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Hanukkah begins tonight at sunset. We celebrate this event as one big happy Typhoon Family together every year - although of course the date varies.

BIRTHDAYS - TODAY AND UPCOMING:

Happy Birthday today to Howard Williamson (Hampton HS - '63) of VA, and Happy Birthday tomorrow to Melody Clendenin DeBerry (Warwick HS - '66) of VA! On the seventh, we'll have another Birthday Three-Fer! Jay Styles ('68) of VA AND Janice Pratt McGrew (Hampton HS - '67) of VA AND

Tim Parsons ('73) of VA will all be lighting candles!

TATER PEOPLE

Some people never seem motivated to participate, but
are just content to watch while others do the work.
They are called "Spec Taters".

Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted
at finding fault with the way others do the work.
They are called "Comment Taters".

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what
to do, but don't want to soil their own hands.
They are called "Dick Taters".

Some people are always looking to cause problems by
asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or
too cold, too sour or too sweet.
They are called "Agie Taters".

There are those who say they will help, but somehow
just never get around to actually doing the promised help.
They are called "Hezzie Taters".

Some people can put up a front and pretend to be
someone they are not.
They are called "Emma Taters".

Then there are those who love others and do what they
say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever
they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real
sunshine into the lives of others.
They are called "Sweet Taters".

If you know any "Sweet Taters" send this to them!!
Typhoons Forever...al

Local Hanukkah celebration starts Tuesday night at City Center

NEWPORT NEWS - The thinking is that if they put up the giant menorah, people will come.

"One of the things happening right now in the world is 'public space Judaism,'" said Jennifer Meyers, education assistant at the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula. "It's taking Judaism to the people."

The UJC is hosting its first Hanukkah Candle Lighting Extravaganza Tuesday at City Center in Oyster Point, with Newport News Mayor Joe Frank lighting the first candle of the 6 foot, electric menorah at 6 p.m.

The eight-day holiday known as the Festival of Lights celebrates religious freedom. When a new ruling power tried to force the Jews to worship other gods, they refused and ended up in battle. After their victory, they went to rededicate the temple in Jerusalem, but there was only enough oil to light the temple's flame for one day. It lasted for eight. Today, the holiday is observed in Jewish homes by lighting candles on a menorah on each night, playing games, singing songs and eating foods made with oil.

"It's festive. You're celebrating freedom, so it's a good time," said Meyers.

The organization's first purpose for this event is to make people more comfortable at Jewish events because some Jews may not be comfortable going to a synagogue or a Jewish community center. The second purpose is to bring the event to them.

"It is for people who aren't involved, I guess you would say 'on the fringes,' and also for people who are involved (in order) to bring everyone to one place," she said.

The free event is open to the public and will feature live music by Bagels and Fraylox Klezmer Band, latkes (kosher potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts. Aroma's will sell beverages. The menorah will be set up at Market Stage near Chico's and Coldwater Creek. It will be lit each of the seven remaining nights by different Jewish organizations.

"I personally relate Hanukkah and all the holidays to family, getting together with family and celebrating my religion," said Meyers. "Hanukkah particularly is about religious freedom, so I'm grateful."

The NNHS Class of 1958 Holiday Gathering will be held Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 6:00 PM
(Dinner at 7:00 PM) at Mike's Place, An Irish Pub, (757-599-5500) 458 Warwick Village Shopping Center, (Hilton Village,
across from the Cedar Lane entrance to the Mariners' Museum), Newport News, VA 23601-3240.
CONTACT: Jwdvt@aol.com

The NNHS Class of 1957 Holiday Party will be held Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 6:00 PM
at Angelo's (Route 17), Newport News, VA.
CONTACT: Pabletz@aol.com

From Glenn Dye ('60) of TX - 11/28/07 - "Feel good - AAAHHH!" (#1 in a series of 10):

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

There's much more to come - next time! Meanwhile, Happy Hanukkah, Good Yule - and Merry Christmas!

Y'all take care of each other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll Always Have Buckroe!

Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah
The sweet celebration
Around the feast we gather
in complete jubilation

Many are the reasons for good cheer
Now that the Season of Lights is here
Many are the reasons for good cheer
Now that the Season of Lights is here

Together we'll weather
whatever tomorrow may bring
So hear us rejoicing and merrily voicing
the Hanukkah song that we sing
So hear us rejoicing and merrily voicing
the Hanukkah song that we sing

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah
The Festival of Joy
A holiday, a jolly day
for every girl and boy
Whirling dreidels all week long
Eating latkes, singing songs
Whirling dreidels all week long
Eating latkes, singing songs

Now light them, tonight then
The candles all in a row
Retell the story of God in his glory
and dance by the flickering glow
Retell the story and God in his glory
dance by the flickering glow