Nostalgia vs. Change
Nostalgia is a wonderful thing. We can look back and remember any number of places, people and events, often erasing the negative aspects of those memories. Such is the case for me and Ripley Central School. My earliest memories are of looking forward to the day I could go to school like the big kids. I remember being a bit scared the first day when my mother dropped me off. But I also remember having a crush on a fellow kindergartner along with another girl in the class. In typical little girl fashion we called each other names and staked our claim on poor Mark, who was probably oblivious to the entire episode anyway. He didn’t stay in Ripley long, so we moved on to other things.
Every so often, usually during class reunion years, I wax nostalgic about the events I attended at the school. I liked basketball and was a cheerleader for awhile. I never understood football, but went to the games anyway, usually hanging out under the bleachers with friends or near the snack stand. The best, though, were the dances. Walking into the dimly lit gym, the smell of sweaty bodies, and the anticipation of being asked to dance –wow – what a walk down memory lane.
Much of my identity was built around school. Good student, feisty, root for the underdog, flirt; these attributes identified me during my high school years. Some things I’m proud of, others not so much. I collected memorabilia throughout school, not only yearbooks, but I still have my basketball bracelet with R-I-P-L-E-Y spelled out, two seat warmers (plastic covered cushioned pads) I bought for those cold football games, and of course my class ring. I have years’ worth of signed yearbooks because I didn’t want to forget anybody. School was my refuge, my "safest shelter" as is sung in the school song.
Now there is talk of merging Ripley and Westfield schools. The school population of Ripley, and I presume Westfield, is a fraction of what it was when I attended classes. In fact, I was shocked at being told the enrollment is down to 400 students, with projections of 250 students in 10 years. It saddens me to know how many programs and classes have been cut that I enjoyed. The sports program is minimal at best. The memories I love so well won’t be the memories of recent graduating classes, for they never experienced those events, classes, or trips like I did.
But time moves on. It is time to think of the quality of the education our children are receiving. It is time to think of how well or ill prepared they are to enter colleges and the workforce. The competition out there is intense, and the economy suffering. Tax bases and transportation issues aside, the main focus for all of us ought to be giving our children a quality education, wherever that education takes place. A building is just a building. It is the teachers, staff and students who create the memories and identity of a student body, not where they are located. Our kids, both Ripley and Westfield, deserve the best we can give them. The memories we have of our school are precious, but they are just that, memories, and no one can take them away.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Font choices
Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed it doesn't seem to matter what font I choose, it all comes out the same? Oh well.
There's No Place Like Home
They call Chicago the Windy City. I've been to Chicago. They've got nothing on windy Western New York. The winds here lately have been incredible. I have a huge old maple tree in my back yard, right up by the house, and I wonder sometimes if it isn't going to be blown right through the roof one of these days.
I am in the unique position of being a native to this area, and yet able to look at things from a newcomer's perspective. While I was born and raised here, I moved away over 35 years ago, and since I’ve come back a lot of things are "new" to me again. You tend to take for granted the sights and sounds of a place if you've never been anywhere else for any length of time. When I was gone, I missed hearing the waves lap against the shore of Lake Erie on a calm day, and the sound of waves rolling in on a rough day. I love the wind. I love the way it moans and whistles and the way it can make a low roar as it rushes over the lake. You never realize how much the wind moves a place until you don't feel it anymore. I lived in tornado country for a couple decades and while the prospect of a tornado heading my way was a bit scary, it was exciting too. It meant it was windy, much like home. I’ve never seen a tornado up close, but it kicks up a powerful wind before and after the event. The wind we had here a week or so ago was absolutely awesome! The waves against the breakwall in Westfield were like explosions, flying high into the air and spreading out like a bomb exploding, as if they'd beat the wall down with their sheer force. The beach, such as it is, in Ripley is practically nonexistent now. The ice has built up against the cliff, making its own breakwall before the waves as they try to hit the cliff face. The spray from the crashing breakers reached 30 feet high, soaking us while standing at the top. This display of nature's potency was magnificent.
