WE*CA*TON NEWS REPORT: 21 SEP 2008:

Bonnie writes:

---We're beginning this edition on September 12, the day following the sending of the last one. I have no clue as to when I'll hit the send button on this one and whether or not it will be before or after our WC alumni weekend, so bear with me, as you read it, and keep reading if something makes no sense, as it may resolve in later text, okay?

We'll begin with forwarders, as we always do. They are a shorter list, this time, as it's a shorter period: 1954's WM. L. MCNABB, FREDA P. FLETCHER; 1957's ERCELL P. PHILLIPS; 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, DONALD I. MCCOY, WM. R. HOWARD; 1960's EULA FAYE BAILEY, the widow of RONALD P. CRAIG, Martha E. Craig, RICHARD S. HOLT: 1961's SANDRA S. MAYO, NANCY J. ERTEL, and 1970's THOS. A. DORSEY.

Now, let's move to our, "lost list." You all know how much I hate losing any of us. It seems we can call off the bloodhounds on finding a new e-mail address for 1956's SUSAN M. MASON. Coming to my aid on that one is 1957's LAWRENCE J. RENAS, JR., who's in touch with Susan's brother. Thanks for that one, Larry.

We can also call off the hounds for 1968's LYNDA A. FULLER. Her sister-in-law, Becky, (spouse of 1960's GERALD A. FULLER) intervened and let me know the new address for her, so she's back in the loop now. Lynda, you simply must let me know, when you change your e-mail. I have far-reaching, infallible connections and will find you, okay? Ha! Welcome back aboard!

However, I'm still in need of assistance on a reject for the e-mail of 1981's D. BRIAN BRODBECK and his1986 spouse, AMY LYNN HAWKINS. Since this address also covers 1958's W. BAILEY HAWKINS, his 1962 spouse, JACQUELYN S. HAINES, and 1958's VINCENT A. BRODBECK, I'm particularly dedicated to solving this one. I have no others which are, "5-baggers." So who is planning to see Vince or Bailey really soon? Do ask a few questions for me, please, and thanks! I'm sort of thinking you are the guy for this mission, 1959's GARY E. BARNES!

Also generating a reject is the address of teacher DAVID E. COLLINS, so if anyone hears from him, please ask him to contact me again. I need to do a double-check on my records. Perhaps we'll see him at our functions.

Larry Renas, by the way, also wrote of the picnic (held on August 8 and previously addressed) of the 1957 class. He and wife, Josie, were guests of THOS. D. ELLIOTT and THERESA M. MOSES. He wrote they all had a ball together. I'm sure! Larry also wrote of our pending gathering (at the time), Miami Shores Memories, and of course, I told him to be sure and be there, if he wanted. Everyone is very welcome and all are invited!

Remember that wonderful, annual event, held by 1961's CAROLE J. LEWIS? I always call it her, "Kentucky Pajama Party." Well, I wrote of it in the last report. Of course, as usual, I made a few errors. For starters, due to the fact that I didn't yet have a complete report, I managed to omit names of two VERY important attendees, SANDRA S. MAYO and SANDRA S. HOLLINGSWORTH. I offer my very sincerest apologies to both of you. I haven't a clue, at this point, how I managed to do that, but again, I reiterate, "This is why I need all of YOU!" Complete info is a great help in these matters. Neither of your names was on the two lists I received.

Did I mention you, JACQUELYN N. LESHER? I'm thinking I did, but not 100% sure. If not, yes, Jackie was there. Also, I think I may have listed an attendee as CHRIS L. CLEARY. If so, that was incorrect info. Our vivacious and lovely 1961 homecoming queen couldn't make it this year. Thanks to P. LYNNETTE GARRETT for a couple of these corrective tidbits, as well as the until-now-omitted SANDRA S. MAYO.

