Easter 2008 Family Reunion

February 2008 Cleveland Reflections

 

Bill loves having a garage for our car. Mary loves her winter boots. The winter clothes we brought are suitable and we are grateful for that. The daily layers of clothing needed take time and planning! Appreciation of the sunshine whenever it decides to appear is an understatement.The rapid transit train is the best way for us to get to and from the office most days. It’s rated #1 in North America –which is a good thing.

Our volunteer placement is interesting and includes Tuesday morning worship with Wider Church Ministries staff and Wednesday morning worship for all in Amistad Chapel. The work assignment itself is a challenge to both of us but we are committed to doing our best and making a helpful contribution.

On President’s Day we toured the McKinley Presidential library and museum in Canton. Elon friends, Gail (Campbell) and Doug Allcock, who live in Mentor OH, met us for dinner last weekend and we had a fine ‘catch up’ visit after last seeing each other at Elon’s homecoming in 1997. This past weekend we visited Ohio’s Amish country and toured Behalt! a 360 degree mural at the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin, OH.

The Western Reserve area of Ohio has some interesting history that involves the state of Connecticut. And we now know that the scarlet red carnation is this state’s flower and the Buckeye is the state tree- and it also means other things to locals.

Our worship options are many in this city. We were glad to be invited to do a Partners in Service ‘moment for mission’ presentation at Parma UCC and are now attending a Lenten series on Wednesday nights at West Park UCC that includes a potluck supper.  About 30 of us are studying John 3:16 with a Max Lucado DVD and study guide led by laity.

Sometimes as we trudge through the snow and wind on Cleveland sidewalks we wonder aloud what we are doing here.  Kiddingly, we’ve asked our supervisor if Bermuda could be our next placement!  It can no longer be said that we are ‘fair-weather only’ volunteers!

Our residential hosts are caring folks and we are learning how to make this particular living arrangement work best for all.

We look forward to hearing from you!  Please write soon.

2/24/08

February 2008 Placement in Cleveland OHIO

Greetings from Cleveland! Yes, we’ve been ‘recruited’ to volunteer in Ohio for the next 9 months and are now getting acclimated to the winter weather, learning more every day about our volunteer role with United Church of Christ Wider Church Ministries, adjusting to a 10 mile commute while also becoming better acquainted with our host family. 

Our volunteer experience in the Asheville NC area concluded on Nov 30; the 3.5 month placement at Montreat Conference Center was well-spent but a bit too short so maybe we’ll return again someday.  December involved travel to be with our daughter’s family and then Christmas week in Hilton Head was spent with our son’s family.  January gave us time to catch up with our home community in the Elon area and get some medical appointments taken care of.  Also in January our annual national volunteer retreat was held in Charleston SC. 

It’s really hard to believe that this is our 6^th year and 6^th assignment of volunteer work. We continue to enjoy this journey while helping others, meeting new people and making friends along the way.    This assignment is quite different in that our volunteer residence accommodations are in a private home with a hospital chaplain, Wayne, and his wife, Jane. The house and neighborhood reminds us of Bill’s boyhood home in Metuchen NJ.  The home includes a cute little dog, Charley, and is in the West Park/Kamms Korner area about 10 miles from our volunteer work location at 700 Prospect Ave E. in downtown Cleveland.     

It is also very strange to be volunteering in a ‘semi-corporate’ setting.  There are about 150 UCC staff housed here.  We are on the 7^th floor, share an office with a window that looks over Jacobs Field (now Progressive Field) where the Boston Red Sox made history last fall.  Office hours are 8:30 to 4:30 M-F.  Our colleagues are persons with mission and church work related responsibilities all over the world.  It does seem odd that this particular volunteer work location reminds us of Bill’s 22 years at Travelers Insurance Co in Hartford. 

Our volunteer responsibilities are varied and challenging.  We are assisting our supervisor with the drafting of a policies and procedures manual for database management by interviewing users and preparing the document for approval.  We’ll be helping with a national conference on philanthropy in April and also doing some brainstorming to possibly expand a worldwide Child Sponsorship program.  We’ve never before had an assignment where we share an office and have the same job description and are developing ways to make this work out. 

