Hello from Dayton

We had a wonderful trip to St. Louis to the Beitch/Beech house for Thanksgiving. One of the highlights was a prayer that Stephanie wrote to honor the occasion. What a great writer she is and how imaginative, I am sure you will enjoy it as much as we did.

On our St. Louis trip we went to the City Museum where everything is made out of recycled material. It is a dream come true for kids and adults alike. Greg and I climbed up many, many flights of stairs and were very high up. I inquired how do we get down and was told we go down a metal tubular slide all the way down! I wasn't so sure about that but didn't have much choice at this point. We made it down fine, a little scary but fun. Sheryl and I decided we can climb through tree trunks like the kids, Greg and Mark were doing, why not? Well it wasn't quite as easy as the young lads made it look. We had to crawl on hands and knees and it hurt!!! We were laughing and ouching the whole way through. We decided not to try that again. Stephanie and Leslie were the smart ones who chose to not do such silly things as crawl through a tree trunk that is suspended very high up in the air. Curtis is quite the climber. He climbed up a metal thing all the way to an airplane and across the sky, no fear of heights there.

It was great to have part of the family together but sad without Dad. We put his picture on the table so he could be with us. He would have really enjoyed Stephanie's prayer, I can hear him saying "she's just like her mother"! I guess he heard it up in heaven and both he and Mom got a big kick out of it.

I finished up a grueling two weeks of training classes at H & R block and have a little break until I start January 2nd working there. I am going to attempt this tax season and see how it goes. There are so many exceptions when dealing with taxes, it is quite confusing. At Carroll we are in the process of switching from in house payroll to a payroll company so I have had to go to training on that as well. My brain is tired.

I am looking forward to spending Christmas with Justin and Stephanie in the morning and Pam, Lindsey, Eddie, Judy and Alex in the late afternoon for dinner. I am hosting the get together at Shirley's house as there is more room. It will be a little strange without Dad or Shirley there but we will make the best of it.

Happy Holidays to all of you. Below is Stephanie's prayer


November 27, 2008

Today I want to pray especially for: Leslie, Ryan, & Shirley, as well as our recent losses of Mark's Father, Ed & Morgan's baby, Grandpa, a family friend Angie, and anyone else I didn't mention.
Along with all of our individual unspoken struggles.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Lord:

Thank you for our family
Our shelter
Our food and
The safety that brought us here.

Thank you for blessing us with our
Unconditional love and strength
That has allowed us to carry on
through this past year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for our unanswered prayers
As what we often ask for
We may not always be ready to face.

Thank you for taking our loved
Family, friends and pets
To a fearless, angelic place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know they're up there dancing
Begging us not to cry.

Because death is just a sorrowful word
For the beginning of a sorrowless life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you Lord for blessing us
With the resources to overcome hard times
And the ability to live for today.

Thank you for allowing us
To be here to thank you
As we bow our heads and pray.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please keep us strong
And continue to assist our healing
Through spirit, mind and body.

Since Grandpa would want us
To share a great laugh
We'll end with a prayer
For Spencer's stubborn potty.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh gracious stubborn potty
Please accept our Spencer's poop!

I know you're scared and he is too, but
It's throwing Mommy & Daddy
For a loop!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please stubborn potty
It's not Spencer's fault you see!

It's the new house's potty
That won't let the pull-ups be
Set free!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Because the pull-ups want to help
A smaller bottom now.
And let the bigger ones sit on
The big glass bowl.

Does Curtis have magical powers?
Or put a spell on the new house's potties?
I guess we'll never know.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you Lord for this unique family
Of whom can enjoy a Thanksgiving prayer
Including such unappetizing words.

However it is our attractive
Sense of humor and the
Famous Williams wit
That sets us apart from the other herds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, since Grandpa is not here to say "Oh My!"
To the unimaginable things in which we often say.
I thought we needed some extra inappropriateness
To bring great laughter
To this blessed Thanksgiving Day.

Amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Written By: Stephanie Romer


Beth and Greg feeling victorious after their long descent


The guys trying to fix a telescope


Curtis and Spencer in their "spy" glasses

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving at the Beech House this year was enjoyed by all. Honored guests from Florida and Ohio arrived Wednesday afternoon. Thursday morning was the annual Turkey Day Trot in Tower Grove Park followed by a pleasant visit with the Donahues. A wonderful Thanksgiving meal with contributions from all guests followed by ping pong and games. On Friday we went to the City Museum for climing and entertainment enjoyed by kids and adults alike.


At the City Museaum


Thanskgiving Dinner


MaryJane and Carol Donahue


The ladies and their boots



City Museum outdoor climbing - we're up there somewhere

The Florida Williams

More Starwars "guys"

News from Aunt Debby

I thought I would share with you some family history news from my two trips this fall. In September I joined a group from the New England Historical Genealogical Society for a trip to East Anglia. This is the area where a great number of our early New England ancestors lived before leaving for New England in the 1630’s. Perhaps the biggest thrill was our visit to the church at Nazeing, Essex County where our immigrant ancestor John Curtis was baptized on September 15, 1577 and married his wife Elizabeth Hutchins. Gordon’s and my mother Janet (Curtis) Williams was their 12th generation descendant.

