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

Finally, the snow is gone and we are wishing for relief from hot summer days. The green fields, luscious trees and beautiful flowers are what make this area of Virginia so special.

This has indeed been a busy spring and early summer. Because of the gym floor construction, many projects were postponed until later dates. Since the first of May, we have had a flea market and sesquicentennial celebration in conjunction with the Ceres Ruritan Club; a chicken roast, participation in the County Sesquicentennial parade with a float that was absolutely sensational, a spaghetti supper to make money for Relay for Life; an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, a pig roast, and will have a picnic and quarterly membership meeting this month. See more about these events later in this newsletter.

Our biggest achievement was completion of the gym floor. The new floor will be dedicated during Homecoming on October 15^th. There are pictures on our web page, www.ceresva.org. Thanks to Audra Repass for furnishing many of the pictures.

We are now gathering raffle gifts and door prizes for Homecoming. Any gift or gift certificate that you can donate will be appreciated. Let Betty Hubble (276) 682-4255 know what you plan to bring or send.

We hope you will make an effort to join or 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 organization.

Wade Hall, President

‘CERES DAY’ celebrates 150 YEARS (5/7/11)

(In tribute to ‘Ceres Day,’ the Bland County Messenger (6/15/11) printed a full page of pictures from the events of the day.)

A large crowd participated as time was turned back one hundred fifty (150) years at the recent “Ceres Day” sponsored by the Ceres Alumni Association and Ceres Ruritan Club. This event was a tribute to Bland County on its 150^th anniversary. Many of the participants were in dress of that period.

The day opened with breakfast, flea market and tours of the buildings on the Ceres School campus. At 10:00 AM, booths opened to demonstrate crafts, skills and exhibits dating back to 1861. Among the skills and crafts were blacksmithing, hot and cold soap making, grinding grain, quilting, making throws, crosscut sawing, rope making, wood shingle making, wood carving and book signing. Exhibits included a Spring House box with crocks; a tree stump with the years of growth clearly marked; butter churns; antique canning jars and spinning wheel. Demonstrations and exhibits were open until 4:00 PM.

Lunch time brought another special treat. The Ceres Ruritan Club provided an 1861 cornbread and beans dinner with trimmings that might have been served 150 years ago.

The day was so successful; there is discussion of making this an annual event.

CAA Float – Sesquicentennial Parade

It is too bad if you did not get to see the outstanding Ceres Alumni Association float in the parade on May 28^th. Featured on the back of the float was a large FFA emblem made of corn grains, beans, spices and other natural products. Below is an article from the Bland County Messenger (6/8/11).

Float showcases FFA emblem

By Wayne Quesenberry

Helen Dodd described the process as “coloring with beans and corn.” She was referring to the FFA emblem featured on the Ceres Alumni Association float in the recent Bland County Sesquicentennial Parade.

From a distance, the nearly 6-foot-tall emblem appeared to be painted on plywood. Closer inspection revealed a three-dimensional effect.

Dodd with help from Tom and Becky Scott created the FFA emblem with black beans, yellow feed corn, light brown lintels and red cayenne pepper. They used plain white glue to place the seeds onto a sketch of the emblem on the plywood.

Glen and Robin Repass provided the outline for the emblem. The couple projected the image from an overhead transparency onto the plywood board.

Using a black heavy-duty marker, Robin Repass traced the outline of the FFA emblem. Her husband built the wooden frame around the board so it would stand.

“It was a cool idea,” Dodd said. “I wish I could say it was mine but I copied it. I’ve seen it done before.”

According to her, she had seen a 4-H emblem created from farm products years ago. Art at Bland Elementary School where she is a bus driver and substitute teacher reminded her of the process.

To make the emblem, it took 6 pounds of the black beans and 15 pounds of the corn for the image. A pound of lintels provided the color for the beige area and the cayenne peppers produced the red effects.

“It was like coloring with beans and corn,” Dodd noted. “I just followed the outlines on the board.”

The project, she said, took seven to eight hours to complete over a three-week period.

The FFA emblem was part of the float, sponsored by the Ceres Alumni Association, honoring the late Henry C. Groseclose, founder of the FFA. Ceres is the hometown of Groseclose and is the site of a museum bearing his name.

“We had a meeting about putting a float in the parade about three months ago,” said Glen Repass, a member of the Ceres Alumni Association. “We wanted to do something with the FFA sign and Helen said she would help any way she could.”

The flatbed float was also decorated with antique farm equipment, metal buckets, milk cans, old-time accessories, bales of hay and baskets of corn. Signage also indicated Groseclose’s connections to Ceres.

“We were pleased with the FFA emblem and the float.” said Repass. “It was beautiful.”