The lake and the wind; the two most powerful forces here along the lakeshore. They had become a part of me without my even knowing it. The lake was my compass, albeit an inaccurate one, always pointing me north. When I moved to the Great Plains I was lost. There was no large body of water to guide me. It took me years to figure out what direction I was going since I never was much good at using the sun as an indicator. It keeps changing position, you see, and hence is an unreliable source. I am easily confused… I did have one natural body of water to help me along my way however, the Mississippi River. Generally the river runs north and south, so if you’re in Minneapolis you are west of the Mississippi, and if you’re in St. Paul you’re east of the river. Unless of course, you lived in the bow of the river that runs through the city of St. Paul, as I did, then you were east, west and north of the river. I’m so glad to be back home where north is really northwest and south is over the hill. There’s no place like home…there’s no place like home.
I am in the unique position of being a native to this area, and yet able to look at things from a newcomer's perspective. While I was born and raised here, I moved away over 35 years ago, and since I’ve come back a lot of things are "new" to me again. You tend to take for granted the sights and sounds of a place if you've never been anywhere else for any length of time. When I was gone, I missed hearing the waves lap against the shore of Lake Erie on a calm day, and the sound of waves rolling in on a rough day. I love the wind. I love the way it moans and whistles and the way it can make a low roar as it rushes over the lake. You never realize how much the wind moves a place until you don't feel it anymore. I lived in tornado country for a couple decades and while the prospect of a tornado heading my way was a bit scary, it was exciting too. It meant it was windy, much like home. I’ve never seen a tornado up close, but it kicks up a powerful wind before and after the event. The wind we had here a week or so ago was absolutely awesome! The waves against the breakwall in Westfield were like explosions, flying high into the air and spreading out like a bomb exploding, as if they'd beat the wall down with their sheer force. The beach, such as it is, in Ripley is practically nonexistent now. The ice has built up against the cliff, making its own breakwall before the waves as they try to hit the cliff face. The spray from the crashing breakers reached 30 feet high, soaking us while standing at the top. This display of nature's potency was magnificent.
The lake and the wind; the two most powerful forces here along the lakeshore. They had become a part of me without my even knowing it. The lake was my compass, albeit an inaccurate one, always pointing me north. When I moved to the Great Plains I was lost. There was no large body of water to guide me. It took me years to figure out what direction I was going since I never was much good at using the sun as an indicator. It keeps changing position, you see, and hence is an unreliable source. I am easily confused… I did have one natural body of water to help me along my way however, the Mississippi River. Generally the river runs north and south, so if you’re in Minneapolis you are west of the Mississippi, and if you’re in St. Paul you’re east of the river. Unless of course, you lived in the bow of the river that runs through the city of St. Paul, as I did, then you were east, west and north of the river. I’m so glad to be back home where north is really northwest and south is over the hill. There’s no place like home…there’s no place like home.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Redistricting the Snow Belt
Ruminations - 12/11/08
After a 30-year absence, I’ve just moved back to Ripley from Minnesota. Most people think Minnesota is blanketed with snow 9 months of the year, and while true that winter does seem to last a long time there, in fact they get very little snow. I was really looking forward to the snow I remembered from my youth! My husband claims to hate snow. He doesn’t really, but it gives him something about which to complain. I’ve noticed a definite pattern with the snow so far this year along the lakeshore. We get an inch or so, then it rains; another inch or so, more rain. This is very depressing. I may regret this comment later in the season, but I WANT SNOW!