We were also the guests of the charming present owner of Cuckoo Farm in Little Bedew, Essex that belonged to the Porter family in the late1500’s (more on the Porter’s later). The Reverend Thomas Hooker and his family occupied the house before he literally escaped to Holland for a short time and then secretly came back to England for a hasty departure for New England. He was about to be imprisoned by the King for his Puritan religious beliefs. The house is beautifully maintained complete with an extremely friendly cat, who greeted each member of our group personally as well as an equally friendly donkey. The field next to the house had sheep grazing and very discreetly concealed behind lovely shrubbery there was a very 21st century swimming pool! It was difficult to remind yourself that the house is over four hundred years old and the Nazeing Church dates at least to the 15th century!

Early in November I spent a week in Salt Lake City, again with a group from the New England Historical Genealogical Society doing research at the Mormon Family History
Library. The Library is five floors and almost a block in size with 400 computer terminals, books, and microfilm etc. One feels like “a kid in a candy shop” trying to decided what genealogical gem to grab first!

But, my first wonderful surprise came as I walked in to the Library on our first day to a first floor classroom for an orientation lecture. On the wall outside the classroom was a large “pedigree chart” with the descendants of one of our ancestors- Robert White (1558 – 1617) and his wife Bridget Allgar (1562 – died after 1623) of Messing and Shalford, Essex County. The White’s had eight children and our family descends from three of their daughters who married in England but came to New England in the 1600’s with their husband’s and children. Mary White (1590 – 1652) married (Joseph Loomis 1588 – 25 November 1658) and many generations later was the ancestor of our father Gerald. Williams. Elizabeth White (1591 – 1676) married William Goodwin (1591 – 1673) and through numerous generations including Dwight’s and Dewey’s was also Gerald Williams ancestor. The third daughter Anna White (1600 – 1647) married John Porter (1600 – 1648) and several generations later Hannah Porter married Zachariah Curtis and therefore is the ancestor of our mother Janet Curtis Williams. So actually our parents were very, very distant, much removed cousins! John Porter’s family had been the owners of Little Baddow Farm who invited the Thomas Hooker family to live there for several years.
The point of all this rather involved “who’s who” is that the wall pedigree showed an amazing diversity of famous people who are descended from Robert and Bridget (Allgar) White. And no! we are not included on the wall chart. So here are your very remote cousins for your amusement or bragging rights!
Emily Dickinson (1830 – 1886) poet
William Williams Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Hiriam Ulysses Grant (1822 -1877) Union General in the Civil War and United States President 1869 – 1877.
Wilbert and Orville Wright; early aviation
Shirley Temple (1928 -) child movie star and Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovak Donald Clark Osmond (1957 -) actor, singer
Lucille Ball (1911-2008) movie and TV star
Philo Taylor Farnsworth (1906 – 1971) Invented television
Jon Steven Young (1961 -) Pro Bowl Hall of Fame. Most valuable player for San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XXVIIII in 1995. He grew up in Utah.
Joseph Smith (1805 – 1844) organized the Church of the Latter Day Saints 6 Apr, 1830
Gordon Bitner Hinckley (1910 –2008) Fifteenth President of the Mormon Church, 1995-2008

I expect that this particular pedigree was chosen for the prominent place on the wall because of the association of the last two with the Mormon Church.

One of the New England Historic and Genealogical Society staff members was kind enough to take a picture of me in front of the wall pedigree and I will try to get copies for you.

With fond wishes to each one of you for a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving!

Fondly, Aunt Debby

News from Beth

Hello family! 

It has been a very busy month. I survived two audits, I'm still employed and not in jail so that tells me they went well. I am winding up my tax class on Tuesday evening with my final and if I work for H & R I start another class December 1st. I went for an interview this evening, so if they want me I will work part time during tax season.

Stephanie had an infected root canal that had to be treated in Dayton, thus she was forced to come home and stay with me for 5 whole days! I enjoyed taking care of her and having her here. After she recovered we had a great time visiting. I kept her here as long as I possibly could - it was nice. She turned 23 last Sunday, I can't believe my youngest is 23! Her classes are going well, she is doing them online this quarter and loves it.

Justin is doing well. Today he mistakenly texted me a message he meant to send to his girl friend....I was in hysterics. I was very thankful it was a nice G rated message, and he was even more thankful after I told him what he did:) I won't let him live that one down for a while.

I am going to attempt to make pies this weekend. I am not much of a baker, so the crew in St. Louis will have to suffer through my lack of baking expertise. If they turn out good I will be sure to post that in the blog. If they don't turn out good you won't hear about it from me! Stephanie and I will be traveling to St. Louis on Wednesday, Justin will be spending Thanksgiving with his Dad and family.

Aunt Betty called to tell me that they are unable to make it for the Geneva get together the weekend they had originally picked July 9th thru 11th. They have changed it to the last weekend in June 25th thru 28th. Unfortunately the kids and I won't be able to make it on those dates. It is my year end at school and I can't take any time off during that time. But of course all of your are still welcome to go, you can coordinate with Aunt Betty on that.

That's all for now. Hope all is well with everyone.

Our love to all,
Beth, Justin and Stephanie

News from Pam & Lindsay

November 2008

This fall we really made up for our "travel deficit" ! Went to the Hawaiian Hula Weekend in Chicago. We treasure our island friends,as they are so warm, caring and fun ! Lots of good music,food,etc.One close friend gave Pam an authentic Hawaiian dress from "home".(When we attended last year, she found out Pam didn't own one.)Our shave ice booth was a big hit !!!! Some Samoan girls kept comingback to try different flavors. A couple old Hawaiians just raved aboutthe quality. Can't wait til spring to hit the road.

