The *WeCaTon* - West Carrollton (Ohio) H.S. Alumni News (unofficial)
Monday, October 24, 2005
A VERY SPECIAL-SPECIAL REPORT:
Bonnie Writes:
(Hi to all! This is a forwarded message from our teacher, MURL E. HUFFMAN. I decided I didn't want to lose anything in the translation, so I'm forwarding the original to all of you!)
----- Forwarded Mail from Murl Huffman ---
Subject: WCHS .....Great weekend revisited by Murl
To all it was a great reunion of all classes. YOU ALL CLEAN UP SO GOOD
Ha.What a joy to revisit the good old days when life was a bit gentler not so
proficiency ordered. What a joy to have been just a little part of a beautifully
successful alumni group of WCHSers. I get a thrill every time, and I haven't
missed one yet.
Yes this is my 60th year with WC schools, 59 graduations, and I haven't
missed one yet. Looking forward to #60. 11500 young people went through my grade
books before retirement, and I'm losing track of the ones I've known subbing.
And then there was the 25 years plus of golf coaching (still hold the only
record of taking a WHOLE team to State Tourney from WCHS in 65) GREAT YEARS who
could ask for anything more.
IT WAS A GREAT WEEKEND AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE SECOND SAT. OF OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
best always to my many friends. Murl
Saturday, October 22, 2005
We*Ca*Ton NEWS REPORT !! - 22 October 2005
Bonnie Writes:
---Let's begin our report on alumni weekend, shall we? I think that's appropriate. Furthermore, let's begin with a little mystery, okay? Here's a sort of, "whodunit" for you. I feel some of you may know the answer. Let's set the scene for this mystery.
Imagine, if you will, all of the attractive,vivacious, vital, energetic, personable females who populate the Class of 1961. Oh my, it's just ming-boggling, isn't it? There are SO many in that class, who fit that description! The numbers mount, even as you think, don't they? Okay, so let's narrow down the field a bit. The one to whom I refer, just happens to have become recently involved in a liaison with a member of none other than, "The First Family of West Carrollton," and this fellow was also wildy popular during his WC days, played sports, remains youthful and active (AND---I might add) handsome and charming and looking FAR younger than his 66 years! Rumor has it that they are mad about each other. In fact, folks, the sky just may be the limit on this one, I hear.
Of course, I'd truly LOVE to identify these people for you. But the fact is, I've been sworn to secrecy, and you know how it is with us journalists. We simply canNOT reveal our sources, under any circumstances. So I must honor that commitment. You see, to reveal sources and name names would be tantamount to a doctor's violation of the Hippocratic Oath. So I just can't!
Naturally, though, most of you DO know that this is all sort of, "tongue-in-cheek," as nearly everyone at alumni weekend was talking non-stop about the pairing of these two people and their, "big secret," and also wondering why it is being discussed in such hushed tones, since almost EVERYone from WC knows exactly who are the two principles involved in this lovely mating. But hey, THEY think we don't know about it, so I have to humor them, okay? I'd call this, "food for thought," but it wouldn't even constitute an appetizer since it is SUCH common knowledge! But let's patronize them both and wish them well, shall we? By the way, it's highly likely that I'll be visit -ing the two of them, very soon. Give up? Well, don't fret about it. Just ask ANYone you know from WC and they will readily tell you. Let's move on to our WC weekend!
So many of you wrote me breathless e-mails, in the hour or so before I departed on Wednesday, Oct. 5. We were all so excited and so anticipatory, it was infectious! So about 15 minutes before noon on that day, I pulled away from the curb in my little, super-ugly, brand-spanking-new -but-fuel-efficient-to-a-fault, 2006 Toyota Scion xB. I was obviously wondering how I'd fare, what with having been long accustomed to long-distance road travel in my huge and luxurious Ford Excursion Limited diesel.
True, this trip wasn't like the ones I've taken in my giant Excursion, but with fuel mileage ranging from 40s-plus down to 35-plus (dependent upon terrain and speed and wind force), I found I was able to adjust quite well to any other minor inconvenience. It cost me less than 40% of what the big Ford would have cost, in fuel expenses for the trip. As daylight wore into night, I continued to drive, although I hadn't intended to do that this time. I pulled into the driveway of the home of my hostess at just about 3 a.m., having made the trip in a disappointing 15 hours and 15 minutes. It's only 920 miles and I guess I'm just getting old and not able to do the marathon trips any longer, I don't know. (By the way, I've dubbed my little, new car as, "LuLu," which I explain by saying it's an acronym for, "Little Ugly," times two.)
