I sit here alone, as the pandemic has dictated we should do, and I think about 2020 and then I think about 2021.  I have decided no resolutions and no reliving past dos and don’ts.

 

So, I am going to think about today and maybe savor what happened yesterday if it is eventful enough to savor.  I ushered in the New Year alone watching the ball drop in Times Square, after having finished reading The Book Of Names.  A good book that I recommend if you are into the Jewish movement in Europe.

 

On New Year’s Day I made the traditional sauerkraut and wieners with corn bread and fried potatoes.  You know kraut for good luck and to determine that I will receive money.  My son Michael came and had dinner with me, and he supplied me with the human contact that I had missed for several days.

 

I received word several days ago that my dear friend Bill Bryan had passed away.  When I started Broadway Junior High Bill was in my home room and we continued together through graduation at Roosevelt-Wilson High School.  He was a pharmacist here in Clarksburg before moving to Florida. He tried to come home as often as possible and when he did, we would try to get together with Becky Sprout.  I understand he had COVID. I feel that at 81, and I do not want to be morbid but if I think about the future and that I should make plans for coming to the end of the road. I only know that I can say for sure I am trying very hard to follow the restrictions.

 

The best New Year’s gift that I received was an email from James Kloss from Michigan who had the correct birthdate for Grandfather Giovanni Oliverio, who was killed in the Monongah Mine.  Now my brother Bill and I can proceed with getting the monument ready for his grave, which has been unmarked for over 100 years.  What a way to start the New Year, I immediately called my brother in Florida to share the news with him. I am still in search as to what Oliverio family we are related to. Maybe he will help me find this information.  Never knowing this man, I feel he was a gift sent to me from God.

 

I was also saddened by the news of the passing of Kathy Folio.  So young.  We were friends, having worked on many community projects together over the years.  Condolences to her family.

 

If all goes as planned, I hope to get my COVID vaccination next week.  I have decided to take it, feeling that it will protect me.   I know there may be a few side effects, but I am prepared if this happens.  Mike and Leslie have already been vaccinated with no major side effects.  We may be a 100 percent family.

 

I was so thrilled to learn that the Progressive Women’s Associated is 100 years old according to the records in the Secretary of State’s office.  We will be planning some type of celebration in the near future as quarantine will permit. If anyone has any old archives, minutes, pictures, board list or any info that they would like to share with us, please call Elinda at 304-624-6881. Our food pantry and our pet pantry have been very busy during this period.  We continue to get donations and I urge you to donate to the pantries if you have the means.  We could also use cash donations to help keep the center open.  Angelina Suarez’s gift to us has certainly been a life saver to the PWA.  It is through these funds that we have been able to keep operating.  Every little bit helps.

 

A very happy birthday to my sister, Joan and my brother, Bill and to all those January babies.  Many more in good health.

 

Remember to follow the quarantine regulations, stay healthy, stay happy and until next week.” Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”