{"id":10712,"date":"2025-09-01T10:00:23","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T10:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/?p=10712"},"modified":"2025-09-18T22:39:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T22:39:10","slug":"september-newsletter-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/?p=10712","title":{"rendered":"September Newsletter 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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SPECIAL EDITION:<\/h1>\n

The TICKET ORDER FORM for the upcoming season<\/h1>\n

Along with<\/h1>\n

A Summer with Lu Way<\/h1>\n

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But first, the latest in our series\u2026<\/h4>\n

The People of the Park<\/h3>\n

FINDING JOY: A Visit with Betty Shanley<\/h3>\n

By Dale Dauten<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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You\u2019d think that right after 2+ hours of rehearsal with some fellow members of the Golden Grannies dance troupe, a person would be running on empty. Not Betty Shanley. She left rehearsal and bounced into our meeting with so much energy that it was contagious, like downing one of those energy drinks. So, looking back, it made sense when we asked her our favorite question, the one about the best advice you\u2019ve ever gotten or given, Betty thought just a moment and said,<\/p>\n

\u201cFind joy every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

She added,<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always something there.\u201d<\/p>\n

(Notice how that simple statement, \u201cthere\u2019s always something,\u201d provides a nifty counterpoint to the familiar pessimism of \u201cit\u2019s always something.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Betty with her husband Steve<\/p>\n

GROWING UP and COMING BACK<\/h4>\n

So let\u2019s back up and figure out how Betty came to have that spirit. She grew up near her grandparent\u2019s farm near Ludlow, Pennsylvania. While an only child, Betty never lacked for relatives: on her dad\u2019s side alone, he came from a family of ten kids that included three sets of boy-girl twins. After her time at a rural school, just 10 in her class, Betty went on to Kane High School and then graduated from Slippery Rock State College (now University) in Education and later added an Master\u2019s from Edinboro University. Then it was back to Kane, PA, to teach first grade for 30 years. That\u2019s photo of her, below, from those teaching days.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Betty developed something of a specialty over those 30 years in the classroom. \u201cI had a way with autistic kids,\u201d she explained. \u201cAnywhere in the district, they\u2019d send those kids to me. I totally enjoyed them. No way they\u2019d sit all day, so I\u2019d created a set of stations in the classroom and they\u2019d move through different types of learning, including bodily\/kinesthetic and musical\/rhymical.\u201d We wondered if she had a memory of any of those kids that came to mind: \u201cThere was a girl, Beth Ann, who could repeat dialog from Disney movies. One day, the last day of the first week of school, I was waiting with her to be picked up. When I mentioned it was the end of the week, she loudly announced, \u2018OK everybody, drinks are on the house!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

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STEVE AND COMING TO SILVERIDGE<\/h4>\n

We always look forward to hearing how couples met and for Betty and husband Steve it was as simple as \u201cHi, how the hell are you?\u201d Those were Steve\u2019s first words to Betty, spoken as he came into her dad\u2019s hospital room, doing his rounds as a respiratory therapist. While her dad soon checked out, the romance did not and the two eventually married, the wedding at a lighthouse in Maine.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Steve eventually left his therapist career to become a preacher, and that helps explain the white board in front of their place at Silveridge, the one that you probably passed by and noticed a Bible verse. Betty told us, \u201cSteve comes up with a scripture every week and I add it to the board with my first-grade teacher printing.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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As for finding Silveridge, Steve\u2019s stepfather lived in Arizona and when they started planning retirement, they found a place at Silveridge for themselves and also one for Betty\u2019s mom. In the photo below, that\u2019s Betty and mom, Ardell Lindquist (who passed a couple of year ago), at a Phoenix Suns game.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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THE GOLDEN GRANNIES<\/h4>\n

That visit to the Phoenix Suns game turned into something more for Betty. That\u2019s where she first saw the dance troupe called the Golden Grannies and thought to herself, \u201cI could do that.\u201d So when she saw that auditions were coming up, she called to ask for specifics, including wondering if she was old enough. The response? \u201cYou sound like fun! \u2013 Just show up!\u201d She not only made the team, she went on to become the leader of the group\u2019s Outreach program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Although the Suns no longer involve the Grannies, they are now a fan favorite with the women\u2019s team, the Phoenix Mercury.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Not content with those brief in-game performances, Betty has led the broadening of the group\u2019s performances, now to include Golden Grannies Outreach. They appear all over the Valley, often serving as greeters and\/or performers in community events. Betty tells us that one of the joys of their appearances is seeing the reactions of the audiences, young and old, when the hip-hop music and the dancing begins. She passed along a couple of audience reaction photos\u2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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And here\u2019s a link to one of their performances, just double-click the photo or click the button below\u2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Click to Watch Golden Grannies Dance Routine<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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 <\/p>\n

Finally, let\u2019s end where we began, with Betty\u2019s stated goal in life\u2026<\/p>\n

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\u201cFind joy every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

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THE NEW SEASON\u2026 Ticket Time<\/h4>\n

Speaking of finding joy, it\u2019s time to look ahead to the new season of Activities. Below you\u2019ll find the Ticket Order Form, along with a Table diagram, and following that you\u2019ll see that we got a chance to catch up with Activities Director Lu Way.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Download Ticket Order Form<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Download Seating Chart<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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LU\u2019S SUMMER ADVENTURES<\/h3>\n

