Patti Foley of Toledo, obituary

 https://www.coylefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patricia-Foley-8/?  We came to know the Foleys in the 1990s when they hired Bob to be their architect for their new home at Lakeside where they were active members of the community.

Carol J. Steele, a long time neighbor and friend

We bought our Lakeside cottage in 1988 and met our wonderful neighbors, the Steeles. We also knew their parents, their children, and their grandchildren and some siblings.

"Carol J. Steele, age 79, of Mentor-on-the-Lake, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025. Carol was born on April 21, 1946, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Charles and Hazel (née Stevens) Staudt.

A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Carol was an active and lively member of Mentor Plains United Methodist Church for over 40 years. She embodied scripture passages like Ephesians 4, exemplifying her call of humility, gentleness, patience, and love, to all who crossed her path. She dedicated her vibrant energy to many passions, including Sew for Service, her many Bible study groups, and her book club. She also found joy participating in her Parkinson's support group, and loved her work with Mary Kay Cosmetics, empowering others to feel appreciated. Carol adored sweets, knitting, reading, film photography, hosting for the holidays, and sightseeing during her many travels. She was an avid crafter, lifelong learner, dear friend, Lakesider, and lover of life. Her servant's heart affected so many, and will be missed for years to come. Above all, Carol was profoundly dedicated to her family and the Lord, creating a sense of "home" whenever in her presence.

Carol is survived by her devoted, steadfast husband of 57 years, Scott Steele, and their four children: Julie Steele, Eric Steele, Jennifer Eberly, and Brian Steele. She was a cherished grandmother to Alexander, Hunter (McKenzie), Taylor, Isobel, Ian, and Isaac, and a proud great-grandmother to Silas. She is also survived by her siblings: Mary (Creighton), Charles (Sandy), and David (Anya), as well as a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Monreal Srnick Funeral Home, 35400 Curtis Blvd, Eastlake, OH 44095. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM, also at the funeral home. Carol will be laid to rest at Whitehaven Memorial Park."

My second trombone gone to auction

I knew what was happening, but it was still a shock to see my personal items on an auction site so we could move. I need to remind myself they are just things. It wasn't even my original trombone--that had been sold in 1967 when we moved from Champaign to Columbus. I think Bob surprised me with this one on my 50th birthday, which means I had it a lot longer than the one I played in high school band. Some lucky kid will get to use it for learning and practice before she moves up to a good one. I did try it a few years ago at in a summer class at Lakeside. I couldn't even play Twinkle twinkle little star, as I recall. Collecting My Thoughts: Trombone review I rechecked my blog and see that in January 2019 I made a New Year's resolution to play it and then crossed it off the list.

Feeling sorry for myself until . . .

 Downsizing isn't fun.  Everyone (almost) says so and has advice. There's a lot of sadness in going through items packed away and forgotten. Bob has old architectural drawings (masterpieces in my opinion in this day of computer generated plans and materials from classes he taught) and I have old essays, notebooks, poetry and memorabilia to sort through.

As I drink my morning coffee today I'm going through Christmas 2019 letters and cards. They were temporarily packed away in 2020 because of their notes and letters, but not repacked in the "big" box of treasures (going back 50+ years) because we had all of Phil's things to take care of that year of Covid. I stopped to re-read this one from Marion.

Marion is gone now; she died a few months after dictating this message. We met at Lakeside years ago at a lecture on healthy eating. The room was packed, and we were side by side in the back row. That's unusual for me--but a long friendship developed.  I noticed she carefully made notes in a small notebook, and as it turned out she was also a librarian, and we had many of the same interests. Our husbands became acquainted, and they also had similar interests like sailing and Lakeside history and architecture and served together on the Design Review Board. Shortly after they sold their adorable Lakeside home (perhaps 2017 or 2018) she was diagnosed with ALS. This was her Christmas 2019 message:

"Although I can't walk and my speech is limited due to the progress of ALS, I am grateful for many things this Christmas season.  My philosophy of living with ALS is to focus on the living and what I can do.

We have a handicapped van with a ramp so I am able to get out of the house. I go to church, the grocery store, shopping, and weekly to have my hair done.

I was in nursing care for five weeks after a week in the hospital with aspiration pneumonia but now I am so happy to be home again.  We were able to make home modifications such as a ceiling lift to get me in and out of a hospital bed.

I look forward to monthly ALS support group meetings and communication with other patients who are mostly men.  I am often the only female attending with ALS. I can read and my book club comes to my house for meetings.  They even came to the nursing facility to do a book discussion.  Friends call, come to visit, send beautiful cards, and bring food and flowers.  Thank you, dear friends.

I am able to go to monthly Lucas County Retired Teacher meetings and still serve as secretary on the Board of Directors.  A hospice nurse checks on me at home each week.  I can help prepare meals by making salads and fruit for lunch.

Jim is with me every step of the way.

Remembering you this Christmas with a wish and prayer for all the best."

Sell or donate your old books?

 I'll never do that again!

