Heaps to causes to be grateful | Chatter Field

This week, I’ll say I’m particularly grateful for our Each day Information readers. For 100 years, the group has supported us and that stage of appreciation is difficult to place into phrases. I’m grateful for everybody who picks up the newspaper. I don’t care in the event that they purchase it on the information stands sooner or later per week or they’ve it delivered on daily basis. I don’t care in the event that they learn one story or each single web page. They’re maintaining a 100-year custom alive.

I like to listen to from readers, regardless of if its optimistic suggestions or constructive criticism. Final week just a few of you reached out to thank me for the shoutout to first responders. Simply understanding you’re studying this column means a lot. I like listening to concerning the some ways of us assist their fireplace corporations. The truth is, Jean Hampson of Three Springs jogged my memory that folk come from throughout to assist the Three Springs Hearth Co. turkey dinners. She tells me they make the most effective stuffing!

I’m additionally grateful for our Each day Information workers that makes this “each day miracle” occur day in and time out. There are such a lot of individuals who have a hand in that one product you learn every day — from the circulation division to labeled adverts, composing, promoting, sports activities, and naturally, information. And we will’t neglect concerning the of us who print the paper and those that work in our mailroom, in addition to the drivers who faithfully get newspapers to publish workplaces and shops all throughout the county. With out even a kind of departments, you wouldn’t be studying this column. Each day Information workers present as much as work in all types of climate, all types of conditions.

It’s so good to see vacation occasions returning after, in some circumstances, a two-year hiatus. The calendar is absolutely filling up forward of Christmas. For those who’re wanting so as to add some occasions to your listing, listed below are just a few: The fifteenth Avenue United Methodist Church will host its annual cookie stroll starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The cookies don’t final lengthy, so that you’ll need to get there early.

The next day, the church will host its Come to the Secure occasion, which tells the story of the Nativity, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

Bob “Hum” Rodgers tells us this month what’s he’s grateful for, so with out additional ado:

Shiver me timbers, it’s November; as Popeye the sailor man at all times mentioned “Eat extra spinach.” I had a pleasant letter to the mailbag from Myla Norris of Piney Ridge. Thanks to your letter and preserve studying. Shout outs to Dayton and Janet Shugarts of Kistler. We had some disagreements on the soccer area! As a coach, generally my commentary of a play was completely different than referee Shugarts. We’re nice pals and I want I might see him extra typically and thanks for studying.

Additionally, thanks, Larry Snyder, previously of Mount Union, for being an avid reader. He relayed to my son, Brian Rodgers, how a lot he loved working for my brother, Captain Rodgers on the outdated establishment. Larry loved his command of his place and respect of his officers. Captain had a number of tales about his driving tank for Gen. George Patton.

I loved the Veterans Day Parade Nov. 5. I used to be on my nook throughout from the Drugs Shoppe on Washington Avenue. My Republican committee had a float with a number of veterans using. I need to say this: as my flag was passing by, I stood and crossed my coronary heart. Because the veterans handed by, I stood and mentioned, “Thanks, my heroes.”

I used to be sleeping simply final evening and began thanking God for all of His blessings. This was at 4:30 a.m.; by 5 a.m., I had modified my story for November! I need to touch upon a few of these bitter feedback each within the Opinion Line and Letters to the Editor. We’re lucky to have an area newspaper, staffed by hard-working workers. With out reservation, they go about their duties. I couldn’t print any of those untruthful writings; many are written by supposed educated males.

My opinion is “Let’s take a optimistic have a look at this space.” I’ve typically questioned simply what guests take into consideration our city with all of the negativity. Many voters of the county have moved right here due to our magnificence, highlighted by the Raystown Lake. I’m at all times assembly campers (attempt to hire a campsite) who envision transferring right here.

I have to commend Mayor Tom Yoder for his block advert that pulls consideration. He outlines every month’s actions and initiatives within the borough. What an incredible addition to the paper with footage of occasions e.g. breakfast/espresso with the mayor. I’d like to see the Each day Information strive one thing comparable. The election can be over and we have to flip our minds to the Thanksgiving season.

With that in thoughts, I wish to listing among the issues that I’m grateful for and a few of my many blessings. Bear in mind the hymn, “Depend Your Blessings, Title Them one By One”. Right here goes…..

My Lord and Savior-without Him, I’ve nothing.