When we were house hunting we considered a house "up on the hill." We never looked at the inside of the house in which we were interested, but it was lovely outside; acres and acres of land, open fields, wooded areas, a creek running through it, the real wide open spaces after years of city living. The one factor that held us back was the drive through Palmer’s Gulf in the wintertime. The twisting, winding road down the hill was daunting to my husband, who is from Iowa. There are no hills in Iowa, contrary to what he may try to tell you. Let me tell you a short story about Iowa hills. One winter, early in our marriage, we were in his hometown of Clear Lake, Iowa. (Yes, the site of "where the music died" Buddy Holly’s death.) I wanted to take the kids to the local skating rink, so Bob gave me directions: turn right, go two blocks turn left, about a quarter mile go up the hill and turn right into the parking lot. The kids and I got there fine, no problem, but when we pulled into the parking lot we looked at each other and wondered where the hill was. We hadn’t seen a hill. We returned after an hour or so of skating and questioned Bob as to where we’d missed the hill. He was incredulous that we didn’t see it! We drove up it, didn’t we realize that? Turns out, an Iowa hill is about as steep as a driveway coming off the highway around here. Miniscule, practically, non-existent. We still tease him about it.
My point being, that I would have been fine with living on the hill, but we chose a house on Route 20 instead. And it doesn’t snow much on Route 20. We went for a drive the other night and headed up State Street in Ripley. At Side Hill Road it was snowing hard. Three hundred yards to the north, from whence we’d come, it wasn’t snowing at all! It snowed all across Side Hill Road, but when we turned north again on Brockway Road, nothing. I want to know who drew the snow belt around here! It simply isn’t fair that points south, and not all that much further south at that, get snow and I don’t. I demand a redistricting! Who do I see about that?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month is recognized as the armistice between the Allied nations and Germay, the end of The Great War, or as we know it today, World War I. November 11th did not become a holiday in the United States until 1938, and then it was called Armistice Day, commemorating only those who fell in World War I. It wasn't until 1954 that the name was changed to Veteran's Day, honoring veterans from all wars.
In 1995, Marie McCutcheon, Ripley Town Historian, wrote about the War of 1812 veteran, Lt. Campbell Alexander, and his forgotten grave located near Old Route 20 in Forsyth. While Ripley has grave sites of her veteran's dating back to the Revolution, Alexander's last resting place is unique in that it does not lie in a cemetery, but rather in a small meadow on what is now property of J. Simon Watso, owner of Schloss Doepken Winery. It is covered by a 6' x 40" flat stone, the markings worn off by time and weather. Civil War veteran, Nathan Horton, first took the responsibility of tending the burial site, passing on his duties to World War I vet George "Jobie" Trump. When Trump died in 1980 the grave of Lt. Alexander was forgotten for a time, but Mr. Watso has done his best to keep it mowed and has erected a flag pole. There are no funds or volunteers to keep the memory of one of Ripley's earliest heroes alive. Mrs. McCutcheon chastised the citizens of Ripley for their failure to honor this fallen warrior.
The Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor Committee is now making sure none of her veteran's from WWI onward are forgotten. Funds have been raised over the past two years to construct a lasting, living memorial to the men and women of Ripley who have served their country proudly and honorably. The six fighting service branches of the military will be represented with the names and ranks of the many Ripley veterans who have served over the years. The memorial will be updated every year or two, to include the newest members of the U.S. Armed Services.
Two dozen members of the RVRH Committee have worked hundreds of hours to make this vision come true. Dozens of community members contributed money to get the job started. Grants were obtained, donations of time and material given by local businesses. And now, the efforts of all these good folks will come to fruition this Veteran's Day. At the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Memorial will take place. A short ceremony on the school lawn will be followed by a luncheon at Meeder's Restaurant, featuring several speakers. The public is invited and encouraged to come and honor those who gave their service and sacrifice to the country they love.