While I'm at it, I just want to write what a delight it's been to get reconnected with 1957's BETTY LEE CARROLL! Betty, you write complete, factual, and newsy e-mails AND you still live there in my beloved Miami Shores, which lets me stay up to date on the news there. The fact that you sit on the Parks and Recreation Board just puts the frosting on the cake. I'm looking so forward to seeing you and spouse, RALPH H. WARNER, again. By the time this goes out to everyone, perhaps I will have already done it, who knows? Anyway, thanks for all your input!

It is Betty, by the way, who told me of the passing of PETE BAILEY, which I did not know. Pete was a 100% Miami Shores Kid and attended only WC, to my knowledge, during his school years. I sure didn't know he had died. Betty also lives very near to the son of 1961's DOROTHY M. COMBS, and said she would contact both him and Dorothy. I'm sure she will (or did, however the timing works out). Betty is also going to call GENE A. TAYLOR and his wife, 1960's NANCY J. KERR, too! You go, Betty! She was successful in contacting a number of familiar MS names, too, all of whom are going to show. I'm just thrilled!

From 1958's ROBT. W. "SMITTY" SMITH came an e-mail in which he advised of attendance this year of one of our "missing" folks (but not anymore) in the person of KEITH E. ANDERSON. Of course, it's a 50th anniversary for Keith, so we're glad he'll be a part of his class' celebration. Smitty also wrote he's bringing DENNIS SOWERS to the functions and Smitty wanted to alert 1959's GARY E. BARNES to Dennis' presence there. Dennis didn't actually graduate from WC, but I remember him and we don't get all hung up on that, "actually-graduating," thing anymore, do we? As long as you went to WC at some point, that's plenty. Many of us bring along friends, too, who didn't go there. So we don't get all, "tight-cheeked," on knit-picking and details. Just be there! You'll have the time of your life.

While I'm on this topic, I want to write something to clarify that, by the way. Be assured, I'm no one of an official nature, as regards WC. I'm just one old lady who has always enjoyed writing and journalism and good grammar, and who sits at home and sends a few e-mails, here and there. Somehow, I became a piece of pop culture with my fellow alumni, which is a wonderful thing for me, and I appreciate each and every single one of you, more than you can EVER begin to know!

But we all need to be aware that there are no hard, fast rules, when it comes to attending our functions. If you ever walked in a WC hallway or sat in a WC classroom, then you are one of us. As such, you are always going to be a part of WC. If your name isn't on the mailout list, then contact the alumni folks and get your name on there, hear? This is not any sort of selective process which excludes people. Those lists are generated, I do believe, by the list of grads in the Piratans. So that means there are many of us who aren't in there and didn't get on the lists. We had lots of us who joined the military, went to night school, got married, started families, took wonderful job opportunities, etc. So that means a few names aren't on the automated lists. We even have a few people who weren't in the yearbook, due to the fact they had failed to pay for their class photo in time. What an antiquated practice! Even if they did NOT pay, their photo should have been included, in order for the class to be complete and for the book to be historically correct. But that unfair, awful practice did survive into the 1970s, I believe I was told, at which time it was mercifully and rightfully banned.

However, you can all believe me when I write this: WE WANT ALL OF YOU!!! Go online, get that form, complete it, send it, get to the functions, get on the list. No one is excluding or ignoring you. The alumni association simply doesn't KNOW about you, if you are not on a grad list. Get yourself listed and join the fun, okay? Okay! Enough on that and I hope we all sign onto the alumni list. Here is the website for you: ( www.wchsalumni.org ) Don't delay!

As always, 1960's EULA FAYE BAILEY and I have had several chants. She'll be arriving in Ohio on the 8th and we're going to try hard to pull our old friend, BEVERLY A. BOWMAN, away from her Springboro home for a gabby lunch, at the very least.

Well, I've gotten an e-mail from 1955's FREDA P. FLETCHER. Freda went all through high school as a 1954 class member, still had something like a full credit to finish, doubtless due to the time she spent in boats, beating up boys, climbing trees and such. So she didn't, "legally graduate," until 1955. But she attends all the functions of 1954 and is actually a full member of that class, as also acknowledge by all the other 1954 class members. She began as early as kindergarten with some of them.

