President Bill Suydam
Vice President Al Parisi
Secretary/Treasurer Gene Merrill
Reporter Pam Elliott
Chaplain Marie Garrity
Sunshine Ann Bucher
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Source: Aerograph May 2012
President Rod Elliott
Vice President Al Parisi
Sec/Trea Gene Merrill
Reporter Pam Elliott
Chaplain Marie Garrity
Sunshine Ann Bucher
Spring has arrived in the Toms River-Lakehurst area and the Airship Chapter is preparing for the Annual Spring Luncheon at the Captain's Inn in Forked River. Our group is smaller in attendance with each gathering. And now for some news:
Gene and Carol Merrill: They just recently returned from a two week Caribbean Cruise. They had a great time, but really missed their annual trip to Hawaii. Plans are already underway to return to Hawaii for a few weeks next year. The Airship Chapter annual Spring Get Together is Tuesday, April 17th, and they are looking forward to sharing a special time with their shipmates. Mean while they are planning on celebrating Carol's 75th Birthday this coming November. Having family spread out all over the country makes early planning a necessity. Their son, Richard continues with Chemo therapy for brain cancer and they ask that you keep him in your prayers. God bless America and keep our service people out of harm's way.
Mike and Marie Garrity: Since our last Newsletter there hasn't been much of a change or happenings with the Garrity's' & sometimes that is a good thing. Mike & I both live with some discomfort from arthritis & just some signs of aging. But, we wake up & give thanks for each new day. No more babies have been born & no desires from our family members to increase the size of their families. I think the economy certainly plays in their decision. I'm sure all of you have felt the pinch of the rising gas prices along with food prices & just about everything in between? We are thankful that all of our gang is healthy & working thus paying their bills. Perhaps there are a few back aches & sore muscles while preparing their yards & homes for springtime. We who live here on the East Coast have been blessed not to have those terrible tornadoes & severe storms that have been felt across our country. But, thinking about how the crime rate has increased everywhere is sure a concern no matter where we live. Times have sure changed. But, I place all my faith, hope & wishes in God & always live each day to the fullest that he allows me.
And so from our home to yours, we send our best wishes & prayers that each of you are doing well.
Ray and JoAnn Bierly: Decided the slogan for 2012 would be delve into 2012 which is what we have been doing. The first project has been the inside of the house for we needed to 'release' some furniture, paint three rooms and make other small repairs. Well, the 'delving' sent Ray to the hospital with a lung infection. Our daughter called to say it was the first time she felt her father was happy to be there. He was happy!! He had his computer, his cell phone, clean underwear, lots of visitors and didn't have to be putting the house back together. I was in charge of all that. Ray came home after 6 days when the family room was done. Now we are having the outside worked on. Just like when he was 'aboard ship'.
We are flying to N.J. June 13th through 18th for our granddaughter's high school graduation. Life is moving right along. It is said it doesn't go fast enough when we are children and too fast as we get older. How true!!! Enjoy the summer. ay it be filled with lots of 'Moments to Remember'.
Toddy McGayhey (See photo above): There were 17 visitors at Toddy's home to celebrate her 96th birthday. They included immediate family, four of her first cousins, two couples from the Airship Chapter of the Naval Weather Service Association which my father belonged to for many years, and some family & friends. It was great to see all today. I know that you're being there made the day for my mother. Teresa (her granddaughter) stopped by on the way home from work and said that Grandma could not stop talking about how nice everyone was to come to see her. This is a note from her son Frank Jr. It was a wonderful day and Toddy looked so happy. She received a "ton" of M&M's, her favorite candy. And said she could not remember anyone giving her a birthday party.
Rod and Pam Elliott: As usual, we are busy as ever. Pam does water exercises at the Y two days a week then goes to Cardiac Rehab after lunch on the same days. She continues with Credit Union training and Board of Director duties. Rod attends most training functions with her. They are just completing Spring Break week with granddaughter and son-in-law from VA. Boy, a 10 year old can wear out two 70+ year old grandparents. We had a blast showing them our neck of the woods.
Happy Spring, Summer and good health from each Airship Chapter Member!
