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The *WeCaTon* - West Carrollton (Ohio) H.S. Alumni News (unofficial)
Thursday, March 20, 2014
 

Bonnie's Latest WECATON Report: 20 MAR 2014:

 
---Just in case I failed to share this with all of you, I want to make sure you have it. It has to be quite a treasure to view.  Thanks to 1973's JEAN ANN MILLER.  Scroll down. 
 
 
 
Subject: Re: WECATON NEWS REPORT!!!---
 
Good evening Bonnie,

Back in the 1950's there was a very close neighborhood of families between Enxing and Gibbons in WC - three of the families, Springer, Sanner, and Miller, had 3 very close little girls.   Just wanted to report that one of those little girls, Janet Springer,  passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014.  I'm sure there are folks from the old neighborhood, (Simpson, Miller, Michael, Duncan, etc.) that remember the family and Janet.

I hesitate to do this, as these are just old home movies, but someone on that exhaustive list of yours might see someone they recognize, or their old home, or neighborhood, so I will share some of my memories from WC 1956.  Yes, I know I'm the 2 year old star but if you look closely, you'll see a number of faces from the 1956 Gibbons - Enxing neighborhood - Dave and Rose Michael, Nedra and Dick Miller, Mayor Jeff Sanner and Doris Sanner, Simpson family, and WCJH bookstore matron Pat Miller and a few more families.  At least I hope you get a smile from it.  Life sure has changed!  
 






 
 
---Okay, as promised, I'm beginning a fresh edition on the very day I sent
one which got so stale. It's now January 18, and let me tell you, this is
the coldest winter I've experienced, here on my little mountain, in the 7
years I've lived here. It may be Spring, by the time I get this sent, but I
sure hope not. We'll begin, as usual, with our forwarders who are 1954's
FREDA P. FLETCHER; 1955's C. ELAINE BARKER; 1957's BETTY LEE CARROLL, RALPH
H. WARNER, ERCELL P. PHILLIPS; 1958's BILL R. HOWARD, LORNA D. TROUTMAN,
RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, BRUCE E. CHENOWETH; 1959's GARY E. BARNES; 1960's WM. E
"BUDDY" STOVER, DOLORES K. "DEDE" FAHRNEY,RICHARD S. HOLT, C. SUE MCCLOUD,
1961's SALLY L. GILLETTE, PAUL R. BEARDSLEY, SANDRA E. BROCK, LARRY D.
GILBERT, GARY R. FRANK; 1964's W. THOS. GODBY; 1970's DEBRE C. "DEBBY"
SPENCER; 1988's JAS. A. MCGUIRE.
 
So far, we've had no luck with finding someone who has an updated e-mail for
1960's RICHARD G. "JERRY" BROWN or MADELEINE J. BECK. We also have had no
luck with getting one for 1988's KRISTIE A. WILSON nor her spouse, 1990's
BRANDON C. CARPENTER. Also remaining MIA is 1956's BETTY L. CULPEPPER. So
let's all try to resolve these and get these people back on our readers list
   Thanks for any help you can offer. There was also a glitch with 1960's
JUDITH ANN HUGHES, but I'm hoping that one has been resolved. I'll keep you
all posted. Bless you, my dear and beloved friend, 1961's JOHN W. OBERLIES,
JR., class president and recent retiree.  Yep, John retired.  He sent me his
new e-mail, in order to make sure he stayed in the loop and continued to
receive the bulletins.  Thanks so much, John.  Also, thanks to 1962's THOS.
J. GAULDIN, who sent me an update on 1964's ANNA ARLENE COON.  I already had
the exact, same e-mail address, so I guess that one reject I got on her was
just a fluke. I haven't gotten any since.
 
Okay, let's get back to where we left off, with my ill-fated, very late,
last edition. I believe we were at Frisch's, just finishing off the evening
of Oct. 11. As I'd written, it was a somewhat lighter turnout this year, but
those who came were still quite a few and we all had a great time. Looking
positively fresh and glowing was 1960's DEVONA S. TAYLOR, my birthday twin.
Her hair had changed and was very flattering, she was constantly smiling,
and here goes one I never thought I'd say. But with her,  it's really true.
She had gained weight and it looked no less than GREAT,  on her! So whatever
you're doing, Dee, keep doing it. It's working well for you.
 
