50-Year-Reunion

1975 -2025 1975 2025 1975 -2025 1975 2025 1975 2025

REUNION 50-YEAR REUNION BLUEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1975 We Believe!

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I guess since I am the one putting this together, I give myself permission to ramble and reminisce. I have never been to any of our BHS Class Reunions, and my absence from the five group photos in this book confirms that. I really don ’ t have a legitimate reason why, either. It ’ s not like I was avoiding anyone, or mad at anyone, or embarrassed that I had gone gray or bald way too early. I just didn ’ t go. It just didn ’ t seem important – then. Over the past decades, the Lord has allowed me to be involved in some significant events – the closing of a high school, the opening of a high school, the centennial of a school, the seventy - fifth and one - hundredth anniversaries of my church, not to mention, family birthdays, anniversaries, and the hundreds of weddings I ’ ve photographed. Indeed, I have been molded by, and blessed by, the work it takes, and the joy it is, to celebrate something worth celebrating. When we were in school, history was not a subject I liked. I went to college to be an English teacher. Very wisely, Bluefield State required us to have a minor. I was always an “ average ’ student. I was not smart enough to major in the sciences, mathematics, or fine arts, but anyone could handle social studies, so I reasoned, and I prayed I would never have to teach it. From the very beginning, World History would be what I was “ assigned ” as a teacher. It took me several years to really appreciate and love history – and realize what history really is -- a collection of great stories, with intriguing characters, a twisting plot, enthralling settings, and of course, great conflict. What follows in this book are bits and pieces of great stories from you -- 79 of our classmates. I was delighted to read each of these, and honestly, a bit disappointed that some from our class did not contribute. Like some of you, I never left the area. I have come to sincerely love this place, especially the kind individuals who live here, and our wonderful “ Four Seasons ” weather that never seems to get above 90 degrees for free lemonade. As we look back on it, growing up in “ Almost Heaven ” during the late 1950’ s and ‘60 s was a pretty neat time to be a kid. Wasn ’ t it? Oh, the joys of recess, having our teachers read a book to us after lunch, watching Saturday morning cartoons, playing outside. The list is long and wonderful, isn ’ t it? I ’ m sure our parents worried and wondered about us being teenagers in the ‘70 s, as our hair grew longer, if you were a guy, and your beautiful long straight hair got layered, if you were a girl. And oh, how our fashions reflected the times! How interesting to see bell bottom jeans back in style! I honestly never thought that would happen. Several years ago, someone shared this profound statement with me, “ The days are long, but the years are short. ” Indeed. Questions like -- Would our kids ever be out of diapers? Can we really afford this 30 - year mortgage? How will we ever pay for college? Will I be able to afford retirement? -- seemed to be bigger than life in an earlier chapter of life. Now, it ’ s different. How can you not love a great story?

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Fast forward to May of 2025, when you started sending your emails in for the Reunion Yearbook that you hold in your hands. It was interesting to see how many of you were feeling as I was – how can it possibly be 50 years? Bluefield wasn ’ t perfect then, but we had some passionate educators and mentors in our schools, churches, and athletic teams. And now, we are probably older than those respected individuals were back then. How has this happened? I remember writing a book report for Joy Sarver in the eleventh grade. The book, The Way We Were , an easy read, since the movie was out, was my choice that six weeks. I ’ m sure you can hear Barbara Streisand ’ s voice as you read these lines, “ Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind . . . Can it be that it was all so simple then . . . So, it ’ s the laughter we will remember, whenever we remember . . . .” As I have worked on this project and read your bios, I have been very, very impressed. We have some accomplished individuals among us. Why are we not surprised? Thank you for taking the time to reflect and write about the past half - century. As several have noted, we have indeed done our families a kindness by providing them the info they will need when it is time for them to write our obituaries. It was the theme for our senior yearbook in 1975, and thankfully, it ’ s still the beloved mantra of Bluefield High School today, “ We believe! ” On behalf of the Reunion Committee, thank you for sharing parts of your story with us -- and may we always believe.

Wayne Pelts 50 - Year Reunion Chairman

BHS Class of 1975 50 - Year Reunion Committee -- Billie Arnold Johnson, Brock Smith, Carolyn Aust Vance, Carleena Sword Blankenship, Cindy Freeman McGraw, David Orander, Derrick Felts, Diane Frazier Sudduth, Don Poe, Jennifer Scales Windle, Melinda Surway Angles, Pamela Gaither Burton, Patricia Hale Taylor, Retha Smith, Wayne Pelts

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Karen Anthony 6652 Goldenrod Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43229 (614) 270 - 3332 kamahone@sbcglobal.net October 9

After my high school graduation in 1975, I attended West Virginia State University, majoring in Business Administration Management with a minor in Commerce. I graduated from there in 1978. Right after, I moved to Columbus, Ohio to start working at The Ohio State University, College of Social Work, managing the secretarial staff. I started playing co - ed Softball in 1979, where I met the love of my life, Ron Mahone. We were on the same team. He had a quiet spirit which intrigued me. I wanted to get to know him. Long story short. We started dating and married in 1981 on July 4!! I began a new career working for E. I. DuPont in 1982, after the birth of our first daughter, Erika Genise. Erika, is now a Mental Health Therapist and owns her own counseling business. Our middle daughter, Ashley Ronelle, born in 1986, is a Nurse, and our youngest daughter, Taren Ronee ’, born in 1993 is a Corporate Business Analyst. My grandson, Jaylen Rondell, born in 2003 to our oldest daughter is a HVAC & Plumbing Apprentice. We ’ re so proud of all of them. I left DuPont in 2003 due to downsizing and obtained my Real Estate license. I also started working for the Department of Defense as a Contract Specialist and retired in 2020. I ’ m still working as a realtor. My Husband, Ron, of 44 years, is a Retired USPS Post Master. My Son - In Love , Maurice, is married to my youngest daughter and works for the City of Columbus. We are expecting our second grandchild (a granddaughter) this year in July. We have been truly blessed!!

