The Times and Democrat from Orangeburg, South Carolina • 30

SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2008 IC6 SUNDAYMAGAZINE www.TheTandD.com Mother of the Year 1 iuii mi ii mtvn-mm-m Social networking Web sites compete with class reunions f. I x-V -i 4 I r'lv -f' -(. v. s- i vi i "i 1 I fAf.i-if'ii-ii -J 1ARRY Times and Democrat Publisher Cathy Hughes presents Marilyn K. Smith, the 2008 Mother of the Year, with a gift basket at the reception.

Continued from CI Annette Sutcliffe- 2007 Mother of the Year What I have learned from my children Motherhood is one of the most rewarding and challenging professions on earth, given to women by our Lord. We hold the responsibility to be a nurse, teacher, psychologist, disciplinarian, advisor, prayer partner and friend to our children, I did not realize when I first became a mother how awesome this responsibility would be. But, being a mother of eight children, I learned quickly that I needed God's help every day to mold these children into responsible and caring adults who would contribute to our society in a positive way. My children have taught me patience because there were many times when they had to be patient with ME. I made many mistakes along the way, but they would always affirm that they still loved me.

My children have taught me how to love unconditionally because all of them accepted me and loved me unconditionally. As a result, I have learned to accept all people and love them unconditionally. They taught me how to talk to God, because they always talked to him in a childlike way, simply telling our Father when they were hurting and feeling all alone. My children have taught me to depend upon the Holy Spirit when "human" efforts failed, and I didn't know how to go forward in their training and nurturing. I have learned much from my children through the years.

They are all grown, married and have amilies of their own now. But I am still learning these attributes from them as we go through life together. MOTHER'S DAY SENTIMENTS FROM MOTHERS OF THE MONTH evolved into a decision to have an in-person reunion in "the Flon" after all, complete with one member offering to bring "fatty pics of Farmer" as a conversation piece. Indeed, for every Facebooker reluctant to go off-line, it seems there are two who end up with an increased desire for face-to-face interaction especially among younger grads, who are already spending tons of time online. At Harvard, where the Web site Facebook began, the class of 2003 is using Facebook to help plan their five-year reunion in June, said Jennifer Halloran, assistant director for Classes and Reunions at Harvard's Alumni Association.

"Their Facebookreunion group has 770 members, or about half of their graduating class," she said. "They're using Facebook as a marketing tool and to get people excited to come back." Halloran has noticed attendance is way up at five- and 10-year reunions over the past few years, a jump in enthusiasm she attributes at least in part to social networking sites that make it easier to keep track of graduates and get the word out about reunions. Chalmer Harper, 28, started a reunion group on Facebook for his 10-year reunion at Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Tenn. For Harper, now the program director of a contemporary Christian music radio station, Face-book helped him find out the basic status of long-lost friends, but he's waiting for this November's homecoming to connect on a deeper leveL "I'm a person-to-person guy," Harper said. "It's fun to find out oh, this person moved here or does this now, but for me, it's still more important to see them and have a real conversation." That's not the case for Naro, who's already reconnected with her good friend Kelly Huang.

Friends aside, "a lot of the people from my high school class, well, honestly, I'm afraid I'd have nothing more to say to them," Naro said. "It's much safer to stay behind my laptop wall and send a message than be trapped making hours of chitchat over cocktails at a reunion." be a servant and minister to others by using the gifts God has given me. My mother continues to influence many aspects of my life today, and she is a role model for countless others who witness her grace and love for God. June Derrick -2006 Mother of the Year Me? A Mother of the Year? I didn't know the first thing about children when I had mine! I still don't know a lot professionally, but I do know I love my children with all my heart. Before I became a mother, I didn't know there was that much LOVE in the universe! I have learned as a mother how to balance meals, toys, time, patience and money and spread it all out to take care of four children to the best of my ability.

I know that children hold their mothers up to a higher standard these days, and I feel so humble that my children think as well of me as they do. They have taught me so much understanding and hope that I have impressed on a few people how important it is to try to live up to what our children think we are. This is probably the most important aspect that being a "Mother of the Year" has had on me to strive to be the person they think I am. Things I learned from my mama By ANN ROBERTS My mama, June Derrick, has always "been there" for her children, and she has never let me down. She taught us the value of a dollar, how to work and how to save our money if we really wanted to buy something.

