Beginning in 1896, the chapel was the center of activity at the St. Joseph’s Industrial School, an institution which served African American boys, providing them vocational skills, academics, and spiritual guidance. In 1920, St. Joseph’s Church became the parish church for the Catholic population in the Smyrna-Clayton area. Both the members of the school and the residents of the parish shared the chapel until 1968 when St. Polycarp was built in Smyrna. While the church was used by several small congregations after the industrial school closed down in 1972, it and the rest of the 10 acre property sat mostly idle. It wasn’t until 1997 that a group was formed to acquire ownership of the property, preserve its historical and cultural heritage, and restore it for use by all members of the local community.
Do you ever feel like the world is spinning so fast that you feel like you can't breathe? Other times, I feel like I'm missing one of the acts in a three ring circus. Like, which one do I watch: the lion cage, the motorcycles, or the highwire act? Somedays, I quiet myself as I sit and wait for each and every miracle that comes with the new day. Life is full of adventure!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
St. Joseph's Industrial School for Colored Boys
Beginning in 1896, the chapel was the center of activity at the St. Joseph’s Industrial School, an institution which served African American boys, providing them vocational skills, academics, and spiritual guidance. In 1920, St. Joseph’s Church became the parish church for the Catholic population in the Smyrna-Clayton area. Both the members of the school and the residents of the parish shared the chapel until 1968 when St. Polycarp was built in Smyrna. While the church was used by several small congregations after the industrial school closed down in 1972, it and the rest of the 10 acre property sat mostly idle. It wasn’t until 1997 that a group was formed to acquire ownership of the property, preserve its historical and cultural heritage, and restore it for use by all members of the local community.
In Loving Memory of Casey Santana Butler
Last night I went to Casey Butler’s memorial in Bel Air, MD. I arrived at 5:30pm at the church and found police helping with parking and traffic. There were hundreds of people in attendance. I stood outside for nearly 20 minutes in line of funeral-goers wrapped around the building. I only wished I would have been able to give her parents, Mick and Sue, a huge warm hug. I waited to tell them that their DNREC friends were sorry to hear of their loss, and that they were on our hearts and minds. However, I was about 100 feet away from Mick & Sue when attendees were asked to be seated because the services were about to begin. The family was then taken away momentarily for a few private moments.
The memorial was a celebration of her life’s music, from the sound of her birth cry to the notes of the piano and her bassoon. Each musical group, student, musician, teacher, and friend performed favorite classical pieces of theirs, hers, and ones they shared . Each select group was listed as a “Symphony.” There were five symphonies which lasted 1 ½ hrs. There were bassoon, bass, and flute duets. Violin, piano, oboe, and bassoon solos. One gentleman sang “Seasons of Love” also known as 525,600 minutes acapella with such passion. He precluded his song by stating how Casey filled her life with the love of music each moment. Poetry, good memory moments, and a piano piece composed just for her was shared by her close family and friends. The Youth Chamber Orchestra, Peabody Conservatory of Music, and Bel Air High School Counterpoints Choir members spoke through their music. We all wept, laughed, smiled, and prayed together as each “Symphony” was shared. Each person that performed hugged each family member.
The most tender moment of the tribute was when her father stood at the pulpit and and shared his open letter to Casey. Her mother also shared her letter, but had Rev. Sarah deliver it. Each letter was an intimate expression of their love, respect, and adoration. What a gift to hear the history of her beautiful life with humor, tenderness, and honesty. Casey was not only loved, but an model to those around her. She lived each day to the fullest filled with passion for music, compassion for others, having faith that all things are possible with hard work . One teacher quoted Casey expressing that “Life is Music!”
The presiding clergy, a married couple, testified that she truly understood what life was all about in just her short 18 years of life on earth. They also mentioned how blessed they were to live across the street from the Butlers. Another miracle of friendship, that at this particular time they would serve their daughter. Both serve as chaplains in the armed services. They watched the Butler children grow into amazing young people. A beautiful spiritual song sung by the high school choir, that Casey usually accompanied on piano, ended the performances. Mick stood up and applauded. We all joined him, as the room was filled with gratitude and thanks for those that shared their music. In closing, a quote from Dale Carnegie “For better or worse you must play your own little instrument in the orchestra of life” helped us to reflect on how we can make our lives rich and extraordinary like Casey. It was a wish that her contribution and example with lift a future musician, to pass her message of peace and love onward to others – that they too will find how to fill their lives with passion.
