Eagle Scout Service Project

 

Grandpa Dick and Grandma Phyllis Connett are very proud of our grandson Joseph.

Joseph Christopher Hipsky joined Boy Scouts of America in 2008 and has had many great experiences throughout the years.  He has earned  many merit badges, he has been a Troop Leader, Den Chief, Historian, Scout of the year (earning a bronze award), has been to Philmont Scout Ranch (New Mexico), has 248 hours of hiking and backpacking, and 184 hours of Community Service and Service Project.  At the young age of 15, Joseph earned the Boy Scouts highest rank of Eagle Scout, the highest a boy scout can achieve. 

Upper Peninsula Bible Camp, Little Lake, Michigan. Joseph led camp volunteers and scouts to build and stone a drinking water fountain, where previously water was packed in or hand-carried out to the remote “back 40”. Joseph’s project was to lay a new water line out to the Archery & Riflery Ranges, and at its end to construct a drinking water fountain with mortar and additional stone for biblical character.

Joseph first scouted out a good place where he thought a water fountain would be beneficial to all at the Bible Camp.

A good place for a fountain...   

       

                      It Works!

  

UPBC stone drinking water fountain

 

The finished project - and very proud of it....

The fountain is a rejuvenating source for all UPBC staff, campers and volunteers during the hot summer months.
 

The plaque on the front reads: 

…To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.  Revelations 21:6

That's the way to go Joseph....  Congratulations.

Hope Mission Ghana Africa Team

Carrie, Denver and the Hope Mission Ghana Team made the trip to Africa safely with no lost luggage, a slight delay leaving DSM but on time for the rest of the travels.  Denver with others, assisted the pastors to get all the new computers up and running.  They are teaching the villages about malaria and de-worming and giving the message of Christ.  They had taken homemade pillowcase dresses, jewelry and other small items which was handed out to the villages.  Last year Denver experienced eating something indescribable, wonder what he'll be trying this year....They are now on Day 5 and the time is going fast for them.  Keep them all in your prayers.  They will be back home August 5th.

New Marriage

Bill Eiselstein has a birthday coming up (Sunday, August 11th) and he'll be 81 years old.  He is also getting married to Shirley on his birthday.  He has invited the family to attend the wedding which will take place at the Toronto Church where they both attend.  Wedding will be at 4:00 PM with a reception following at Joe's Bar and Grill in Toronto afterwards. 

ANNIVERSARY

Dick and Phyllis celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 28, 2013.  They both agreed that the years have gone by so fast. 

The De Joode Reunion

 

Willie, Dick, Helen, Norma, Trudy, Carolyn, Phyllis and Ron

Front Row:  Mom Orpha, Barb, Bev, Don, Marian and Dad (Arthur)

 

The De Joode Family reunion started in 1961 with all siblings in the picture above.  Due to illness and death in the family, two years were cancelled, but in 2013 the De Joode reunion took place in Prairie City, Iowa at the Community Park Building.  This was our 50th reunion.  Out of the twelve children shown in the picture, there is just seven of us to carry on.  We had 108 in attendance this year consisting of immediate families, cousins, relatives and friends.  It took over five 8' tables that could hardly hold the bountiful feast that was gathered by all. 

 One of the great surprises to be presented was a piece of the past.  Mother's old wool quilt that Trudy had acquired was moth eaten and ready for discarding, but Teresa put the wool to a piece of art.  She cut the quilt in pieces, made either a windmill or tulip with the "De Joode" name on each and presented to each of the twelve siblings plus.  (Those who were already gone - she presented to the children).  This will be a treasure for each -  thanks to Trudy and Teresa.

After coffee hour, we gathered around and had a baby shower for Little Max.  Bingo and door prizes were a hit as well as the placemats that Sandy had made from the first reunion picture (above) for everyone.  Dick and Janel  made "Dutch" hand bags while Sandy had made "Dutch" Kozies.  Phyllis also updated the "address" booklet which everyone received.  Since our last reunion we have two new births in the family - Little Max and Isabelle, three new marriages Brian Sager, Jon De Joode and Robert Eiselstein, and three graduation students - Dakota McClelland, Brianna Lafrenz and Cody Wilson.  The family continues to grow.  Now we are starting on our next fifty years of the De Joode family reunion. 

Cousin's 2nd Annual Get-Together, 2013

Hello Cousins!

It is time for our annual Hilltop Retreat.

Ok, Ok, so it isn’t really a retreat, heck some of you might not even think it is a restaurant!

However, WE are going to get together again to reconnect.

Family is Family, Always.

Please join my husband Tony, our oldest daughter Jenny, our new grandson Max and I at Hilltop Restaurant, 2820 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines (515-265-2746).  We have space reserved on SATURDAY at 5:30.  We will just order off the menu.

Last year we had about 20 of us.

I hope YOU can make it this year.  Even if you just stay an hour, PLEASE join us for a beverage.  Feel free to bring any memories (pictures, etc.) that you’d like to share, or just bring yourself!

PLEASE!!!

It would be APPRECIATED if you could let me know if you can come so I can get an approximate count to give to the restaurant.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

I can’t wait to see you all at the 50th DeJoode Family Reunion AND the 2nd Annual Cousins Get-together!

Love,

Teresa Hunter

(952) 484-4313 (feel free to text too!)

teresajane48@gmail.com

DE JOODE REUNION

Art and Orpha De Joode reunion will be held at the Community Park Shelter, 503 South State, Prairie City, Iowa.   This will be our 50th reunion and we're hoping to see everyone there.  Also, we will be welcoming our newest member of the family "Little Max" with some welcome gifts.  There will be good food, prizes and a lot going on so mark your calendar and we'll see you there.
                                   

 

Saturday, June 1st - "WOODEN SHOE" LIKE TO ATTEND?