She always took the time to do things with us such as taking us to the skating rink or Dairy Queen for a Dilly Bar. Mama taught her children to appreciate every person no matter what their social status is or what the color of their skin is. Mama has always had friends of all races and fromall walks of life. She has taught us how to be a true friend. Ti Mama began teaching us the day we were born by example, and we watched every move she made.

She continues to work circles around us, and we admire her boundless energy. Now, as a mother myself, I understand the sacrifices Mama made for her children. She continues to "mother" her children, grandchildren and others, and her love knows no bounds. Lately, Mama has been assisting with the care and support of my son's mother-in-law, Delaine Cassleman, who is hospitalized because of pancreatic cancer. I know that all the things that Mama does for others comes from her big ole' heart which is filled to overflowing with love.

Features Writer Sonja Glea-ton can be reached by e-mail at sgleatontimesanddemocrat.com and by phone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online atTheTandD.com. daughter this message: 'Put God first in her life, put her worries on His shoulders and everything will fall into place." Lisa Foerster December 2007 My children are beautiful roses given to me to take care of and love. They are a blessing from God, and I am so thankful for them." Evelyn Prlester -January 2008 "It is hard to believe that I have been a mother for 54 years. One of the most important things that I cherish is the love that has been returned to me through my children.

Love for one another is one of the most important things I think a mother should teach her children." Lisa Brooks February 2008 "A woman's role as a mother is a great responsibility, but having loving and caring children makes it very easy. Being a good mother is a very important accomplishment in my life." Marilyn K. Smith -March 2008 "Our children are never really ours; they are just on loan to us from God. Motherhood is a big responsibility which is best dealt with on our knees." Catherine Neal -April 2008 "Being a mother brings great joy. When your children recognize you for being a good mother it is quite an honor.

It's like getting beautiful flowers while you are still living." By EMILY ZEUGNER Associated Press Writer NEW YORK Ten years after graduating from Taylor High School in Katy, Texas, Tina Lee Naro learned some surprising things about her former classmates. One committed atheist became a Mormon. A rightly wound "business became a laid-back bartender at a Montana ski resort. And a formerly hirsute friend is now completely Naro, now a consultant in New York City, learned all these things not in person, but on the social networking site Facebook enough that she now plans to skip her 10-year reunion this September. "I already had all those reunion moments: 'Really? You're gay? You're married? You joined the she said.

"Actually, going back to Katy holds a lot less appeal now." Sites like Facebook 'and MySpace are now competition for the class reunion that time-honored tradition of dressing to kill, choking down rubbery chicken and gossiping about old classmates. Many far-flung graduates say the ease of exchanging pictures and memories online makes it hard to justify expensive trips home. The idea resonated so deeply with Chris Farmer of Vancouver, B.C., that he created a Facebook group entitled "Facebook Has Eliminated The Need For A High School Reunion." When he signed up for Face-book, Farmer was flooded with messages from high school classmates: jocks, nerds, popular kids even people he was pretty sure he'd never spoken to before. "It was overwhelming, this feeling of running into everyone I'd ever known," he said. Farmer quickly sorted out what he calls "the good stuff which former party-girl now teaches Sunday school, who gained or lost 200 pounds, which high school sweethearts broke up spectacularly and which went on to get married and have kids.

But after reconnecting, "seeing people in real life seemed a little pointless," Farmer said. At first, the 45 members of Fanner's Facebook group all classmates from Hapnot Collegiate High School in Flin Flon, Manitoba agreed with him. But then, almost disproving his point, the online discussions It has become a tradition among many South Carolina families to send their young people to our school to help prepare them for their future with confidence! We want you! Pre-Teens Teens Adults Parents call to learn more about our Every Day Etiquette program for children 5-9 Aid Settings k.vriTiNfiNF.WYORv'r abuuiu" fry Diane Hamilton -June 2007 "Motherhood is the most rewarding accomplishment in a woman's life. From the moment of conception, a mother knows the little person is the one she will love and cherish the rest of her life." LuRene W. Whetstone -July 2007 "I've been a mother for 62 years, and I realize what an honor it was for God to give my husband and me four wonderful children.

