Share your family story for history at the Pioneers Association dinner/dance
Dear Editor:
Everyone has a story. Every story is worth telling. And saving. You may think your story isn’t interesting, or that it doesn’t have enough history. But it IS interesting and it IS history, unless it hasn’t happened yet.
For decades, the Rio Blanco County Historical Society (RBCHS) has gathered stories from locals and preserved them. To date, there are three volumes of “This Is What I Remember,” the first of which was published in 1972. For the last several years, RBCHS has collected stories as part of the Rio Blanco Pioneers Association Reunion Dinner and Dance (formerly Oldtimers). There will be people set up to record and or video stories at this year’s gathering, Aug. 10, at the 4-H Building (fairgrounds). Doors open at 3 p.m.
To prepare for story sharing, there are things you can do.
If you want to focus on family history and family tree, please bring documents to share and make the story clear to all.
If you want to share the biography of one or more certain family members, bring whatever documentation will help keep the story organized. Chronology is sometimes confusing, especially when families continue to recycle the same names generation after generation.
If there are obituaries, they are tremendous resources. In fact, I think people should write their own obituary so that what they are proudest of is what is documented after their passing.
If you have a story that is general – say it describes a certain location (movie theater, for example, or Lake Avery, or a ranch you know), or activity (your 4H group when you were 10 years old, being in the pageant as a dancer), or a person you consider to have been an influence on you or the community – please share it.
Plan to be able to tell your story in 30-45 minutes. Again, any written documentation will greatly help in keeping your story organized. And if you write the story, that’s wonderful. You can read it in front of the camera, or just submit it for use!
Know that when you’re sharing your story, you will likely trigger memories and details for those who are listening, waiting to tell their stories.
Sincerely,
Sparky Pappas
Board Member, RBCHS
Gratitude from the Walter Powell family
Dear Editor:
The Walter Powell family would like to offer a sincere thank you to all that assisted in making arrangements and preparing for Walter’s memorial service. Special thanks to Amorette (Bulia) Hawkins, Cori and Halie Elam, Chuck Carter for assisting with the sound system, Jeff (Buck) LeBleu for his help at the cemetery, Mike Brady for speaking at the memorial, the Masons for performing their ceremony and the Rangely Christian Church for providing the delicious meal after the service. Also, we would like to give Pioneers Medical Center staff special thanks for the excellent care they gave Walter during his stay in the hospital. We appreciate everyone who attended the service and all of the love and support we have received.
Much love,
Patty, Pam, Dusty, Judy & Brett
Rangely
