Sugar Grove
By Paula Mitchell
In many communities in this area, neighborliness was rooted in a history of isolation and self-reliance. This was a fundamental aspect of the culture and a cornerstone of survival and well-being. This sense of community was evident in various ways.
Neighbors were quick to help each other, especially during difficult times like building houses or barns, facing natural disasters like floods and fires, or dealing with illness. This included sharing food, even if resources were scarce.
The isolation created the need to rely on one another. Neighbors often developed deep family-like bonds. The emphasis was on the family and kinship networks for social life and support.
Visitors were often invited to stay for meals or to spend the night. This reflected a deep- seated value for hospitality. The phrase “clever folks” implied a generous household and was deemed a high compliment.
Practical assistance was translated into neighborliness. This included helping with home repairs, building barns, bringing meals, running errands for the elderly and providing wood for heat to those who could not collect it themselves. Plowing driveways during a heavy snow was also included.
Neighbors acted as first responders in the event of forest fires or floods. This safety net of mutual support was vital. In this close-knit community, a strong sense of belonging to the community was ingrained and provided peace and comfort. It is little wonder that those living away would return to their “roots” for reunions, visitations, and retirement. The family roots was a place where one was always welcome.
Ah-h-h, the good old days!
Life’s little instructions for a positive way of living include the following:
- Run an errand for an elderly person.
- Make a phone call to a house bound person.
- Have lunch with a friend.
- Write a thank you note.
- Give someone the benefit of the doubt.
Morning mists burn away with potential signs of fine days. Afternoon showers are a “hit and miss” in the community.
Quotes for the week are as follows:
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” — Robert Wyland
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always” — Robin Williams
“Life takes you down many paths, but my favorite ones lead to the beach.” — Unknown
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” — St. Francis of Assisi
“Where the women go, the culture goes.” — Phylica Rashad
Sitting under an umbrella is a great place to hear the “Talk of the Grove.”
On Saturday afternoon, Tom Mitchell attended his 68th high school graduation reunion. The reminiscing of days gone by brings lots of laughter to those in attendance.
Saturday evening found the Pendleton County Farm Bureau members motoring to Circleville for their annual dinner meeting. Many folks of the community were in attendance.
Rhonda and Helen Nash had a quiet celebration in honor of Rhonda’s birthday last week. The “main event” consisted of barbecued St. Louis-style ribs and one of Linda Rexrode’s peanut butter pies. It was a perfect celebration after a busy day of yardwork.
The Kaylee and Isaac Bennett benefit smorgasbord dinner, which was held at the Friends Run Church of the Brethren, was well attended. The dinner was spread fit for a tent meeting, and everyone enjoyed the company. In some small way, this benefit will ease the financial burden for the family.
This week’s clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
- Australia is the only English-speaking country to have made voting compulsory in federal and state elections. It results in a voter turnout of 95 percent.
- A group of baby rabbits is called a “kit.”
- A chef’s hat has 100 pleats.
- Anteaters don’t have any teeth.
- White is not a color, but the absence of all colors.
September birthdays include Loretta Blankenship and Gail Bowers, first; Eldon Puffenbarger and Shirley Sisson, second; Trent Alt, third; Eleanor Simmons and Ralph Parker, fifth; Sandy Smith and Mike Eye, sixth; Dawn Frame and Noah Kobetic, seventh; Kelly Sites and Allen Sisson, eighth; Lorena Hoover, Liz Summerville and Lucinda Eye, ninth; Cara Mitchell, 10th; Braxton Grogg, 11th; Mary Simpson, 12th; Barbara Woodward, Brenna Mitchell; Laura George; Carrie Harman and Kyler Kiser, 13th; Brian Harper, 14th; and Christopher Lambert, 15th.
Concerns are for Mike Adams, Charles Anderson, Joan Ashley, Roger Ashley, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, Allen Beachler, “Bo” Boggs, Larry Byers, Joyce Calhoun, Marie Cole, Stanley Dahmer, Kim Davis, Jennifer Errett, Isaac Eye, Marie Eye, Mary Eye, Carl Gant, David Gillispie, Patsy Green, JC Hammer, Sharon Harr, Steve and Armanda Heavner, Hannah Hedrick, Jack and Starr Hedrick, the family of Kenneth Hedrick, the family of Morgan Hedrick, Chuck and Tracy Hiett, Jim Hiner, Evan Hise, Tim Hively, Edsel and Mary Ann Hogan, Julia Homan, Keith Hoover, Delbert Olin Hoover, Debbie Horst, Bob and Cynthia Hurry, Mike and Lisa Jamison, Linda Jones, Richard Judy, Marsha Keller, Tara Kelley, Ruth Kile, Tom and Kim Kline, Tracie Knight, Laura Kropp, Melissa Lambert, Robert Lambert, Rex Landis, Donna Mallow, Roger and Skip Mallow, Audree Marsh, Anna Mauzy, Ed May, Gene and Joan McConnell, Gary McDonald, Neil McLaughlin, Rose Miller, Bruce Minor, Tom Mitchell, Barbara Moats, Gloria Moats, Jim Moats, Helen Nash, Aaron Nelson, Dwight Nelson, Ruth Nelson, Cheryle Paine, Terri Parker, Andy Pond, Wayne Price, Janice Propst, Alda Propst, Janis Propst, Mike Propst, Sheldon Propst, Virginia Propst, Eldon “Butch” Puffenbarger, the family of Matthew Putz, Tom Rader, Willard Rader, Brandon Reel, Jason Rexrode, Jimmy Rexrode, Linda Fay Rexrode, Bernie Sasscer, Annie Simmons, Erin Simmons, Eva Simmons, Greg Simmons, Judy Simmons, Nelson Simmons, Tonya Simon, Robbie Sites, Mike Skiles, the family of Betty Smith, Bruce Smith, Ed and Carolyn Smith, Natalie Stephenson, Tina Stuben, Steve Stump, the family of Patrica Swecker, Linda and Larry Vandevander, Sandra Vandevander, Amy Vaus, Estelle and Don Wagner, Mary Louise Waldschlager, Amby Waybright, Jr., Mike Waybright, Rene White, Sherry Wilfong, Judy Williams and Ann and Ed Wimer.
