Category Archives: People

Dona’s third grade report cards: Miss Meyer

Memories, People, Series, Things, , , ,

First year

Until I realized how Miss Meyer’s decision to have me repeat third grade was to my great benefit I was ashamed of “flunking” third grade and never told anyone. Miss Meyer had a [probably much deserved] reputation as being mean and most of her students (and many parents) were afraid of her. She seemed to have a soft spot for me, however, and was nothing but kind to me. The only perk of being held back was being able to choose your teacher for the next year. I chose to have Miss Meyer again. She told my mother she was astonished since no one wanted to be in her class the first time ’round.

Unfortunately I learned of my fate from a classmate who overheard Miss Meyer talking to the principal about keeping me back. The next day, Patti Kimbro, a friend who lived on my street with whom I walked to and from school, told me she heard that I was flunking third grade. I ran home in tears and told my mom what she said and my mom verified it. I was supposed to be told by Miss Meyer along with my parents. At least this way I didn’t cry in front of Miss Meyer.

For someone who was in danger of failing third grade this report card doesn’t look too bad. Maybe there was communication between Miss Meyer and my parents in other ways.

It looks like my height and weight were moving slightly above the 5th percentile this year.

Second year

My second year with Miss Meyer was better — although not perfect. I was still “on grade level” and still needed improvement in some areas, but it seems that I was finishing my work on time. This year was the year I got glasses — so that might have been a factor.

I wish Miss Meyer had written more comments. This is the only writing I have from her. I was able to tell her how important she was to me when I did my teaching practice with Mrs. Gibboney. I think she was pleased, although she responded to my “I think about you all the time” with “No, you might think of me sometimes, but I don’t think it’s all of the time.”

My height and weight continued to be between the 5th and 10th percentiles this year.

Note from Carol and Chuck

Friends, Memories, People, Things, Work, , ,

I wrote about Chuckles before — the white Teddy (polar?) bear that I was given my last night working at the Manor Pancake house in Elgin. Here’s what I said:

I know exactly where this last item came from. In 1978 I was working as a server at the Manor Pancake House in Elgin to pay for my upcoming +3-month long stay in England to student teach in London. I’d worked there long enough to have “regulars” and this item came from my favorite “regulars,” Carol and her workmate Chuck. They worked at Beef Villa and we got to know each other through visits to one another’s places of employment. I don’t know that we ever actually hung out together except at work.

Anyway, on my last evening at work before my trip to England was a very snowy one. I didn’t expect to see too many people I knew at the restaurant, but pretty much all of my “regulars” came in to say goodbye to me. I was really touched. Carol and Chuck even brought me a present. A stuffed polar bear. I named him Chuckles — sort of a combination of Chuck and Carol. All these years later, the three of us have reconnected (on Facebook of course). Chuckles is a keeper.

A few found things, Clutch Cargo Lips, November 5, 2017

Today, in a makeshift scrapbook full of old memorabilia, I came across the note they wrote on a restaurant napkin the night they gave me Chuckles. All these years later it still makes me smile. (No, I’m not crying — it’s my allergies…)

Dear Dona,

I can’t tell you how much we’ll miss you. You’re just a great person, and we looked forward to talk to you every night. We wish you the best of everything for whatever you do and for the future.

Hope everything goes your way with Jeremy.

Just be happy,
Carol
Chuck

P.S. Stop in and see us if you get a chance.
P.P.S. Be good
P.P.P.S. Have a jolly good time in merry ole England
P.P.P.P.S. Take care of Chuckles

Chuckles the polar bear
Chuckles the polar bear

Mom and Dad’s Wedding Announcement

Family, People, , ,

The editor must have been on vacation because 1) my dad did not actually take my mother’s last name and, 2) the word bride’ in the last sentence is missing an s after the apostrophe.

Patrick-Green Nuptials Read

The marriage of Miss Patricia Ann Green, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Green of 501 Raymond St., and Elvin M. Patrick, son of Mr. And Mrs. Frank Patrick of Hampshire, was solemnized Saturday afternoon, Sept. 4, at 4 o’clock in the First Methodist church at Hampshire, the Rev. Albert Ihne officiating.

The couple’s only attendants were Miss Barbara Grissom of Elgin and Donald Donahey of Gary Ind. A prelude of organ music was played by Mrs. Ihne. The bride was given away by her father. Guests witnessing the ceremony were members of the immediate family.

After a honeymoon at the Dells of Wisconsin Mr. and Mrs. Green will reside with the bride’ parents until their apartment is ready.