Who: 50-something woman; mother of 2 adult children; very spiritual
What: Have fibromyalgia, love travel, love hockey, enjoy most sports (watching), very eclectic interests, passionate about educating folks about conditions on the Pine Ridge Reservation
When: Now is the only time we have
Where: Born in Massachusetts; currently live there; mind travels many places that theĀ rest of me can’t
Why: God only knows . . . or maybe that should be only God knows
Hello!
This may come across as quite random, but I feel I may know you (possibly). I was browsing the internet amid a bout of boredom in the office, and began researching places to stay on the ‘Block this summer. I recall my father telling my sister and I a few years ago that the Surf was never again to be. I was incredibly upset, as this was an annual summer destination for my family while I was growing up (mid 90’s). I’m not sure if you were part of the crowd of folks that would return to the Surf Hotel the same week(s) every summer. Do you remember a woman named Sharon (I recall her having a son named Danny, whom always brought a friend named Ben), or a fellow named Roger (married with two daughters, one being named Elizabeth)? My father is Loren, and mother is Nancy. My father was known to play bocci on the hill with Paul and the gang, and we would both play Scat at night with the rest of the crew.
If you are not one of the people that my family and I grew to love and return to see every summer, I apologize for coming across as a crazy person! If you are, I’m glad to have come across your blog post! Please advise if I am simply jumping to conclusions based on one simple fact, or not. Hope you’re doing well, regardless.
Take care,
Ellen M.
Hello from Pontiac IL!
I am glad that you enjoyed your visit here and thank you for the kind remarks about the War Museum. My father was the founder of the museum in 2004. The idea for it came 10 years earlier when I returned to France with him to return a Nazi flag that he captured on D-Day. He thought local veterans should be honored by a museum which told their stories. In 5 years, we have hosted visitors from all 50 states and 43 foreign countries.
We especially enjoy field trips when we gather our veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan together to educate the students of the sacrifice that American men and women have made so that they may live free.
We invite you to browse our blog at http://www.warmuseum.blogspot.com. You might also become a friend of the museum on Facebook or even become a regular member.
Thanks again for the positive comments. I agree with you about running out of room at the museum!
Sincerely,
David Estes
Education Coordinator
Livingston County War Museum
Dal Estes Education Center
321 N. Main Street
Pontiac IL 61764
(815) 842-0301
Hello from MA,
I have noticed you mention of the OneSpirit program. My wife and I just became sponsors. I was wondering if you comment about the program and offer us any advice. So far we are delighted to be part of it.
Thank you,
Hank
i now have two blogs
Dana, good to hear from you! My last letter to you came back “No longer at this address” and I celebrated. Would love to forward it to you sometime. My post on here, “Why Pine Ridge” was written in response to a question you asked me in one of your letters. I have your old blog link. What is the new one?
May have the opportunity to spend a few days on the rez but was wondering about safety, as I would have to bring my children with me. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I don’t know how old your children are, but if they are with you and supervised, they should be as safe as they are anywhere else. I think safety on rez is fine as long as you are not in places you don’t belong with people you don’t know – same as anywhere. I do suggest keeping anything of value with you in your vehicle, which should be locked when you are not in it. I was offered a Blackberry by a young man while I was sitting in Big Bat’s that I knew was probably “hot” (I declined the offer). I have friends who live out there who have things stolen from time to time (entrepreneurship thrives in unfortunate ways). I suspect, if the stats were checked, most crime on the rez would be resident vs resident. Visitors are generally treated with respect. I have never had any trouble in the times I have visited. Hope that helps.
Thanks so much! That is what I suspected but wanted input from someone who had actually been there before I ventured out of my comfort zone with kids in tow. : )
I would like to help REALLY make a diffrence at PRR and after much research I think I have finally found a way to do it. REAL differences, like energy, housing and clean water…I looked for a way to contact you and I guess this is it..please email me. will be happy to give you my contact info…have a blessed day…Wakan Tankan kici un
Betty,
Would you be willing to come to our church in Newtown, CT on May 6th? Our children have been collecting money to donate to ONE SPirit and our Youth are going to South Dakota for their Confirmation pilgrimage this July. We’d love to have someone with first-hand experience come and speak about Pine Ridge with us and help raise more money by educating our adults, too.
Could you please contact me at 203-426-9070 x16 or at childrensminister@trinitynewtownct.org to discuss? I’d love to speak with you about the possibilities.
Thanks and Peace,
Sue Vogelman, Church School Director, Trinity Episcopal Church, Newtown, CT 203-426-9070×16
wow we must be close by in July as i travel with good friends to Wanblee S dakota for Sundance i feel very comfortable connecting to ur site & also feel a strong spiritual guidness to do so My name is Sioux Im 53.8 & a computer virgin lol Hope u get 2 laugh out loud lots