilia and CD's. My present - a Flippers' CD with a live presentation of "Harlem Shuffle".
All the old memories come flooding back immediately. Great horns, big all-around sound and spot on vocals. The size of the group varied somewhat (7-10 it seems), with a show presentation included - all in one line (except the drummer), dips in unison, spins and turns in time and everyone wearing the same tailored suits. What a show.
If you google The Fabulous Flippers you can see photos and hear Pat O'Brien introduce them at a reunion show. (O'Brien grew up in Sioux Falls - didn't know that - and hits it exactly. "When The Flippers were coming to town you planned for it weeks in advance. Who you were going to take, which shirt, shoes and pants to wear, and how soon you needed to get to the dance to ensure admission.")
Not many people actually danced at a Flipper Show, as kids were mesmerized by the music. Lots of girls screaming and guys envious that they didn't have the talent to be on stage evoking the same response.
Now I have to go find a convertible, get my best girl and crank up my new CD. It's summertime and I'm 17 again! Fred
Anybody from the Marcus area live near Milwaukee? I am a Marcus native and graduate of MMC '93. My husband and I live in hartford, WI and the picture on the front page of the Milwaukee Journal on Monday of the Ford Truck smashed during the Father's Day Tornado was ours. Our house was hit and our garage was torn off the house. Having lived on the farm outside of marcus I had seen my fair share of bad weather, but nothing came up as quickly and did as much damage in such little time as this did. We had 67 seconds from when the sirens sounded until it hit. Nothing on the tv for watches or warnings until 1 minute before it hit. Go to Journal Sentinel Online and look at the pics and the interview of Keith Mertz, that is my husband. We and our dogs are ok, but are ready to move back home now :-) I would also like one of the bumper stickers to go on the new truck we will be purchasing soon. Our other 2 vehicles are still sitting in the garage where we parked them, just the garage isn't where we left it. Our neighbor came over and requested we move our garage off of his lawn. I miss home!!!!! Also thank you to everyone who wished my parents a Happy Anniversary and sent them cards. It really meant a lot to them.
ReplyDeleteDonna (Hansen) Mertz
wow. links to Hartford tornado story. and
ReplyDeletephoto
The picture of our truck is in the slideshow: Hartford Tornado
ReplyDeletehttp://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=437829
Donna
Donna:
ReplyDeleteFrom the sounds of it you guys are safe and that is the most important thing. Amazing experience to say the least and thankfully the good Lord spared your lives. For that we can all be grateful.
BTW, the pics of Ray and Peg in the Marcus News were really neat......it is amazing how you,Chuck, and Linda aged your folks!!!!!
Your cousin in Chicago...Phil Dorr
Thank God we are safe and for that we are eternally greatful! By the way, Chuck was the one who aged our parents. I think it had to be him :-) My parents have loved it so much with all the cards.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Cousin Donna
Another of Mrs.Dorr's columns. I did not know the teacher, but many of you might have. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteLucy Buhler Yoshioka
It’s a special time when an old friend, whom you haven’t seen for far too long, surprises you with a call suggesting you get together for lunch. That happened to me recently and I want to tell you about it. My friend, Lucy Yoshioka Buhler, whom many of you remember, left an indelible mark on our community more than thirty years ago. Hawaiian-born, of Japanese descent, she came to Morningside college on a scholarship to study music education. After teaching at Hartley for a year, she came to Marcus to teach vocal music. Lucy was one of those rare individuals, a true Master Teacher. Just ask anyone who sang under her tutelage and you will get unanimous agreement.
She went on to USD, Vermillion, to earn her MA. There she met Walter Buhler a grad student in the Business School, the son of a South Dakota farmer of German extraction. They were perfectly matched, and were soon married. Walt went to work for Arthur Anderson, that premier accounting firm, which tragically collapsed after being unfairly accused in the Exxon scandals. Buhler was with them in their finest days.
Walt’s meteoric career took them to Minneapolis, Denver and Tulsa where Lucy also taught music. In time, they became parents of Faith and Natalie whom Walt, in his inimitable humor, sometimes referred to as his little ‘Nippo-Krauts’. His first assignment beyond continental borders was to head the Anderson office in Rio de Janeiro. Lucy had not intended to teach full-time, but when the exclusive Ecole Americana, which the girls attended, discovered her talents, she was soon drafted. They lived in a high-rise apartment a short walk from famed Ipanema Beach, a setting of storybook dimensions!
