Newsletter - MOAA Tampa Chapter

Chit Chat
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Volume 53 Issue 9 A newsletter for members of Military Officers Wives Club—Tampa Chapter September 2016
National MOAA Award 2003 - 2007, Honorable Mention 2010, 2012-2014
September Presentation
Frances Babb
Greetings!
I look forward to meeting you all in September and sharing with you some of my
daily detox techniques and ways to destress that you can utilize for yourself or
loved ones. What is Polarity Therapy and KST? I will be discussing and providing demos of both modalities of these amazing techniques.
My adventure in life began with dancing in the sun in New Mexico. Attaining my
goal of becoming a professional ballet dancer took me on the road and instilled in me
the love of travel. After a time I realized I had the gift of helping others with my healing hands so I left the stage and began a new career as a massage therapist and yogi. Over the years I have trained in numerous modalities, throwing out what did not
work and keeping what does. Thirty years later I am still helping people to attain comfort in their body, mind and spirit.
Most of my career was spent in the Washington DC metro area, having raised 4
children, as well as creating yoga studios and healing centers. I then explored living in
NYC and NC. In the end, I moved further south to live in lovely Tampa.
Frances Babb, LMT, APP, KST MM35438 MM78100
Frances is a licensed Massage, Polarity and KST therapist.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2017 Membership Dues
MOWC Luncheon
Next month you will find an
envelope enclosed for your
convenience to mail-in or bring
your check for $20.00 to the
October luncheon. Yes, the dues
have gone up for the first time in
63 years.
Please don’t pay if you are 90 or more years
young. You have free membership.
The following have already paid for 2017 so,
if your name is listed here, please do not pay
again: Renee Brunelle.
Remember to look for your envelope next
month.
8 September 2016
Social time 11::30 — Luncheon 11:45
Members and Guests Cost: $15.00
Menu
Grilled Chicken Breast, Tossed Salad,
Chef’s choice vegetable
Shirley will take your order for
Fruit or Chef’s Salad
Program
Frances Babb
Reservations
Call or email Shirley by noon
2 September—863-510-5048
[email protected]
Page 2
September 2016
Known September Birthdays
2
6
11
12
15
16
17
18
19
21
24
26
27
28
29
Macy Eidenire
Marlene Champeau
Charlcy Griffin
Jutta Payant
Susann Jarabak
Emily Povey
Phyllis Halverson
Barbara Godfrey
Annie McClinton (103 years young)
Sylvia Reeves
Linda Bakunas, Uschi Farnham
Un Yong Laux
Lou Wyatt
Sue Shaunessy
Gerry Krause
Sunshine Report
-Pat Geasa, Sunshine Chair
Here we are, school shopping amidst rain showers
but then the temperatures are cooler and a
weekend of tax-free shopping has helped.
Some are still finishing vacation time so our
attendance is down even with all the calling to
check on members.
Elaine Taylor has sold her home and has
been in Maryland house sitting for relatives.
However, she will be relocating to California
permanently with her mother and her sister. Keep in
touch and best wishes Elaine.
Had a note from Shirley Buchert after Colonel Ron
Buchert’s hip replacement surgery. He is going to be
learning to stand and transfer and then “walker walking”
all in Allegro Rehab Nursing Center. Shirley just needs to
walk from one end of the building to the other to visit
him. It has really worked out for them but they do miss
the luncheons and friends with MOAA and MOWC.
Cards to encourage Colonel Ron and Shirley are
being sent and also to Susan Dvornik, Carla Hensen
and Ginger Heath. I just talked to Ginger and she continues to do well at one month since back surgery she
wrote about in last month’s Chit Chat. Carla and Eric
Hensen are holding their own with Carla’s numbers staying okay and Eric’s cough being treated. Unfortunately,
the medics still have not determined the cause of Eric’s
cough.
On to our dear Hester Daly who, at age 95, has kept
us all so encouraged at the luncheons but now is not doing so well. Her body is not responding to what her brain
would like it to do these days. She has had to relocate to
Room 113 in the Health Center at Canterbury. I have
talked to her several times because she has her cell phone
to correspond. Her number is: 813-244-1564. Calls and
cards to help keep in touch would be a kind gesture too.
Hester is sending a note to all, so look for a copy of it in
another spot in the Chit Chat.
Louise McMonegal continues to do well and hopes
to be able to attend a luncheon very soon. In the meantime, she sends her best to all the ladies.
