The *WeCaTon* - West Carrollton (Ohio) H.S. Alumni News (unofficial)
Saturday, April 30, 2005
WECATON NEWS REPORT - 30 APRIL 2005:
---Whew!! It's been a while, hasn't it? How do I plead? Well, I guess I'm guilty as charged. But in my defense, I must tell all of you that, ever since the Daytona 500 (which was on February 20), I've had a long string of wonderful and welcome houseguests. The very last of them left my house on April 8. On April 11, I departed Ormond Beach for a VERY lengthy (4,075 miles!) road trip, during which I made a great stop or two, I might add. Having finally completed that trip, I returned home just Monday afternoon.
To say I had an interesting trip, would surely be an under- statement! I was headed to my daughter's home, which is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The big point of this one was my grandson's 8th birthday, which occurred on April 18. I had promised him I'd be there, and I was. But oh my, the Colorado climate is surely not for me!! To my utter surprise, I would quickly discover that the practice of breathing out there, is optional. Yes, I said optional! On my first day there, I noticed my chest was a bit tight. I later discovered my heart rate had dramatically risen. Each day, it became worse and worse. I'd gone there many times before, but never stayed longer than 3-4-5 days. This time, I stayed 8 days and I lived (barely) to regret it. On the 7th day, I was flat on my back on the sofa, gasping for air and unable to arise on my own steam. My son-in-law graciously offered me lodging for as long as need be, in order to recover. But I told him I was leaving on the following morning, even if I had to crawl to my vehicle, as I had to get out of that climate or die. I practically did crawl to my vehicle, too! The further away I got from that altitude, the better I breathed. By the time, I got to the west side of Kansas, it was markedly better and my heart rate had returned to normal. By the time I got to the east side of Kansas, I was almost totally over the problems. You can believe me when I tell you that the famous, "Rocky Mountain High" syndrome is totally lost on ME. I've never much subscribed to what I choose to call, "the desert states," anyway (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada). But thank God, we don't ALL want to live in the same place, eh? Besides, I'm just a funny duck when it comes to that breathing thing. I'm one of those folks who has to do that, with regularity. I just cannot breathe, out there in that part of the country, and am amazed by the number of people who say they actually feel BETTER when they are in that climate. Okay, so let's get to the news!
First of all, I'm terribly sorry to report the passing of yet two more WC alumni. In the 1961 class, we've lost GAIL M. DAUBENDICK, whose obituary appeared in the April 27 Dayton Daily News. Her last name upon her death was Hudson. Also, I must report the death of MARVIN MORTON. I assumed he was probably a member of the 1958 class, as the report came to me from 1958's THERESA M. MOSES, but she didn't have much detail and wrote there was to be no service. However, our treasured MR. JOHNSON picked up the slack on the info for Marvin. He also wrote, telling me that Marvin was 66 years old, and also that he thought Marvin had not actually graduated, but that he was a longtime attendee of WC. As we all know, way too many years have passed for any of us to worry about such details. He was one of us, and that's all which matters. I know that Gail died from the cancer she's been battling for years, but there is apparently not much in the way of detail, as regards Marvin. Thanks to both 1961's P. LYNNETTE GARRETT and to 1958's WILLIAM R. HOWARD, for reporting to me about Gail, too. That's just so heart-wrenching. I heard from Gail around Christmas or not long after. She was terribly excited about having been relatively recently reunited with her old high school sweetheart, WILLIAM M. ROHLER (1960), and so was he. He'd been widowed in September of 2004. They'd planned on a visit, sometime this year. It was filled with promise and hope and the possibility of a new beginning for both of them.
Recently, I've been made aware of yet another passing, though it's not an alumnus. However, the recent death of the 4-day-old grandson of 1961's PAULA ROSE WILSON is surely a heartbreaking event. I know all our hearts go out to Paula. Let's get together and send Paula our condolences. Her mailing address is 108 Claremont Lane, Apt. 4, Palm Beach Shores, Florida 33404. Her e-mail address is ( sdshores@aol.com ) Thanks to her lifelong friend and fellow class member, DONNA JEAN RICHARDS for making us all aware of that and allowing us the opportunity to show our support.