In any case, I was out and about on the following day and making my rounds. My sister, 1956's JUDY A. RISNER, and I, went tooling through my beloved Miami Shores for over 3 hours. I'm simply inexorably drawn to that humble, little village which holds for me, so many fond memories. As we drove through, we looked at all the familiar homes saying, "Oh, there's the house where the HIGHS lived," and, "Hey, wasn't that the one were the FEES lived?" and " Do you remember getting eggs on the back steps of the ELTER house?" and, "There's JACKIE and ANITA MASON's old house," and so it went. I fyou lived in that area during the late1940s and the 1950s, you can bet we mentioned your name and looked for your house. We drove every street, at least 3 times, and each time I'd pass the former, longtime homestead of the FULLER family, I'd remember the wonderful and frequent parties and summer gatherings. I also went through the Apple Plat section a couple of times, passing the lovely home of GARY D. RICHARDS and wife Betty, as I did. I just have to get my "dose" of that place, each time I go there.
That evening would bring yet another wonderful treat, as I had supper with my two dear, dear friends, 1960's EULA FAYE BAILEY (who brought her very personable and charming mother, by the way,to the Frisch's Frolic on the following evening, and she fit into the crowd, beautifully), and 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH. I loved the great company and the fond reminiscences. As we all sat together, just enjoying great companionship, the conver-sation turned to classmates and we began to speak of 1960 class member, SHARON L. BORGER. It was Bruce who introduced her and spouse, Larry Johnson. So we buzzed her up on the old cell phone and spoke with her at length. She was gracious and seemed happy to hear from us. More later, on that.
As the evening came to a close, I was dead on my worn -out rear-end, having had but about 4 hours of sleep on the previous night, so I cashed it in, looking forward to a fresh start on the next day, which would bring the Frisch's Frolic into being, the brainchild of 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST, and what a smashing success it has been! The
next day, I was up at 9 (late for me, but I was so very weary) and started making my rounds.
On that day, I visited with 1960's SHIRLEY J. TUDOR, at her childhood home, which she now owns, and at which we'd spent untold hours together as children. I always feel almost as though I'm, "coming home," every time I enter that house. From there, I went to her daughter's home, 1987's SHARLENE N. MERKER, but my luck ran cold on this one. No one was home. So away I went to the picturesque and lovely little town of Germantown, to visit another close pal, 1961's P. LYNNETTE GARRETT. The radio was blasting, I could hear noise, but she was unable to hear the phone, so I left a message and went to the nearby home of 1960's CHARLES V. CARTER and wife Pamela. Darned if I didn't strike out, again! I found no one home there, either. "Oh, well," I thought, "it's about time to go to Frisch's now, anyway." So as I ambled along, I wondered who all might be there and also who might NOT be there!
It didn't take long to determine the answer. When I went through the front door, I immediately spied two of those vivacious 1961 girls, JUDY MARIE FRANTZ and her pal, PATRICIA LYNNETTE GARRETT. They were seated in the far corner, so I headed right back to say hello. It was like an obstacle course, though, as there were so many people who were already there. Mike West had come up with a real winner, with this idea. That was becoming more apparent with each year!
Even before I entered the restaurant, I encountered my classmate, J. DAVID MAYS, in the parking lot. He was gracious and accommodating, helping me to carry in the Piratans I brought, covering the years from 1946 through 1964. He was accompanied by his very beautiful, cover -girl-look spouse, Ann, who was equally gracious. We put them in the care of 1961's bubbly DONNA JEAN RICHARDS and PAULA R. WILSON, both of whom were as vibrant and engaging and personable as ever. The 1961 class seems to have a very high presence at all gatherings. They also stay very connected, throughout the year. I love hearing stuff like that!
Just off the top of my head, I will name a few people who were there, from my own Class of 1960, in addition to myself and the aforementioned Mays. There was ---to my delight---SHANNON N. ASTOR, EULA FAYE BAILEY, CONNIE BAKER, CHARLES V. CARTER, DELORES K. FAHRNEY, GERALD A. FULLER, CHARLES A. "BUDDY" LOWMAN, RICHARD LEE "DICKIE" PHILLIPS, T. BARRY RUSSELLO, JUDITH L. STALDER, JOANN K. STEMLEY, IDA JANE TREON, SHIRLEY J. TUDOR,GARY L. WARLAUMONT, MICHAEL S. WEST, DOROTHY J. WILLMAN, and THOMAS L. WOLF, JR. That was a darned, decent showing for a very impromptu event. Also putting in an appearance from that general era were CURTIS A. KEMP, who flew in from Florida, and WALLACE W. ROBBINS, who was accompanied by his attractive companion, Gail. Looking awfully dashing was none other than another fellow Miami Shores Kid, W. BAILEY HAWKINS, who mingled with everyone and really made the rounds.Although still coping with the loss of his oldest son (to cancer), we were blessed by the presence of AARON COUCH, too, who is always unfailingly gracious to everyone. We're all pulling for you, Aaron, and hoping life will be kinder to you, in the future. I was crushed, by the absence of my old friends, GARY D. RICHARDS and CHARLES A. HIGH, though. I had fervently hoped to see them both.
