Remembering 9/11 in Our Town of Smyrna

On the evening, parishioners and area residents joined together on a rainy evening in the United Presbyterian Church in Smyrna. A retired NY City firefighter preached the homily and lead prayers for the workers, students, military personnel, Peace Corps, and victims of persecution in Muslim, Hindu, and Communist countries. Veterans were encouraged to wear medals earned in the service.

Earlier in the day, a wreath was placed at the base of the flagpole of the firestation by a 21-year veteran of the police force, worked at trafic control until the closing of the Holland Tunnel, and was present at Ground Zero. It was placed in memory of all who lost their lives at Ground Zero in New York, the Pentagon, and Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. A 21-gun salute and "Taps" was offered by Clayton's VFW Post #8801.

Holding lighted candles in the church, we heard the ringing of a memorial bell for fallen firefighters and playing of bagpipes (Amazing Grace). The Smyrna Fire Dept. band played the National Anthem, and God Bless America.

A collection was taken for the local food pantry which is run by area churches to serve the local residents in times of need.

Matt's 1st day of School

This year Matt is in the 7th grade! Yes.....the 7th! Do you remember the 7th grade? I remember starting school the day after Labor Day in Junior High School in a new school, new teachers, and new friends. Matt is experiencing the same thing. He is no longer in his Dad's Intermediate School, but in his own Middle School. The school holds grades 7th to 9th. He doesn't know any of the teachers and has never switched classes other than three times. Also, there is no recess, instead he has Gym and Health Class. School also starts "at the crack of dawn" according to Matt at 7:30 AM! He has the opportunity to walk to school on my week or catch the bus during Dad's week! The school is only five years old, and is located right next to the High School.

Can you believe that just his school supplies ran nearly $100? Jim, being the teacher, knows where to get the best school supplies. Every year, he packs Matt's new book bag with all the needed supplies. I take him to school on the first day, because Jim teaches. Usually, the night before we get together and review how important school is and how exciting it will be for him. It is our family tradition.

This morning, I was brimming with anxiety and excitement for him. He, on the other hand, was ready to go with confidence! He kissed me goodbye, got out of the car, flung his backpack on, and grabbed his clarinet case and said, "See Ya, Mom." I made sure out I was out of eyesight and then I bursted into tears. This year was emotional for us because this summer he has grown tall with a deep voice. He is an amazing young man. We know that we only have a few precious years to help guide him before he is off to college. After dropping Matt off, I stopped by Jim's newly assigned classroom to not only wish him a good 1st day, but to share with him the morning routine and how calmer Matt was than I. Jim's class starts at 8:20 am. Of course, he was just as anxious to hear about his morning! I left for work and felt gratified that was definately a good day to be a parent!

His first class is Band, and his last class is MATH! We can't wait to meet his teachers on the 17th at Open House.

2009/10 SMS Bell Schedule

7:20 Student Entry
7:30 Homebase Begins/ Cafeteria Closes
7:35 Homebase Late Bell
7:40 Homebase Ends
7:44 – 8:34 Period 1
8:38 – 9:28 Period 2
9:32 – 10:22 Period 3
10:22 – 10:52 Period 4 (A Lunch)
10:56 – 11:46 Period 5/6
11:50 – 12:40 Period 7/8
12:44 – 1:34 Period 9
1:38 – 2:30 Period 10
2:30 Bus Dismissal (Front Exit)
2:35+/- Walker/Car Rider/Sports Dismissal (West Exit)

Maine Vacation - Last Day

I woke feeling refreshed from our coastal adventure the day before. I felt a little sad that this was our last day in Maine. I went out on the deck, enjoyed the view, smelled the pines, and took a big breathe of the clean air! We took the morning packing our suitcases, straightening up, and writing in the Giggleswick Guestbook.
Later in the day, we made our way to the Bigelow camp to say our goodbyes. Matt and I invited Robert Ladd to drive up with us to the Sugarloaf ski resort. We headed north along the Sandy River and enjoyed the views of farms, rocky rivers, tall evergreens, ski chalets during the drive. When we finally arrived the view was amazing. We could see an amazing view of Mount Bigelow! This year, Matt went snow skiing for the first time in Pennsylvania. He was amazed at the different ski trails and the pointed out which ones he'd like to try!