So she has specifically requested I list her as 1954 when I write about her and in view of her extenuating circumstances, I'm going to comply, henceforth, with her request. So why am I telling all of YOU? Well, it is because I don't want you to write and tell me I've mistakenly listed Freda as 1954, that's why!

Her 1954 buds had a gathering recently, she told me, and she happened to be in Ohio at the time. So she got to attend. These are all the attendees, per Freda's info and that of her 1954 classmate, WM. L. MCNABB: THOS. L. DILL (1956 wife, WANDA L. FREELS) ARTHUR W. ENYART, MARY ELLEN GIVENS, JERRY R. GRAHAM, PAUL D. JENNINGS, ROSE MARIE KOKOT, LOWELL R. RAN-DOLPH, GAYLE C. MOSES, and of course, MURL E. HUFFMAN. In an effort to be thorough, I will add that both Freda and Bill (McNabb) were there, also, along with all the spouses and significant others of everyone. I listed Wanda separately because I'm aware of her class year and the fact that she's WC. Perhaps there are others who were in that category, too. Thanks for the report, Bill and Freda. I really appreciate it and I hope all classes will convene, at every opportunity, and I'll get a report on all of them! Where were you, DARELL L. TOBIAS? Long time, no hear!

Thanks goes to WM. L. MCNABB, once again, for letting me know of the fact that 1953 class member, DALE L. GEBHART, is WC, just as I'd thought. He was at 1957's class picnic and I was sure that name rang a bell. I was right. It's just impossible to spend all the time I spend with Piratans in my hands, and not recognize some of those names!

In a past e-mail, I made reference to one, Stephen M. French, stating that he is a Moraine City council member who extended an invitation to me to attend the dedication ceremony for Tommy Combs Way, in honor of war hero, THOS. EUGENE COMBS. I'd have bet the farm he wrote on that e-mail that he is a councilman for Moraine City. However, I received e-mail from 1957's BETTY L. CARROLL, in which she advised me that Mr. French is the new Clerk of Courts. So I stand corrected, and thank you for that, Betty. She is also, by the way, rounding up gobs of folks for the MS gig and, of course, we want to pull them all into the circle, so that we can get everyone going to ALL the events! Keep going, Betty!

Back to Freda! We have wonderful, enlightening (for me) exchanges. I want to be the first to say (and I'll bet I'm not) that Freda, you are a very wise and interesting person. I love the banter we exchange on so many topics. I'm one of those people who like to hear differing opinions on varying topics. I sometimes agree with Freda, and sometimes not. In the same manner, she sometimes agrees with me, and sometimes not. But I love bouncing ideas back and forth, being aware of how other people perceive things, and also hearing of their views. That's why I like e-mailing back and forth with you, Freda! It's not fun with people who become angry and too overbearing, though, so that is why I'm picky as to who I choose to share such exchanges. You're one of my most favorite of all, Freda!

What a thrill it is to announce the addition to our list of two of my late sister's 1956 classmates, CAROL A. HOHNHORST and ROSETTA PRUETT, both of whom contacted me directly, and both of whom are also former Miami Shores Kids. Thanks to you both for your kind words about the bulletins. I do so very much appreciate it. You were both fondly recalled by my sister. Carol lives in Hudson, Florida, since 1977. Rosetta is in Mesa, Arizona, and recently lost her husband to cancer. We all offer condolences for your loss, Rosetta. There are now a number of 1956 people on my reader list and I'm happy about that. Not so long ago, I had no one from that class, so welcome aboard to you both, Carol and Rosetta!

From DONALD I. MCCOY comes news of making connections with yet another WC alumnus who was also a Miami Shores Kid. His name, writes Don, is TIM ANDERSON. I don't know Tim, but perhaps he will join us for the festivities.

Longtime 1961 pals, P. LYNNETTE GARRETT and CAROLE J. LEWIS recently went out for a long and gabby lunch, as reported by Lynn. She wrote that she and Carole love to gab, talk politics, and take in a few garage sales, here and there. That's great, you two, and keep it going!