Lest I should forget myself, have any of you yet seen the good-looking offspring of the families of the Brodbecks
and the Hawkins? Well, let me enlighten you! When I got to Frisch's, there sat a great-looking couple in one of the booths. They introduced themselves to me and it was none other than the son of Vince and Dottie, BRIAN BRODBECK, Class of 1981, and his beautiful spouse. AMY HAWKINS, daughter of Bailey. These two people are SO attractive, I can only imagine how attractive are THEIR children! It was delightful to meet the children of people I've known all my life, though!
From the Class of 1970, there was DEBBIE SPENCER,
and from 1963, there was JERRY RAY PHILLIPS. The Phillips brothers were both there, obviously, and they get the prize for being the tallest people in the building, too. I also got to see my old pal, the ever-dashing and hand- some, RICHARD C. CALL, Class of 1962. Jean, we missed you! Rich said you were under the weather.
For 1961, in addition to the ones already mentioned, there was GARY R. FRANK, ROBERT W. BRANE, SALLY L. GILLETTE, and CAROLE J. LEWIS. So they also had a good showing. Representing the 1959 class was BETSY R. MURPHY, and I simply have to say that I'm always mystified by the poor showing for that class, which has SO many nifty members. It also has the never -ending efforts of GARY E. BARNES, so that makes it doubly mysterious to me. But I'm sure their attendees will pick up, as time moves along, and the word gets out a little more and a little more. At least, I hope so.
The 1958-ers were represented, too, of course. There was the eve-present BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, JAMES E. RICHARDSON, K. JUNE CRUTCHFIELD (an alumni officer), VINCENT A. BRODBECK, DAVID L. HOWARD and NICHOLAS P. WOLARY. Not bad, not bad!! VERY sorely missed were both WILLIAM R. HOWARD and his lifelong friend, RONALD D. "TOM" FEE. More later on that.
The Class of 1957 offered up THERESA M. MOSES, ERCELL P. PHILLIPS, and THOMAS D. ELLIOTT. It wasn't the usual blank (but for my sister, JUDY ANN RISNER) with the 1956 class this year, either. They also had ANITA RAE MASON, JOHN E. "JACK" FREIER, DENNIS A. MICHAEL, so not a bad showing for that class. In 1955, we had DONNA G. TUDORand FREDA P. FLETCHER. This was the 50-year mark for this class and many of the members were right behind us, over on Winwood, at the well-known and renowned Bush Play- house (at the home of the late JAMES BUSH and his widow, LOIS KOKOT.) They popped in and out all night, between the two places. For 1954, there was NORMA LEE POPE. From 1953, we had PATTI PRICE. I remember her well. She was popular, pretty, and smart, and a homecoming attendant, in National Honor Society, and athletically inclined. It was nice to see her. Also present was1948's JACQUELYN A. CRITZER (an alumni officer), and from 1970, THOMAS A. DORSEY (an alumni officer), and we got a visit from the indefati-gable MURL E. HUFFMAN, former teacher of all people WC, don't you know!?!?
Now, I know there are many other people who were there, and I did not list them. I need those of you who may have gone unlisted, to let me know who you are, and in what class year you are, okay. I want the next bulletin to be the one which corrects and completes our record for this function, and so I need your help to do that, please. My count, as I stood there and as I was walking in and out and all over the place, ran closer to about 130 people, with the in-and-out traffic. I've listed only maybe half of those, I'd guess. So I haven't done such a hot job of it, but I just can't walk around with a pen and tablet in my hand, every second. I find that to be non -conducive to my purpose, which is to visit with each and every person I possibly can. So I heavily depend upon my sometimes-faulty memory. I depend upon the rest of you, to keep me honest.
Not too long into the evening, I was thrilled to see that our phone call of the previous evening, had been effective, indeed. I looked up, and right before me, stood none other than SHARON LYNN BORGER, who had not been seen at a WC event since our 1958 class reunion. She looked wonderful and was accompanied by her longtime spouse, the aforementioned Larry Johnson. They spent a good deal of time with all of us and I sat with them for quite a long while, as Sharon and I reminisced and got current on the many years. Everyone was thrilled to see Sharon! Now the that ice has been broken, so to speak, we hope to see Sharon at many more future events.
Everyone wanted to see and talk with Eula Faye Bailey, as always seems to be the case, so she was busy going to one table, then another. There must be some sort of insidious, genetic pattern there, as her mother cast a similar aura and many WC folks talked away the night with her, too. It's that fatal, southern charm, I believe.