As is our custom, we are visiting local churches and exploring the area.  We’ve already been to Arch Wood, Pilgrim and West Park churches, visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and discovered the West End Market.   

With our first full week of adjustment behind us we look forward to this Cleveland opportunity and adventure.  And we look forward to hearing from you. 

2008 Annual Volunteer Retreat

Charleston SC 2008 Volunteer Retreat.  Click on this to see our current colleagues in the UCC Partners in Service long term volunteer program.

Merry Christmas 2007 and Happy New Year 2008

Today we received our first Christmas Card which inspires us to write to you and send both our Christmas and New Year’s greetings.  Right now we are finishing up our volunteer assignment at Montreat Conference Center. It truly has been a quick 3 ½ months and we have enjoyed our stay and our volunteer work here.  Being within 2 hours from David’s family in Charlotte has been helpful after Ashley’s June 4 surgery. She is doing well as the last cast was removed Nov 16 and is now going through therapy to strengthen her leg.  

Being close to son David and family has been great but makes us miss daughter Cindi and family in Texas even more; our last visit there was in July. December will involve lots of travel and we plan to be in Texas for several days and catch up on all the things that have been happening down there. Cindi and family finally moved into their new house and they are settling in. We’ll even be there to see the Grandview Christmas parade. We understand that at least one grandchild will be in it. 

The foliage this fall in the NC mountains near Asheville was really beautiful.  The dry conditions made the colors last well into November. As you may know, the Southeast is suffering through a terrible drought so even though we’ve enjoyed great weather, we would much prefer that it rain. We would say that some of the areas would rival New England in color. 

A question we are often asked is “where to next?” especially as folks get the idea that we plan on being on this adventure for some time.  Anyway, this past summer while in Hartford for a church bi-annual meeting and award, we were asked by our supervisor if we would consider going to Cleveland.  Well, as much as we are not crazy about seeing snow again, we have agreed to go.  Cleveland is where the headquarters of our church denomination is located.  We’re in the process of working out the details but will probably be there from Feb 1 until the middle of November. Of course, that will include time off to see family. We’ll write more about that as we know more details. Being Boston Red Sox fans, we’ll try not to hassle the Cleveland fans after beating them in the playoffs. We’ve also been tentatively recruited for 2009 at a place to be mentioned later.  

During the past 5 years of our volunteer service, we’ve had the opportunity to speak to many groups and individuals about volunteer programs and are glad to recruit and promote the program.  We’re happy to say that several individuals and couples have signed up to venture forth.   We continue to seek God’s direction for our lives and trust Him with our future.

We hope this note finds you and your family healthy and happy.  And we look forward to hearing from or visiting with you soon.

Volunteering at Montreat, Sept 2007

Thanks for staying in touch with us!  We send warm greetings and hope you and yours are doing well.  Hearing from you really helps us stay connected, and encouraged, as we continue this adventure of full time volunteer service.  

After our first month at this 5^th placement, we find ourselves busy

and involved at Montreat (www.montreat.org)

and realize that 1/3 of this assignment time has already come and gone. The mountains of NC are beautiful this time of the year and we’re finding the turning of the leaves bringing back fond memories of many fall seasons spent in New England. 

Our volunteer positions are interesting; what talents and skills we have to offer are being utilized. In the development office Mary is learning lots about the Memorial Garden which is an interesting ministry! Bill enjoys doing independent special projects for the President’s office. The conference center is a Presbyterian facility but we were interested to learn that Rev. John Collins, a Congregational minister from New Haven CT, was the ‘discoverer’ and first owner of this property in 1897.  Our housing is a rather large apartment in a 100 year old cottage and the dining hall food is very good and we have many interesting staff and conferees and guests to meet, visit with and learn from.  Another nice part about this placement is that we are 2 hours from Charlotte NC and can help out as needed with Ashley’s care and recovery. (She is doing much better; thanks for your prayers and support!) 