Recently, I spoke with two 1960 classmates, WM. O. WALKER and J. PATRICK LAFFERTY. I had some concerns about these two residents of Texas, what with Hurricane Ike. I can confirm, as of this writing, that Bill and WC-honorary spouse, Karen, are just fine. I left word on Pat's cell phone, but haven't yet heard back from him. When I'd spoken to him the night before the storm was to hit, he told me he and spouse, SONDRA L. MATSON, expected high winds and heavy rain, but nothing more, so I do hope they're okay.

As for Bill, he's done insurance adjusting for many years, but retired recently. As he'd expected, what with Hurricane Ike, he did get an emergency call from his company, luring him out of retirement, "just for one more storm settlement." (Hmmm, I think I may have heard this one before, Bill.) However, he did talk as though he and Karen will be with us at our events, nevertheless.

Also joining us will be 1960's class vice-president, THOS. D. YOUNG, accompanied by his spouse (and my terribly close friend), Sandi. Tom is really looking forward to the golf tourney on Friday and hoping to see his old pal, DAVID A. BLAIR, and a number of others. I talk quite regularly with both the Youngs, of course. Organizer GARY E. BARNES, 1959, reports that the arrangements for that are going very well. (He also tipped me off about the grad year for Dale L. Gebhart, so thanks, Gary.)

Arrangements are going well for 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST and 1958's RONALD D. "TOM" FEE to make connections for Mike to get a good scan of that wonderful 1954 Miami Shores photo which was submitted last month by 1959's H. JAY CARROLL, JR. Actually, I think Junior is in on those arrangements, too, aren't you, Junior? We may soon see a better copy of that one on our blogspot, which Mike maintains.

Speaking of photos, 1958's WM. R. HOWARD and I had a lengthy exchange about the importance of caring for old, irreplaceable photos. He had one of his own, which was viciously destroyed by a relative, and we had quite an exchange about heritage and the importance of telling our children about how we grew to be who we are. Tom Fee was in on that one, too, and I think Don McCoy may have had a line or two in this one. It was a fun exchange.

None of us is going to like this next piece of news, I know. But I have direct word from 1961's SANDRA S. MAYO that she is not going to be with us for our big weekend, this year. Sande has returned to her Florida home and she has a commitment to her elderly mother, who's having a tough time right now and she doesn't want to leave her. We're sure going to miss seeing that gorgeous face in the room with us, Sande, and we'll all miss you terribly. Do make sure you're with us, come next year.

As I've previously written, one of the most wonderful aspects of my little, "accidental news bulletin," has been that of getting a second chance to know many people I sort of, "missed," during high school. Such is the case with 1960's JUDITH ANN SLIFE. We've had such wonderful exchanges and Judy even came to my sister's funeral. Judy, it's sure been great to get a second chance to get to know you, and I do so hope we'll see you in October! At this point, I must tell all of you about Judy's plans to visit the Black Hills during October. I'm hoping she'll change those plans and join us, instead. That's my old stomping grounds out there in the Black Hills and they often have lots of snow in October. But if you DO go, Judy, I hope the weather will be nice to you.

Hey, I'll bet a few of you know Judy's sister, 1964's SANDRA LEE SLIFE and her spouse, also 1964, VERNON L. CAMPBELL. Well, I didn't! When Judy told me she has a WC sister and a WC brother-in- law, I couldn't wait to put them on the bulletin list and I also hope they'll start attending our functions. So a big welcome goes out from all of us, to both Sandra and Vernon. We hope to see you!

Did I do any goofs? Well, don't I, always? In the last edition, I put the wrong class year for 1963's ILONA DEBRECINI. This time, the error was called to my attention by Loni's classmate, LESLIE J. SMITH. I'd written 1964 for her, but of course, it's 1963. Thank you, Leslie, and my apologies to you, Loni. (I also want to know how you spell your nickname, so do tell me. Is It Loni, Lonni, Lonnie, or none of the above? Please let me know.)

