|
CERES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (C.A.A.)
|
|
Dedicated to maintaining the pride and spirit of Ceres |
| Newsletter |
| Year 2011 February Edition No. 1 |
|
|
|
|
| NEWSLETTER SPONSOR |
| If you or your company would like to sponsor a future newsletter, please contact any officer or mail your check for $165 to P.O. Box 32, Ceres, VA 24318. This covers the cost of postage.
|
|
|
| PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE |
| Hi everyone, |
| Happy New Year |
| I hope you are all healthy and have managed this year’s cold and snowy winter so far. I sure am looking forward to a warm and green spring in Ceres. |
| This fall has been busy with the gym construction. Due to the extent of the poor condition of the old floor we are replacing the entire floor. This has delayed the construction about 1 month to April. We have set up dates for our 2011 fund raisers and I hope we see you all come out and help. Don’t forget our great exercise room is open and we need to encourage our neighbors to join.
|
| Congratulations to David Perry for graduating Air Force Basic Training. He is now stationed in Utah. |
| Please make an effort to encourage others to join our organization. We need your help to keep our great community organization moving forward and providing a service for Ceres and Bland County. Please be safe, stay healthy and come out and support your origination. |
|
Wade Hall, President |
|
|
| 2010 CERES HOMECOMIMG |
| The Ceres Alumni Association sponsored its tenth annual Ceres Homecoming on October 16, 2010. The Homecoming was well attended and enjoyed by all. The day started with registration and a chance for guests to tour the buildings on the former Ceres school campus and visit with old friends. The 163 attendees were given a 2011 date book. At 1:00 PM, everyone gathered in the decorated gymnasium for a delicious and bountiful meal, catered by Loretta Worrell Catering Service. The decorations in the gym and auditorium by Becky Kimberlin, Lorree and Buddie Waddle and Joyce Keen, carried out an autumn theme while Mother Nature decorated the mountains and valley with beautiful fall colors to make the scene perfect. At the end of the meal, the late Loretta Worrell was remembered.
|
| Following lunch, everyone moved to the Ruritan Community Center (former school) auditorium for the program and business meeting. |
| Wade Hall, President, welcomed everyone, recognized guests, thanked all who had worked so hard to make the event a success and thanked the Ruritan Club for the use of their community center. Mr. Hall presented two pictures that will be hung in the gymnasium. One was from the 2009 Homecoming of the 1959 boys’ basketball team and the other was a recently discovered picture from 1959. |
| Samantha and Frankie Gray presented to the Association the U. S. Flag that their family received following the funeral of William M. Creggar. The flag was in a beautiful case handcrafted by Glen Repass from wood taken from one of the gymnasium bleachers. |
| W. Nelson Tibbs led the annual "Rose of Remembrance" segment of the program. Twenty-seven members, family and local citizens whose deaths were reported to the Association since the last Homecoming were remembered with a long stem rose presented to family members who were present. Those remembered were: Robert L. Hanshew, The Rev. George Ziegenfuss, Macie Atkins Hubble, H. Michael Pruett, Louise Fortner Williams Young, Donald E. Hanshew, Bobby Moseley, Yvonne Dean Tibbs Morris, Geneva Hancock Stowers, Charles W. Anderson, V. Leon Lambert, Sr., Nancy Cregger Snaveley, William "Bill" Moore Creggar, Peggy Ann Burke Allison, Alvis A. Atwell, Raymond Vest, Harvey Durham, Elizabeth Neel Allen, Blaine Thompson, Diane L. Fortner, Nellie C. Umbarger, Kathleen Duncan Hall, Barbara S. (Mrs. Harry) Wilson, Howard Guynn, Donald Umbarger, and Andrew Hayton. Loretta Worrell was honored earlier in the day. |