It seems we are always cleaning out books, but the shelves are always full. Books are like rabbits!! So this time I decided to try "Half Price Books" on Bethel Rd. instead of donating to the library, the VOA or the cancer shop. I think I got about $.25 a pound. I'd already checked the internet and knew what resale was going for--I sort of figured middle. My rare and unusual weren't prime--they definitely had been loved, and I'd bought them used maybe 10-15 years ago. Still, a vol 1 no. 1 of Atlantic. That was hard to give up (I collect first issues but no one else I know does). But I had looked up my Wenger genealogy volume from 1977, and it was going for $130 in even poor condition. I'm a descendant of Hans, not Chrisitan (both arrived in the colonies in 17th century) but it was still interesting if you are Mennonite or Brethren. He said, "Well, we don't have much market for genealogy. " But I'm sure they have "pickers" who do resale. So, it's back to the library next time. I'd rather donate for a good cause and get nothing. I had some massive, really interesting architecture books too, but I already knew they would not be worth much--even checking the internet they were only about $8. I had to make one trip to the car for each! We'll probably take our art books with us to Lakeside and donate to Rhein Center for classes.

Speaking of books, yesterday I found several articles about Books Within Books. It seems in many books when printing became profitable and affordable, many old and medieval Jewish manuscripts in Hebrew were used in the bindings, and now they are being "liberated" for their content and even Biblical stories. I plan to write on it soon. The databases were just created in the last 10 or 15 years.

Books Within Books

Books Within Books - Printed_MatterPrinted_Matter

A busy May season

We've had a "busy" social spring--at least for us. On May 3 we went with our neighbors and friends Jerry and Joan, and Bill and Joyce to the "new" Old Bag of Nails." It's a restaurant we used to go to that has now moved to a new location--on the first floor of a retirement home! The food and atmosphere were about the same, even the prices didn't seem that bad, but it seems an odd location. Parking was bad. There's a lot going on in that area with the new city community center.  I wrote about it here, Collecting My Thoughts: Friday Night Date and a Derby Party on Saturday  

Then the next night we were at a Kentucky Derby party, at the Hahms.  Bob's horse won $4 so that means the evening was even, since mine West Saratoga didn't place.  He is a pretty horse with a good story which is why I chose him.  On Sunday morning we drove to Lakeside and ate a packed lunch on a picnic table near the lake.  But not too close--it was a little windy.  We spent the night at the Idlewyld B & B so we could greet the class Bob used to teach. This year he recruited Kevin Buckland because it's hard for Bob to be that long on his feet. We had a great time with Kevin and his wife Pertain and went to the Que (BBQ) for dinner on Saturday evening.  We had a room on the porch and Kevin set up a movie screen and we watched YouTube videos of other art shows.  

Then on Friday the 10th our condo association had a drive-way gathering BYOB and lawn chair. It was fun to see everyone. There's a new couple--haven't moved in yet but they came--probably 60-ish. That's usually the age. Kids grown, house is too big. Their house hasn't sold yet, so the price is probably too high because everyone is looking and can't find anything. Saturday we again went out with Jerry and Joan, and Bill and Joyce because the Sloughs are leaving today for Lake Erie and will be gone until Fall. 

  

On Sunday we went out to eat for Mother's Day with Phoebe and Mark to a restaurant "The Avenue" in Dublin, a suburb northwest of us. When we moved here over 50 years ago, Dublin was a sleepy little town of 19th century houses, and now it's booming. It was a lovely day and everything was delightful. Then Monday and lunch with Ron for his 90th birthday--and boom--by Tuesday we had this terrible cough caused I think from the mold and dust from cleaning the deck.

Biggest Week in American Birding

Yesterday I wore my green-gray BSBO t-shirt to the gym. Black Swamp Bird Observatory. Today is the last day of "The Biggest Week in American Birding" hosted by BSBO and last weekend we were in Lakeside for an art workshop (observing, not teaching) and some of the activities were there. I picked up a visitor's guide and could spend a month perusing it. https://www.facebook.com/bsbobird/ or BSBO - HOME

Here's just one useful article: How you can help birds. Keep cats indoors. Don't release balloons. Discard used fishing line. Take a beginner birding. Drink Bird-friendly shade-grown coffee. Protect windows from collisions.

Cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds every year. Birders don't like wind turbines or giant glass windows on buildings, but they don't kill as many birds as cats.

I'm not a birder, and I can probably only identify 25 birds, and mostly I learned those names when I was a child. Not sure how, perhaps my mom or my teachers. Here at my living room window at my computer I see herons and mallards, owls and woodpeckers, hawks and crows, cardinals, robins, wrens and doves. Some get on the windowsill and look at me! And of course, when we were up on Lake Erie we saw many species not common around here. More than 3 dozen species of warblers pass through northwest Ohio and the BSBO tracks them.