Attendance at a luncheon is such a joy until the inability to participate strikes. Then one remembers the joy
of being there. May each of you find the ability to attend
and if not, how about a call with “the why not”? Blessings to all! Pat Geasa (813-884-1530)
Chit Chat
Comings & Goings
Anne Pray wrote, “We attended
Bill’s high school reunion in Humeston,
IA. The four remaining classmates wanted to get together. There were only 13 in
the class of 1950. The next day was
“Watermelon Day.” The parade was what
a small town could muster – lots of vintage tractors and
fire engines from nearby towns.”
“Bonnie Kerr traveled to her sister's home in Sky
Lake, GA for the July 4th long weekend with both sisters,
niece, nephew, son and daughter, granddaughter and
friends. Kids went tubing down the Chattachochee River,
climbed some falls and picnicked in the woods. Great
time. Celebrating her oldest sister's 87th birthday, they
traveled to Ft. Myers for the Mystery Theater Dinner
Train ride and then spent the next day visiting the Edison/
Ford Winter Homes complex. Hoping to see you ladies in
September.”
Theresa McKee wrote, “Sara McKee, MOWC
scholarship winner, came to visit Aunt Theresa at the cottage in MI for a long weekend. We went to Grand Haven, a lovely West Michigan coastal town right on the
Grand River and Lake Michigan. It is the home of the
local Coast Guard Festival every year. We had a wonderful time. She will be a senior at Lake Superior State
College this fall. She is majoring in Manufacturing Engineering Technology with an emphasis on Robotics. She
is engaged to a young man who is in the Army Reserves. We are all wishing her well. Summer has gone by
all too quickly here in Michigan. See all the ladies in
September.”
Linda Swenson wrote, “In 1987, in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, two Lindas got together to have a tea to see how
many Lindas would attend. One hundred and ten Lindas
from all over Iowa, Illinois and surrounding states came.
That began the very first Linda Convention. At the end of
July, I attended the 29th Linda Convention in Branson,
MO with 69 Lindas as far away as CA coming for this
weekend event. It was a delightful time for all the Lindas
in attendance. They call the oldest Linda the “Original
Linda”. Linda Lou is from Kentucky and stated, "You are
never going to the be oldest, as I am going to LIVE!!!!!!!
Yours truly is the second
oldest Linda and I have attended three conventions.
Next year, we will be
celebrating the 30th in Dubuque, Iowa.”
Linda
Swenson at
the Linda
Convention
Page 3
September 2016
Annie Glenn
For half a century, the world has applauded John
Glenn as a heart- stirring American hero. He lifted the nation's spirits when, as one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, he was blasted alone into orbit around the Earth; the
enduring affection for him is so powerful that even now
people find themselves misting up at the sight of his face or
the sound of his voice.
But for all these years, Glenn has had a hero of his
own, someone who he has seen display endless courage of
a different kind: Annie Glenn. They have been married for
68 years. He is 90; she is 92.
There has been news coverage of the 50th anniversary
of Glenn's flight into orbit. We are being reminded that,
half a century down the line, he remains America 's unforgettable hero. He has never really bought that. Because the
heroism he most cherishes is of a sort that is seldom
cheered. It belongs to the person he has known longer than
he has known anyone else in the world.
John Glenn and Annie Castor first knew each other
when -- literally -- they shared a playpen. In New Concord,
Ohio, his parents and hers were friends. When the families
got together, their children played.
John -- the future Marine fighter pilot, the future testpilot ace, the future astronaut -- was pure gold from the
start. He would end up having what it took to rise to the
absolute pinnacle of American regard during the space
race; imagine what it meant to be the young John Glenn in
the small confines of New Concord.
Three-sport varsity athlete, most admired boy in town,
Mr. Everything. Annie Castor was bright, was caring, was
talented, was generous of spirit. But she could talk only
with the most excruciating of difficulty. It haunted her. Her
stuttering was so severe that it was categorized as an "85%"
disability -- 85% of the time, she could not manage to make
words come out. When she tried to recite a poem in elementary school, she was laughed at. She was not able to
speak on the telephone. She could not have a regular conversation with a friend. And John Glenn loved her.
Even as a boy he was wise enough to understand that
people who could not see past her stutter were missing out
on knowing a rare and wonderful girl.
They married on April 6, 1943. As a military wife, she
found that life as she and John moved around the country
could be quite hurtful. She has written: "I can remember
some very painful experiences -- especially the ridicule." In
department stores, she would wander unfamiliar aisles trying to find the right section, embarrassed to attempt to ask
the salesclerks for help. In taxis, she would have to write
requests to the driver, because she couldn't speak the destination out loud. In restaurants, she would point to the items
on the menu.
A fine musician, Annie, in every community where
she and John moved, would play the organ in church as a
way to make new friends. She and John had two children;
she has written: "Can you imagine living in the modern
world and being afraid to use the telephone? 'Hello' used to
be so hard for me to say. I worried that my children would
be injured and need a doctor. Could I somehow find the
words to get the information across on the phone?"
