Roosevelt News

-- East Coast Edition –

 

-- Printed in Loving Memory of Wanda J. Jackson 1934 - 2011 –

 

News Center

Read old/current issues and send news or comments online at:

http://www.234enterprises.com/RooseveltNews/newscenter.htm

 

Editors:

E-mail: mmay@234enterprises.com

 Carolyn Niebruegge May                      Michael L. May

Vol. 1, Is. 28                                                                                      Jan. 27, 2012

 

 

From the editor:

 

Well, this morning I would so like to give my take on the SOTU address Tuesday night--both the positive and the negative.  I ask, “Aren’t editors allowed to do that?”  Carolyn doesn’t necessarily agree.  As she so eloquently pointed out to me, “That is a topic that should be taken on by someone much wiser and less biased than you and someone that I would consider a “real editor.”  So, that said, and because I do normally follow her advice I’ll move on to the next topic.

 

As many of you who are my Facebook friends know, I do enjoy using that social media.  Fortunately, or unfortunately--however you look at it, Facebook offers so many options of how it can be used and thanks to the guys who look over it changes to how it works are made almost daily.  That part I’m definitely not a fan of.  I got started with Facebook as a mechanism to re-connect with several of my cousins (on my Mother’s side) that I had had lost contact with over the years and as a pseudo alternative to a family letter that my Mother and her siblings initiated in 1972 after their Mother passed away.  This letter was used as a tool to keep track of each other.  That letter still exists today--solely to keep in contact with the one remaining, living sibling who doesn’t have access to the internet.  Through Facebook the offspring of those siblings are now all connected on Facebook.  From that startup on Facebook with my cousins, I moved on to old and new friends from back home in Kiowa county, other relatives, high school classmates, college classmates, contacts I have made throughout my career, and individuals I’ve met through this publication.

 

Many of my friends enjoy games on Facebook.  Some of them probably wonder why they are picking up viruses.  Answer:  Third party Facebook games are “ripe” for viruses.  Play games at your own risk.  So, for that reason, and the fact that I’m not a “game person” I don’t do games.  Please understand and don’t be offended if I don’t accept your invitation to play.  Others do what I call “lurking”--they just enjoy seeing what all their friends are doing without actually joining in on the conversation.  I guess that’s ok, but from my vantage point, I enjoy hearing what my Facebook friends are doing and what is important to them on a daily basis.  To get the most out of Facebook, I highly suggest that you be participatory.

 

I personally use a little humor and sarcasm along the way.  Fortunately, many, many of my friends follow a similar routine--which I truly enjoy.  I don’t purposefully lie; I just embellish certain statements if I think it adds to the fun.  I have a few friends whose primary objective is to “stir the pot”--and no John Jackson, I don’t plan to name any of them.  Oops, probably nothing your other friends didn’t already know.  Maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll find that most of your friends don’t read the “Roosevelt News -- East Coast Edition.” 

 

We have spent our entire careers and the last 37 years here in Virginia where it is tough to make lasting friends.  Facebook can most certainly assist you in finding new friends or at least help you keep up with old ones.  Whatever piece Facebook you like, use it to the fullest and enjoy as I do.

 

mlm

 

 

Content Contributors for the Week

 

Austilene (Turner) Borum, Class of 1962

Stanna Lee, Class of 1963

All those who sent messages to the Email “Bag”

 

Thank you all!

 

 

Remembering…

 

Again I went to copies of the Roosevelt High School newspaper, The Bronc, and found articles I think will be of interest to many.  I believe this was in The Bronc in the early fall of 1947.  Those newspapers don’t give a date and this one doesn’t even have the school year on it but based on other information in it, I believe that is the timeframe.  cnm

 

Our New School Building

 

Friday, September 26, was a great day in the lives of the students of R.H.S.  The doors of the new school building were opened and the boys and girls moved in.  The boys and girls cooperated very nicely with the teachers and the move only took about an hour.  As soon as the moving was completed the high school had assembly in the Gym and Mr. Dacus made a talk on our pride in the new building.  We are very proud of our new school building and we are also very grateful to Mr. Dacus for his untiring efforts in getting the new building ready for use.  The rooms are just like they were except they are much nicer.

 

The auditorium is not yet completed but we hope it will be soon.

 

The people of the community are invited to come in and look it over any time they wish.  We certainly are proud of our new building and we all agree it was worth waiting for.

 

Redecoration of Gymnasium

 

We are very happy to know that along with our new building, hot lunches and all the other wonderful accomplishments being made, repairs are now underway in the Gymnasium.  The old framing in the floor, which had rotted out, has been taken out and new put back in its place.  Over the new framing a new sub-floor was laid.  On top of this, the old hard wood floor was put down.  It is now being sanded and will later be varnished.  A twelve inch vent was placed across the west end of the court.  They are planning to fasten our electric fan beneath the floor for forced ventilation.  This will prevent the floor from rotting by keeping the moisture out from under it.  Lavatories and new stools have been put in both the girls and boys dressing rooms.  The dressing rooms are to be petitioned off from the restrooms and shower.  The lockers in both dressing rooms are being fixed up.  Two new drinking fountains have been installed.  “We plan,” says Mr. Dacus, “to put in a gas heating system and hot water for entire building.”

