Austin, October 2008

Seven of us want to go to Austin for the reunion in October, 2008. Our next poll will be a vote on where we want to stay.

Relay for Life

WOW! We have the best ever Relay for Life--most people, most survivors, most teams and most money. Our county has 15,000 people, and we raised over $68,000. I think that is awesome. I had a blast and was dancing with the Polynesian dancers (visiting from Houston and friends with Ofeira) at three o'clock in the morning! Judy Belle Bear was won by a man from Tyler County. Thank you for all you did to contribute to the cause and support me. I hope Mary and others might join us next year.
My first treatment went well. It was quick and no nausea. The only problem is that Joy can't find her scent and went almost 18 hours without "going." Finally, this morning--success!
I love you all and will keep you posted as this saga continues. Judy

Linda Rios Bromley and Jack Harrington at Shumla School

Linda Rios Bromley (click on name to read entire article) at the Shumla School. Linda Rios Bromley, a Del Rio native and Houston resident, never saw the Harrington Ranch north of the Pecos River, nor the Shumla School where her parents are being honored, until she received a long-anticipated hug of instant friendship from the school’s founder, Dr. Carolyn Boyd, Wednesday (April 11).

Bromley, author married to Houston attorney Bill Bromley, keeps abreast of cultural changes in her hometown, as evidenced by her recent election to the board of directors of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation. But the news (delivered by LIVE! in January) that the Houston-based Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation had donated $100,000 to Shumla School, in the name of her parents, Bill and Nina Merle Rios, brought tears to Bromley’s eyes.

In like fashion, Boyd had never heard of the Rios family until Michael Hajtman, president of the Herzstein Foundation, contacted her saying (paraphrased) “O.K., here’s your check for a hundred grand, but we want the new housing it will pay for named for Bill and Nina Merle Rios.” Since the connection story broke, January 6, 2007, the two women – Boyd and Bromley – have conversed by phone, joyfully planning the meeting on the campus, two weeks ago.

The SHUMLA School — Education through Studying Human Use of Materials, Land, and Art.
Our programs offer an opportunity to shed cultural preconceptions and look beyond the taken-for-granted world. Participants gain awareness that all people share the same basic needs, emotions, and ways of communicating. Individuals become empowered to take responsibility for their social and natural environment and begin to bridge the cultural, social, and economic gaps that mark our society today. We are truly more alike than we are different, and by celebrating our similarities, we can learn to better appreciate and respect our differences.
Jack and Katherine (Missy) Harrington, ranchers living in Comstock, Texas, donated approximately 70 acres to the Shumla School for the construction of the Shumla educational center. They also have made available to the School the remainder of their 4,800 acre ranch for Shumla's educational and research activities. This land has been in Katherine's (Missy's) family since the later 1800s. It is part of the original Zuberbueler Ranch, which was purchased by John U. Zuberbueler in the late 1800s. Missy Harrington is the great granddaughter of John and Katrine Zuberbueler, granddaughter of Emil and Louisa Zuberbueler, and daughter of Walter and Eline King. Jack and Missy have been involved in public education for over 30 years. Missy taught science in the Comstock and Del Rio schools for 31 years and Jack has been serving on the Board of Trustees for the Comstock Independent School District for over 8 years.

--Jack Harrington graduated with us from DRHS.

Brinkley Estate

Restoration of the Brinkley Estate is preserving an amazing landmark.

"Each of us is a vital thread in another person's tapestry."

"Our lives are woven together for a reason."