Folks, we also have a classmate who is ill. This report has come to me from 1958's THERESA M. MOSES. In case you haven't noticed, Theresa excels in keeping us posted, each time she hears of anything. That is greatly appreciated, Theresa, and thank you so much. Let's get the card-sending chain out in full force for this one. She was our 1957 homecoming queen, DONNA G. BOWIE. She is also, as most of us know, the spouse of her classmate (GARY D. MAYS), which makes her also a member of our, "local Kennedy clan," if you will. So let's all pull for Donna and try to flood her house with cards of good cheer and encouragement. She has a case of advanced rheumatoid arthritis, I'm told, and is currently resting at home, under Gary's capable care. Donna and Gary do not have e-mail, I don't think, but the postal mailing address is 311 North Hill Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32724-3719. So get out a card and a stamp and let her know we're all thinking about her, please.
You're all expecting a report on the Third Annual WC Florida Spring Fest, I know. Believe me, I am going to give you one, too. But the fact is, I'm just not yet quite organized enough from my trip, to begin that report. I don't want to overlook even ONE attendee and do plan to use my notes, but my inbox is SO full of e-mail, I just had to get that cleared out, beforehand. So bear with me, please, and I promise I will soon get to the first part of that report. Thanks.
We also have a long list, as usual, of those who have reported in with the jokes, the psa's, the blanket e-mails, etc. They include 1958's ROBERT W. "SMITTY" SMITH, BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, WILLIAM R. HOWARD, SUE E SOWERS, RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, SANDRA L. BARSALOU; 1959'S GARY E. BARNES; 1960'S LARRY M. PENDLEY, EULA FAYE BAILEY, STEVEN M. KOKOT; 1961'S PATRICIA LYNNETTE GARRETT, SALLY LYNNE GILLETTE, SANDRA S. HOLLINGSWORTH; 1962'S RICHARD C. CALL, and BARBARA T. O'NEAL. Thanks to all.
From the newspaper, comes a bulletin from 1973's JEAN ANN PALUM, which says that the Woody's Supermarket building could soon be razed. I'm sure many of you have seen this item. I actually already have a copy of the original newsprint version, sent to me by an old friend from Ohio Bell. What a sad day THAT will be, eh? It tugs at the heartstrings of every WC kid. Thank you for calling that to my attention, Jean.
Once I had completed my family obligations in Colorado, I headed straight across the country and had the simply incomparable experience of spending 3 nights in the comfortable and lovely home of 1960's EULA FAYE BAILEY, which is in Overland Park, Kansas. As most of you are well aware, Eula Faye is one of my favorite folks. We have been planning this visit for at least 3 years and it finally fell into place.
Eula Faye is fond of saying, "If you come to visit me, I'll treat you so many ways, you're bound to like one of them." Well, she was right. Eula Faye is the ultimate, Olde South hostess, believe me. She provides fresh linen, clean towels, hostess baskets, bathrobes, fresh coffee, iced tea, homemade food, and can even wow you with the country's finest of all newspapers---the incomparable Kansas City Star! Hey, it's doesn't get any better than THAT, for an old news hound like me. But the greatest thing about visiting Eula Faye, is just Eula Faye, herself. We talked for endless hours and even though we didn't solve all the world's problems, we sure did THINK we did!
Of course, as nearly everyone is by now aware, there can scarcely be a gathering of two or more WC people, unless 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH is also present and my weekend with Eula Faye was no exception. Not long after she and I arose on Friday morning, there he was in the driveway, fresh off a trip from Miamisburg, for the express purpose of joining us in Kansas. He will go ANYwhere for WC stuff, if you just let him know, in time!
Always the gallant gentleman, Bruce drove us both all over the area, taking us everywhere we wanted to go. We all toured the home of Harry S. & Bess W. Truman, and also went to the Truman Library. We also took in the panorama of a place called Cabela's, right by the famed Kansas City Motor Speedway. It's a breathtaking, huge sports outfitter complex for hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. On Saturday eve, Bruce treated us all to an elegant supper at Ruth's Chris Steak House in The Plaza section of KC, right beside the ritzy Mission Hills section. I can safely say we had one great, spectacular visit. We plan to do it again, too! Bruce and I departed, long before dawn on Sunday morning. He headed back to Ohio and I headed for Florida.