One of these days, I will get the complete name exactly right for 1963's SANDRA KAY MINIX. It has seemed to be quite a challenge, although I can't quite determine why. I have your name correct on my master list, Sandra. I'll keep trying!

It is now September 16 and I spoke today with my old friend, CHAS. A. HIGH, JR., 1960. Charlie and I try to talk regularly, and our conversation of today was one which was filled with not-so-good news, I'm sorry to report. Charlie told me he's very weak and even turning the ignition key to drive his truck is so uncomfortable. He said he feels he's going downhill and he's seeking medical help, of course.

In addition to that, his wheelchair-bound spouse had cataract surgery recently and it blinded her. He says her sight is very gradually returning but it's a very slow process. In addition to all this, their daughter has received an abnormal result on some tests she recently had done and they're worried about that. So Charlie's plate is very full.

But I really wanted him to know about all the alumni activities of our upcoming weekend, and especially the one for Miami Shores, since it's the first time for that particular function. Like me, Charlie is a 100%, dyed-in-the-wool Miami Shores Kid, of course. He was aware of the function and says he hopes to be there. But with all the health woes which have come to his family, he's not positive and will see how it all goes, in the next 3 weeks.

Another person I've tried unsuccessfully to reach is WALLACE W. ROBBINS. The home phone is no longer working (like so many who use only the cells) and I can't reach his cell phone number, even to get a message on it. He lives at 13 Gunckel Avenue, in the East End. Is there anyone who can go by there and see if he's okay and tell him about all our alumni stuff? Wallace is pretty much blind now, and wants to go to things, but must have a ride to and from. (I won't bother telling all of you that he tries to drive, even with blindness in one eye fully, and only 15%-20% sight in the other one.) If anybody's in the area, stop and see him, please.

On September 14, an incredible and unbelievable weather phenomenon occurred in Southern Ohio. It was actually struck by a hurricane with no ocean, in a manner of speaking. It was positively devastating. Now, let me tell you, as a former Florida resident of nearly 30 years' standing, and having more than a bit of hurricane experience, myself, there was no way this should have ever occurred. Hurricane Ike should never have been able to achieve wind speed in the status of a category 1 hurricane, after having passed over that much solid ground, after it left the state of Texas. There was just nothing to cause it to have that much strength. But it did it, nevertheless, and the weather folks are saying this occurrence is an impossibility from a meteorological standpoint. They're unable to explain it. Homes were damaged and cars were tossed about and trees uprooted and everything outside was tossed around like children's toys. As I write, there are thousands who are still without power, there is no ice, no fuel, and no stores open for business. So let's keep our finger crossed for everyone who was impacted by this! From 1958 's BRUCE E CHENOWETH came an e-mail which told me that Fricker's in Moraine City has burned to the ground, from that storm. Unreal! Also writing to report that same misfortune was 1967's MARIAN K. HUSSEY, who's the spouse of 1960's PHILLIP D. HOWARD. There will be a bit more, later, on recent news on the Howards.

Another recent e-mail arrived from 1960's GERALD A. FULLER and his WC-honorary spouse, Becky, in which they describe a virtual nightmare in their new hometown of Louisville, with many people still out of power and trees downed all over the place in their area, too. This was quite an occurrence, to be sure. On today's news, I saw a blip about the tiny town of Dickinson, Texas. I'm pretty sure that's the former hometown of 1960's WM. O. WALKER his also-WC honorary spouse, Karen. They sold that house, 2-3 years ago, I believe, and what a wise move THAT turned out to be. Dickinson was devastated by Ike.

Since beginning this edition, I've gotten e-mail from 1986's AMY LYNN HAWKINS. Amy reported that she's not getting all sorts of various e-mails, but not sure exactly why. So I trust Amy will follow up on it, and get back to us. As you all recall, Amy is the one with the 5-bagger e-mail, so we sure want to keep her on board!

At this time, we welcome yet another new sign-on. It is DANIEL L. MINIX, 1965, the younger sibling of 1963's SANDRA KAY MINIX,. I don't have many from 1965, so I'm especially pleased about this one. We hope you're in touch with lots of 1965-ers, Dan, and that you'll get all of them to our alumni functions! I do so hope you enjoy reading the bulletins.