My dear friend, THOS. D. YOUNG, 1960's VP, and his wife, Sandi L. Young,
were also there, and I was thrilled. We had a personal visit the following
morning, when I made a special trip to their home in Xenia.  Otherwise, I'd
never have seen them anymore, so very glad I did so.
 
Saturday brought about the Miami Shores Memories picnic, and in my book, it
s always a winner. The one just past was no different. We again didn't have
as big a turnout, this time, but I'm sure all who were there will agree it
was well worth the trip to get there. This event may be imperiled for 2014,
but
I sure hope not. More later on that, though. The culinary star of the show
was, as always, the chicken and dumplings prepared by 1970's CHERYL R.
COLLINSWORTH. Everyone made a beeline for those, including me. They were
brought to fame by 1958's BILL R. HOWARD, and I can sure see why.
 
As the event progressed, we had a wonderful treat, never before done. The
very talented DONALD I. MCCOY, 1958, went to his car and fetched his guitar.
Before we knew it, we had live music and he was accompanied by our own
gorgeous LORNA D. TROUTMAN, his classmate, as well as her sister, THERESA
TROUTMAN, who would've been in the 1962 class. It was a highlight which
everyone truly enjoyed. They drew an appreciative crowd,including me.
 
Sometime after the fact, our orchestrator for the event, 1957's BETTY LEE
CARROLL, sent me an e-mail, in which she advised she could no longer oversee
the event, due to health issues. However, it had been reserved for next year
  already. And she told me it would be jointly overseen and handled by
1958's BILL R. HOWARD and his wife, Lucy, along with 1958's W. BAILEY
HAWKINS and his wife, 1962's JACKQUELYN S. HAINES. There was apparently a
miscommunication, somewhere along the line, though. I sent a follow-up to
confirm this, only to find neither the Howards nor the Baileys had been
given to understand such an arrangement. So I do hope it comes together
before next October. I will most certainly keep everyone apprised, as to the
final disposition on this particular function.
 
That evening brought about the annual dinner/dance, of course. That's our
premier event, as everyone is aware. Again, there was a lower turnout---I
think.  I'm not that sure, though, as it looked like quite a crowd to me. I
look to the expertise of alumni treasurer, 1970's GARY E. JOHNSON, for the
final say on that issue. As always, I came and went with 1960's CHAS. V.
CARTER, and we both had a heavy evening of interaction with loads of alumni
from varying class years. By the time I get to the night of the
dinner/dance, I've hopefully been able to at least say one hello to most of
my favorite folks.
 
Also at our table was my lifelong friend, SHIRLEY J. TUDOR, who was
industriously saving a seat for you, JUDITH A. SLIFE. Where on earth were
you? It said you paid for a reservation and we all waited anxiously for your
arrival. Shirley looked groomed and smart and trim, as always. I also talked
some with 1958's LEONARD F. KUHN, and his charming wife, Pat. Lennie
informed me he and Pat have been married 51 years, and had had an
anniversary in September. That's wonderful.
 
Upon my return to Tennessee, I promptly received an extremely gracious and
complimentary e-mail from 1958's LANDO F. STEELE, in which he told me how
much he'd enjoyed the presentation I gave at his class' 55th dinner
gathering. He also offered gratitude for the 1958 Piratan I brought for him
It seems he didn't have one and I had an extra, fortunately. Over the months
  since that weekend, he and I have maintained fintermittent contact, as I do
with so very many of you.  It's one of the joys of doing these bulletins.
Several of you made favorable comments about Lando now being on the readers
list.  He needs no introduction to most late-1950s/early 1960s alumni, as
everyone knew him.  He was quite the football player and athlete, so we're
all glad he's aboard.
 
Of course, I think most of you will recall my story about my adventure with
the nudist colony, while in the employ of Ma Bell, many years ago. Well, the
feedback on that one was great, and many of you wrote to tell me how you
laughed aloud as you read it. I thank you for that. Among those who did
write were 1961's FRANCES E. DAYSPRING, JACK L. GODBY, 1960's LOIS ANN
LITTURELL, RONNIE R. WHEELER (who wrote he was still laughing aloud), and
Rebecca A. Fuller, spouse of GERALD A. FULLER, who recalled the story from
before, but said it was still funny, anyway.
 
When I wrote of the trip to Ohio being more strenuous this year, and I
thought it might be due to meds I now have to take (for the first time, ever
in my life), 1960's DAVID G. OTT was quick to respond he felt we'd all
reached that level, and we're just getting older. Well, you're probably
right, Dave, but I guess I'd prefer to blame meds than old age. Ha! Dave and
his wife, 1963's SANDRA K. MINIX, certainly do their fair share of traveling
  too.
 