We all closed our eyes and imagined what the village and mountains must look like with skiers coming down the mountain and the lifts working. It was fun. As we dropped off Robert, Matt had one last time driving the 4-wheeler and said so long to his cousins. We were so glad that we had a couple of days renewing our connection with family.

Before dinner began, we carpooled into Farmington with the Merta family to the Homestead Bakery Restaurant. We were looking forward to a lovely and last evening together. I was especially excited to see my cousin Jerry play his banjo with some local musicians. We had such a great reunion. The meal was amazing, the conversation was meaningful, and the music was flowing. Jerry invited all the Addicotts to join him. By the end of the evening, almost all of us had the opportunity to sing together in front of the restaurant patrons. The patrons were amazed how well we sang together considering it was the first time in public! To me, it was natural, my family always gathered 'round the piano during family holidays and reunions throughout my life! My father played the trumpet, my mother the piano, her mother - the piano and my great-grandmother Welles - the piano. Naturally, I would love the piano and the magical way it can bring family together in song and joy. The last night with my family was like the ending to a great musical! You start the show with a big number, and end the show with a big number! That night was the biggest number of my vacation! I am so blessed to have such special souls in my family!

For those of you that received this email, go to my blog and view the videos captured during the evening at Barbinde.blogspot.com

**Not only did we sing but so did a wonderful trio called "The Irish Pub Singers." **

Day 4 of My Vacation in Maine - The Coast

Our day along the coast! Most of the day we spent in the car travelling along the turnpike, but also wound up and down the back New England roads. The first stop was We started the Portland Head Lighthouse! I'd been there once, but I wanted Matt to see one of the 50 beautiful places to visit in the United States according to Life Magazine. The lighthouse is actually located at Cape Elizabeth, ME near the grounds of Fort Williams, a World War II harbor defense facility. It is the oldest lighthouse in Maine, wasn't easy to find, but we loved the look of the city. At this lighthouse, you can not take a bad picture. The pictures above were taken by me!

We learned out two amazing facts in the museum that is located in the lightkeepers' house.

1. On April 24, 1945, the U.S.S. Eagle built by The Ford Motor Co. was fired upon in Portland by a German U-Boat. There were 13 only survivors of the 67 member crew.

2. On March 3, 1947. the U.S.S. Oakey L. Alexander from Wilmington, Delaware initially assigned to patrolling the Delaware Capes, ran aground at Cape Elizabeth, and all were saved including much of the cargo of coal.

We headed back north along the coast through small seaside towns until we reached Boothbay Harbor. It is a region where you can explore quiet coves, rocky shores, and meandering country roads. It is where I hold memories of my first exploration of Maine's rocky coast. Part of my trip to Maine, was to take him where I had taken his Dad on our honeymoon. He wanted to know exactly where his Dad stood, where we ate, and what we saw!

As we found the spot where his Dad loves talking about eating a 2 lb. lobster, we went into the restaurant. Matt decided on a shrimp basket. The waitress told me they only had three left! Was I lucky or what? You guessed it, I ordered one! The view - - incredible. We were on a seaside deck at 5 pm watching the cruise, fishing, and sailboats coming in from a day out to sea!

The dinner was delicious but the sun seemed to go down in no time at all. I really wanted to get to the Pemequid Point Lighthouse located in Christmas Cove! We drove and drove and finally got there, just as the sun had gone down. Matt excitedly got out of the car and walked down towards the rocky edge. I showed him where we could walk out on the rocks. We only had a matter of minutes! I shared my disappointment with him. I felt like I had let him down, but he didn't care. He loved the cool mist of the sea air, the lighthouse light swirling its beacon, and the shadows of the rocks. The fact that he was standing where we had been 12 years ago was enough for him. I told him that a new memory was created because I had never been to the lighthouse at night! He smiled and agreed that it was amazing nevertheless. He was glad we decided to stick to our plan and visit it anyway! Several couples were still sitting on the rocks near the splashing water as Matt helped me up the rocks. I took a picture of him and then he called his dad, stating "We got here and I'm stood right where you were!"