The blog continues with great effort from our own 1960 class member, MICHAEL S. WEST. With the addition of the great photo from 1954's FREDA P. FLETCHER, right on the heels of that prize-winner from 1959's H. JAY CARROLL, JR., we're getting a really good rogue's gallery going, on that blog! I'm thinking Mike has also posted a 1940s class photo, submitted by Freda, with names supplemented by 1954's WM. L. MCNABB. So be sure you don't miss a visit to the blog ( www.wchs.blogspot.com ) It's a winner!

Here's a cheery health tidbit from 1963's LEE JEAN JORDAN, who has reported great improvement in the condition of the ever-popular JOS. S. "SKIP" KETRING, SR. He is able to attend sports events of his grandson and is accompanied by his spouse, the equally popular MARCIA KAYE HELFINSTINE, 1962. She was the homecoming queen, a previous homecoming attendant, and in the Carroll-Tones. I wasn't aware until Lee Jean told me, that she was Skip's wife. I used to be well-acquainted with her late brother, 1959's H. THOS. HELFINSTINE. Lee Jean wrote that the Ketrings and the Hellers watch their grandsons play soccer at WC stadium. That's great!

Another WC family whose children are involved in school activities are 1985's JEFFREY A. SIZER and his 1987 spouse, SHARLENE N. MERKER. They have a daughter, NICOLE, who likes dabbling in artistic pursuits while son ANDREW likes to play football and is apparently quite good at it. The kids are grandchildren of 1960's SHIRLEY J. TUDOR (Sharlene's mother) and 1959's GARY L. SIZER is Jeff's dad. We need all of you to come to the WC events, hear?

Okay, we've gotten back a report from PHILIP H. WOLFORD, 1960. Phil wrote that, although his e-mail indicated he'd be gone from Aug. 22-28, his planner says he was off only on the Friday. But he did have lots of news. His beloved pet (a golden retriever named Murphy, 6 years old) was struck by a car just before Christmas of 2007, breaking his front leg. He survived and is back to himself now, but Phil had to shell out a staggering $5,000 for the dog's surgery. Talk about a lucky dog!

Phil and wife Cheryl walked Cheryl's daughter down the aisle when she recently married in May and Phil wrote that it was a beautiful wedding. Her name is Dana and as Phil put it, "She married a great guy from Chicago." So congratulations on the newest member of the family, Phil!

However, in June, Phil's wife had very serious health issues with kidney stones which couldn't be taken from her, due to sepsis, he wrote. She had a bit of a touch-and-go time, with kidney stones. The onset of sepsis, though, precluded their safe removal. But finally, she got well enough for them to remove the ones which caused the problem. But some remain and the hope is that those will be addressed soon. I know we all wish robust health for your wife, Phil, so please convey all our best wishes to her. It sounds as though you've had quite enough bad luck of late.

Fun exchanges have occurred between me and an old friend of 1961, SANDRA S. MAYO. Of course, she's also in that ageless group from that class. I do wish I'd had more of whatever water THAT class was drinking. There are literally dozens among that class, who just never seem to age. Anyway, Sande and I have had some wonderful and newsy e-mails and I'm sure enjoying them all.

Our upcoming alumni weekend seems to be a bit like a steam roller, coming down the side of a big mountain this year. Of course, I'm thrilled by that. I know most all of you are, too. Enthusiasm runs high and I notice it seems to increase more and more with each passing year. We also seem to have a lot more people traveling much further distances, in order to be with us. It's very encouraging and just a great thing to see. Let's keep it going and be sure to spread the word!

Also excited about our upcoming events is 1960's DEVONA S. TAYLOR, my birthday twin. Dee and I always talk every year on our March 16 birthday and we try to talk a bit more often, when possible. She tells me she's going to try to bring along her sister, BEVERLY, of 1967. She also wrote that Beverly and her husband are close friends of spouses JOE E. STOMPS, 1959, and DONNA R. PRICE, 1961. I do hope we get to see ALL of you, Dee!

