September 11, 2015

Oroville Mercury Register
June 6, 1941
Patriotism Is Poetry Theme
A patriotic poem written by a 12-year-old Bidwell Bar school student, in the sixth grade, has been contributed to the Mercury. The piece, composed by Geraldine Beach, follows:
America, My Country If you’ve never had a country Where the bells of freedom toll, Where every act is brotherly, To every living soul, Where not one but all the people Play the most important role, Where everyone speaks freely, Even though they may be wrong, Then you’ve never been quite happy Even though you may be strong. Where buildings are built up, But not brought down by bombs, And pretty county gardens Where all is still and calm And the little country school house Nestles ‘neath a stately palm. Where children’s merry voices Can be heard throughout the day Where the sunlight always flickers With all freedom in it’s ray. If you have never, been where You may practice as you please. Where you can find, when you come home, A place to spend your ease, Where the stars and stripes have glory. That no other flag can seize And forever may this banner wave, In our sky so bright and clear, There will always be America With faith, good hope and cheer.
( Stu- Well Done Geraldine.)

Oroville Mercury Register
September 24, 2011
Continued from last week.
2011 OUHSD HALL OF FAME
Toney Dedicates his life to service, helping minorities
by Barbara Arrigoni
Toney was also decorated for his service, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Vietnam Service Medal. After retiring from the Navy, Toney served as director of Bank of the West for 15 years, and was executive vice president of business development for F.E. Jordan Associates for five years. Toney has also been involved with community groups during his lifetime. He has served as a director on several boards, including United Way, World Affairs Council, Commonwealth Club, Volunteers of America and the Oakland Boys and Girls Club. Another significant achievement for Toney, after he retired from the Navy, was when he was hired as president of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “I was interested in anything that would help get minorities jobs,” he said. In addition, Toney has been a member of the Chico State University President’s Advisory Board. Toney has received two honorary doctorate degrees: one in 1994 from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, and one in 1998 from National Defense University in San Diego. Toney credits his teachers at Chico State and Oroville High for helping him develop toward his achievements in life. “At Chico and Oroville High, the relationships you build, it all helps you to have what you need to pursue advancement and help others,” he said, “I thank my fellow students and teachers for the development they provided so that I could take advantage of it.” Toney lives in Oakland. He is 77.

Stu’s Notes:
I really like the above poem, I would like to know more of that young mature girl. Where is she now? Help me find her.

“The Oroville Veterans Memorial Park Committee For All of Butte County Lest We Forget! The Annual P.O.W./M.I.A. Remembrance Service will be held, including the “Missing Man Table” Eleventh Anniversary Friday, September 18th, 2015 7:00 P.M. – Oroville Veterans Hall 2374 Montgomery Street Light Refreshments Following.”

“Motorcycle Rally I Ride n’ Shine”
All proceeds benefit the Veterans Memorial Park Fund, Saturday, September 19th, $25 Singles*$15 Passenger 7am-11am Registration 8:30am Poker Run, 1:30pm Show ‘n Shine 2:00pm Slow Ride 4:00pm Awards For more information Contact James Townsend pjtownsend@att.net or call at (530) 589-5748.

“Spaghetti Dinner & Dance”
October 10, 2015, Fundraiser Sponsored by American Legion Post 95. Proceeds to benefit the Oroville Veterans Memorial Park for all of Butte County. Dinner from 3-6:30pm. Music and dancing starts at 7:30pm, Dinner and dance $30 per person, Buy two dinners and dance $35, Dinner only $12 per person. Get your tickets early at: Marcozzi’s, Modern Cleaners, Diamond W Western in Chico, Pure Spa, The Eagles FOE 196.