Okay, I'm going to write this part, at this very moment, so I remember every
detail. We've gone global! Yes, global. I can scarcely believe this. Just
moments ago (it's Jan. 19), I received a call from our iconic teacher,MURL E
HUFFMAN. As it happens, he recently received a call from cardiologist, Dr.
JOSE ALBERTO DiMATTA, M.D., class of 1967, who practices in Sao Paulo,
Brazil. He was once a WC exchange student---I had no idea, at the time, we
even had those, by the way---and he's now 65 years old. So he tells MEH,
Due to what Bonnie has written on the Internet, I've been able to keep tabs
on exactly what is going on with your health." I was flabbergasted! How on
earth did he ever access my bulletins, or even know about them, for that
matter? Do one of you know this man? Did you forward them to him? I am truly
mystified, yet terribly flattered. Wow! What a hoot! In any case, MEH is in
the pink, again sounding strong and vital. This coming Dec. 29 will be his
95th. When he called, he'd driven Marge to the dentist for a cleaning and he
was at a follow-up appointment, also, himself. He assured me he's doing just
great! He sure did sound like he was, too!
 
Skating right along on the coattails of this piece of news of global
readership, it seems appropriate to mention the latest statistics on our WC
blog, as capably tracked by master blogmaster, MICHAEL S. WEST, 1960, who
set up the entire blog and oversees and tracks it for all of us. Back on Oct
  28, he sent me the following info: Pageviews today 19; Pageviews yesterday
16: Pageviews last month 606; Total pageviews 24,410!! I'm overwhelmed by
that and so pleased. Many thanks to you, Mike, from all of us, for the
spectacular job you do. I'll bet many folks read these bulletins who are not
on the readers list, at all. That's amazing, and something I could never do,
on my own.
 
Okay, back to the regular e-mails! I just thought those two snippets were
amazing, though, and had to include them. On Oct. 15, I received an e-mail
from 1961's EDNA L. GRAY, in response to my e-mail, telling her I'd missed
her at all the functions. Edna has her hands full, she told me. Her husband
is aging and had some health problems and she's also coping with the illness
of her step-son. So we all wish you well in dealing with all this, Edna, and
we sure do hope things turn around enough, by this October, so you can join
us for at least one or two events.
 
The same day, I received gracious thanks from 1958's RICHARD A. FAHRNEY,
class president, who expressed his appreciation for my coming to address his
class. I think I've already told all of you, I've agreed to a repeat
performance for their 60th, also at Dick's request. We both hope to be
around to do this. If I am, it will mean I've completed 18 years of doing
bulletins. I can scarcely believe I've now done over 13 years, as it is.
 
Next came a lovely incident with 1961's THOS. W. WELLER and his spouse,
SANDRA J. CASEY. I was aware of Sandy's mother being a longtime, ardent fan
of my dear, dear, close friend, Betty Green -wood. In recent months, she's
again begun semi-regular entertaining---utterly amazing, as she'll be 92 in
July!---and loves it. She constantly says she wants to be, "where the action
is," and by golly, she sure is doing it. Anyway, she wanted a local test
audience for a first, run-through rehearsal. The timing was good on this, as
it was October and I was in town, and spent time with Betty 2-3 different
times. I was able to make connections for Tom and Sandy to take Sandy's
mother to Betty's pre-show. I later was told Mrs. Casey got to meet Betty,
personally, and take photos. It was an absolute thrill for me to be able to
orchestrate (no pun intended) this for her. I'm so happy they enjoyed it.
Sandy told me her mother was thrilled. It's always a humble feeling for me
to have the good fortune to help someone with something they enjoy.
 
On Oct. 27, along came an e-mail from 1958's REX E. HEETER, (a retired WC
police officer) and he gave me a health update on another retired officer,
Robt. E. Dowler, whom I met during motorcycle events in Florida, way back in
1990. We did some riding together and Bob was an ardent bike racing fan, who
loved to ride. We'd get together every time he came down for the events I
was so sorry to hear of his health woes, and do hope he will improve.
He's a stand-up guy.
 
In the meantime, though, we all have to work on getting you, Rex, to come to
the alumni events, along with your 1971 spouse, ROBYN L. GENGLER. We keep
looking for you, every year, and hoping to see you. Is there any chance for
next year? Rex tells me he and Robyn are deeply involved with their
grandchildren and I can surely understand that. But how about seeing if you
can squeeze out just one night for your old alumni pals, come next year, Rex
and Robyn.
 