As I left the pew and started out, I was gratified to see the Butlers surrounded by compassion, concern, love, and respect. They were deeply moved and touched by the response of the community and long-term friendships. As I passed the last pew, there stood an former DNREC co-worker and friend Enemute Oduaran from Nigeria. We hugged and shared smiles promising to keep in touch by email.
We are ever connected by the time spent together in past, present, and future. That can not be changed! I’m very grateful for my job and for the friendships I hold dear.
At Peabody Conservatory, Life is Music - Casey Butler leaves an inspiring legacy
More Information about Casey:
Casey Santana Butler, age 18, of Abingdon, MD, died on November 15, 2010. Born in Wilmington, DE, she was the daughter of Michael Paul and Susan Moreland Butler of Abingdon, MD. A resident of Harford County for 11 years, she graduated from Bel Air High School in 2010 where she was a member of the Honor Society for four years, as well as, the Spanish Honor Society. She was a member of the Bel Air High School Band, Orchestra, and Chorus; the All County Band and Orchestra for four years; and she had earned a place on the All State Band where she played 1st chair bassoon. She was also field commander for the Bel Air Marching Band. For five years she was a member of the Harford Youth Orchestra, which was conducted by Brian Folus; three years with the Maryland Youth Chamber Orchestra, which was conducted by Vladimir Lande; and for two years, she has been a member of the Peabody Youth Orchestra, which is conducted by Dr. Harlan Parker. She was currently studying at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. A 2009 Benjamin Carson Scholar Award Winner and 2010 Recognition Scholar, she also participated for eight years with the Destination Imagination which is a Creative Problem Solving Group.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Smyrna High Homecoming 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Traditional Wedding in Quanitco, Maryland
St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church (aka Green Hill Church) was one of the original 30 Anglican parishes built for the province of Maryland. The original log built church was constructed in 1694, but replaced with the current brick building in 1733. It is located right on the banks of the Quanitco River. There is an old cemetery located right next the the church with old epitaphs. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot. We tested our bubbles there to make sure they worked.
The interior has a high pitched roof with exposed wooden beams across. The 18th century woodwork still remains. It's raised panel pew partitions are arranged on each side of wide aisles that align with the two front doors. Each partition, like a box, but only three pews in the shape of a U, still have the butterfly hinges on the doors. Imagine yourself walk down an aisle, then turning left or right to find yourself facing a box like enclosure. You open the hinged doors, and turn to face the pulpit, and then have a . The carved pulpit is connected on an angle and complete with a wooden canopy. The grounds are maintained, and although there is no service, it is opened every year in August for the Annual St. Bartholomew's day celebration and church service.
Afterwards, we headed to the Green Hill Yacht & Country Club. It has a spectacular view of the wildlife and setting suns. The clubhouse building was surrounded by lots of decking with breath taking views of the river, a beautiful recreational pool, and docking for boats to disembark for a delicious meal. We were treated to hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and dancing. The groom sang a special touching song, special to each other, for his wife.
Friday, October 8, 2010
An Evening of Talent with Our Primary Kids
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Nunsense 3-day run closes with 440 tickets sold!
2. You can't count on a promise from anyone about committing to a show.
Friday, August 13, 2010
12 More Practices and then it's SHOWTIME!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A Sad Time for our DNREC Zoo Keepers
Aquariums. Brandywine Zoo is accredited by the AZA.
Colorado Springs, Colo., so he preferred humans over other tigers. Ashley and Sergei growled at each other and occasionally fought, so the zoo kept them in separate enclosures.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Vermont Bigelow & Utah's Brigham Young line
At this time there was religious persecution from those that hated and took abuse to Church members. Encouraged by the Governor (Ford) mobs would gather and set fire to hay stacks and barns of unsuspecting Mormons. Hiding behind the trees, as the husband would rush out to save his property, the men would shoot the Mormon leaving him to die in the arms of his wife and children. All this while Nahum would quietly go about his work, another child was born named after the Prophet, Joseph Smith (July 4, 1844). The Church's leader died June 1844.
Asa, with his family, is living in Provo. He is the same brave, fearless soul, and like all those with Bigelow blood in their veins, is conscientious and cautious to a marked degree. A loving father and kind husband, he is known as a good neighbor and honest friend. His numerous children have grown up under his wise watch and care.
Friday, July 9, 2010
America's Roadside in Smyrna, Delaware.