While there, we had every intention of rooting out the companionship of 1961's NANCY J. ERTEL, even if only for a lunch. But the number I had for her, didn't work. I've since asked her if she would have "come out to play," and she told me probably not, but that she would have been with us, "in spirit." Well, we'll get you one of these days, Miss Nancy! I'm not giving up the effort THAT easily! I travel, quite a bit. Nancy continues to keep my brain sharp with her ever-so-subtle, totally-genius-like offerings. I can't get you out of the house, but I'll give you a big A-plus for maintaining such great contact, anyway, Nancy!
The brainchild of our wonderful, now-annual, Frisch's Frolic, 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST, continues to do a great job with posting to the blogspot and yes, there are recent photos posted on there (of me, Bruce, and Eula Faye) from my recent cross-country trip. Mike, you're doing a great job of keeping up on things on that site and I do check in on it, quite regularly. For those of you who haven't done so, give it a shot. Here's the website address:
( http://wchs.blogspot.com )
Cousin JUDITH L. SAMUELS and I, have been having more of those hilarious exchanges about the foibles of having a retired husband hanging around the house, all the time. Well, I guess I can count myself out now, on that score. My own husband went back to work, part-time, about 5 weeks ago. Judy told me she's jealous. Ha! She's been having yard sales, traveling, and doing a lot of cooking, she tells me.
Recent messages from 1960's NANCY E. "COOKIE" BOWIE indicate that she may be Florida-bound before long. It is my hope that she will be able to squeeze out a couple of hours for me. We're planning on a lunch or a breakfast or something (I hope).
That travelin' 1960 guy, GERALD A. FULLER (who's a fellow Miami Shores Kid) and spouse Becky are still criss-crossing the country in their RV and having a ball. Bully for them! Just last week, Jerry called me to get the number for Mike West. I hope they all had a rip-snortin' good time. Speaking of travelers, 1960's WILLIAM O. WALKER and spouse Karen are also still moving around the country in their RV. I just spoke with Bill this morning and they will be heading back to their recently-sold, Dickinson, Texas, home for the purpose of packing it up. They tell me they will be returning to Florida, once everything is completed.
Also relocating to a new home, during the month of March, was 1957's DARELL L. TOBIAS. His move to North Carolina is now completed, but we sure do hope he will head back to Florida for a visit, one of these days. You will, won't you, Darell? By the way, Darell sent me an update on the e-mail address of JAMES J. DOWNS. Should anyone need to reach Jim or Darell, let me know.
There was also an update, albeit somewhat confusing on MY part, on the e-mail address of 1961's CHRIS L. CLEARY and teacher spouse DAVID COLLINS. Many thanks to an intervention by T. BARRY RUSSELLO, we got everything all squared away. Thanks to all.
We WC folks just like to travel, I guess. Only recently has 1961's PATRICIA LYNNETTE GARRETT returned from her western home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lynn reports that she and Frank really enjoyed their stay there and that Frank did lots of landscaping and work on the new home. Lynn says Frank loved all the fancy buffet foods which are offered there, too. Currently, they are back at the home in Germantown, Ohio.
The word on the street is that HAROLD PHILLIPS just recently contacted his old pal, 1962's RICHARD C. CALL. I understand Rich was thrilled. I do so hope they have by now gotten to see each other. That's what we're all about, now isn't it? We're all expecting to see you and Jean at Frisch's in October, Rich, and driving that snazzy car you've got, hear?
JOHN W. OBERLIER, JR., 1961, you sure are taking an awfully lot of vacation time lately. Every time I send you a bulletin, it is returned with a message about when you'll be back at your desk. Good for you! Keep those good days going! RODNEY R. GABBARD, 1971, are you still out there? How is the surgery going and how are you doing? If you're able, please give us an update.
