Smyrna High Homecoming 2010

This year is an important year for me. I'm 45 and when the fall temps started to tease us here in Delaware Mid-Sept., I was completely ready for fall. In fact, I think I started changing colors myself. I'm more positive and ready for adventure, almost as if I'm ready to peak? Probably a little too early, but I feel my love for life getting better each and every day.

When school began I was already for homecoming because, I wanted to twirl my flag. All the other years, I felt as if I wanted to hide behind it. However, I couldn't wait. My good friend Jamie, the high school theatre/drama teacher, SOH thespian, and newlywed which moved to PA this summer. She will no longer be at Smyrna High, but has finally graduated from divorce' and single mother to wife/step parent/spouse. She is a new stepmother to two terrific twin teenage boys, and an exchange student from China. I couldn't imagine starting off the year with these kids without Jamie. I asked her to come down and twirl with me. After all, she was the former SHS Regiment of Red's bandfront leader and choreographer as well.

We practiced our school's Alma Mater-theme song. Even though we were warned that the song is no longer played with a slow tempo, we did our best. I was amazed that the "silks" no longer include some of the moves because they are too elementary and boring. It wasn't as easy to manipulate the flag around my body. However, we asked four other bandfront alumni at the game to join us. We were positioned between all of the present marchers. We marched onto the field and hit our field lines and were positioned as an arch at the top of the band. As the music began, I starting counting 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.

Wow, after my sixth spin, I realized that they doubled the time on the song.....and I had missed my stop. So I stopped my pole and went the other direction for another sixth spin. I completely missed my stop but not on purpose. I was trying to keep up as the music was faster and faster. Next my broom sweeps from above my head to below...forget it. Two more beats and the music stopped, and so did my flagpole. I was out of breath, and complete red from trying to keep up.

As soon as we faced right to march off the field, I started giggling and couldn't stop. Who cares, I thought! That was amazing....so much fun. Jamie and I gathered the other flags from the others and put them in the shed. We continued our grownup discussion on her return plans, and said goodbye. However, the next day, I was surprised to get the fun photos.

I felt like a Senior ~ all over again!

The fun part about homecoming for me isn't that I see several folks from my class. No, actually, it is watching the present classmates in their new position from Freshmen up to the Seniors. Every year, I'm introduced to the new Freshmen in the band. I sneak into their marching band practices. Go to their chorus, and jazz band concerts. I get to see a preview of the kids that will be in the Spring musical. I see them when I'm shopping or at a school function. Either way, I love to watch them grow and become adults. My first student came to the football game with her 6 mo. old baby girl. I'd seen her on facebook, but it was nice to tell her how proud I am to know her.

It certainly is a blessing to live in a small hometown community where everybody knows your name.

A Traditional Wedding in Quanitco, Maryland

On Sunday, October 10, 2010 (10/10/10) several coworkers, Matt, and I joined Amy Nicole DiPilla and Nathan Glenn Davidson in the celebration of the their love at one o'clock at the Old Green Hill Church in Quantico, MD. Nate, presently a history teacher in Saulisbury, worked with the AmeriCorp as a Programs Coordinator at Ft. Dupont, was Caesar Rodney in the Legislation re-enactment, and our evening graveyard lantern tour guide through several old historic places in Dover, just to name a few.

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.

The wedding ceremony was researched and chosen with Bible and verse of the appropriate 18th century time period. One of the readings was "Husbands love your wife, as Jesus loved the church. Give yourself up to your wife. Treat her as if you would treat your own sacred body." We all made our way out of the church into a single line to blow bubbles to their white limousine. It was a beautiful 79F degrees with a nice breeze. We all gathered around the couple for a nice group friends/family picture.

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.

I felt so blessed to be surrounded by my lovely coworkers, which are like family. Matthew enjoy the conversation and laughter as well. He loved dancing with all the single professionals in their 20s and being in the lineup of men catching the garter. After the pictures were taken, and most of the guests departed we made our way out to the parking lot giving each other hugs. We gave the newlyweds a bon voyage knowing they were packed and ready for their Bermuda honeymoon.

