I love that accordian

Gravelly News by Glenna Goodson

A Texas senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertihle out ofthe dealership. Taking off down the road, the floored it to 80mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left. "Amazing," he thought as he flew down I-20, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a highway patrol behind him, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, "What am I doing? I'm too old for this," and pulled over to wait for the Trooper. Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch and said, Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. if you can give me a reason for speeding that 've never heard before, I'll let you go." The old gentleman paused and then said, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a Texas State Trooper.I thought you were bringing her back." "Have a great day, Sir," replied the Trooper.

Last Thursday, I was early to help with the kidsat Promise Land so I just parked at the Wing Church in the shade of a tree, and sat to rest a few minutes. When Istarted to leave, my car would not start and lights came on everywhere. I walked over to Two River's car place

and asked could someone go see what was wrong with my car. A young man went over and in just a few seconds told me to stay right there ,he would bring my car to me." I thought" Gee, that was quick."I asked what was wrong with my car and the young man kinda looked down and he said "You had it in gear." I felt so stupid. I told Bro. Dan Osolin when I got over to Promise Land and he said "Now how long did you teach school!"Bro. Dan told me something his Dad always told him. "Get your mind in gear before you decidce to do anything." I promise to remember that.

Tou know how you read all these really neat things about identical twins. How they can beseparated at birth andyears later find each other andthey will be wearing identical outfits--they will enjoy the same music, etc. Well, Maggie Parish Sullivan and Marie parish Herrin both had to go to the hospital, the same time two weeks ago. Marie had a colon related problem andMaggie woke up in the middle ofthe night and her tongue was so swollen she could not close her mouth. Tom took her to the emergency room in Russellville. The Doctor decided it was .an allergy of some kind. So both twins, one living in Tulsa and the other in Russellville, had to go to the hospital at the same time. Both are doing well as of now.

I saw Brittany McCool at the Plainview beauty shop last Friday. I asked her what their young people had been doing from Plainview Baptist Church and she said they had recently gone to the nursing home at Danville and did a play for the people there. That is so neat. Brittany will carry the American flag in the grand entry of Yell County Rodeo.

My grand-niece, Ashly Swaim and James King were married last Saturday at Rover Baptist Church. The 5 attendants for the bride wore beautiful purple gowns. The 5 attendants for the groom were cowboys!! Their vests were just beautiful--the vests . and pants were part of their tux but they did not wear the jacket and wore boots and cowboy hats. Tommy Yates sang one of the most beautiful songs I ever heard. His daughter, Jackie, also did a great job of singing. Charlotte Rhoades played the piano. Ashly's brothers ,Jacob and Cameron were the ushers and also Trent Jones. Lacey Minnie, grandfather of the bride, performed the ceremony and did a great job.I wish much happpiness for this couple. They plan to live in Ola. Ashly will begin her third year of college at Tech next year.

At the little Wing Community Church, Hazel Russell and Edith Turner always pray for the Gideons.This wonderful organization that seeks to do only good.That takes new Testaments into our schools and Bibles into Motels, Hotels, jails and hosp;itals. But in our Godless society Administrators are telling the Gideons they cannot go into the schools. Many hotels and even jails are saying they no longer can leave the Bibles. I."ve been observing one of the schools in Yell County that still is happy for the Gideons to come into their school and that school system is prosperous, enrollment is up and it looks as if they will have even more students next year.. Do you think this could be because God has first place?

At Ashly's wedding I was so glad to meet R. J Watts and his wife, Betty and Bobby, Betty' sister. Years ago I knew Gib Swaim and his wife at Aly and these ladies, Betty andBobby are their daughters. Of course, Gib and his wife are deceased. Steve Swaim, Ashly'sDad, lived with his grandparents, Gib andClaire for many yearswhen he was in schoolat FV.

Our Fifth Sunday singing was great at Rover Baptistr Church Sunday night. 1st Baptist, Ola, joinedus and they were a joy!!Brother Ric, their pastor, Doug
Moats and Ronnie Barnes blessed us with a song. Then Doug played the mandolin and Brol Ric played the guitar and they sang. Gee, I loved that mandolin playing. My Dad played the mandolin and it brought back good memories.Bro. Ric played andsang "Loving God andLoving Each Other" which blessed my heart. From our church. Chris Light and BrendaTurner dida great job singing their individual songs. Bill Milligan andWilliam Price sang a request, "Step Into the Water"--one of my favorites. Then William sang, "Heaven Cane Down and Glory Filled my Soul." Treccie, Willim's wife says I probably have William's picture on my refrigerator cause I love his singing so much. Janette Milligan played the accordian and she and Bill sang. I love that accordian. After the singing, we had hot dogs and home-made ice cream.

