The *WeCaTon* - West Carrollton (Ohio) H.S. Alumni News (unofficial)
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
WCHS 2013 Reunion Weekend Approaching
On 18 SEP 2013, Bonnie Writes:
---It just keeps cranking, I'll swear! I was overwhelmed with all
the
responses I got so quickly, after my transmission of such a lengthy
bulletin
last time. I was so surprised by so many of you reading that one so
very
quickly. How very flattering and thank you. It's exactly that, which
keeps
me pounding on these keys. I have begun this bulletin August 7, the
day
following the last one, due to response volume and trying to prevent
too
much e-mail back-up. Let's do our regular thing and begin with our
forwarders, who include 1954's FREDA P. FLETCHER; 1955 's C. ELAINE
BARKER;
1957's ERCELL P. PHILL
IPS, BETTY LEE CARROLL, RALPH H. WARNER, SHIRLEY ANN HILE; 1958's LORNA
D.
TROUT
MAN, DONALD I. "DON" MCCOY, RONALD D. "TOM" FEE; 1960's WM. E.
"BUDDY"
STOVER, C. SUE MCCLOUD, RICHARD S. HOLT; 1961's SALLY L. GILLETTE, P.
LYNNETTE GARRETT, GAR Y R. FRANK, SHARON K. WENDELKEN, LARRY D.
GILBERT;
1963's SHIRLEY A. RANKIN; 1964's RICKEY A. BUSCH; 1970's GARY E.
JOHNSON,
DEBRE C. "DEBBY" HOOBLER.
Among the e-mail lost remain 1960's RICHARD G. "JERRY" BROWN and MADELEINE
J
BECK. I do hope someone among us is in contact and can get an updated
e-mail
for both and we can get the two of them back on the readers list. From
one
of the e-mail addresses of 1958's DONALD I. "DON" MCCOY, I got a reject,
due
to over quota, but I sent it to one of his others and no reject. (Don
got
right on it, folks, and I've got an updated e-mail on him, already, so
not
to worry on that one. Thanks, Don.)
So nothing to do on that one. From 1964's GEORGE E. ERTEL came an
out-of-office reply. I think those are being delivered, they just don't
get
them, that day. George, if that's not the case, please let me
know. That
same occurred with the gallivantin', LEE JEAN JORDAN, 1963. We also
received a reject, for the first time ever, on 1956's BETTY L. CULPEPPER.
So
I will refer this one to you, RALPH D. WILSON, as I always do with
1956
people. Yes, Ralph, you did tell me about the July 3 passing of
1956's
MARGIE L. HENDRICKS, and it was in the last bulletin. But back to Betty,
and
I believe her surname is now Gary, so if you uncover any info, please
advise
and thanks. Quite a long time ago, we had a problem with 1963's JOYCE
ANN
KUHN, as regards rejects. But until now, it never occurred again. But we
do
have a reject on her again. My usual point person for 1963 is you, LEE
JEAN
JORDAN. Any ideas? Or perhaps we can go to elder sibling, 1958's LEONARD
F.
KUHN. So how about it. Lennie, anything on your sister?
INDY JO GRISSOM, 1970, and JACK L. GODBY, 1961, were quick on the uptake,
as
always, with nice comments and gratitude for the bulletins. Thanks, Indy
and
Jack, as always. Indy confessed she's also unable to address MEH as,
Murl,"
So you're joining a recently-discovered and ever-growing WC group,
Indy.
Aside from us and 1959's SHIRLEY R. PARKS, there is also 1961's P.
LYNNETTE
GARRETT. She wrote she can't squeeze out a, "Murl," either. I'll bet
there's
plenty more. Indy also told me she's recently spoken with 1960's T.
BARRY
RUSSELLO, her fellow realtor, and he's just fine. So thanks, Indy. We
can
also add 1958's LORNA D. TROUTMAN to this list.