Submitted by Reporter Pam Elliott
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Source: Aerograph February 2012
President Rod Elliott
Vice President Al Parisi
Sec/Treasurer Gene Merrill
Reporter Pam Elliott
Chaplain Marie Garrity
Sunshine Ann Bucher
December, the Airship Chapter gathered for the Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Captain’s Inn. Attendees included: Rod and Pam Elliott, Al and Jane Parisi, Gene and Carol Merrill, Charlie and Carol Moffett, Bob and Lucille Wiorek, Bill and Joan Suydam, Norm Macomber and Lois Wanzor. Carol Merrill took pictures at the Christmas tree of each couple or individual. President Rod Elliott held a brief meeting including the minutes and treasurers report of the previous meeting. The April Luncheon will be at the Captain’s Inn.
Gene & Carol Merrill: Happy New Year - from Freezing New Jersey.
The Merrill's' recently celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary by having a big party which was attended by family, friends and Airship Chapter shipmates. There were about 90 people in attendance as they renewed their wedding vows (above). The matron of honor and best man, Maureen and Jim Cino, were the same ones they had 40 years ago. The vows were administered by Rev. Richard Edwards. He is a former AG and a member of the Airship Chapter. From all indications the party was a huge success. The family has recently had a medical set back as Carol's youngest son, Dr. Richard Hader, had a brain tumor removed and is currently undergoing Chemo and Radiation therapy. They are asking for yours prayers as he goes under this ordeal.May the year 2012 be a Happy & Healthy year for everyone. God Bless our Military and keep them out of harm’s way.Bill & Joan Suydam: Their daughter, Andrea McGahan has a new job as a music director and her husband has been offered retirement from his company. They are so proud of her.
Henry and Bobbie Losch: They took a drive to TX to visit family and friends, and spent time with daughter Debbie and granddaughter. Always good to see them since they are so far away. Mike & Marie Garrity: Mike & I spent a beautiful and wonderful Christmas Holiday with family. The weather had been so warm and welcoming for traveling from home to home.
Our family has grown so much that we were able to visit with each & everyone. I really became spoiled as after eating at each place, they sent us home with food to last us, no cooking for me. I was so proud of how my daughters' proved they were such good cooks. This coming Saturday, January 7th. Mike & I will celebrate our (58th.) wedding anniversary. Praise God for all his blessings. We are both struggling with one problem or another, but then, who isn't? We have each other and our family to rely on in times of need. We look forward to this New Year asking God to continue his blessings upon us. Hoping whoever reads this will have a Happy, Healthy, New Year." And so from our home to yours we wish God's love and blessing on one and all.
Joann and Ray Bierly: Joann was delighted to keep secrets during the month of December. Ray turned 75 on the 14th so Lisa and Bill, daughter and son-in-law, flew down for a surprise visit giving both the I-Phone for Christmas. Then on the 18th Joann picked up Grant, 13 year old grandson for another surprise that lasted 9 days. Grant did not think that Pop Pop was surprised; he was in shock. We then drove to Savannah for three days to meet up with Jeff, Suzan and Brittany, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Our treat from them was the hotel room. As you can see we had a very active month from the 8th on and are now at home resting up. To all our friends may we all DELVE INTO 2012. The Mayan Calendar may be accurate. I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday season, and a very Happy New Year.
Frank McGayhey Jr: My mother, Inez 'Toddy' McGayhey came home 9 December after 4 days in the hospital and almost 7 weeks in rehab - her first overnight hospital stay since 1949. She has doctors, a nurse practitioner, a podiatrist, physical and occupational therapists, and a hearing specialist who has all come or is scheduled to come to the house. It is a wonderful country...if she needs blood work, x-rays done, her toenails clipped, her hearing aides adjusted or her teeth examined, the various professionals come to the house. She also has a full time live in health aide appropriately named Patience. Her cousin Kathryn visits once or twice a day and at least one or more of my family is there every day. Tomorrow she will have a visit from some volunteers at her church who visit the home bound on a regular basis. She reads the newspaper every day (no Kindle for her) and recently pointed out the obituary of Patrick Reabold, the son of AGC Del Reabold. Mr. Reabold was at Lakehurst with my father. It will not be long before she reminds me to send an email out announcing the Methodist Church suppers that she and a number of members of the Airship Chapter have celebrated together for many years.
Bob and Lucille Wiorek: We have had a fairly good year. Lucille has not had any fluid buildup in her lungs. She still uses oxygen at night and as needed during the day. Bob is still getting Vigamox injections in his right eye every 6-8 weeks. He is also having trouble with his right knee again. Our son and his wife came for a visit in July and did some work in our home that was needed. Our daughter Cyndi lives 5 miles away and she helps when she can. Hate getting old. The big news is our daughter Caitlyn is getting married in May. Her fiancé is a navy pilot and we love him dearly. We also have a new great granddaughter, Isla Rose, born Dec 5th. She is our son’s grandchild. Happy Holidays to all.