Just as the sun was setting, and the air started cooling we saw an ultralight plane with floats taking off from the river.

An Evening of Talent with Our Primary Kids

Thursday the 7th at 7pm, my church ward had a Talent Show activity for our *Primary children under the age of 12. There must have been at least 100 people in the audience. My cub scouts (8 & 9 year olds) did a few skits (one liner jokes) for the audience. Every child performed at least once or twice, depending on their individual or group talents. We had piano and trombone recitals, comedians, artists doing live quick paintings, new popular line dances, gymnastics, a hoola-hoop combination dance, cheerleading, and singing: All six verses of Puff the Magic Dragon, twinkle twinkle, and even the Primary leaders sang a song together.

However, one 9 year old girl named Brierly decided to dance to a sweet little country song (see below). She went to the raised platform stage, poised herself at the microphone and announced that she would be dancing all the parts of the song and dedicating it to her Daddy, whom she loved very much. She danced without rehearsed choreography, full of expression and flowing moves. She started out with her back to the audience because she had a bit of stage fright. Only when she twirled or slowly made a small circle or moves on the floor could you see her face. Her lips moved as she sang the slow ballad softly to herself. I was brought to tears as I watched her dance with abandon. She seemed to slide across the stage as if she was ice dancing as she bent backwards, forwards, and around. It was simply beautiful and heartwarming. It occurred to me that it was a teachable moment, that I was admiring. How wonderful it is to see children inspired by the spirit of God. When I sing or play piano for a spell, I feel liberated and most connected to God. Every day for me is a great day to be alive and to focus on God's blessings in my life! During this talent show evening I had the opportunity to listen to the music of their spirits in dance, music, laughter, smiles, and the happy clapping of the crowd!

Stealing Cinderella by *Chuck Wicks. (Click on the link for more information)

*Primary is the name we call our Sunday School for kids ages 4-12 years old. After leading the music for communion/sacrament service, I play the piano for sharing time for two hours in Primary. The Primary kids are split one hour for singing/sharing time, and the other for Sunday School. Everyone leaves at 1pm. Three hours may seem long. Sometimes it feels that way, when it has already been an exhausting week. However, for me, my church is a where I am spiritually fed and fellowship with people that have become my extended spiritual family. Sunday is my favorite day because it is very enjoyable as we all worship and learn about the scriptures, sing, share our testimonies and talents with one another. When I arrive home and have my mid-day meal, I take a nice two hour nap. I get up and usually share a meal with Matthew and Jim at our favorite Italian restaurant. It is a great way to start the week.

Nunsense 3-day run closes with 440 tickets sold!

Nunsense was a success. I truly enjoyed the directing opportunity. I learned many things.

1. You can never plan too early. When you do, you can't plan on anything but yourself.
2. You can't count on a promise from anyone about committing to a show.

3. Know your strengths and your weaknesses. You can't have enough help.

4. Know what you want, but be prepared to work with others creativity.

5. Schedule practices, so that the majority can make it.

6. Don't expect during tech week that everyone will be in attendance.

7. Almost two thirds of your time will be coaching right along the stage or actor.

8. Enjoy what your doing, don't take yourself too serious.

9. Word of mouth works better in a small town, than paid advertisement.

I was ever so humbled when most of my friends, co-workers, church members, and community contacts came out to support me and my first official Directorial debut. It was great seeing so many smiling faces in the audience each and every night. Also, having the support of the Smyrna Opera House's new Executive Director, David Keller helped me to attack the show with confidence.

12 More Practices and then it's SHOWTIME!

More Pictures to follow........as we move forward towards Opening Night!

A Sad Time for our DNREC Zoo Keepers

A sad time for my co-workers at the Brandywine Zoo. Their 20-year-old Siberian Tiger, Ashley, had fallen ill and died last Saturday evening. She arrived in Delaware in 1995. She was 5 years old when she came from the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri.