| During the business meeting, minutes of the last Board meeting, Treasurer’s report, Museum report and current membership list, as presented in the program, were approved. The following Association officers were elected for 2011: President – Wade F. Hall, Vice President – Betty C. Hubble, Recording Secretary and Reporter – Rebecca M. Peery, Membership Secretary – Lorraine S. Waddle, Historian – Becky N. Kimberlin, Treasurer – Robert I. "Buddie" Waddle. Archie Atwell will hold the position of Past President. The Association’s Board of Directors for the period through 2011 will be J. W. Cassell, Frances C. Davis and Evelyn H. Groseclose and Jonan C. Repass, Sue T. Repass and W. Nelson Tibbs through 2012. Elected to serve three-year terms through 2013 were Anne H. Britton, William H. Hubble and Frankie Gray. The Association Endowment Fund Directors will be Dean D. Kirk, Robin U. Repass and Jerry Thompson for a term through 2011, and Joyce Keen, G. H. Peery, III, and James Wilson through 2012. Judy Cassell, William H. Crabtree and DeWayne Hubble were elected to serve three-year terms through 2013 |
| The theme of this year’s program was "Ten Years and Beyond" celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Ceres Alumni Association. Anne H. Britton, first President of the Ceres Alumni Association, provided an interesting segment on the History of the Association. Much to the entertainment of all, Archie Atwell provided Humorous Stories from Ceres High School. (Archie’s fellow classmates thought him meek and quiet…now the truth is known.) Vincent Groseclose provided an interesting look into the past days as a student in Ceres Elementary School. G. H. Peery provided two interesting, humorous and thought provoking segments on our lifestyles – then and now. These were followed by great stories and comments from members of the audience.
|
| A much anticipated event of the day was the drawing of the winning tickets in the annual raffle. 41 raffle prizes were awarded to: Donnie Ray Atwell, Elizabeth Bowman, Claude Brooks, James W. Cassell, Dale Cline, Bob Color, Roddy Crabtree, Bob Culler, Frances Davis, Kim Dillow, Shirley Gates, Dillon Groseclose, Linda Haulsee, Felecia Hayton, Priscilla Hubble, Regina Lowman, Helen Kidd, Lucille Hall, Ruby McMillan, Abby Matthews, Saundra Music, Ann Peery, Melody Pickle, Jesse Pulley, Jonan Repass, Starr Rowe, S & W. Fertilizer Co., Dave Sarver, Phyllis Shackelford, Frances Shupe, Warren N. Tibbs, Jr., James D. Umbarger, and James Wilson. The four largest prizes of the day were a laptop computer donated by Becky Kimberlin, Wade Hall and C.A.A. and won by Shirley Mae Cregar, a handmade quilt donated by "Just for Fun" Quilters and won by Kenneth Bryan, a framed P. Buckley Moss print donated by the Moss Foundation and framed by Farmer’s Daughter Framing won by Randy Moler, and a 270 Mossbery rifle donated by the Association and won by Jeanette Dillow. Linda Davis of Bland sold the most raffle tickets; Della Mae Neel of Ceres was second. Gifts were given to each with thanks for their hard work.. About fifty door prizes were given to those attending the Homecoming.
|
| Appreciation was expressed to all the donors of the raffle gifts and door prizes, especially those who gave more than one gift. The following businesses and individuals donated prizes: Ceres Alumni Association, P. Buckley Moss Foundation and custom framing by Farmers Daughter, "Just for Fun" Quilters, Muncy Associated Management Service, Inc., Dean Kirk of Builders Supermarket, Brenda Kidd Thompson, Glen and Robin Repass, Elaine Kegley, J. C. Kidd, Crabtree Family Sewing in memory of Lois O. Crabtree, Bill and Betty Hubble, J. W. and Judy Cassell, Buddie and Lorree Waddle, Jonan C. Repass, Della Mae Neel, Jack King – State Farm Insurance, Becky Kimberlin, Wade and Becky Hall, New Peoples Bank of Bland, Sue Repass, First1Bank of Wytheville, Bland BB&T, Laura Peery-Mary Kay Consultant, Evelyn H. Groseclose, Harner’s Market, Affordable Tractors., Cindy U. Wright, B & R Auto Repair, Randy Townley – Bland Auto, Ann’s Beauty Shop of Bland, First1Bank, Arch Thompson, Old Post Mercantile of Bland, Wytheville Office Supply, Smokey’s Barbeque, Big Walker Lookout, New People’s Bank and four anonymous donors.