We got back in the car and drove home. It is very different driving on dark, curvy, hilly, forested roads at night. You never know what type of critters will see. You can't see the houses because there are no street lights. However, if you were born in Maine, like me, somehow you feel your internal compass guiding you back home to safety.

Day 3 of My Vacation in Maine

Matthew started off his morning, determined to go swimming with Wyatt even though his family had other plans. He walked over a mile up to Sky Farm in the morning heat followed by bothersome biting black flys. When he arrived, Aunt Fran phoned me that he had survived the walk and was gulping down a glass of water! He stayed and visited with the family. I remember visiting back and forth between my grandparents houses walking up and down the road all summer long. The hill has so many lovely homes that have different scenic views of the mountains and lake.

I went to the New Vineyard Library to email coworkers, friends and family. Even though I was on vacation, I needed to keep in contact with one of my coworkers that had been hurt in a motorcycle accident. I was thankful that Franklin County has several public venues to do so. Tracy was helping with story time and let me use her computer pass. Since the Merta's had plans that day, I picked up Matt and we spent the day at camp, swimming in Porter Pond again enjoying the fresh water during the heat of the day! Before we left, Matt had fun driving his cousins 4-wheeler. He'd always wanted to try it, but in Delaware there really isn't any open land to ride unless you have it!

In the evening, we returned to Sky Farm and the Addicott family for dinner. Again, more singing and great conversation! Again, Chloe had to ask Besse to stay out of the frog pond. Of course, she didn't - it was too cool. Every chance I had, I sat with Grandma and told her how much I loved her. I explained what an influence in my life she had been while I was growing up. My love of music and meeting new and interesting people was a big part of her life that she passed to me. As we gathered around a song of grace was sung and we moved to the dining room.



Viewing the splendid sunset and talking about our days activities, we devoured the porkchops, tortellini salad, and a nice big green salad. Watermelon for dessert is perfect for those hot summer days without air conditioning. As the evening wore down, we all sat in the living room reciting "In my Grandmother's attic I found...." memory game from A-Z. Towards the end, everyone including Grandma new each and every item!

Another Perfect Summer Day in Maine!

Day 2 of My Vacation in Maine

The start of our late morning, we drove up the hill to Sky Farm to say "Good Morning" to our family. Grandma was still sitting at the table looking at the gorgeous view of the mountains garbed in her robe. She was going to be pampered by a caregiver that was coming to spruce her up! I asked if her if she knew the location of the nearest LDS church. She lit up and said, I'm LDS ! We had a fun discussion comparing our Wards and conversion stories.
After our short visit we went down to the White Elephant Country Store to check email and have a hearty breakfast.

Next a trip to Super Walmart where we picked up burgers for the big cookout at Tracy's place, the Bigelow camp! By the time we reached camp it was nearly 93F and hot! Matt was feeling very anxious about seeing Maryann (11) because he didn't feel like they had anything in common. What would he say? As we pulled in, everyone was already in the water or on the dock! They greeted each other with these hope you like me; you kinda look familiar eyes. Maryann broke the silence "Hey Matt, I remember you with blonde hair!" Matt just smiled and cooly said, "Yeah, I've kinda grown out of that look." He walked down to the dock and sat on a chair. He wasn't interested in swimming but everyone else was. I comfortably walked into the pond. It was perfect! Robert (9) didn't say much and I asked him if he remembered Matt. He just shook his head. I was amazed at how fast and how grownup these kids looked. How could I have let six years pass without returning to the place that holds my heart? Such good and wonderful memories were now being created again!

The last time Matt was on the dock was when he first swam in a lake. He watched all his cousins jump in before he would. Matt is always very cautious. Finally, after the last person was in the water, he took off his black rocker t-shirt and jumped in. After that, there was no anxiety. He was comfortable teasing, splashing, and swimming with his cousins. He had fun finding his balance in a plastic kayak as he paddled near the shoreline. He didn't stray, but kept watching as his cousins were confident in the water.