The zoo "definitely" will get another tiger, though when hasn't been decided. The zoo tiger population in the United States is managed through the nonprofit Association of Zoos and
Aquariums. Brandywine Zoo is accredited by the AZA.

There are only about 130 Siberian tigers, also called Amur tigers, in zoos around the country, Through the AZA program, tigers are free to zoos, though they must pay transportation costs.

The zoo will wait at least a few months before getting a new tiger. The zoo wants to make some improvements to the tiger enclosure. They also want to wait for cooler weather to avoid transporting a tiger in the summer heat.

Initially when Ashley arrived, she was housed with Kublai Khan, an older tiger. After Kublai Khan died, Ashley was paired with another Siberian tiger named Sergei. That relationship never worked out. Sergei had been raised by hand at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in
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.

Tigers in the wild have a life span of 10 to 15 years. In captivity, longevity may reach as high as 20 years. According to the Zoo's Director, Nancy Falasco, Ashley's long life of 20 years is a tribute to the good care she received at both the Brandywine Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo, where she was born July 21, 1990.

The Brandywine Zoo is located in beautiful Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The Zoo grounds cover 13 landscaped acres on high ground above the Brandywine River. The Zoo hosts 150 animals, from tigers to snakes, and is open all year round.

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society.

Vermont Bigelow & Utah's Brigham Young line

This month, our Church Organization celebrates Pioneer Day. Tomorrow, I will play pioneer songs that were sung as the Latter Day Saints walked with their only belongings in their handcarts. We will all dress in Pioneer clothing and pull our own handcart across the property. We will educate the children by talking about our ancestors which also were apart of the journey to Utah. I have distant relatives that were original Pioneers that walked from Illinois to Utah to escape persecution. Many lives were lost, but to them it was walking through the dessert just as the Jews did along with Moses to find a place to worship and be safe.

.....This is not my direct line, but my 2nd Bigelow cousin 5 generations ago. Muriel Bigelow's Mother was Madeline Young. Her father was born in Gorham, Maine and her mother was from East Livermore, ME. The Bigelow's came from England, but settled in Massachusetts.

It all began with Nahum Bigelow, born in Brandon, VT on February 19, 1785. As a common New Englander, his family were farmers and stock raisers. With true Yankee restlessness, he decided to try something with greater promise and speedy wealth. With a peddler's pack, he travelled from place to place until he came to Lawrenceville, Illinois. Nahum was middle-age at 36 when he met, Mary Gibbs who was just 12 years old. They married on December 2, 1826.

Their first child, Mary Jane (October 15, 1827), the second was a son named Hirum (May 20, 1829). Then came Lucy (October 3, 1830) the best looking of the family. Then Asa Elijah (Feb, 2, 1832) and in a short time Lovina (March 24, 1834).

When Lovina was a baby, rumours of a new religion of Joseph Smith and followers came to the farmhouse in Lawrenceville. The mysterious golden Bible and revelations from God were often spoken about by friends and neighbors.

Another son, Liola (October 4, 1835) was born. Shortly afterward two elders from the church came with the Book of Mormon preaching the new gospel to the Bigelow family. On Jan. 19, 1838, Sariah was named by her mother, Mary Gibbs, after the mother of the Lamanite and Nephite nation. Mary receive the gospel in her heart long before her and her family's baptism.

After many years of thoughtful prayer and bible study did Nahum, wife, and older children get baptized on April 29, 1839. After this another son, whom they named Moroni (September 1, 1840). They next moved to Mercer County, Illinois where Daniel was born on March 18, 1842. The family moved Lawrence to Coles County 10 years previously. They lived in North Illinois for another 4 years which was still quite a distance from the body of the Church in Navoo. Nahum decided to move once more and in the year 1843 bout 160 acres of prairie land. He was was only 18 miles from Navoo in Hancock County.

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.