 

 

Thoughts from the Squirrel Lair

 

This should give all of us (both young and old) something to think about.  Enjoy!  The author is unknown.

 

And Then It’s Winter

 

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

 

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate.  And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.

 

I know that I lived them all…

 

And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams…but, here it is…the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise…How did I get here so fast?  Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

 

I remember well…seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like…But, here it is…my friends are retired and getting gray…they move slower and I see an older person now.  Some are in better and some worse shape than me…but, I see the great change…Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant…but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be.  Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day!  And taking a nap is not a treat anymore…it’s mandatory!  Cause if I don’t on my own free well---I just fall asleep where I sit!

 

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!

 

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last…this I know, that when it’s over…it’s over…Yes, I have regrets.  There are things I wish I hadn’t done, things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done.  It’s all in a lifetime…

 

So, if you’re not in your winter yet…let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think.  So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly!

 

Don’t put things off too long!!  Life goes by quickly.  So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

 

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life…so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember…and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!

 

‘Life is a gift to you!!! The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after.  Make it a fantastic one.’

 

LIVE IT WELL!!---ENJOY TODAY!!!---DO SOMETHING FUN!!!—BE HAPPY!!!---BE THANKFUL!!!

 

And I want to thank you for the part you played in my life.

 

 

Alumni Website

 

We have renewed the account that Wanda Jackson had set up at the photo sharing website, picturetrail.com for the Roosevelt Alumni:  http://www.picturetrail.com/rooseveltalumni.  She had posted many pictures from past reunions, class panels, and old schools buildings along with write ups about them.  We thought you might find these interesting if you haven’t visited this site in the past.

 

 

Interesting Tidbits

 

Kiowa County Ghost Towns

 

Austilene (Turner) Borum found this little gem and passed it on to us.  It is not necessarily a complete list, but most certainly a “near complete” list of towns that once thrived (in southwest Oklahoma terms), but no longer exist.  Included with most is some detail of what put these towns on the map and caused their demise.  I know you will enjoy this and want to keep this link for future reference.  I also know that most of you older natives (including me) will recognize many of the names that you can remember your grandparents mentioning.  Turn up the sound and enjoy!

 

http://rebelcherokee.labdiva.com/kiowaghstwns.html

 

 

 

News

 

We (the editors of the Roosevelt News—East Coast edition) are back in Virginia after spending an enjoyable 10 days in southwest Oklahoma visiting family and friends.  We enjoyed attending the finals of the Tri-County Basketball Tournament at Western Oklahoma State College in Altus on Saturday, Jan. 21.  The Snyder girls continued their winning ways as they were crowned champions of that tournament after defeating Navajo.  Snyder boys lost to Hollis in the finals.  The Snyder girls are fun to watch and it was easy for us to see why they are rated number one in the state in Class 2A.  We enjoyed seeing Snyder, Roosevelt, and Mt. Park friends we hadn’t seen in several years.  We are sure there were many more there that we didn’t see as the gymnasium was packed and these old eyes either didn’t see or didn’t recognize some we should have.  

 

The weather was as changeable as usual in Oklahoma.  Sunday, Jan. 22, presented some of the strongest winds we have seen in a while.  Thank goodness we don’t get that kind of wind in Virginia as our trees would not continue standing.  Along with the wind came the dust and smoke from grass fires and a few sprinkles.  Our car looked like it had the measles—definitely had to wash the windows before heading east on Monday morning.  We understand that the area received a nice wheat shower on Wednesday so hopefully things will continue to look up for the farmers.  cnm

 

 

Birthdays and Anniversaries

 

We have compiled all of the birthday and anniversary information we could from Wanda’s files.  We are sure we are missing some.  Please send us the birthdays and anniversaries for your family and friends so that we can have as complete as list as possible.  We are going to start with what we have from Wanda’s files so if we miss you, please send us the information so we have it for the news next year.  In addition, should any of the birthdays we list be wrong, also please let us know.

 

Happy Birthday To:

 

January 27 – Mickey Reeves
January 27 – Tracy Ward
January 28 – Mandy (Cole) Carter
January 28 – Alexandria Smith
January 28 – Cale Garrison
January 28 – Paul Merkey
January 30 – Mike May, Class of 1965
January 30 – Sherrie Gibbons Webb, Class of 1983
January 31 – Marjory Brooks
February 1 – Scott Neyers

February 1 – Arvella (Hines) McCollom
February 2 – Logan Reid Tacker
February 2 – Luke Davis Tacker 


Happy Anniversary To:

 

January 27 – Oren & Geri Baden
January 27 – Anita & Tom Copeland
January 28 – Rich & Rhonda Ainslie

 

 

Humor

 

Heaven and Hell

 

While walking down the street one day a corrupt Senator was tragically hit by a car and died.  His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

 

“Welcome to heaven,” says St. Peter.  “Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem.  We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.”