Rod and Pam Elliott: We are busy as always: Rod reading books faster than authors can write them and Pam busy with her credit union duties and water exercise at the Y and cardiac rehab maintenance. We left home 21 December for a stopover in VA Beach to visit Hannah and her dad on our way to daughter Kristie’s for Christmas. Hannah and Dick followed us so our family was all together for a wonderful dinner and gift giving. We left them on 1 Jan. to head for Orlando for 3 weeks, will visit Pam’s brother in Jax and sister outside of Pensacola. Head north to Kristie’s then VA Beach for Hannah’s dance completion. Then time to head to Jersey, snow or no snow.
WISHING ALL A SAFE AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR
Submitted by Pam Elliott
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Source: Aerograph November 2011
President Rod Elliott
Vice President Al Parisi
Secretary/Treas Gene Merrill
Reporter Pam Elliott
Chaplain Marie Garrity
Sunshine Ann Bucher
The Airship Chapter had their Annual Picnic at the home of Charlie and Carol Moffett in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island in August. It was a small gathering. President Rod Elliott began the meeting with thanking all for attending and thanking the Moffett's for their hospitality. Gene Merrill presented the secretary/treasurer's reports. The meeting was adjourned. In the absence of Chaplain Marie Garrity, Pam Elliott offered the blessing prior to our meal. Attendees included: Bill and Joan Suydam, Al and Jane Parisi, Gene and Carol Merrill, Rod and Pam Elliott, Henry and Bobbie Losch, Charlie and Carol Moffett. As usual with a group of AG's, the rain began just as we were finishing our meal. Goes without saying! The deck had an awning so we were protected. We wished our sick shipmates better health and hope to see them at the December Christmas meeting.
Ray and JoAnn Bierly, Hello Everyone. The light is changing and the days are getting cooler 80/60. Can’t say that there is much happening here other than our volunteering at the hospital. Joann just chaired the Celebration of Life Service at the hospital on Saturday, October 1st and Ray still serves as Treasurer for the Auxiliary among other things. We are doing well and extend to everyone our hope for a Glorious Holiday Season.
Mike and Marie Garrity, we sure missed being with our shipmates on Long Beach Island for the picnic. Mike and I continue to have health issues. The one thing we still have is our sense of humor which keeps us going. Over all, life is good as our family is doing fine with the new great grand babies & thank God they are all working! But I know that, "God is good, All the time, All the time, God is good".
Gene & Carol Merrill, have just returned from our New England & Canada Cruise. We discovered Carol's youngest son has health issues. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Norm Macomber, spent nearly two weeks during August in the Pine Tree State of Maine. He visited his sister and brother-in-law, who still live in the homestead where he grew up. He also spent a week in a lake cottage. As part of his 83rd birthday celebration, Norm had a chance to participate in the Wings of Freedom Tour sponsored by the Collings Foundation based in Massachusetts. The group operates three WWII planes that they make available for display and flights - a B-24 Liberator, a B-17 Flying Fortress, and a P-51 Mustang. Norm had a 30 minute flight in the B-17 and enjoyed the experience.
Toddy McGayhey, there was a Family Reunion September 17th in Forked River which was a good time and all enjoyed visiting with the many generations in attendance. The Church Dinner some AG folk attend was October 6th. Toddy was joined by her son Frank and his son Tommy, along with Toddy's cousin Catherine who is staying with her and LR Upton's nephew and relation to Toddy, Walter and Linda Applegate. Others were: Henry and Bobbi Losch and Rod and Pam Elliott. This is always a nice function which allows shipmates to stay in touch. We missed the Merrill's as they were cruising.
Henry and Bobbi Losch, Bobbi is anxiously awaiting her birthday, her brother Ray and his wife Connie are coming to help her celebrate. They are busy preparing for a trip to TX to visit daughter Debbie, granddaughter Kaitlyn and other relatives.
Rod and Pam Elliott continue to keep busy, Pam attends credit union conferences while Rod joins her. They have slowed the traveling since May, except for trips to VA Beach to see granddaughter Hannah. They will begin traveling in December, January and February.
Happy New Year's and Good Health to All
Submitted by Reporter Pam Elliott
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