My household: I’ve 5 kids: Brian, Shannon, Ashley, Hunter and Noah and my spouse, Stephanie. I like every one! Brian has constructed a enterprise, owns a semipro soccer group and has his son, Jesse, as a enterprise companion. Shannon is married to Andy. Shannon has studied for years to enter the nursing career in Altoona. Ashley is engaged to Dylan and is a trainer aide within the Altoona college district. Hunter is 26, lives at dwelling, works for Martin Equipment in Pinecroft, is a PIAA referee, umpires some baseball and has simply been named head basketball coach at Calvary Christian Academy in Huntingdon. Noah is 23, lives at dwelling, works on the Huntingdon County Jail, graduated from South Hills Enterprise Faculty in State Faculty, majoring in legal justice, helps coach the Mifflin County Tomahawks and loves sports activities collectibles. Stephanie is a hard-working spouse and mom, doing every with a lot love. She is loopy about Hunter’s 6-month-old beagle pup named Duke. She dotes over the pup that has turned our lives the other way up. All of us love him. She does all our house responsibilities whereas working two jobs. She works half time at The FARM in Alexandria — look ahead to the smoke when Jim is barbecuing. She additionally works at Westminster Woods. I don’t know her job title, however she works many lengthy hours, very diligently, then returns dwelling to a few grown males and Duke. Thanks, we love you.

My pastor, Greg Harven and my church household at Emmanuel Bible Church. Pastor can preach with the most effective. He has endured many trials: he misplaced his spouse, Kim, at an early age, simply months after the start of Mark, her seventh youngster. She already had six ladies who’re scattered all through Canada and the states. We’ve got a caring congregation with all ages from infants to at least one member age 91 and perhaps a pair over 90 or near it. We’ve got actions, hymn sings, month-to-month meals in our gymnasium, HCA performs, fruit baskets and visitor evangelists who at all times spotlight and preach the Holy Bible.

My dad and mom and my siblings: Dad was one among my true heroes: I discovered fishing, searching, and our favourite, trapping. I’m attaching an image of Dad leaving his work at 4 p.m. sooner or later from J.C. Blair Co. (he’s the darkish shirt). He was the only supplier, however I used to be most happy with Dad when he trusted Christ as his Savior. Pastor Steve Crile and I went to see Dad. He knelt on the outdated brown sofa and pastor confirmed him from the Bible what to do. By way of his tears, it was the primary time I heard him pray. He beloved to cross out Gospel tracts together with his pal, Vernon Allison.

I’d like to speak about Mum who was the most effective woman I had ever recognized. Dad and Mum have been solely eighth grade educated, however, ending up with 4 wholesome kids, survived the Nice Despair years and maintained our dwelling. Mum labored at dwelling day and evening. We had no operating water, however Dad had dug a cistern which was used for cooking water and laundry water. Mum pumped all that water to fill her outdated Maytag wringer washer, then pumped clear water sufficient to fill a big galvanized tub. She then ran the completed garments by way of the wringer into the clear water. When one garment was wrung totally, Mum would twist that piece right into a wooded garments basket. When it was full, she would carry that heavy basket stuffed with moist garments outside to the clothesline to hold till dry. If it was wet, the method of drying moved indoors with garments hanging on the old style drying racks and anyplace else you would put garments on a hanger to hold anyplace. This was her job each Monday, rain or shine. Tuesday was ironing day; she even ironed Dad’s large blue hankies (he at all times had one hanging out of his again pocket as a result of he sweat summer time or winter). She had a baking day: cinnamon rolls, baked bread, (each loaf was brushed with butter-they had a shine like a brand new Chevy), dinner rolls, banana bread, lemon meringue pie, and each scrap of leftover dough made mini-cinnamon rolls. She made scrumptious meals using all of our backyard veggies. Dad commented to everybody how Mum might make a meal out of nothing. Simply a few our favorites: espresso soup over home made bread, duke’s combination (all the leftovers blended with scrambled eggs), and backyard peas and new potatoes cooked collectively in cream and butter sauce. I’m starting to drool; my tastebuds are creating the necessity for a bib.

I’m proud to say Mum requested Jesus to save lots of her whereas a affected person in J.C. Blair Hospital. Rev. Reed Rogers of CMA Huntingdon led her to the Lord and inspired her to start out going to church. This occurred for some time till the lake moved us. She ended up at 722 Heat Springs Ave. shortly after our transfer in 1972. Mum began going to Emmanuel Bible Church down Portland Avenue, the place the outdated highschool was situated. Church was held on the third ground. Mum and Dad rapidly reunited with Les and Dorothy McBride. They at all times sat collectively within the second pew, left aspect of church dealing with the pulpit. Every service, I’d watch Mum and Dorothy kissing cheeks and Les and Dad hugging. Dad referred to Lester as a person’s man! I have to transfer on: see the picture of Mum and Dad’s fiftieth wedding ceremony anniversary. It was Dec. 7 — simple to recollect as a result of we at all times honored our veterans on Pearl Harbor Day.