Sunday afternoon our Rover Baptist Church had a bridal shower for Emily, the Shipley's daughter. She and Josh will be married in August and plan to live and work in VanBuren.We will really miss Emily being in charge of our Children's Church at Rover, each Sunday. She does such a good job.

Remember this---"never argue with an idiot;they;ll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

We used paper money

Gravelly News by Glenna Goodson

A woman and a man are involved in a car accident om a snowy, cold Monday. It's a bad one--both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them are hurt. God works in mysterious ways. After they crawl out of their cars the man is yelling about women drivers. The woman says,"So you are a man--that is interesting, I am a woman." "Wow, just look at our cars. There's nothing left but we are not hurt--that must be a sign from God that we should be friends and live in peace for the rest of our days." The man was flattered and says, " Oh, yeah, I agree completely, this must be a sign from God but you're still at fault--women should not be allowed to drive."The woman continues, "And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is demolished but this bottle of wine did not break. Surely we should drink this wine and celebrate our good forltune." She hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands lit back to the woman. The woman takes the bottle, puts the cap back on and hands it back to the man. The man asks,"Aren't you having any?"The woman replies, "No, I'll just wait for the POLICE."


Mrs. Fannie George, her daughter, Jan Richerson and granddaughters Debbie Stuckey and Fern Eubanks were in Wing Friday, visiting with Loucinda Buford and Dennus Castleberry. Dennus just happened to be lucky enough to be there at the right time. Debbie is from Ft. Smith and Fran lives in Texas. Mrs. George was talking about the times when she rode her horse up into the mtns. behind Wing, with her father Buford Compton. They lived in the large house just west of the store at that time. As everyone knows she has always loved horseback riding and leads the parade in the Yell County Fair every year. She has such fond memories of her childhood in Wing, when her grandfather,Robert Compton lived in the stately house across the road. The house is no longer standing. .Easter Sunrise Services were often held on the lawn of that house where there were huge oak trees, which of course are no longer there. The girls were touring the valley, going to go as far as Gravelly because Ms.Fannie's mother's family were Caviness' It is so wonderful that Mrs. George is able to visit the places of which she is so fond and which hold so many good memories for her.

Beatrice Garner Yeats and her daughter, Gerry Ferguson have both been in the hospital in the past several days. Gerry is back at home in the Mulberry community but she is still not doing well. It seems that Gerry's illness has to do with her immune system.Beatrice was in a Little Rock Hospital and she is now with her son Rodney and hiswife in L.R. She needs constant care. In 30 days she can decide to go to Sherwood where they have a swing bed.Beatrice was in this facility when she had a stroke and was really impressed with their care. If she is a lot better, she may come home.

Perhaps yhou have seen thesign Ola Christian Academy, outside the large building, next door to the First Baptist Church in Ola. This building was a funeral home several years ago but now it belongs to the Sandbergs. This building is large and has a lot of room for a school. Jody Sandberg began the school last year. She teaches elementary children and has one high school student.The curriculum iscalled "The accelerated Christian Education Curriculum." It is a pace program which is mastery centered. The students must get 90% on their core subjects or they do not advance. They keep trying until they can achieve 90%.The program is also character based. You judge any program by the results and one mother brought her daughter with a notebook filled with this girl"s educational problems. The papers said the girl had learning disabilities and had been in special education but she could not read at all. But this school year at the Academy, she learned to READ. She tests ready for the 2nd grade next school year. Another girl was in third grade when she came and could not read 1st grade level.Now she reads 3rd year level. I hear her read at the Adventist Church and I am so impressed. Jody Sandberg and Kristin Hutchison are the teachers. Next year, Bo Hutchison, Kristin's husband will be the Principal of the school and work with the kids.

At the Women of Faith meeting at Promise Land in Wing last Monday night, we had lots of fun.The program was called "Clutter". We were to bring clutter from our house and auction it off. You know one woman's clutter is another woman's riches. We used paper money Susan Rhoades furnished us. I bought a painting, with the help of the other ladies at my table.Our meal was delicious for only $5.You ladies of the valley remember this meeting the third Monday night of each month at 6:30

Susan Rhoades and Marcella Fulmer did a wonderful job of preparing for the children, pre-school through 3rd grade last Tuesday at the Promise Land facility. There were 8 children and they loved the play centers, the books andsinging. I really enjoyed helping with the children. I love working with kids. I retired in oKC after 30 years of teaching but as soon as school started the next year, my former Principal called me and asked me to start a new 2nd grade for him at his school. The time went on and finally I said"Mr. Burchel when are you going to hire a new teacher?" and he said he was in no hurry.So I subbed for that Principal for 5 years and when the Board moved him to another school, he still called me to sub for him. I subbed for 10 years and went to teach almost every day--I don't know why I retired.Children are where"it's at."

Remember this---Rumors prevail where truth is lacking.

