WECATON NEWS REPORT !! - 04 DEC 2005:

Oh my, it's the Christmas season already! How did that happen? In any case, it seems that a whole load of us are finding the time to put out forwarded materials, such as jokes, political satire, psa's, warnings, etc., so as usual, I'm going to get those out of the way, right up front. They include 1955's DONNA G. TUDOR, FREDA P. FLETCHER; 1957's ERCELL P. PHILLIPS; 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, WILLIAM R. HOWARD, ROBERT W. "SMITTY" SMITH; 1959's GARY E. BARNES; 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST, LINDA L. SHANK, DAVID A. BLAIR, LARRY M. PEND- LEY, (aka, "My First Husband," eh, Mr. Collins?), BOYD H. JENKINS, RICHARD S. HOLT, EULA FAYE BAILEY, WILLIAM O. WALKER, STEVEN M. KOKOT, DAVID G. OTT; 1961's SANDRA S. HOLLINGSWORTH, JANET L. WALTERS, SALLY L. GILLETTE, JACK L. GODBY, LARRY D. GILBERT, RICHARD E. KNEER, SHARON K. WENDELKEN, NANCY J. ERTEL; 1962's RICHARD C. CALL, BARBARA T. O'NEAL; 1963's SANDRA MINIX; 1966's ANGEL MONTGOMERY; 1970's VICKIE JO GILBERT; 1971's PAMELA K. SHIPLEY.

My next order of business is directed at 1960's DAVID A. BLAIR, in the form of a public apology. As I recall, I sort of admonished you, Dave, for failing to notify me of your new e-mail address. As I've already told you, I'm sorry for that. Dave DID advise me of his new e-mail address, folks. It's just that he sent the info to another of my e-mail addresses and it is one which I check only about twice a year (if that), and so, I missed it. In any case, the important part is that he is on our bulletin list!

We have new sign-ons, by the way. One of them is none other than ROBERT H. FULLER, the older brother of 1960's GERALD A. FULLER. Bob lives in New York now, and was originally in the Class of 1958. But as was so common in the 1950s, I believe he joined the Navy when he was about 17. So thanks for your service to our country, Bob, and welcome aboard. We all hope to see you at future WC functions!

As some of you may have already noticed from previous paragraphs, we also have added 1970's VICKIE JO GILBERT. Welcome to you, too, Vickie! She happens to be the party repsonsible for spreading the word (and doing a lot of work, too, I suspect) about the recent send-off to Arizona, of our former marching band director, HARRY C. HAGGERTY, and his wife. One of those who was interested in just where they would be moving was 1973's JEAN ANN MILLER. Apparently, the Haggertys' offspring are all ensconced in that state and they have opted to be nearer to them. I know we all wish them the very best in their new home. Perhaps when the Haggertys are settled, and have made contact with a WC-someone on our list, we'll get them back. So keep your eyes and ears open for a new e-mail address for the Haggertys, okay?

From 1957's BERTHA J. HOERNER came an e-mail in which she asked about how many from her 1957 class were at alumni weekend. I remember, of course, all of the ones I mentioned in the original bulletin reports, but can't recall if there were others. Bertha wrote that she very much enjoys hearing about her fellow classmates and keeping up with everyone. Well, thanks for keeping in touch, Bertha. Your writings contribute to the success of the bulletins.

Our former teacher, DAVID E. COLLINS, and I, have had a couple of amusing exchanges. As I was doing some of my fall cleaning, what should I find but my orginal copy of our 1960 senior class stage play, "Fog Island," in which I played the role of wife to LARRY M PENDLEY's portrayal of the husband. (Shades of why I refer to him as, "My First Husband," and he to me as, "My First Wife.") In any case, the copy is a bit shopworn and "bug-eaten" from being stored in a box in my outbuild-ing. I can't believe I knowingly put that out there. But anyway, it was signed, at the time, by the entire, original cast. What a treasure! Since it was Mr. C. who directed us in that effort, I told him I would send that item to him, for his perusal, and that he could return it to me at his leisure. I haven't yet made it, Mr. C., but I promise I will. Just give me some time, okay?