We asked Lu to tell us what she\u2019d been during over the summer. We\u2019re pleased to pass along her reminisces about her time away from the park.<\/p>\n

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We got home later than usual.\u00a0We stopped in Las Cruces, New Mexico to visit our friends Scott and Betsy Gubin.\u00a0Scott and Betsy have spent many seasons at Silveridge. While in Las Cruces, we got to experience our first dust storm.\u00a0That was a new experience.\u00a0Luckily, it was over in about 30 minutes.\u00a0We still had time to enjoy a delicious dinner with our friends at the Sonoma Ranch golf course.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Once we arrived back in Quincy, IL, we had time to unpack the motorhome and then pack our suitcases.\u00a0We always make seeing family a priority when we are home.\u00a0First, trip was to see Ed\u2019s granddaughter Vanya graduate from high school.\u00a0It was a lovely ceremony followed by a party that included family and friends.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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I\u00a0took up a new sport this summer.\u00a0I took private shooting lessons and learned how to shoot.\u00a0We had a familiar scare almost 50 years ago that had created a fear of handguns.\u00a0As a teen, I learned how to shoot a shot gun and would go trap shooting with my sister and brother-in-law but never wanted anything to do with handguns.\u00a0Ed has slowly helped me to face that fear and I wanted to learn how to shoot.\u00a0Ed had to requalify for his Illinois Conceal Carry permit and we spoke with his instructor who offered to help me.\u00a0It is something I wish I would have done years ago.\u00a0I enjoyed shooting so much I registered for his conceal carry class and now I have my permit too. Oh, and to celebrate my accomplishment, Ed bought me my own Smith & Wesson 380 EZ\u2026and yes, it\u2019s PINK!<\/p>\n

Then, we were off to visit my niece and her family in Zionsville, IN.\u00a0My great nephew turned 13 this year.\u00a0Whenever I visit, it is tradition that we play a lot of games.\u00a0Auntie Lu always has to bring a new game for us to learn.\u00a0This year, I brought Uno No Mercy!\u00a0It was a bit confusing.\u00a0We played it a couple of times but always end up with our favorite Spoons.\u00a0I think it\u2019s a favorite because the young pups can\u2019t believe how sneaky or fast the old farts are with grabbing those spoons.\u00a0We always have fun and laugh a lot too.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Next stop was my sister\u2019s in Antioch, IL.\u00a0She is my quilting mentor.\u00a0I wanted to start a quilt for Ed made with his favorite colors are orange and royal blue.\u00a0So, we jumped in the car and spent the day exploring quilt shops in Wisconsin.\u00a0I had so many beautiful fabrics to choose from it was overwhelming.\u00a0But I found 4 and then off to her sewing cave we went.\u00a0I cut and sewed while she supervised. We made great progress when it was time for us to leave.\u00a0I brough it home to Quincy with the intention of finishing it. (Haven\u2019t touched it since I\u2019ve been home.) \u2639<\/p>\n

We continued to visit family and friends around the Chicago area before heading home to Quincy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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At home, we like to gather with our amateur radio friends and take my bonus mom out to lunch.\u00a0She is 92 is this year.\u00a0Mom is legally blind and hard of hearing but she loves to be social.\u00a0I have been a part of this ham family since I became a licensed ham in 2008.\u00a0We try to take mom out at least once or twice a month while we are home.\u00a0Everyone has a great time.\u00a0We still have 2 lunches already planned before we take off again.\u00a0You might recognize Silveridge residents Ann and Larry Lauer.\u00a0I\u2019ve known them for many, many years.<\/p>\n

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We recently ventured to Red Bay, AL where we left our motorhome to get some work completed on it.\u00a0Tiffin coach owners are familiar with Red Bay because Tiffins are made there.\u00a0The manufacturing of Entegras, our motorhome, is being moved to Red Bay, AL soon.\u00a0So we took advantage of the change.\u00a0I had to go see the steam engine and the Illinois Central railroard caboose. (Ed worked on the Illinois<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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Central Railroad when it merged with his the G,M & O.) When we go back to pick it up, it will be time to head west to Mesa.<\/p>\n

In between our travels I have continued to work on our entertainment and newsletters.\u00a0Unfortunately, I wasn\u2019t able to get a date for the Strolling Strings this year.\u00a0We are on a waiting list.\u00a0We might be able to squeeze in a concert.\u00a0I\u2019m still working on it.\u00a0Otherwise, I have most of the contracts signed and returned for hopefully another great season.<\/p>\n

The 2025-2026 ticket order form in enclosed.\u00a0Please be sure to include your payment with any preticket orders.\u00a0We will process ticket orders on a frist come, first served basis.\u00a0You always have the option to wait and purchase your tickets once you arrive.\u00a0Please be sure the floorplans you are looking at say 2025-2026 on the top of them.<\/p>\n

October will be here quickly.\u00a0I\u2019m looking forward to another fabulous season at Silveridge.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPECIAL EDITION: The TICKET ORDER FORM for the upcoming season Along with A Summer with Lu Way But first, the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[24],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10712"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10712"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10713,"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10712\/revisions\/10713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silveridge.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}