How To Trace Your Own Roots

Volume 5, No.1

"Recommended by N.R.T.A. and A.A.R.P,'"

JANUARY 1978

How To Trace

Your Own "Roots"

Tracing your own roots is a fascinating and fun thing to do. The best place to begin is with you and your family members as far back as you can, by talking with those who are still alive, perhaps taping this, and then going through any documents, scrapbooks, photo albums, diaries, deeds, etc., you can hunt up. After that, your state's genealogical society may be helpful. The National Genealogical Society, 1921 Sunderland Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, can help locate your state society, and they will also send you, on request, (include business-sized stamped envelope) a free pamphlet, "Suggestions for Beginners in Genealogy."

The National Archives in Washington can be useful in locating military records, immigrant records after 1820, and federal census reports, the latter being kept in National Archives regional offices in major cities. Write to the National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration, Washington, D. C. 20408.

For further assistance on birth and death records, write for the pamphlet "Where to Look for Birth and Death Records," available from the U. S. Department of Health, Education, & Welfare, National Center for Health Statistics, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 8-20, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

Happy hunting!

Excerpt from RETIREMENT ADVISORS prepared for The Board of Pensions of the United Presbyterian Church.

Dr. K's Korner

The doctor's diagnosis shattered my ego. I had failed the stress test and would have to go to Orlando where a specialist would run a probe into various arteries of my heart. Ifblockage was found the only recourse would be open heart surgery ... or a massive coronary attack.

This couldn't happen to me. Most of my life has been devoted to promoting good mental and physical health. Exercise has been as much of my life style as eating. I'd sort of posed as an example of the good life. But men far wiser than I and equipped with the latest scientific technology were telling me there really was no option left open, it was surgery or else ...

The whole episode came silently and without warning ... like a summer storm which begins as a small cloud and suddenly obliterates the sun with towering black thunderheads. At first there was just a tiring pain in my chest ... or maybe in my tummy. It started as I was just beginning my column for the November Penn Notes.

Finally, when the essay was completed I shared a glass of ice tea with Mary. All the while I was debating with myself over whether or not I should say anything about the pain or suppress it and go to work. The arguments for going to work were persuasive: the P.A.G. was coming up, so was the community-wide program conference and the semi-annual luncheon for old and new cabinet members. The Hospital Board was to have several important meetings and the Community Advisory Committee was to meet within the week. My dilemma: to speak up or keep quiet.

One never knows how effective our educational programs are until a crisis occurs. Almost from the very beginning our Health Education Committee has worked cooperatively with the Central Florida Heart Association in bringing instruction about the care of our hearts to Hawthorne residents. Some of the lessons must have influenced me because the debate over to tell or go to the office was resolved in favor of telling.

The tests were made, the surgery was done, and now I'm in the recovery phase which will extend until March.

Throughout this entire experience I was never alone. Always the thoughts and prayers of so many Hawthorne friends were with me and my family. A large basketful of beautiful, thoughtful cards is testimony to so many expressions of best wishes. There is an equally large basket of similar wishes which were expressed in other ways - the healing balm of the Hawthorne spirit was everywhere apparent. Thanks to everyone of you.

Thanks, too, to Jean Francis, Mr. Henley, the cabinet and the P .A. G., and to all activity leaders for carrying on in the Hawthorne tradition.

I never thought it could happen to me. I join a crowd of distinguished residents who also have had their hearts laid bare, repaired and replaced. Out of all of this is the lesson the Heart Association end lessly repeats: go for an examination, tomorrow may be too late.

The

Star

Scene

Florida skies are beautiful with clear skies on many winter nights which make star gazing fascinating. The earth is part of the galaxy which has billions of stars and cloud-like nebula. The ancients named this collection of stars a galaxy which means "milk" in Greek. Milton referred to the heavens as:

"The Galaxy, that Milky Way Powdered with stars." It takes imagination to find the constellations because they are just pictures that the ancients pretended to see in the heavens in order to locate the stars more readily. The winter stars center around Orion, the Great Hunter who, according to myth, boasted that no hunter could overcome him. He is in a direct line below Polaris, the North Star, and seems to be standing with his shield in front of him, his sword raised to fight Taurus the Bull who is charging toward him. The bright star, Betelgeuse is in Orion's shoulder. When Orion was changed into a constellation his two hunting dogs, Canus Major and Canus Minor were put near him in the sky to keep him company. Sirius, the most brilliant star in the sky (the Dog Star) is in Canus Major. The three big stars in Orion's belt point to Taurus who has the Pie ides on his shoulder (also called the Seven Sisters). They were supposed to be the daughters of Atlas who held up the world on his shoulders. These stars can be seen during January often with the naked eye or with the help of a telescope, and a little imagination. As Don Marquis said, "No doubt the cherubs are up in the sky earning their way winding each ticking star for us here on earth to see."