|
| Thanks to all who helped make this day such a success and to all who brought "Toys for Tots." The next Homecoming will be on the third Saturday in October, 2011. |
|
|
|
TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE A SUCCESS |
| The 2010 TOYS FOR TOTS drive ended December 1st and the toys were distributed. Thanks to all the folks who cared enough to donate the 36 new unwrapped toys and stuffed animals.
|
| The 16 toys were donated to the Bland Ministry Center for their Christmas distribution to needy children. The 20 stuffed animals were donated to the Virginia State Police headquarters in Wytheville so that the officers can have in their cars an item to comfort frightened children at the scene of accidents.
|
| Thanks is extended to Bill and Nancy Harner of Harner’s Market in Ceres for their efforts to collect toys.
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
GYM REPAIR PROJECT UNDER WAY |
| FINALLY, the gym repair project is underway. We were honored to have Congressman Rick Boucher, with us on Oct. 2nd for the ground breaking ceremony to kick off the project. The afternoon included a nice crowd, good food and music by Lanny Lindamood, Glen Repass and special guest musician, Cody Sarver.
|
| To date, much of the exterior concrete work has been completed. This includes new steps to the basement, new larger front porch area, new steps and front sidewalk, new sidewalk on the North side of the building and handicap parking loading space. The work on the floor is underway. Our many snowy days in December and January slowed the construction. |
| Audra Repass, Bland County Project Coordinator, was kind enough to provide some "in progress" photos of the project. You can see them on the web site, www.ceresva.org. Thanks, Audra.
|
| Currently, bids are being sought by the Association to purchase bleachers, stage and services to improve the acoustics. |
|
|
| REPORTED DEATHS |
| The following deaths were reported since the last newsletter was published: |
| Barbara S. (Mrs. Harry) Wilson |
| Howard Guynn |
| Donald Umbarger |
| Andrew Hayton
|
| Mary Frances Umbarger Barrington |
| A. Bane Crabtree |
| O. Claude Davis |
| Gilbert R. Repass (husband of Jean Atwell Repass) |
| Dr. Emory C. Bogle (son of Fred & Ruth Brown Bogle) |
| Margaret Hanshew Moseley |
| Allie Hagy Ingram
|
|
|
| |
| MEMORIAL GIFTS |
| In memory of Barbara (Mrs. Harry) Wilson |
| By James and Betty Wilson |
|
|
|
In memory of A. Bane Crabtree |
| By William H. and Betty C. Hubble |
|
|
|
In memory of O. Claude Davis |
| By Ellen Bansemer |
| By Mary and Bruce Hollar and family |
| By Ben and Christina Jefcoat’s family |
| By John and Sue Jefcoat’s family |
| By James F. and Betty G. Wilson
|
| By Charles C. Henley |
| By Donald D. and Margaret H. Dix |
| By B. B. and Barbara Porter |
| By James B. Muncy, Jr. |
| By Helen Kirk Boone |
| By James R. and Alma K. Hubble |
| By Bill Dave Tickle and Rita Tickle Roberts |
| By Jerry and Joyce Owen |
| By Gerald and Judy Hubble Hannah |
| By Bertha H. Hubble |
|
|
|
In memory of Elmer and Vida Foglesong |
| By Wayne and Faye Sutherland |
|
|
|
In memory of Jerri Scott Bowen |
| By Wayne and Faye Sutherland |
|
|
|
In memory of Gilbert Raymond Repass |
| By William H. and Betty C. Hubble |
| By James B. Muncy, Jr. |
| By Raymond M. Muncy |
| By John Stafford |
|
|
|
In memory of Kathleen D. Hall |
| By Linda S. Schwaitzberg |
|
|
|
In memory of Nellie Umbarger |
| By Frank and Joan Chandler |
|
|
| William M. "Bill" Creggar Scholarship |
| A "Bill Creggar Supper" will be held in June to raise funds to continue the William M. Creggar Memorial Scholarship for one deserving graduating senior from Bland High School where Bill devoted so many years of his life. Donations to the scholarship fund may be mailed to PO Box 32, Ceres, VA 24318 at any time. |