Well, guess what? JUDITH A. SLIFE, 1960, has decided to delay her trip to the Black Hills and it is very possible she's finally going to join us for this year's festivities. Judy, I think that August 7 lunch with the 1960 girls may have put you over the top, didn't it? At least, that's my hope. We'd all love to see you, Judy, so please do attend.

Try as I might, I can't catch 1960's P. LYNNETTE GARRETT at home! I don't know how you do it, Lynn, I really don't. Lynn just returned home July 19, from being in Nevada for 7 months! Not long after that, she went to her sister's in Florida for a week. She's home now, but apparently, not very often! It just amazes me (who is home all the time), where on earth you get the energy to be gone from home that much, Lynn. Wow! I just can't stay up with you, that's for sure. But I'll catch you, sooner or later.

We got another blip on MARK T. SCHROEPPEL of 1975, from his 1954 mom, FREDA P. FLETCHER. (Lest we forget, by the way, that's DOCTOR Mark T. Schroeppel, too!) Anyway, Mark remains in Belarus at the American Embassy and apparently feels no sense of danger, at this time, anyway. But he does have plans to relocate in the not-too-distant future, but not because of any safety concerns. Anyway, we all hope you stay safe and secure over there, Mark, and send us a little blip of news now and then, will you?

As always, I love it when alumni try to contact each other. So I was pleased when I received an e-mail from 1962's SUE L. SPEELMAN, because she wanted to contact 1960's LARRY M. PENDLEY, due to some old photos she'd found, which she felt Larry would enjoy. I hope you two got connected, Sue, and that you had a great chat and rehashed old times. Will we see you in October?

Recent communication from the household of 1960 class member, CHAS. V. CARTER, indicates he and wife Pam will be joining us again this year. Of course, I'll likely make a separate visit to their place while I'm in Ohio. It's always a highlight of my trip.

A wonderful report has reached me, re the health of my fellow 1960 classmate, PHILLIP D. HOWARD. It came from his 1967 spouse, MARIAN K. HUSSEY, of course, who tells me Phil is walking about a mile at a time, driving very gingerly now, and was even able to get out and sit on the bleachers to watch the baseball game of a grandson. As we all know, Phil had a dual-organ transplant on June 5, so this is just wonderful progress. Best of all, Kay reports their intent to be present at our Miami Shores Memories event, for sure, as well as any other event which he is able to attend. So that's great news, from Phil and Kay. We'll all be pleased to see you both!

Several exchanges occurred with 1956's RALPH D. WILSON, who departed for Ohio on September 17. I sure hope that doesn't mean you won't be there in October, Ralph! But Ralph wrote an interesting and amusing story from his 1950s school days. Are you there, SHIRLEY R. PARKS, 1959's homecoming queen, cheerleader, and all-around popular girl? If you are, please alert your dad that he's becoming a regular in the news bulletins. Apparently, he was a fixture in the 1950s WC culture.

Ralph wrote that he lived only about a block from you, in high school. He vividly recalls your dad and his hot rods and how much he liked them. He says your dad was always working on them. He added that he worked at a filling station (as they were called, way back then) and it was only 2 blocks from your house, so he always whistled at you, as you were headed into town. Well, not to worry, Ralph. If you were whistling at Shirley in those days, you had to get in line. I think all the guys whistled at Shirley. Just for the record, I'm sure they still do.

By the way, this one is for you, NEIL H. SIZER, of 1957. Ralph asked for your e-mail address just recently. Hmmmm!?!? After that story, I'm begin- ning to wonder just which of you he's trying to reach, though. Ha! I'm sure you've talked to Ralph by now, and we sure hope to see all of you soon.

Several people made good comments on the photo you submitted, Freda. It's the one of your family with your RV. What a treasure! Many of us loved it and I was among them, as were 1956's RALPH D. WILSON, 1958's WM. R. HOWARD, 1960's JUDITH A. SLIFE and MICHAEL S. WEST. It was a winner!