-Elnora Bolan

Penn Notes Staff

Editor Associate Editor Photographers Staff:

Helen M. Gardner Dr. Earl Kauffman John Tienken, Paul Dillon Joseph Feol, Clifford Hollister

Clem Kirchgeorg, Myrtis Maharay, George'

McDermid, Nick Nickerson,

Mary Smith

Get Acquainted With

YOUR

Community College

Excitement abounds at Lake-Sumter Community College - mental stimulation and physical renewal are available at little or no cost. Learn new skills or revive old interests, in credit or non-credit courses at the college, either in the daytime or in the evening. The College is located on 441 opposite the Leesburg Airport.

The variety of courses offered to all Lake and Sumter County residents is too large to list here, but they include drawing, photography, music, reading skills, languages, and astronomy, to name only a few. And, how about business law, typing, and personal finance? Wouldn't one or more of these be fun - and useful? These courses are, of course, in addition to the usual (and some unusual) academic courses normally offered at post-secondary institutions.

The costs are $12 per semester hour for Florida residents, for credit courses, which amounts to $36 for a three credit course. Non-credit courses range in cost from $2 to $20, depending on the subject, and vary in the number of sessions. These courses are not supported by public funds, and range from band and chorus through languages, golf and tennis, decoupage, macrame, weaving and others.

In addition to this kind of excitement, the college offers cultural programs, which include Othello on January 27, performed by the National Shakespeare Company, and the aarber Of Seville, performed by the National Opera Company, in addition to other free or nominal cost interesting programs in various fields.

Did you know that a beautiful Library is available to you, at no charge for a card, at Lake-Sumter College? Help in research is readilv available too. Are you interested in genealogy?The Library can help. Thousands of volumes are waiting patiently to be opened. A record collection is available also, as is the listening equipment. The Library hours are: Monday through Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Fridays, the Library is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The cafeteria is open to the public if you need some sustenance while researching, listening, or just browsing, and the bookstore sells supplies and books used in the courses available.

There is much moretotell, but I hope your interest has been whetted, and you feel inclined to get acquainted with your community college right away. Call the college at 787-3747 for further information, or drop in and walk around. You are most welcome, and will find lovely people ready to answer your questions and help in any way they can. If enough interest develops, we can have perhaps some faculty come to Hawthorne for a course or two.

-Helen Gardner

Olive Dubiel caught, within a ten minute period on the afternoon of Nov. 9th in the Palatlakaha River, two fish that weighed a total of 12% pounds; one a 5% pound large mouth black bass, and a 7% pound blue channel catfish. Husband Ed, fishing with her, managed a one pound bass. Both bass were on at the same time. The smaller bass was released to grow a bit more.

Save Money On

Air Travel

Since there are so many different ways of traveling by air, in terms of special rates for special times, charters, economy ftights, etc., you may be interested in a publication by the Civil Aeronautics Board, available on request, to straighten out some of this confusion, and save you some money. Write to: Distribution Unit, CAB Publications Section 1825 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., washington: D.C. 20428.

****

The mind is like a clock that is constantly running down; it has to be wound up daily with good thoughts.

****

The greatest comfort of myoid age, and that which gives me the highest satisfaction, is the pleasing remembrance of the many benefits and friendly offices I have done to others.

-Cato the Elder

What's Cookin'?

Here we have a mouth watering recipe that can be prepared the day before and then just popped in the oven when company arrives, or it can be taken as a "covered dish" to one of our many Get-to-Gethers. Mary Alice Rockwood shares this one with us.

Do we have any volunteers who would like to share a good and easy recipe? There are some excellent cooks in Hawthorne, both male and female. Let us hear from you. Drop your recipe into the suggestion box or leave it at Jean's office marked with your name and phone number. Who knows, YOU may be our next cook-ofthe-month!

-by Mary Smith

MAKE-AHEAD CHICKEN - Serves 8 Mix % cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon lemon juice % teaspoon curry powder 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup

(undiluted) and set aside. Put 2 packages (10 oz.) cooked, chopped broccoli in the bottom of a buttered casserole. Spread 4 cups of cut-up cooked chicken on top and add the soup mixture.

Cook of the month is Mary Alice Rockwood.

Top with % cup bread crumbs OR herb-seasoned bread dressing mixed with 2 or 3 tablespoons of melted butter; % cup grated cheese may be added to this.

Bake at 3500 for 25 minutes. Can be made the day before and refrigerated, with the topping put on just before baking. This will take longer to heat through.

My Friend Estelle

Once upon a Tuesday, Estelle and I started out for Winter Park to pick up our paintings that had been hanging there in The Pen Women's Annual Exhibit. As we drove along chatting happily, as is our custom, the miles sped by and suddenly we ... Oh, no, I can't tell you! Estelle and I agreed that what happened on that Tuesday should be our very special secret. And we never divulge secrets, Estelle and I. So I'll just have to change the subject.