From yet another former WC teacher and alumnus, 1960's THOMAS L. WOLF, JR., came a report that WC was advancing through the ranks, regarding football. Now, that would be over by this time, right Tom? How did that go? This was about a month ago, folks, and at that time, Tom reported a lot of excitement in WC.

As many of you may recall, I tried to be sort of, "off the cuff and casual," in my last bulletin, opting to use the phonetic spelling of the word, "Beaucoup." I put it in a sentence, purposely, as, "boo-coo." Naturally, I got "caught" at it, by none other than my fellow wordsmith, (apparently) 1958's WILLIAM R. HOWARD. Okay, Bill, okay! I promise never to do it again. Ha! I'm glad we have people who are paying that much attention, though, I really am.

Cousin JUDITH L. SAMUELS (1961) and I have been batting around ideas for Spring Fest, which falls this year on March 26, the last Sunday in March. With news from our perennial hostess, 1960's JOANN K. STEMLEY, that she is unable to hold it at her clubhouse this year, I have gotten numerous requests for it to be held in the area of Daytona Beach. Apparently, many of you like the idea of being on the Atlantic Ocean and spending a couple of days here in the usually-warm, Spring sun. So Judy has suggested the VFW club's private room. That's certainly a consideration. Also in the running would be the private room at the Moose Lodge in nearby Ormond Beach. I'm going to check in on both places and see what fees are involved, what are the requirements, etc. I know, though, right up front, that we'll probably never again get the deal we had at JoAnn's place. I'll keep you all posted, okay?

Judy and I had other exchanges, too, and among them was the revelation that one of her friends had died and she had to attend the funeral on the same day as our holiday brunch, so she wouldn't be able to come, this year, due to the timing. She and her husband continue to do a lot cowboying around in their RV.

Did you all see the photos of the beautiful, old Ford hot rod, acquired by 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH? He is getting to be WC's official antique car collector, as a matter of fact. I'm willing to bet that 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST has posted that on the WC blogspot, haven't you, Mike? By the way, folks, as I type this, Bruce is sitting in the easy chair in my Florida room, having come down for the Third Annual WC Florida Holiday Brunch, which took place today, and upon which I shall be reporting in this very bulletin. Hang tight!

By now, everyone is aware of the passing of 1958's DONNA LEE HOWERTON. According to her close friend, 1955's DONNA G. TUDOR, she had been ill for a long time, with a number of health problems, including diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease. Donna had been married for many years to her classmate, LANDO F. STEELE, but I am given to understand that they had divorced about 3 years earlier. Donna was a lovely person in school and I'm sure that carried over, throughout her life. I thank 1961's PATRICIA LYNNETTE GARRETT for the first notice on this passing. Further information was forthcoming from 1958's BRUCE K. COPSEY, 1959's GARY E. BARNES, 1960's RICHARD S. HOLT and MICHAEL S. WEST, and her old friend, 1955's DONNA G. TUDOR. So thanks to all of you, too.

As I read Lynn's e-mail about Donna's passing, she offered a bittersweet reminiscence about a time many years ago, when she sat just behind Donna at a football game in which Lando was playing. She wrote that she thought about how lucky Donna was, to be so pretty and to also be going with the best-looking guy in WC. I'm sure a lot of us probably thought that same thing, back in those days, Lynn.

Lynn and I continue to maintain regular contact, as do 1960's EULA FAYE BAILEY and I. Eula Faye just sent me a yummy recipe for something called, "Three Milk Cake," and I'll have to give that a whirl during my "free time." Ha! Who has THAT, anymore? Eula Faye is doing well and still working full-time, for Carter's, the children's clothing company. We try to talk on the phone at least once every 2-3 weeks, the same as Lynn.

Also checking in during this bulletin period was the lovely and gracious JANET L. WALTERS,, 1961. Janet was noticeably absent at our alumni weekend and I was so disappointed that I didn't get to see her. So I sent her a little note. Janet was under the weather that weekend and not feeling up to socializing, unfortunately. But she assured me that she will be with us at future gatherings. We're going to hold you to that, Janet!

Her 1960 brother, DANNY A. WALTERS, have also had a chat or two of late. Dan and I are trying to accomplish a small business venture, so we've been exchanging a few ideas. If we both should become millionaires, I'll let you all know. However, I'm still going to write these WC bulletins!