Mother's Day Painting

 

  

On the lakefront by the Hotel Lakeside

I've lost a close friend of 50 years, Nancy Long

Since January I've been keeping a close watch on my good friend Nancy Long, who has been in and out of the hospital several times.  Fortunately, I'd been able to visit her and talk to her on the phone during her last illness.  We met in 1974 in a Bible study at FCC, found out we both enjoyed going out for coffee for a chat, and later that year she introduced us to Lakeside.  I also knew her parents, daughters, husband, and had met most of the grandchildren. She was well read and always knew the latest trends in fashion, real estate, politics and investments, plus what was going on in our school system and city government. She was a Republican long before I was, but we rarely disagreed. We celebrated our birthdays together probably all but last year, our 50th anniversaries, attended the funerals of mutual friends, many Lakeside events, church services, and dinners.  This is her obituary.

 

Panera's for coffee--2005

Exercise class--Blues Brothers--1986

 

Our 50th anniversary 2010

Nancy Lou Mitchell Long passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

She was the beloved wife of Professor Ronald K. Long for 64 years. She and Ronald were residents of First Community Village for nearly three years.

Nancy was born June 18, 1933, in Bellevue, to Bertram and Helen Moreland Mitchell, who preceded her in death. Nancy fought a courageous almost lifelong battle with lung disease (bronchiectasis) which left her with a chronic productive cough and ultimately led to her passing.

After graduating from Bellevue High School, Nancy attended Denison University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree (1955). She joined Chi Omega Sorority and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and National Mortar Board Honorary her junior year. She earned her Master of Science in Counseling from Stanford University (1957). Nancy spent many of her years as an educator, teaching at Columbus State Community College, Ohio State University, Euclid Senior High School, and Harding Junior High School in Lakewood.

Nancy was a member of First Community Church since 1960 and served as chair of numerous councils and committees including First Community Foundation, FCC Governing Board, Board of Deacons, Couple's Circle 29, Women's Guild Board, and Guilds X and G. She also enjoyed OSU Women's Club, Wednesday Literary Club (20 years), Mortar Board Alumnae, American Association of University Women, and Women's Association of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Over the years, her interests included playing piano duets with friends, reading current books, and giving book reviews. She developed and directed a merchandising program for Mortar Board National Office.

Since 1947, Nancy and her family spent summers at the family cottage at Lakeside on Lake Erie where she enjoyed walking along the lakefront path and hosting her grandchildren each summer. She was active in Lakeside Women's Club, The Heritage Society, and Friends of the Hotel Lakeside.

Nancy is survived by her daughters, Marilyn (Patrick) Roddy of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Susan (Davin) McAndrews of San Francisco, California; grandchildren she cherished, Katherine (Noah) Lavine, McKenzie (Chase) Hall, and Margaret Roddy, and Davin (Mac), Mitchell, and Porter McAndrews; and great-grandsons, Henry and Simon Lavine.

As an only child, Nancy always considered herself fortunate to have shared her childhood with cousins James Dean Miller (Carole, deceased), Jane Louise Miller Davisson (deceased) (David, deceased), Sandra Miller Woolley (Frank, deceased), and Michael Miller (Lu Ann).

Memorial gifts may be sent to First Community Foundation - Guild X fund, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, Ohio, 43212. Nancy's celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, Ohio, 43212. A reception for family and friends will be at the church following the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.

My Top Gun friends

This is an AI generated explanation of a Top Gun pilot:

  "A Topgun pilot is a highly skilled fighter pilot who has completed the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, popularly known as Topgun1. The program was founded in 1968 to better train U.S. pilots in advanced dogfight tactics and to improve their combat performance2. Topgun pilots are often hired by the Dutch & American Defense for special training operations3. They are considered to be among the best in their field and are known for their flexibility, ambition, and hands-on mentality3

Steve Browning and Dwight King, friends from Lakeside, were in the Air Force, and both were Top Gun pilots.  Both are strong Christians and recently shared their stories at the evening Praise service at the Pavilion.  Steve lives in Pennsylvania and Dwight lives in Australia, or at least he did until the Pandemic caused him to extend his U.S. vacation. Both families own homes in Lakeside.

Time travel with memories

We've both been trying to remember the name of an electrician from Cleveland who was on Bob's Haiti team and was a friend on Facebook (until he blocked me because he was a Democrat).  But so far, we have not come up with a name.  But we will.  Long after we need it.

A few weeks ago, it came to me that I was forgetting a lot of names, faces and events (duh!), and I should write down a list of all the names of the people I remembered. What a dumb idea, I thought, but I couldn't get it out of my mind. I kept seeing a list in categories.  Forreston, Mt. Morris, church, Lakeside, college days, So, I finally started one in word processing, although at first, I was going to hand write it. I decided if I did it in the word processor, I could alphabetize, and use the "find" feature if I didn't remember where a name was. It's now up to about 12-13 pages. 