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Time for a graduation photo

Our wedding vows were made under a big, beautiful tree in my brother ’ s back yard.

At our daughter ’ s wedding

The gang on Christmas morning

My daughters, ready to take me out to celebrate my birthday

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Billie Arnold Johson 610 Fairway Street, Bluefield, Virginia 24605 (276) 322 - 3135 December 20

Where in the world has time escaped? After graduating, I attended Concord College and Bluefield State College earning a B.S. degree in Elementary Education and meeting the love of my life. This November we will celebrate 46 years of marriage. Teaching 40 years involved grades stretching from Pre - K to 7 in Middle School. I ended my career enjoying 20 years as an Elementary School Librarian. A couple of summers, I taught classes through Southwest Virginia Community College for high school students involved in a work study program. High school students are on another level which was very enlightening. Upon retirement I created Out of the Box by Billie which consists of a unique calendar and original stationary products. I am especially honored to have been asked to create a calendar for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation of Monticello, which is sold in their gift shop, catalog and online. My personal items are sold in several shops across Virginia, West Virginia, North and South Carolina. We enjoy being aunt and uncle, since we did not have children. It has been so much fun being a part of making memories that I hope one day our nieces and nephews will cherish. I have had several health concerns and am so thankful to greet each day as a gift and new opportunity to see what a blessing I can be. I am so excited to connect and celebrate 50 years with childhood friends and classmates.

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Attending a wedding at Boonsboro Country Club in Lynchburg, Virginia

Enjoying the Greenbrier

Meeting the WVU Mountaineer mascot

Riding the boat to Little Palm Island

Introducing myself with Out of the Box by Billie

Enjoying Hilton Head

On the boat out to Fort Jefferson

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Carolyn Aust 224 Sunnyview Court, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701 cmav1156@gmail.com (304)308 - 8423 November 1

It is really hard to sum up 50 years of life lessons, milestones and adventures. After graduating from BHS, I attended the Bluefield State College Nursing Program. I earned my A.S degree as registered nurse in May, 1977, and started work as an R.N. at Bluefield Sanitarium. In March of 1979, I went to work at Princeton Community Hospital. I got married in June,1979 to my first husband, who had obtained a job in Washington, D.C., and so we bought a house in Frederick, MD and relocated. Our home was located at the base of the Catoctin Mountain range near Camp David. It was a beautiful area, but there was not a day that I didn't miss the West Virginia mountains and the people of Bluefield. During the next 20 years, I raised a son, Cory, born in 1983, and a daughter, Leah, born in 1987. Of all the things I have done, they are my greatest accomplishments. I also completed my B.S.N. and worked in various health care disciplines, including Hospice and Oncology, Home Care and Geriatric Care. My last job, before retiring, was serving as a Director of Nursing for a large retirement community that housed 400 seniors through all levels of care. I knew from the age of twelve that I wanted to be a nurse and that gift from God was the most rewarding work for me. My first marriage ended in divorce in 1999. In 2006, God sent a man into my life who supports and loves me unconditionally every day. I married Darryl Vance in July 2006. Darryl is from Wilmington, DE, but has lived all over the U.S., and is retired military, serving for six years during Vietnam. He had never lived in West Virginia, until I had the opportunity to move back to Bluefield in 2009, and we found out that West Virginia is where his ancestral roots lie as a part of the Hatfield Clan in Logan County. Fortunate for me that he loves West Virginia and Bluefield. In 2007, I became a grandmother, known as "Nana". My daughter Leah has three beautiful girls. Kylie 17 years old, Natalie 6 years old and Mollie 17 months old. I am fortunate they live here in the area, and I get to spoil them as much as possible. Nothing brings me more joy to than to be hugged and hear, "I love you Nanny". I spend a lot of my time making memories with these sweet granddaughters. I have been fortunate to be able to travel all of the eastern U.S states and a few west of the Mississippi. I have been to Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Eastern Canada, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Ontario. All of these are beautiful places. My all - time favorite is the Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick, Novia Scotia and Maine. The tides rise and lower 56 feet, and you can walk about two miles out onto the ocean floor during low tide. Amazing to see and experience. I came home to WV in 2009 to be here for my aging Mom. She will be 86 this June. My Dad passed away in 1994. I have lost two of my four siblings in the past five years. Many of our friends have passed away, but I am grateful for the life God has given me, and grateful to be able to share this 50th reunion of the BHS Class of '75.

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My husband, Daryl, and me

My 1977 Graduation from Bluefield

My granddaughters, Kylie, Natalie and Mollie White

My 60th Birthday with my Mom and siblings

My son, Cory Zellmer, and his sweetheart, Collen McLaughlin

My daughter, Leah, and husband Jason White

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Nancy Baldwin Jackson 3203 Mandy Lane, Morehead City North Carolina (225) 718 - 3795 jacksonng3@yahoo.com September 24

Hi friends and classmates. It has been a while. The age - old question, “ Where did the time go? ” Shortly after graduation, my father gave up the ghost. This was heart - wrenching and such a life - changing event for me, like a slap in the face. A large dose of reality. In 1978, I married Tim Jackson, the love of my life. In 1980 we had a daughter. Over the next many years we moved around following Tim ‘ s work. We lived in both Bluefields, Rocky Gap, Richmond, Virginia, and Pearisburg. For a time, we lived in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, cruising around on island time where we became certified advanced scuba divers. We enjoyed visiting some of the other islands.

During that time I must say I did not miss the snow and cold winters. We returned stateside in the fall of 1997 and settled in Jarreau, Louisiana, where we put down roots for the next 15 years.

