NOVEMBER 2003
Dr. Gene Atkinson presented a slide show about Glacier National Park. The residents enjoyed the show alomg with their dinner. Thanks for the entertainment Gene.
The Orangeburg Tabernacle Choir performed for the residents in November. The blended voices of this choir are a joy to hear.
Bobbi’s sister Claudia entertained a large group of residents with her piano playing and some of the residents pitched in with some surprisingly good voices.
And what can we say about Del Rea except Bravo! She has a style of her own and brings an energy and enthusiasm with her that is hard to resist. Del Rae is always a favorite at Longwood Plantation.
Many residents look forward to Wednesdays. Why? Because Wednesday is Bingo Day. Angie brings bingo and fun ...Thanks Angie.
The Trinity Presbyterian Youth Group entertained with Piano, guitars and youthful voices. It’s always a joy to see and hear these dedicated young people.
Bill and Dorothy Woolard’s two daughters came to visit for Thanksgiving. One is from Washington State and the other is from Florida. Hope everyone got a chance to meet them, they are lovely ladies and a credit to Bill and Dorothy.
Hope everyone counted your Blessings and gave thanks this month.
WHO’S WHO AT LONGWOOD PLANTATION
Raymond Summers was born in a small rural community of Bowman. He has 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Quite a crowd. Raymond graduated from 8th grade from Pineville Elementary School. He then went to Bowman High School which was a long 5 mile walk from his home. When Bowman High school burned down, he attended high school in one of the local Bowman churchs. He graduated from the 12th grade from the church. He was ranked #6 in his class. He was one smart guy, and still is. Raymond worked on a small Bowman farm when he was a teenager. He also worked at a dairy farm for $2 a day....finally had an increase to $3 a day. But Raymond had a little wanderlust in his soul so he moved to Florida to stay with his sister. He worked in the cafeteria of several large department stores. He then switched to a dry cleaning store until that wanderlust
took over again and he moved to Washington D.C. where he worked at a golf course. Uncle Sam knew where to find him and he was drafted into the Army in 1957. He did his basic training at Fort Jackson and served in Germany for 18 months. After the service Raymond returned to Washington D.C. He had some serious health problems while there and spent much time in the hospital. He re-enlisted in the Army and was sent to Ft. Myers and then to Woodridge, Va. as a security guard. Unfortunately his health problems continued to plague him, so he obtained a discharge from the army and went back to Florida to live with his sister. Raymond moved back to South Carolina in 1966. Raymond started writing poetry in the 1950’s. He won an award of Merit from the Pacific World of Poetry contest. Raymond has had two books of poetry published. “The Peace Bomb” in 1986 and “The Key To Peace” in 1989. Raymond has lived at Longwood Plantation for 5 years. The following poem best describes Raymond Summers:
Poetry Is What I Do
(Golden Flame)
Life is golden and so fine;
As I keep poetry on my mind.
Poetry is a light that shines;
In the eyes of souls that bind.
So as I reveal my life to you;
Poetry is what I do.
Poetry is my life and fame,
Poetry is a golden flame.
I’m gonna let my words be heard;
By eager minds across the world.
Golden words so pure and bold;
That touches many hearts and soul.
Now as I express my words to you;
Poetry is what I do.
Poetry is my life and fame,
Poetry is a golden flame.
Now let poets be true and real;
With-in the inspiration they feel.
Let them communicate by choice;
In a bold and captive voice.
As I express my point of view;
Poetry is what I do.
Poetry is my life and fame.
Poetry is a golden flame.
By Raymond A. Summers (2004)
