October of 2011 has gone. It was a delightful month. Not too cold --not too hot--just right. I enjoyed October very much. My St Louis Cardinals were at their best. We won the National League Pennant and the World Series too!!! It was an exciting year for my Cardinals. Yes, in October we lost all the leaves from the trees. Raking was a common sight here, there and everywhere. Halloween came, so did all the little ones in their various costumes--yelling "trick or treat." I treated them all (so afraid of their trick). Now, we welcome November. We will enjoy the final stages of our beautiful Fall, we will experience again Daylight Saving Time (Nov 6) and we will look forward to Thanksgiving. All summer clothing has been put away and we have pulled out the "winter stuff." The stores are full of Christmas items (even in November). Doesn't time fly? It was only yesterday that I was writing Summer news. Now, it is November--soon to be December and then another year. Oh My, I must get on with it!! Here is your November News. I am getting older every day. (Guess what-- You are too).

Now My News Items

1. Here is an answer I received from Becky Searles when I wrote her about Betty Weeks Yes, Helen, Betty Weeks Madearis did die several years ago, the year after we brought her to the BSU reunion in Carbondale where we had use of the old Baptist Foundation. We became good friends, having met because of your emails about the reunion. I went to her funeral. She got me active in Friends of Judson, a group of people (mainly older women) who do projects to earn monies for scholarships. We just baked 1,000 large cookies in three hours to give to each Judson University student. I am an adjunct professor there, also.i think it was 2006. Becky Searle-----.
   
   I just called Wilma Booth and got some better answers to your question about Betty Weeks Madearis. Her funeral was Aug. 27, 2005. It doesn't seem that long ago! I told Wilma that I sure knew who to go to for answers. She called back within a few minutes, reporting that in her journal she found the date. By the way, one of our cookie makers was Romelia Adams, another friend of mine.
   
   
2. A note from Helen (Hoffman) Williams: Hey there, Helen, Long time no e-mails from you, but that's okay. I catch you on FB sometimes. I'm not on often, but I like your comments! I want to say a big thank you for sending out the BSU "news." I like to know even though some of the names are unfamiliar to me. The places are not! I think you did a great job in wading through items, I'm sure you receive from time to time, and sending them on to us in the form you have decided on. DOUBLE THANKS! Sometimes, we do things and have to wonder if anyone cares....well, I do! Thank you for your efforts to keep us informed. I have decided not to send formal Christmas cards any longer through the mail. If I have your e-mail address, you get my personal greeting at that time. It seems to work for me and I hope my friends know I have not forgotten them at that special time. Most of my friends do the same kind of thing, so I'm not the only one. It seems many of the people that we went to high school and college with are no longer with us, but we are happy to know about the events surrounding their lives and I applaud you for keeping us in the "loop." Take special care of yourself and keep those notes and FB remarks coming. Your friend, Helen Williams, Orange, Ca
   
   
3. A note from Allan Jones "Like you said, the web site is great!" BUT our entry has 2 errors: Jones, Allan & Evelyn 7593 Grassy Road Carbondale, IL 52902 ( I will change this month- Helen) She spells her name Evlyn.Zip Code is 62902. It was a delicious reunion. (I will change this soon--Helen)
   
   
4. I enjoyed this note from Bill Jenkins (one of our BSU friends of the 60's)Bill Jenkins I slipped Sunday night in my study and found myself on the floor with my hugh desk chair on top of me. it was 11:30 and it took me 30 minutes to remove the chair and slide my way to the couch. I worked 30 minutes trying to get off the floor and on the couch. No luck :) called Hellen on cell phone She was no help so we gave up and I decided I would sleep on the floor. At 7:30 I called my son-in-law and my pastor. they both came and lifted me off the floor. I assure you there is a lot of difference in sleeping on the floor as a child verses sleeping on floor at 83. lol No damage. God is so good to old people too.
   
   
5. BSU Reunion pictures were received from George Casey; Thank you George . You are always so prompt. The pictures were good. They reminded me-- how old others are getting. They will be put n the web site as soon as possible.I will alert you.
   