Fertility God Demon. After year of environmental wear and tear, the snake head has fallen off.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Nunsense is Habit Forming.....
at the Smyrna Opera House
Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth grade production of “Grease.” Here we meet Reverend Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia, the nun who lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. Featuring star turns,tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises, this show has become an international phenomenon.
Sister Mary Hubert: Amanda Tusio
Director(s): Barbara Bigelow & Marissa Parker
Choreographer: Missy Anspach
Lights/Sound: Jim Cantillon, Tish & Rick Schuman
Stage Manager: Rocco Mastroserio
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Wild Turkey in Delaware?
Hello DNREC,
The Division of Fish and Wildlife is launching a new, volunteer-based survey to track the distribution and reproductive success of wild turkeys in Delaware. If you see turkeys on your daily commute, while you are out in field, or on that weekend birding trip – we would love to know about it! The survey starts today and goes through the end of August. We asking volunteers to record the location and number of gobblers, hens, and poults (young-of-the-year) they see during the course of their day. The attached file contains an observation data sheet, map, and brief instructions.
My 4th of July Weekend 2010
The next day we had breakfast at the Smyrna Diner. The first small diner was originally placed in 1954, but then replaced by a 1965 style silver Paramount. However, it was sold to a diner collector in Cleveland, Ohio. The new diner restaurant now resides about a mile south of its original location. My next blog posting will be about the changing scenery and history of Clayton, Smyrna. I have fallen in love with my own community. It is such an iconic "little home town" that is proud of its traditions.
After breakfast we headed north to Battery Park in New Castle. It's a middle sized park that faces the Delaware Riverfront looking towards New Jersey. The Park has basketball & tennis courts, playground, and a one mile walk/bike path. It also has an old ticket booth from the Frenchtown railway. On a windy day you might even spot a New Castle sailing member paddling out to their sailboat. We had a great walk and stopped to talk with older folks sitting under trees, or the dog owners with their cute pups. After the walk, onwards to the Farmers Market for fresh Amish meats, cheeses or South American fruits right off the boat heading up to Philadelphia, or local vegetables.
Sunday, Grace accompanied me to church. When I play piano in Sunday School, she teaches the children how to sign the songs they learn. In fact, they've learned so much from her visits that they can sign most songs on their own. It is so fun to watch her get excited and see the children reflect her joy in their faces. Later that night, we watched the fireworks on TV in NY, DC, and Philadelphia.
After the parade, we joined another co-worker and best friend, Gerald Mood for lunch. A movie was next on the agenda, in Dover. It was nice to spend a cool afternoon together. We agreed that although we were not happy with the movie, it was a blessing to have a wonderful place to work that gave us the paid holiday to do with what we want.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
NJ Camden Waterfront
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Joy In The Journey LDS Singles Conference
"How Great will be your joy..."
The discussion was about how The Father has mercy and love for us, that he send us his light like a lighthouse to a ship. Will we be willing to go out and rescue any survivors from the ship? How great will our love and spirit be filled if are willing to help many like us?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Father's Day Weekend!
Father's Day weekend was fantastic! Matthew and I planned to celebrate with Jim on Saturday evening. Matthew woke up in his Dad's house and they spent the day together. It was a warm day, so they mostly stayed inside and made it a relaxing one. By 5pm, Jim drove to my place and picked me up. We drove into the Italian section of the City of Wilmington to dine at his favorite restaurant, Mrs. Robino's Family Style Italian Restaurant. He always orders the spaghetti with red clam sauce and two meatballs, and a bowl of Italian Wedding Soup. Italian bread is also served with olive oil or butter on the side. I love going too. Everything is homemade and the waitresses are friendly. If you're not Italian, you will feel like it when you eat their food.
After the filling meal, we headed towards Rodney Square to the Dupont Theatre, at the Hotel du Pont to see Delaware's All-State Theatre of high school performers perform URINETOWN: The Musical! That's right! No, it's not a misprint. It's a satirical comedy musical about the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and municipal politics. The show also parodies Les Miserables and Annie. It had wonderful music, basic sets, and great performers. We are always surprised at how professional the show is considering the cast is comprised of high school talents. However, it was not our favorite musical. We agreed that musicals can be about anything as long as it a story with music.
The next day was even warmer. Matt and Jim took a dip in their pool for the first time this year. Later, we went out for some lite fare to cease Father's Day. Later that night, we settled in for our favorite Vampire show HBO's First Blood.
Click on the links to hear music from the Urinetown musical, characters from HBO, and the menu from Mrs. Robino's Restaurant!