Those folks in the 1961 class are just top-shelf, I must say. It does seem that, over the years, the classes from about 1954 though 1962, have sort of established "that special bond," and we all seem to do so well together. I have to say that's true of ALL our classes, though. On the topic of special bonds, we all might want to get out just one more of those cards, but this one is an upper. Two of our 1961 class members are now officially engaged and are to be married in June. Who are they? Well, it's PAUL R. BEARDSLEY and SANDRA L. BROCK. So how about that? Paul just sent me his excited e-mail, this very morning. He writes that Sandy is a wonderful lady and that he's so thrilled they reconnected. That's delightful, Paul and Sandy! We all wish you both the very best. Sandy, this next line is just for you: "Now that you're marrying Paul, do you think there is any chance YOU could show him how to find the Moraine City Frisch's, on the correct night, at the correct time? We're counting on you!" (Sorry, Paul, but after the fiasco of the past two years, I had to do SOMEthing!)
CAROLE J. LEWIS, 1961, had great concerns that she had somehow been dropped from the bulletin list. It's not so, Carole! I would NEVER do that to you. I'm just so overwhelmed right now, but I hope this bulletin will pull everyone back into the loop and I'll try SO hard never to go this long again.
Let's all welcome aboard 1958's PATRICIA ANN HAGWOOD, who came to us, courtesy of classmate, SUE E. SOWERS. Pat wrote that she's anxious to hear what's going on with all things WC. Well, we're thrilled you've opted to join us, Pat, and we'll do our very best to keep you up to date. You be sure to send in news, too!
GARY E. BARNES, 1959, swears he's going to be at all our functions, effective next year. Well, we're waiting on that one, Gary. Speaking of people named Gary, did I remember to tell you all that GARY L. WARLAUMONT came over from Apopka and had supper with Bruce and me, early in the month of April? I think I did.
Very happily, I am able to report that I got a cordial and almost upbeat e-mail from 1959's SANDRA RAE KINNEY, on April 13. As we are all aware, Sandy lost her beloved spouse (and fellow WC alumnus), 1958's DAVID L. MICHAEL, in December. I believe they'd been married nearly 45 years and Sandy had often told me of their wonderful relationship. She is back online now and has given her approval for me to once again include her in the bulletin list. I'm unaware of what this loss must be like, but I give you a lot of credit, Sandy, for pulling up those bootstraps and trying to move forward. We're all pulling for you!
There is MUCH more news to report, believe or not, gang! But if I continue this bulletin, it will be intolerable, not to mention impossible, to read. The rest of it is on our Spring Fest gathering. So I'm going to give you all a couple of days to breathe and readjust your eyesight, at which time I will launch into the long-overdue report. I leave you all with my usual wish for glowing health, great happiness, peaceful serenity, and boundless prosperity. Ciao!
---And there you have it! More at 11--- B
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
BONNIE RETURNS FROM ROAD TRIP - 4025 MILES at $2.25 PER GALLON!
---Hang in there, gang! Since the Daytona 500, I've had non-stop houseguests, during which I sandwiched in the Spring Fest gig. Immediately, upon the departure of the final houseguests (April 8), I hit the road on my just-today-completed, 4,025-mile solo road trip to Colorado, Kansas, and parts beyond. I arrived home just 1 hour ago! I'm dead tired and currently receiving the 182 (!) e-mail messages I received in my absence. I will bend over backward to bring everything current by the end of the week. May this find everyone doing well and in good health.
---And there you have it! More at 11--- B
PS from your editor: Bruce Chenoweth '58, met Bonnie in Overland Park, KS where they visited Eula Faye Bailey Taulbee '60. Pictures below... -ed.
First, the Beauties and Now... Bruce Chenoweth '58 in Overland Park, KS. Someone had to take the pictures so there isn't a picture of Bonnie, Bruce and Eula Faye together.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
IT WOULD BE EVEN MORE TRAGIC than this if you miss any late breaking WCHS alumni news because you're not on Bonnie's mailing list! Subscribe now and for the paltry sum of $0.00, Bonnie will add you to the email distribution list for the WE*CA*TON News Reports!
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
---This is our fellow alumnus, RICHARD C. CALL, Class of 1962, with his brand-new toy. More power to you, Rich. I hope you never sit in a corner and get old. Why don't you and Jean drive this to the Frisch's Frolic on October 7, hear?
