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From: Carolyn S. Buckenmaier, EdD
To: glennaorr@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 9:59 AM
Dear Glenna,
I just purchased and have begun to read your book, Open Minds, Open Hearts. I remember you at White Oaks with great fondness. If you recall, you were hired that year just before the school year began. As was my practice, I always had the team sit in on the hiring of new teachers. Just prior to the interview appointment we had with you, I was in my office which had a large window that opened out to the parking lot. I watched you bounce out of your car and nearly sprint up to the front door. I went to where the team was assembled and related what I had just seen and how I thought you exhibited the kind of energy that we needed at White Oaks. After you answered the first few questions, we knew you would fit right in. How fortunate I felt to be able to hire a great new teacher that late in the season! Your activities at Burke Lake Gardens Retirement Center was so positive for our students.
Your work with senior citizens has an even more special meaning for me now. My mother is in a retirement center and visits from younger people are so meaningful to her. My niece takes her young sons out often to visit at the center. The boys are gaining as much from the experience as they are giving. Teachers reading your book will see the worth of the activities that you instituted between students in your classrooms and senior citizens. I trust this book will provide direction for others seeking to develop partnerships with senior retirement centers.
It is so good to reconnect with you.
Carolyn S. Buckenmaier, EdD
From: Angelynn Fox
To: GlennaOrr@comcast.net
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 8:41 PM
Subject: Hello From A White Oaks 3rd Grade Student!
Good Evening Mrs. Orr,
I do hope this finds you having a fabulous day! Mom and I were reminiscing today about the great times we had living in Burke, Va and of course you were an inspiring mentor during my third grade year! I have no idea whether or not you will remember me, but I wanted to say hello and thank you for being such an encouragement to my family and I. Many days I have thought of you and hoped that you and your family were doing well. The internet is a wonderful resource, so I thought I would "google" your name and I do believe I have located you. Ha! According to everything I have read, you are still actively inspiring children to set goals, live life to the fullest and give back to the community. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to spend a year as your student.
Let's see if I can't jog your memory...long curly blond hair...blue eyes...modeled in Japan...LOVED to read (read fluently at age 3)..the toilet overflowed upstairs, dripped downstairs on my homework & when I brought it to class you immediately set it outside our portable classroom to "air dry"...my dad came to class and performed a "lie detector test" on the class clown...i was the narrator for the play your husband wrote (I believe it was a Memorial Day play)...what good times!
You suggested that I learn to play the harp, but I have had several years of violin lessons. :) Neither did I become an optometrist like your brother in-law, but I have become a Doctor of Pharmacy. I graduated in May of 2006 from UNC-CH and I am currently employed at an independent pharmacy and small hospital in Siler City, NC. My Mom said to tell you hello and she did "try to keep me grounded."
Congratulations on your many accomplishments!! I know you are a blessing to all you encounter. You inspired my heart many years ago and I want you to know that I am appreciative of the time you spent with me. Thank you for inspiring a desire in me to reach for the stars and always serve others. Thank you for your service to the youth of this nation. I would love to hear from you!
God Bless you today and always,
Angelynn
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Angelynn Fox, PharmD, RPh