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12/17/12 - NNHS Newsletter
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and
goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

- Calvin Coolidge
(04 July 1872 - 05 Jan 1933)

Dear Friends and Schoolmates, 

   I think we could all use a boost of cheer about now, and what a happy sounding carol this is (which is really rather strange, as it's written in a minor mode, but it is what it is)!

BONUS #1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDvEwC0wZ-I - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Kings College Cambridge, 2008

BONUS #2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCo3pH-6ZT0 - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - The Choirs of Bath and Winchester Cathedrals

BONUS #3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgl9zBjxZvA - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Callie and Colette

BONUS #4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGVNzgUxE-g - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies

BONUS #5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCYSITWpKIk - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Loreena McKennit  (Oh, looky - a pomegranate!)

BONUS #6 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAesbViYYqM - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Jars of Clay

BONUS #7 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlsJD8RlhbI - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Annie Lennox


From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_rest_you_merry,_gentlemen:

God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (also known as God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen) is an English traditional Christmas carol. The melody is in the minor mode. It was published by William B. Sandys in 1833, although the author is unknown.[1]

Like so many early Christmas songs, this carol was written as a direct reaction to the music of the fifteenth century church, in Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. However, in the as-yet earliest known publication of the carol on a circa 1760 broadsheet, it is described as a "new Christmas carol,"[2] suggesting its origin is actually in the mid-18th century. It appeared again among "new carols for Christmas" in another 18th-century source, a chapbook believed to be printed between 1780-1800.[3]

It is referred to in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, 1843: "...at the first sound of — 'God bless you, merry gentlemen! May nothing you dismay!'— Scrooge seized the ruler with such energy of action that the singer fled in terror, leaving the keyhole to the fog and even more congenial frost."

This carol also is featured in the second movement of the Carol Symphony by Victor Hely-Hutchinson. The author is unknown but it is believed to be a postman delivering mail at around the 1700's. He sang this song so that people would go to church.

There is some confusion today about the meaning of the first line, which seems archaic to our ears. It is usually given today as "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", with a comma after the word "merry", so does not refer to "merry gentlemen". "Rest" here denotes "keep or make," with "you" as the object of "rest;" "ye" was the nominative form, and thus was nonstandard as the object of a verb. The claim that "merry" once meant "mighty," and is so used here is not supported by the Oxford English Dictionary, which gives 16 definitions of the word, some going back to the 10th century, all having to do with pleasure or enjoyment. In both of the 18th-century instances, "you" was used instead of "ye," suggesting that the latter may be a modern insertion to make the carol sound more quaintly archaic...


PRAYER REQUEST:

  From Ruth Ann Reece Horace ('67) of FL - 12/16/12, 6:57 PM - "Prayers please":

I am asking you to remember my daughter, Amy, in your prayers this week. She has a lump on her breast and will have an ultrasound, mammogram and appointment with the surgeon this week. We are all worried but praying for a good outcome. I know prayer works.

Thank you all so much.

Ruthie

   Oh, Ruthie, our prayers are most certainly with you and Amy and your family! News of this sort is hard enough to deal with when it's your own ordeal, but when it pertains to your child, well, that just takes it to a whole new level.....

http://www.nnhs65.com/requests-prayers.html


ANNOUNCEMENT:

      From Me ('65) of NC - 12/17/12:

   Beginning with the new year, the NNHS Newsletters will probably be somewhat modified in their content. 

   Several sections are up to demand for their inclusion.  They include: THIS DAY IN WWII, THIS DAY IN 1963 (which was scheduled to begin on 01/01/13), BONUS CROCHET (or KNITTING, CROSS-STITCH, CRAFT, whatever) PATTERNS; and BONUS RECIPES. 

   The Memorial Editions of the Newsletter are also being weighed in the balance.  These issues have constituted a major portion of our work for the last eight years.   I had thought that adding images, providing a link to the Legacy Guest Book, and permanently preserving them in our archive was providing a service to our readers and giving honor to these deceased individuals, but if I am the only one who feels this way, there is no need to continue them.