In 1995, Marie McCutcheon, Ripley Town Historian, wrote about the War of 1812 veteran, Lt. Campbell Alexander, and his forgotten grave located near Old Route 20 in Forsyth. While Ripley has grave sites of her veteran's dating back to the Revolution, Alexander's last resting place is unique in that it does not lie in a cemetery, but rather in a small meadow on what is now property of J. Simon Watso, owner of Schloss Doepken Winery. It is covered by a 6' x 40" flat stone, the markings worn off by time and weather. Civil War veteran, Nathan Horton, first took the responsibility of tending the burial site, passing on his duties to World War I vet George "Jobie" Trump. When Trump died in 1980 the grave of Lt. Alexander was forgotten for a time, but Mr. Watso has done his best to keep it mowed and has erected a flag pole. There are no funds or volunteers to keep the memory of one of Ripley's earliest heroes alive. Mrs. McCutcheon chastised the citizens of Ripley for their failure to honor this fallen warrior.
The Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor Committee is now making sure none of her veteran's from WWI onward are forgotten. Funds have been raised over the past two years to construct a lasting, living memorial to the men and women of Ripley who have served their country proudly and honorably. The six fighting service branches of the military will be represented with the names and ranks of the many Ripley veterans who have served over the years. The memorial will be updated every year or two, to include the newest members of the U.S. Armed Services.
Two dozen members of the RVRH Committee have worked hundreds of hours to make this vision come true. Dozens of community members contributed money to get the job started. Grants were obtained, donations of time and material given by local businesses. And now, the efforts of all these good folks will come to fruition this Veteran's Day. At the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Memorial will take place. A short ceremony on the school lawn will be followed by a luncheon at Meeder's Restaurant, featuring several speakers. The public is invited and encouraged to come and honor those who gave their service and sacrifice to the country they love.
If you missed Bob Skelding and his team of four Percherons clip clopping through Westfield last Friday, the 24th, it's not too late to jump on the wagontrain. You can catch up with Bob and his horses, Joyce, DeeDee, Dolly and Doc online at http://wagonteamster.com. Skelding left Deerfield, New Hampshire late last July on a trek across country, no destination in mind. Bob Skelding is a man with no purpose other than to travel the countryside the old fashioned way, slowly, one town at a time, savoring all this land has to offer, and the hospitality of the people he meets.
Friday it was Westfield's turn to meet and greet this man travelling the simple side of life. And greet him they did, if Skelding's blog is any indication. He was met along the way with offers of money, hay for the horses, and even homemade grape juice! The Eggert farm was host for the night for Bob and his horses. Dave Eggert heard the wagon was passing through and drove out to meet it. After talking a bit, Eggert offered a place to stay overnight for the team of Percheron's alongside his Belgian draft horses. "I just tried to be a good host," says Dave, "and got him up to the Amish to get shoes for his horses."
The wagon is one that Skelding built himself. "It had to be light enough for the horses to pull, yet sturdy enough to live in," he says on his website. While nothing fancy, it has a hot shower and kitchen facilities among other amenities of home. Bob stops often to talk with the well-wishers along the way, and then when he's done visiting, you can hear him softly call, "Joyce, DeeDee, Dolly, DOC! g'yup!"
To read more about Bob Skelding and his adventure, and to wish him well in his guestbook, visit him online at http://wagonteamster.com.
Friday it was Westfield's turn to meet and greet this man travelling the simple side of life. And greet him they did, if Skelding's blog is any indication. He was met along the way with offers of money, hay for the horses, and even homemade grape juice! The Eggert farm was host for the night for Bob and his horses. Dave Eggert heard the wagon was passing through and drove out to meet it. After talking a bit, Eggert offered a place to stay overnight for the team of Percheron's alongside his Belgian draft horses. "I just tried to be a good host," says Dave, "and got him up to the Amish to get shoes for his horses."
The wagon is one that Skelding built himself. "It had to be light enough for the horses to pull, yet sturdy enough to live in," he says on his website. While nothing fancy, it has a hot shower and kitchen facilities among other amenities of home. Bob stops often to talk with the well-wishers along the way, and then when he's done visiting, you can hear him softly call, "Joyce, DeeDee, Dolly, DOC! g'yup!"