We've solved the mystery of, "Who is Janet Gibbs?" Thank you, 1961's
CONNIE
M. CARMACK, for taking the time to inform us. Class of 1962's JANET F.
GIBBS
passed away July 22, while she was on vacation, here in Tennessee. She was
a
resident of Miamisburg, at the time. Yes, she was once wed to 1959's GARY
L.
MARCUM, with whom she had two children.
A correction is in order for 1960's WM. C. ARNOLD, not Wm. H., as I
erroneously typed in the last one. My apologies, Bill. I hate getting
names
wrong, whether it's a typo or an unknowing mistake. In your case, it was
a
typo. I knew it was C. Thanks for letting me know.
We have learned of the death of 1970's JUDY E. GENTILE, through a
report
from Indy. She wrote Judy died of ALS. This death occurred either the
very
first day of August or the last couple days of July. At this time, I have
no
further info, but for the fact her surname was Del Ponte. We send all
our
condolences to her family and friends. Thanks, Indy. Also thanks to RITA
G
JUSTICE, who sent this one to me, too.
Indeed, you were correct, 1961's NANCY J. ERTEL! Nancy wrote to tell me
ROBT
T. HOFF is 1962, but again I ask, "Why isn't he on my readers list?" I
also
wonder how he got my cell phone number, as that's the one he called. So
if
anybody's in touch with Bob, tell him to send me an e-mail, so we can
get him aboard. Also, lest someone should misconstrue, I really don't
care
WHO has my cell number, it's just that those aren't published anywhere,
nor
will they ever be. Yes, I've put mine in the bulletins, many times, but
he's
not on the readers list. I'm sure he had to contact someone who had it,
and
that's fine.
An entire, new list of people have been in contact with MEH, during
his
rehab period, and even more have written with thanks for the updates.
I
appreciate it and the most important thing is the fact he's on the
mend,
even at nearing 94. So MEH, if you're reading this, your legions of
students
are pulling for you, each and every day. Just last night at 8:45, he
telephoned me (Aug. 10). He sounded very much like his old, robust self,
and
informed me he's mending well and expecting to be among us during our
upcoming weekend. He tried hard to diminish his status among u, but
worry
not! I didn't allow him to get away with that one. Among the many
following
his progress are 1956's DENNIS A. MICHAEL, SUSAN M. MASON, JOSEPH F.
SNELL;
1957's SHIRLEY ANN HILE; 1958's LORNA D. TROUTMA
N; 1961's RICHARD L. DOLL; and I know there are dozens of others, unknown
to
me. I extend our very special thanks to MEH's daughter, Ann Huffman
Warner,
for keeping me informed, so I could also keep all of you informed.
Thanks to 1958's REX E. HEETER for keeping me informed about my old
friend
and riding buddy, Robt. E. Dowler. Bob is a retired WC police officer and
I
ve known him about 23 years now. We met in Florida (small world), when
he
was coming to races down there. Rex is also retired WCPD, so we
somehow
found out we both knew Bob. Anyway, Rex referred to my last bulletin as
an,
epic tale." I guess it was, too, and this one is rapidly becoming
another
one. Rex is married to 1971's ROBYN L. GENGLER, so we have a
double-header
with his e-mail address. Thanks, Rex.
As of August 8, 1971's RODNEY R. GABBARD was gravely ill and
hospitalized
with heart problems, among his many other health issues, which have
dogged
him for years. Please keep him in your good thoughts and prayers and
let's
hope for a speedy recovery. We need to do the same thing for 1961's
JUDITH
L. SAMUELS, who is also coping with some health issues, at this time.
Judy
and I grew up together, and have maintained contact throughout our
entire
lives, and still do. I know she'll appreciate all our good wishes.
Rod's report came to us, by the way, from his very concerned, devoted
step-brother, David Rudd. I'm sorry to have to write he contacted me
again
on Aug. 13, to tell me Rod was put on life support, the previous
night.
This is terribly sad, as I know he's only 60 years old. (Footnote:
Since
this writing, Rod has gone back home and things are looking up for him,
I
believe. During his illness, I notified his high school flame, ROBYN
L.