   As of January 01, 2013, each of these features will be continued if even only one person expresses an interest in them.  One voice will preserve any or all of them, so if there is anything listed here that you'd like to see continued, please let me hear from you.  Thanks so much!


THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS:

   Happy Birthday today to   Tom Oxner ('65) of AR!

     Happy Birthday tomorrow to James Strickland ('57)!  

   Happy Birthday this week to:

19 - Durwood Adams ('57);

22 -   Kitty Norman Haskins ('57) of VA AND    Dottie Pegram Daniels (NNHS / George Washington HS - '64) of WV AND    Harry Barritt ('64) of VA AND    Dale Mueller ('64) of VA AND   Bill Rash ('67) of VA;

23 -     Tom Flax ('64) of VA AND   Joyce Lawrence Cahoon ('65) of VA AND  Holly Hill Campbell (Hampton Roads Academy - '72) of VA;

24 - James Gay ('57) AND Ann W. Hutcheson ('57) AND   Sandye Jordan Murray ('67) of VA!  

   Many Happy Returns, One and All!

http://www.nnhs65.com/Happy-Birthday.html 


THIS DAY IN WWII:

December 17, 1939 - Battle of the River Plate – The Admiral Graf Spee was scuttled by Captain Hans Langsdorff outside Montevideo.

December 17, 1941 - Japanese forces landed in Northern Borneo.

December 17, 1944 - Battle of the Bulge Malmedy massacre American 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion POWs were shot by Waffen-SS Kampfgruppe Peiper.


THIS DAY IN 1962:

Monday, December 17, 1962 - Footballer Paul Dobson was born in Hartlepool, England

Monday, December 17, 1962 - Comedian André-Philippe Gagnon was born in Loretteville, Québec, Canada.

Monday, December 17, 1962 - Security guard and accused bomber Richard Jewell was born. He died from natural causes (severe heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.[5]) on August 29, 2007 in Woodbury, Georgia at the age of 44. Jewell's case became an example of the damage that can be done by reporting based on unreliable or incomplete information.[2]

Monday, December 17, 1962 - Golfer Rocco Mediate was born in the Pittsburgh suburb of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Monday, December 17, 1962 - Actor Thomas Mitchell (b. 11 July 1892 in Elizabeth, New Jersey) died in Beverly Hills, California from peritoneal mesothelioma at the age of 70. In 1953 Mitchell became the first person to win an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony Award.


  From Norman Olshansky ('64) of FL - 12/16/12:

Hope all is well. So great that you have continued your great Typhoon support.

I recently completed another item on my bucket list and thought you might want to see the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrcNtMs8kAY&list=UUAiJYjGVBYvBWQ9t8k-J4hw&index=3&feature=plcp 

Norman Olshansky

   YOWZERONI-WOWZERONI! I'm astonished almost to the point of speechlessness (almost...)! Congratulations, Norman! That's amazing!


   From Frank Blechman ('65) of Northern VA - 12/16/12 - "Prophecy":
 
       Thanks, Frank! That's certainly reassuring! It also provides me a nice segue into these next items:
 
 


      From Me ('65) of NC - 12/16/12:

  http://www.freepatterns.com/detail.html?code=FC01013&cat_id=298 - Lisa James' Oreo Cookie Afghan Crochet Pattern - "Who would have thought that our favorite cream-filled cookies would look so good on an afghan?"
     
     


  From Joyce Lawrence Cahoon ('65) of VA - 12/16/12 - "A Dog's Purpose from a 6-year old":
 
  Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

 
 
 
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued,

"Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
  • When loved ones come home, always run to greet them  
  • Never pass up the opportunity to go for a  joyride  
  • Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in  your face to be pure ecstasy  
  • Take naps  
  • Stretch before rising  
  • Run, romp, and play daily  
  • Thrive on attention and let people touch  you  
  • Avoid biting when a simple growl will do  
  • On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass  
  • On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a  shady tree  
  • When you're happy, dance around and wag your  entire body  
  • Delight in the simple joy of a long  walk  
  • Be loyal 
  • Never pretend to be something you're not  
  • If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it  
  • When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit  close by, and nuzzle them gently 
 
There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right.

Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy.

Falling down is part of LIFE...

Getting back up is LIVING...
     Thanks so much, Joyce!


      From Me ('65) of NC - 12/16/12:

   
 
 


BONUS CROCHET PATTERNS:

http://bellacrochet.blogspot.com/2010/11/god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html - Elizabeth Ann White's God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Doily (scroll down slightly) - Not free, but reasonable - and certainly different!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61637934/tidings-of-joy-christmas-doily-crochet  - Elizabeth Ann White's Tidings of Joy Doily - Ditto!


BONUS RECIPE:

      From Me ('65) of NC - 12/16/12:

   This is a family favorite:

Chocolate Éclair Cake

1 box graham crackers
2 (3-oz.) pkgs. instant French Vanilla pudding
9-oz. Cool Whip
3 cups milk
  
   Butter a 9"x13" pan.  Line bottom of pan with graham crackers.  Mix milk and pudding together, then fold in whipped topping.  Spread half of filling on crackers, add another layer of crackers, then the rest of the filling mixture.  Top with a layer of crackers                                           

Chocolate Topping - OUTSTANDING!


   Bring to boil, cook one minute, and remove from heat:


1/3 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup milk


1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 (1/2 stick) butter (NO margarine!)
1 tsp. vanilla
   
     Pour over cake.  Chill.  


    From Joan Lauterbach Krause ('60) of VA - 11/14/12 - "More Remarkable beings (and a little break...) (#30 in a Series of 36)":
 

  Some fun pics. Enjoy

   AWW! How precious - thanks, Joan!

 
 


   From Bill Hobbs ('66) of Northern VA AND       From Wayne Stokes ('65) of VA - 12/04/12 - "Live Like Someone Left the Gate Open (#13 in a Series of 23)":

  THESE ARE GREAT! THEY WILL BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY!

   MORE AWW! How sweet - thank you, Gentlemen!

 
 


BONUS CHRISTMAS STORY:

From http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/inspirational-christmas-stories2.htm:

"The Wishing Star"

Davey looked out the window at the falling snow. Usually he loved snow, but today he was sad. It was Christmas Eve, and the snow was so deep that it might ruin Christmas for Davey. Because of the snowstorm, Davey was afraid that his older brother Josh would never make it home for Christmas.

“And I have such a special present for him!” Davey said to himself. “If only he could get here!" With his best crayons, Davey had drawn a picture of the barn on their farm. He was going to give it to Josh for Christmas to hang in his room at college. Davey turned away from the window with a sigh.

Just then, Dad called, “How about some help shoveling the driveway? We’re going to try to make it into town to finish our Christmas shopping. We also have to buy our tree, don’t forget.”

Davey ran to get his boots and coat. He followed Dad out into the snow. Davey picked up his small shovel and set to work, while Dad used his bigger one. Helping Dad shovel the snow made Davey feel better.

Soon, Davey and Dad and Mom were on their way to town. Because of the snow, they had to drive slowly. “I brought my picture for Josh with me,” Davey said as they rode along. “Maybe I can find a frame to fit it when we get to the store.” “Good idea,” said Mom. “I’ll help you look.”

When they got to town, they went to the Christmas tree lot. Davey was the first one out of the car. He ran over to a beautiful, glossy, tall tree. “Look at this one!” he shouted to Mom and Dad. “Josh will love this tree!” Then he remembered. Josh probably wouldn’t be home at all. Davey felt sad again.

Mom and Dad came over to see the tree Davey had found. “That’s a great tree, Davey,” said Dad with a smile. “I think you’re right. It’s the one we should get.” Mom added, “And even if Josh doesn’t get here to see it, he’d still be happy we have such a beautiful tree.”

