If you or your company would like to sponsor the next Association newsletter, contact any officer or Board member. The cost per newsletter mailing is $165.00.

It is hard to believe that another half year has passed. Preparations are underway for the annual Ceres Homecoming on October 15^th. We hope to see as many of you as possible there.

Our annual raffle season has started. This is our biggest fund raiser of the year. You can help make it a huge success by selling or buying raffle tickets.

You are welcome to attend any of the monthly Board meetings on the third Thursday evening. This is your organization. Come and let your voice be heard.

In response to the many requests, the play, "Daffodils to Remember" will be repeated on Friday night, October 14, 2005. We understand this year’s play will be longer. Not all of last year’s actors and actresses will be available, so if you are interested in being in this year’s play, contact Joyce Keen at 688-3024. The play is written and directed by Mindy and Brian Bowers. This is a "must see" event.

The Homecoming activities for Saturday, October 15^th, are incomplete but should be much like last years event with a catered meal in the gymnasium. One added feature this year will be more door prizes.

Registration forms for Homecoming will be enclosed with the next newsletter. Mark your calendar and plan to be with us.

We are still receiving prizes to be used for the raffle. A complete list of prizes and donors will be in the next newsletter.

So far, the prizes are:

Please try to sell or buy the enclosed raffle tickets. A very nice prize will go to the individual who sells the most tickets. Last year, one member bought and gave several books of tickets to friends and relatives. Ticket stubs and money may be mailed to P. O. Box 32, Ceres, VA 24318 before October 14^th or hand delivered to an officer or director.

Additional tickets may be obtained by writing to the above address or calling 276 682-4255.

It is not too late to donate a table and six chairs ($155.00 a set) and have your name, as donor, and the names of your honorees placed on a plaque in the gymnasium. We have five slots left on the plaque. Checks for $155.00 along with the name of your honoree may be mailed to C.A.A., P. O. Box 32, Ceres, VA 24318.

COOKBOOKS (Printed on request)

Vol. I with 410 recipes $12 plus S/H

Vol. II with 519 recipes $12 plus S/H

Ceres, VA – Goddess of Grain $10+S/H

Wood miniatures $12.50 plus S/H

Brass Collectibles $12.50 plus S/H

(XXL $1.00 extra) $10 plus S/H

Ceres, Virginia } $6 each + S/H

School } or

Large & Extra large $19.95 + S/H

There were plenty of bargains to be found both inside and outside at the annual flea-market and bake sale on April 8 and 9, 2005. Both vendors and customers appeared to be having a good time. The Alumni Association cleared $761.00 on their food sales and donated yard sale items.

The Ceres Alumni Association has been notified of a possible $1,300 grant and a $600 grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a fraternal organization composed of Lutheran Church members or employees of Lutheran organizations. The above amounts will be matches for fund raising conducted by the Association and co-sponsored by Sharon Lutheran Church. Appreciation is expressed to both Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the members of Sharon Lutheran Church.

Members of the Ceres Alumni Association have been working with the Nebo Community Association to try to help them receive non-profit status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The two neighboring organizations have worked together on several projects to benefit the communities.

Mark Gregory of Rocky Gap received the 2005 Harry P. King scholarship award. Mark has Ceres ties. His grandparents, Billy Umbarger and the late Bonnie Ann Cassell Umbarger grew up in Ceres and were graduated from Ceres High School. Thanks to the King family for this remembrance of Harry.

Bonnie Ann Cassell Umbarger

Betty Jo (Mrs. Andrew) Hayton

G. R. Harden, Jr.

Shirley (Mrs. Glen) Harden

Josephine Groseclose Pederson

Willis "Brother" Tibbs

Robert Herman Hubble

Reba Lambert Harner

Elizabeth Repass Barger Wagner

Notifications will be sent to the families when contributions are made to the Association in memory or in honor of others.

All those with an interest in the Ceres Community are eligible to be a member of the Ceres Alumni Association. Annual dues are $25 or $100 for five years and may be mailed to P. O. Box 32, Ceres, VA 24318.

If you know of others who might be interested in being a member, please pass this information on to them or contact us.

"Daffodils to Remember" play

Annual Homecoming

Weekend’s activities/schedule TBA