I have heard this little quote about children that really rings true: 'A mother has her heart walking around her with the arrival of a Carol Jeffcoat Summers -August 2007 "Being a good mother is the most important job you could ever have. It is a gift, and you should cherish it You must be mindful always of the powerful influence you have in your children's lives. They must know that you love them unconditionally and that they can trust you to protect them. I thank God every day for the gift of my precious children." Karen Fergusen --September 2007 "My daughter, RicAnne, is the joy of my life, and I thank God for entrusting her to our care. Motherhood is an awesome responsibility, but it is also one of God's greatest gifts to women.

I pray daily that I will be a good Christian example for RicAnne and others as well." Mary Workman Shuler -October 2007 Mary Shuler passed away a few months after being named the Mother of the Month. Mary's daughter, Jean S. Felkel, wrote: "My mother, Mary W. Shuler, was a wonderful Christian mother who loved her children and family unconditionally. She is the example I followed when I was blessed with two wonderful sons." Rose Marie O'Caln November 2007 "Having only one child, a daughter, has been a blessing.

As a mother, I have tried to instill in my tin i tun' If 1 i CALL NOW! FOR OUR EXCITING JUNE CLASSES! i LARRY Annette Sutcliffe, the 2007 Times and Democrat Mother of the Year Is photographed with her daughter Cindy McKeowen, at a reception held at The What I have learned from my mother By CINDY MCKEOWEN On this Mother's Day, I am so thankful for my mother, Annette Sutcliffe, and I love her very much. Many people have played a part in shaping who I am today, but no one has impacted me like my mother. During childhood, my mom taught me to be respectful of others and to use manners in every situation. I learned early on to work and always to my best. I remember on one occasion I wanted to quit a job.

Mom told me to fulfill my commitment and continue working, even though the circumstances were hard. I have followed her advice, even into adulthood. I started saving money when I got my first job and was taught by example to give a portion of my earnings to the Lord. My mom showed me how to cook a variety of foods and to sew my own clothes. I learned how to be a Godly wife and mother by watching my mom respond to everyone in the family with unconditional love, patience and forgiveness.

My mom instilled in me a strong sense of faith and love for Jesus. At the age of eight, she took me to a youth crusade where I accepted the Lord as my Savior. Throughout her cancer treatments, Mom showed great courage and maintained her belief that God is sovereign, even in the midst of adversity. By her example, I have learned to trust God, even when I don't understand His plan. Mother continues to give me Godly counsel and advises me when I have questions or decisions to make.

Recently, Mom ministered to me during a lengthy hospital stay in Michigan. Her presence calmed my fears on more than one occasion. I have learned to Email us at bettylanescho50bellsouth.net CLASSES WITH US LAST A LIFETIME! Learn Proper Etiquette 'Table Proper Pasture for Walking and Sitting Ronnie Lewis Ulmer 111 Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Lewis (Janice) Ulmer, of Cope, S.C., proudly announce the birth of their son, Ronnie Lewis Ulmer, III, born April 7, 2008, at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg.

He weighed 7 lbs.l oz. and was 19 14 inches in length. He is welcomed home by his sisters, Brooke Ulmer, age 14 yrs. old and Kameron Vernell Ulmer, 15 months old, of Cope. Maternal grandparents are the late Mr.

William Foxworth of Orangeburg and the late Ms. Linda Carol Baker of Cordova, S.C. Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie (Kim) Ulmer, of Cope and Ms.

Sharon Jones of Cope and the late Mr. Ken Jones. Mrs. Ulmer is the former Janice Foxworth. Broker Associate ri ri visual Poise Runway Techniques Stage Presence Skin Care Public Speaking and much I .1 lis 1 1 I a5 I I Don't Get Left in the Wake! Invest in the Lake! i 7 1M lb UC.

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