During that time, we watched our daughter graduate high school, join the army National Guard, and go to war in Afghanistan, Iraq, and New Orleans during and after Katrina, along with several other hurricanes. She married and blessed us with two grandchildren.

In 2005, I lost my only brother, Jim Baldwin. Wanting to spend more time with family, Tim and I moved as close as the warm weather would permit. We landed in Morehead City, North Carolina, next to the sunny beach.

Late January of 2015, my mother gave up the ghost, and Tim followed May 10, 2015. I retired in 2022, and lost one sister, Betty Jo, in the summer of 2022.

I am trying to start checking off things from my bucket list as my body reminds me I am no longer 25. I try to remember all those along the path that got me to the “ here and now. ” I ’ m so glad I could make this 50th and see you again.

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Love is in the air, Tim and Nancy, Myrtle Beach

Off to work, family photo, St Croix USVI

Alaska 2017 second visit to Glacier National Park

New Grand baby 2019

Blarney Castle, Ireland 2024

Paris France, visit to Versailles 2024

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Mary Bell Susanne Hurtgen 3990 Pfrimmers Chapel Rd NE, Corydon, Indiana 47112 (502) 235 - 6127 December 2

Hasn ’ t 50 years gone by all too quickly?!

After graduation, many of my friends went away to college. I went to the college of life! In Bluefield I worked at Bassett Dairy Bar & Restaurant, one Christmas season at Thornton ’ s Department Store, and Acme Market as cashier. I met Jeff through my brother. I moved to Louisville Kentucky to marry in fall 1976. We had a baby girl in January 1978! She was a miracle, but I continued nine years to be like the woman in the Bible the doctors couldn ’ t help. In my heart and prayers, I touched the hem of Jesus ’ garment. After one year of healing, I found I was four months along with a baby boy. After Jeffrey, came Rebecca. I chose her name because like the Rebecca in the Bible, I married a stranger in a far land on faith. And last we had Phillip! Jeff and I are both “ products ” of the Jesus Movement in early ‘70 s. He has done music and ministry for 50 years. We ’ ve served together in many ways. I cooked for our church camps, and Wednesday night dinners. After 47 years of Kroger, Jeff followed his dream to SBTS to graduate at 70! I attended classes at Seminary Wives Institute. Closest I ’ ve been to college! We lived in Louisville together for 19 years. We moved across the river to southern Indiana 30 years ago. We have a small farm cottage on five acres. We love to go antiquing, have grands sleep over, garden, have a bonfire, and we mow a lot LOL. All my kids play instruments. Music surrounds my family at gatherings. We rent a large house by the seaside, and almost 20 of our family go for the most fun! We love visiting friends and family with trips to the mountains and beaches. Tybee Island and Savannah, GA, Oak Island and Bald Head Island, NC, St. George Island, FL. We drove out west two times. America is beautiful, and God paints a lovely sky! Living in the “ tapestry ’” of life God weaves, it will all be worth hearing “ well done, thou good and faithful servant. ” We want to finish well. God bless my classmates My “ career ” of choice was to be a wife, and a mother of our four. And the icing on our cake is grandchildren! I work part time in a consignment/antique store. I search to price items and run my boss ’ s FB page. My fun job!

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Jeff and Mary with our four grown fabulous “ kids, ” December 2024

Our family of six 1993

Mary at our five acre old farm cottage, fall 2023

Jeff and Mary

Our Big Fat Non - Greek Family Vacation Fall ‘24

Our grown four at beach trip, Oct. 2023

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Jim Browder After graduation from high school, I went to Virginia Tech where I studied chemistry and graduated with a Bachelor of Science. After looking at several different job pathways where I could apply my degree, I decided to try teaching for a while to see if I liked it. I ended up teaching at Honaker High School in Russell County, Virginia for three years, where I taught a combination of chemistry, physics, and earth science at various times. Although I looked at this time as sort of a test to see if a career in education was for me, it turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I learned as much as I taught and I made lifelong friends in the community. I also learned that public education is extremely challenging, underpaid, and underappreciated profession and I gained an enormous amount of respect for anyone that works in public education. Suffice it to say that I decided to move on to my first career shift and I went back to graduate school where I delved deeper into chemistry and chemical physics at Virginia Tech. After graduate school, I tried teaching for one more year and ultimately ended up applying my chemistry knowledge to the environmental profession where I worked for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in Richmond, Virginia for about seven years. This period was again a great period of growth and learning for me and I value the experience I gained and the friends that I made there. During this time, I also met the woman who would become my wife, Peggy, and I ’ m grateful for every day that I have known her. In 1995 I made another career change. I started working at an electric utility in Richmond where I worked in the environmental department focusing on air pollution issues and eventually including water and waste issues, mostly associated with new power plants. A few years after moving into utility work, my wife and I decided to adopt a baby from China and then a few years later we adopted another. Our two daughters from China, Kate and Rebecca, are now grown and in their twenties. They are the greatest blessings of our lives. After one more career shift in 2007 into energy conservation work, still at the same electric utility in Richmond, Virginia, I retired in 2023. I ’ m now doing a whole lot of amateur astronomy, in which I have had a life - long interest, and I do volunteer outreach education in astronomy and space science. I work with our local astronomy club and serve as a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador. Peggy is also retired after serving as a special education teacher for a number of decades.