As always, we like to see as much of a ‘new to us’ area as possible.  At each assignment we are intentional in learning the history, absorbing the culture, finding a church, and understanding the traditions.  A scenic train ride on the Smokey Mountain Railroad was a special treat last weekend. Asheville (15 miles from us) is a very interesting city. It is one of the true art centers of the East. Artists are everywhere along with shops and restaurants that make it feel a little like Europe (or Sante Fe). It’s still small enough to walk around with ease.  Asheville tourism is a major industry and you can tell they’re getting ready for the foliage people arriving daily to ‘leaf peep’ this part of the state. Thomas Wolfe (Look Homeward Angel) was a native son and a great tour of his childhood home was had by us this past weekend. The Blue Ridge Parkway is nearby and we enjoy rides on it whenever possible. Thanks to a suggestion by a fellow Montreat staffer, after church one Sunday, we had a great lunch at the Mt. Pisgah Inn with a fantastic view overlooking the Pisgah National Forest. 

The town of Montreat (a word invented from Mountain Retreat) is also the location of Billy Graham’s home (his late wife, Ruth, was the daughter of Presbyterian missionaries; her funeral was held at the conference center auditorium).  Montreat College, the town of Montreat, and Montreat Conference Center share a unique intertwined history and current existence.   

Believe it or not, we are in negotiations about a 2008 assignment and are being recruited already for 2009.

Write soon!   

Summer 2007 Photos

Bill and Mary Ruth,Luke, Sawyer and Brynne,Ashley,Montreat Housing

Summer 2007 Family Update

‘Unusual’ best describes our summer. 

We concluded our 9 month Atlanta volunteer assignment at the Interdenominational Theological Center at the end of May, were ‘at home’ in Stoney Creek about a week before traveling the east coast from NC to CT for nearly a month in order to be in Baltimore for a granddaughter’s surgery, be in Hartford to receive a national volunteer ministry award, be at Mary’s high school class reunion and the church where we were married 41 years ago, and also visit many friends and family members. Then we were ‘at home’ about 10 days and off we went to Texas for a week with grandkids which included surgery for a grandson, followed by a week’s visit from Mary’s brother, Frank, and then we had one week to get ready for our next assignment which started August 17. During our ‘at home’ periods we kept busy connecting with friends and donating some of our organizational skills to our local church, Elon Community UCC, while they reconfigured their physical office space.  Mary helped serve a meal at the emergency night shelter she once directed and, when asked to meet for lunch, shared some work wisdom with Elon’s newest alumni director.  Also we were trying to attend to previously scheduled medical check-ups and follow-ups.  Where did those 2.5 months go??

‘A Retreat Center’ feels like the best place to be right now. 

We have now arrived at our fall volunteer ministry assignment, through the United Church of Christ (UCC) Partners in Service Volunteer Ministries placement service, and are very glad to be at Montreat Conference Center, a mission center of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  You can see more at www.montreat.org.  The center has a long history of volunteers and were well prepared for our arrival. We ‘hit the ground running’ on Monday.   Bill will be the conference center president’s ‘secret shopper’ and Mary will be helping in the development office.   Our 6 room apartment has lots of personality and more than everything we need.  The center’s dining hall is top-notch and a real treat for us.

‘Numerous’ were our family visits this summer. 

In June we visited niece Anne Mabry and family in Altavista VA, met niece Liz Godfrey there, and watched Erika’s all star softball practice.  Then we went on to visit brother, Cal, and Joan at their new home near Winchester, VA, where Mary helped photo wallpaper and then we enjoyed kayaking.  Then we went on to Baltimore to be with David, Christy and Ashley.  Then on to New Jersey (stopped at Bill’s parents’ cemetery) to be with Bill’s sister, Betty, and husband.  In CT we had a breakfast with cousin Jan Chapin Kirby, met Mary’s step-mother, Florence, and her daughter Linda, for lunch in Glastonbury and another day took lunch to cousin Esther in Eastford, (stopped at Mary’s parents’ cemetery).  On the return trip from CT to NC we visited Bill’s cousin, Jean (Ruth) and Elmer, in Bethlehem, PA, and then revisited Cal and Joan and the Mabrys.

‘Catching up’ with friends in CT proves to be a real treat.