In early fall of 1845, the members of the church were advised to move into the city of Navoo for protection. The Governor and new President Brigham Young made an agreement that he would gather the saints and move them beyond the borders of Illinois if they would go unmolested. Thousands of people moved far west. However, there were still people with homes outside the city, that were given permission to return and gather their crops if they felt brave enough to do so. The Governor promised protection, but suggested that when the state militia was not present, President Young should have a militia organized to help themselves. It was so done.

Nahum, quietly returned with his family to his farm, not ever having fear of man, was protected by the Mormon militia. It was not long that the plague had settled some of the children and at length attacked the father as well. The faithful mother went from bed to bed attending the wants of her sick children.

Surviving threatening mobs, standing trial at Carthage, near death pranks of poison to his family, he himself finally died after 5 years of living and suffering with pain. It was due to a neighbor poisoning him with arsenic-tainted coffee. He died in 1851. Loving hands and aching hearts did the rest—all that was left to do. As he waited to see the Prophet one more time just before his passing, his spirit left his body just as Brigham's carriage arrived at his home. And thus in the cemetery at Salt Lake City lies one of the sturdy Bigelow family who died for his family, his religion and his God! Mary Gibbs Bigelow died 19 April 1888.

Brigham Young married Mary Jane, his first daughter, in 1847 with little courting at the unknown country called "the West" Winter Quarters. It is where the Saints crossed snowy mountains and icy rivers in February to nest during the Winter before making the last part of the trip to Salt Lake. She stayed, and married to Brigham in Salt Lake City and bore three daughters.

Eudora Lovina "Dora" Young born on May 12, 1852. She died on November 21, 1922. She had two marriages and lived in Spokane, Washington.

Susa Amelia Young was born on March 18, 1856. She died on May 27, 1933. She was also twice married and remained in Provo, Utah.

Rhoda Mabel was born Februray 22, 1863 and died on September 20, 1950.

Lucy moved into the Lion House in 1855, until it was finished and remained there until President Young moved her and her family to St. George in November 1870, where she remained until 1892. Lucy did considerable missionary work in the Sandwich Islands and other places. She died in 1905.

As for the future of Nahum and Mary's other children:

Nahum, the first son, married Mary Mecham in Provo. He was asked to move to Dixie and grew a huge family in Arizona.

In the next Summer or Spring of 1948, President Young came back for more Saints, he asked to take Lucy (2nd daughter) with him. Lucy, however, divorced him and remarried four other times. She had one daughter at age 40 and died 6 months later.

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.

Lovina married John Witt and settled in Heber City, Utah. Her large family are mostly married and settled down.

Liola, who was singularly intelligent and a spiritual child, died in his youth in Illinois on August 15, 1845. He had the black canker, which took his under jaw bone cut and five teeth. When Mary Gibbs (the mother) went to visit the same summer to see her parents, Liola died while she was gone. He was so bad that the neighbors came in and sat up with him. They were also there after he died. He had spasms. The family had blessings by President Young.

Sariah married a Mr. Daniel Cook and had several children. They had several misfortunes. Finally losing her reason, she died in this condition in Fairfield, Utah, in 1877.

Moroni—a loving, jovial, bright soul—was married to Elvira Mecham and had four children, one dying in its infancy. He was called on a mission to the Eastern States in 1868. On his return home he was murdered while crossing the Missouri River. He was thrown overboard by some dangerous desperadoes, presumably for the money which he carried.

Daniel married Miss Permelia Mecham. Together they have reared a fine little family. His family is a large one, but his affection and watch care reach out over every part and individual thereof. Whoever knows, honors and respects Daniel Bigelow.

Joseph Smith was the last child and lived only a few short months, dying during the violent persecutions which raged in Illinois.

America's Roadside in Smyrna, Delaware.

On the roadsides of America, you will find many attractions, signs, and statues. It's the ones that are of past years that always seem to stick out. However, as our little towns of Smyrna and Clayton grow, it gets new owners, new buildings, and new businesses. The old gets moved, cleaned up or transformed. Recently, in Smyrna we had two landmarks recently move. Smyrna residents, would mention these "marks" when giving directions to visitors.

