THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF

THE NORTHUMBERLAND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1971 ALUMNI, INC.

(A 501c3)

NHSClass71@gmail.com  

COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS 

March is designated as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month.  National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that early detection is key to treating colorectal cancers. The month-long observance shines a spotlight on risk factors, research, and aims to raise awareness.  Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States. Yet it's highly preventable with screening. Here's why getting checked matters:

• Screening can find the warning signs of colon and rectal cancer, so you can take action to stop the disease.
• Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than a million people in the United States count themselves as survivors. While early detection and treatments make a difference, there is more that can be done. Knowing the causes and risk factors helps prevent colorectal cancer.

Risk Factors We Control

• Diet - Studies show that diets rich in red and processed meats may contribute to colorectal cancer risks.  Also, how we prepare our proteins may increase our risk, too. Grilling, frying, and high-temperature cooking release chemicals that may contribute to colorectal cancer risks. Diets full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains reduce our risk of colon cancer as well as other health risks.
• Exercise - Sedentary lifestyles and obesity are two more risk factors for colorectal cancer. Once again, physical activity helps to reduce our risk factors for another disease.
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use - Quit the one and limit the other. Ask your physician if you need help with either one.
• Family history - While you can't control this, you can know it. Report it to your primary care physician so if your family history shows an increased risk for you, the doctor can decide if you need early screening. Knowledge is power.

Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about risk factors, early detection, and treatment.

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President's Letter

January 29, 2025

SUBJECT: Executive Committee’s Offsite Planning for 2025.

Dear Classmates,

I am pleased to share with you the summary and outcomes of our recent Executive Committee Offsite, held at Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony in Williamsburg, VA. We had a productive and inspiring meeting. Members in attendance included Rob and Flossie Dobyns, Marshall and Carolyn Parker, Charles and Brenda Bullock, David and Eleanor Wiggins, Dwight and Donna Caster, Raymond Jones and Dorris Dunnaway, and Charles Holden. Lena Handy joined us via Zoom, while Sarah Laws and Gwen Rollins were unfortunately unable to attend.

During the offsite, we took time to review the foundational aspects of our organization, including our Purpose, Vision, Mission, goals, and objectives. Additionally, we reflected on the guiding documents that continue to steer our work.

A key point of discussion was the future of our community service programs. We are pleased to announce that our $1,000 scholarship program will be sustained annually through a generous donation by Charles Holden. This scholarship has become a hallmark of our efforts to support local students, and we are committed to ensuring its continuation. We also discussed the scholarship procedures and established timeline. The Association will award a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior at the High School Awards Night scheduled for 6pm on April 28, 2025. We encourage all members to attend this important event.

We also spent time reviewing other key areas of our work, including Membership, Awards and Achievements, Public Affairs, and our Annual Programs. As part of our ongoing planning, we reviewed our monthly activities and associated budgets for 2025 to ensure we are maximizing our impact (See Enclosure 1). We extend our heartfelt thanks to Brenda Bullock, David Wiggins, Robert Dobyns, Raymond Jones, and Lena Handy for their generous donations that covered the $1,230.84 shortfall in our 2024 annual gathering budget. Your support was vital to the success of the event, and we deeply appreciate your generosity and dedication.

A key part of the budget discussion focused on membership dues. Sustainment of our Association comes from our dues, to include the bereavement fund for condolences to our alumni and immediate family members. We encourage all members to contribute their dues ($25 quarterly or $100 annually), as every contribution helps to host events that foster unity and lasting friendships. However, we fully understand that everyone's financial situation is different, and we deeply appreciate whatever amount you are able to contribute. Your participation and involvement are what truly matters, and we are grateful for your support, no matter the size. If you are facing a situation where paying dues is difficult, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Because we're here to help and want to ensure that everyone feels included and supported.

As always, the offsite meeting produced a set of action items for various members to address in the coming months. Here is a summary of the key tasks:

1. Brenda:
   • Move all documents to archives. Assisted by Raymond.
   • Incorporate ways to memorialize classmates who have passed during the 2026 gathering, along with Lena and Raymond.
2. Charles:
   • Write offsite letter.
   • Reach out to Dr. Burns regarding school support.
3. Lena:
   • Look into whether PayPal can allow donors to elect to pay fees.
   • Work with Brenda and Raymond on memorializing classmates.
4. Flossie and Scholarship Team:
   • Track the progress of scholarship awardees as they move through college and into their careers.
5. Marshall:
   • Investigate whether Northumberland County will upgrade the sign for Central High or if non-profits can undertake this initiative.
6. Collective Effort to check on the wellbeing of classmates:
   • Arnette Butler (Flossie); Tish Butler (Charles); Denise Harris (Charles)
   • Barbie Keyser (Lena); Ryan Marsh (David); Dorothy Clark (Flossie)

We concluded the meeting with the benediction, followed by a social time where we gathered to enjoy the football game.

As we move forward, let us remain focused on our shared mission and continue to work together to care for each other and create lasting impact in our community.

Thank you all for your dedication, support, and commitment to our goals.

If you have questions about the Association, please feel free to email the Association at northumberland71@gmail.com or give me a call at 757-714-9009.

Respectfully,

Charles M. Holden

President

Northumberland High School Alumni Association.

________________________________________________________________________________ Northumberland High School Class of 1971 Alumni Association Awards Scholarship        The Northumberland High School (NHS) Class of 1971 Alumni Association awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Martin Smith, a 2024 NHS graduating high school senior. Martin has a 4.3 GPA and ranks #8 of 97 graduating seniors.  He plans to attend James Madison University and major in International Affairs. The NHS Class of 1971 Alumni Association, Inc. is a non-profit, 501c3, tax exempt organization established to promote the spirit of alumni unity and camaraderie and to provide community service in the Northumberland County area. Each year the Association conducts a community service project with a primary focus on NHS.  The project for 2024 was a $1,000 scholarship.  The scholarships are presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in academics, leadership, community service and have indicated a desire to pursue higher education at a four or two-year college or university.

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