Blogger or Facebook?

Friends,

We've been on Blogger for four years. I just made some changes to the interface, adding the "slide show" in the upper right corner. We also now have a Follower page, for those of you who want to show your reader loyalty.

But I'm beginning to wonder if we might do better over on FaceBook. Some of you may have signed in there to stay in touch with friends or family. (Anne and I have a presence there as Dana Hand, to promote our first novel.)

FaceBook is an easier way for me (and you) to write brief notes about our lives, memories, and reunion plans. It lets you stay in touch with close friends, relatives, and colleagues. Writing comments and sharing pictures or videos is a snap.

I enjoy writing the blog, but it's a lot of work and there aren't many comments. The site gets much traffic, but most viewers "lurk" and don't say anything. Facebook is far easier to navigate, add comments, and share pictures. We all get to contribute.

So I've created a trial Group page called SHS Class of 1958. Please stop by and sign on as a Fan. You won't get any spam, and it could be much more fun for all of us. (Reunion Committee, post all of your notes there!)

Will

PS: Never fear, we won't abandon Blogger.

Isabelle Blazis

Isabelle Blazis
SPRINGFIELD - Isabelle Blazis, 95, of Springfield died at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Isabelle was born Nov. 10, 1913, in New Baden, the daughter of William and Ann Zitchaukus Luishes. She married John A. Blazis; he preceded her in death in 1991. Isabelle was a homemaker and a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of Christ the King Parish and also belonged to the Lithuanian-American Club. Isabelle enjoyed crocheting, quilting, gardening, and reading. She was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Blazis in 2001; her parents; three sisters, Catherine Luishes, Margaret Zia and Anna Kuzmisky; and one brother, William Luishes. She is survived by her son, John Blazis Jr. of Springfield and Punta Gorda, Fla.; four grandchildren, Michael Blazis of Chatham, Denise Blazis-Mataya of Petersburg, Stephen (wife, Jennifer) Blazis of Chatham, and Mark (wife, Sue) Blazis of LaGrange; three great-grandchildren, Sydney, Vincent and Isabelle; one niece; and one nephew. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, at Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry, Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL 62704. The family of Isabelle Blazis is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please visit Isabelle's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

Getting Older

We hear a lot of bad news about old age, and the most annoying is that we are a drag on the younger generation. You know: they will have to support us and, God forbid, listen to our moldy stories about the good old days when Cokes were a nickel.

The US Census bureau says that by 2020 elders will outnumber the young, world-wide. Bad news? Not at all, according to this article. Longer lives also bring to the world better education, greater wealth, less disease or war, and happier lives. And green technology to improve the health of our planet.

Growing older? Rejoice.