FL seems like ages ago. We had a wonderful time. First, we attendeda Polynesian workshop weekend in Orlando. Pam learned how to weave leisand scarves out of eyelash yarn. Of course, I took a ukulele class.Then off to Pam's longtime friends Cathi and Don in Lakeland. We had a great time at Seaworld. From there, we headed off to Mote Marine Laboratoryin Sarasota, where Pam is a member. What a worthwhile place. They're a non-profitorganization devoted to the rescue/rehab of sea creatures and the welfare of the ocean.Our week ended with a couple days at Greg's. Pam and the "men of the house" hit Venice Beach on a shark tooth hunt. We just love their boat dock !

Greg installed a Nightlight on the pier, so it's like watching a giant aquarium at night. A manatee and a Dolphin swam by during our stay. Pam was the naughty aunt and gave the boys a big bag of M&Ms, which Spencer decided to have for breakfast the next morning ! That week passed too soon... Can't wait to go back !!!!!!!

Love, Pam & Lindsay

News from the Beech House

November 2008

Greetings from St. Louis! We’re doing pretty well this month. Leslie has received her 6th chemo treatment – just two more to go! Progress is still good, and her doctors say that her recovery is right on track. She’s slowed down a bit, but is still able to work her regular schedule - Monday thru Thursday, and get out on the town with Mark, now and then. She is looking forward to 4 weeks between treatments 6 and 7, which will include hosting the family here for Thanksgiving and her birthday on Nov. 17th. Surgery is still tentatively scheduled for late January, followed by radiation.

A North Carolina university chose Ryan to host some college students at his home in El Salvador as part of an international studies program. They sent him 5 girls! – which he kept three and generously transferred two of them to a friend in a neighboring town. All of the students were very impressed and some may turn in their applications to the Peace Corp. The towns’ people, however, are still talking about this "improper" situation.

We spent last Saturday with Alex in Columbia, Missouri. It was a nice visit. He was still excited about seeing Obama the night before in the college quadrangle, along with about 20,000 others. We were pleased to see how much he is enjoying college life.

We’re looking forward to having Thanksgiving dinner in St. Louis and seeing Beth, Stephanie, and the Florida Williams; and attending the annual Donahue Turkey Day race and picnic. By the way, Leslie says any other family members who would like to join us in St. Louis -- you are invited!

Mark’s mom is doing pretty well, continuing to live alone in her house in California, with lots of help from a gardener, handyman, housekeeper and two good neighbors.


Maybe Ryan's been in the jungle too long?


NOTE: AOL Journals is discontinuing their service, so I have moved Ryan's Journal (his adventures with the Peace Corps in El Salvador) to this address: http://ryans-trip.blogspot.com/

Dayton News

Happy 80th Birthday to Aunt Betty!!

Hello Family:
I went over to see the Heffernans today at Aunt Betty's house. They were all in for her birthday and it was so nice to see everyone. They fed me well, breakfast food and pumpkin pie with ice cream. I arrived just in time to eat and Tom asked how come the Williams always show up when there is food around? I said we have good timing.

While I was there they were discussing their next family reunion. They are going to do 4 days in Geneva, NY! Well I chimed in and invited the Williams to join them, everyone thought that was a great idea. Tentatively they are planning to go July 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th. They are thinking of staying at the Ramada Inn there. I thought maybe we could do that too and also include a trip to Ithaca like we had planned before? Let me know who would be interested in doing this. I thought it would be great to show the kids where both of our parents grew up. Herards and Aunt Debbie included of course! Let's toss the idea around and see what we all would like to do. Give me your feedback please.

This weekend has been interesting. Started out with Carroll going to State Championships in soccer on Friday. After sitting through constant rain, we had two overtimes and a final shootout in which we won!! First time since 1980. It was very exciting. I was in Columbus right by OSU with a friend and her kids while Stephanie was at my house sick with an infected root canal.

Stephanie had come home to go to the dentist on Thursday, he put her on an antibiotic and told her to come back if it doesn't get better. We spent the day in MVH emergency room to see the dentist as she was in terrible pain. They changed her antibiotic and gave her some pain meds. She is still here and still in terrible pain. I will be calling the dentist tomorrow to see what they can do for her hopefully quickly.

Let me know on the Geneva/Ithaca idea!

Our love to all,
Beth, Justin and Stephanie

Florida Williams October Update

All is well from sunny Florida! We had quite a good month in fact. Our beleaguered Tampa Bay Rays decided to step it up and made it all the way to the World Series! Pretty cool, we live about 5 miles from the stadium, so the energy level was pretty high all month. We had the opportunity to attend most of the playoff games held here at home. Tickets were easier to get than one would think, I guess ten years of finishing last has its benefits. Our favorite game was game seven of the ALCS against Boston. What a game, I couldn’t hear for two days. I’m kind of glad it is actually over, 17 games either live or on TV in one month is taxing on our sleep. (Many of the games were over after 1:00 a.m.)

We did have the honor of having two visitors this month, Pam and Lindsay! They came down after visiting some friends in a near by town and spent two nights with us. What a great visit! I took Friday off and Pam, the boys and I went down to Venice beach to look for sharks teeth. The very first scoop I got a nice one right on top. I figured this was going to be easy. Well the next hour I got only 4 more little ones and Pam was forced to carry Spencer around since he decided he was done walking. We returned to the house to find Lindsay in our back yard looking through the shells in our backyard. He managed to find two very large sharks teeth in about 10 minutes. Go figure, our adventure was more memorable at least. (I did go back out in the back yard the other day and found another in about 3 minutes)

I just returned from a business trip to Rhode Island and Connecticut. When we flew in the trees had just changed, making it really beautiful. Granted the next day it rained all day and all the leaves fell off, but at least I got a good look at them.