Class of 1961's SANDRA S. HOLLINGSWORTH also checked in with a lovely Hallmark e-Card to me. I thank you very much, Sande. How thoughtful of you. We also missed YOU at alumni weekend and look forward to seeing you at all future functions.

From the chic and fashionable RUSSELLOs (1960's T. BARRY and spouse, 1959's BETSY R. MURPHY) came a beautiful, 2006 calendar from the real estate company they own in Vandalia, The Realty Group. Thank you, Betsy and Barry! I always so enjoy that calendar, as it shows homes from various cities in Ohio, which always give me shot of pleasant nostalgia. I can say the same about the calendar I've received for the past two years from 1960's NANCY E. "COOKIE" BOWIE, who now lives in Eatonville, Washington. She sent me a lovely and truly picturesque calendar from Mt. Rainier with spectacular photos. Thank you, too, Cookie! Florida is quite stingy with calendars and I keep them in about 4-5 places in the house, so I love getting them. Cookie had a shoulder replacement surgery on November 9, she wrote, and is doing pretty well, but is very impatient with the idea that she can't just, "get up and go," whenever she wants. She was restricted from driving for about a month. Chin up, Cookie! It's almost over now. How is it going and are you healing well? Keep us posted.

One e-mail which came in during this bulletin period was one which really tugged at my heartstrings. It was from none other than my classmate, PHILLIP D. HOWARD. I know many of you remember Phil and like so many of us, he was a Miami Shores Kid, too. Phil has been married to 1966's MARIAN K. HUSSEY for many years. But he and I go clear back to the first day of the first grade, so I was thrilled to get an e-mail, directly from him. In it, he alluded to our Miami Shores childhood together, and all of you know what a soft spot I have for that humble, little enclave. Phil wrote of many childhood names from there and talked of the lifestyle of Miami Shores, recalling many of its fondest memories (for me) and how he also wishes someone would write a history the place. So do I, Phil, so do I. At the end, he also reminded me that he had once been our paperboy. (Wow, remember that term? No one says, "Paperboy," anymore, do they?) It was a great e-mail and you and Marian simply MUST be at the upcoming functions, Phil! As I told you at the time, it made my day.

From the Class of 1971, RODNEY R. GABBARD wrote to tell us that his back surgery went well. Rod is home recuperating now and looking forward to his recovery. He wrote that he's in a lot of pain, but doing okay, all things considered. We all wish you well, Rod, and let us know how you're doing, from time to time, okay?

We had a few requests from alumni who wished to make contact with other alumni. I'm always thrilled to be able to accommodate such requests. For instance, 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST wanted contact info on our fellow alumnus, JOANN K. STEMLEY. I was happily able to provide that. Then I had another one from our class, CURTIS A. KEMP, who wished to contact his old pal, EDGAR L. "EDDIE" KELLY. As it happens, I was able to accommodate that request, as well. If I can't find an alumnus for another alumnus, I always put out a blanket message. Usually, someone out there knows something which eventually leads to contact. We have to work hard to bring us back under that big, WC umbrella.

Mike also reminded me that 1960's SHANNON N. ASTOR has requested to be on our postal mailing list. Shannon was at Frisch's and we visited for a spell. I was quite thrilled to see Shannon again! Not to worry, Mike, I'm going to see to it that Shannon is included in all our news for the future.

The same goes for 1957's BETTY JANE HAMILTON, who conscientiously notified me of her change in e-mail addresses, and that's what allows me to stay current with us all. Thanks, Betty, and we all look forward to seeing you at the events now. SHARON L. BORGER, are you getting the bulletins, via e-mail now? Will you please respond for her, Larry? If she isn't, I'll happily resume the postal mailings to her. Thank you.

From our "fearless leader" and former teacher, MURL E. HUFFMAN, came an open invitation for any and all WC people to visit him, anytime they're around and anytime they're in the mood for an ideas exchange. Right after I distributed that, 1961's P. LYNNETTE GARRETT made the suggestion that she and I come to visit you, Mr. H., the very next time I'm in town. Well, I think we'll just do that! Lynn also reported how cold it had already gotten in Ohio. Oh, I know, Lynn. How well I know. We ought to take 1959's JAMES L. LINDSEY with us, by the way, when we go to visit Mr. H. Jim is an avid fan of Mr. H.!