Under his name there is a painting of 3 deer

Gravelly News by Glenna Goodson

  An  Air Force Captain narrowly escaped serious injury recently when he decided to try horseback riding, even though he had no lessons or prior experience. He mounted the horse, unassisted, and the horse immediately sprang into action. As it galloped along at a steady and rhythmic pace, the Captain began to slip from the  saddle. In terror, he grabbed for the horse's mane, but could not get a firm grip. He tried to throw his arms around the horse's neck, but he began to  slide down  the side ofthe horse anyway!! The horse galloped along seemingly oblivious to its slippping rider. Finally losing his frail grip, the Captain attempted to leap away from the horse and throw himself to safety. Unfortunately,his foot became entangled in the stirrup, and he was now at the mercy of the horse's pounding hoofs as his head struck against the ground over and over. As his head was being battered against the ground and he was mere moments away from unconsciousness, to his great fortune an Army Sergeant shopping at Wal-Mart saw him and quickly unplugged the horse !!

 

 

Leslie Harvey has been home from the Danville hospital for about 2 weeks now. I so appreciated  his wife, June, e-mailing and letting us know  how Leslie  was getting along. June says that a nurse is coming every day to change and pack his incision. One day last week, he walked to his mailbox and back. Next Monday he will go back to Danvillefor a Cat Skan andTuesday to will go to the cancer center at Russellville. We really need to pray for Leslie and June his wife.

 

As many of us, Billy Jack and Margaret Bogle have been kept busy going to high school graduations. They went to Kansas City last week  to a God Son's graduation---then to a grandson's in Tenn. I wanted to know about this couple's children and grandchildxren so Billy Jack told me about one of their sons Mark and his  4 children. His oldest, Kristi, graduated from the Univ. of Tenn. and has finished  her first year of law school there. Courtney, 2nd oldest, will be a senior at the Univ. of Tenn. next year. Matthew, the recent high school graduate, has been accepted at the Univ. of Tenn. and will  start in the fall. Ryan, the youngest will be in the 9th grade this year. I thought how proud  Billy Jack and Margaret are  of all their children but I just zeroed in  on their son Mark.

 

I don't want to be morbid and I said I would not write sad things, but have you ever thought of what you want your tomb stone to be like" I told my family to be sure and put the word "Teacher" on my monument. I was in Bluffton cemetery looking  around a couple of weeks ago and saw that Rita Daniel had had Charles' monument placed by his grave. It is so outstanding--just the name Daniel written at the top in  script and then under his name there is a painting of 3 deer, looking as if they are just leaving the woods. Then farther on, there is a painting of a man fishing.  At the end of the monument there is a painting of a church. Just portrays Charles as to what he loved---the deer hunting,the fishing streams and his God. His family would be tops too.

 

My niece MaChel has a daughter, Emily, that will be sweet 16 next week. Emily is just like her mother so therefore, she is just like my  brother, Bob Roy.. Bob would have loved those grandchildren so very much. Machel';s two boys are 7 year old Christopher and soon to be 5 year old  Andrew. Chel says they are good EATERS. She fixed breakfast for supper the other night. Christopher ate 3 fried eggs, 4 pieces of bacon, a sausage, and 3 biscuits with honey. On top of that he ate a large slice of cantaloupe. Andrew just had one egg, but he also had the rest just as Christopher had ! Would you like to feed those boys ?

 

Clark Smith from FV came and fixed my computer Wednesday. I sure was thrilled cause I look forward to using my computer every day. Now if he will just come and fix my printer.

 

Gee, I had a busy Saturday. I went to the Adventist Church--heard Dr. Sandberg teach the Sabbath lesson on the Resurrection and Dr. Ruff preached a  very good sermon. Then I was invited to eat with them so of course I did. Then I drove home, which is about 30 miles. Then at 4 I was at Wing  at a meeting at the Promise Land facility where Susan Rhoades  spoke to those of us that are going to help with the children this summer that will come to the game room to play  the wonderful games they have for kids The kids can come  on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 4 until 8. Then I plan to help  some on Tuesdays   when they  plan to teach the  1st through 3rd graders  to get them better prepared for school next year. I appreciate these wonderful people that just want to minister to the young people of the valley. After that meeting I went on to my Rover church at 6  where we are studying a Beth Moore book  on Living Free in Jesus. . I am VERY tired.

 

My goodness, a local school board member went to the scheduled school board meeting a couple of weeks ago and guess what? No one was there--the school board, with the exception of this member, had met the night before. And shoot a monkey this particular board member had not bought  a Petit Jean paper that advertised the meeting. I just don't understand this board member not going to Morrillton that day or Birta and buying a paper.I think we citizens of  the valley  should subscribe to every paper within 200 miles so every school board member  can read when the school board is going to meet. I'll be glad to  put the date of the meeting in the Tulsa World, just to be safe. But  gee Hurrah, the Board Meeting is advertised in the  Yell County Record this week and I'm sure it will be next week too And thinking of the last Board meeting, it was interesting to see in the Gazette Wednesday that the State Board of Education has passed an Ethics  code for the TEACHERS. If the teacher violates the Ethics code she can be dismissed. Now tell me, don't you think those in charge of teachers should be ethical also? How about writing a letter to the State Board of Education. I'm going too.

