Dori and Jim Long - Bringing history to life
Dori and Jim long were two of more than 1,000 volunteers who helped make the recently Texas Folk life Festival at the Institute of Texan Culture a
success.Whether for a special event or for daily programs, the couple are among the museum’s “go-to docents.”
“We know we can count on them in any situations,” says Mary Ellen Smith, director of visitor services for ITC. “They are positive and
hard-working and full of life, so it is a pleasure to be around them.
Both 80, Dori and Jim have volunteered at ITC for almost 15 years and 13 years, respectively. Dressed in costume, Dori brings history
to life demonstrating spinning and weaving on the center’s exhibit floor on Thursday afternoons. During Folk life, visitors watched her demonstrate bobbin
lave weaving, a craft dating back to the 15th century.
"I learned something new every day from people who come (to the museum), and I hope they learn something, too,” says Dori.
Jim helped coordinate volunteers during Folk life. On Thursdays, he works in the museum’s photo archives. “We enjoy the people we meet, both
fellow volunteers and visitors,” the couple agree. “They Enrich our Lives.”
Let us recognize worthy individuals by sending me the details of their service so I can publish it on our website "Honor Page" for you.
It could a major anniversary, major birthday, graduation, completion of a certification, getting engaged or married, new baby.
There is no charge for this. Include digital pictures if you can. Email the information to the webmaster at mynhha.org.
On March…. , 2008, the Christian Assistance Ministry held their big annual fundraiser at the San Antonio Country Club and honored Milton McFarland and his twenty years of service to CAM and the city of San Antonio. When Franklin and Catherine Smith and their daughter Ann and I arrived at the function, we were overwhelmed by over three hundred people who had turned out for this festive occasion. One of the first things I noticed was the huge screen that continually flashed a slideshow of Milt throughout the twenty year helm he took to lead CAM to the powerhouse it is today. Speaker after speaker related stories, jokes and anecdotes about Milt, inciting laughter and a joyous time. You could just feel the warmth, love, and respect from all those who honored him that night. Sitting with him at the head table was his dear friend Mrs. Billie Shepard, and her son Chris and his wife Diane. Many donations to CAM were made in Milt’s honor that night, and it took the keynote speaker twenty minutes to cover all of Milt’s many achievements and improvements that raised CAM from a coalition of nine churches when it opened it doors in 1978 to help people in need. Today it is backed by 63 member churches of all denominations. When people need immediate help to make ends meet, CAM is there. The organization provides necessities such as groceries, clothing, and assistance with rent, health care, and utilities. They rely on a pool of 275 volunteers, and some have been with CAM for twenty or more years. Between 45,000 and 50,000 individuals throughout San Antonio are served each year. Many Northern Hills residents have supported Milt’s goals for the people served by CAM. His works are also reflected in the First Presbyterian Church where he is a member of the Usher’s Guild and he serves as a Deacon. Milt McFarland is living proof that one person can make a difference, and we are so proud of his many achievements.
Now that Milt has retired from both of his twenty year careers, he has turned his focus to the Northern Hills Homeowners Association
by agreeing to serve in the office of Vice-president of the board. He has also been named as District 10 Zoning……………
Milt served on the original Northern Hills Neighborhood swimming pool committee, and helped to get it going, and contributing very generously.
He also helped with National Night Out every year since 1997. It will be fun and interesting to observe this man in action;
I feel it will be a grand ride. Stay tuned.
During the Veterans Celebration at Northern Hills Elementary on Nov 11, the Leroy V. Greene Service awarded was presented to
Evelyn Reiffert, a music teacher at Northern Hills Elementary. She was nominated from Precinct 3 for organizing the school-wide
Veterans Day events at her school for the past 12 years. Her elaborate programs, including a morning reception, musical tribute,
guest speakers and a "Wall of Honor" with names of service members, have been a model for other schools that have started similar
events. Reiffert is the wife and daughter of a veteran.
For more information about the Leroy V. Greene Service Award Click Here
This important award provides well deserved recognition for Jim's dedication and success with the Cellular on Patrol (C.O.P.S.) program in Northern Hills. As a result, this makes our COP program 1st in the city and 2nd in the nation!
Click on photo.
To our very own Stephanie Eli,
Good job on the newsletter! You are the best newsletter editor ever in the history of NHHA. We are so lucky to have you!
Signed by all your friends at NHHA.
On April 17, 2008, Northern Hills Homeowners Association Treasurer, Carol Edwards, phoned NHHA Scholarship Chairman Sally Rice with a stunning message. Carol had been contacted by a financial institution informing her that an anonymous party had pledged a $1,000 scholarship in the name of Sally Gay Rice. It was the only time Carol had ever heard Sally totally speechless. Needless to say, Sally was thrilled and honored by this enormous gesture of generosity with no idea of the donor’s identity. The significance of this pledge is that it provides every qualified 2008 graduating Senior in Northern Hills can now receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Sally wants to express her most sincere gratitude to the person or persons responsible.
Dear Ruth,
The members of Northern Hills Homeowners Association voted uanimously to recognize you for your dedication and generosity.