The Thanksgiving holiday came and went, and during that period, I got a few e-mails from those who wrote that they wouldn't be attending the holiday brunch, for various reasons. I was disappointed with each and every single one, I must admit. Lynn said she and Frank wouldn't yet be in Florida. But as always, the ever-present GERALD A. FULLER, and wife Becky (who coined the phrase, "West Carrollton-challenged), were back on the road and confirmed their attendance, as I knew they would. As they toured around Florida, they ran smack into 1955 's CARL R. MAYS, at The Villages. It seems half the school is moving there. Well, at least a lot of our own "royal family" is moving there and that will include not only Carl, but also 1960's J. DAVID MAYS and his very charming, movie-star-looks wife, Annie. Annie wrote me an e-mail, confirming that they will be permanently living there, effective next month. That meant, of course, that they were still in Ohio, and also wouldn't be at our holiday brunch, darnit!

Then came another series of explanations from people who couldn't be there, who included 1960's GARY L. WARLAUMONT, who won't be in Florida until the end of January. There was also DAVID G. OTT and spouse, SANDRA MINIX and DELORES K. "DEDE" FAHRNEY, ROBERTA A. RICE, 1961's JACK L. GODBY, 1958's ROBERT W. "SMITTY" SMITH, JAMES E. KECKLER, SANDRA L. BARSALOU, and WILLIAM R. HOWARD, none of whom would be here at that time.

It sounds just ominous, doesn't it? You'd think NO ONE was going to be there! However, although this function usually proves to draw a smaller group, it's always utterly delightful. This year was no exception. When Saturday morning rolled around, I was giddy with excitement, as I always am, when I know I'm going to be seeing my old classmates. Two days prior, Bruce and I had met with the Fullers, at the local Cracker Barrel and had a long and windy breakfast. It was there, by the oddest of coincidences, that Jerry and I finally discovered that we had actually known each other for 2-3 years BEFORE we went to school together. As it happens, he lived next door to my mother's sister, on Steele Avenue in Dayton, before moving to Miami Shores. This means he and I have known each other longer than anyone in the world, but for parents and siblings. Amazing! So I looked very much forward to the day's activities, as I loaded up my Piratans (of which I did a very poor job, I might add, but more on that, later.)

Bruce was in the parking lot when I arrived at Dixie Crossroads about 11:15 a.m. We just knew that 1958's RONALD D. "TOM" FEE would be there. He said he'd drive right over from Tampa, right after his appointment, but we never saw him and were terribly disappointed. Bruce had especially wanted to see you, Tom. What happened? Likewise with 1961's PAULA R. WILSON, who also confirmed that she'd be present. She didn't show, either. We'd have come to get you, Paula! Where were you?

So who WAS there, besides Bruce and me? Well, we had CURTIS A. KEMP, RICHARD G. DENNY, LIELA K. GEORGE, BOYD H. JENKINS, DOUGLAS M. MAYS, GERALD A. FULLER, and RICHARD E. KNEER. In addition, there was Dick's wife, Becky, Doug's wife, Rene, and Jerry's wife, whose name is also Becky. It was a great mix of people and a wonderful time. We flew through an entire 3 hours of gabbing and visiting and reminiscing.

Front and center, and by popular demand, Curtis once again told what has now come to be known as, "The Thumb Story." It's the same story which kept us in tears of laughter last year. This year, he remembered even more detail and the story grew funnier and funnier, as he told it. The people who were lunching at the surrounding 4 tables, all grew quiet. They, too, listened and laughed. "The Thumb Story" has now become an official part of WC folklore, and we look forward to next year's telling, just as enthusiastically as this year's. We know you'll add even more twists and turns by next year, Curtis.

Curtis' 39-year-old daughter had suffered an aneurysm of the brain and had been expected to die, as recently as 4 days prior. However, she somehow pulled through and was being released from the hospital on that day. We all wish her well, Curtis, and keep us posted on how she's doing, please.