Later, at the store, Mom took Davey to the counter where picture frames were sold. Davey looked at all the frames. Finally he said, “I like this wooden one. It reminds me of the wooden barn in my picture.”

The wooden frame was just the right size for his picture. Davey was very pleased. “I’m getting this just in case Josh makes it home for Christmas,” he said. Mom patted him on the shoulder. “I know how much you want Josh to be here tonight,” she said, “but it is still snowing hard. I really don’t think he'll make it. So you mustn’t be too disappointed.”

“At least I can wish he’d come,” Davey said. As they were about to leave the store, Davey saw a crowd of people. “What are all those people looking at?” Davey wondered. He ran to get a closer look. Looking around the man in front of him, Davey could see what was at the center of the crowd. It was Santa! Children were sitting on Santa’s lap and talking to him. “Can we get in line, please Dad?” begged Davey.

“Well, we’re kind of in a hurry. We need to be back home before the snow gets too deep,” said Dad. “But since this is Santa, I guess we can spare the time.”

Davey gave Dad a big thank-you hug and ran to get in line. It seemed to take forever, but at last it was his turn. When Davey climbed up on Santa’s lap, Santa said, “Well, well, and what would you like for Christmas?”

“I wish my brother Josh could get home for Christmas,” Davey said. “But the snow is so deep that Mom and Dad don’t think he can make it.” “I don’t usually deliver people on Christmas Eve, just toys,” said Santa. “But I’ll tell you what. Tonight, before you go to sleep, make your wish on the biggest, brightest star in the sky. That’s the Wishing Star.”

“Will it really work?” Davey asked Santa. “Well, you never can tell about wishes, so I don’t make any guarantees,” said Santa. “But it surely doesn’t hurt to try!”

On the way home in the car, Davey saw that the snow was coming down harder and harder. When he and Mom and Dad were almost to the house, Davey talked about Santa’s Wishing Star. “We all make wishes every now and then,” said Mom, “but sometimes they just can’t come true.”

“I’m going to try, anyway,” insisted Davey. That night after dinner, Dad put the Christmas tree in its stand, and Mom and Davey joined him in decorating it with colored lights and balls and lots of tinsel. While they were working, Davey thought sadly, “It would be so great if Josh were here to see our beautiful tree.” Dad put a golden angel on the very top. “I think this is the best tree we’ve ever had!” he exclaimed.

Davey went over to the window and looked out. The snow had stopped falling. And there, right overhead, was a star Davey had never seen before. It was big and bright and sparkling. It was the biggest and brightest star in the sky, just as Santa had said.

Davey looked at the star and said, “Wishing Star, please let my Christmas wish come true. I wish that Josh would come home tonight, so we can all be together for Christmas.” Then Davey closed his eyes and wished as hard as he could.

Too soon, Davey heard Mom’s voice. “Time for bed, little one. If you go right to sleep, it will be Christmas morning before you know it.” Davey hung his stocking by the fireplace. He kissed Mom and Dad and started up the stairs to his room.

Just then, the three of them heard a sound outside the front door. “Who could that be?” asked Dad. Suddenly the door flew open, and there was Josh! Davey raced to the door, flung his arms around his brother, and gave him the biggest hug he could manage. Josh had made it home after all. Davey’s Christmas wish had come true!

Later that night, when Davey was finally in bed, he looked out his window. Sure enough, the Wishing Star was still high in the sky. “Thank you, Wishing Star,” he whispered. “I knew you could do it. You’ve made this my best Christmas ever!”


FINALLY:

From http://www.ajokeaday.com - 12/16/12:
 
One day, a cowboy rode into a Wild, Wild West town. The people in the town loved to play jokes on visitors. After tying his horse to the pole outside a bar, the cowboy went in.

"A cup of milk please." he said to the bartender.