Please accept our sincere thanks for your generous donation of your out of pocket expenses in support of the Yard of the month program.
The 2008 Barbeque fundraiser was a big success! Special thanks to Stephanie and Susan. Jan, Richard, Mike and many others helped by sharing their time, talent and treasure to our neighborhood.
These dedicated unselfish neighbors of Northern Hills spent their Saturday preparing, cooking, making and selling some really good BBQ Beef sandwiches.
The event was held in the parking lot out front of the Capital Management Feed and Hardware Parking Lot, 12826 Nacogdoches Rd. It was really cold at 7:30 AM when they began their work.
There was a special ceremony honoring Franklin and Catherine Smith on Thursday, February 28, 2008, 3 P.M. at the entrance to the Waterford (corner of Thousand Oaks and Scarsdale). The Smiths are long time residents of Northern Hills and have given many hours in support of the Homeowners Association and the neighborhood. A tree has been planted in recognition of their efforts, and a plaque designed by former resident John Penry was unveiled. Refreshments were served. NHHA wishes to thank the Waterford for their support in honoring the Smiths.
TREE PARTY FOR FRANKLIN AND CATHERINE SMITH
The Smiths have always kept a low profile, thus many of their numerous contributions ot Northern Hills are anonymous and unaknowledged, but there are plenty of them noted first hand. Since the early '90s they seldom came alone to NH General Meetings, always bringing a passenger. No neighbor ever failed to get a hospital visit, and any work committee found them folding, stamping, delivering, phoning and encouraging for every occasion they were needed.
They were the first Area Reps for Area Nine. Franklin walked and counted every one of the 140 houses himself. He served two terms as Vice President of Northern Hills Homeowners Association, and participated in the much-needed rewrite of the Bylaws. Catherine served as Secretary during that time frame. In 1998 Franklin was elected Treasurer at a crucial time of dramatic membership growth due to the air traffic proble.
The Smiths were among the first trainees for the COP program, and drove patrols for more than 11 years. They contributed generously to the purchase of our community pool. Catherine's Sunshine Club founded the popular Monday Meet-To-Eat group. It was a hoot to find Franklin on the parking lot of the chosen restaurant directing traffic, and escorting the ladies to their seats. He's even more beloved for his work as "paper boy" since 1995, placing The Express News at the doors of widow ladies and select others.
On February 28 in front of the Waterford, a large group of admirers attended a celebration of the Smith's devotion to Northern Hills in a tree-planting ceremony. A lovely ornamental Bradford Pear complete with engraved stone by John Penry was dedicated to them. In years to come it will be an enduring reminder of the good works of Catherine and Franklin to all who pass by, because they are so deserving of the respect and admiration of a grateful neighborhood.
Submitted by Gloria Hall
Former Madison High School Defensive Back David Edwards died Wednesday afternoon. Madison High School Coach Jim Streety confirmed that Edwards died around 1:30 p.m. at Northeast Methodist Hospital.
To add a comment go to the following link:
Edwards was paralyzed from the neck down after making a tackle in a 2003 Madison High School game.
According to friends and family, Edwards stopped breathing Monday night and was taken to the hospital. He was resuscitated there, but remained unresponsive and in the Intensive Care Unit.
The former Madison football player was incredibly courageous during his recovery, often seen at Madison sporting events and helping with Gridiron Heroes, the organization that helps spinal cord injury victims.
Greetings Everyone! Greg Golden
Click each image to enlarge
Give recognition to those deserving volunteers
Let us thank all our NHHA officers and other volunteers
Milton Robert McFarland Honored
Christian Assistance Ministry
1987-2007
Evelyn Reiffert presented with Service Award
Jim Long receives an award from the City.
Stephani Eli honored for dedicated service
Sally Rice honored by anonymous $1,000.00 scholarhip pledge
Ruth Kottler, YOM Coordinator is hereby recognized!
CONGRATS on a successful fundraiser! Job Well Done!
NHHA Honors Franklin and Catherine Smith
Let us Remember Dave Edwards
NRC NEIGBORHOOD AWARDS go to NHHA
I want to thank Sally Rice, and especially Stephanie Eli (who worked on both of these projects). There are many that are helping among us, and I am leaving a lot of credit unattributed, but thanks ladies for stepping up and leading the fight! Our newsletter is consistently excellent, as is evident by the awards we're winning. The Kids Of The Hills program that Sally and Stephanie head is really important, and this is why I think so. My little girl Claire just started kindergarten at 5 yrs old. When I spoke with the principal, he stated that most of his children come from Northern Hills. I think if there are that many children in Northern hills, there are a lot of families that we don't hear from AT ALL. This youth initiative is an excellent way to get some of them involved. The participation we have from the long time members is great and because of that, Northern Hills is a great place to live. Isn't it going to be wonderful to get more families involved that will continue the traditions you have fostered here? I'm very excited about this recognition and want to thank you all for what you do!
NHHA President
Thank you for telling me about any home service provider you are pleased with so I can invite them to advertize on the NHHA newsletter and website.