To my utter delight, we FINALLY got to have a MAYS (DOUGLAS M., Class of 1963) at one of our Florida functions! Many thanks to you, Doug, for making the effort to join us. You and Rene really added a great deal to the atmosphere. Florida is simply crawling with Mayses, or so it seems, but we can never get any of them to our functions. You've broken the ice, Doug, and we hope to see you at a lot more of them. By the way, folks, I've been miscrediting Doug's grad year. It's not 1964, it's 1963. Anytime I make such mistakes, I want to know about it right away. Doug was funny and person-able in the grand tradition of the Mays clan, and his wife, Rene, was delightful and utterly charming. By the way, we now have Doug on our bulletin list, too. He says he's doing well and feeling great. How wonderful!

Then there was 1960's BOYD H. JENKINS, who makes the effort to be at everything. It's always a joy to see YOU, Boyd! Did he pull his now-famous, "disappearing act" again? Yep, you bet he did! You've just got to keep an eye on Boyd. He'll tell you he's going to take a smoke or go to the bathroom and that's it, you don't see him any -more. He slips away. Boyd, we REALLY wanted to tell you good-bye, darn you! Poor Rene Mays thought she might have done or said something to offend you. It was her first time with us and she was unaware of your very consistent tendency to do that. We explained it to her, though. "You gotta quit that!"

Another of my fellow Miami Shores Kids was there, too, in the person of 1961's RICHARD G. DENNY. Though he didn't remember me, I was happy to see Dick again. I had heard a lot about him, over the years, and about his high school sweetheart wife, LIELA K. GEORGE, who accompanied him. Dick and Liela are often in Florida. I remember thinking, when I was in school, that Liela was one of the prettiest girls there. I always envied her that great face. Well, folks, nothing has changed. Liela is STILL a great beauty! She reminisced about walking to school with 196O's EULA FAYE BAILEY. I'll bet you remember that, too, don't you, Eula Faye? Dick said he is up and on the computer at 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., some- times. I guess I'll know who I can e-mail in the future, and expect an answer at that unGodly hour, now, won't I? If you are reading this, RICHARD C. CALL, listen up! You were not forgotten on that day. Dick must have mention -ed your name half a dozen times. He really wants to see you! So e-mail him, hear? Call him! Write him! Get in touch with him, will you? I told him to be at the alumni stuff next year because you're always there now. So you two get reconnected! Two people enquired about 1961's JAMES E. CURTIS. Are you reading this, Jim? No one has forgotten you. You need to join us at our functions, hear? Where are you?

To both Dick and Liela, I apologize, for getting their grad year wrong, too. All this time, I've had them as 1961 and they're both 1962. In addition to that, I also apologize for the failure to bring their year's Piratan AND Doug's year, too. That will NOT happen again, I positive-ly promise! We were all SO pleased to see you both again, Dick & Liela. Thank you for making that effort and we can't wait for you to be with us all again. Your great company and your wonderful reminiscenses were greatly enjoyed.

Also becoming pretty regular attendees are 1961's RICHARD E. KNEER and his always-tolerant, good sport spouse, Becky. Dick has good stories to tell of his school days, and Becky knows many of them, by now. He, too, wondered where you were, Paula. He and Becky would have come to get you, too. We're looking forward to seeing you both at Spring Fest, Dick and Becky. It was SO fun! Thanks for coming to join us.

The FULLERs are, as previously written, ever-present at WC functions. You can count on it, just like the sun rising and the rain falling. Wherever there's a WC event, Jerry is right there. Becky has now become a veteran and she also takes great photos. Jerry has wonderful memories of school sporting events and of several of his high school heroes, such as 1958's "SMITTY." Jerry looks so forward to seeing you, Smitty, at Spring Fest. Becky, as always, remembered to do photos, and I'm sure she'll send them to Mike West for posting.

BRUCE CHENOWETH, 1958, is another one who is going to appear at anything WC. He doesn't care HOW far away it is! If there are two or more people from WC, who are going to congregate somewhere, just let him know. He'll jump into one of his many vehicles and he'll be right there, if you just give him enough notice. Bruce spent a couple of nights at my house, visited his brother, went to the brunch, and hit the road again, this morning. He's meandering his way back to Ohio, but will return in the Spring, of that there is no doubt.

