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Just when you think that Around Davidson has run out of news of trips to Washington D.C. to attend the Inauguration, we found two more.  But if we have missed you, be sure to let us know.  This column is not time sensitive – your news is welcome at any time.

Today there is news of the Wessner and Connor families in D.C.,  a new baby in the Seeber family and report from a conference in Florida attended by three Davidson residents:  Margo Wehrung, Ashley Pickerel and Meredith Allen.

More Inaugural News …

DAVE, CONNIE AND IAN WESSNER

Connie and Dave Wessner and their son Ian had a wonderful adventure in Washington over the Inaugural weekend.  In addition to the photo Connie sent us from their space on the mall for the Sunday Inaugural Concert, she sent the following report:

Dave, Connie and Ian Wessner braved the cold to enjoy the Mall for the Inauguration.

“We spent Monday  night camped out in the offices of the National Academy of Science  (4th and E Sts NW). From our campsite/office window we could see the Capital Dome just four blocks away. When we woke on Tuesday morning  around 6:30 a.m., the streets below us were a sea of people all streaming toward the Mall. Our plan that day was to walk up toward the Lincoln  Memorial.

The icy wind and the potentially long walk there and back to our friends’ house in Northern Virginia helped us decide around 10 a.m. to help the kids and ourselves to an empty booth in a restaurant around 12th St (just a few blocks off the Mall). We watched the swearing in there with a full house.

When John Roberts was introduced the very raucous restaurant fell completely silent and everyone stood. Wild cheering, handshakes, and hugs among strangers followed the oath, and then the restaurant fell pin-drop silent again for the speech.”

Thank you Wessner family for a different take on experiencing the inaugural.  It was sheer history in the making for all of us – indoors or out – a day we will remember always.

FOUR GENERATIONS OF THE CONNOR FAMILY

Colene Connor has stories to tell following her trip to the nation’s capitol for the Inauguration.  Thanks to good friend, Paula Kelton, who received a postcard from Colene and encouraged us to contact her.  Colene, widow of Lewis Connor (who was a “fixture” in Davidson College’s Central Services with Jane Biggerstaff for decades), decided she needed to be in Washington for the swearing in of Barack Obama.  Accompanied by her son, Derrick Connor, granddaughter, Natalie Parrish, and great grandson, Terrence Parrish (6), the 77 year old Colene rode the train to D.C., arriving on Monday, Jan. 19.  (The four generations of the Connor family were interviewed by our local Channel 14 prior to boarding AMTRAK in Charlotte.)

Once in Washington, the Connor group stayed with family who lived in the District.  On January 20, she donned her new orthopedic tennis shoes and lots of layers of clothing to set out for the Mall with her family members.  They walked for blocks but Colene mentioned that she never felt cold. There were so many people surrounding her on the mall, all of whom, according to Colene ” were helpful, friendly, kind, beautiful people.”  They watched the inaugural program on the jumbo-trons and heard the swearing in on the speakers.  It was an emotional experience.

Colene Connor is still savoring her commemorative Inaugural postcard.

Later on Tuesday Colene and her family returned to their relative’s home for a festive dinner – but not before checking out the vendors and letting Terrence buy an Obama watch.  Colene mentioned that there were vendors lining the streets with every possible souvenir but sales were so brisk that many sold out early.  Shoe and hand warmers were “hot” sellers to be sure.

Returning by train to Charlotte on Wednesday evening, the four generations of the Connor family arrived about 2 a.m.  Colene, still savoring every moment of the trip, got home, took a hot bath, and slept for hours.  How wonderful to make this trip with family storing memories for decades to come.

CRADLE ROLL

Congratulations to Carrie and Pete Seeber of McConnell who welcomed their fourth child and first daughter this month.

Dad Pete Seeber now has a baby daughter to spoil. New arrival Bronwin is held by big brother Jake as younger brothers Owen (at left) and Luke look on.

Bronwin Claire Seeber was born on January 2 at CMC weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz. and stretching to 19 3/4 inches.  What happy news for Mom and Dad to have a beautiful baby girl in a busy household filled with three older brothers:  Jake (6), Owen (4 1/2) and Luke (23 mos.).  Best news for this family who has lived in Davidson for more than a decade is that maternal grandparents, Carole and T.C. Stell, live nearby in Statesville.  They come to town to help frequently or borrow the older boys for special outings.  How nice!

A little farther away are paternal grandparents, Joe and Sue Seeber, who live in Langhorne, PA.  Best New Year’s wishes to all and welcome especially to baby Bronwin.

PROMOTING PEACE AND GOODWILL IN DAVIDSON

How about a week in Orlando in January?  Sounds great – but for Margo Wehrung, Ashley Pickerel and Meredith Allen of Davidson, it was not play but serious study at the Holiday Inn Conference Center training to be Stephen Ministry Leaders.  These church women were in workshops from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily with over 300 people from around the country.

In Orlando at a Stephen Ministry conference Davidson was well represented by (l-r) Meredith Allen, Ashley Pickerel and Margo Wehrung.

Stephen Ministry is led by lay people in over 10,000 churches around the world.  This nonprofit organization trains people to provide one-to-one caring Christian support for members of their congregations and communities.  The programs are led by trained Stephen Leaders within the congregations.  The leaders provide 50 hours of training for people interested in becoming Stephen Ministers.

Both Davidson College Presbyterian Church (DCPC)  and Davidson United Methodist Church (DUMC) have active Stephen Ministry programs.  Ashley Pickerel was attending this conference on behalf of DUMC. She is a new Associate Pastor who came to DUMC this past summer.

Margo Wehrung is a 14 year member of DCPC.  Meredith Allen is also a DCPC member.  Now these three women are qualified to train new “ministers” and help run the programs at their respective churches.  For more information, please contact Margo Wehrung at 704.896.7282.

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Have news for Brenda? Write to her at hbarger@bellsouth.net.