|
|
|
Update on 2010 Scholarship Recipients |
| The Alumni Association created a Scholarship Fund in memory of Bill Creggar who passed away on March 12, 2010. Two graduating seniors from Bland High School were awarded a $500 scholarship each in 2010. The following is an update on their continuing education: |
|
Laurel Hankins is attending Roanoke College and majoring in Athletic Training. After graduating from Roanoke, Laurel plans to continue her education in Physical Therapy. Laurel is also playing basketball for the Roanoke College Lady Maroons. |
|
Samantha Magyar is attending Wytheville Community College taking general studies and business courses. Samantha has been accepted at Bluefield College and will begin classes in the fall. She plans to pursue a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Information Technology. |
|
|
| MEMBERSHIP EXPLANATION |
| If you haven’t paid your membership dues for 2011, please consider doing that today. Dues are $25.00 for one year, and $100.00 for five years. Thanks for your support by being members. Without you, we would not be as successful as we have been. |
|
|
|
FUND RAISERS |
|
|
|
NEW – 2011 CALENDARS |
|
len Repass has made a LIMITED NUMBER of first draft calendars containing eleven 8½ x 11" group photos of the Ceres FFA members taken in the early 1950’s. These photos were collected over the years. Bound calendars are $12.00, plus postage if mailed. Call 276 682-4250 to order your piece of Ceres history. |
|
|
| |
| 2011 Bland County Sesquicentennial |
| (Information provided by Audra Repass, Bland County Projects Coordinator.) |
|
|
| As many of you know, this area became "Bland County" on March 30, 1861. Your history books will remind you that this was a few days before the start of the Civil War.
|
|
|
| Some of you remember the wonderful celebration of Bland County’s 100th anniversary in 1961. Now, the county will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. To commemorate this milestone in our history, the following events are planned. As of this date, the schedule is still growing. It is hoped that each community will host a celebration event. |
|
|
| |
| Calendar of Sesquicentennial Events |
|
|
| Bland County’s 150th Birthday Party |
| Wednesday, March 30, 2011 |
| Bland County Courthouse |
| 9:30-11:00 Elementary Schools |
| 1:00-2:30 High Schools |
|
|
| Join us in celebrating Bland County’s 150th birthday! Enjoy refreshments at the kick-off of the 2011 Sesquicentennial.
|
|
|
| Re-dedication of Confederate Statue |
| Saturday, April 2, 2011 |
| Courthouse Lawn – Bland |
|
|
| Please attend the re-dedication of the confederate soldier statue on the Bland County courthouse lawn. 2011 marks the 100 year anniversary of the statue being erected in 1911.
|
|
|
| Ceres Community Celebration |
| Joint event sponsored by the |
| Ceres Alumni Association and Ceres Ruritan Club |
| Saturday, May 7, 2011 starting at 8:00 AM |
| Former Ceres School Campus in Ceres. |
|
|
| Flea Market, Exhibits, Demonstrations of craft making and skills from the 1800 and 1900’s, tours of the Museum and former school building.
|
|
|
|
Join us for indoor and outdoor activities to help remind you of days gone by and bring to life the stories your Grandmother told you. |
|
|
| Memorial Day Weekend Celebration |
| Parade - Saturday, May 28, 2011 5:00 p.m. |
| Street Dance - 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (immediately following parade) |
| Fairgrounds, Bland, VA |
|
|
|
Join us downtown as we celebrate Bland County’s Sesquicentennial year in the parade! The parade will travel down Main Street, and end at the Fairgrounds. There will be a street dance, just like the Centennial celebration in 1961.