 I do have some printed church directories, our school annuals, our Lakeside property owners' directory, some club directories, etc. to use as guides. I also have the Mt. Morris Past and Present, and the Mt. Morris War Record. If there are photos, I look at them, and try to remember if or when I've ever really "known" the person. It's been interesting. I can remember many faces of the class of '52, but not '58 or '59. Some people I still know on Facebook like Dick Butler or Jim Isenhart. Then I have a little symbol next to the name if they have died and put in the death date if I know it. I remember a lot of the parents of friends, like Nancy's, and Lynne's, and Sylvia's. So, I'm adding those names too. I remember the people on our block on Hitt St. in Mt. Morris from when I was 4 or 5, because I use to walk into their houses and talk to them! For some I have to find sources for first names because they were, "Mrs. Aufterbeck" or "Mrs. Duncan," since we didn't call adults by first names. I knew so many adults from when I worked at the drug store and at the town library, so I'd better write down the names while I can still remember. There were a lot of farmers who came into the drug store, some all the way from Polo, and most of those names I've forgotten. I used to babysit a lot, so I'm trying to recall those names. There was a Jewish couple who lived on N. Hannah, I think their name was Fishman, but I've forgotten their first names, and their kids' names. Maybe it will come to me--in the middle of the night! :-)

Anyway, it's something to do when it's too hot to go outside. Who knows if I'll ever finish it.

  

  

 

Irwin Ernest Jennings Nov. 1, 1934 - Mar 22, 2023, our Lakeside pastor

The Rev. Irwin E. Jennings transitioned from this life to the next on March 22, 2023. Having tenaciously challenged Parkinson’s for years, Irwin tested positive for Covid on March 21st. Throughout the day and into the evening he continued to reach out to his beloved family and friends via phone calls, texts and emails. The following morning, he quietly slipped away. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff and residents at Harbor Chase of Sarasota for embracing and caring for Irwin over the last 2 months of his earthly life.

Born on All Saints Day in 1934, Irwin was the first child and only son of Nesta (Emler) and Ernest Jennings. He was the protective older brother of Sue Ann Jennings Hochstetter; first cousin to Jimmy and Nancy Larr; second cousin to Corky and Larry Shafer; grandson of Sam and Laura Jennings; grandson of Irwin and Bessie Emler; and beloved nephew of aunts Olive Jennings Larr, Irene Jennings Johnston, Lucille Jennings Farrell, Mildred Jennings, Jean Jennings Ruble, Bonnie Emler Shafer and Eileen Emler Ford.

Irwin lived his first few years on Adams Street in Coshocton. As the story goes, Irwin took to stopping at Andy’s Restaurant on Monday mornings on his walk to first grade, only to spend his week’s milk money on a single burger. This indulgence earned him the lifelong nickname “Wimpy” after the character from Popeye.

When Irwin was 5, the family moved to Tyndal to care for his great grandfather, Grandpap Emler. The house had no indoor plumbing, no refrigeration, and for years, no phone. But Irwin enjoyed life in Tyndal, roaming the hills with Trixie (his cocker spaniel), shooting hoops against the side of the barn, attending picnics on the church lawn, and hitchhiking into town on weekends to see the movies playing at all 3 theaters.

Irwin attended Conesville High School, where he was a popular and athletic student. He most enjoyed playing basketball with his best friend, Bill Abbott. Star turns on the Conesville basketball court were offset by arduous summer jobs on local road crews, in nearby factories and in the potato fields surrounding Tyndal.

In the fall of 1950, when he was just 15 years old, Irwin lost his mother to cancer. Thankfully, Irwin and his sister were blessed with caring grandparents and aunts, who took them in and lovingly created a patchwork quilt of family. Irwin was forever grateful to his family, and for the rest of his life he visited frequently and faithfully as an expression of his enduring gratitude.

In 1952 Irwin graduated from Conesville High School and soon found his place at Muskingum College. There he enjoyed theater and Stag Club and developed into a strong competitive debater. Years later, reading the history of Muskingum College, Irwin was startled to learn that “college president Dr. Robert Montgomery advised the faculty that Muskingum had enrolled students in 1951 and 1952 ordinarily ineligible for admission - and that their counseling and guidance would require more time than usual." Despite this prediction, Irwin successfully graduated from Muskingum College in 1956.

Following graduation, Irwin taught for a year at Louisville High School. The next year brought him home to Coshocton and to a teaching and coaching position at his alma mater.

Irwin and Janet Louise Gray had their first date on New Year’s Eve, 1957. Months later, Irwin joined the Air National Guard and headed to Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio, Texas. It was there that Irwin came to the decision to pursue the ministry, and in 1958 he enrolled at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.

From Garrett, Irwin regularly hitchhiked home to see Janet at Muskingum, and in the Spring of 1959, Irwin and Janet became engaged. The following year, on June 11, 1960, Irwin and Janet were married at the Plainfield United Methodist Church. Irwin often said that marrying Janet was the best decision he ever made in his life.

One week after the wedding, Irwin and Janet moved to rural Indiana for his student pastorate at the Reynolds-Guernsey Charge. From there, Irwin commuted 130 miles to Evanston for classes each week. Fortunately, one of the first McDonalds lay en route, and Irwin/Wimpy was delighted to discover it.

After 2 years in Indiana, Irwin and Janet, and now also Beth and Carrie, returned to Ohio and the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 1962 at Hoover Auditorium in Lakeside, Irwin was ordained in the United Methodist Church.