Dodd was unable to attend the Memorial Day weekend parade celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the county. She had company.

“I’ve had a lot of nice compliment about the emblem,” Dodd said. “People said they really liked it.”

She and the Scotts own and operate Bloomin Idiots Greenhouse in Ceres. Dodd also farms on the side.

REPORTED DEATHS

The following deaths were reported since the last newsletter was published:

Randolph Hanshew

Earl Durham

Faith Danette Penley

MEMORIAL GIFTS

In memory of Terry Umbarger

By Sue Umbarger

In memory of William M. “Bill” Creggar

By Sarah and David Paulette

In honor of Frankie C, Davis

By Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Henley

FUND RAISERS

OCTOBER RAFFLE

Plans are again underway for a raffle, to be drawn on October 15, 2011. Tickets are being mailed with this newsletter. Your assistance in selling or buying these will be greatly appreciated. A complete list of prizes and donors will be published later. Prizes, listed below, were donated by an Association member if not otherwise identified. We already have some very nice prizes including:

Ø Rifle, 270 Remington with Bushnell scope donated by Ceres Alumni Association

Ø Framed P. Buckley Moss print, donated by Moss Foundation and framed by Farmer’s Daughter

Ø Handmade quilt made and donated by “Just for Fun Quilters”

Ø Sears Craftsman cutting kit donated by James F. Wilson

Ø Laptop Computer, Windows 7 donated by CAA and two CAA members

Ø $25 gift certificate donated by Harner’s Market

Ø Basket of organic toiletries donated by Chick-a-Bee Farm

Ø $25 Certificate donated by Applebee’s of Wytheville

Ø 5 qt. Slow Cooker

Ø Motorized coin sorter

Ø 2 pound Country Fresh Fudge donated by Big Walker Lookout

Ø Ice Tea Maker

Ø $50 Gift Certificate, good at various businesses by Builders Supermarket

Ø Handmade throw made and donated by Crabtree Family Sewing

Ø $50 Bonds (2) from New Peoples Bank

Ø $25 cash from Randy Townley, Bland Auto

Ø 3 sets of skin care products

Ø $50 Bond donated by First1Bank

Door Prizes include:

Ø Four day-passes to Wytheville Community Recreation Center – 2 adult, 2 children (2)

Ø Travel bag of goodies (5) by Jack King

Ø Bowl Set and key chains by Della Mae Neel

Ø Pocket Knife (2) by W&W NAPA of Bland

Ø Medium Pizza & 3 liter Coke (2) by Bland Square Restaurant

Additional prizes are still needed.

A prize will go to the individual who sells the most ($) in tickets. Again, we would appreciate your help this year. This is our largest fund raiser.

We hope you will sell or buy the enclosed raffle tickets. Sold ticket stubs may be mailed to PO Box 32, Ceres, VA 24318. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each or 12 for $10.00. If you need additional tickets,

please call 276.682.4255 or 276.688.4450.

William M. “Bill” Creggar Scholarship

The Alumni Association created a Scholarship Fund in memory of Bill Creggar who passed away on March 12, 2010. 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, a “Bill Creggar Cookout” will be held August 13th to raise funds. Weather permitting, this “hamburger, hot dog with all the trimmings” event will be outdoors so bring your lawn chairs. Music is planned. Donations to the scholarship fund may also be mailed to PO Box 32, Ceres, VA 24318 at any time.

2011 Bill Creggar Scholarship Recipient

Recipient of the 2011 William M. Creggar Memorial Scholarship was Isaac Repass of Ceres. He finished third in his graduating class and has enrolled in Wytheville Community College.

Isaac expresses his appreciation to all those who donated to make the scholarship possible.

Financial Report

It has been a busy year financially for the Ceres Alumni Association with the gym floor project and other construction projects that were undertaken in conjunction with this major one. During the first half of the year, the CAA has collected $9,173.43 and has expended $46,161.95. The expenditure amount does not include any costs associated with the gym floor other than the cost of the floor logo which was not included in the initial project. Listed below is a recap of some of the projects undertaken so far this year:

Logo on Gym Floor Logo on Gym Floor	$ 3,350.00
Stage Sound, Inc. (Sound Proof Bafflers & Stage & Railings)	$ 19,100.43
Spartan Sporting Goods (Bleachers)	$ 2,976.55
Labor to Assembly Bleachers	$ 36.00