Monday, April 04, 2005
PATRICIA M. FRITZ HARTMAN, 31 MARCH 2005
---Time is of the essence on this one, folks, as you can see. I'm sorry to report yet another fallen WC alumnus. I thank you again, Theresa M. Moses, Class of 1957. You must also be tiring of reporting passings. Please plan to attend...
-------Original Message-------
From: tmelliott@mail.ev1.net
Date: 04/03/05 22:16:04
To: Bonnie Risner Miller
Subject: Patricia M. Fritz Hartman, Class of 1957, deceased
Bonnie,
I'm sorry to report that the class of '57 has lost another classmate.
Patricia M. (Fritz) Hartman passed away Thursday, March 31, 2005 at Hospice of Dayton. She had a lengthly battle with cancer.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Swart Funeral Home in W. Carrollton. The funeral will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton.
Theresa
WECATON NEWS REPORT!!!
---Yeah, yeah, yeah! I already KNOW I wrote that I wasn't going to do another report, prior to this weekend's event. But the WC folder is bursting at the seams, and I have to get things "cleaned out" before I begin the report on the weekend fest, okay? Besides, all of you are by now aware that I lie a lot, when it comes to predictions of how much I'll be writing and when, right?
We had a lot of check-ins during this period from a lot of our alumni. By now, I'm assuming you all know that the term, "check-in," refers to psa's, jokes, political puns, and information-type forwardings, right? They include 1954's WILLIAM L. MCNABB, 1958's WILLIAM R. HOWARD. BRUCE E. CHENOWETH & ROBERT W. "SMITTY" SMITH, 1959'S GARY E. BARNES & CAROLYN E. "TOOTIE" PENCE (yes, can you believe it?), 1960's WILLIAM O. WALKER, his WC-honorary spouse KAREN MURPHY, STEVEN M. KOKOT, LARRY M. PENDLEY, LINDA L. SHANK, & GERALD A. FULLER, 1961's SALLY L. GILLETTE PAUL R. BEARDSLEY, & LARRY D. GILBERT, 1962's RICHARD C. CALL & BARBARA T. O'NEAL, and 1971's PAMEL K. SHIPLEY. So that's that!
The Walkers continue to work in Florida and are using their RV to great advantage. Karen reports that they recently spent time with 1961's RICHARD G. DENNY and his spouse, LIELA K. GEORGE. They see each other fairly regularly, as the Dennys have a place in Punta Gorda, Florida.
My first order of business will be to thank those who took the time to honor my 63rd birthday on March 16. I try to ignore those darned things, but it just doesn't wash, does it? There were a lot of postally-mailed cards, which I do so appreciate. I also got a few special wishes across the internet from 1961's, NANCY J. ERTEL, SANDRA S. HOLLINGSWORTH, and my dear and special pal, EULA FAYE BAILEY & MICHAEL S. WEST, 1960. Eula Faye, the tulip bulbs you sent me are in vibrant bloom and I think of you fondly, each time I look at them! There were also several calls from classmates such as DEVONA S. TAYLOR (we are the original "birthday twins," having been born on the exact same day), BARRY RUSSELLO (who always sings to me, no kidding), and lifelong friend SHIRLEY J. TUDOR. I am blessed to have so many thoughtful and wonderful school friends. Thank you, one and all!
We have a few changes with some of our alumni, who have already been mentioned, by the way. Our computer wizard, Nancy Ertel, has recently moved from her home in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and gone to nearby lovely Shawnee, Kansas, a city which I've previously visited, I might add. Also, our RV travelers, Jerry & Becky Fuller, have hit the road for the year, and will be criss-crossing the eastern half of the U.S., between here and Ohio, for the next several months. My good friend, PATRICIA LYNNETTE GARRETT, Class of 1961, has established one more household with husband Frank L. Hawvermale, out in Las Vegas, Nevada. They have a lovely new home there, just purchased in December, and they also still have their great place in Germantown, Ohio. After many attempts to reach Lynn, I finally got a message from Paul Beardsley, in which he told me how to reach her and where she was. Thanks, Paul. I do very much appreciate that! Also moving to a different locale was DARELL L. TOBIAS, Class of 1957. He has now relocated to North Carolina, and he also went up to Ohio to spend Easter and then return to his new home, with his mother. We're hoping to see him this weekend, as we did last year, but prospects to do not look good. If any of you need to reach any of the people mentioned here, who have moved, please let me know. I have all the updated info, in order to put you in touch.