To read more about Bob Skelding and his adventure, and to wish him well in his guestbook, visit him online at http://wagonteamster.com.
Newspaper Articles
As you know, I've been writing for the local weekly newspaper. I'll try to post the articles I've written so those of you who don't get the paper can keep up. Thanks for your interest.
"Today marks the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I." And with those words Master Sergeant Robert McIntosh, USMC retired, drew a crowd in excess of 300 to his attention for the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor. The morning was filled with symobolism, from the black granite stone, representing tyranny and oppression, that tops the red column of bloodshed, to the posting of the colors of all branches of military service and the American flag, to the 21 gun salute carried out by Westfield VFW Post #2769, to the playing of Taps. "We are assembled here to pay tribute to the men and women of our community who have served in the United States armed forces... for the preservation of our way of life," intoned David Bower as military dignataries and government officials stood at attention.
What began as a vision of Roger Testrakes's two years ago came to fruition on Veteran's Day 2008. The committe of eleven, spearheaded by Karen Krause and Robert Bentley, and countless volunteers and contributors are to be commended for the unique memorial they created so that Ripley veteran's, past and future, will always be recognized for their service to America. The stainless steel cabinets that house the names of "those who have contributed and sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom" will be updated in a year's time to include the names of those veterans who were not inlcuded in the initial listing, thus making this a living, growing memorial. New additions to Ripley's Roll of Honor will be added periodically after that.
The Dedication continued in Meeder's Restaurant where approximately 175 people were treated to a luncheon. Karen Krause welcomed the guests, giving credit to Mr. Testrake for his initial idea for the monument, and thanking individuals and corporations alike for their many contributions of time and money. The meaning of sacrifice became personal when her son became an Air Force pilot, flying combat missions.
Bob Bentley, Co-Chair of the committee, stated, "I have served on boards and committees for over 20 years and I don't think we've ever had something like this happen here," referring to the amount of community effort that was put forth, and the huge turnout for the event. Kevin Muldowney, representing Catherine Young, NYS Senator, spoke of attending events in Ripley, but "never anything of this size. This is how government is supposed to work," helping communities achieve their goals. Chautauqua County Executive, Greg Edwards, observed that during the dedication he thought back to the first shovelful of dirt at the ground breaking and couldn't comprehend the amount of work it took to finish this memorial. "I can't recall a time I've been more proud. It's a wonderful thing to behold," he said. "This is what America's all about."
The star of the show, however, was The Honorable Michael E. Dunlavey, Major General U.S. Army, Retired. The General told the audience how he had retired from the service, until he watched the planes of 9/11 attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He felt an overwhelming need to go back to active duty, to help defend his country against terrorists of all kinds. "Veteran's write a blank check to America," he said, "payable with their lives if necessary." He talked of the Vietnam Memorial, the Memorial to WWII veteran's, the monument in Burma which states, "When you go home, tell of us. For your tomorrow we paid our all today." And then he spoke of the pride he felt, watching Boy Scouts, Nate McIntosh and Zachary Mota, placing wreaths at the Ripley Memorial. Dunlavey lived in Ripley for 20 years and said, "I've never seen Ripley come together like this."
Two American flags, each flown over Bagdad, were presented at the ceremony, one by Dr. John Hamels and the other by Bill Mulson. And in closing Roger Testrake recited the words of poet Laurence Binyon from World War I: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them." The Benediction, by Rev. Marie Hanelsman of Ripley Presbyterian Church, and the wail of the bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" by Franklin Werren, brought the ceremony to an end.
If you or someone your know should be listed on the Ripley Roll of Honor, forms can be found at Meeder's Restaurant in Ripley. Any person who has or is serving in the military who lives or lived in Ripley is eligible. Information regarding veteran's should be sent to the attention of Marie McCutcheon at P.O. Box 363, Ripley, NY 14775. Stories, memoriblilia, photos, etc. should be sent to the same post office box to the attention of Robert Gibbs for inclusion in the website now under construciton.