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Jim and Peggy at NC beaches with daughters, Rebecca and Kate

Jim enjoying a view of sun through a solar telescope

Jim and Peggy at Christmas with daughters, Rebecca and Kate

Jim and Peggy in China with our adopted daughters in 2002

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Bud Clapp 1304 West Cumberland Road, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701 budman6@comcast.net (304) 960 - 0771 July 2

After graduation from BHS, I attended Virginia Tech earning a B.S. in Mining Engineering. In 1981, I went to work for Reynolds Aluminum in Bauxite, Arkansas. However, in less than a year, they shut the mine down and I was released. In 1982, I took a job with Pocahontas Land Corporation where I worked for thirty - eight years starting as Engineer Special Projects and ending as Senior Manager of Engineering. During my time there, I earned my certification as a Registered Professional Engineer and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Marshall University. The company was sold in 2020, and my position was terminated, so I retired from the mining industry at age 62. I have worked part time at the Fincastle Golf Course since that time. I was active in professional organizations, serving as chairman of the Society of Mining Engineers/Central Appalachian Section and president of the Pocahontas Coal Association. I also volunteered in a number of community activities such as a swimming teacher at Harmony Acres; Little League umpire; co - chair of the Mercer/Tazewell Youth Leadership Program; helping construct, map, and maintain the trails at the Bluefield City Park. I also served as chairman of the Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, board member/treasurer of the Hatfield - McCoy Trail Authority, and as volunteer assistant golf coach at Bluefield University. I continue as a board member of the Bluefield Coal Show and as a Deacon and Trustee at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Recreation in my 30s and 40s consisted mainly of playing with my sons – I didn ’ t grow up, just grew older. Since they were spaced ten years apart, Susan and I spent over twenty years watching youth soccer, baseball, band concerts, etc. I had dipped snuff since Fairview, but quit for my 50 th birthday and put on weight as a result. I started cycling with a group of friends to lose weight. I was pitifully slow my first year, but improved significantly in my second. In my second and third years, I cycled across Iowa (an event called RAGBRAI) and rode the Rocky Mountains in my fourth. I biked over 100 miles eleven times. I also enjoyed mountain biking and entered a few races. My efforts weren ’ t magnificent, but I managed to finish. In my 60s, most of my recreation time has been spent on a golf course where inconsistency is the most consistent part of my game. I have shot under par (for 9 holes) and have had a hole - in - one, but I ’ ve had less glorious efforts as well. I saved the best for last -- the important stuff: I was 29 when I married Susan in 1986. She was granted sainthood by my coworkers and my sisters many years ago for staying married to me without committing murder. She has taught preschool throughout our marriage and is currently co - director of Westminster Preschool. We are blessed with two sons (Bob, 36 and Mark, 26), both of which are good guys (that ’ s just not a dad talking – several people have complimented them over the years). Most folks give the credit for raising good kids to Susan and they ask why she hasn ’ t done a better job on me. The older son is a pharmacist and the younger is currently a department manager at Dick ’ s Sporting Goods while pursuing a career as a physician ’ s assistant. Bob is married and Mark is still single. We have no grandkids at this time. To sum up the past fifty years, I ’ ve been very blessed. I ’ ve got a good wife and family; and other than a minor incident here and there, the family has enjoyed good health and prosperity.

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At the start of a 100 - mile ride called “ Mountains of Misery ”

At the top of the Grand Mesa when I rode the Rocky Mountains

Golf with sisters – my sisters and I play golf at Pipestem twice a year

A silly picture we took at my niece ’ s wedding at their photo booth

Dancing at my niece ’ s wedding

A picture of my family at Bob ’ s wedding – Me, Mark, Bob, Susan

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Teresa Coffman Saltsman 5307 Mount Blanc Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40216 (317) 690 - 7244 July 18

Moved to Louisville, Kentucky June, 1976. Went for part of nursing school, but took care of my grandparents.

Worked 41.5 years mostly at Saint Mary and Elizabeth Hospital, briefly in nursing home, or home health care. I wore many hats as a unit secretary, recovery room, endoscopy tech -- all while raising my wonderful three! Christopher, born 1985, twins, son, Aaron, daughter, Ashlee, born April, 1988. Sadly, lost my oldest son, Chris, this May, 2025, but God gave us time for our goodbyes, and we poured out our hearts to each other. I love to cook, and gardening is my therapy. Even while working, my kids would beg, “ Mom, please no take out. I want your home cooking! ”

Church, and family, and puppy dogs. My kids are my life!

My twins

My sweet twins

My parents and children

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With my oldest, son, Christopher

My three kids

With daughter, Ashlee

With daughter, Ashlee

Family

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Susan L. Copenhaver Anderson 1242 Sassafras Drive, South Haven, Michigan 49090 (616) 481 - 9629

Greetings fellow '75 GRADS!

How quickly time flies through the chapters of our lives! Here we are on the precipice of another milestone...50 years ago we marched across the stage at Bluefield High to receive our diplomas. I carry the fondest memories of those high school years..."Who are we? BEAVERS!" - went the chant at our pep rallies... Since I've lived my entire married life in western Michigan, I sadly have lost touch with so many of you. So let me give a quick summary of my last 50 years. Following high school, I attended both Bluefield College and Concord College, focusing on Voice and Piano. In 1977, I transferred to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK, graduating with a B.A. in Communication Arts in 1980. I met the love of my life the first day of my senior year in the cafeteria, and we married August, 1979. We began our married life in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1980. I worked as a K - 9 Music Teacher until we began our family in 1984. By this time, my husband, Todd, had sidelined his Marketing education and the business world to become a full - time Youth Pastor. The Lord blessed us with three beautiful children, two sons and a daughter. I chose to stay home with my kids while they were young, but as they grew I found work within the education system, teaching theatre, subbing, and working as a paraprofessional. In 2012, I left the education world to pursue my lifelong dream to become an artist. Signing up for art classes in draw ing and painting was all it took... I was hooked! I had always been creative and artistic, but had never dedicated myself in this way. Over the following years, I studied privately, and have self - taught. For 13 years now, art has been my daily passion, painting in watercolor, oils, pastels, and colored pencil. When I paint, I get lost in time, and love every minute of creating beauty on canvas. Some of my art over the years may be viewed on my website: slafineart.com

On the side, I enjoy walking, kayaking in summer months, family gatherings and trips, campfire gatherings, meeting up with friends, hosting others in our home, and singing on our church worship team.