Irwin’s first pastorate was at Calvary UMC in East Liverpool. There the family added a third child, a son, David. These were lean years for Irwin and Janet; they had to borrow from Janet’s dad to pay the heating bill and squeezed a family of 5 into a red VW Beetle. Next the young family moved to Elyria, where Irwin enjoyed building the youth fellowship program. From Elyria, Irwin and family moved on to Barberton and St. Paul’s UMC, where he played on both the church basketball and ping pong teams.

In 1973 Irwin accepted the appointment to Faith UMC in North Canton. This was to be a wonderfully rewarding 16-year appointment, with a thriving congregation and the forming of many lifelong friendships. During this time Irwin earned an M.A from Case Western Reserve University and a Master in Divinity from the Graduate Theological Foundation.

Irwin then became Superintendent of the Wooster District and served in this capacity for 6 years, before accepting the appointment to his last pastorate, the Medina UMC. In 2001, following 42 years of ministry, Irwin retired with Janet to Mount Vernon, spending summers at Lakeside and winters in Sarasota.

But most ministers don’t truly retire, and so in 2006, Irwin stepped into the role of worship coordinator for Lakeside’s Dockside Service. With Janet and Beth’s help, Irwin ministered to a steadily growing congregation for the next 12 summer seasons, retiring from Lakeside in 2018. In 2021 the site of the Dockside Service was dedicated in honor of Irwin and Janet and is now the Jennings East Deck of the Lakeside Pavilion.

During his 42 years of ministry, Irwin deeply touched so many of our lives through parenting, preaching, prayer and his very presence. His acts of service in Sunday morning services, home and hospital visits, confirmations, weddings, baptisms and funerals have left an indelible mark on our lives. And Irwin was truly blessed by knowing each and every one of you. He delighted in his family, his friends, and his flock. He loved and prayed for each of you.

The love of Irwin’s life, Janet, passed on June 5, 2022, and he grieved tremendously for her. In the midst of our enormous grief at the passing of Irwin, our Dad, our Boppy, our brother, cousin, uncle, minister and friend, we are so very grateful for the life of this warm, caring, gentle, loving and humble man, and for the knowledge that Irwin and Janet are together again, in God’s presence, forever.

Irwin was the loving father of Elizabeth Jennings Sibbring; Carrie Ellen Jennings, David Ernest Jennings, daughter-in-law Linda Doepker Jennings, son-in-law, Charles Mahler, and the proud grandfather of Sarah Elizabeth Sibbring, Laura Anne Sibbring, Parker Jennings Patterson, Nikki Leigh Jennings and Lindsey Bliss Jennings.

A Celebration of Life for the Rev Irwin E. Jennings is planned for June 11, 2023 at 2:00 pm on the Jennings East Deck of the Lakeside Pavilion. All are welcome. Interment of ashes to follow at 4:30 pm at the Memorial Garden. Family dinner at a location TBD at 5:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Lakeside Chautauqua in support of Religious Life. You can mail a check payable to “Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation” with “Irwin Jennings Memorial” on the memo line to Lakeside, 236 Walnut Ave, Lakeside, Ohio 43440. Or you can make a gift at www.lakesideohio.com/today and put ‘In memory of Irwin Jennings’ in the comment box.

His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23

Obituary information for Irwin E. Jennings (crosserpriesmanfuneralhome.com)

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Irwin was our summer Pastor (United Methodist) at Lakeside, Ohio, for twelve years.  He spoke at our 50th wedding anniversary in August 2010 and again at our son's interment at Lakeside Memorial Gardens in August 2020. We often had ice cream visits in the evening on our porch with Janet and Irwin. Although challenged by Parkinson's in his later years, it never stopped his activities and he regularly participated in the Parkinson's group at Lakeside which met for exercise/therapy and support. I'll always remember him standing at the little pulpit on the Lakeside Pavilion with Lake Erie behind him, preaching and smiling and sharing the gospel.

Bird watching

I've never made it a priority, but I thought it would be nice to know more about birds. God must have had such fun designing them. My fellow librarians gave me binoculars as a retirement gift, thinking I'd lounge on the deck and view birds. About 12 years ago I participated in some morning birding group walks at Lakeside. Great people. We even went to the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Magee Marsh Wildlife Area for a lecture and bird watching. Some could identify 100s of birds. Me, not so much. I think I learned about 5 more birds than I knew at age 10. So when I saw a bird calendar at Marc's this morning for $1, I thought it was a bargain and I could look at a page a day. And now I feel really smart, because earlier they were $16.99 according to the web site. Audubon Birds Color 2023 Page-A-Day Calendar - Calendars.com

Art show reception this Sunday

 Reception December 11, 2022, 2-4 p.m.