SHEPHERD, 1970, and she contacted his step-brother, and has also talked
with
him.)
My mention of classmate ROBT. G. LAMB apparently created some confusion.
I
guess I should have been more specific. MICHAEL S. WEST, also 1960,
thought
I was unaware of Bob being in our class and 1961's DALLAS K. MATHIS
thought
I had the wrong class, altogether, and that he was a year or two behind
my
class. But we got it all squared away. There were a couple of e-mail
comments on the mention of Sonny Flaherty, too. From 1961's RICHARD S.
HOLT
( d3j8@sbcglobal.net ) came a long
website address for accessing info on
Sonny. So if you want to look at it, drop Richard a line.
We got a great travelogue again, this time from 1960's DELORES K.
"DEDE"
FAHRNEY, who had even stopped in Sturgis, South Dakota, my old
stomping
grounds for 20 straight motorcycle rallies. It seems DeDe is (was?)
traveling with friends on the date of this report (August 10) and
she's
covering a lot of sightseeing out west. Of course, that's not the
only
reason for her trip. She was also heading to her brother's home in
Colorado
(RICHARD A. FAHRNEY, 1958) to take part in the festivities as he and
his
wife celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. So we all wish you and
your
wife a great day, Dick, and hope you've by now had wonderful time. DeDe,
I
so appreciate your thinking of me, with the FaceBook thing, I really
do.
But I just don't do the social websites. Heck, I haven't yet fully
mastered
using e-mail!
JOSEPH F. SNELL, 1956, reports he and wife Linda are daily growing more
and
more enamored of the Tennessee lifestyle. Yes, no one knows that
better
than I, Joe. After nearly 30 years in Florida and thinking I'd be
there
forever, I've now been in Tennessee nearly 7 years and can no longer
imagine
being forced to endure Florida again, with its relentless, searing
heat,
dripping, gravy-like humidity, and the endless swarms of insects. (Sorry
to
all Florida residents who may be reading this, but I put in my 30 years
down
there, and have earned my stripes.) However, we never know what life
may
bring, and I may be forced to return, as I age, if my health fails. But
I'd
sure like to draw my final breath in the state of Tennessee!
Anyway, Joe had knee surgery back in March and writes he's doing great
and,
running races again." I was positively floored, Joe, with the quality
of
senior health care, in this state. So I know what you mean. In many
states,
we seem to encounter an attitude of casualness, if we're past 65, as
though
we have lived our lives and let the chips fall where they may. But it
sure
isn't that way, here, I'm happy to be able to say. Remember, when
billionaire Steve Jobs was seeking specialized care, he could've
obviously
gone anywhere in the world. However, he chose Tennessee. That speaks
volumes
So do keep getting better and better, Joe. By the way, folks, Joe has
a
family commitment during our alumni weekend, this year, so writes he
can't join us. We'll miss you, Joe!
But I won't be missing 1961's P. LYNNETTE GARRETT. We're planning our
own,
little meeting while I'm there, so I'm glad you're back in Germantown,
Lynn.
I'm a big fan of Germantown, and a big fan of yours, too. So stay well.
I'm
sure looking forward to my time with you, Lynn!
From 1961's THOS. A. WOLF, JR., came a request to recognize the efforts
of
1987's JEFFREY T. GILES, as Tom says Jeff was probably the original
organizer of the WC Football Alumni Club with its annual activities. So
hats
off to you, Jeff! Thanks for your efforts. Tom continues to move
forward
with his project of getting early-years grad classes put on the walls
of
WCHS. I'm sure it will be a success. SALLY A. GILLETTE, 1961,
recently
requested your e-mail address, Tom, so I hope she succeeded in reaching
you.
Okay, back at it! Today's date is Sept. 18, the 48th birthday of my
younger
daughter. She was just thrilled when I reminded her this morning, she
will
have but one more birthday which begins with a 4. It seems to be one of
my
favorite things to do. Ha! But I digress, our weekend draws ever
nearer,
and I have a lot of ground to cover.