Recently I asked a friend, "You know Estelle Halloran, don't you?" "I think so," she replied. "Isn't she that woman with the cute little smile (the corners of her mouth do turn up in a most captivating way) who wears the funny zany hats as she goes tryking around Hawthorne?" Yes, that's Estelle, so brimful of originality and creative impulse that it even pops out in those amusing hats. They are one of Estelle's trademarks. She says so, herself.

But my friend Estelle, has dozens of other trademarks, the things by which she has become so well known and admired. So many of us have been thrilled at the beauty of her sculpture-painting. Such creations are a very special trademark of hers. No other artist whom I know approaches it either in idea or execution. Then there is the trademark she established for herself by the Christmas window in our Great Hall. That handsome decoration stirred the Christmas spirit in many a Hawthorne heart during recent years. We have missed itduring this holiday season but we know it would have been there had Estelle been able to do all

the hard work needed to reconstruct it again. There are other Estelle Halloran trademarks, too. To

some people, a foremost trademark is her wax sculpturing. Others think first of her imaginative paintings or her fascinating icons. However, to me, Estelle is much more than any of her trademarks! I delight in the hours of fun we have, sharing opinions about people or places, about ideas or things. And its remembering such times as when I showed her the gold-patterned Arab dress my daughter sent me from Abu Dhabi. I puzzled over the strange proportions, wondering what in the world I could do with it. Estelle pondered it a moment, then brightened, "I think I can ... well let me try ... " She took the dress away, and ingeniously snipping, sewing, redesigning, she created a distinctive party frock I really cherish. Estelle is so creative and ever ready to share her talents.

On that happy morning, years ago, when she first opened her twinkly blue eyes on the world, there must have been a fairy godmother hovering nearby who spilled generously a variety of gifts on the tiny infant, and then endowed her with a great sense of gratitude that makes her share those gifts so unselfishly.

They named her "Estelle," which of course means "star." Did they have any fore-knowledge of what a bright and shining star she would become! Estelle lights up and enriches each life her love and friendship touches. This is really so ...

-Fran Archdeacon

SCORE is Chartered

The Leesbu rg-Hawthorne Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) has received its national charter, No. 414.

This signifies it as the 414th chapter of SCORE chartered in the United States. The organization is charged with the job of providing free advice to small businesses within a 50-mile radius of Leesburg, which encompasses all of Lake County and parts of surrounding counties. Its sponsor is the Small Business Administration which was founded to provide advice and arrange funds of finance small business activities.

SCORE was organized to furnish experience and know-how at no cost to the businesses. The LeesburgHawthorne Chapter already is in the process of helping nine small businesses. Because of the expected requests for assistance, the chapter will need the help of other retired executives who can signify their willingness to help in the SCORE project by contacting chairman Dr. James Corwin of Hawthorne.

SCORE CHARTER

National charter No. 414 has been received by the SCORE

(Service Corps of Retired Executives) chapter from

Leesburg-Hawthorne.

With the charter are (left to right)

Charles Johnson of Hawthorne, co-chairman; Dr. James

Corwin of Hawthorne, chairman; and Fred Bethea, Small

Business Cordinator of SCORE activities.

Anniversaries

Hearty congratulations go out to three Hawthorne couples who celebrated milestone anniversaries in December.

On Christmas day, Paul and Edna Gleason celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary; as had Carl and Mary Voltz earlier in the month on December 8th.

Marking their 55th year of wedded bliss on December 24th were Lew and Elma Hilton.

All best wishes to these couples from all of us at Hawthorne.

liThe Dancers" is one of Estelle Hcl lorcns fine works of sculpture.

Tennis Anyone?

Tennis is said to be a young man's game. Then how do you define "young?" Age is relative. We all know people who are old at 40; to balance matters we meet both men and women who are in their seventies and are young. Today one is aware that our society is in a state of change. Not only is the family in the process of change, but so are the other institutions in our society. That includes government, education and religion. In keeping with these changes tennis also has taken on a new outlook.

Today, allover the country, the popularity of tennis is obvious. There are tennis clubs north and south which are active all year round. Witness, too, the rapid development of professional tenn is with its tou rnaments for men, women, and even senior players.

Here at Hawthorne there are at least 10 to 15 active players. Many others have approached the writer indicating past interest and a desire to become involved again. Want proof? Go to the four Leesburg all-weather courts any morning from 8 to 11:30 and you will see men and women in action. Don't be surprised at the speedy exchanges even though the average age of these youngsters is about 70.

Do you want to play tennis? If so, call me at 787-9344 or put a note under my clip at 522 Palo Verde Dr. There is an old Chinese saying that if you play tennis for80 years you'll live that long.

-Ben Stark

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download