The Gardner Newsletter proudly presents the Original Gang of Ten and their families and friends!!
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Even though Joan Johnson has recently suffered such tragedy she mustered the courage to send to the Gardner Newsletter a belated Christmas letter. Read what she has to say by clicking on Elizabeth's page. (See the article just below this.)
Cousin Teresa Vasko reported to The Gardner Newsletter that her nephew, Billy Joe Johnson, passed away in Anchorage, Alaska. Billy's obituary has been posted to Elizabeth's page.
It's Time to Post the 2011 Christmas Messages from
Friends and Family!
Dan and Nancy sent in their Christmas 2011/New Year 2012 Newsletter. Go to Elinor's page to read all about the many changes their family is experiencing.
Phil and Margie Chatto, who were pastors of the East Charleston Church of the Nazarene in the early 1950's, sent in a wonderful and very timely Christmas 2011 message that gives an interesting update to members of the family. Here it is.
"Thank you for your cards. We were cleaning out some boxes in case we have to move North. Neither of us are well. Anyway, I came across a box and it had a lovely pillow that Nita made for me. I brought it out to our family room. It looks so nice. Nita was a lovely lady and she taught me many things. She and Lyndol taught us about planting our fruit garden up in back of the house where our church was.
I am not sending out cards so am returning the note on your Gardner Newsletter. Our youngest daughter attends the Manchester Church of the Nazarene where Elinor's daughter is the pastor's wife. How interesting the connections.
God bless and thank you you for the newsletter."
Margie and Phil Chatto
Rev. Phil Chatto was pastor of the East Charleston Church of the Nazarene when Cousins Jean and Paul Gardner went to live with Grandma and Grandpa Gardner and Cousin Linda Gardner went to live with Aunt Nita and Uncle Lyndol around the year1953. Both Phil and Margie contributed articles to the Newsletter in 2006. It's the Fall 2006 issue: Volume 9-Issue 36.
So, as you can see, Rev. Dan Whitney and Cousin Nancy Whitney now have yet another connection to the Chatto's and the East Charleston Church of the Nazarene due to the fact that one of the Chatto's daughters, Martha, attends their church!
Chuck and Sarah Dumas sent in a great holiday portrait of themselves. See it by surfing over to Aunt Nita's page.
The Desimone 's (of the Lang-Johnson-Eggleston Connection) have sent in their annual Christmas newsletter. Get caught up on that part of the family by clicking here.
First up this year is is Teresa and John Vasko. To see their Christmas 2011 card surf over to Elizabeth's page.
Speaking of Teresa ..... Aunt Lois informed Paul, your editor, that Cousin Teresa recently fell down and broke her knee in three different places! It looks like she will be tied up in rehab and out of commission for awhile. Let's send her a "get well soon" card so that she will know all her family and friends are thinking about her. Teresa's address is: Teresa Vasko, 58 Fairway Lane, Lyndonville, VT 05831.
The latest issue of "The Gardner Newsletter," has been posted to Greta's Interactive Page. Don't forget to try the chat room.
See 4th of July 2011 pictures of Baby Sofia!
See what Cailin and Connor O'Toole have been up to lately by surfing over to their Grandfather Raymond's page by clicking here.
Did you know that the Gardner Newsletter is part of the Town of Charleston's historical record? The Charleston Historical Society (Charleston, VT) has a copy of each of the Gardner newsletters in its archives. You can read the organization's 2011 spring newsletter by clicking here. You may want to become a member. If so, download the issue and fill out the application.
Happy Birthday, Uncle Raymond!
Go to Raymond's page and see him blow out his candles for his 85th birthday.
Donna Griffes just posted a message on Paul's Facebook page about the latest issue of The Gardner Newsletter. To read it click here to go to Beulah's page.
We should all be as creative as Teresa Vasko! She made her own Christmas card again this year and sent it along on behalf of her and John. Click here to read it.
Christmas 2010 is well on the way and the Desimone family of "The Lang-Johnson-Eggleston Connection" is the first to send in their Christmas newsletter this year! Surf over to their page by clicking here.
Click HERE to go to Nita's page to see the latest pictures of her grandchildren that were included in theSummer 2010 issue of the newsletter.
Click here to go to The Lang-Johnson-Eggleston Connection page and view the BEFORE and AFTER pictures of the REFURBISHED Lang gravestones in the Hillside and Buck cemeteries in East Charleston, VT.
Click here to go to Adelbert's page and read about Aunt Lilla's funeral and view pictures of her children. Lilla's daughters, Becky, Cindy and Diane write heart warming tributes to their mother. Grandson Tyler gives a moving eulogy.