From our alumni treasurer, 1970's GARY E. JOHNSON, came a request to
place
yard signs in higher traffic areas. Did everyone do that? It was way
back
on August 13, and I've heard no reports about the results. It was to
promote alumni weekend, right? Thanks, Gary.
On that same day, I got an auto-reply from semi-retired, 1961 class
president, JOHN W. OBERLIES, JR. So were you gallivanting around the
country again, John, or just hanging out at home? Will we see you
this
year? I hope so.
On August 14, I received some update info from 1954's DONALD R.
THROCKMORTON
and spouse, NORMA JEAN BROWN. They've moved to a new address and want
to
notify the alumni association. Norma reports their new address as being
4261
Nightingale Cr., Lebanon, Ohio 45036. So please record that info,
Gary.
Thank you for your kind words, Jean, and I do hope that femur bone
has
healed well, by now. Jean broke the femur bone in her leg, back in
April.
She and Don now live near two of their children, who also reside in
Lebanon.
Thanks for that update, Jean, and we hope you and Don are doing
wonderfully
and experiencing good health.
Cousin JUDITH L. SAMUELS is dealing with some health issues, as
earlier
mentioned and that is an ongoing thing, right now. We still make
daily
contact as we tell each other our recipes, laundry secrets,
housekeeping
duties, doctor appointments, and health woes. It's amazing how the
context
of our conversations have changed over the past 6-7 decades. It's an
attractive-sounding statement when we say, "Age is just a number," but
come
on! Nothing could be further from the truth.
From 1971's DENISE E. HURLEY (who's also my neighbor, here in
Tennessee)
came some sad news about her brother-in-law, 1977's JAS. NATHAN
COLE. He
passed away August 12 at KMC. He was married to Denise's sister,
1976's
JAIME HURLEY. We're so sorry for your loss, Denise, and we all extend
condolences to your family. Denise wrote she'll see me in Ohio, if
she's
able to get up there for our weekend. I hope you make it, Denise.
In mid-August, 1961's P. LYNNETTE GARRETT reported, "a grand time," as
she
put it, with all her old cronies from 1961. However, believe me,
these
girls are not, "old cronies," in the literal sense. They all look great
and
they're wonderful about maintaining contact. Aside from herself, Lynn
reported those present included SALLY L. GILLETTE, SANDRA E. BROCK, SANDRA
L
HALL, CAROL J. LEWIS, DONNA J. RICHARDS, DOROTHY M. COMBS, JACQUELINE
N.
LESHER, & SANDRA J. CASEY. Lynn also reported a knee replacement, due
Sept.
14. At this writing, I know you're still in recovery, Lynn, but let us
know
how you're doing, as it goes.
It is with great fanfare I welcome aboard 1990's ROBIN R SHEPPARD! She
comes
to us through the courtesy of ELLEN R COMLEY, who did not provide her
own
class year. But I'm thrilled to have anyone who's so near to the turn of
the
century! Robin, I'm quietly trying to recruit a replacement for writing
this
bulletin. Could it be you? I'm going on 72, now, have numbness in the
tips
of both my right thumb and index finger, and I know darned well,
there's
somebody out there who loves writing as much as I do, and is even
more
capable. So spread the word and a big Pirate welcome to you, Robin!
(Whoops! Sorry! It's 1954's ELLEN R. SMITH. I knew there was
something
familiar about that name!)
Courtesy of 1958's BILL R. HOWARD, I got a few more Piratans and have
extras
again, of several more years. If you're in the market, let me
know. I'll
check and see if I have your year. I was thrilled, last month, when I
was
able to send a commencement bulletin to my old high school pal, RICHARD
C.
CALL of 1962. He was one of the few, two years younger than we were,
who
ran around with us a good bit, especially during the summers. So I was
very
happy to be able to do that for him. I found it in the pages of the
1962
Piratan which had once belonged to the late WC teacher, DICKINSON T.
