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Dear Friends and Schoolmates,

She's probably better known for other gospel songs, but whenever I think of Mahalia Jackson, I think of this old hymn she sang.

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS:
Happy Birthday today to Terry Hunsucker ('65) of KY AND Randy Tate ('66) of DE!

Happy Birthday tomorrow to Carolyn Simpson Knight ('56) of VA AND Kermit Whiteside ('57) AND

Dimples Dinwiddie Prichard ('58) of NC!

Oh, such FUN! What a thoughtful mama you are, Rosalee!

Okay, Sweetie-Pies, "Keep those cards and letters coming!"

3. A lesser number of photographs of those two events from

my sister, Eleanor Buckley Nowitzky ('59) of NC;

4. More Birthday Party pictures from

Dimples Dinwiddie Prichard ('58) of NC;

5. A HUGE number of images from various sources from the 45-Year Reunion of the Class of 1963!

From the Head Cheerleader of 1965, Pam Smith Arnold of VA - 10/25/08 - "A few things related to Bizet":

Thank you for pointing this out, Cousin Pam!

Because I am so obsessively compulsive (not to mention compulsively obsessive), I add lots more "homework" to the bottoms of practically every Newsletter, intermixed with both the song lyrics and the credits, yet I often wonder how many readers ever see it, to wit:

- Libretto by Henri Meilhac (21 Feb 1831 - 6 July 1897) and Ludovic Halévy (1 Jan 1834 -8 May 1908)

Based on the novella by Prosper Mérimée, 1845, which was influenced by the Russian narrative poem "The Gypsies" by Pushkin, 1824

Now we all know what is to found by clicking on those blue links, hmmm? That's right, Greater Knowledge and Understanding - not to mention extra credit. Yes, Kiddies, school is still in session - and always has been!

If you look up the Baobab Tree, I think you will find it listed as tree of life in Africa. Part of our tour at Jamestown for school children deals with Angola in Western Africa, and this tree is covered there - a very interesting tree. I have seen the pictures sent to you before.

Thanks, Jerry!

I'm glad to hear that this is being taught there; it is a fascinating story!

Carol,
I noticed somewhere in these reunion get-togethers that Steve Hochman ('60 - of VA) showed up. Any idea how to get in touch with him? e-mail, etc?

Thanks, Norris!

Our primary function here has always been to reconnect old friends! Steve was indeed at Evelyn's Birthday Party for All of Us, although once again I did not take the opportunity to speak with him. I'm afraid the lure of the beach proved too much for me, and I took not one, but TWO trips outside to play upon the shore.

The good news is (despite my neglect) that Steve is on my mailing list, and I've forwarded your note to him.

From Joyce Lawrence Cahoon ('65) of VA - 10/25/08 - "Breakfast at McDonald's":

Breakfast at McDonald's

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with.

Her last project of the term was called, "Smile." The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

As I turned around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was 'smiling'. His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance.

He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching.

The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.

The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted.

He said, "Coffee is all, Miss'" - because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).

Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes.

That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.

I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray.

I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.

He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."

I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."

I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope."

We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.

We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, "May I share this?"

I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.

She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:

UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to

LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS -

NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

There is an Angel sent to watch over you. In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart.

God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

A Box of Gold

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

With a secret inside that has never been told

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This box is priceless but as I see

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The treasure inside is precious to me

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Today I share this treasure with thee

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It's the treasure of friendship you've given me.

Thank you so much, Joyce!

We've shared this story before, but it certainly bears repeating - and remembering!

From Tom Norris (Hampton HS - '73) of VA - 09/25/08 - "He's Back.. ENJOY! (#23 in a Series of 26):

		Carol ... more pics for the newsletter. Amazing artwork! Tom Thanks, Babe! These are amazing!