I have so many memories of Porter Pond of water skiing, diving with Grammy, swimming lessons, beanhole suppers, the loons, dad skiing backwards, clamping the motorboat to the dock, sailboatting with Grampy Big, canoeing to the beaver cove, watching the water plane take off in the mornings, fishing for sunnies, and laying on the float in the sun. I can close my eyes wherever I am and hear the water glugging from the float, a boat rubbing up against the dock, the loons cooing in the evening, sounds of children laughing, and even the waves lapping against the rocky edges.

As the day progressed into dinner time, we all got out and dried off for dinner. Hal had come home from hauling logs on his big rig truck up and down the mountain roads. He started the grill and burgers and dogs ready for plates. In no time, we were sitting on the deck watching the sunset. Molly (19) joined us with her homemade casserole. As the sun set, we were swatting the mosquitoes and making our way indoors. Finally in the darkness, you could only see the camp lights along the lake.
You can hear the conversation of another camp from one mile across the lake as if it was in another room of the cottage. The heat of the day quickly diminished. We said our good nights and then drove back up to Herrick Mountain road.

Definately A Good Swimming Day!

Day 1 of My Maine Vacation

It was Sunday and I set my alarm for 6 a.m. I had a quiet morning getting ready to go with my Uncle Pete and Aunt Fran Addicott to hear them sing in a church choir. After I was dressed I went out on the front porch and watched the fog slowly slide off the mountains to show the glass mirrored lake. It felt as if nature had allowed me to watch it dress for the day. It was a cool 58F with a nice light breeze. I could hear the leaves rustling and the crickets chirping very low. As I peered through the white birches, I was happy that the mountain road was still made of gravel. The spiders pulled up their webs from the night before. What a beautiful morning! I was so thankful that my Heavenly Father made it possible for me to have the funds, arrive safely, and be present in Maine at this particular time in my life.

The church was located in Weld, ME where I had once hiked Mount Blue. It was the church's 200th year anniversary. The Weld congregational church was first organized on August 17, 1809 with 18 members. The visiting choir was a combination of college, other surrounding church choir, and community choral members. It's Director was a member of the Weld community and church for a number of years. According to the minister, the church was using a tape recording of music because they didn't have a choir or pianist. The music was beautiful and well performed. I was so proud to have my family members deliver the musical gift. I was also happy to be present at the bicentennial event. After the service, a homemade light lunch of deli salads, delicious baked beans, and tempting desserts was prepared by the church members and all were invited to share in the meal and fellowship downstairs in the dining hall.

Matthew woke up later in the morning while I was at church. He went with Mary, Wyatt, and Chloe to the Addicottage on the lake to swim. They spent all afternoon laughing and playing in the water. It was the first time he met Jerry and Sue Ellen Addicott.

After church, I stopped by to see Tracy Ladd, my cousin (13 days older than me) at the other side of the lake at the Bigelow Cottage. She had no idea I was coming to Maine. I left Facebook messages on her daughter's (Molly) wall but she had been working all week and hadn't had the opportunity to tell her. It was great to see her eyes fly open. She was having a yard sale and waved thinking I was an interested customer. She dropped what she had in her arms, and yelled " BARBIE?" as I slowly got out of the car with a big smile. Her husband Hal asked me if I had dropped from the sky? We laughed and spent about an hour catching up. It had been six years since I last saw her. We agreed to spend the day together the next day.

Back to Herrick Mt. Road for rejoin my Addicott family for dinner! As I drove up the gravelly bumpy road to Sky Farm, I reminisced about the years my sister and I would walk between the Bigelow's and Addicott's homes. We spent some nights at Sky Farm, or with Tracy, or at the Rick, or down at camp. As I entered Sky Farm, I sat down at the piano and played some jazz tunes as Fran and Mary sang along while preparing dinner. Matt was playing badminton with Wyatt and Chloe, and Uncle Pete was sitting with Grandma out on the porch. Within the hour, we were holding hands around the dinner table as we asked for blessings on our family and the food! A beautiful salmon dinner with lemon rice and snap peas from the garden were presented. A nice discussion of family members from across the miles we wished were with us, music, spiritual beliefs, and past summer days came to an end when Grandma became tired and the sun rested between the mountains! It was time to retire to Giggleswick once again! I didn't want to the evening to end. I wanted giggle about the different loud gulping frog sounds coming from the pond with my sister.....