By now, you've all seen the great photo of Rich Call's new toy. Isn't that just great? I wrote back and told him that he and Jean should drive that to the Frisch's Frolic on October 7. I hope they do. Also, I got a wonderful, new photo from Darell, of his gorgeous Harley-Davidson, which is totally customized. It is just beautiful! We've all got to keep those toys moving, so that they keep US moving, don't we?
So many of you expressed deep regrets about the death of 1957's BARBARA WEIDNER, as originally reported by her 1957 classmate, THERESA M. MOSES and spouse THOMAS D. ELLIOTT. Hers was such a well-known WC name. I feel diminished each time I hear of yet one more WC passing, as I'm sure we all do. At that time, I also heard from 1957's BERTHA JAN HOERNER. We sure do hope to see you this fall, Bertha, if not this weekend, okay? My dear Sociology teacher, JAMES C. JOHNSON, was kind enough to write and let me know of the death of my elementary teacher, WINSTON GRESS. I'm sure many of my fellow classmates remember Mr. Gress. Each time I get these reports, it only reinforces my resolve to get to every WC function, which I can possibly attend. We just never know. Thanks, Mr. J.!
Yet one more of our high school teachers checked in this time. It was none other than the indefatigable MURL E. HUFFMAN. As most of us are well aware, Mr. H. has been "keeping company" with MARJORIE BOGAN, widow of yet another WC teacher, DONALD C. BOGAN. Mr. H. and Mrs. B. had planned to attend WC Florida Spring Fest this weekend. However, Mrs. B. has been struck down by the flu bug, so they won't be coming to Florida until she is totally recovered. We all hope you're doing well or at least a lot better, Mrs. B. I know I can speak for us all, when I write that we wish you both the very best and will sorely miss you at the weekend function.
Things have been pretty lively at my house, what with all my houseguests, the most recent of whom was 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, who arrived from his home in Miamisburg in order to attend Spring Fest, visit with another 1958-er, RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, and also to visit his brother. Bruce spent a couple of days with us and is likely currently at Tom's house. I'll be seeing him again tonight, I'm sure. He and Tom are probably trying to get in a few rounds of golf. Tom had tried to put together an outing for this weekend, he wrote me, but didn't get as rousing a response as he'd have liked. So he skipped it for this year, but I'm sure he'll try again, come next year. Tom and his wife will be at Spring Fest, and perhaps some more of his family. Great!
Also confirming attendance for this year was 1959's JAMES L. LINDSEY. Jim wrote that he will be bringing along his wife, Teresa, and his daughter, Jamie. We'll be looking for all of you, Jim, and we're all thrilled that you'll be there this year. Jim lives in Brandon, Florida.
Bruce made some efforts of late, to contact 1960's THOMAS D. YOUNG, who just signed on recently to the Classmates.com website. So far, he reports, there has been no response. Tom, as many of us will recall, was the vice-president of our class, very popular in school, and also quite a golfer, way back then. We'll see if anyone hears from him.
There was contact from 1958's NICHOLAS P. WOLARY and I guess you now think I'm nuts, Nick. You see, folks, I was trying to ask Nick a question about something and I somehow managed to cross up Wright State University with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. What? You say there's no similarity? Well, that's what Nick said, too. He works there, at the base. So does DONNA GENE TUDOR, 1955, who wrote to thank me for her birthday card. Donna's birthday is in March, too!
We just HAVE to find a way to get our little gatherings more "a-MAYS-ed," I feel. Don't you agree? It is my understanding that we currently (on this date) have at least two of the Mays brothers, CARL R., 1955, and DOUGLAS M., 1964, visiting in nearby Apopka, Florida. I seem to recall that J. DAVID, 1960, visits that same area about this time of year, too. In addition to that, it just so happens that 1957's GARY D. MAYS and his spouse, homecoming queen/cheerleader, DONNA G. BOWIE, live right around the corner in DeLand, Florida. So we must all work on encouraging our "WC Royal Family" to join us at our functions.