Chit Chat
John, as a Marine aviator, flew 59 combat missions in
World War II and 90 during the Korean War. Every time
he was deployed, he and Annie said goodbye the same
way. His last words to her before leaving were: "I'm just
going down to the corner store to get a pack of gum." And,
with just the two of them there, she was able to always reply: "Don't be long."
On that February day in 1962 when the world held its
breath and the Atlas rocket was about to propel him toward
space, those were their words, once again. And in 1998,
then, at 77, he went back to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, it was an understandably tense time for them. What
if something happened to end their life together? She knew
what he would say to her before boarding the shuttle. He
did -- and this time he gave her a present to hold onto: A
pack of gum. She carried it in a pocket next to her heart
until he was safely home.
Many times in her life she attempted various treatments to cure her stutter. None worked. But in 1973, she
found a doctor in Virginia who ran an intensive program
she and John hoped would help her. She traveled there to
enroll and to give it her best effort. The miracle she and
John had always waited for at last, as miracles will do, arrived. At age 53, she was able to talk fluidly, and not in
brief, anxiety-ridden, agonizing bursts. John has said that
on the first day he heard her speak to him with confidence
and clarity, he dropped to his knees to offer a prayer of
gratitude.
He has written: "I saw Annie's perseverance and
strength through the years and it just made me admire her
and love her even more." He has heard roaring ovations in
countries around the globe for his own valor, but his awe is
reserved for Annie, and what she accomplished: "I don't
know if I would have had the courage." Her voice is so
clear and steady now that she regularly gives public talks.
If you are lucky enough to know the Glenns, the sight
and sound of them bantering and joking with each other
and playfully finishing each others' sentences is something
that warms you and makes you thankful just to be in the
same room.
If you ever find yourself at an event where the Glenns
are appearing, and you want to see someone so brimming
with pride and love that you may feel your own tears start
to well up, wait until the moment that Annie stands to say a
few words to the audience. As she begins, take a look at her
husband's eyes.
Roster Change
Elaine Taylor
1314 Woodmont Way
Stockton, CA 95209-2055
Two Lindas in
Brandon, MO
Page 4
September 2016
Chit Chat
August Luncheon
Thanks/Updates
on Members
Mildred Sides: “Shirley I've missed your
deadline but just to let you know---after 70 days
(hospital and rehab) I got home---2 weeks ago
(7/19). I have to wear a cast 2 more months---I take
it off every day to wash and exercise. My big problem is getting my paper work in order!!! I want to
thank my MOWC friends for the beautiful flowers-very cheerful coloring and lasted a long time for
cuts.”
Louise McMonegal: “Thanks to you, It’s the
special things that people do for us that make all the
difference in our lives. I really appreciate your
thoughtfulness! Many thanks for the beautiful flowers I received while at NuVista for rehab. They
were exquisite and I enjoyed them so much.”
Shirley Buchert: “Ron had his staples removed today (8/3/2016) and ex-rays were taken.
Everything seems to be moving nicely. It is just a
slow process. We did it last year. We'll do it this
year. Thank you for thinking about us.”
Hester Daly: “Dear MOWC Friends, Thank
you so much for the beautiful flowers and cards.
There is nothing that cheers me up more than flowers and hearing from my friends. I have really
missed the meetings. I always enjoyed the programs
and seeing everybody. I have been here at our
Health Center since I was brought here from Memorial Hospital about two month ago. Just this
week, I was told I will not be able to go back to my
apartment as I am not able to take care of myself.
Apparently high blood pressure has taken its toll on
my body over the years. I wish you all good health
and happiness. Come to see me. I am at the Canterbury Health Center, 3501 Bayshore Blvd. #113,
Tampa, FL 33629-8901 -Telephone 813-244-1564.”
What a nice gift—Peggy Schilb did her usual lovely table
decorations then donated them to the Tinker Elementary School.
She had oval shaped containers beautifully arranged with school
supplies.
Birthday Gals for August were Pat
Geasa and Kathy Kennett.
Kathy asked the ladies if they wanted
to bring in school supplies or give a donation for them to go to Tinker Elementary
School on MacDill AFB. A generous
amount of $211.00 was collected. If you
feel you want to be a part of this and were
not there, you may send a check made out to
Pat & Kathy
MOWC and marked TINKER (6714 Highlands Creek Loop, Lakeland, FL 33813).