Oh yeah, we have kids as well and as I gather, that is what you all want to hear about. Now onto the highlight, if I wrote this first you wouldn’t have read any of the rest. Halloween was spectacular. My boys, as mentioned last month, are totally into Star Wars. So Spencer picked Yoda and Curtis went old school with Obi One Kenobi. For those that are not fanatics like us, both of these are sword yielding good guys and our boys played them perfectly. Spencer even has learned to talk like Yoda. The pictures will speak for themselves. This brought back many good memories with Dad and I carving pumpkins and visiting our old Greensboro neighborhood. I am more than honored to carry on this tradition.


Yoda

Obi One

Happy Warriors

Happy Rays Fans

Sheryl is doing great as well, she continues to put up with us and for the most part still likes me. All is good. We send our love, Greg

Dayton News

Hello Family:

The brown couch still lives. It is now residing at a friend of Justin's, so it still is with us on this earth. I guess that's good.

I took my midterm in my tax class last night. I absolutely hate tests and don't always do very well on them so I was very nervous about it. I was so pleased to pass it with a 98%, I asked Mom and Dad to help me so maybe they did:) Again, I so wanted to call Dad to tell him about my accomplishment. It's times like those that I really miss him.

I am getting ready for our yearly audit at work, which is always a little tense. I am attending a Gala tomorrow night with some coworkers. It is an annual fund raiser for the school. They usually do an Octoberfest with gambling and beer. This year they decided to step it up a notch and try a gala which will include a silent auction, wonderful meal and musical entertainment. Sounds like fun...I must go buy new shoes!

Justin and Stephanie are doing fine. Justin is always working and Stephanie continues with school and working with Michelle the autistic young lady. She really enjoys working with her.

Peaches (my dog) is still kicking. She is getting a little more dementia I think. In the evening she wanders around like she's lost and stares at me like she doesn't know who I am! Kind of entertaining I must say. Our walks have turned in to not much exercise for me as she just saunters along. Hopefully she will stick around for awhile longer.

Hope all is well with anyone.

Love to all,
Beth, Justin and Stephanie

Herman Beitch

October 14, 1918 – October 14, 2008
Herman was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 14, 1918, the son of Minnie Lander and Harry Bietch (later changed to Beitch), both Yiddish speaking immigrants from Kishinev, Russia. Herman was the 2nd of four brothers; Morris, Herman, Elmer and Leonard.
Herman graduated from Soldan High School in St. Louis in 1936. Because his father died when he was still young, Herman worked to support his family and earn money instead of going to college, which later allowed his youngest brother to go to college.
In the early ‘40s Herman’s two brothers Morris and Elmer went off to war, but Herman’s high blood pressure caused him to be rejected, much to his chagrin. For the next 72 years he intensely managed and controlled the blood pressure by maintaining a very active and healthy lifestyle. He never missed a day of exercise, one of the JCCA’s most dedicated members, and later a very notable member of the YMCA in Redwood City, California, with computers recording millions of pounds lifted by a man in his eighties.
During the depression, when very few jobs were available, he was one of thousands who took the civil service exam, scoring 2nd highest and receiving one of the few jobs available at the US Post Office in St. Louis.
Herman worked at the post office for 46 years starting as a clerk/carrier and ultimately achieving the position of Branch Manager. After retiring from the P.O. at age 59, he finally had the opportunity to enroll in college and he earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies. All of his children proudly attended his graduation.
He met Shirley Lehr at a Temple Israel “May Day” singles’ dance and they were married in 1950, recently celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary.
Herman and Shirley raised three children: Janis, married to Jeff Baron, three children, living in Los Gatos, California; Gary, married to Sheryl, four children, living in San Ramon, California; and Mark, married to Leslie, two children, living in St. Louis, Missouri. While his children were growing up, he took the family on many camping trips throughout the U.S., taught his daughter algebra and taught his sons to repair everything in a home.
After living in St. Louis all their lives till then and now retired, Herman and Shirley decided to relocate to California in 1982 to help Janis and Jeff care for their three babies. At first they lived in Janis and Jeff’s house and later bought their own house in Redwood City. Herman was instrumental in the care of the three infants; single-handedly managing each day’s morning shift and mechanically transforming the house into a modern-day childcare facility. You had to see it to believe it. He was very involved in all of his grandchildren’s lives teaching each one, among other things, to ride a bike without training wheels!

His sports accomplishments were legendary, beginning with handball, winning tournaments at the old YMHA in St. Louis in the 1940’s, and then switching to racquetball, tennis, long-distance (sometimes week-long) bike riding trips, swimming, aerobics, and weight lifting.
He had a life-long interest in politics and current events, taking college classes and submitting dozens of published “letters to the editor.” He was a devotee of Time Magazine and never missed the Lehrer News Hour.
Throughout the 1980s and 90’s, Herman and Shirley traveled the world together, going to Europe, China, Turkey, Alaska, Hawaii, Russia, South Asia and the Pacific islands, and Israel, bringing back souvenirs and lots of stories.
Just three weeks before his 90th birthday Herman and Shirley, both sharp as a tack, played bridge at their senior center, Little House in Menlo Park, as a team -- and took first place.