GUILER,
very well-known in alumni from the 1940s through 1980s, I'd say. Bill
also
thanked me for this birthday greeting. It was the big seven-five for him
on
Sept. 8!
Bless you both, 1958's DONALD I. MCCOY and 1959's MICHAEL L. SWANK,
for
inviting me to join you on the social websites. But as everyone is by
now
aware, I'm firmly entrenched in the 20th century and still don't even
know
how to cut and paste (although I'd like to learn). Believe me, if e-mail
is
ever made obsolete, we're in big trouble because that will be the end of
the
bulletins. Ha! But it's so flattering to be invited and
welcomed. I
appreciate it.
Everyone is by now aware of 1959's GARY E. BARNES resurrecting the
annual
golf outing at the Mound Golf Course. If there's enough interest out
there,
he's doing it again this year, after a few years of absence from it. It
will
be held Friday, Oct. 11, and if you're interested in playing, please
contact
him at 937 859-4559. If there are enough groups of four, he'll make
the
arrangements. That night, at the Frisch's Frolic, we'll hear lots of
golf
stories, if all goes well.
It was wonderful to hear from my classmate, KAREN L. KLINE, who wanted
to
let me know the 1960 class will be having a luncheon on Tuesday, Oct.
15,
right after our weekend. So if anyone's staying in town later, they're
all
invited. It will be at the Byers Road Perkins in Miamisburg. After
that
was sent, I received replies, happy to hear Karen's name again, from
both
MICHAEL S. WEST and GERALD A. FULLER. Obviously, we don't know how
many
1960 people will appear. But I'm sure I'll get a full
accounting. Thanks,
Karen.
Once again, 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH is gallivanting all over the
country,
running from place to place to pick up his significant other, 1971's
PATTY
JO WHEELBARGER from her endless treks on the hiking trails of the
United
States. Lately, they've covered a lot of ground---or at least, Patty
has---in the state of Vermont. Bruce also sent photos of warnings at
park
entrances, cautioning about the dangers. Patty, of course, ignored all
of
them and trudged right through, not to my surprise at all.
For those of you who might be unaware, the widow of 1960's RONALD P.
CRAIG,
Martha A. Craig, was remarried on April 6, I believe it was. Ronnie
died
Sept.18 (this very day), 2000. So Martha was a longtime widow. Her name
is
now Martha A. Taulbee and she's married to James L. Taulbee. So we
offer
best wishes to the bride and groom and wish you both a long and happy
union.
Our own, "blogmaster extra-ordinaire," 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST, always
has
interesting visitors to his and Sally's mountainside, Swiss
chalet. Since
it literally clings to a very steep mountainside, high above Gatlinburg
and
overlooking panoramic views, the bears are plentiful and Mike always
shares
those photos with me, of the bears walking around his deck. They're
always
delightful and I love seeing the bears climbing on their property and
home.
Do you put those on the WC blog, Mike?
As far as I know, teacher MURL E. HUFFMAN is still faring well and
recovering. Yes, many of you have written again about him and I won't
list
the legion of names again. But be assured, throughout his time of
recovery,
it's truly been, "All hands on deck," as regarded this crew ship
of Pirates
The queries were fast, furious, and numerous, believe me. My most
recent
reports came through 1959's SHIRLEY R. PARKS, as her spouse, 1957's NEIL
H.
SIZER, had gone to see him. Neil said MEH is sassy as ever, and no
surprise
there. I won't be at all surprised to find him at the October
functions.
There's no doubt in my mind, if he can make it, he'll be
there. Thanks,
Shirley and Neil.
On Sept. 9, I received e-mail from 1958's DAVID L. HOWARD of the June
6
death of his classmate, ROBERT E. CARPENTER. Dave wrote the notice came
from
Bob's widow, while they were doing the contacting for the 55th. I've
known
Bob all my life. He and his family, like so many other WC families,
also
attended Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Condolences go to his family
and
friends. The 1958 class seems to have lost an inordinate number of
class
members, over the past 18 months. Thanks for letting us know, Dave.
