OCTOBER 5, 2006

I am going to show something a little different this year.  A group of teachers from Minnesota planned a very special afternoon for several people from Coalwood.  Some of the teachers have been to the 2004 and 2005 October festival and came back for a reunion and invited us for a special presentation at the beautiful Dian-Lee Bed and Breakfast in Bluefield.  We boarded the charted bus in Coalwood and off we went.

We arrived in Bluefield a happy bunch.  We were greeted at the front gate like royalty!

One of the surprise guests was Grace Corrigan (center) mother of Christa McAuliffe who was selected in 1985 to be the first civilian and teacher in space but was lost when the Challenger exploded on take off on February  28, 1986.

Another special guest was Dr. Lee Silver, Geologist from California.  Dr. Silver taught the Apollo astronauts how to recognize what rocks to bring back from the moon.

The next several hours were spent just meeting old friends and listing to the comments and stories from teachers and guest.

Homer and Grace,

a dynamic duo

Delegate Cliff Moore and Helen Carson

Cliff can smell a free meal and a campain crowd!

Just kidding Cliff.

Rocket Boy, Billy Rose holds the crowd spell bound with his comments.

(L) Rhonda (My wife) and (R) Sheryl Sotelo (from Alaska)

talk about living in Coalwood vs Alaska

To top the evening off was a slide show presentation put together by Steve Date (far left)

Bill Bolt and his wife Reba from Coalwood of course.

There was not a dry eye in the place after the presentation.  Steve did a outstanding job.

The rest of the evening was spent just talking and enjoying our time at the lovely Dian Lee House.

The day ended to soon, but we all found new friendships that October evening and I know the memories will last forever.

Ms. Katie Jones

Janice McClure

Peggy Blevins

Darrell Bailey, bus driver

Bill Bolt

Grace Corrigan

Peggy Blevins

Tom Hatcher,

Mayor of War, first on your left.

Red Carroll

Seated on right