 

“No problem, just let me in,” says the Senator.

 

“Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from the higher ups.  What we’ll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven.  Then you can choose where to spend eternity.”

 

“Really?  I’ve made up my mind.  I want to be I heaven,” says the Senator.

 

“I’m sorry, but we have our rules.”  And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

 

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course.  In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.  Everyone is very happy and in evening dress.  They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.  They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.

 

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.  They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.  Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.

 

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.  “Now it’s time to visit heaven…???”

 

So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing.  They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

 

“Well, then, you’ve spent a day in hell and another in heaven.  Now chose your eternity.”

 

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers:  “Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.”

 

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell…

 

Now the doors of the elevator open and he’s in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.  He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash fall from above.

 

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.

 

“I don’t understand,” stammers the Senator.  “Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time.  Now there’s just a waste land full of garbage and my friends look miserable.  What happened?”

 

The devil smiles at him and says, “Yesterday we were campaigning.  Today, you voted.”

 

 

From the Email “Bag”

 

January 19, 2012

 

Mike, I really enjoy these trips to the past.  Just as a side note--that new FHA room was in the new high school that replaced the one that had just burned to the ground.  The old high school had been built in the earlier 1900's and had minimum modern conveniences.  About the time this was written, we were about to get electric power on our farm in rural Roosevelt, were greeted daily by an outhouse, had a kerosene cook stove and an icebox that was powered by a 50# block of ice.  So at the time, that stuff was state of the art and pretty impressive to the old town folks.  Keep it coming, luv it.

 

Albert Perkins, Class of 1957

 

********

 

TJ’s Mother, Helen Jennings is a resident at BrookRidge Retirement Community in Lawton, OK, where Carolyn’s Mother lives.  I had the pleasure of visiting with Helen when we were there last week to spend some time with Carolyn’s Mother.  Helen and her husband Bobby were two of our closest neighbors when I was a child out on the farm south of Roosevelt.  mlm

 

January 20, 2012

 

Mike, I’m glad you are one step ahead.  I’m sure my mother enjoyed seeing you.  I haven’t seen her since last weekend, but will see her on Sunday and I’m sure she will tell me all about it.  Thanks for looking her up.

 

Also, I have really enjoyed the newsletter.  You and Carolyn are doing a fabulous job.  Keep up the good work.

 

TJ (Teresa Jennings Tuck), Class of 1973

 

********

 

January 21, 2012

 

Hi, Mike.  I’m a Hobart boy, and a friend forwarded your great Roosevelt News to me.  I love all things Kiowa County, and sure did enjoy the Roosevelt News.  If possible, could you please add my name to the distribution list?

 

Thank you very much.

 

Bill Hancock

HHS ‘68

Executive Director -- Bowl Championship Series

 

 

Obituaries

 

We have received word that J. T. Sullins, husband of Jan (Perkins) Sullins (Class of 1969) has passed away.  An obituary link will be posted as soon as we obtain it.

 

Terry James Dempsey, 52 (Former Snyder resident)

http://www.mcneilsmustangfs.com/obituary.aspx?MemberId=100868&MName=Terry%20James%20Dempsey

 

 

Useful Links:

 

Becker Funeral Home of Snyder, OK

http://www.beckerfuneral.com/?page=snyder

 

Ray and Martha’s Funeral Home of Hobart, Mt. View, and Carnegie, OK

http://rayandmarthas.com/

 

Roosevelt Cemetery Layout

http://www.234enterprises.com/Roosevelt%20Cemetery%20Layout.htm

 

Roosevelt Cemetery Markers (Picture Trail)

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/listing/user/rooseveltcemetery

 

Roosevelt Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99397&CScn=roosevelt&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Hobart Rose Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99399&CScn=Hobart+Rose&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Hobart Resurrection (Catholic) Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2246374&CScn=Resurrection&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Mountain Park Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99042&CScn=Mountain+Park&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Snyder Fairlawn Cemetery on Find A Grave

 

 

News Center -- Always Available Online

 

Remember--past, current, and all future editions of “Roosevelt News -- East Coast Edition” can be viewed online from any computer at: http://www.234enterprises.com/RooseveltNews/newscenter.htm.  We highly recommend that you bookmark this link.

 

In addition to viewing all copies of the paper, you can use this website to send comments or news items to us for publication.  Simply enter your name, your class year (if a Roosevelt graduate), your email address, and the comments you want to make or the news item you want to send and click on “Submit Information” button at the bottom left of the page.  The information that you submitted will show on your screen under a title of “Form Confirmation”—confirming that what you entered was sent to our email. 

 

 

Email Addresses

 

This newsletter is an email edition.  The only way for you to receive it and keep up-to-date with your friends from Roosevelt is for you to keep us informed of changes to your email address.  So please be sure to notify us at mmay@234enterprises.com should your email address change.  We also encourage you to send us email addresses for friends and family who might also like to receive the newsletter so that we can include them on our list.

 

 

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