|
|
|
| Bastian Community Celebration |
| The Bland County Sesquicentennial will be a part of the Bastian 4th of July celebration. |
|
|
| Ceres Ruritan Annual Car Show |
| July 9, 2011 |
| Bland Fairground |
|
|
|
Each car show participant will receive a collectible dash plaque commemorating the Bland County Sesquicentennial celebration.
|
|
|
| Pageant |
| One Act Play |
| Dates to be announced |
|
|
|
Will be presented during Festival of Leaves |
|
Casting is planned for May |
|
Plan to perform in all communities in Bland County |
|
|
| C.A.A. UPCOMING 2011 EVENTS |
| Monthly Board Meetings |
| 3rd Thursday – 7:00 PM |
| Except 3rd Saturday - Jan., Apr., July, & Oct. |
| Everyone is welcome to attend. |
|
|
|
Spaghetti Dinner |
|
(For benefit of Relay for Life) |
| Peery Center Gym |
| April 1, 2011 ~ start serving 5:00 PM |
| Price: By Donation |
|
|
|
Flea Market, Bake Sale and Sesquicentennial Celebration |
|
Joint event – Ceres Alumni & Ruritan
|
| On the former Ceres School Campus |
| May 7, 2011 ~ starting 8:00 AM |
| Crafters invited to demonstrate current and olden day skills. |
| Indoor vendor booths (10 x 10’) - $10
|
| Outdoor vendor spaces - $5 |
| (No food booths except Alumni Assoc. & Ruritan) |
| Call 276 682-4587 to reserve space. |
| Sale items may be set up on Friday evening (5:00 to 9:00 PM). |
| The Association will be selling food, donated bake goods & donated yard sale items.
|
| All donations welcome!
|
| Donations may be made any time prior to sale….call any Board member.
|
|
|
|
Chicken Roast
|
| Peery Center Gym |
| May 21, 2011 ~ start serving at 5:00 PM |
| For utilities and building upkeep. |
| Price: By Donation |
|
|
| All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast |
| Applebee’s Restaurant, Wytheville |
| June 25, 2011 ~ 8:00 – 10:00 AM |
| $5.00 per person |
| Call any Board Member to purchase tickets or pay at the door. |
|
|
|
Pig Roast
|
|
Music planned |
| Peery Center Gym |
| July 2, 2011 ~ start serving 5:00 PM |
| For utilities and building upkeep. |
| Price: By Donation |
|
|
|
Picnic and Quarterly Meeting |
| Peery Center Gym |
| July 16, 2011 – 1:00 PM |
| Everyone Welcome! |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bill Creggar Supper |
|
(For Wm. M. "Bill" Creggar Scholarship Fund) |
| Peery Center Gym |
| Aug. 13, 2011 ~ start serving at 5:00 PM |
| Price: By Donation |
|
|
|
Pig Roast
|
| Peery Center Gym |
| Sept.10, 2011 ~ start serving at 5:00 PM |
| For utilities and building upkeep. |
| Price: By Donation |
|
|
|
11th Annual Homecoming |
| Peery Center Gym |
| October 15, 2011 |
|
|
| All-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast |
| Applebee’s Restaurant, Wytheville |
| November 5, 2011 ~ 8:00 – 10:00 AM |
| $5.00 per person |
| Advance tickets or pay at the door. |
|
|
|
Voter’s Café
|
|
Election Day Breakfast and Lunch |
| Peery Center Gym |
| Nov. 8, 2011 ~ 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
|
|
|
Toys for Tots Drive |
| October 15 - December 1. 2011 |
| Bring or send new unwrapped toys and stuffed animals. Items may be brought to Homecoming, mailed to our post office box, given to any Board Member or left at Harner’s Market in Ceres. |
|
|
|
Christmas Pig Roast (Carry Out) |
| December 16, 2011 |
| Place orders before Dec.10th by calling
|
| Wade at 682-4380 or G.H. at 682-4381. |
|
|
| |
| SAVE THE EVENTS PAGES |
 |