 

Think on this---Evil prospers when good men do nothing.

This school should not be closed

Gravelly News by Glenna Goodson

   While on a road trip an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing the meal they left the restaurant and resumed theri trip. hen leaving, the elderly  lady, unknowingly, left her glasses on the table and she didn't miss them until they had been driving about 20 minutes. By then to add to the aggravation they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve  her glasses. All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire drive. The more he chided her the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't let up one minute. To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, her husband yelled at her, "While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card."

 

 

I walked into my Rover Baptist Church the 25th of May and Bro. Shipley says"I think they need you to play the piano, cause the Rovers for Jesus are gone singing this weekend." I walked up front and the choir was just coming in and Chris Light says "Things are better now that you are here.": I was glad  I was there. Brother Shipley's sermon was so inspirational on "Everyone Wants to Bee Remembered." Ifeel guilty cause I am not doing more to get people to come to my church cause people need to hear and know the Word of God. Keith Shipley really teaches and preaches the Word and is one of the best preachers I have ever heard.  When I left the service, Iwent to Plainview Fowler's to eat. Isaw Chuck McCool and his family as they were leaving  And Chuck sat down to talk to me. I learned that Chuck is now on staff at Plainview  1st. Baptist Church--he is the part time youth and music director.  He was telling me an activity the youth had done the week before--they called  the activity "Give Back to the Community Day." The kids cleaned some yards for  the elderly, cleaned some gutters and cleaned out flower beds.  They also mowed the church yard. Chuck told me other thigs they had done and it sounded so good.  Good job, Chuck!!

 

Tuesday, I was back at Fowler's and was so excited to see Odios Hunt, formerly of Gravelly. He  was 95 years old that day. Some of his family had brought him for a birthday meal.I had to tell him who I was but then he knew me. Gee, Odios Hunt and Elois Hunt were part of my growing up years. They were friends of my parents and meant so much to me. Elois and my mom both had baby girls later in their life and Shelba Jeanand Kathy are the same age. Odios is in a nursing home and he told me he was  okay except he could not get around very well.

 

I went to see Leslie Harvey in the Danville Hospital last Monday. Leslie is not doing   well at all and I am so glad I went to see him. He was so glad to see me and told me I was at the top of his list of people he wanted to come see him. Leslie was in my first 5th grade class at FV in 1953. He has had cancer surgery but the cancer has invaded most of his body. Please pray for Leslie andhis family.

 

My grand niece Ashly Swaim is working at the ABC Children's Academy and Developmental Center at Dardanelle. She gets practicum hours for her college. She really lovesher job. This fall she will graduate with her associate's degree  for Early Childhood and will  continue her major in the Spring. She andJames plan to be married the last of June.

 

My granddaughtrer Robyn called me from Guthrie, Ok and told me about going the last day of Jacob'sschool and getting him andhis report card and  belongings.  There was a sheet attached to the report card. There was an activity where each of Jake's classmates could say one thing about Jake and them a place where Jake could write something. Robyn said he wrote, "I have a wonderful Nanny. " I just had to cry.

 

I did not believe  that in my lifetime I would see my FV  school be no more. Superindentants, board members and others involved just don't understand that our valley school is not a town school as the other  two schools are  in Two Rivers. Our school is all comprised of country kids and the parents love God, family, church and their SCHOOL in that order. There was a survey conducted a few years ago and FV, yes, small FV, had graduated more that had gone on to get Bachelors, Masters and Doctor's degrees then any other school in Yell County. This survey was in  comparsion to our size. A couple of  years ago the State Dept. sent personnel to the schools in 2 Rivers District to inspect our buildings and classrooms. FV was the only school that passed the inspection with flying colors. Last year the Gazette newspaper had listed every school in Yell County as to whether  the schools had met , academically, the State Dept. guidelines. FV was the only school in 2 Rivers that met those gujidelines.I  understand our district is in trouble financially, but why not find ways to put the crunch on all 3 schools in our district and work at keeping a rural school that meets the needss of many children. When you see a school closed, you usually see old buildings, but look at FV. A gym that cost a million dollars--andis paid for. The rest o fthe school is relatively new except the old home ec building. Such a waste of money, love and time if this school is closed. I  would advise those that are really interested. like Linda Gagne, to get a lot of facts together and go to the State Department and show why this school should not be closed.

 

Did you realize that chickens are the only animals you eat before they are born and after they are dead..