For almost 46 years, I've been blessed with an amazing husband, who has not only supported all my artistic endeavors, but has been my best friend. In his early 50's, Todd pursued a deeper calling to become a life and business coach, a major career shift from leading in the automobile industry and youth pastoring. He founded Summit Coaching Partners in 2014, and continues his business today, helping business teams and leaders thrive.

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How grateful we are to have been able to pursue another lifelong dream in 2018, that of building a home near the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Our grown children, and now four grandchildren live only a short hour away. We are fortunate to be able to gather as a family often, and see our grandkids move through all their milestones. When we're together, one of our favorite things is to huddle up for the FAMILY chant...."Family, family, family, family!!!!" We have so much to be thankful for! As I look over time's shoulder, I see all the ways God has held us. How grateful I am to know Jesus and walk with Him through the highs, the lows, and all the in - between. There will always be hard things that come in life... loss, and disappointments. But He is there and will be there to guide us through whatever we face.

May the Lord bless you and keep you... One of the 1975 Beavers, I go by Sue now

An adventure in Switzerland 2022 - Anniversary trip of dreams!

Our 'home of dreams' built by Lake Michigan 2018

Our three amazing children - Dustin - middle child, Andy - first born, Joy - youngest

Christmas 2024 - Rylee 15, Dyllan 17, Penny 8, Byron 11

Husband Todd, our beloved golden - Rigby, and me on the shores of Lake Michigan

Our family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan -- family vacation in the Les Cheneaux Islands of Lake Huron

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Sherry Cox Barker 241 Circle Hill Road, Ghent, West Virginia 25843 (304) 573 - 9078

Education: Bachelor ’ s Criminal Justice Degree

Work experience: American Electric Power Company for 15 years. FMRS Mental Health Agency, Counselor for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Appalachian Regional Hospital screening psychiatric patients and substance abuse. I took the opportunity to retire early to babysit and spend time during those precious years with my grandchildren.

They are my blessings and what I am most passionate about.

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My daughter Rachel, her husband, Alex, and my grandbabies, Isabella and Sophia

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Cathy Dawson Puzzuoli

Attended Bluefield State, Fall 1975 to major in Business Administration

Transferred to West Virginia University, January 1976, to major originally Business...ended up in1979 with a degree in Secondary Education in Math, Speech Communication. Later attended Kansas State University from 1983 to 1987, and earned B.S. Computer Science and M.S. Computer Science with emphasis on relational technology.

Married David Puzzuoli in 1980 in Charleston, West Virginia

David was active army for many years. We moved to Augusta, Georgia, Nashua, New Hampshire, Enterprise, Alabama, and Manhattan Kansas. While at Manhattan, Kansas, the most important event of my life happened, my son Nicholas was born in 1985! Small child at 9 lb 6 oz. We exited the army life in 1987 and moved to Van Buren, Arkansas where I started to work for Arkansas Best Freight in their Infrastructure Technology Group. We divorced in 1988. I then moved to Alexander City, Alabama, worked as a manager over the DB2 DBA team for Russell Corporation, and next moved to Winston - Salem, North Carolina to work for US Air as a consulting DBA. My work path at US Air was typical of IT in the late 90s, early 2000s -- constant change -- US Air to Sabre to EDS to HP to HPE to DXC to I QUIT!!!!! and so I left that ride to get a more stable job with Express Scripts. That was short - lived. Cigna bought us. In 2010, I became a grandmother to my beautiful Naomi, who is now 15 years old. She is simply an amazing young lady. My son Nicholas was recently promoted to Master Sargeant in the Marine Corp. I am so amazed and so proud of him!!! My granddaughter Naomi has been heavy into sports like volleyball, soccer, and basketball. I wish I was able to spend more time where they live, in Beaufort SC, to see her participate.

I lost my Dad early on in 1980 and my Mom in 2010. Both deaths sadden me.

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My granddaughter, Naomi, and me when she was 12.

My son, Nicholas, and my grand daughter, Naomi, (she was 6) upon his return from Bahrain, after a long deployment

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Lisa Dunn Godwin 595 Middle Fork Drive, Ellamore, West Virginia 26267 (304) 952 - 1720 gagodwin@citlink.net

B.S. in Education – Concord, 1979 Masters in Communication in Education – WVU, 1982

I taught Elementary School in Mercer County from 1979 – 1983. On June 25, 1983, I married Greg Godwin and moved to the Chicago area while he completed Seminary. We returned to West Virginia serving United Methodist Churches in six West Virginia communities. In 1995, I returned to work as a preschool director in Lubeck, WV and then returned to teaching in Mercer County Schools in 2001. I retired with 22+ years in 2020 from the Harrison County Schools. Greg also retired from full - time pastoral work in 2020. We have enjoyed five years in the retirement home we built along the Middle Fork River. Our pride and joy is our family: Lauren Ann, United Methodist Pastor, currently serving as the Nine Rivers District Superintendent (Charleston/Huntington Area). Her daughter, Nora Grace, is five; Jordan Arthur, CEO of Valley Health Care in Randolph County. He has a son, Arthur Samuel, who is seven and a daughter Anna Claire, 18 months. I am involved in P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) supporting women ’ s educational needs and ADK (Teacher Sorority) supporting current and retired teachers. Greg and I regularly volunteer in area centers supporting low income and food insecure clients. Other travels include a family trip to L ϋ beck, Germany in 1996 as an exchange with the United Methodists in L ϋ beck. In 1998 we made a family road trip out west. Greg and I visited Lauren in Argentina during her semester of study at Catholic University of Córdoba, a Jesuit university. I enjoy watching the wildlife and birds where we live along the river, tending to flowers in my rock gardens, cooking, baking, word puzzles, and directing the Bell Choir at church. I have enjoyed travels that include a trip to England in 1982 with my grandmother to visit her niece.