The PHILLIPS brothers, Dick (1960) and Jerry (1963) were such a fun addition to the mix and we sure do hope to continue to see them, at our future functions. Both of them had spent considerable time, over the years, in the pursuit of the rodeo circuit, which I found utterly fascinat-ing. Jerry had an album with him and I just had to have a peek at it. You see, many years and another lifetime ago, I had dated a rodeo cowboy. His name was Huey Stamper and don't you know, Jerry knew him, and even had a photo or two in the album. I could scarcely believe it! I looked closely, and surely enough, there he was. "It sure IS a small world," I thought to myself!
With Dick Phillips, Rich Call, Aaron Couch, and Curtis Kemp all in the same room, for the first time in many a year, there was a great photo opportunity, and all of them stood together to allow that to occur. Cameras flashed all evening, with everyone snapping photos of everyone else.
This was a truly rewarding evening, I have to say. If you weren't there, but could have been, I can't even BEGIN to tell you how much fun you missed! By around 9-9:30, all of us had left Frisch's and gone across the street to once again gather, at Fricker's. It's a habit which emerged by about the second gathering of this event. That seems to stretch it out for about another 2-3 hours, depending on the stamina of each person. (Count me out! I'm good for only about 2 hours---max!!)
In my next installment, I'm going to reiterate the report of 1959's Gary E. Barnes, on that day's golf outing, cover the dinner/ dance, and get current on the e-mails, which have been received since my return. So I leave you all with my usual wish for glowing health, great happiness, peaceful serentiy, and boundless prosperity. Ciao!
---And there you have it! More at 11--- B
Saturday, October 15, 2005
WE*CA*TON NEWS REPORT !!
---Wow! What a bunch of "catching-up" there is to do! Not only do I need to do the alumni weekend reports, but I also have to "clean out the bins," so to speak, for all the e-mail I got, just prior to my departure. It would seem that, for quite a while, my other journalistic endeavors will be falling prey to my dedication to the glorious halls of WC. Then again, I have to think that perhaps that's as it should be, eh? In any case, with Biketoberfest right on top of me, I'm finding it difficult to resist, "the call of the wild," as my husband calls it, by throwing a mottled and vericose-veined limb across my Harley-Davidson full dresser and heading down to Main St. to see the show. You see, I'm actually a PART of that show, at this stage of my life. There are very few female riders who are 1.) astride Harley-Davidson full dressers, or 2.) exceeding 60 years old, and 3.) still interested in totally embarrass-ing themselves by riding up and down Main St. Ha! But ME? I have no problem with any of that, so you'll forgive me if a take a break, from time to time. You'll know just where to find me!
Lots of us sent PSAs, jokes, and the like. I'll run down the list for you. It's 1954's WILLIAM L. MCNABB, 1958's RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, 1959's GARY E. BARNES, 1960's LINDA L. SHANK, MICHAEL S. WEST, DAVID G. OTT, MONTY ESTEP, STEVEN M. KOKOT, JUDITH L. STALDER, WILLIAM O. WALKER, and BOYD H. JENKINS, 1961's JUDITH L. SAMUELS, DONNA JEAN RICHARDS, DALLAS K. MATHIS, P. LYNNETTE GARRETT, SHARON KAYE WENDELKEN, 1971's PAMELA K. SHIPLEY.
A very excited CURTIS A. KEMP sent me an e-mail on September 8, telling me of his travel plans for alumni weekend. I feel sure he wasn't disappointed, but more on that later, as I previously wrote.
Judy Samuels wrote to say that she wouldn't be there, as they had other plans which included some RV traveling. She also wrote that she just loved the website of 1961's NANCY J. ERTEL and her spouse. How about that, Nancy?
Around the first of October or the very last few days of September, we lost 1954's JAMES W. CHANCE. As some of you may recall, I was reluctant to confirm that one, until I knew for sure. Sadly, though, it was quite true, as confirmed by 1958's WILLIAM R. HOWARD. 1964's JANE E. GEBHART,1954's WILLIAM L. MCNABB, and by the guy who is, "the final word" on these matters, an alumni officer and 1965-er, STEVEN F. SHADE.
Sharon Wendelken wants to know if anyone out there has any information on 1964's RICK BUSH. Do you? If so, get back to me. Our former teacher, MURL E. HUFF -MAN, sent a mandatory attendance bulletin to us all, in regard to alumni weekend. That got a lot of laughs and good responses, particularly from 1959's JAMES L. LINDSEY, who wrote, "My God, this man is ageless!"