In time, they came back to the States and were posted in Portland until Walt was chosen to head Anderson’s offices in Hong Kong. It was from there that he retired. In mid-summer of that very year he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and succumbed to the disease the following Christmas Day. In typical fashion, Walt spent every bit of his energy those final months making the financial arrangements--trusts, foundations, and the like, to provide for his family and, even more commendably, for his and his wife’s alma maters. Endowed scholarships have been in place at both Morningside and USD for some time. His naming gift for a much-needed School of Business building on the USD campus is being held up in one of those quagmires of which only the academics (and perhaps government bureaus) are capable. Hopefully it will soon be ironed out and the Walter A. Buhler School of Business will grace that campus in his memory.
Lucy, who now lives in Edmonds WA, has been actively involved on Regent’s Boards at both institutions, so that explains her visits. When we do see her she always inquires about her former students, and expresses regrets that she is unable to see them. I, and her best friend, Donna Dorr (with whom she taught), suggested that she come back for the Marcus Fair, which is fast becoming our town’s official reunion time.
Lucy seemed to like that idea, so I will keep all of you posted. In the meantime, you must promise to join Donna and me as we keep our fingers crossed!
P.S. I’m sure many of you who did not attend Marcus schools had other chances to meet Lucy Yoshioka. While here, she often presented her native hula dance in its true, almost sacred sense, for area groups. This was one way she was able to augment her meager college budget. What a charming way it was!
To Donna Hanson Mertz
ReplyDeleteWe'd be happy to send a Marcus blog bumper sticker to you. Just send a mailing address to
Bobreed7@aol.com
Bob Reed.
Mrs. Dorr just sent me this column and because most of you know Thelma, I was particularly happy to share this one too.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I've been reading Thelma's columns for years and years. My mom offers tidbits to the personals mostly because she knows I'll be reading them from across the country. Thelma's knowledge of the town and its personalities is powerful stuff in a small town newspaper. It's what gives it character and a face in an often anonymous society. Too often people in small towns want to shed that small-town image. I wish small towns could simply realize that the work their newspaper (and Thelma) does -- to paint the picture of a town's people and their lives -- has more value than any Wall Street Journal or New York Times (even the Sunday paper!)
I've never talked with you, Thelma, but I have followed your life for many years. In fact, I've always secretly hoped that I will still be writing just as you do in years to come. Thank you for all you do for Marcus.
And finally, here's the column ...
Thelma
“Small communities are unique because of the unique people who live in them”. That is a paraphrase of a quotation I heard recently which got me to thinking about the unique individuals who live in our little town. Take Thelma Gravenish, for example. Just say “Thelma”, never mind the last name, and everyone knows who you are talking about. She has been writing for the local weekly for 14 years, and has attracted a large and loyal following.
Thelma does occasional news stories which are always concise and to the point, as good news stories are meant to be. We wish she had time to do more of them. But it’s her regular contributions each week for which we all eagerly wait. In her Past Files she scrupulously searches the archives at the local library. A life-long resident, with a remarkable memory for detail, she seldom lets a week pass without providing most of us with a great “Hey, I remember hearing about that” moment. We all love it.
She produces a Personal Mention column which is particularly appreciated by out-of-towners, I’m told. On a few occasions I have heard complaints about the repetitive nature of her sources. In response, I would like to say this. I have a feeling that few of us realize how difficult it is to get people to share their “personals”. I am guilty, myself, of being certain no one would really be interested in knowing what goes on in my life from day to day. Still, I’ve been told by friends, particularly those who live away, that they really enjoy reading about “Great-Aunt Ida stopping in for coffee day before yesterday”. In other words, share your items with writers like Thelma. It would make their jobs a whole lot easier, and your far-away friends will love it.
Finally, there is the weekly column, “Via My Grapevines”, which Thelma informally refers to as “My Vines”. This is where she truly keeps readers connected. Many local happenings might go unnoticed if it weren’t for the tendrils of Thelma’s Vines. Too, she maintains contacts with Marcusites from across the land. If someone calls, writes or visits her, she always shares their stories with us and we are grateful.
Thelma is not a formally trained journalist. She was graduated from the Marcus High normal training program, back in the days when that qualified a person to teach in the county’s rural school system. This she did until her marriage. As a farm wife and the mother of three sons and five daughters, she followed the career many of us still consider the most vital and rewarding of all. So it wasn’t until the family was raised and her husband had passed away that she turned to the writing for which she seems to have a natural aptitude. We are all extremely glad she did. Thelma is unique and we love her for it. In spite of some nagging health issues, it’s our heartfelt wish that she will continue to keep us informed and in touch for a long, long time to come!
Does the class of 1981 plan to have a reunion this year? If they are, will invites be sent or are they relying on word of mouth?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure if you let someone know who you are that you would get an invite OR you might get something started via this blog if nothing is planned. I know class of 76 is planning somenthing. I can't imagine your class wouldn't have a 25th class reunion.