Click here to go to Raymond's page and view the pictures he sent to the newsletter.
Ron Gibbs, Jean Gonzalo's son, contributed his son's high school senior picture. Cameron will be graduating on June 2, 2010. You can see Cameron's high school graduation invitation and his most recent picture by clicking here.
Audrey Frizzell, Secretary of the Charleston Historical Society, has just published their Spring 2010 issue. Read about this great organization which has close ties to the Gardner family by clicking here. Be sure to support them in their endeavors when you can.
Uncle Raymond turned 84 on March 23rd. To see a couple of birthday pictures, surf over to his page by clicking here. The Gardner Newsletter says "thank you" for all his painstaking research and for the unique perspectives he has provided to the newsletter and this website over the years.
Christmas 2009!
Here come the Christmas cards for 2009! First up is The Desimone Family Newsletter. Go to the Lang-Johnson-Eggleston connection by clicking here. Check back often to see more cards and letters as they arrive this Christmas season.
Teresa and John Vasko sent in their Christmas Newsletter for 2009. Click here to view it.
Ruth Anne Metcalf's Christmas message that she sent to everyone by e-mail has been posted here too. You can read her message and the story about her trip to New Orleans by clicking here.
Sandy and Dick Baraw sent in a Christmas picture of their six grandchildren. Click here to see it.
Phil and Margie Chatto, the second pastors at the newly formed East Charleston Church of the Nazarene back in the early 1950s, sent a Christmas Card to the newsletter . In it they say: "Thank you for keeping us on your mailing list. East Charleston and the folks we knew there cause us to have special memories. Due to health reasons, we probably won't get up that way again. After all, we had our first daughter there; and now we are great grandparents to three boys and two girls! God bless you in your ministry". Margie and Phil Chatto
Len and Donna Griffes sent a Christmas card to the newsletter. Click here to read about the latest happenings in their family.
Greetings from the Vermont Family "Griffes"! Read the 2009 Christmas family newsletter by clicking here.
Joan Johnson's Christmas 2009 Newsletter has been posted to Elizabeth's page. Click here to read it.
Patty Ames' Christmas 2009 Newsletter has been posted to Nita's page. Click here to read it.
You can see pictures of Tara Gardner's 6th year birthday party by clicking here.
Tara Gardner and Vickie had a ballet recital this past spring. If you go to her very own page on this website, you can see the pictures of that auspicious event!. Get there by clicking here!
from Cindy Eggleston of the Lang/Johnson/Eggleston Connection.
"I am Cindy Eggleston, GRANDdaughter of Edna Lang Eggleston (your newsletter has been reporting me to be her daughter). My father was Donald Eggleston, her only child, and I am his only child. My mother was Jean Blaisdell Eggleston. I think in the interest of history, this should be corrected.
Additionally, I read with interest the piece attributed to me in the "Price of Liberty" section. I did not write any of this and would appreciate it if whoever has the power to do so would correct this error as soon as possible. Having googled my name in the past, I have found there are several Cindy Egglestons floating around, so perhaps one of them wrote the piece and it was assumed that it was me. Thank you for your attention to this matter."
Thank you, Cindy Eggleston
The Charleston Historical Society has sent us their Spring 2009 issue. Click here to read it! Please do your best to support them financially during these hard times.
Take the NEW "Price of Liberty" page survey! Let's see how far we've come since 9/11. If everyone participates, it will make for a nice future issue of the newsletter. Thanks for your help. Fill out the survey form by clicking here.
Tara Le Gardner, Clayton's granddaughter, turned 5 on November 6, 2008. Click here to see her picture at the party and then follow the other link to see even more pictures!
Connor O'Toole has sent some of his latest pictures to the website. Click here to go to his grandfather Raymond's page.
Uncle Clayton sent the newsletter a picture of that memorable trip to Nova Scotia that the Original Gang of Ten took in 1927. The trip is mentioned in the current issue of the Gardner Newsletter. Also, remember the article about Cousin Ron Gardner speaking before the Washington State High Court? Uncle Clayton reports: "Ron won his case. I think you will find this interesting." Click here to read about how "Makers not liable in asbestos cases."
Richard Colburn, Sr., Curator of the Charleston Historical Society, has written a book about the history of The Plymouth Congregational Church in East Charleston, VT. If you would like a copy of the book, you can purchase one by clicking here.
Christopher, Lisa, Alexander, Zachery, Matthew and Lady Cove have a new home! Click here to see it.
