Debbie Foulkes believes that every life is a story, albeit some a little more interesting than others. She’s tried to beef up her own personal story by living in three foreign countries, teaching students from age five through adult, freelance journalism, acting and travel. This blog is an attempt at preventing her from fading into obscurity too soon and to satisfy a slight case of graphomania. *
*Graphomania: a passion or urge to write (www.dictionary.com)
FORGOTTEN NEWSMAKERS 
We taught together! I believe you taught drama?
Thanks for your comment. Amazing that you knew Joan Weston! I loved learning about here, and it’s great to know that she was such a good person.
I JUST READ YOUR FORGOTTEN ATHLETES STORY ON JOAN WESTON. I WAS GLAD TO SEE A STORY ON HER THAT WASN’T FULL OF FALSE FACTS.. I MET JOAN IN THE SIXTIES AND IN THE EIGHTIES I WAS A ROOKIE ON HER TEAM. I GOT TO KNOW HER AND A LOT OF THE SKATERS BEYOND WHAT PEOPLE SAW. THEY WERE NOT JUST FANTASTIC SKATERS BUT WONDERFUL PEOPLE. THEIR HEARTS WERE AS BIG AS TEXAS YOU WOULD SAY. I’LL NEVER FORGET JOAN OR ANN WHO is REALLY A SWEETHEART. THE FIRST TIME I MET HER SHE SHARED HER BRANDY WITH ME. OTHER SKATERS HAD SAID SHE NEVER DOES THAT FEEL HONORED. I FELT HONORED JUST BEING AROUND THEM ALL. JAN VALLOW WHO COULD HAVE KILLED ME BUT DIDN’T. BARBARA BAKER WHO TAUGHT ME A LOT AND JAKIE GARELLO WHO LOOKED OUT AFTER ME AND MY COACH JOAN WESTON WHO PUT UP WITH ME. I DIDN’T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND IT ALL AND I KNOW I WAS A PAIN TO ALL OF THEM BUT NO ONE EVER SAID ANYTHING. THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE WOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IF I HADN’T FIRST SEEN JOAN WESTON IN THE SIXTIES. TALL, TOUGH, FAST AND HARD NOSED AND I WANTED TO BE JUST LIKE HER. I COULD SKATE BUT WE ALL WANT TO BE JOAN WESTON. BUT NO ONE CAN. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT HEAVEN OR HELL IS PUTTING UP WITH THE TWO OF THEM. HA. HA.
POB MARCH 17, 2012
I love your life stories! Thanks for digging them up and sharing them.
Monica
Thanks, Barbara. I also learned a lot by researching Hopkins.
A fine job of research, Debbie, telling me more than I knew about Stephen Hopkins. Some of the info I’ll add to my brief comments on him in regard to the Jamestown colony. I’m glad to finally join the blog!
Alfred Sandwina was born November 5, 1918 in Budapest, Hungary. Died Alfred Sandor September 22, 1983 in Sidney, Australia. Otherwise, a great article. Thanks.
Always enjoy your blog. After reading them, I wonder why these people have been forgotten.
Debbie,
I must say, you never disappoint. Another excellent snippet out of our wondrous world.
Keep the Characters coming.
Bob
Looking forward each week to reading about the women and men I’ve never ever heard of. Peace Love and keep writing Bradley D
As always, Debbie, I enjoy your blog.
Debbie: Love your blog and may have some interesting material for you.
Hi Debbie,
I enjoyed meeting you. I find your “Forgotten Newsmakers” concept fascinating.
Sandy
Great blog, Debbie.
I look forward to reading more!
Dede: It would be a great way to meet men!
Another great story, maybe that is what I should do….
Debbie—Fine job and professionally presented. Incidentally, Leland Stanford also founded a locally well respected school at Palo Alto.
Hello Debbie,
I loved this snippet into the historical background of these two individuals. I love history and wish you much success in this endeavor. I will anxiously await your next featured character from our past.
Kindest Regards,
Bob
I love the word, “graphomania”!!! Keep up the good work. The ONLY blog I read!!!!