Where had the day gone?

Maine or Bust

I've decided to post each day of our trip separately! There were so many memories and new ones made on this overdue and much needed trip to Maine! Matthew and I were able to stay in Giggleswick all by ourselves for our 6 day visit! After our traffic jam in Ct., we were happy to make the last leg of our trip to Maine in no time at all! As we drove up Herrick Mt. Road, we looked up the first big hill and there was Uncle Pete waiting for us with keys and an invitation for dinner. We quickly unpacked, freshened up and headed up the road to Sky Farm for a perfect light supper of chicken, salad, and blackberry ice cream. As we were eating, Matt quickly perked up and said, "Oh my Gosh, it's all coming back to me! I remember the pond and being here at Sky Farm with Uncle Pete and Besse!" Besse is their loveable furry family dog! It was so nice to see Grandma Jane, Peter, Fran, Mary, Wyatt and Chloe! We quickly became familiar with each other again by swapping stories and life adventures. I couldn't believe how quickly Wyatt and Chloe had grown. Sitting and watching the sunset in the mountains, and having family near made me feel like I was home once more!

When Matt and I arrived at Giggleswick, we got out of the car and looked up at the stars. They were amazingly bright and plentiful! Matt realized that without our town lights, TV, internet or usual suburb traffic sounds he was "roughing" it. Now what? he said. I laughed and suggested we play a few rounds of Mancala to wind down. Before bed, we sang Beatles songs out of a book left on the old player piano. Finally, at midnight, the sound of low humming crickets and the smell of a pine breeze called us to our beds for sleep. A perfect ending to our journey to Maine!

Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.

On our way to Maine, we were grounded! That's right what should have taken 5 1/2 hours from Delaware to Mystic, CT (original plans) ended up being 9 hours with bumper to bumper traffic (20-30 mph) from the George Washington Bridge, NY to Norwalk, Ct. Interstate Highway 95 was shutdown due to a five car pile up! We made the best of it, however! We planned on visiting Mystic's Aquarium and Seaport. After feeling "stuck" on the road for so long, we decided to stop in Norwalk after seeing the place advertised at a rest stop. Why not? What a charming place. We pulled into the parking lot, and stretched our legs as we made our way into the entrance. Initially, we weren't sure if it would be worth the admittance fee. However, as we made our way around, the place grew on us. The Maritime Aquarium gives visitors a window into Long Island Sound, officially designated an Estuary of National Significance. This veritable rain forest of the sea is rich in aquatic life. Not just fish but frogs, snakes, seals, sea turtles, and otters. Just think, 20 million people live within a one-hour drive of the Sound. The cumulative effects of their actions make sustaining the natural functioning of the Sound a real challenge. But in this challenge lies opportunity— to foster an ocean conservation ethic that starts with this fine body of water in Connecticut’s front yard.

Finally, the big tanks we were looking for...shark tank! Matt just loves aquariums and jellyfish!

He says, "It's that part of our world that is peaceful and relaxing!"

A Family History Event

On Saturday, August 1st, I was one of many volunteers from our Smyrna Ward to help with a Free Family History Event. Our jobs were to help the exhibitors watch their tables, answer questions, and direct the public to the building facilities. The Wilmington Delaware Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did a wonderful job presenting it. It was from 9 am to 4 pm at their meetinghouse in Newark, Delaware with the theme: "Around the World in a Day: Let Your Fingers Do the Searching." Their keynote speakers included Paul F. Smart and Paul G. Nauta from FamilySearch.org, and the author of "Google Your Family Tree," Daniel Lynch. Classroom sessions, interactive exhibits and cultural rooms focused on various online research sources and geographic regions of the world. Registered visitors came for an hour or stayed for the day! It was very informative for the beginning genealogist to the professional. Not only did I share my Bigelow and Addicott family roots but also my membership with those that were interested. It was a very spiritual day because I not only felt the companionship of other members, but also felt the members of my dearly departed relatives.