These well-founded rumors came to me, by the way, from none other than 196O's GARY L. WARLAUMONT, with whom I had dinner on Wednesday evening, along with my spouse and Bruce. Let's all pull for Gary's mom to get better, by the way. He says she's mean as a snake and will be 87 on April 15. She wanted him to get back home (he's an only child) and so he may not be able to stay for Spring Fest. Gary's wife, Jill, wasn't up to par that evening, So Jill, we hope you're doing better by now, too!
Cousin JUDITH L. SAMUELS, 1961, is likely to join us this year. She has asked for all the dates and directions, so I'm holding out hopes. She has been doing a lot of night-spending and traveling, too. She and husband Bill have also recently purchased a 32' motorhome and are doing some cowboying around in it. So I've got a feeling we'll be seeing them.
PHILIP H. WOLFORD, 1960, if your ears were ringing during the past month, it was with good cause. You see, I read your wonderful gift subscription magazine when it arrives each time (it's called Reminisce), and it's just such a great magazine, I can't toss it after only a single reading. So I pack it up and send it to Mike & Sally West in Tennessee and they also enjoy it. Then, they take all of them to the sitting area of the local senior care center, where I'm sure they are thoroughly perused, once again. So your gift is going to great use, Phil!
Our Spring Fest hostess, 1960's JOANN K. STEMLEY, and I, have been keeping up pretty steady exchanges, discussing the event and the numbers of attendees and the options we may have for next year, in the event that she and Ron DO sell their condo at that very centrally- located area. We'll just have to cross that bridge when we come to it, though, and proceed from there.
Several of you have asked me about the postal mailing list. There are 14 WC folks to whom I mail all of these bulletins, about 3-5 times per year, dependent upon the frequency and length of the bulletins. They are SHARON LYNN BORGER, AARON COUCH, DEVONA TAYLOR, RICHARD C. HENSLEY, CHARLES A. HIGH, JR., ROSS A. HODGSON, EDGAR L. KELLY, EMERSON D. LUCAS, JR., EVELYN J. HOLLINGER, NORMA LEE POPE, LARRY G. RING, WILLIAM M. ROHLER, and BEVERLY A. BOWMAN. If any of you need to reach any of them, please notify me and we'll go from there. I know these names do not appear on the e-mail list, as none of them HAVE e-mail. But if any of YOU are aware of an e-mail address for any of them, please DO let me know. I will very much appreciate it. We also have contact for CHARLES A. "BUDDY' LOWMAN III, who has access to bulletins through fellow alumni.
Of late, I have spoken with both ROBERT W. BRANE and GARY R. FRANK, both 1961. They, too, have given confirmation of their attendance at Spring Fest this year. I know our attendees will fluctuate and vary, each year, depending upon circumstances and health, but I always hope that, once a WC-er has attended one, they'll see how much fun it is, and always return.
To my utter heartbreak, it looks as though we may not have NANCY E. "COOKIE" BOWIE, after all, this year. She tells me that she took several trips earlier and is just so exhausted, she doesn't feel she can make another trip quite this soon. I can always hope for you to walk through that door at the last minute, though, Cookie! We will all TERRIBLY miss you!! You added such fun and warmth and humor to the gathering last year! So if you miss it this year, we'll forgive you, but that's IT! You don't get off the hook, EVER again, hear? It won't be the same without you. By the way, folks, Cookie will call me, when she DOES come to Florida. She and I will be having a little one-on-one visit, so I'm happy for that.
On another note, I got a query from THOMAS L. WOLF, JR., re the locale and date. Are you and your gracious spouse, Susan, going to surprise us, Tom? If you did, we would surely love it. I can only hope! From 1958's HARRIETTE E. DOGGETT came a long e-mail, which I was thrilled to receive. You haven't checked in for WAY too long, Harriette! The good news is, Harriette is doing well at her Vilonia, Arkansas, home. The bad news is, she is caring for ill family members who include her mother (age 82 and Alzheimer's disease). We're all pulling for you, Harriette! Stay in touch and let's hope all the problems will amiably resolve, so that you will once again be able to join us in October. It was just wonderful to see you in 2003. Everyone enjoyed your being there and we want you back again!