1. The Smyrna Diner offers all the dinner classics, from the all-day breakfasts to liver and onions to belly warming chicken and slippery dumplings. It recently moved up the road to a larger location, but it still offers that delicious diner food.

The original diner was a 1965 Paramount trailer, which replaced a 1954 smaller diner. Later the diner's future exterior was covered with wood. Located in Cleveland, OH, A collector of vintage diners purchased it to restore, then to resell.

So many people here have great memories of being in this place. My memory was from the blizzard of 1978. We were visiting Dad for the weekend and he was delivering us back from his apartment in Newark. By the time we got to Smyrna, the roads were impassible. We had to stay in the diner for a few hours before the snowtrucks came. We stayed in the Sheraton in Dover overnight. They didn't plow the backroads of Smyrna (only 5 miles away) until the next day.

The new location is right off our highway bypass route to heading to the beaches.

2. Once a small travel agency named Traquility Travel, now an Antiques store, had a very strange looking statue just outside its doors. The 3000 pound 11 ft. fiberglass horned statue with red eyes, seemed to the same size as the 12 foot tall small brick 2 room building. Only Smyrna townspeople knew what is was from where it came.

It came from Hollywood's set of the 1955 movie The Prodigal starring Lana Turner. It's supposed to be a Babylonian
Fertility God Demon. After year of environmental wear and tear, the snake head has fallen off.

However, it was sold for $4000 to a town in Lumberton, New Jersey. It seems that the new neighborhood doesn't care for it as much as Smyrna, DE.

According to the which newspaper you read it is either a god of fertility, rain, or a giant demon. Either way, it is definitely Pagan and people are up in arms about it. They have referred to it as "despicable" "demonic" and "an eyesore". Even though its head can only be seen over the fence, which extends out near the side of the property, it is not wanted. One neighbor even complained that it scared the horses that are stabled next door. In fact, the township has ordered the new owner to remove it and place it in his backyard where its head can not be seen by passersby. However, the owner wanted to use it as a tourism attraction. Curiously, the local paper mentions that is wonders why the item was located next to a travel agency in the first place, or why the new owner spent $6000 to move it a neighborhood where he knew it would piss off his neighbors.

In Smyrna, the statue was a landmark, with a lovely plastic palm tree right beside it, located across the road from the only Delaware Rest Area built in 1937. There was only a picnic table and a place to park.

I mean, who wouldn't want to travel to some remote island and find that in the jungle, right?

Nunsense is Habit Forming.....

NUNSENSE
at the Smyrna Opera House

Friday & Saturday, September 10 & 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 12 at 2:30 p.m.

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.

CAST

Reverend Mother Regina: Barbara Bigelow
Sister Mary Hubert: Amanda Tusio

Sister Robert Anne: Amy Biang

Sister Mary Leo: Victoria "Nicki" Hodgson

Sister Mary Amnesia: Kathleen Baber

Director(s): Barbara Bigelow & Marissa Parker
Choreographer: Missy Anspach
Lights/Sound: Jim Cantillon, Tish & Rick Schuman
Stage Manager: Rocco Mastroserio

Wild Turkey in Delaware?

No matter what your paid position is at Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources, you never know what you are going to hear or see! This morning I had to go to our Enforcement Protection Office for Air & Waste Management to update software on a few of the Emergency Responders laptops. I drove up, parked the car, and found these two guys hanging out in the parking lot. They were curious about me, but stayed their distance, as I them. However, when one of the Enforcement Officers came out to see if I was safe, they went absolutely crazy and tried to attack him. I think they have a sixth sense of the fact that he goes turkey hunting in his spare time (go figure).

I've never seen a live turkey other than on a farm, or in a zoo. You know, the basic caged bird view. Talk about about a Wild view.....when I got back to my office, I checked my email as usual. (Read below the photos)

Subject: Survey for 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.

Of course, I was reminded of the sign I saw in the Aquarium

on Monday........and watched my footing!