Jeanne Crews (MO '84) sadly informed us of the sudden death of her beloved husband in February. Jim was an integral part of every NSTOY conference, endearing himself to all members by his cheerful demeanor, outgoing personality, and willingness to help. He will be remembered for his generosity and caring attitude. NSTOY owes him a debt of gratitude, for he embodied the warmth and spirit of an organization that seeks to be "family" as well as "friend" to its members.
Jeanne retired after teaching 42 years in St. Louis public schools, but even in retirement, Jeanne is still teaching. She has accepted a part-time position at St. Charles Community College, where she is teaching a class in Children's Literature. The transition from teaching elementary students to college freshmen has gone smoothly, and Jeanne is thoroughly enjoying the experience. Teaching Children's Literature is a natural for Jeanne, who has always loved reading and is an avid storyteller.
Note: For a more detailed account of Jeanne's activities, members may access the online "Noise from TOYs" feature at: www.nstoy.org..
Joe Corsello (IL 79) is beginning his 50th year in the art classroom this fall. After serving with the U.S. Army in Korea for 18 months, he returned to IL Wesleyan and graduated in 1959. For 33 years he taught drawing, printmaking, and ceramics at Morris High School. For the past 16 years he has taught basic art two days a week to first through eighth graders at Immaculate Conception School in Morris, IL.
Gilbert Yee (CA 78) is having some health problems with a neurological condition known as PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy). Coordination, balance, and muscular control are challenges, and communication is now difficult for him. His wife Michiko reports that Gil enjoys listening to tapes and appreciates news of NSTOY and contacts from his friends in the organization. Members who know Gil will remember the fascinating
science workshops he presented at NSTOY conferences. What a wonderful teacher! His love of the profession and his subject were so very evident. All who attended were enraptured. We encourage all members to communicate with Gil and Michi, who are still very much a part of the NSTOY family.
Ruth Campopiano (NJ 75) sends many thanks for the greeting from NSTOY Alaska. She was sorry to have missed the conference but is happy to report that she is "back to normal" after her fall in August 2007. She said, "I did manage two great trips since then - Copper Canyon in northern Mexico - ole - and Paris and Provence in France - ooh, la, la! I had to cancel Egypt and Antarctica, though! Maybe next year!"
Ruth is still volunteering at the local hospital, Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, and Meals on Wheels. Serving on the local school board was a wonderful, satisfying experience for her; however, she chose not to run again since she vowed never to miss any meeting and had to plan her trips around meeting times, which was difficult for this on-the-go TOY.
Curt Keller (PA 70) had the privilege of being in the audience of 5,000 at Lehigh University, PA in July to see and hear the 14th Dalai Lama speak on the topic of "Bodhicitto," the awakening of one's mind to the welfare of others and the cultivation of compassion.
A highlight remark was that nurses and doctors are especially to be praised for their helping to relieve the suffering of others in the physical sense, AND special honorary remarks were given to TEACHERS, who address the spiritual and intellectual mind, often with a sense of affection and compassion. The Dalai Lama pointed out that teachers move in the area of several of the "Six Perfections" of Buddhism": generosity, wisdom, and working for the benefit of others.