Messages continued to pour in, during the day just prior to my departure. Major among them, were those from 1955's FREDA P. FLETCHER. Freda and I are both of the Miami Shores molding and we just kept sending and sending, until we could think of no more to say. But I will have more to write about Freda, as we get to the reports on alumni weekend. The same thing occurred, though, with 1955's DONNA G. TUDOR. We just kept exchang-ing e-mails and getting so excited, we could barely wait. It's nice to be able to do that, when we get a little older, isn't it? Donna was especially excited at the prospect of seeing 1957's DARELL L. TOBIAS, with whom she had been very close friends, too. By the way, folks, Darell has rejoined us on the bulletin list and I have his new e- mail address.
Also prior to alumni weekend, most of you will recall that I asked everyone to be paritcularly solicitous of generous
-ly tipping the Frisch's waitresses, since we occupy the lion's share of the place, for the bulk of the evening. At the close, I wrote, "After all, we don't want them to think we're a herd of cheapskates, now do we?" For several hours, no one made any response, but for a couple of you who agreed and said we needed to do that. But leave it to my very wryly-witty pal and 1960 classmate, THOMAS L. WOLF, JR., who wrote back to say, "But what if we ARE a herd of cheapskates?" Well, I laughed aloud, of course. That was a good one, Tom.
Then there were long and windy exchanges between 1958's WILLIAM R. HOWARD and me, just prior to my departure. We spoke of the festivities and visiting and well---it just wasn't to be. Bill had the wrong weekend circled on his calendar. Oh my!
From 1961's CAROL ANN MUMMA came the news that she would not be with us. I did my very best guilt trip on her, but it didn't work, darnit! Carol is still selling her book, "Murder At The Ice Cream Parlor," which is based on a true story, which occurred in our own WC. Contact her to get a copy at ( cguy1943@yahoo.com ) Good luck from us all, Carol!
My old pal, MICHAEL S. WEST, and I were also on a roll with the exchange of messages, prior to our weekend. He and Sally had made all their plans and followed right through. Again, there will be more later on that. Also writing was 1955's JO ANNE MCCLURE, who said her work schedule would preclude her being able to be with us this year.
Prior to blastoff, I would also hear a lot from my old pals, BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, EULA FAYE BAILEY, SHIRLEY J. TUDOR, and P. LYNNETTE GARRETT. I even got a blip from 1986's KEITH A. SIMS, to whom I'd sent the 1978 and 1980 Piratans. So the e-mail lines were hot, before I left home.
With that, I shall end this edition. There is going to be either one huge or two shorter follow-up editions, and I'll try to get those done during the next week to ten days, in which I'll cover alumni weekend. So stay tuned! I leave you all with my usual wish for glowing health, great happi- ness, peaceful serenity, and boundless prosperity.
Ciao! BRM
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
ORDERS FROM BONNIE -- WNR Special!!
---Listen, gang, I just want to remind everyone to please remember to take care of our waitresses at Frisch's on Friday night. Let's realize we're occupying practically the entire restaurant for the shank of the evening. So be sure to slip a $10 bill (or at least $5) to the personnel, before we leave. We don't want to compromise this fun evening and become known as a herd of cheapskates, now do we? It's a small price to pay for a great evening in one of the few original, remaining haunts from our collective youth. I'll see you all soon!
--Bonnie
Saturday, October 01, 2005
WECATON NEWS REPORT !!! -- 01 OCT 2005:
Can you believe it? We're right down to the wire now, and it's only a few days until I leave for the north country and our annual alumni weekend festivities. I find it just alarming that we go from one alumni weekend to the next, at such a fast pace Let's be sure to remember to, "Keep the party alive in 2005!" Put in your appearance. We never know what the coming year is going to bring! Has another year REALLY passed this quickly? So what's up, for this one? Well, we have good news, bad news, average news, and just plain general information.
Of course, I'd love to report that we had no deaths for this bulletin period, but there actually WAS the death of WC junior high school teacher, DELMAR V. PACK, which was somehow originally misconstrued, and thought to be ROGER PACK, one of our high school teachers. I understand the two were cousins, however. Roger though, is alive and well, and I hope you all long since received my notice to correct that error, which was sent within a 12-hour period of the original, erroneous announcement. I thank the many of you who were right on the ball and very quick to get me correct information. First on the scene, not surprisingly, was 1960's THOMAS L. WOLF, JR. He was in great company, soon joined by (class year?) JANE E. GEBHART, 1960's MICHAEL WEST, teacher DAVID COLLINS and 1971's RODNEY R. GABBARD, who just happens to be related to Roger. I get lots of help on keeping the news accurate and I do so appreciate the input from each of you. Speaking of Rod, congratulations are in order for him. He and Linda, the girl who accompanied him last year, were married. Best wishes to you both, Rod!