I spoke of my brother Charles Rodgers earlier on this story. He was a hero to me. I’m attaching a photograph of Mum and my siblings (Charles is in his military uniform). He introduced his military abilities to his job on the establishment with a number of inmates who later did remorse difficult him to field. Little did they know that Charlie was a boxing champion at Fort Hood, Texas, the place he took military coaching. He performed soccer, graduating in 1941. His coach was the well-known JG Everard. He performed with Walter Lott, Bob Cutshall, John Brown, Harold Hockenberry and Howd Gutshall. That’s all that I bear in mind from Charlie’s tales.

Hurrying on, I additionally had two great sisters: Jean Grubb — she was a plain lady who by no means had a lot, by no means requested for a lot, and would offer you something you wanted. She was an incredible prepare dinner specializing in potato salad and “Jean’s baked beans.” Every cease included black brewed espresso on a wood-fired prepare dinner range and a bit of pie. The remainder of my visits included tales about her household and each time I mentioned goodbye, she would at all times reply “Come right here, Sonny, ‘until I offer you a kiss.” She beloved her son, Gary, and daughter, Lois. Gary cared for Jean in her final years in his dwelling in Entriken. Way more could possibly be mentioned however I’ll inform you Jean had a wonderful funeral held at Woodcock Valley Bible Church. The church was packed; I used to be very impressed with many valley residents exhibiting their respect for Jean. Jean insisted on having the Rev. Buddy Baird preside over the service. Buddy is a longtime (50+ years) pal of mine. Considered one of his tales of Jean was his reward of her having the cleanest outhouse he’s ever seen. Thanks, Buddy! I miss you, my valuable sister; she beloved her Jesus. My different sister is Dorothy Brindle. She reared 5 kids whereas she lived in Aitch: Connie Hoey, Bonnie Snare, Jim Brindle (deceased), John Brindle and Pat Brindle. In her 40s, she labored for Elco Corp. on the strip line setting contacts for molded connectors. Dorothy was one other wonderful prepare dinner and baker. I bear in mind her home made breads and rolls glistening with melting butter. She at all times included cinnamon rolls, some with icing and others all gooey with walnuts on prime. Baking pies and muffins for her giant household was often greater than sooner or later. Dorothy was not extravagant; nevertheless, nobody fussed about their hair greater than she.

Her well being has been in decline, particularly currently. She fell per week in the past and was taken to Huntingdon emergency room. I went proper over and met privately along with her, nonetheless on a litter. I learn from my New Testomony, particularly about God making ready her a mansion if she had trusted Christ as her Savior. She mentioned “sure” — when she was in Broad Prime Metropolis, her preacher confirmed her. She additionally mentioned she was not afraid. She is 94 and is ready to go to The Village in Martinsburg. As I pulled the curtains within the ER, I instructed her that I beloved her and as at all times she answered, “I like you extra.” I’m praying for you, Dottie.

I’m operating out of house:

I’m blessed with grandchildren: I’m blessed with a miracle grandson, Max, who weighed 1 lb., 15 oz., at start and could possibly be held in your palm. I spent bended knee prayers for little Max. He’s now 3 years outdated and sensible as may be. Glory to God!

I’m blessed with good neighbors.

I’m blessed with many preacher pals: Leon Foote, Bob Maurer, Dan Hummel, Donnie Pollard, and John Leatherman.

I’m blessed with my greatest pals from school: Paul Perencevic, Grant Stiffler, Man Feather, Woody Beaver, Charlie Stump, Terry Shoenback, and Jimmy Donley (who I helped put in a dryer in school — at the very least we saved it on low.)

I’m blessed with all my classmates from 1962. I’m blessed with good well being. I reward God every morning after I see the solar.

Because the Bible says: Depend your blessings; I’ve solely scratched the floor.

Subsequent month, we may have a particular story for Christmas plus assist from Gary Snare and Eddie Hammers. There can be footage for all my readers to get pleasure from.

Readers, you all are a blessing to this outdated man. I like every of you — I actually do.

God bless you immediately and particularly Thanksgiving and shortly Christmas.