Bob and Norma, married for 62 years and UALC members since 1976, have both been painting since 1972 and this show is the story of their years together with a few samples of their watercolors and acrylics. Both were interested in art as children, but only Bob pursued it as a career and avocation. Norma enjoyed a library career. He became an architect with fine arts and design classes in high school and college, plus some classes at an art institute as a child. Norma had the family dining room table with art supplies and paper, but no classes. Her teachers in kindergarten and first grade “featured” her art of a May pole dance, and horses were scribbled in the margins of school papers and books. The Bruces met at the University of Illinois in 1959 and married in 1960, but art really wasn’t a focus. Bob’s interest in painting was rekindled by his friend Ned Moore in 1972, so he dug out his old brushes from college art classes. That piqued Norma’s interest so she began taking a few workshops with local artists and later at Lakeside. 

They’ve chosen paintings that tell about their lives. In the library lounge are some stories about Illinois where Norma grew up and where they vacationed with their children, Phoebe and Phil, in the 1960s-70s. Norma’s mother had renovated her parents’ farm home in the 1960s near Franklin Grove, Illinois, as a retreat center and the Bruce family enjoyed roaming northern Illinois looking for farm scenes to paint. Included are paintings of family, two by Bob of Phil who died in 2020, Norma’s childhood friends and family from the 1940s, and her paternal grandmother in her wedding dress. Norma’s grandparents owned the Lustron in Mt. Morris on the postcard. It then was purchased years later by her father after her mother died in 2000.

 
In the hall in keeping with the rural and farm theme in the library lounge they’ve hung some flowers and vegetables, although they don’t garden. These are usually from a workshop at Lakeside or a “how to” book. Also in the hall are paintings of animals—Norma particularly liked horses, and owned one as a youngster (no paintings of him).

Also in the hall they’ve included paintings of travels after retirement in Ireland, Israel, Egypt, Alaska, and Spain—two borrowed from the current owners for this show. Bob went with the UALC mission group to Haiti for 10 years and taught architecture there. At the library door is Bob’s painting of three children from Westerville who were neighbors at Lakeside reading their Bible together. They are homeschooled and Bob helped with their art instruction. Also you’ll see Bob’s paintings of two UALC pastors who’ve had a big place in their lives.

 
The Bruce family began vacationing at Lakeside on Lake Erie in 1974 and owned a summer home there from 1988 to 2022. Paintings from those years are in the Fireside Lounge. Bob taught many classes at the Rhein Arts Center in Lakeside and both took advantage of the classes in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, jewelry making, silk painting and pottery. Bob has been in the Lakeside summer art show for over 40 years and in 2021 published a book of his Lake Erie paintings.

 
1. Driftwood, Lakeside - Norma
2. Lakeside Transportation - Norma
3. Romancing the Freighter, Lakeside - Norma
4. Bring Three Friends, Lakeside - Norma
5. Marblehead Lighthouse - Norma
6. Post cards of Lakeside – Norma
7. Ice Cream More Ice Cream, Lakeside – Robert
8. Lakeside Women’s Club – Robert
9. Werden’s Porch, Lakeside – Robert
10. Lighthouse Spiral Staircase, Marblehead – Robert
11. Mouse Island Race, Lakeside – Robert
12. Lakeside Orchestra – Robert
13. Keeping Watch, Norma’s father, 1944 – Norma
14. Playmates, Forreston, 1946 – Norma
15. Grandma’s Wedding Dress, 1912 - Norma
16. Phoebe and Phil at the Marblehead Lighthouse - Norma
17. Snow Horse, Forreston, 1950 - Norma
18. Shuffleboard at Lakeside, 1974 - Norma
19. Phil Bruce with Guitar, 2018 - Robert
20. Phil Bruce, 2012 - Robert
21. Daysville Road Farm, Franklin Grove, 1974 - Norma
22. Olive in her Garden, Franklin Grove - Robert
23. Red Barns Vignette, Franklin Grove - Robert
24. Whitney House, Franklin Grove - Robert
25. Reflection no Horizon, 1974, painted at Franklin Grove farm - Robert
26. Red Geraniums in Brown Pot - Norma
27. Pink Geraniums - Norma
28. White Daisies – Norma
29. Squash in a Bowl – Norma

30. Vegetables on Lace – Norma

31. Purple Iris – Norma 

32. Jackie’s Daffodils - Norma 

33. Hall Children Reading their Bible -Robert 

34. Pastor Dave Drumel - Robert 

35. Pastor Paul Ulring - Robert 

36. Mendenhall Glacier, 2001 – Robert 

37. Camel and Pyramids, 2009 – Robert 

38. Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, 2009 – Robert 

39. Haitian Girl, Ouanaminthe, Haiti – Robert 

40. Ireland Landscape, 2007 – Robert 

41. Street Scene, Grenada Spain, 2015 - Robert 

42. Postcards of Alaska, 2001 – Norma 

43. Bay Horse, 1974 – Norma 

44. Mustang – Norma 

45. Cat on a Hot Pink Porch, Lakeside – Norma 

46. Baby Duck – Norma 4

47. The Plaza, Grenada Spain, 2015 – Robert 

48. Corbett Lustron, Mt. Morris, 2001 – Norma 

49. Mark fishing at Lakeside, 2022—Robert 

50. Friend fishing at Lakeside, 2022—Robert

 #38

 #21 

Getting ready for our art show in November

 Things are a bit messed up in our house as we pull things out of closets, bags and off the walls in preparation for our combined art show November 13 - December 31 at UALC Lytham Rd. in Upper Arlington. I get to do the computer stuff like figuring out how to make little descriptive cards for the wall (nothing is for sale) and a sheet describing our "history" in art.  Here's what I've got so far--although it's a draft.