Surf over to Raymond's page to read about Cailin O'Toole's 10th birthday party. Click here.
Cousin Gloria's and Bob's daughter, Robyn, wed Frank Demand in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 15th! Go to Raymond's page by clicking here to see the first pictures of that event! Maybe Uncle Raymond will submit an article to the newsletter about the cruise they took to attend the wedding. We're looking forward to seeing more pictures of the wedding too.
Uncle Clayton has some new pictures of Tara, Ron, and his new girlfriend, Annie. You can see those pictures by going to Tara Le's page. Click here.
Go to the page on this website dedicated to his memory by clicking here.
The pictures from Aunt Lois' 90th Birthday Party have been posted to her page! Be sure to go there by clicking here.
Cousin Geri Rosser has been exploring her creative side by posting her photography on "Zazzle." Why not be ahead of the game and do some early Christmas shopping for some very unique gifts! Please take a look by clicking here.
If you were unable to attend Aunt Ruth's funeral service, Cousin Dan Whitney, who officiated, has graciously donated his notes to the Gardner Newsletter website. Read his inspiring and thought-provoking homily. You will have an even greater appreciation for Aunt Ruth and her legacy after you read the eulogy he gave honoring her life. Go to that special page by clicking here.
Cousin Ruth Anne Metcalf is always surprising her family with parties celebrating various events in their lives. Click here to read her comments about the most recent surprise party she planned for her sister, Geri, when she turned 50.
Be sure to see the new Tom and Lucy Gibbs Family Page! Tom Gibbs is Jean Gonzalo's third oldest son. The family is growing as you will see by clicking here.
Dan Whitney sent in a wonderful picture of Dick and Elinor Cove! Click here to see it.
Learn about Terry and Patty Ames' new business venture and why you might want to order your dog food from them. Click here to go to Nita's page.
Navigate to Elinor's page to learn about Dan Whitney's new book and how to get it!
Ruth Anne's surprise birthday party for Cousin Dick Metcalf was big success. You can read about it by clicking here.
The Clyde River article appearing in The Gardner Newsletter's Spring, 2006 issue prompted Cousin Teresa Vasko to send in a newspaper article from The Caledonian-Record dated May 23, 2006. It elaborates on some of the themes mentioned in that article. You can navigate to the Articles of Interest page by clicking here.
Cousin Ron Gardner has sent us some updated pictures of his daughter, Tara. As a bonus, there is a recent picture of proud grandparents, Clayton and Gerry Gardner. You can see the updated pictures of Tara by clicking here. Also, you never know when you're going to need a good lawyer. Here is a link to Ron's law firm's web site: www.gardnerbond.com
See a great picture of Jean Gonzalo receiving her AA degree from Taft College by clicking here.
Cousin Dick Metcalf logged onto our web site from Iraq. Here is the message he sent to Greta using her "interactive page."
"Hiya, Greta, Thought I'd stop by & say hello to all from (very, VERY) sunny Iraq! I've been in here since January, 2006, & expect to be coming back sometime in July... short month & a half & off to Fort Indiantown Gap, PA, for a new assignment. More to follow! Dick Metcalf"
See Jean Gonzalo's new granddaughter, Laurie Ann Gibbs, by clicking here.
Here is some welcome news! Sarah Ames recently updated her web page. She is an amateur photographer and has posted some of her favorite pictures to her page. Also, read all about her family by clicking here. She writes a lot of papers for school. We would be happy to publish the ones she would like to share with us in The Gardner Newsletter. Let's hope she sends some in soon.
Sarah Ames' web page returns to this site. We hope now that her page is back on-line, Sarah will update it with the missing "college years." Everyone is anxious to know how she is doing. To re-acquaint yourself with Sarah, click here.
Do you know what "The Lang/Johnson/Eggleston Connection" is? Well, we have a whole page of this web site devoted to that subject. Learn about it by clicking here.
It's been awhile since we heard from the Len Griffes family. See what they've been up to by reading their informative Christmas letter to everyone. Even if you received it in the mail you can enjoy it again by clicking here. The pictures of their new house are especially noteworthy.
Richard A. Colburn, Sr., Curator of the Charleston Historical Society, sent the newsletter a nice Christmas card. In it he mentions a little anecdote about Uncle Adelbert. It has been posted to Richard's "Price of Liberty Page." To read what he has to say about Adelbert, click here.
To complement the Whitney's article in the Fall 2005 issue, some pictures of their family have been posted to Elinor's page. You can view those pictures by clicking here.