Gravel (Two Loads)	$ 345.28
Replacement of Windows in Shop (Materials)	$ 97.26
Labor for Replacement of Windows in Shop	$ 234.00
Painting of Gym - Materials	$ 318.76
Labor for Painting of Gym	$ 354.00
Vinyl for Shop	$ 537.19
Sheet Metal for Shop	$ 384.83
Labor for Installing Vinyl and Sheet Metal on Shop	$ 258.00
Labor for Painting Gym Doors and Exterior	$ 396.00
Labor to Finish Metal on Shop, Replace Light Bulbs, etc.	$ 72.00
Labor to Finish Painting	$ 48.00
Carport	$ 2,180.25
Down Payment on Carport	$ 114.75

Listed below is a recap of the fund raisers. These totals do not reflect the expenses associated with holding these activities:

May 7 – Flea Market, Bake Sale, and Sesquicentennial Celebration - Spaces - $218.00; Food - $388.50; Museum Sales - $99.00

Total $ 705.80

May 21 – Chicken BBQ Donations $1,330.01; 50/50 $108.50

Total $1,438.51

June 25 – Pancake Breakfast at Applebee’s (26 Attendees)

Total $ 170.00

July 1 – Pig Roast Donations $2,056.00; 50/50 $178.50* (201 Dinners)

Linda Dillow won the 50/50 pot of $128.50 and donated $50.00 of her winnings to the CAA. Thanks Linda.

Total $2.234.50

In addition to these fund raisers, the Association also sponsored a Relay for Life Spaghetti Supper and raised $1,000 for two teams in the county – BB&T and Central United Methodist Church. Museum Sales ($65.00) and 50/50 ($50.00) for this event was $115.00.

Thanks to all who participated in these events and for their generosity. The Association can’t do it without you, and we truly appreciate all who support us.

SCHEDULING USE OF GYM

Now that the gym floor is complete, the building is being heavily used for family and community functions. Some 2012 events are being scheduled. If you or your family desires to use the gym, make your requests early to ensure your first choice of dates. Call (276) 682-4380 or (276) 682-4255 to schedule your dates.

Membership Dues

As of this date, there are 105 paid members of the Ceres Alumni Association. Dues are $25.00 for one year, and $100.00 for five years. Memberships are based on calendar year (January 1 to December 31). If you haven’t paid your membership dues for 2011, please consider doing that today. We appreciate your support.

CERES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION UPCOMING 2011 EVENTS

Monthly Board Meetings

3^rd Thursday – 7:00 PM

Except 3^rd Saturday - Jan., Apr., July, & Oct.

Everyone is welcome to attend

Picnic and Quarterly Meeting

Peery Center Gym

July 16, 2011 – 1:00 PM

Bill Creggar Cookout

(For Wm. M. “Bill” Creggar Scholarship Fund)

Peery Center Gym

Aug. 13, 2011 ~ start serving at 5:00 PM

Price: By Donation

Pig Roast

Music Planned

Peery Center Gym

Sept.10, 2011 ~ start serving at 5:00 PM

For utilities and building upkeep

Price: By Donation

11^th Annual Homecoming

Gym Floor Dedication

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

PRINT THESE DATES AND COME JOIN US

Ceres Alumni Association

P. O. Box 32

Ceres, VA 24318

276 682-3989

E-Mail Address

ceres_alumni_association@hotmail.com

Web Site

www.ceresva.org

Web Master – Elmer Beardshall

Reminders

Monthly Board Meetings

7:00 PM on 3^rd Thursday in each month

(except 3^rd Saturday in Jan., Apr., July & Oct.)

Everyone is welcome

Henry C Groseclose Agriculture & FFA Museum

Open by appointment

Call 276 682-4587

Officers for 2011

President Wade F. Hall

276.682.4380

Vice President Betty C. Hubble

276.682.4255

Recording Secretary/Reporter Rebecca M. Peery

276.682.4381

Membership Secretary Lorraine S. Waddle

276.688.4450

Historian Elizabeth N. Kimberlin

276.682.4431

Treasurer Robert I. Waddle

276.688.4450

Association Directors and term ending year:

J. W. Cassell – 2011 W. Nelson Tibbs – 2012

Frances C. Davis – 2011 Anne H. Britton – 2013

Evelyn H. Groseclose – 2011 Frankie Gray – 2013

Jonan C. Repass – 2012 William H. Hubble – 2013

Sue Repass – 2012 Archie Atwell – Past Pres.

Endowment Trust Fund Directors & term ending year:

Dean Kirk – 2011 James Wilson – 2012

Robin U. Repass – 2011 Judy Cassell – 2013

Jerry Thompson – 2011 William H. Crabtree – 2013

Joyce Keen – 2012 DeWayne Hubble – 2013

George H. Peery, III – 2012 Robert I. Waddle – Treas

Year 2011 July Edition No. 2

Officers for 2011