 

". . . this show is a story of our lives together with about 50 samples of our watercolors and acrylics. Both of us were interested in art as children, but only Bob pursued it as a career and avocation. He became an architect with a lot of fine arts and design classes in high school and college, plus some classes at an art institute as a child. Norma had the family dining room table with a lot of art supplies and paper, but no classes. Her teachers in kindergarten and first grade “featured” her art of a May pole dance, and drawings of horses were always scribbled in the margins of school papers. The Bruces met at the University of Illinois, dated and married in 1960, but art really wasn’t a focus. Bob’s interest in painting was rekindled by his friend Ned Moore in 1972, so he dug out his old brushes from college art classes. That piqued Norma’s interest so she began taking a few workshops.

We’ve chosen paintings that tell about our lives. In the Library Lounge is time we spent in Illinois where Norma grew up and where we vacationed with our children in the 1970s-80s. Included are some paintings of family—two of our son Phil who died in 2020--Norma’s childhood friends and siblings from the 1940s, and her grandmother in her wedding dress. Norma’s mother renovated her parents’ farm home near Franklin Grove, Illinois, as a religious retreat and we spent a lot of time roaming northern Illinois looking for farms for Bob to paint. In keeping with the farm theme we’ve added some flowers and vegetables, although we don’t garden. These are usually from a workshop at Lakeside or an artist “how to” book.

In the Hall of the administrative wing we’ve included paintings of our retirement travels in Ireland, Israel, Egypt, Alaska, and Spain—some borrowed from the current owners for this show. Bob went with the UALC mission group to Haiti for 10 years and taught architecture there and has offered art instruction for years. At the library door we’ve hung a painting of three children who were our neighbors at Lakeside reading their Bible together. They are homeschooled and Bob helped with their art instruction. Also you’ll see paintings of two of our pastors who’ve had a big place in our lives as Christians. In the Hall we’ve hung paintings of animals—Norma particularly likes to paint horses, and owned one as a youngster (no paintings of him).

We began vacationing at Lakeside on Lake Erie in 1974 and owned a home there from 1988 to 2022. Bob taught many classes at the Rhein Center for the Arts in Lakeside and we both took advantage of the classes in watercolor, acrylic, pastel, pen and ink, jewelry making, silk painting, fiction writing, guitar, trombone and pottery. Bob has been in the Lakeside summer art show for over 40 years. The Lakeside paintings are in the Fireside Lounge and are mostly by Bob.

On making new friends at this age

Six years ago I wrote about the joy of new friends I'd made in the previous 15 years.  Since I didn't use surnames in the article, I had to pause and recall the names and faces. It's been hard to make new friends in these pandemic times, although I did renew some during the days we were taking care of our dying son, and his old friends from 30-40 years ago turned up to support him and us. It seems these days most of our new friends have been made during the summer at Lakeside, like the Priors, the Jankes, the Robys, a Bible study group at the Women's Club and a group of conservatives. I'll miss that when it's gone (just talked to the realtor today).

https://collectingmythoughts.blogspot.com/2016/12/make-new-friends-but-keep-old.html

In this blog, I mention new people I'd met since retiring in 2000--in the retirees' luncheon group, in our Bible study group at church, in an Ohio history group, in book club, and in the Pregnancy Center where I volunteered.

Just another bit of I told you so wisdom from my mom . . . 

Year end report from the Lakeside Women's Club

President Barbara Browning sends Christmas greetings:

As I think about last summer at Lakeside, I cherish all the friendships that I have made through the Lakeside Women’s Club. When someone asks me, “Why should I join the Lakeside Women’s Club?” I can honestly say, “For the wonderful friendships that you will make.” Many of you were strangers to me when I became President, but now I consider you a valuable part of my life and my Lakeside experience. Last summer 238 people attended the book discussions, 255 women attended the Bible Studies, and 737 “Lakesiders” attended our Tuesday programs. Many thanks to Joanne Dempe for finding such great programs; to Beth Sibbring and Peggy Malone for leading our Book Discussion groups; and to Jeri Hoopes, Jane Linville, and Susan Eisenman for leading the Bible Studies. The 4 Porch Stories on Monday evenings, coordinated by M.A. Stephens, were at “room capacity” as Lakesiders shared their personal stories. Gretchen Curtis chaired the Book Reviews on Friday afternoons that were enjoyed by all!!

 
Patti Foley is going to be scheduling our Friday Book Reviews for next summer. If you have read a great book and would be willing to share it with the group, please contact Patti.