   
6. On the move ( A note from Ken and Betty Hall) Hi everyone! It has been a long time since I've written a message. We've been quite busy this summer and fall. Ken and Norma, Alvin and Joann and Norma have been quite busy selling the farm. It is still on the market, but have some hopeful prospects. Ken and I are moving to 203 Honey Locust Ln., Greenville, IL 62246. The mover is coming Monday to move the big pieces. We have been moving boxes and boxes for two weeks. Boyd and Norma, Ken's sister and husband, moved two loads for us.
   Please don't email us after Monday for about three weeks. We will be going to AZ around the first of Nov. - maybe 4th or 5th and will not have internet until we get settled in AZ. We will be glad to get settled in the duplex and then on to AZ for some rest and relaxation for a few weeks. Then we'll get busy in the park and our church out there. Let us hear from you. By the way Patty and Leroy Ellsworth are not living in Vandalia. They moved about two weeks ago. Love, Betty
   
   
7. We were sorry to hear about the death of Mary White Weeks. Mary has a brother Sam White who lives in Carbondale. Mary died Oct.16. She lived in Florida.. We were so sorry to hear this. Mary was only 76. Sam preached her funeral which was held in FL.
   
   
8. I wrote you about the death of Phronsie Quinn. She died in Ky. Oct.14..Patty Bellinger was so good to keep me informed about Phronsie. I will list these names in the memory file on the web site.
   
   
9. Mildred Peebles was admitted to the Carbondale Hospital Sept 29.. She is home now. I had wondered why she was not at the Reunion. They live near by the church where we were.
   
   
10. I noticed that several BSU members living close to the Lakeland Baptist Church did not attend the BSU Reunion. I wondered why.!! Perhaps, we should check on them. If you know why these friends were not present please let know. They may have moved,etc.: Sara Bethel, Fern Gregg, Bessie Hastings, Charlotte Swinford, The Odles, (I heard why ),Tom Purcell, Bud Mifflin, Gene Vaughn, The Tebows , the Kassners and Richard Stewart--and perhaps others that I failed to mention.
    
    
11. I have two corrected email addresses: Sam White- ysamwhite@gmail.com: GracieFletcher cngfletcher@cobridge.tv.net
    
    
12. I plan to add a BSU Reunion statistics report to the BSU web page. Click Annual Reunion Tab to the left of the home page to see the stats on this year's reunion.
    
    
13. On Face Book Bill Jenkins wrote this about me------Bill Jenkins Helen, you are something else. You are so funny, joyful, kind, giving and loveable. Keep that pitching arm ready at all times to pitch a few smiles each day. Well, thank you Bill Jenkins-- you are so right Hg
    
    
14. A special prayer request from Cal and Sharon Reynolds See note that follows. And, a more detailed letter is available if interested. Just email me your request. hg Cal writes "You have been a real blessing to Sharon and me for these many years and have responded with your prayers and financial gifts in our mission efforts. I am asking you to put this ministry on your prayer list and if God leads you to make this ministry a part of your financial giving then I will leave that up to you and God. The Office address of the Prison Ministry is:
    
    PFC Missions
    Wally and Marilyn Miller
    25059 Como Road
    Sterling, IL 61081
    
            1949 Graduate
           Your BSU President, Emeritus
           Helen Galloway
    
    
    Enjoy this story:
    
    A man was driving around the back woods of Montana, and saw a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: "Talking Dog For Sale".
    
    He knocked on the door, and the owner appeared, telling him the dog is in the backyard. The man walked into the backyard, and saw a nice-looking Labrador retriever sitting there.
    
    "You talk?" he asked. "Yep," the Lab replied. After the man recovered from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he said "So, what's your story.The Lab looked up and said, "Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping."
    
    "I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running "But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger, so I decided to settle down signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals. I got married, had a mess of puppies,..... and now I'm just retired." The man was amazed. He returned to the owner, and asked what he wanted for the dog. "Ten dollars," the owner replied. "Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?" "Because he's a liar. He's never been out of the yard. (COPIED)