August 2, 2021

Yesterday was a great day for Simmons School! 

Speaking for the One Room Schoolhouse Committee, we thank each and every one of you who attended the dedication of the Glen S. Keller and Barbara S. Johnson Memorial Garden. Many thanks to those who donated so the garden could be created. Many thanks to those who donated baked goods, flowers, and gift certificates for the dedication. Many thanks to those who filled the little red schoolhouse boxes yesterday. We are overwhelmed by your generosity!

Special thanks to those of you who pitched in to set up and take down everything (some getting soaked by the just-after-the-big-event rainstorm!). Special thanks to our outstanding musicians, Avery Tallent, the Hauser Band, and Dan Fleming. Special thanks to those who helped with the old-fashioned games, the cakewalk, the food preparation, the drinks, hostessing in the Schoolhouse, and creating our signs and managing sound. Special thanks to Glen’s and Barb’s families for rolling up their sleeves and pitching right in.

Amy Keller and Allison Clay, you made us remember. You made us remember how blessed we were to have Glen and Barb. You made us remember why we loved them so. You made us remember their dreams to build a brighter future, and it ignites a fire in us.

I thank the One Room Schoolhouse Committee (and their families) for working so hard the past several months on the Dedication of the Memorial Garden. It is a privilege to work alongside such passionate-for-this-cause people! Simmons School needs each of you.

If Glen and Barb made History Come Alive at Simmons School, we, collectively, are going to make sure it stays alive! 

Thank you so much.

Most sincerely,

Beth Newman