We had a good group this year and a wonderful time. If you COULD have made it and didn't, shame on you! The loss was yours, I assure you. For future reference, PLEASE block out the first Saturday in December of next year. I think it's probably December 2. We will once again convene at Dixie Crossroads. Don't blow this off for something else. If someone has a conflicting event, please say you are already committed. Do NOT say, "Oh, well, I'll go to it next year." We all know how that goes, don't we?

A perfect example of that very thing, came to me from 1958's WILLIAM R. HOWARD, who missed EVERY- thing on alumni weekend. He wrote, "Now, I am really disappointed I didn't make the alumni dinner! Larry McVey was there and I haven't seem him since we ran track together in 1955. He was a senior and I was a freshman. He was a great role model for me. I have enquired about him many times over the years and no one seemed to know where he was. I would have liked to talk to him for awhile. Jerry Davis was also there. As you and most everyone else knows, Jerry Davis WAS (and IS) my idol. When I come back reincarnated, I'm going to be a Jerry Davis clone. Carl Mays was on that 1955 track team, too, and he was there, and one of the all-time nicest guys to ever attend WC, Dick Gibbons! What a super guy HE was! I'm even sorrier now, than I was before!!!"

Well, Bill, we were all sorry you didn't make it, too, but do not make that mistake again. Let's all learn from Bill, gang. DON'T miss our WC functions. There are TOO many who have said they will, "do it next year." But for some, next year doesn't arrive. Let's be there!

From this period's messages, I have learned that DeDe Fahrney has relocated back to Ohio, for the time being. She is still being treated for the freak accident which occurred on her RV trip. Hurry and get well, DeDe! Now that you're back in Ohio, I'm sure Bruce is going to want to play some golf with you. By the way, speaking of the Fahrney family, on November 26, reported DeDe, her father, 1933's A. EMERSON FAHRNEY, celebrated his 90th birthday. Wow! That's significant. We all wish you well, Mr. Fahrney, and congratulations on achieving such a benchmark birthday. That's terrific! She said she also saw 1960s DOROTHY J. WILLMAN and her 1958 spouse, VINCENT A. BRODBECK, and that they are faring well. Hi, Vince and Dottie! I hope all is well for both of you. (You, too, Amy and Brian!) For those of you who may not know, That's Vince and Dottie's son and daughter-in-law and the daughter-in-law is the apple of dad's eye, who is W. BAILEY HAWKINS. Small world! BRIAN D. BRODBECK is Class of 1981 and AMY HAWKINS is Class of 1986.

As I was inviting people to Spring Fest, I somehow had the impression that 1961's MARSHA PYBURN lives in Florida, too. So I sent an e-mail to her son, KEITH A. SIMS, Class of 1986, but he told me that Marsha does not live down here. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Darn! I was going to call and ask her to join us, too!

Arriving in Florida for the winter was none other than my 1960 classmate, JOANN K. STEMLEY, and her spouse, Ron Hall. They are going to spruce up their condo and do a lot of work on it, to prepare it for sale in late winter or early spring. Hence, we cannot have our annual Spring Fest at their clubhouse any longer. Yes, they may still be there, then, but there is no guarantee. So we're on the seach for the replacement, as earlier written. Bruce suggests we write WC Florida Spring Fest into JoAnn and Ron's sales contract. Ha! I wonder how THAT may go over with the buyer?

To my 1960 classmate, PHILIP H. WOLFORD, I offer my thanks for the renewel of Reminisce Magazine. How very nice of you, Phil! I often wonder, by the way, if you have yet managed to reconnect with your high school pal, WILLIAM D. DUNCAN. I do hope so. If you haven't, do not give up the effort. It will eventually materialize.

In any case, I'm all through writing this bulletin, folks. I'm trying to come up with a new slogan for our 2006 alumni weekend. How about some of you innovative people (of whom we have so many) sending me a few of your own creative suggestions? So far, I've got, "Let's keep the mix for 2006!" What else do we have? 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


- posted by Mikey @ 5:28 PM