After drinking, he went out, only to find his horse missing. Knowing that the villagers had done it, he went back into the bar and said to everybody, "I am going to have another drink and when I finish it, I want to see my horse outside! Or else, I will have to do what I did in Texas - HERE!"

The people were very frightened. When he finished his drink, he went outside and saw his horse. The villagers had put it back.

Curious, the bartender asked the cowboy, "What did you do in Texas?"

The cowboy replied, "Well, I had to walk home."


DATES TO REMEMBER:

1. Thursday, January 3, 2013 - The NNHS Class of 1955 holds Lunch Bunch gatherings on the first Thursday of every month at Steve & John's Steak House on Jefferson Avenue just above Denbigh Boulevard in Newport News at 11:00 AM. The luncheon is not limited to just the Class of '55; if you have friends in that year, go visit with them.

3. Wednesday, February 13, 2012 - The NNHS Class of June 1942 meets at noon on the second Wednesday of every other month for a Dutch treat lunch at the James River Country Club, 1500 Country Club Road. PLEASE JOIN THEM. Give or take a few years makes no difference. Good conversation, food and atmosphere. For details, call Jennings Bryan at 803-7701 for reservations. 


PRAYER ROLL:

http://www.nnhs65.com/requests-prayers.html - updated 12/17/12

BLOG:

http://nnhs.wordpress.com/ - updated 03/13/11



  
Y'all take care of each other!  TYPHOONS FOREVER!  We'll Always Have Buckroe!

                                 Love to all, Carol

==============================================

NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.com

PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

==============================================


Please find a few minutes of your busy schedule to support



Thank you so much!



Carol Buckley Harty
7020 Lure Court
Fayetteville, NC 28311-9309
915-780-3048
 


THREE WAYS TO DONATE:  

1. Visit the main page (http://www.nnhs65.com), scroll halfway down, and click on the Pay Pal Donate Button (nnhs65@gmail.com);

2. Go to www.PayPal.com, log in, select "Send Money (Services) to nnhs65@gmail.com; or

3. Just mail it directly to my home. Thanks!    
             


God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen was first published in 1833 when it appeared in "Christmas Carols
Ancient and Modern," a collection of seasonal carols gathered by William B. Sandys. The lyrics
of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are traditional olde English and are reputed to date back to the
15th century although the author is unknown. It is believed that this particular carol was sung to the
gentry by town watchmen who earned additional money during the Christmas season. God Rest
Ye Merry Gentlemen continues to be enjoyed. The lyrics to this simple carol are reputed to be
one of the oldest carols.

 
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

"Fear not then," said the Angel,
"Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
 
 

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" midi courtesy of http://www.abcsoffaith.com/html/sound7.html - 12/03/05

 "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" lyrics and history courtesy of http://www.carols.org.uk/god_rest_ye_merry_gentlemen.htm - 12/17/05

Additional History available at http://www.cvc.org/christmas/godrestye.htm - 12/17/05

Image of Carolers courtesy of http://rugbyweek.blogspot.com/2012/12/christmas-at-rugby-returns-saturday.html - 12/16/12

Holly Bar Divider line clip art courtesy of http://www.hellasmultimedia.com/webimages/christ-htm/lines-christ7.htm - 12/17/05

Animated Tiny Birthday Cake clip art courtesy of
Sarah Puckett Kressaty ('65) of VA - 08/31/05
Thanks, Sarah Sugah!

Animated Applause clip art courtesy of Al Farber ('64) of GA - 08/18/05 (re-saved 02/27/09)
Thanks, Al!

Navy Seal clip art courtesy of http://www.onemileup.com/miniSeals.asp - 05/29/06

Animated Laughing Frog courtesy of Joyce Lawrence Cahoon of VA - 05/31/08
Thanks, Joyce!

Animated BOO-HOO courtesy of Glenn Dye ('60) of TX - 08/28/09
Thanks, Glenn!

Animated Ringing Christmas Bell clip art (designed by Art Holden) courtesy of http://www.animationfactory.com - 12/08/05

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