Our president, Kathy Kennett, presided
over the luncheon. We enjoyed a tasty meal and
an informative presentation. Bobby Deskins is
the morning meteorologist on 10 News and
kept us mesmerized with his talk and PowerPoint presentation. We learned more about hurricanes and the importance of preparing for
them, the mechanics of putting a show together
and how things work behind the scenes. I’m
Bobby Deskins sure all of us will be tuning in to channel 10
now and looking for Bobby.
Fifty/Fifty netted $20 each for Kathleen Kuhl and Jeanne
Lloyd. Door prizes (donated by Ivy Cranford) were won by
Shirley Helveston, Kathy Kennett and Esther Berg. Lorraine
Gontarski won delicious scones while Peggy Schilb and Phyllis
Halverson received packages of cannoli. The sweet treats were
donated by University Village.
-Shirley Helveston
School supplies used
to decorate tables
2016 MOWC Board Members
President—Kathy Kennett 813-792-7140
Vice President—Sylvia Reeves 813-748-9244
Reservations—Shirley Helveston 863-510-5048
Treasurer/Chit Chat—Shirley Helveston
Committee Chairs
Sunshine Cards—Pat Geasa 813-884-1530
Decorations—Peggy Schilb 813-251-0226
VA Hosp Rep—Mary Ellen Harlan 813-245-5261
Scholarship—Esther Berg 352-592-4930
Prizes—Ivy Cranford 813-884-9441
Bridge—Sharon Erickson 813-286-7343
The Chit Chat is published monthly, by the Military Officers Wives Club, Tampa Chapter,
P.O. Box 6383, MacDill A.F.B., FL 33608-9998, as a service to all members.
Volume 53 - Issue 9- September 2016
If you are not a member of our Military Officers Wives Club, we would
be happy to have you join. An application is available on our web site
www.moaatampa.org — print it out,
write $10.00 check to MOWC, bring
to a luncheon or mail to:
Shirley Helveston, MOWC Treas.
6714 Highlands Creek Loop
Lakeland, FL 33813
MOWC applicants’ husband must
be a member of MOAA Tampa
Chapter or she must be a widow of a
military officer.
Page 5
September 2016
August Luncheon Photos
Chit Chat
Page 6
September 2016
Chit Chat
♥♠♦♣
Friends
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the
years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately,
their activities had been limited to playing cards a few times a week.
One day when playing cards, one looked at the other and said,
"Now don't get mad at me. I know we've been friends a long time,
but I just can't think of your name. I've thought and thought, but I
can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is."
Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just
stared and glared. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to
know?"
MOWC Bridge
The MOWC Bridge games are held on
the last Wednesday of each month at
10:00 a.m. Partners are not necessary.
Call Sharon Erickson 813-286-7343 for
location and information. Next game
September 24th .
♥♠♦♣
Let’s Do a Card
Shower for Annie
Annie will be 103 September 19th. Please mail
her a birthday card by September
12th. She recently moved to be
near a relative.
Ms. Ann McClinton
550 Liberty Street Apt 2211
Braintree, MA 02184-7383
Remember to mention MOWC.
Page 7
September 2016
Chit Chat
Philosophy of Charles Schultz
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz,
the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to
actually answer the questions. Just read this straight
through and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America
Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer
Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for
best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series
winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us
remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate
achievers. They are the best in
their fields. But the applause
dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades
and certificates are buried with
their owners.
……. Tear off and mail or bring to luncheon…….
KATHY KENNETT
6523 THOROUGHBRED LOOP
ODESSA, FL 33556-1858
Board Openings for 2017
Recording Secretary
Attend all Board meetings and record minutes
Reservations
Receive reservations by phone, answering machine or e-mail for the monthly luncheons; Maintain a permanent
reservation list; Notify the Club the Friday before the luncheon of the total number of reservations which includes
the presenter(s); Provide a list of reservations to the treasurer for checking-in purposes at the luncheons
Scholarships
Coordinate the scholarship program—getting the word out, giving updates to web master, choosing the recipients,
making certificates, inviting recipients and family, awarding certificates
List job you are interested in. __________________________________________
I would like more information about ____________________________________
Name ____________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________
Email _____________________________________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER
Military Officers Association of America
P.O. Box 6383
MacDill A.F.B. FL 33608-0383
http://www.moaatampa.org
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Tampa FL
Permit #850
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Page 8
September 2016
Chit Chat
Happy Labor Day
Future Luncheons
September 8—MOWC luncheon
October 13—MOWC TEA
November 10—JOINT luncheon with MOAA
Dress Code Change
Your assistance is needed, if your husband
attends MOAA luncheons.
The dress code for MOAA chapter luncheons will
begin October 1st and continue until April 1st. For
men the code is mandatory coat with optional tie.
We can't all be
heroes, some of
us have to
stand on the
curb and clap
as they go by.
-Mark Twain