Sad farewells to stalwarts of Garrison City
Saying goodbye to friends is always sad, but sometimes there is a positive. I think of who that person was and what made them special.
This occurred twice in the past week as we recognized the passing of Jim Kageleiry and Doris Grady. Both in their 90s, each had a significant effect on Dover.
Jim was a businessman who dedicated himself to bettering the community from the early days working in Kagie’s the family store that for years was the go to place. Ask any kid who attended Dover High School (now the McConnell Center) – that was always a stop on the way home. In his adult life Jim, headed a variety of organizations and fundraisers as he constantly recognized things that needed being done to better Dover, and he did them.
Doris used her people and teaching skills to better her community; she seemed to have taught or coached everybody in Dover at one time or another. Influencing youth is a positive, for those lesson stay with one for a lifetime, ask anyone in town what effect Doris Grady had on them. After retiring from teaching, she became a force on the School Board. She was an advocate of all that was good in education and she wasn’t shy about telling someone about a better way to do (or not to do) something.
It is with a sad heart, but a warm feeling I wish them adieu. Jim and Doris were one of a kind people, the likes of which we will never see again.
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Let’s talk about another one of a kind person who is still with us and will be for quite some time, Michelle Foster Murch, who recently celebrated 20 years as an officer of the Dover Police Department.
Michelle is perhaps better known as a member of the Dover Mounted Patrol, a position she has held for 13 years. In our country’s current turbulent times, police are maligned for things that occur involving them. Michelle is the bright ray of sun in the Dover community, giving happiness to local residents and many visitors.
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Another ray of sunshine for Dover, the Dover Band Show, was set to take place Saturday evening. I wrote an article for Foster’s describing the 50 years of success the event has had, and missed connections with information about the founding. After the deadline we received info from Bob Quinn and wife Barbara who put their heads together and came up with a few memories you might like.
In 1969, Bob Quinn was the Director of Music for the Dover schools and Band Director at Dover High School. The idea was conceived and implemented because there were a number of region schools that did not have the wherewithal to perform in front of large audiences in a non competitive atmosphere. Bob and the band parents put the first show on and it was an immediate success. That success gave the show a positive reputation causing the event to become a staple in the area both for bands and music lovers. It eventually came to include university bands.
As far as rainouts, it appears that there was only one in the 50 years.
Bob’s reminiscences are rich. “Over the 50 years thousands of students have participated in one or more Dover Band Shows. Most of them will remember this for the rest of their lives. It is gratifying to me to still be in touch with many of my former students who participated in that very first show.” Bob added: “The success of the show over the years, can be in great part credited to the efforts of the band parents and the continued support of the school administration and the community.”
Barbara included another memory – a photo of the 1971 DHS Marching Band.
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What are you doing the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 22? Don’t forget about the Dover Candidates Forum. It will be held from 6-8:30 at the Dover High School Library, where candidates for contested seats on the City Council and School Board will participate in a moderated Q&A session. Questions will be posed by moderator and public participation of Dover Listens. Meet and greet will take place with the candidates from 8-8:30. Here’s your chance to see what the contested races contain.
One more fun thing in Dover will happen Saturday the 26th at the Dover Art Center, where a red carpet event will take place in the form of an old time 1942 radio show.
A group of local actors will be holding an on stage performance re-creating that event. Boston Blackie, Duffy’s Tavern and George and Gracie will be on stage, plus a number of fascinating commercials to spark the memories of all.
It will be a Salute To Our Veterans taking place at the Dover Art Center Suite 117 One Washington Street Dover. Two performances 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Suggested donation is $10. The show is free for veterans. You’ll love it.
As always folks be empathetic.
Ron Cole can be reached at mrdoverdoins@gmail.com.