On Saturday, Oct. 4th, Leslie and I were in the St. Louis airport on our way to visit the family and to celebrate his birthday, when we got the call that he had suffered a stroke. He was not fully conscience again for the entire week and he died on October 14th, --- on his 90th birthday! In my last conversation with him a few days before the stroke, he talked about proudly being the first Beitch to reach the age of 90. We will miss him.

Special Note: We had to find a nursing facilty to move him to after the first 3 days in the hospital. We were told by the social worker to contact several places, one was "Gordon's Care." "Gordon's" said he could not stay there, but instructed us where to send him - which ended up being the perfect place. Once we heard that "Gordon's" recommended a place, we knew who was helping us and we didn't look any further.

Maryland update

Still can't figure out the computer system. I want to make comments on everyone's stories but I am inept with the computer. First of all, we are all excited that Leslie is doing so well. Keep it up Leslie!!! We have all laughed@ Curtis's first day of school. Hope it is not indicative of things to come. Great pictures of the storm from Dayton. I can't believe the size of the trees that fell.
Keith won an award for his play Two Moms. The author of the play is actually a ghost name of Bob Moran. If anyone remembers, Bob was our best man @ our wedding. He did not tell people he was Bob Moran. Everyone in the theatre wanted to meet the famous Bob Moran. Keith would come up with adventurous stories of Bob and his whereabouts. The a funny thing happened. Some poor old guy from somewhere down here, named Bob Moran, died. The obituary was in the newspaper. When Keith received his award, he made mention of poor Bob's untimely death. Keith will continue to write but it will be under a different name ...Mike Bajorek...ring any bells. Who says we don't have fun.
I see that Ed and Morgan added their ultrasound picture of the little peanut to the newsletter. Who do you think the baby looks like?? Ed is taking all bets as to due date and weight. You can register all bets with ed @ edrft_99@msn.com. Tom turned 25 and for a present we allow him to live with us another year. Geoff continues with school. Brad hmmmmm. Emma is working hard in school. Jake is loving football. They lost the first game and he told the team that it was ok...just a game. For anyone who has not heard the Cubs have lost. My husband will suffer another long winter. Thanks Don for the phone call the other night.
Love to all, Pat

Herard News

On August 13th we returned from a five day sailing trip around Lake
Michigan and Bruce checked the messages on his work phone to find a
"call me urgently " message. The message was from someone requesting us to relocate to Detroit.

During the 2007-08 school year we were approached for moves to Los
Angeles, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio. None of those options ended up
happening for one reason or another, but they made it hard to settle
in Connecticut never knowing from day to day what might happen next.
So, when the offer for Detroit came we decided to jump at the
opportunity since we love Michigan. The big challenge was to find a
school for Emily. For public school you need an address in that town.
To solve the problem in a different way Emily applied to a private
school and was accepted in time to attend the new student orientation.
We are living in a two bedroom apartment; 3 people and 3 pets. We
looked at MANY houses and found one in Birmingham, MI which we will
move into on Nov 17th. For now you can find us at
6989 Chimney Hill Drive Apt 3009 West Bloomfield, MI 48322.

Emily is in the 7th grade at Detroit Country Day School. Her favorite
thing about her new school is that each student has their own laptop
(purchased by the parents) which they use in most classes. Emily gets
out of the car in the morning with her computer bag, her backpack, her
trumpet case, and her sports bag. My favorite thing is that lunch is
included in the tuition so I do not have to pack a lunch for Emily and
she seems happy with the menu. In Michigan Basketball is a fall sport
for girls so Emily is on the 7th grade team working hard and making
new friends. All three of us are very pleased with the school.

Allison is in her second year at Penn State. Bruce, Emily, and I drove
out to visit her last weekend. She is now 7 hours away. Allison will
be selecting a major this year. She is in the Business School. Penn
State is now 6-0 in football. Allison has tickets to all the home
games.

Jennifer is in Boston. She is teaching Adults to read . She is also
helping them toward a job that can become a career and provide
benefits. She says her students provide her with many challenges.

Sarah is working on the sailboat called The Spirit of South Carolina
which comes from Charleston, S.C.. The boat has been in the ship yard
out of the water in Newport, Rhode Island for over a month having
maintenance done. Sarah is ready to head south.

We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving visitors which will include
Grandma Debby Troemner, Grandma Ann Herard, Allison, and hopefully Jen and Sarah.

We send our best to all of you.

Susan

Brown Couch

Hello Family:

Sad to say but I think it is time for the famous brown couch to go to couch heaven. If anyone would like to save the ole couch from going to heaven you have until Monday October 6th to claim it. To update you on its condition: there is a spring poking out on the top, it is disgustingly dirty and stinky as it has been through several young adult apartments and it is as hard as a rock.

The history of this couch as I remember is Dad's parents started with it, when they passed away it went to Mom's parents, when they passed away it went to ? ( I am not sure - help with that?) I think Keith had it somewhere, Pam and Jane had it at the Habitat Condo, I had it in my UD apartment. I think after Pam was done with it maybe it went to my house and I have been caring for it ever since, until I gave it to Justin who is now ready to surrender it back to me.

It has served many purposes some of which are not appropriate to mention in this blog I am sure.

It would be interesting to hear from others where this couch has been and stories that they remember about it. Any input?