In any case, we'll move along to those who sent general info, jokes, PSAs, etc. You all know the drill by now, and those people include 1954'S WILLIAM L. MCNABB; 1955'S DONNA G. TUDOR, FREDA FLETCHER; 1957'S SHIRLEY ANN HILE; 1958'S WILLIAM R. HOWARD, BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, ROBERT W. "SMITTY" SMITH, LINDA L. BECKETT, NICHOLAS P. WOLARY; 1959'S GARY E. BARNES; 1960'S BOYD H. JENKINS, LINDA LEE SHANK, GERALD A. FULLER, JUDITH A. STALDER, DOUGLAS G. OTT, STEVEN M. KOKOT, CAROLYN SUE MCCLOUD; 1961'S SANDRA S. HOLLINGS-WORTH, SALLY L. GILLETTE, NANCY J. ERTEL, LARRY D. GILBERT, RICHARD E. KNEER; 1962'S BARBARA T. O'NEAL; and 1971'S PAMELA K. SHIPLEY. So we had a lot of those, during this period.
For me, this period of time has been rife with "WC-ing" and all the great alumni with whom I've been privileged to both speak and visit. For instance, who should be sitting in my living on September 18, but 1961's JUDY MARIE FRANTZ? Yep, Judy drove down to Florida to visit a number of folks she knows, and was kind enough to make me a part of her visit. We had a great time and I took her on, "the cook's tour," through my house and my neighborhood. It was fun, fun, fun, and over all too soon! I'll see you in another few days, Judy! Did Judy and I talk about you? Well, we just may have done that, you never know. Ask me later! According to Judy's latest e-mail, she is safely back home and has reluctantly returned to work. But we'll all see her next week.
Personal contacts also included "the usual suspects"---BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, SHIRLEY J. TUDOR, EULA FAYE BAILEY, P. LYNNETTE GARRETT (I'm still very valiantly trying to snag Lynn's husband, Frank, but so far, no luck. You see, I've got this problem. I live a thousand miles away and I'm already married. Curses!) Lynn and I are always on the phone too long, once we get going, but so are Shirley and I. I also spoke with Shirley's daughter, 1987's SHARLENE N. MERKER. They will be here on the very next weekend after I return from Ohio, so I will also be seeing them, then.
Bruce will be fetching Eula Faye from the airport on this very day, September 30, and I'll be there, just a few days hence, to run around with everybody and tour my beloved Miami Shores. I can't wait!
Also among those with whom I've had direct contact are 1960's EDGAR L. KELLY and WILLIAM M. ROHLER, as well as 1958's RONALD D. "TOM" FEE. I have to admit, it's bad news for Tom. He's got several health problems, I'm sorry to report, which are going to prevent his being there this month. As you all know, Tom never misses anything. This will be about the first time he ever has. So let's wish him the very best. As for Bill, he's still paying medical bills for his late wife's battle with cancer, so he can't make it, either, but he's getting his ducks in a row for next year. Eddie is ready and waiting to hop a fast jet to Ohio, the minute his one, big kidney stone is gone, he says. He's very anxious to see us all, too, and so happy that he was, "found." He hopes everything will resolve, just in time for him to see us all at Frisch's. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Eddie's just dying to see old pals AARON COUCH, CURTIS KEMP and RICHARD L. PHILLIPS, he tells me, as well as Bill Rohler. Yet one more alumnus who is having health problems is 1961's RICHARD E. KNEER, who is bursting at the seams to join us this year, and had every intention of doing just that. However, it's not going to happen this year. Wife Becky writes that Dick has been sick and has several doctor appointments which cannot be foregone, and they will be remaining home in Florida. They will be attending our Florida events, as usual, though. Obviously, we all wish only the best, as well as speedy, full recoveries, for all of our alumni who are experiencing any sort of health problems or medical challenges.
It seems that Woody's Supermarket was the subject of a huge discussion with a few 1960s and 1970s grads, on a different WC website. I got quite a kick out of hearing the reminiscences of Woody's, which came forth from the memory banks of a few of the younger folks. That place, hwhatever one may feel about it, is the very soul of the traditions and heritage of WC, no doubt about it! I truly hate to see it fall.
We continue to add more and more folks to our bulletin list. I'm simply overwhelmed by this and never dreamed for a moment that this "accidental effort" would grow to such proportions. It's been just about 5 years now, since it began. It seems we add a few, just about every week. For this edition, we welcome aboard 1958's BRUCE K. COPSEY,1956's JULIA DEANNA CHRISTIE, 1989's CARIN LEANN CAMPBELL (daughter of the late 1961 alumnus, BARBARA LEE HECKER), 1961's SHARON K. WENDELKEN, 1963's DAVID L. BARNES (younger brother of GARY E. BARNES), 1970's THOMAS A DORSEY, and last but not least, 1986's KEITH SIMS. So we've had quite an influx for this period. I'm especial-ly gratified to have some of the younger grads joining us. But with the addition of Tom Dorsey, we now have all four of our alumni officers included on this list. Whoop Dee Doo!!