There isn't much good news right now for 1971's RODNEY R. GABBARD. He is plagued with severe back problems and will have to have a series of three surgeries. The first one will be on April 22, he reports. We all send good thoughts and best wishes, Rod, and we hope you're 100% up to par, very soon. Please do keep us posted, as you're able.
Our "fun pair" will also be at Spring Fest. You don't know who that is? Well, of course, it's 1961's PAULA ROSE WILSON and DONNA JEAN RICHARDS! Who else COULD it be, after all? Well, there are actually lots of them, but I know those two will actually be there, so we're all looking forward to seeing you both. How about you, SALLY LYNNE GILLETTE? You're going to have to get down here, that's all there is to it. By the way, folks, did you happen to get Sally's transmittal of what she called, "Awesome Photos?" Well, they really were, I can tell you that much for sure. We'd also like to see you, EDNA L. GRAY, and you, JANET L. CHANDLER, and you, LYNN GARRETT, and you, BARBARA O'NEAL!! That 1961- 1962 bunch is just too much fun!
SHIRLEY SUE MILLER, 1960, checked in during this bulletin period. Shirley gave me her vital info of her postal address and how many children (she reared 6 of them, by the way) and I have to tell you, Shirley, you have a "groupie" who thinks you're the most gorgeous creature on God's green earth. Write me an e-mail, will you? You are "worshipped from afar," believe me! We all hope you're doing well and that we will be seeing you in the fall.
On a disappointing note, I must report that a big favorite of all us WC folks, DELORES K. "DEDE" FAHRNEY, will not be at Spring Fest this year. Dede wrote that her dad, 1933's A. EMERSON FAHRNEY, has come and gone, during March. Her 1958 brother, RICHARD A. FAHRNEY, is also unavailable. But they'll all hopefully be back with us next year. Dede's nephew is visiting during the Spring Fest Weekend, too. She has also decided to retire, effective April 29, she reports. She and 3 of her friends are planning to kick around the country in an RV for a while. Way to go, Dede! Have a great time and stay safe out there. Our 1950s world is forever gone now. Do keep us posted on where you are and how you're doing. We surely hope to see you in October!
If anyone can help me with this one, please do so. Every piece of e-mail I've sent to 1959's SANDRA RAE KINNEY, has been returned, ever since the untimely death of her 1958 spouse, DAVID LEE MICHAEL. Does anyone know if she has a new e-mail address or if she's just in a state where she doesn't wish to have any contact right now? I do hope she's okay.
Recently, I located GLADYS N. COUCH, through her brother, AARON. I had a 1957 photo of Gladys and her best high school pal, LINDA HALL. I wanted to be sure to return it to her, which I have done. She lives in Tampa, Florida, and her last name is now Walsingham. Has anyone out there yet managed to locate 1958's LENA GRACE DEBORD? I feel very certain that Harriette still wants to find her, so if you hear anything, please let me know.
Always liking to close on a pleasant note, I will tell all of you that I'm departing Florida about the 10th, I'd say. I'll be heading for Colorado to visit my older daughter and 3 grandsons who live in Colorado Springs. Since they all just despise it there, I'm hoping for their return, and they are taking steps in that direction. But for now, they're still there. I'll be there for the youngest boy's 8th birthday. On my departure from Colorado, I'm heading straight for the home of EULA FAYE BAILEY in Overland Park, Kansas, where we will kibitz and solve all the world's problems for a couple of days. If we get really lucky---and rumor has it, we will--- we will be fetching our good pal, Bruce, from the nearby Kansas City airport and he will spend some time with us, too. It's a respite, which I'm very giddily anticipating.
This evening, I'll be carousing with WC friends at the Orlando Ale House and tomorrow, we'll all be sharing a good time at the Windhover Condominium Clubhouse, which is practically across the street. My wish would be to see ALL of you there! In the meantime, I leave you with my usual wish for glowing health, great happiness, peaceful serenity, and boundless prosperity. Ciao!
---And there you have it! More at 11--- B