From 1968's ROGER D. LUCAS came an auto-reply to my special bulletin of Oct.
27, and I always do wonder, when I get those, if the intended recipient
finally does receive them. I hope so. I've also had 3 more invitations to
join social websites and they came from 1956's REBECCA J. POLING, 1964's W.
THOS. GODBY, and 1963 class member, HARRIET M. BURKE. Many thanks to each of
you, but I'm not yet technologically savvy enough for that stuff, and don't
know if I ever will be. But you can always get me on e-mail.
 
Finally, I have had some lengthy exchanges with 1961's DONNA J. RICHARDS.
The two of us have jointly solved every major problem on the face of the
earth, so all is well. She told me she's doing well, tired of the cold, and
preparing for a 6-week getaway to Florida with two of her best pals, who
include 1961's SALLY L. GILLETTE and 1962's BARBARA T. O'NEAL. I'm sure that
will be quite a fun trip. I hope to persuade them to swing by my place on
the return trip.
 
There was a welcome blip from a very beloved member of my 1960 class, on Oct
29. WM. O. "BILL" WALKER and his charming and personable spouse, Karen M.
Walker, wrote a couple lines, saying they're all right and how much they
missed everyone. Well, we missed you both, too, Karen and Bill, and we hope
perhaps we'll get to see you next October.
 
In October, 1961's P. LYNNETTE GARRETT was involved in yet another head-on
car crash. She'd just had one last May, in Nevada. Neither was her fault.
She had one knee replacement in September and just had the other one done on
December 31. She's far braver than I! We did get to visit at the MS
Memories picnic, so I was glad I got to see her. But she's really been
through the mill.
 
Lynn wrote she's looking forward to moving permanently to her home in
Henderson, Nevada. I will sure miss my visits with her each year, if she
does. Her son, Randy, is now her sole survivor, though, and I think she
wants to be where he is. She also says she enjoys the lifestyle there. Her
classmate, RICHARD L. DOLL, had the same operation on one knee, and said he
has no idea how she was able to do both, so close together. I believe they
had contact with one another, and probably discussed it. We hope both of you
are doing well.
 
Nov. 3 brought an e-mail of praise from1963's PAUL R. BEARDSLEY and SANDRA E
BROCK, in which Paul praised the musical talents of 1958's DONALD I. "DON"
MCCOY and his apparently-equal
-ly-talented spouse, Fran. I believe the Beardsleys are frequently visited
by the McCoys, so they get to be the fortunate audience for their musical
forays. Having now heard Don, myself, and hearing much about the talents of
Fran, too, I'm sure they're wonderfully entertaining.
 
Next came an after-the-fact (AS ALWAYS!!!) report from 1960's EULA FAYE
BAILEY about a mishap as she stepped off an elevator with her grandson's
guardian dog, got tripped up in the leash, and fell. I understand this
resulted in a serious break, in which she's gotten a brand-new knee (or was
it a hip, Eula Faye?) In any case, she insists she's doing all right, now.
But it would be nice if we knew these things as we go, so we could all send
cards and flowers and good wishes and let you know we're all thinking about
you. So how about a little advance notice next time, huh?
 
Speaking of falls, we got an update from 1961's JACK L. GODBY, who lived the
storied life of a stage actor in Chicago and New York (and now resides in
NYC), he wrote to say he's feeling pretty good by now, from his own fall of
a couple months ago, but was still a little sore, at that writng, which was
early November. I'll bet you're doing great by now, aren't you, Jack? He
also wrote he worries about falling, since he lives alone, but that he has
wonderful neighbors who look out for his welfare, We're all glad you're
doing so much better, Jack, and do be careful! Jack never fails to send
words of praise, after he reads each bulletin, as does 1970's INDY JO
GRISSOM, with great consistency.
 