While I'm on bad news topics, I'll go ahead and let everyone know of
this
horrible news. On Sept. 16, I received an e-mail from my classmate, DAVID
A
BLAIR. It was truly awful to read, as I learned of the death of
BRIAN
WALKER, the elder son of our classmate, WM. O. WALKER and his
WC-honorary
spouse, Karen L. Murphy. My heart broke, as I read this. Brian died
of
cancer on Sept. 12. So the Walkers have lost both their children. The
younger son was killed in auto accident in 1990. There was nothing in
this
world the two of them adored, more than those two boys, and now,
they're
both gone. I can't even imagine what they're feeling. But I know we
all
grieve for them and pray we could do or say something to ease their
pain.
From 1961's NANCY A. HALL came notice of a recent surgery on her
husband,
Pastor Larry W. Matthews, Ret. She wrote the doctor has given him
the
go-ahead for a few swings on the golf green, so he's coming along
nicely.
Recently, I spoke at length with WALLACE W. ROBBINS, definitely one of
WC's
most unforgettable characters. He's still in residence at an
apartment
complex in Waynesville, very near to his daughter, the elder one, I
think.
He's discovered one of his neighbors is none other 1959's COE S.
WOLFE. It
sure is a small world, indeed, and you'd better watch out,
Coe! Wallace
says all the senior ladies are rapping on his door, at all hours. Yes,
no
doubt. Some things never change, I guess!
Also relatively recently, I've spoken with other of my 1960 classmates,
CHAS
A. HIGH, JR., EULA FAYE BAILEY, CHAS V. CARTER, and THOS. D.
YOUNG. All
but Charlie High seem to be doing well. Charlie has a rough row to hoe,
as
you all know, due to his own health, and his efforts to care for his
ailing
wife of over 40 years. So let's all keep him in our good thoughts
and
prayers. Eula Faye says she wants to come to Ohio, if she can find
someone
to pinch-hit for her in grandchild care, so let's all hope that happens,
too
Back on Labor Day Weekend, 1957's SHIRLEY ANN HILE patronized a
Starving
Artist Sale and no doubt, found a few beautiful treasures. It was held by
a
close friend and is an event she attended in years past. We all hope you
had
a great time, and found lots of neat stuff, Shirley. Will we see you
in
October?
Okay, gang, here's the rundown. I've come to the end of all my
e-mails,
believe it or not. So it's time to tell you where to be and when. The
first
little to-do, as always, will be Ron's Pizza in Miamisburg, on Thursday,
Oct
10. People usually begin trickling in around 5-5:30 and continue
through
about 7 or so. We're usually all gone by about 9, I'd say. The
following
morning will be the aforementioned golf outing at the Mound Golf
Course.
That evening, or late afternoon, is the very popular Frisch's Frolic,
which
seems to attract about 80-100 of us, every year.
The following day, Saturday, we'll have the Miami Shores Memories
picnic,
orchestrated capably by 1957's BETTY LEE CARROLL. Lord, help us all if
1970
s CHERYL R. COLLINSWORTH doesn't show up with her chicken and
dumplings! I
ll hear 1958's BILL R. HOWARD, crying all weekend. That kicks off at 1
PM,
and I'm once going to stress, "EVERYONE IS WELCOME!" No, you don't have
to
be someone who grew up in Miami Shores. This, too, has become a very
popular
event, much the same as Cheryl's famous chicken and dumplings! So be
there.
That night will be the crown jewel event of the dinner/dance, so get
those
reservation forms returned!
That's it, gang! How I do hope we all convene together, soon, in
great
companionship, camaraderie, and lots of good reminiscing. This will
definitely be the final bulletin, prior to our weekend. I do hope I will
be
there and that's my plan, at this writing. I've recovered well, but
still
have some edgy moments. It's getting better by the day, though. I
leave
each of you with my usual wish for glowing health, great happiness,
personal
safety, peaceful serenity, spiritual harmony, and boundless
prosperity.
Ciao!