Hope all is well with everyone and let me know if anyone wants it before it goes to the great beyond on Monday.

Love, Beth

Hello from Dayton!

9/21/08
Happy Birthday to Justin – 25 years old today!

Hello Family; What a week this has been. We had the remnants of hurricane Ike visit us up here in Ohio. That was a first. The winds started on Sunday one week ago 60 to 75 miles an hour. It was pretty scary. Around 3 p.m. most of us lost electricity. 2 million people lost electricity state wide. Peaches and I went out walking and driving that night to assess the damage and I was shocked. Big trees torn out of the ground by their roots were everywhere. Trees on electric wires and roads were blocked. Driving down Far Hills through Oakwood the huge trees torn out by their roots were unbelievable. It looked like a tornado came straight down Far Hills. It was amazing.
Justin’s work was closed for three days, mine for two. Traffic lights were out everywhere. The rule is when traffic lights are out, the intersection should be treated like a four way stop. It seems most people grasped this concept, but you really had to watch for the few that just flew on through! We were fortunate not to have any rain that would create flooding. I was out of electricity until Wednesday morning, Justin was out for just a day, Stephanie for two days, Shirley was out until Friday and my friend Judy just called to report hers just came on. I have discovered how much we rely on our electricity. I think in one day I visited Friendly’s with Judy and Alex, Bob Evans with Shirley (an hour wait so we gave up), Starbucks, and McDonalds. I figured we can’t continue to eat out every meal so I went to the grocery to get some food that doesn’t need refrigerated or cooked (that wasn’t so easy). Stores were closed for days. People were panicking and lining up at the gas station for fear they would run out of gas. During the day it wasn’t so bad, the weather was pleasant and I could open the windows. All my neighbors were out and we visited and helped each other. When darkness came upon us it was a different story. What is there to do but read by candlelight which is not very easy. I don’t know how they did it before electricity, it is hard on your eyes. Holding a flashlight and reading isn’t very easy either. Needless to say it was pretty boring.
Many people still do not have their electricity back and it could be a few more days. I had to throw out everything in my refrigerator and freezer as did most people (see picture below). I have included some “Ohio Hurricane” pictures below. I realized that I had been through one of the other devastating hurricanes “Alicia” in August of 1983 in Houston. I was 8 months pregnant with Justin. I remember we taped our windows in preparation, filled the bathtub with water, filled milk jugs with water, stocked up on non-perishables and ice for the cooler. We were out of electricity and water for about a week or so and it was so very hot without air conditioning. Being 8 months pregnant and very fat, the Houston heat was unbearable. Needless to say I am sure I was a bit cranky. I remember driving to downtown Houston after a few days and was amazed at the destruction that had occurred with all the glass buildings.
I am continuing in my tax class, it is getting more difficult, but I am enjoying it. We are learning about who qualifies for a dependent and who doesn’t. According to my instructor, people try to claim every relative and non-relative they can think of.
Justin and Stephanie spent last night and today at Lake St. Mary’s with their Dad. He has a boat and a camper at the lake. The weather was perfect and they had a great time. Justin and I will be doing dinner this week for his birthday. We are going to go to one of the new restaurants at the Greene. The Greene is a beautiful “town” that has been created with stores, restaurants, clubs and condos. There is a fountain in the middle where people gather for music and to watch children play in the water. It is a wonderful addition to Dayton, we needed something to spice up the place.
We are so happy to hear of the great news about Leslie. We continue to pray for her recovery. She has such a wonderful positive attitude. Reminds me of Dad, what a great quality to have.

Justin, Stephanie and I send our love to all.

Happy Birthday next week Tommy!



Stubbs Park



My Empty Fridge



My friend's back yard in Beavercreeks

News from the Beech-House

NOTE: AOL Journals is discontinuing their service, so I have moved Ryan's Journal (his adventures with the Peace Corps in El Salvador) to this address: http://ryans-trip.blogspot.com/

September, 2008
Greetings from St. Louis! We’re doing pretty good this month – considering we haven’t been flooded, had any hurricanes, or lost our retirement in the market. Alex has finished his first month of college (MIZ – ZOU!) Still a computer science major. He has all good reports so far – good classes, good dorm and roommate, good food (and lots of it). He surprised us with a 24 hour visit last weekend, mainly to see his friends and attend his high school football game. Seems like he’s become more grown-up already.

Ryan has “just” one more year in El Salvador. He seems to be more comfortable, more at home, and busier every time that we talk to him. He has volunteered to help a friend manually dig ditches to lay water pipes to a village that has no running water. He starts at 5:30am and it is over 100 degrees by 10am everyday. I bet he won’t complain next time we ask him to mow our lawn. Nothing new on his blog lately, but Mark will alert you when we get his next entry – they are always good!

Mark is working with the SAP project team at his company, CSI (not the TV show). He’s playing tennis almost everyday and bike-riding on weekends. He's given up on the 4th place Cardinals and already given up on the 0 and 3 Rams. Looking forward to a Rays–Cubs world series!!! We’re going to California Oct. 4 – 12 for our yearly family visit and to celebrate Mark’s dad’s 90th birthday. His sister put together a book of stories submitted by each family member about Herman.