Speaking of that, I must now share with all of you a great story about the addition of Keith Sims. Keith wrote to me, about 3 weeks ago, at the behest of 1965's alumni officer, STEVEN F. SHADE, (grandson of the late, great WALTER E.). Keith had been desperately searching for two Piratans, 1978 and 1980. He asked if I possibly could provide them for him. I could not, as I had only one copy of each of those years. We continued to exchange e-mails, though, and I detected a note of deep sincerity (and perhaps even a touch of nostalgic desperation) in his request. I began to think about it and went through some WC records, which made me realize that I had not yet had an occasion to refer to either of these editions. However, I had paid an arm and a leg for those two, so I thought I'd tell him that, and that would discourage his determination to buy them. I did, but he didn't care. He wanted them so badly, I caved in and sent them to him. So I suppose if I have to do any 1978 or 1980 research in the future, I'll be contacting Keith for reference work. Now, here is the really ironic part of this story. After it was all said and done, and Keith had the books in his hands, he revealed to me, that he is the son of Class of 1961's MARSHA ANN PYBURN. I had a big chuckle about that, and was doubly happy that I'd relinquished them to him, since he qualified as a, "generational alumnus." Keith and I sort of, "bonded," as we went through the negotiations for this exchange. I do so hope to meet him, one day soon.
Okay, so I'm now going to bore all of you with yet one MORE of my stories. When I arrive next week, I won't be driving my huge, lumbering Ford Excursion diesel, as I'd thought I might. It will instead remain parked in my drive- way and I'm even considering selling it. You see, I have acquired a new vehicle on this very day. It's at the whole opposite end of the spectrum, too. For about eighteen months, I'd been seeing this car, as I drove around. On sight, I fell in love with it, saying to myself, "Oh my, that's positively the ugliest car I've ever seen and I absolutely love it! I simply MUST have one of those, one of these days." As the months passed, my passion for this ugly car never once subsided. As fuel prices continued spiraling upward, I decided the time was right to cave in and buy one, only to find that you couldn't even beg, borrow, or STEAL one, much less actually BUY one! They are now a premium car and there is a long waiting list for them. But I called my sales rep about 3 times a day for the past ten days and voila! There it was. I got mine this afternoon. It is a 2006 Toyota Scion xB and I'm madly in love with it. You can't BELIEVE how huge it is, inside, how well it rides, how much headroom it has, and I also get 40 mpg!! Am I a happy camper or what?? What's that you say? What color is it? Oh, come ON! You all KNOW what color it is, don't you? Could it BE anything else? No!! It's red (they call it Black Cherry Pearl, so it's a dark red) and the interior is black, was there ever any doubt? It was my first choice color combo. So when you see this old lady in a brand- new red and black Toyota Scion, you'll know it's me, okay? Boy, am I ever excited! My grandsons think I'm the coolest old lady on the whole planet!
It occurs to me that I told you all I was successful (finally) in my quest to locate 1959's ROBERT L. TANKERSLEY at the request of his old pal from 1960, DANNY A. WALTERS. However, this has been my first chance to let all of you know that they have actually connected and spoken with one another. This news came to me from Danny's 1961 sister, JANET L. WALTERS, who was also thrilled to find Bob. She said he had been a big part of her childhood and school days, too. So that was just great! I have hopes of seeing Bob next week in Ohio. He is, indeed, retired from the Metro-Dade Police Department and he lives in North Miami, Florida. He is not currently married, but says he's always looking. Ha!
We remain hopeful about also reuniting two other old friends, 1960's PHILIP H. WOLFORD and WILLIAM D. DUNCAN. As you know, I did find Bill and I gave each of them the info about the other. Phil reported that he sent an e-mail to Bill and is awaiting contact from him. Phil was also kind enough to update me on the new e-mail address of 1960's DAVID A. BLAIR. Now, why on earth didn't YOU do that, yourself, Dave? With those two re- connects, I think I've found everyone who has asked me to find someone for them, with the exception of those two 1958-ers, HARRIETTE E. DOGGETT and LENA G. DEBORD. They were the best of friends, as I clearly recall, and I've been searching for Lena, in order to reunite her with Harriette, for about two years now. If anyone out there has any pertinent info, please let me know. I have no intention of abandoning this effort and I am confident I will eventually reunite them, too. By the way, Harriette wrote to me during this bulletin period, and expressed a lot of feelings about the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. We live in a country which is filled with kind and caring people, fortunately. It's sad that not ALL of us are, though. I know we all made great efforts toward doing our part. RICHARD SCHROEPPEL, son of 1955's FREDA FLETCHER, and himself a WC grad, is in the hurricane area, even as I type, making efforts to assist, particularly with animals. I'll bet there are other WC-ers there, too.