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Lisa and Greg

Jordan, Lucy, Arthur and Anna

Our Eagle Neighbor

Lauren and Nora

Nora

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Mark Browder 7260 Parsons Court, Alexandria, Virginia 22306 (703) 405 - 7186

Graduated from West Virginia University in 1980 with a degree in engineering Worked as a United States Navy Engineer for 32.5 years

Been retired for 13 years, now a U.S. Navy Civilian

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Ten Year Reunion: front row (seated): Rhonda Brooks, Teresa Hill, Diane McGhee, Louise Watson, Melinda Surway, Carolyn Aust, Debbie Mills, Debbie Stevens, Elisa Noble, Kathy Shoda, Michele Spicer, JoAnn Widener, Janie Thompson, Dreama Tibbs, Debbie Harry, Penny Welch; second row (standing): Michael Bentley, Mike Monaco, David Johnson, Carrie Anello, Marlene Goldman, Vickie Perdue, Cathy Davidson, Rebecca Jarrett, Barbara Sadler, Terri Poe, Peggy Whittaker, Sandy Shumate, Theresa Perdue, Donna Calfee, Debbie Neal, Debbie Stephens, Nancy Frankenfield, Layne Smith, Debbie Yearout, Jane Sult, Shirley Myers, Teresa Waddell, Kathi Stamper, Ginger Dale, Pamela Gaither, Joe Flannery, David Humphreys, Arnold Sproles, Daniel Worley, James Browder, Guy Kiely, Steve Platnick, Joe Simon, Ran Henry; third row: Eric Hawkins, James Taylor, Rodney Mayberry, Matt Poole, Loretta Bennett, Rhonda Leffel, Patricia Graham, Dorcas Aliff, Carole Yost, Teresa Pennington, Gina Hicks, Katherine Walls, Kathryn Elliott, Patricia Hale, Mary Lou Featherstone, Susan Parker, Cindy Freeman, Sarah Hood, Retha Smith, John Hyder, Mike Schulte, Mark Mustard, Mark Pinkard, Howard Shrader, Keith Mitchell, Jim Hoge, Eddie Davis, David Kersey, Pat Haye, Joe Richardson, Michael Arnold; fourth row: Steve Dalton, Fred Francis, Vicki Fitzwater, Javelin Chambers, Debbie Wilmer, Robin Battles, Terri Mills, Beverly Penn, Rosemary Larry, Anita Farmer, Nita Frassinelli, Debbie Cook, Ginger Peavy, Bobbi Hunter, Stan Hodges, Donald Poe, Butch Crews, Bill Spencer, Sid Langford, James Dietz; back row: William Pruett, Brock Smith, Raymond Trigg, Joe Pendleton, Michael Morrison, Robby Brannon, Charles Bailey, Bill Snidow, Derrick Felts, Dean Peery, Mike Vollmer, Mark Browder, Tony Gilley, David Orander, Todd Smith, David Ledgerwood, Robert Simmons, Mark Clarkson, Jim Bailey . Reunion venue Holiday Inn, Cumberland Road, Bluefield, West Virginia

Since people have changed over the years, we may have mislabeled or omitted someone. If that is the case, we ’ re sorry.

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Gene Derrick Felts 1011 Oakwood Avenue, Princeton, West Virginia 24740 dfelts@suddenlink.net (304) 425 - 7199 May 7

Worked part - time at Appalachian Engineering & Surveying, Inc. for Bill Looney in the late 1970’ s Received an A.S. Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Bluefield State College, 1977 Received a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Bluefield State College, 1979 Worked as an Assistant Transitman; 1979 - 1980 for Clinchfield Coal Company, Dante, VA Confessed and accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, as my personal Savior, 4/27/1980; Baptized, 5/4/1980; Ordained as Deacon, 2/20/1994 at Edgemont Baptist Church, Bluefield, West Virginia Played Bluefield City Church League Softball with both Edgemont Baptist and Trinity Methodist; late 1970’ s and into the 1980’ s where I was blessed to have played with my Dad for many years Worked at the Westside Sewage Treatment Plant/Engineering Department; 1980 - 1985 for the City of Bluefield, WV (was placed in charge of relocating the “ Ridge Runner ” from atop East River Mountain to the Bluefield City Park) Worked as a Mapping Technician; 9/1985 – 6/2016 for Pocahontas Land Corporation, a subsidiary of NS Railway Company, Bluefield, West Virginia Started payments on my first home; 1995 Married Linda Gail Williams, a former Graham High School cheerleader; 10/19/1996 Mother passed away; 11/2000 Fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play many different golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area through many annual trips with great friends, co - workers and family Currently have two holes - in - one; 9/30/2011 at the Glade Springs Cobb Course, Hole #13; 11/18/2024 at Fincastle, Bluefield Virginia, Hole #10 Father passed away; 3/2016 Have been working part - time, since 9/2017, in the Golf Shop for Fincastle on the Mountain, which is now Fincastle Bluefield Virginia My lovely wife passed away; 5/2025

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Sightseeing; Linda and Derrick at the foun tain; 11/2004 at Paris Las Vegas, Nevada

Wedding; Derrick and Linda; 10/19/1996 at First United Methodist Church, Bluefield, Virginia

Honeymoon; Linda and Derrick; 10/1996 at Caesars Pocono Palace Resort, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Sharing our love together; Derrick and Linda; 1/8/2008 at the Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

