GIVING DINNER

I suppose most of you know what that title means?!? Yes, we have our tables set, food, delivered by Dave's, should be there by now. The only homemade thing made is peanut/butter/rice krispie bars. Looking forward to a busy day tomorrow. Too bad all of you are so far away because we will have LOTS of leftovers to share. . .

Stevig News #2

A little more recent news, our Lauren graduated a week ago from the University of Illinois Summa Cum Laude. The nice orange and blue braid on her shoulder signifies Bronze Tablet honors.  Now on to Grad School.

Larry & Barb

Stevig News #1

A little outdated, but still exciting to share.

Bonnie and Ben had a baby girl (our second grandchild!) on 4/14/14 in Louisville, KY.  Piper Joy Putman has brought great happiness to her parents, grandparents, and yes, great grandparents!

Love,
Larry & Barb

Three Great Ladies

Yesterday I took Mom to the Eureka nursing home to visit Lucile Stoller and Mary Stoller. Many of you will remember these good friends of Mom's.

We had a good visit with Lucile. We believe she did recognize Mom and cried when they made eye contact. Lucile then talked about Clarence being gone. Another time she said, "All in one car, and all in another car." And she chuckled. We are sure she was referring to the times we took family vacations together with two loaded station wagons. We went to Ocean City, MD on the east coast  and Copper Harbor, MI.

 

Mom and Mary  had a good visit. Mary definitely was shocked to see Mom and after catching her breath, she said, "Where have you been? I thought I would never see you again!"

While Mom and Mary were talking, Lucile suddenly asked, "Is Catherine here?" She recognized her voice. Obviously she has memories that come and go.

On the way home, Mom went over and over it, repeating who she had seen that day, so she could write it in her diary, which she tries to keep every day.

I was glad I made the effort, as they all three seemed to enjoy it.

Jonas Robert Emch

Our 18th grandchild was born this morning at 3:07 am and weighed 6 lbs 4.5 oz and measured 18".  Perry and I are thankful that God has blessed Brandon and Maria with a darling little boy and mother and baby are doing well.  I plan to take the train to KC Friday and spend a few days.  I would probably go sooner, but Ashton's 8th grade graduation is Thursday evening.   ----Carol

A Wimp?

Last October I had to have oral surgery, an extraction, involving general anesthesia.  I was out of it most of that day, missed two days of work, and required Lortabs off and on for about three days.

Thursday, Dad had a tooth extraction, involving general anesthesia, at the same oral surgeon's office.  On the way home from the hospital he finished a business deal.  He took a brief nap, but stayed up until 11:00 to watch a ball game.  The strongest pain medicine he's taken is a naproxen.  Oh, and he's in his 80s.

I feel like a wimp.

New College Grad

Well--not to detract from the post just below, but we'll just have to have two posts in one day, because this one can't wait.  We have a new college graduate as of noon today!!  Mary Lee graduated from North Greenville University, B.A. in elementary education, magna cum laude!

Time for a new post....keeping with the running theme...

Dad was "ahead of his time" with his jogging habits and staying in shape, long before it became fashionable.  Here's a unique photo of him in Peoria running the Steamboat Classic with 2 other generations.  He  ran this race in June of 1998.  Motive?  Just for personal satisfaction, to stay in shape, and with a goal of "finishing".  He participated in this event for nearly 25 consecutive years, driving over early in the morning from Gridley (or wherever they lived at the time)!

                                                                       

Passing the Baton--by Request

“Passing 'the Baton' ” in a track meet – Mr. Hill, Gridley, IL

Description by Lynn Klopfenstein – GCHS '48!

Mr. Hill was a stickler in passing the baton in a relay race. And, his stickiness certainly paid great dividends in winning the relay races. The task of describing “the pass” is daunting to say the least.

In an 880 yard relay:

“The pass” must be completed within about a 20 yard distance;

Runner #1 starts the race with the baton in the left hand and runs 220 yards;

Runner #2 positions with back to the pole (inside lane marker of the track).

Right arm and hand extended with palm of hand up;

As #1 approaches--#2 turns and runs forward—at the same time looks straight ahead and turns or twists extended arm and hand so that #1 runner can simply lay the baton into the hand of #2. #2, upon receiving the baton in right hand transfers the baton to the left hand, proceeds to run the 2^nd segment—220 yards. This “pass” must be completed within the 20 yards or the team is disqualified.

This method of passing would usually gain a couple of strides on the other runners. Many races were won simply because of gains in passing the baton.

Runner #3 follows the same procedure.

Runner #4 (the Anchor) does likewise but finishes the race. All of the runners are very important; however, The Anchor was ultra significant to catch up if behind and win the race. A runner is very fast if designated to run the Anchor position!

Mr. Hill classified a perfect pass as “Daylight Passing”.   A spectator could see daylight between the hands of the passers.  He would stand, sometimes a great distance away to check on the passing and he would place his hands over his mouth to create--like a horn and yell “DAYLIGHT”. His strong voice could be readily heard a long way off.    (My emotions are about to get away with me thinking about this, 65-70 years later!!!)

A few years ago, the USA Olympic Relay team, described as probably the best ever, botched a baton pass and dropped it. The team procedure of passing the baton was different and the runners did a clumsy pass and dropped it. 'Twas sad to say the least.

A relay race is one of the most exciting event in a track & field meet.  It's fast action; generally, rapid exchanges; multiple participants; baton implications; overall lively nature are an intrigue to behold!!!  Mr. Hill was a very successful coach and teacher.  (It is said:  One year his football team beat Chenoa 169-0 !)

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My Brother Perry submits the following:

 Brother Lynn,

I did a part on this in the Gridley history, "Foundations Strong." You are on target. I would make reference to the "Leadoff man," who was fast and could go out and "get the lead." I forgot the daylight passing phrase, but now well remember it. And the cardinal rule for the runner receiving the pass, don't look back once you turn forward to receive the baton. And quickly put the baton in your left hand. I send baton exchange pictures (in newspapers) each spring to Dave Hill, where the exchange violates the Hill method. One could gain on the opponent(s) during the exchange, and the Hill methods was flawless, if executed correctly, which he insisted on.

Yes, the anchor man was the power runner, to seal the victory.