The Corner Cupboard brought in over $1500 last summer. Thanks to Judy Haines for a record year!! And, thanks to Barb Hoffman, our librarian, who sold $490 of used books!

Wendy Stuhldreher delivered 25 bags of American Girl Doll Clothes to the Columbus Ronald McDonald House and 24 bags to the Morgantown, West Virginia Ronald McDonald House, 54 bags in all. Ironically, Detra Bennett delivered 54 blankets to the Salvation Army, 30 of which were made by Gretchen Curtis.

The Lakeside Women’s Club Board met last week to make plans for the 2022 Season. At this point in time, we have sold over 870 cookbooks! That’s amazing for 3-6 months! Thank you everyone for your support! The LWC Broad also voted to donate $250 in memory of Joan Price for the Storybook Trail. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to a woman who brought books to so many children at Green Gables. We can’t wait to see the Lakeside Storybook “Trail” next summer!

Franny Cranfield, our Green Gables hostess, has started taking reservations from those women who stayed with us last summer. We give them”priority” until January 2nd, when we open the reservations to everyone. If you need to house your “overflow” women guests at Green Gables, or you need a reservation for yourself, be sure to call Franny at: 419-798-4734.

Many of our guests want to know when the Quilt Exposition and the Cottage Tour will be so that they can plan their Lakeside stay. The Quilt Exposition will be July 21st, and the Cottage Tour will be July 28th.

Byrdie Stocker, our new Membership Chairman, will be contacting you next Spring about renewing your membership. Last year we had over 235 members which made over $6,000 in dues and donations - let’s go for even more members this summer! Invite your Lakeside neighbors to join us! The more, the merrier!! I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday with family and friends!! Being in Lakeside for the Christmas weekend was like living a Hallmark movie! We are so fortunate to have such a loving, caring community.


 

Greetings from the Lakeside Women's Club President

 Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much for which to be be thankful, not the least of which is Lakeside! Thank God that 4 Methodist ministers bought a square mile that we now know as Lakeside. We are so blessed to be able to come to "this little piece of heaven on earth" each summer and enjoy all it has to offer. Another blessing is all the wonderful women who make up the Lakeside Women's Club. Sometimes I am asked, "Why join the Lakeside Women's Club?" My answer would be that you can make the most amazing friendships, enjoy the wonderful educational programs, participate in the Bible Studies and Book Discussions, and access the library. You belong to a very special organization that gives to others by knitting blankets for the Salvation Army and sewing doll clothes for the Ronald McDonald Houses. The Lakeside Women's Club created a wonderful "Cottage Cooking" cookbook and held a Quilt Exposition for all to enjoy last summer. Next summer we hope to be able to have our annual Cottage Tour! Your LWC Board is meeting in December to approve our budget for 2022. Having sold almost 900 cookbooks, we are doing well financially now! We will be discussing how the Lakeside Women's Club can celebrate Lakeside's Sesquicentennial. If you have any ideas, please let us know. We want to make 2023 a special year!

In the meantime, we are planning for the 2022 Season. 

 The Afternoon Book Club has chosen:

Hamnet by Maggie O'Ferrell

A Single Thread by Tracey Clevalier

This Tender Land by William Kent Kriueger

The Paris Library by Janet Skelsien Charles

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

The Breakfast Book Club will be discussing:

The Stars are Fire by Anita Shreve

The Road to Bittersweet by Donna Everhart

Travel Light, Move Fast by Alexandra Fuller

The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris

The Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain

I am reading my way through these lists of books so that I will be able to go to the discussions next summer. Frankly, my summers are so busy at Lakeside, I don't have a lot of time to read, so I try to read the book discussion books during the winter. Then I skim them right before the discussions.

The "Reading the Bible in a Year" group will be discussing: 2 Samuel, 2 Corinthians, 1 and 2 Kinds, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Psalms 42-66. Again, I read these "books" during the winter and take notes, so I will be able to join the discussion next summer. Jeri and Jane do a fabulous job leading those discussions!

Thank you all so much for contributing your various talents to make the Lakeside Women's Club such a wonderful organization. You all are a blessing to me and the Lakeside community!

White Fragility is causing massive divisiveness

There are even white men (gasp) who have something to say about the motives behind the planned, organized divisiveness. James Lindsay and Helen Pluckrose, "Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything About Race, Gender and Identity – And Why This Harms Everybody" (2020). He exposed the bogus scholarship behind the woke movement. It should have laughed some of these authors and experts off the planet, but instead they just publish more because they make so much money. They are tearing apart the workplace, our schools, our universities, our churches, our clubs, and now quiet sleepy, all white gated Lakeside.

About virtue signaling yard signs

A gentle reminder. Lakeside is a respite, or could be, from the aches and ills of the pandemic and 24/7 politics. Our Association rules are quite clear about signs and advertising, rule 1.9, p. 115 of the current LOPA Directory. Not only are political belief signs not permitted except before an election (i.e. not during the season), but they are off-putting to neighbors, guests, and renters no matter how clever by half.

This poem might be a good yard sign. . . on your own property.

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

—Emily Dickinson