Trinity Softball; John Pelts, Pat O ’ Dell, Derrick Felts, Rick Taylor, Pat Haye; late 1970’ s at Trinity United Methodist Church, Bluefield, West Virginia

WVU - VT baseball; Derrick, John Hyder and Brock Smith; 5/8/2019 at English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park, Blacksburg, Virginia

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Debbie Fife Quesada 2809 Boxwood Avenue, Florence, South Carolina 29501 75bookgirl@gmail.com

In the autumn of 1975, I enrolled at Concord College as a first - year student majoring in Business. During the first few weeks of freshman year, I met a guy from Welch, WV. His name is Ray Quesada, he was an art major. He graduated from Welch High School in 1975 and was the captain of their football team, the Welch Maroon Wave. Ray and I enjoyed talking and listening to music as well as swimming, playing racket ball, dancing, and playing cards. Ray joined the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity; Brock Smith was his fraternity brother. By the end of our first semester Ray proposed. We were married on August 21, 1976, at Trinity United Methodist Church, just in time for the start of our sophomore year. Our first home was the Marriage Units on campus. The Marriage Units were a one room efficiency apartment with a bathroom. We lived in the Marriage Units for 3 years. During that time, we made lasting friendships because we bonded over being poor married students. During the middle of sophomore year, I decided pursuing a major in business was not for me, I was not interested in accounting, sales, or working in an office. I switched my major from Business to Education. In January 1979 we found out we were expecting. Prior to the birth of our son, Jayson in Sep tember, 1979, we moved to Princeton. I had continued to take classes throughout my pregnancy and planned to continue after Jayson ’ s birth. Both Ray and I took a break from going to college after Jayson ’ s birth. Ray took a full - time job, and I felt staying at home with Jayson was my priority. In the fall of 1981, we bought our first house on Rockbridge Street. Our neighbors were the Gilleys, the Hyders, and Brock Smith. I took classes on a part - time basis at Bluefield State and began working for M.C.E.O.C HeadStart as the Special Services Coordinator. My primary responsibility was to mainstream children with disabilities into the regular classroom. I wrote IEPs, which met the child ’ s needs.

First Grade, Whitethorn Elementary

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In 1986, the economy was terrible, Ray lost his job because he had less seniority. He searched for months for a job without success. In October of 1986, we made the agonizing decision for me to resign my HeadStart job, a job, I loved, leave our family, friends, and our support system to relocate to Florence, SC. Without a support system I worked in childcare centers as the Curriculum Coordinator and Lead Teacher. Childcare was a great solution because I did not have to worry about after school or summer care for Jayson. He attended for free and was able to participate in their field trips to the movies, skating, swimming, the zoo, and the beach. I love teaching and working with children, so it was a “ win, win ” solution for me. While working in childcare, I asked a librarian from our public library to visit my class for Storytime. Observing her conduct Storytime was my “ a - ha ” moment, I realized being a librarian was what I wanted to do for my career. When Jayson was too old to attend childcare, I applied for a position as a Library Associate at the Florence County Head Quarters Library (the library system is comprised of HQ library, five branch libraries and a Bookmobile.) Until I began working at the library, I did not realize that being a librarian in the State of SC requires a master ’ s degree. My first library position was Outreach Children ’ s Coordinator Associate. In this position I had the opportunity to share books with children as well as coordinating After School and Young Adult Programs at our five branch libraries. I also visited local childcare centers with the Bookmobile for Storytime. I averaged seeing a total of 12,000 children yearly in the branch libraries and childcare centers.

Our Wedding Day, August 21, 1976, Trinity United Methodist Church

Bluefield State graduation

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To further my career, I realized I had to complete my bachelor ’ s degree. I applied to the Regents of Bachelor Arts degree program through Bluefield State College. I enrolled at the University of South Carolina in its Master of Library and Information Science program. I graduated in 2006. After completing my master ’ s, I applied to be the Branch Manager of the Lake City Library, our largest branch library. I supervised a staff of ten. I ordered books, planned programs, taught adult computer classes, and conducted Baby and Preschool Storytime. I loved working with babies and preschool children, their parents, and teachers with developing early literacy skills. I also liked teaching computer classes to adults. After leaving the Lake City Library I worked from 2013 - 2024 at the Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Library, the headquarters library of the Florence County Library System. Working through COVID was an experience I will never forget, I answered all the incoming telephone reference calls while we were offering limited services. After working for the Florence County Library System for exactly 30 years, I decided to retire. Ray retired in 2020 after being an insurance adjuster for 40 years. After retirement he began painting again. Here is his website: rayquesada.com. Check out his paintings. Retirement has been an adjustment for me. I miss getting up and going to work and I miss my work family, but I have had an enjoyable year so far. As I reflect on my career choice as a librarian, I must admit this was the perfect career for me. I have always had a commitment to help my fellow humans to become the best person they can be, and the library was the avenue to do just that. The library is truly one of the few institutions that serve a person from birth to death.

My son, Jayson age three, and his dog, Gangy.

My son, Jayson, at my University of South Carolina graduation 2006, Masters degree in Library and Information Science.

My son with our dog, Stussy, when she was younger. She lived to be 15 years old.

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God truly blessed with an amazing family. My parents and brother have passed away, as well as my aunts and uncles, but I am not alone. My husband and I will celebrate our 49th wedding anniversary in August. He has been with me throughout this 50 - year journey. He has been my biggest cheerleader, always giving encouragement and support. Jayson is our only child, but Ray always says, “ It is the quality of the child, and not the quantity. ” I must say Jayson is not only a wonderful son but is also a great husband and the father of our only grandchild Caydence. We are so fortunate they also live in Florence so we can see them often. I continue to participate in the library book club, the one I used to coordinate. I also participate in a city - wide women ’ s Bible Study, and I play cards and games with three girlfriends weekly. Ray and I plan to go to Myrtle Beach this summer, a short hour drive from my house, as well as ride the train to Charleston, SC. In the fall, I plan to volunteer my services in a school library or as a reading tutor. I came across this quote, and I thought it is so appropriate: “ The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place. ” — Barbara De Angelis

My family: granddaughter Caydence, Ashlee, my daughter - in - law (Masters graduation 2025) me, and my husband, Ray. My son is taking the photo.

