Dear BSU Friends,

Dear BSU Friends,

July is here. So, is our hot hot weather. At least it isn't raining. July is one of my favorite months. I was born July 9, 1922. Yes, that makes me old - not as old as dirt though. That is what John McCain said about himself. I don't want to be as old as dirt, just old and gracious. I hear from several of you during the month. I appreciate your letters. It is from you that I get my monthly new items. I hear from a BSU member almost every day - sometimes two or three of you during the day. Keep those cards and letters coming. Plans for the 16th Annual BSU reunion are well under way. I am hoping you will save your "gas stamps" for the trip to Collinsville. Our Thursday night program is our fellowship and entertainment night. We start with a soup and supper meal and end with a gospel quartet from my church. (They are so good!) I will not share the in between "stuff" now, but I wouldn't miss that 1950's hat parade for anything. Now, on Friday we will have your inspirational meeting. The "New Chapel Singers" will be with us during the Friday morning session and Nate Adams will be our quest speaker following our noon luncheon. (Gee, I do good). Last year at our meeting Elaine Dickson said, "Helen has an knack for getting the very best people to serve on the program." Well, this I do know. I do get the best. I don't need the rest! (A joke of course) Here are my news items:

1. Betty Bettis Cox is going to India on a mission trip. She plans to return before her 81st birthday in September.(A letter from Betty is available.)
2. Jan and John Crenshaw plan a trip to China in September. They will miss the Reunion. I wanted Jan to sing (maybe next year) a letter is available.
3. Gerald and Betty Steffy are retiring from the Calvary church in Streater Il. Gerald served that church for 10years. Poor health is a factor. (Ask to see letter)
4. I had a nice letter from John and Mary Ruth Whitman. They are still in South Dakota. John writes that his prostate cancer is under control since 1992, He tells us that Mary Ruth is busy with speaking engagements, etc. They love the Black Hills of SD. (letter is available)
5. Archie Mayo writes that his brother died May 31. He did not send a name. I have written for more detail.
6. Stan Nicol was married to Betty Roberts April 20. A picture is available. Write me if you want to see it. Our congratulations to Stan and Betty. You will remember that Stan lost his wife Micki in 2007.
7. Harlan and Barbara Highsmith celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary September15. They celebrated in Vienna (a picture is available-write me)
8. My emails to Paul and Doris Dempsey are being returned. Help me!
9. I need an email address for Jim and Betty Ebbs. They live in Royalton, IL. 52983 Ph. #618-984-2362. Their address is 119 Mannering St.
10. I have added the name and address of Gordon and Shirley Lantrip to the mailing list. They live at Route 1 in Johnston City Il.62951. PH.618-983-8756 Their email address is salantrip@msn.com
11. Dorothy Geriche celebrated her 90th birthday June 4. I have a nice letter from Frank if you care to read it.Ńjust ask.
12. Bill and Mildred Christoff have a new email address and a new mailing address. It will be listed in the Directory on the web site later. The email address is christoff@sbcglobal.net. The mailing address is Brookview Glen Apt #306 1810 Graybrook Lane New Albany In. 47150.
13. I sent out a letter last week asking for names of those of you who would like to sing with the "New Chapel Singers" at our up coming reunion. If you did not hear from me, I am sorry. I wrote to every "singer" I knew. The good news is - it isnŐt too late to add your name. Please let me know soon. We need you!!
14. The Motel rooms that I reserved for you are nearly gone. I plan to reserve 10 more just for you. If you need more information about motel rooms let me know, or reread your June News. The Motel is Day's Inn. The phone number is 618-345-2000. Ask for special rooms reserved by Helen Galloway.
15. Cliff Burchyett writes that all is well with his family. All health reports were good.

Well, that is all for this month. I am looking forward to seeing many of you Sept.25-26 in Collinsville. The forecast is for clear skies, fall-like temperatures, and a big Collinsville welcome to those of you who attend our 16th annual BSU reunion..

Your BSU President
Helen Green Galloway

'Good friends are like stars...You don't always see them, but you know they are always there!'