Leslie has completed her 3rd chemo treatment and has great news – her Dr. reports that the tumor has reduced in size by approximately half!!! One more challenging treatment then the next four are supposed to be easier to take. Leslie has two alternate personalities going; a work persona with a wig that closely matches her regular hair, on a good day, and a sporty short blond/red one for evenings and weekends. She’s thinking the short one with sun glasses may be a good way to go incognito later on so clients won’t recognize her. She immensely appreciates all the cards, phone calls, and e-mails from all of you. It really brings home the truth of this amazing extended family we are all a part of.

News from the Williams Maryland World

September, 2008 Keith has written a play, called "Two Moms". He directed and produced the play. It is being performed here for the next 2 night (ran a total of 4 nights). The evening is filled with 4- 1 act plays. It is very funny (of course)....pot smoking moms who exchanged their children at birth and don't tell the kids until they are older (think Leslie could analyze that one?)
Tom and Emma went to see it last night. I stayed here with Jake. Tom and Emma came home laughing stating that their father is very disturbed. Tom is still working at Bob Evans. He bought a new car over a month ago. It is a 2008 Huyndai Accent. He ended up getting a new car after being in an accident. He was driving with Jake (in the front seat). Evidently, Jake started rocking and swing his arms. This caught Tom in the right eye, couldn't see, and ended up under some type of SUV. The moral of the story is Jake is no longer permitted in the front seat.

Ed and Morgan are trying to sell or rent their town home in Lexington Park. They have purchased a new home just down the street from Jake's school. Morgan is pregnant and due May 4. She wants to do in home daycare for up to 8 children. The house is a nice little 3 bedroom rambler on 3/4 acres with lots of trees. It is already fenced in.

Morgan is having an ultrasound on Sept 25. I can't wait. She wants to use cloth diapers. I have found some on line that I thought she would like. She received them the other day and is suppose to bring them over here today so I can see them (velcro tabs, adjustable legs etc..) I give here a lot of credit if that is what she wants to do. She is insistent that she does not want to contribute to destroying the enviorment (I told here I think I already own a landfill...maybe 2). Ed went to Lousianna for the hurricane and came back with a terrible ear and sinus infection (has allergy to molds). He was on standby for 9/11 in D.C. I understand that he may need to go to Afganistan in Nov. (that stinks)

Morgan's 1st Sonogram

Geoff is living with his girlfriend (Lauren) and another male roomate. As you can guess, Keith and I are none too happy about this. Oh well, live and learn. He is finishing his degree in Criminal Justice and taking additional classes to get certifications in 3 different computer programs. He is also working security at a port where natural gas is delivered. He runs with the Lexington Volunteer Rescue Squad during his spare time. His girlfriend is also with the rescue squad and works in a doctors office.
Brad continues to be MIA - pray for him
Emma is great. She is enjoying school, her friends,computers, art and making videos. She is creative like her father. Eddie, who has a lot of computer knowledge (they all make me look stupid) is impressed by her ability to make some of these animated videos. She enjoys herself. I love to leave for work after she has left to go down the street. I drive past her and see her (the only girl) with these guys. She is just talking and laughing and they are hanging on her every word.
Jake is my hero, truely. An announcement was made during the lunch time @ Esperanza Middle School, that they were going to have football tryouts for 4 small teams to play flag football with eachother. I guess jake was the first one up there to get a permission slip. I was not really in to letting him try out and Keith was even less than thirlled. But Jake wanted to do this. So I went to the school and watched him try out with the other children. He had a blast. He ran the full distance of the field (and was not last) and was completely unabashed (how is that for a big word Greg) in participating with all the kids. The night before they were to post the list of the 20 kids who were going to be on the team from his "house", I had to explain to him that I was very proud of him for getting out there and giving everything his best shot. I had to explain that some kids would not get on the team but that it was ok because they tried. He sat up for hours rocking and shaking his hands and looking worried. I asked him what he was concerned about and he said if he did not make the team he was concerned that I would loose my "credit cards" and my "house". After looking into his eyes and watching him I had an epiphany. He thought that by making the team he was going to make money and take care of his mom. What a guy. I sat and tears filled my eyes as I reassured him that nothing bad would happen to me. I told him that his dad and I could not be more proud of the good man he was becoming. The next day at school, he saw the list and found out he did not make the team..The principal called me and said Jake was having a rough time with this but stated that Jake new he was upset and wanted to handle this himself. That was a big milestone for him to be able to recognize his own frustration and attempt to control it. Once again, my eyes filled with tears, wanting to go over to the school and snatch him up, but I didn't. He came home later that day and announced Mr. Paskins made him the assistant coach. He is now complete with a whistle (thank you Mr. Paskins).

So as you can see, everything just keeps rolling along in this crazy world. I will send you pictures of Jake @ practice (once one of my brilliant computer geeks shows me how) and other pictures. We have been in the process the last couple of months of finishing the basement. I will send pictures of the progress. Poor Tom will now get a room with a door. He's excited.

take care .. our love to all

Pat

Williams – Florida report for September 2008

They say some traits skip a generation, I do believe that this may be one. Not that Keith and I were bad students, well maybe, but low and behold, I have a son who behaves in school. Curtis started Kindergarten a few weeks ago and in his second week won Eagle of the Week! I must say he was quite proud as are we. See picture below to prove it.