Now, listen up, gang! You can take it to the bank this year that CURTIS A. KEMP is really going to be there. I know this for a fact. He has actually pre-booked and paid for his airline flight AND he has already rented his car at the airport in Vandalia. So be sure to look for him on Friday night. He's sure going to be looking for a few of you! Also putting in a definite appearance will be that nicest of all the nice guys, 1960's BOYD H. JENKINS. He reports that he's doing okay and is leaving soon. We all look forward to seeing you, Boyd, and are happy you are doing better.
From 1957's SHIRLEY ANN HILE came the delightful news that she and fellow classmates THERESA M. MOSES and BETTY JANE HAMILTON had a great visit in the U.D. area on August 29. Way to go, girls! Keep those reports flowing through cyberspace. Be sure you all attend next week's functions, too! Speaking of our functions, let's not forget Gary Barnes' WC golf outing, either!
From that long-married WC couple, 1960's PHILLIP D. HOWARD and 1968'S MARIAN K. HUSSEY came a message that they "might" attend something on our WC weekend. Okay, Phil and Marian, it better be more than a "might!" If I'm going to drive all the way up there from Florida, you can SURELY get across a small part of Montgomery County, can't you?
A number of you responded with ways in which you were helping with the hurricane disaster relief effort and there were some very innovative reports, all of which simply served to reinforce what I've already written, regarding people being basically good. Those who pointed that out in even more innovative and creative ways, included 1959's GARY E. BARNES, 1957's SHIRLEY ANN HILE, 1958's HARRIETTE E. DOGGETT and BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST, and JUDITH ANN SLIFE, 1961's JUDITH L. SAMUELS, DONNA J. RICHARDS. and NANCY J. ERTEL. By the way, Judy (Samuels) also wrote a few lines about her most recent RV travels around Florida. I love that RV life!
That brings me to the wonderful travelogue which was sent, on the continuing travels of 1960's DELORES K. "DEDE" FAHRNEY. DeDe and her friends have gone many a mile together and the trip has now ended. If there could be any negative to such an adventure, in my mind, it would be the looming likelihood that DeDe just may not be with us next month, due to all that road travel. But let's keep our collective fingers crossed on that one, shall we?
Listen, folks, we've got a couple of website updates for you. Now, as you all know, I'm no wizard when it comes to this website stuff, so I hope I get it right. Mike West, who IS a wizard with this stuff, has asked me to remind all of you to send photos and news clips. Mike posts it all to the blogspot, as he also does with my own WNR bulletins. So don't forget! To access the site on your PC, it's ( http://wchs.blogspot.com ) So don't forget! We got a specific request about that from 1961's JOHN L. MONTGOMERY and 1962's JUDY LYNN JAMES. So that answers their question.
Another of our computer whizzes, 1961's NANCY J. ERTEL, and spouse Donald Sween, have begun a travel website for booking online reservations for all the hotels, motels, cabins, dude ranches, etc. throughout the United States. To use their service, their website is as follows:
( http://members.aol.com/Sftrail/ ) So don't forget that one, either.
Crawling out from under, "the newlywed rock," was none other than 1957's LINDA L. MCAFEE. I phoned her and we talked for a while. After that, I finally got an e-mail from her. I told her that she cannot just, "newlywed us out of her life!" She has promised to do better. So far, though, I still don't have another e-mail. How about it, Linda?
Reports 1961's EDNA L. GRAY, her spouse, Richard M. Ryan had bypass surgery on August 31. He was doing all right, at Edna's last report. Edna sent along many thanks to all of you, for your continued good wishes and prayers for Dick. I'm sure he's doing great by now. We all look forward to seeing you, Edna.
On a final note, that gallivanting 1961-er, JOHN W. OBERLIES, JR., is apparently off and running, once again. His e-mail, awhile back, had been returned, with a message that he would return on September 25. So how did that go, John? We hope to see you next week!
Jo Anne McClure of 1954, wants to know if a teacher, MRS YOUNGBERG, is still alive. Does anyone know? When it comes to gallivanting, Jo Anne is probably our in-house expert, with the commute SHE does. She describes herself as a workaholic, she says, and is still working for an airline, commuting between Newark, New Jersey and Tampa, Florida. Now, THAT'S a commute! But with an airline job, Jo Anne, you surely can join us, right?
So that winds it up, folks! I positively and absolutely will NOT be writing another bulletin before I get there. This time, you can count on that. I hope to see every single face on this list, and then some, when I am in Ohio next week. So I leave you all with my usual good wishes for glowing health, great happiness, peaceful serenity, and boundless prosperity.
Ciao! -- Bonnie