"Today marks the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I." And with those words Master Sergeant Robert McIntosh, USMC retired, drew a crowd in excess of 300 to his attention for the dedication of the Ripley Veteran's Roll of Honor. The morning was filled with symobolism, from the black granite stone, representing tyranny and oppression, that tops the red column of bloodshed, to the posting of the colors of all branches of military service and the American flag, to the 21 gun salute carried out by Westfield VFW Post #2769, to the playing of Taps. "We are assembled here to pay tribute to the men and women of our community who have served in the United States armed forces... for the preservation of our way of life," intoned David Bower as military dignataries and government officials stood at attention.
What began as a vision of Roger Testrakes's two years ago came to fruition on Veteran's Day 2008. The committe of eleven, spearheaded by Karen Krause and Robert Bentley, and countless volunteers and contributors are to be commended for the unique memorial they created so that Ripley veteran's, past and future, will always be recognized for their service to America. The stainless steel cabinets that house the names of "those who have contributed and sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom" will be updated in a year's time to include the names of those veterans who were not inlcuded in the initial listing, thus making this a living, growing memorial. New additions to Ripley's Roll of Honor will be added periodically after that.
The Dedication continued in Meeder's Restaurant where approximately 175 people were treated to a luncheon. Karen Krause welcomed the guests, giving credit to Mr. Testrake for his initial idea for the monument, and thanking individuals and corporations alike for their many contributions of time and money. The meaning of sacrifice became personal when her son became an Air Force pilot, flying combat missions.
Bob Bentley, Co-Chair of the committee, stated, "I have served on boards and committees for over 20 years and I don't think we've ever had something like this happen here," referring to the amount of community effort that was put forth, and the huge turnout for the event. Kevin Muldowney, representing Catherine Young, NYS Senator, spoke of attending events in Ripley, but "never anything of this size. This is how government is supposed to work," helping communities achieve their goals. Chautauqua County Executive, Greg Edwards, observed that during the dedication he thought back to the first shovelful of dirt at the ground breaking and couldn't comprehend the amount of work it took to finish this memorial. "I can't recall a time I've been more proud. It's a wonderful thing to behold," he said. "This is what America's all about."
The star of the show, however, was The Honorable Michael E. Dunlavey, Major General U.S. Army, Retired. The General told the audience how he had retired from the service, until he watched the planes of 9/11 attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. He felt an overwhelming need to go back to active duty, to help defend his country against terrorists of all kinds. "Veteran's write a blank check to America," he said, "payable with their lives if necessary." He talked of the Vietnam Memorial, the Memorial to WWII veteran's, the monument in Burma which states, "When you go home, tell of us. For your tomorrow we paid our all today." And then he spoke of the pride he felt, watching Boy Scouts, Nate McIntosh and Zachary Mota, placing wreaths at the Ripley Memorial. Dunlavey lived in Ripley for 20 years and said, "I've never seen Ripley come together like this."
Two American flags, each flown over Bagdad, were presented at the ceremony, one by Dr. John Hamels and the other by Bill Mulson. And in closing Roger Testrake recited the words of poet Laurence Binyon from World War I: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun and in the morning; We will remember them." The Benediction, by Rev. Marie Hanelsman of Ripley Presbyterian Church, and the wail of the bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" by Franklin Werren, brought the ceremony to an end.
If you or someone your know should be listed on the Ripley Roll of Honor, forms can be found at Meeder's Restaurant in Ripley. Any person who has or is serving in the military who lives or lived in Ripley is eligible. Information regarding veteran's should be sent to the attention of Marie McCutcheon at P.O. Box 363, Ripley, NY 14775. Stories, memoriblilia, photos, etc. should be sent to the same post office box to the attention of Robert Gibbs for inclusion in the website now under construciton.
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