In honor of Edwin Heppner

My freshman year at a small Christian college did not go well.  I was invited to NOT RETURN by the Dean of Men predicated by my "D" plus average and my really sucky attitude.
The one bright spot of the year was being a part of the Chorale.  We sang some great music and we also performed at various churches all dressed up in our Tuxs etc.  I was a very average baritone.  Average was my specialty.
The director was Mr. Heppner, a small dapper guy with a great tenor voice and a very nice wife. I did think, and do think many years later, he was an excellent chorale director.  Periodically I tried to track him down but with no success.  Then last week I was thinking of the chorale and decided to use the internet - specifically whitepages.com.  There were 3 people listed with his specific name and two of them were too young, according to the WhitePages.  So I decided to take a chance, spend a dime and call the one who lived in Arizona.  BINGO, I got him.  His wife answered the phone, I asked if this was the Heppner residence and if Mr. Heppner ever lead a college choral group.  She said, "Yes indeed, let me put you on."
I spoke with Mr. Heppner for about 5 minutes.  I knew he had left the college but didn't know why.  It turned out he had a very bad back and was increasingly unable to stand and lead choirs so he retired from that profession and became a driving instructor.  He said he had a seat especially made for him and it had worked out fine.  ( He ended up having a couple of different back surgeries and was never the same. )

I told him who I was and that he would not remember me ( again, I was a very non-descript baritone).  He wanted to remember me but he couldn't. I told him how much I appreciated and enjoyed my year in his chorale.  He seemed both touched and appreciative.  He again asked what my name was and I told him.
He is now very old and sounded very frail but delighted to hear from an old student.
 I'm glad I called him; I'm glad I could find him thru the wonders of the internet.

I did not tell him that of the 40 members of the chorale, 39 got "As" each semester and one non-descript baritone received a "B."  I didn't tell him A) because I have gotten so much humorous mileage out of that true story and  B) I was afraid he might feel badly about it.  That would have been thoughtless on my part. [Back in the day, the professor posted your grades next to your name on his door for all the world to see.  That's how I knew I had the only Bs. ]

So Mr. Heppner, you were a good man, an excellent tenor and a fine choral director.  Kudos to you and may God bless your remaining years.

RETIREMENT, a wonderful thing.

I admit, I'm enjoying retirement. Letting it all go, the lapsing of responsibilities and upkeep.

SUNRISE COMMUNITY CHURCH - Fellowship & Teaching

 Sunrise Community Church
God has truly blessed us with excellent teaching and true spiritual fellowship. It's been my home church for 25 years, God has truly blessed us with a great church.

Kindle

Got a Kindle about a month ago. I've been able to load a number of older books on it, such as Tom Sawyer and the Count of Monte Cristo, for free. Then I've been able to add a few more books that I really like for 1 or 2 dollars.

One of the great advantages of a Kindle (or similar product) is STORAGE. You don't have to worry what to do about old books.

Tom Noir: From Prussia With Love

Tom Noir: From Prussia With Love

Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Downfall of Prussia, 1600-1947 [Paperback]

Tom Noir's post on the Rise and Fall of Prussia make me want to go out and read the book. So much to read, so little time.

Christopher Clark is the author of this Tome.

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Thought provoking article on the English language; Will English be the universal language.

www.tomnoir.com ROCKS

Following Tom Noir

Excellent blog: TOMNOIR

Read it at your own risk.

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For Tom's review see: http://www.facebook.com/tom.braun?ref=ts#/notes/tom-braun/imperium-a-book-review/273102143421

THE GOD OF POPULAR RELIGION IS NOT HOLY

JERRY HOPKINS R.I.P

My good friend and fellow follower of Jesus Christ died this morning - 1-21-2010.

JERRY HOPKINS, one of the truly "good guys" is gone; on to a much better situation, Heaven.

I honor his family: Wife Ellen, Daughters Shannon & Elizabeth, Son Scott.

JERRY will be deeply missed.

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TOM NOIR has a reference

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TOM NOIR

INSIGHTFUL COMMENTARY on timely topics by TOM NOIR.

Fun Stuff.


www.tomnoir.com

If you don't know this, you should

On his deathbed, Martin Luther offered these last words: "We are sinners, it is true."

PAULETTE BROWN

PAULETTE BROWN, my cousin Tom's wife, passed away this week. She and Tom were married 45 years and had two children: Scott and Lisa.

PAULETTE will be much missed. She was a very fine lady.

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The Willster

Person of interest:/ amateur philosopher, commenter, and floor installer -- The Willster

Students

Joanne, Deborah, Rander, Jimmy, John , Sherrie . ATLANTA GEORGIA