Lawrence Henry Retires from U.S. Army

Thursday, July 9, 2015

At Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, SFC Lawrence R. Henry took part in a retirement ceremony after 26 years of service, most of it served in a U.S. Army Band. Fifteen soldiers were honored at the ceremony attended by many friends and family.

Each soldier was presented with a framed plaque, and an American flag, as well as one more ribbon and the wives each received a framed Certificate of Recognition along with a long stemmed red rose.

The band played for the event and after a couple of speeches, they gave rousing renditions of "Old Soldiers Never Die", "Auld Lang Syne" and "The Army Song". Those of us in the audience who knew the words sang along.

Doug and I flew from El Paso, Texas to St. Louis, Missouri where we rented a car and drove to Dixon, Missouri where Larry and wife, Nona, make their home. It rained every day until the day we left, but it came and went in spurts so we had a lovely visit in their Victorian home which they are redoing. Members of the band came over afterwards for food and drink to celebrate the occasion.

Official pictures were taken during the ceremony, but Larry hasn't received these as yet, so I am going ahead with this report and will add the photo when it arrives.

L to R: Carla, Nona and Larry in living room

Larry and his mother (Carla) before the ceremony

L to R: Mom (Carla), Larry and wife, Nona

You can tell Doug is the photographer, right?

Larry with his band in the background

And the band plays on

They presented slide shows of each retiree and this is a shot from Larry's

The Retirement Ceremony has started

Another retiree with his lovely family

Nona and Larry

It is quite nice that they appreciate the spouses

It's official. Larry is now a civilian

Preparing the food before the band arrives to celebrate

Carla and Nona hard at work

This tells the story of each assignment over his 26 years, presented by the U.S. Army

Larry showing off the foreign, antique military officers hats gifted to him by his brother Russ Cromwell

A couple of the guests from the band

Larry, explaining some of the antiques on the floor to ceiling bookcase in the living room

A shot of their fabulous Victorian manse, a labor of love to restore

Nona visiting with her mother, Nona Sr., who lives with them

One last shot of Mom with her baby boy!

We are so happy we were able to share this wonderful occasion with Larry and Nona. Now, it's more college classes for him and continuous remodeling of this fabulous old manse. Congratulations, Larry. We are very proud of your service.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer, for the fine photos.

This is all I have to say for now.

NMRC of the Red Hat Society Visit Ruidoso, New Mexico

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Members of the New Mexico Roadrunner Chapter of the Red Hat Society in Alamogordo, New Mexico drove to Ruidoso/Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico to visit Hubbard Museum of the American West, shop and dine. There was a bit of rain, sometimes heavy, but Red Hatters never let a little rain stop them.

First stop was the museum in Ruidoso Downs where they have a wonderful collection of art, Indian artifacts and old west transportation wagons and stage coaches. Everyone had a great time exploring the museum and, of course, purchased some items in the gift shop. From here we headed to the lovely Cherry Blossom Shoppe on Sudderth Drive that has great bargains in wearing apparel. They even have a Red Hat section and a couple of the girls bought hats there. Their employees are very helpful and try to find what you are looking for in the right color and size.

From here we went to Michelino's Italian Restaurant for lunch and it was most enjoyable. I had an Italian sausage sandwich and a cannelloni for dessert and several had spumoni for dessert. Then it was time to head back home to the Tularosa Basin. By this time the rain had quit so it was a pleasant drive with the mountains and desert looking fresh and clean from natures showers.

Do to the downpour just as we arrived, Trudy was unable to bring her motorized scooter in so she opted to wait for the rest of us to explore the museum as she had been there before anyway.

I shot the picture of Jean without an alert-she is usually smiling but was concentrating on shopping in the gift shop

Gail, another shopper, not disappointed by the offerings of this gift shop

VQ Donna looking lovely in her new glasses

Jean inspecting a wagon

Darla noted in this picture that they had added a tiny "E" on the Bakry sign

Gail checking out the stage coach painted in bright colors

Painted Apache cookware

An Apache Ritual Circle

War poles under glass

This proved to be quite an elaborate chuck wagon

A close up of the cook's fireplace next to the chuck wagon

This is a no frills chuck wagon, but quite adequate

Jean had planned to get on the horse, but the saddle was too loose

A wonderful painting of an abandoned jail

L to R: Gail, Darla and Jean discussing the ancient cart in front of them

This very crudely made cart was set up to be pulled by two oxen

Gail took my picture by this lovely two person carriage

These are Cherokee dolls on display

L to R: VQ Donna, Jean and Valerie enjoying lunch

Somehow, I did not manage to take any pictures of the girls shopping at the Cherry Blossom Shoppe, mainly because I was shopping and forgot all about the camera. Also, at lunch, I never made it to the other side of the table to photograph the rest of the group. My apologies ladies.

This is all I have to say for now.

Auditions for Fall Fundraiser at Theatre on the Hill

Sunday, June 21, 2015

A number of people attended auditions for six short plays by Alamogordo, New Mexico playwrights that will be showcased as a fundraiser for the Theatre on the Hill Guild on August 28-30, 2015. Attendees read through each play with parts assigned by Connie Breding, NMSU Drama Professor. The plays are: Social Insecurity, Mal's Practice and Search for Rosie's Balls all three by Robert Trowbridge, And Come Back a Star by Joylyn Mercouris, Seventeen Minutes by Carolyn Dittmer and One-Hundred and Two Stories by Carla C Crittenden (Kerr).

Everyone was pleasantly surprised at the level of the plays and came to a common conclusion that this Fall Fundraiser will be a grand success. The first auditions were held on Friday, June 19, 2015 at which several new people attended and added to the excitement of the play readings.

Be sure to mark your calendars to attend. The Guild needs your support and the actors need your enthusiasm as an audience. You will not be disappointed!

There will also be a Silent Auction during the production and, if you are reading this and have something you would like to donate for the auction, call Carla Kerr, guild president, at 921-6218 and she will be happy to pick up your donation.

Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer took random shots during the audition as people got into each character.

Monica Helm intently listening. No audition is complete without Monica!

Viviane Ackall, Guild member and supporter as well as mother of a couple of budding actors

Scott is an excellent musician and always ready to add to the production

Connie Breding addressing the group and Robert Trowbridge, playwright/actor

Eli Holmes, actor/singer

Victoria Kennedy and her brother, Jeremiah Crosby, well known thespians

Mia Rascon, most recently played Tolly in "Tolly and Pat" Spring Production 2015

Jeremiah and Gavin reading a play

Victoria reading a part

Deep concentration by actors

Aaron Palmer, also last cast in "Tolly and Pat" this Spring

Alan Gonzales, most recently in "Tolly and Pat" and "Chaos at the Concert"

Mia reading while Carla looks on

Carolyn Dittmer, actor/writer/journalist

A pensive Carla C Crittenden (Kerr), author, playwright/actor

You can tell by the photos that auditioning is quite informal and comfortable. Anyone thinking of trying out for a role should not be afraid of jumping in and giving it their best. This theatre group is helpful to everyone in their endeavors, friendly and positive, plus Connie Breding is one of the best drama teachers to learn under. She is understanding, positive and talented in her position and you will grow under her direction. Dedication and determination are the watchwords for a beginner. So, come on down the next time there is an audition call.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photographer.

This is all I have to say for now.