Working at the Lake City Library's Reference Desk

Photo of Florence County Library where I worked the last 20 years, for 2004 - 2024. My first 10 years we were in an older building.

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Joe Flannery 1617 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown Pennsylvania 18927 (267) 421 - 7743 jjoeflan@aol.com

Education: Temple University B.A. in Computer Science

Occupation: Retired

Work History: Prudential Insurance 1975 - 2002 in their data processing department, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

Worked eight years in the computer room on rotating shift work while attending Temple. Moved on to Network and Online Software from 1983 through 1992. Moved to Production Coordination in 1993 where I became Manager in 1997. Downsized/retired in 2002.

Various Jobs from 2010 - 2017 Giant Grocery Stores 2019 - 2024; primarily in Giant Direct (online shopping).

Hobbies: Golf, Skiing, Softball, Reading, Eagles fan

Best Vacations: 1984: Seven days skiing in European Alps based in Innsbruck, Austria with side - trips to Germany, Switzerland and Italy . It began snowing the night we arrived and didn ’ t stop until the day before we left!

Multiple trips to Myrtle Beach for “ Flanneryfests, ” family reunions and golf trips

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Joe and his mother, Kitty Flannery, (1926 – 2023)

My sisters and brother, Jeanne, Kay, Judy, Bill, Joe, Terri and Grace

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Diane Frazier Sudduth 2225 Spring Garden Drive, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701 diane.sudduth@comcast.net March 10

Graduated from WVU in 1979 with a B.S. in elementary education. I married Hugh “ Bing ” Sudduth, III in 1980. We were blessed with three children, Jarron Madison Sudduth, Edwin Hugh “ IV ” Sudduth IV, and Grace Taylor Sudduth. Sadly, we lost Bing to cancer in 1998.

I am happy to say that Jarrod, IV, and Grace are all graduated from WVU. Go Mountaineers!

I have six grandchildren. Jarrod and Heather ’ s children are Charleston Grace, aka “ Charley, ” and Madison James. IV and Amber have two sons, Greyson Hugh and Jaxon Witt. Grace Taylor and Blake have two sons, Campbell Alan and Bowen James.

I love to brag on them and say, “ I have five grandsons and a granddaughter named Charley! ”

My mom, also known a Grame, is doing well at almost 92 years of age.

In 2011, I met David Burnette, and we enjoy traveling, visiting family, and life at Smith Mountain Lake.

My Buddies, Terri Mills, Diane Frazier, Jackie Lipman, and Sue Moir

Once a Beach Girl, now Smith Mountain Lake is my happy place.

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Jarrod, IV, Gracie, and Diane

One of my nicest honors

Gracie, Blake, Bowen, and Campbell

Jaxon, Amber, IV, and Greyson

Heather, Madison, Charley, and Jarrod

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Cynthia “ Cindy Jo ” Freeman Romano McGraw 1924 Cherrywood Lane, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701 cindyjomcgraw@gmail.com June 5

Cynthia “ Cindy Jo ” Freeman Romano McGraw -- That is a long name! Here is a long bio for me.

I arrived in Bluefield at the end of July, 1969. We lived directly behind Fairview Junior High. By the time we moved here, I had lived in eight other houses in five other counties. That was a lot for a girl who had just turned 12! I am now in house #13 ! On the first day of seventh grade Carole Yost and Terri Mills, who had come to visit a few weeks earlier, were the only people I knew. This was the first year the schools were integrated here. My previous school had integrated two years earlier. We were part of a melting pot. I learned about the previous school year that Fairview moved everyone out, bolted the building back together for the 1969 reopening. I think the original design and structure were magnificent. Lots of natural daylight, big gym and not far to walk to in winter, as schools were never closed! The Superintendent (Mr. Pete Cook?) had decided doors would open for anyone who could get there. Mom sent us and a few other mothers did the same. I was mischievous and seemed to get into a lot of trouble, either from my loud and frequent mouth or simply misbehaving, The Fall of1972 was again a melting pot with the merger of Fairview and Central. Soon we were making new friendships that would carry us all through high school and beyond. By the time I was a Senior, I had enough credits so only went for half a day. Honestly, I don ’ t remember much about our senior year. Somethings are best forgotten, too? Graduation day was also my 18th Birthday! I went to Bluefield State for a year and hated it every day. I really wanted to be a forest ranger. A neighbor asked if I was interested in working for Citizens Insurance, I was there for almost 7 years, before going into sales. I have continued to do some commercial insurance work on the side for past 17 years as an LLC, but “ retired ” three years ago from a full - time job with Hershey. I had a $7million sales route and was often in top sales nationally. I married Mike Romano in 1977, and we are parents of Emilee and Louis. After we divorced, I was in a long relationship with Buck Collins, and adopted a daughter, Leia. My children have all turned out very well and I am so proud of them all. They are great parents, too. We have a son - in - law, Christopher. Emilee and Louis have each given us a grandson, Liam and Chris. Teresa (Spoloric) Eckman has been my best friend for over 40 years. Bob and I have been together for 20 plus years now, married since 2011. Hootenanny is a Scottish word for celebration of food, music and dancing. Sounds like our home. Bob ’ s grandfather immigrated from Scotland as did my own great grandfather. The grandsons call us Hoot and Nanny. Bob is a wonderful stepfather, and the grandsons think he hung the moon. I do agree!

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