We appreciate so much the many overnights of hospitality we received from Sue Kaufman and husband in Farmington and also Jerry and Sara Cross in Lebanon.  Jerry and Kathy Gay met us one day at the Shady Glen and we also enjoyed time spent with Jack and Karen Budd in Marlborough.  One hot evening we went swimming and had dinner with Charlie and Deb Avila in Chaplin. We also visited with cherished family friends, Marge Curtis in Westchester, Evelyn Rowley in Glastonbury and Gloria Bell in Hebron. Mrs. Anita Bailey (former RHAM English teacher of Mary’s) lives in Greensboro NC and flew to CT for the RHAM reunion.  We had great fun chauffeuring her to all reunion events which included an excellent tour of the new RHAM High School by the current principal. 

‘Fixator’ is a new word in our vocabulary. 

In June we were near Sinai Hospital in Baltimore for 11 days to provide help and support for our son, David, and Christy and Ashley who were there for 3 weeks for Ashley’s operation, recovery and therapy from leg lengthening/straightening surgery.  Mary kept extra busy with a portable sewing machine making ‘fixator/robot’ covers for Ashley and other patients.  Messages of love and support on www.thestatus.com (ID=Ruth, Password=Ashley3) have greatly comforted us and Ashley’s parents. What a treat to read good wishes anytime—at the hospital and now at home!   We feel loved and nurtured and blessed.  We help them out in Charlotte occasionally and as called upon. Ashley’s healing process continues; hopefully by Christmas this procedure will be over. This week’s good news is ‘no more turnings’!  The Baltimore doctor is pleased with the progress; her leg is indeed longer and straighter.

‘Interesting’ is this tidbit of information.

While in Baltimore in June, Bill and David visited the Babe Ruth museum which led to contact with the curator.  Although we have always suspected a connection, it’s most probable that our families are related.  Babe Ruth’s grandparents were from Bucks County PA and Bill’s dad’s family came from that general area.  (And Mary thinks our grandson, Luke, looks like Babe Ruth!)

 

‘Sightseeing’ continues to broaden our lives.

 

Our travels around the country are enriched as we take time to absorb local history. This summer we visited Harpers Ferry in WV, the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte and while in PA did some sightseeing at Gettysburg.

 

‘Heart of Mission Award’ honors our volunteering.

 

During the UCC General Synod event in Hartford where Wider Church Ministries recognized us for ‘our commitment to service in diverse settings as Partners in Service volunteers and for fostering connections with local churches’ Bill enjoyed seeing Hartford more ‘alive and spiffed up’ than what he remembers from working there at Travelers Insurance Company from 1971-1990.  With more than 10,000 at the Synod event, it was great fun to ‘run into’ many UCC friends and acquaintances from all over the USA.

‘Playful’ best describes our Texas visit.

In July we were in Texas to be with daughter, Cindi, and family.  Their new house is nearly completed in Grandview TX and it fits right in with their 38 acres and barn with three goats, a John Deere tractor, powerful lawnmowers and several motorcross vehicles. Sawyer, Brynne and Luke each took turns staying with Granma and Granpa at a nearby hotel and we had great fun at the pool and playing lots of games.  Luke had out patient eye surgery while we were there so we took the older ones to see ‘Hairspray’ where Mary saw a yellow dress in the movie exactly like one she wore to a prom in 1961!  Sawyer is soon to be 12 and is playing football for the town team; Brynne is soon to be 8, plays soccer and is active in jump-roping and will compete this year. Luke is soon 6 and warms our hearts as he welcomes and plays with us. Being grandparents 4 times over is just the most fun! The trip to and from Texas was convoluted mostly because we couldn’t make firm plans ahead of time due to the uncertainty of Ashley’s recovery.  We ended up driving to Birmingham AL and flying to Love Field in Dallas and renting a car (a black dodge charger that the grandkids loved!) and then returning to Birmingham via Houston where we were greatly delayed.  We arrived very late at the home of our friends Jerry and Pam Cameron outside of Atlanta for an abbreviated visit and finally got back to Stoney Creek.

‘Blessings’ are being counted every day. 

We give thanks for you being in our lives and are grateful for your love and kindnesses.  Our newest volunteer assignment at Montreat feels just right and we are happy to be here and plan to contribute all we can to this particular ministry. 

 

 

Greetings

Thanks to our niece, Amanda, in Kenya, we are able to experiment with this technical communication vehicle.