This message is for you and your spouse, 1945's RETHA M. SCHOONOVER. Your cousin, 1963's FRANCES L. PEFFY, tells me your husband has recently suffered a stroke. We're all putting in our efforts on the direct line to The Man Upstairs and we send our best wishes for his complete recovery. Do please let us know how he's doing.

Many thanks to you, 1958's RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, for a really over-the-top e-mail, in which you heap far more praise upon me than I deserve. All of you, I know, think that I'm laboring hard on this. Yes, I spend a bit of time on it. But it's not work. It's just a really fun effort, from which I've gotten FAR more benefit than have all of you. But I do appreciate all the kind words. By the way, Tom had a long chat of late with 1961's DOROTHY M. COMBS. I'm going to do that, myself, very soon. I want to get her to be in the crowd with all of us, when we convene!

From 1955's NORMAN E. JACKSON came a copy of an old Woolworth's menu. What a hoot! Prices were unreal, but in line with the economics for that time, unlike the current pricing structures. Norm will be joining us on alumni weekend, right, Norm?

On September 19, I received an e-mail from 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, in which he confirmed the safe return of longtime companion, PATTY JO WHEELBARGER, 1971, from her trip to Africa. We are all happy you're back with us, safe and sound, Patty. I have just two questions. How did you like your trip and do you suppose the continent (Africa) will ever be the same again?

LINDA S. JOHNSON, 1965, sent along an e-mail in regard to her long association with the Historical Society, as well as gracious thanks for my writing about the event they recently held there. Linda will be present at yet another event there and it's going to be held on alumni weekend. I have no idea if it will be a plus or a minus for it to be held that event- filled weekend, but time will tell. It's going to be on October 11 and 12, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m., so perhaps that would be a good activity for that Sunday, as we had no, "official," events that day. But I guess we do now, don't we?

Linda writes of new WC memorabilia being added to the collection, which belonged to WC teacher, DOROTHY HINKSON BANKER. You have no idea how interesting I find that to be, Linda. You see, my maternal grandmother's name was Emma Jane Hinkson. I vividly remember Mrs. Banker and now, I find myself wondering if she and I were related. Due to the unusual nature of the name, I'm betting we are (were), at least distantly. I never had a clue!

Mrs. Banker, it seems, had some original copies of The WeCaTon and a very clear copy of, "Echoes," which was the forerunner of the Pirates' Log, wrote Linda. Very interesting. I didn't know of that little book at all, did you? There are also tour guides for this event, whom Linda wrote are doing a great job. One of those tour guides' names is Mason Zimmer.

Now, stay with me on this one. Mason is the son of 1988's ROBT. E. ZIMMER and 1985's MELISSA K. "MISSY" BARNES, who is the daughter of 1959's GARY E. BARNES and wife Pat. He's also Linda's grandson (her current surname is Zimmer). Linda is the longtime companion of my classmate, ROSS A. HODGSON. Okay, did we make it through that? If you want something, "WC-ish" to do on those two afternoons, and you're not already committed, that sounds like a good venture. Linda wrote there will be refreshments and everyone is welcome. Many thanks for submitting that, Linda!

Okay, I can scarcely believe I've now made my way through all the e-mail, but I have. I began this one the day after I sent the last one and today's date is September 21. That reminds me, tomorrow is the 66th birthday of 1960's GERALD A. FULLER and WM. O. WALKER. They used to celebrate pretty handily, as I recall, back in high school, with their shared birthday. I'll bet you two remember those birthdays, don't you? Perhaps the celebrating for this year will take on a slightly different tone. Ha!

Although it turned out to be a blatant lie when I told you last time, it would be the final bulletin, prior to our alumni weekend, I can assure you that is NOT the case, this time. This IS going to be final bulletin before alumni weekend, and you can be certain of it, this time. So I leave you all with my usual, most sincere wishes for glowing health, great happiness, peaceful serenity, and boundless prosperity. Ciao!
- posted by Mikey @ 4:41 PM