Several reunions, events canceled

Appalachia Lions Club

Appalachia Lions Club meets tonight, July 23 at 7 p.m. on Main Street in Appalachia. Susie’s menu is meatball sub with chips and dip, Mandarine orange pineapple cake and beverages.

Birthday Wishes

Saturday, July 25 our good friend Wayne Herndon will be celebrating a milestone in his life. He does not show it at all, the years have been good to him. He is as handsome as ever. He will be celebrating his 80th birthday. Now he can be 40 twice.

Sunday, July 2h our school friend at AHS, Richard Weatherly is celebrating his birthday.

Happy Birthday to you two boys originally from Appalachia, now living in Big Stone Gap.

Lots of memories of our old school days.

Cancellations

I’m sure everyone is aware of the cancellations in our area due to the threat of the Corona virus.

The Blair Reunion and Andover Reunion in September has been cancelled for this year.

Railroad Days in August was cancelled.

It is a bad thing because people love to go to reunions.

The worse thing is spreading the Covid virus so we do what we have to do, wear a mask and stay home.

Hopefully it will be over and all these events can resume next year.

Online Services

I got to thinking, after listening to people talking about online services. Pay your bills, do banking, doctor visits, order your groceries for curb pickup or order and they will be shipped to you. All your pets needs are delivered to your door. Order anything you need. Listen to music of your choice, church services online, read your Bible, newspaper, read novels, DMV, Social Security services. The only thing I can figure out is you have to go in person to a beauty shop to get beautiful hair and nails done. Now I am sure there are more things people can do online. I am going to stick to my old home phone and it’s answering machine, put on my mask and go do our shopping and see the doctor in her office.

I will be as careful as I can and make the most of a bad situation.

East Stone Gap School Reunion

The East Stone Gap School Reunion was held in Big Stone Gap and those in attendance enjoyed being together for their annual school reunion. Not as many in attendance but the ones who are able to attend were glad they were there for their 75th school reunion. Looking forward to a large number next year.

60 Years Ago

Sixty years ago Appalachia students were looking forward to the opening of the new Appalachia High School on Lee Street in Appalachia. The school was a dream come true for most of the students. Our first new school! Wendel Caldwell, Wayne Herndon, Jerry Strong, our brother now deceased, Jerry Bush was in the last graduating class at the old high school at the red light in Appalachia. 

We were the incoming students at the new school and were so proud of it. Lockers to keep your books and coats in, a new cafeteria and library. It was all great and an auditorium for plays, graduations and assembly for Friday devotions.

Our beautiful gymnasium for P.E. and basketball games and once a year our prom. What memories we have at our dear old school.

Now 60 years later, and still being used by the Town of Appalachia.

Assisted Living Residents

This is a very hard time for our people in assisted living and nursing homes since they are still in quarantine for their safety from the virus.

If we all can send someone a card to let them know they are not forgotten it would brighten their day.

I talk to Nancy Buchanan and I can tell she is a little bored, but she understands. It has been six months since they were not allowed to have visitors.

Think about sending some cards.

Condolences

We were sorry to hear the news of the passing of Micah Swinney. He is the son of Pamelia and Rodney Swinney. Micah was 22 years old.

Please remember this family in your prayers. Micah was preceded in death by his Grandmother, Ann Swinney and Grandfather Swinney, Grandparents Faye and Ralph LeBlanc.