Cousin Teresa Vasko sent in a nice letter of appreciation accompanied by a picture of her father, Homer Johnson, standing next to a young Clayton Gardner. Teresa hopes that this photo will spark one of Uncle Clayton's stories. We hope so too. See this cryptic picture by surfing over to Elizabeth's page by clicking here.
Jean's granddaughter, Emily Gibbs, recently made her First Holy Communion. You can see her picture by surfing over to Earl's page. Click here.
Jean's and Paul's cousin, Mervin Avants, sent in a picture of his family. You can go to his mother's memorial page by clicking here and view the whole family.
Did you forget about the pictures of the old round barns buried in this website? Well that page has been updated and is now called "Articles of Interest." It's a good repository for all things that reflect the life and times of Will Gardner and his family. Feel free to contribute anything you feel might enhance that page.
As of now, the page has some more articles about the Town of Charleston's 200th anniversary, it has two articles about the historic fires that took place in both East and West Charleston, VT in addition to the pictures of the old round barns. You can get there from here by clicking on this link.
Learn about Lillian (Costa) Avants, Jean Gonzalo's and Paul Gardner's aunt on their mother's side of the family, who, sadly, recently passed away. Go to Earl's page by clicking here and then click on the link provided on that page.
To see the enlarged pictures of Paul's birthday party that were published in The Gardner Newsletter, surf over to Earl's page by clicking here.
Jean Gonzalo's cousins (from her mother's side of the family) sent in a couple of pictures. Go to Earl's page by clicking here to view them.
For those of you who couldn't attend Nita's touching and moving service, please go to her page by clicking here to read a first-hand account of the day's events as family and friends gathered to say goodbye.
Jean's Gonzalo's family took her out to dinner on her 62nd birthday. See them at one of her favorite restaurants. Click here to go to Earl's page.
Raymond and Margaret Gardner are grandparents AGAIN! Their daughter, Ellen, gave birth to Ciara Lynn McCarthy, on April 25, 2004. Congratulations to Ellen, Jim, and big brother, Devlin! To see a picture of Ciara, surf over to Raymond's page by clicking here.
Tara Le now has her own page on this web site. Click here to see it.
Ruth Anne Metcalf has sent more pictures to be posted to her mother's (Aunt Ruth) special birthday page. You can see these pictures by clicking here. Thank you, Ruth Anne.
The Whitneys of Henniker, New Hampshire have sent everyone an update on their move from Rhode Island. Click here to read about what's going on in that family.
Read the poem written especially for Ruth on her birthday. Go to Ruth's birthday page by clicking here.
A page on this web site has been set aside in memory of Henry Metcalf. Please click here to go there.
Jean's youngest boy, Ron, and his long-time friend Shanna, "tied the knot" this last October. If you surf over to Earl's page, you can see a picture of the happy couple. Click here.
How would you like to know what Katrina Parsons (Uncle Raymond's and Aunt Margaret's granddaughter) is doing these days? The North Reading Transcript has a great feature article about her. Read it in full by clicking here.
The Len Griffes family has a great story about pineapples, Pearl Harbor, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Surf over to Beulah's page to read all about it by clicking here.
Sheryl and Gary Hosford's son, Cole William, celebrated his first birthday! To attend his party, click here.
See the Town of Charleston's 200th birthday party! Begin by clicking here.
Here are two Newport Express newspaper articles about the events of July 12, 2003. To read them, click here.
The Barton Chronicle of July 16, 2003 had in-depth coverage of Charleston's Bicentennial as well as a great story and pictures on the beaver dam that broke wreaking havoc on Route 111. To read these stories click here.
Congratulations to Bunny and Tony Maria for reaching their 50th Wedding Anniversary! To see pictures of that monumental event, please click here.
Celebrate Jean Gonzalo's 60th birthday! Click here to go to page one of her party! Double-click on the thumbnail to get the actual picture size. Please be patient while the whole picture downloads.
See a picture of Chris and Lisa Cove on Newbury Street in Boston. On May 4, 2002, they met Paul for lunch. Chris and Lisa were on a visit to Boston and stayed with Chris' college room mate. Surf over to Elinor's page by clicking here.
Did you forget about our "Price of Liberty" page? It might be good re-read the responses to the 9-11 attack sent in to the web site during that dreadful time. Do you have some thoughts about our country and its policies that you would like posted to that page? Let Paul or Greta know. Click here to refresh your memory about the United States' war against terrorism.
When you see this picture on the other pages, click on it to return to this page, - the "Home" page.