His school is only about a mile from our house and is only a few years old. We are very lucky to have this, the place is state of the art. Every 4th and 5th grader is given a laptop to use, this is public school by the way. Pretty cool. I handle the drop off duties in the morning and Sheryl picks the boys up. The process is a bit laborious (that one was for dad, big word and all) but rewarding. Seems that almost everyone drops their kids off at school now, no one uses the darn buses. We do not have a choice since we live so close. The car line to drop your kid off is ridiculously long, so I park across the street and drag Spencer and Curtis all the way to drop off Curtis. I am encouraging Curtis to just get dropped off, when asking him if he is ready for this, he answers, “when I am 8”. I seem to remember standing at the end of our driveway at 5:55, after mom gave me some nasty instant breakfast drink at 5:54, waiting for the bus in snowstorms. I’m pretty sure this was in 1st grade. Kids are soft these days.

Curtis’ first day of school was one to be remembered, it was cancelled! We had one of the many hurricanes coming our way and the boys and I stayed at home and played video games. We have had a few close misses lately, if one ever hits, it will be bad. Today, with the latest storm about 300 miles away, the winds forced so much water into the bay that our streets on the way to work had about a foot and a half of water in them.

Second item is Spencer’s 4th birthday! He is a very lovable and sweet little boy who loves his big brother and wants to do everything that Curtis does. We had a nice dinner out and then came home for presents and cupcakes. He is really into Star Wars toys (go figure so was I) and I am truly getting to relive my childhood with these guys.

Sheryl is off to Chicago with her friends for a long weekend, so it is just the guys. I was talking to Sheryl on the phone and told her that we were going to sit around in our underwear and play video games, the next thing I know, both my boys are stripped down to their undies, wearing big smiles. Gotta love em.

We send our love to all, Greg, Sheryl, Curtis and Spencer

Spencer - 4th Birthday

Curtis - 1st Day of School

Eagle Boy

Hello Family!

Hello all. This is going to be fun.

Happy Birthday to Greg and Tom coming up!!

I am taking a tax course two nights a week now. I was leaving the class tonight feeling really good and picked up my phone to call Dad because I knew he would be proud and want to hear all about my class. I got sad when I realized I couldn't call him. I then remembered the blog and came home to tell all of you and figured that Dad is reading this as well. I also had one of those moments of wanting to call Dad after Stephanie's Cardiologist appt. For 22 years I have been calling him after every appointment. She is doing fantastic, we got to watch an MRI of her heart on the computer and saw her defects and how the blood is flowing etc. It was fascinating. After I regrouped I picked up the phone and called Shirley, she was very thrilled to hear the news and made me feel better too.

Life is going very well for all of us. Justin is working many hours and keeps getting raises because they really like him, he says:) I am sure he is very entertaining to the customers. Stephanie just moved to a different apartment that is very nice and accommodates her and her dog (ki ki) nicely. She starts classes soon and she continues to work with the 22 year old autistic girl (Michelle). Her new address is: 905 Fairglade Lane, Apt. A Columbus, OH 43224

The Office Manager at my work just retired after being there for 47 years. As you can imagine she ran the school. As a result, I have a lot more responsibility and have to answer a lot of questions that I really don't know the answer to, so I guess. I also get to boss people around a little. I enjoy being bossy according to my siblings. As I mentioned above I am taking a tax course 2 nights a week so I can make some extra money during tax season. I enjoy my job and have met a lot of nice people at work that I am socializing and exercising with.

As you all know, my dear friend Judy's daughter was killed by her husband. Please keep her and her Grandson Alex (who she is now raising) in your prayers. She is praying for them to find her daughters body so she can have some closure.

We continue to pray for Leslie's full recovery.

This is a wonderful idea.....Thanks Mark for all your hard work. Goodbye now, Beth




GO BUCKS!! Spencer wearing an OSU hat. Sorry Sheryl!

The "William's" - July 2008

Introduction

Gordon, also known as Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle Gordon, had a deep commitment to his family, which he expressed in so many ways, most famously the S&G Monthly Newsletter. This was so important to him that he conveyed specific instructions about how this should be continued in his even-handed journalistic manner.

True to his style, he underestimated his input and devotion to his monthly production and assumed that someone else could easily pull this off. Not so! To continue the essence of his quest (family communication and close relationships) we are providing this 21st century format for all to access and contribute information at your convenience. May the journey continue.

Leslie

Birthdays

WILLIAMS FAMILY
Pam 1/20
Ryan 2/2
Beth 2/22
Gordon 2/20
Keith 3/25
Jake 5/20
Sheryl 6/11
Bradley 6/28
Morgan 7/4
Lindsay 7/19
Shirley 8/23
Mark 8/29
Spencer 9/9
Greg 9/14
Justin 9/21
Tom 10/3
Geoffrey 10/28
Stephanie 11/16
Emma 11/12
Leslie 11/17
Ed 11/20
Curtis 12/4
Alex 12/19


HEFFERNAN FAMILY
Amy 1/03
Kim 1/08
Don 1/18
Doug 2/18
Nancy 3/2
Jerry 5/11
Michelle 5/20
Katie 6/8
Cory 6/16
Matt 7/9
Amy 8/12
Tom 9/15
Drew 10/11
Alfred 10/19
Kelly 10/30
Betty 11/9
Julie 11/23
Jane 12/4
Larry 12/21
Megan 12/22

STUBBS FAMILY
Susanna 1/10

Matt 2/12
Mike 2/15

Alec 6/14
Collin 7/6
Nate 12/23

HERARD FAMILY

Bruce 2/14

Emily 3/3

Allison 4/18

Jennifer 7/9

Sarah 11/18

Susan 12/10

Contact Mark at mbeitch@aol.com with corrections.