On Nov. 22, 1933's A. EMERSON FAHRNEY turned 98 years old. We all know he's
a WC institution, who did many wonderful things through many decades for the
WC school system, including years of faithful service to the school board.
Chances are, he's one of a tiny handful of survivors of his era, who knows
mre WC trivia than anyone else. His daughter and my classmate, 1960's
DOLORES K. "DED
E" FAHRNEY, and her brother, 1958's RICHARD A. FAHRNEY (class president and
football star of both WC and his college) are both very good about keeping
us informed. DeDe writes her father doesn't get up a lot now, and sits in a
wheelchair to eat most meals. But she said she did have a good
visit with him for a period of 9 days. I also recall Dick saying he'd often
visited him during his Ohio stay, too. Dick and Jan had come into town about
a month early and I'm sure it was so they could spend a bit of extra time
with Mr. Fahrney. We all wish him well, DeDe and Dick. Thanks for keeping us
up to date on his status. Dick had also requested an e-mail  address for
classmate, LINDA L. BECKETT, which I happily provided. (Footnote:  DeDe
wrote to tell me her father was in hospice care, effective with Christmas
Eve.  She went to Ohio on 12/29 and Dick flew from Colorado on Jan. 8.  I've
heard nothing since, and will add to this, as further news arrives, if it
does.  I know we all wish the best for the Fahrney family.)  (Footnote #2:
This is one I never wanted to have to write.  It's Jan. 25, as I write this.
  At 1;25 p.m., I received a call from DeDe Fahrney.  She informed me her
98-year old father
, a WC institution, A, EMERSON FAHRNEY, Class of 1933, and the most senior
person who ever read a bulletin, passed away this morning.  He left an
indelible and admirable history with WC, on so many levels.  He also left
talented, athletic, well-liked, WC offspring.  Our very sincerest
condolences go to the Fahrney family.  Thanks, DeDe, for letting me know.
 
Communications continued with a lovely Thanksgiving greeting from 1960's T.
BARRY RUSSELLO. I do believe he and wife, 1959's BETSY R. MURPHY are to the
point they're somewhat retired now, and opt to spent some of the colder
months in Florida.  Of course, this year, Florida's winter is a bad one,
just like the rest of the continent.  But it's probably at least better than
Ohio.
 
My wonderful, travleogue letter from Rebecca A. Fuller arrived.  She does
such a great job telling us all about the travels and adventures of her and
my classmate and old friend, her spouse, GERALD A. FULLER.  Usually, in any
given year, the two of them manage to cover an awfully lot of ground and
there are always some nifty photos, too.  Thanks, Becky.
 
Of course, I also had my, "Freda Fix," for this bulletin.  I always somehow
manage to exchange several varying tidbits of trivia and items of national
importance with 1954's FREDA P. FLETCHER.  She and I always wind up with
interesting exchanges, every few weeks, it seems.  All is well with her and
Larry, in their Florida home.
 
From 1963's ILONA T. "LONNIE" DEBRECINI came an updated e-mail address, as
well as a list of the names of the daughters of the late teacher and coach,
DONALD C. BOGAN, whose widow is now wed to MURL E. HUFFMAN, as we all know.
She said the girls' names are Bonnie Lee (same as mine) and Donna. I don't
think I knew that. Did they go to WC? Anyway, Lonnie now lives in Peoria,
Arizona, and she just updated me on her e-mail address. That's very much
appreciated, Lonnie, and thanks.
 
SHARLENE N. MERKER, 1987, continues her quest for a new scoreboard for the
WC football field.  I feel certain she will update us all, the moment
progress is made, with that undertaking.  But from yet another source, 1960
s THOS. L. WOLF, JR., recently came an e-mail in which he informed me there
will be a new scoreboard next year, regardless, due to some cost-cutting
measures which have been implemented.  Tom also corrected me about Sharlene
s title in the October parade, pointing out she was the grand marshal and
not the queen.  Actually, I knew that, already.  I just didn't take the time
to go back and make the change, as I should have.  Also, I confess to being
slightly biased about her, as it so happens she's a queen to ME.  However, I
do stand corrected, and thank you, Tom.  As we are all also aware, I sent a
copy of Tom's notice about the progress on class photos of the older classes
 
and getting them hung on the walls of the, "new," high school---yes, 1961, I
know.  But to me, and classes prior to mine, it's still the new one.  This
is a wonderful undertaking and I extend my personal thanks to Tom and to
1970's GARY E. JOHNSON, alumni treasurer, for their efforts toward this.
SALLY L. GILLETTE, 1961, weighed in on the idea, and wrote she loves it. Oh,
and by the way, Gary also sent a breakdown of donations for the scholarship
fund.
 
There's a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament at Treasure Island Supper Club, come Feb
  8.  I have no idea if this bulletin will get done, in time to let everyone
know.  But I hope so.  I'm trying desperately to get a little more current,
in order to compensate for the long stretch of the last one.  I think this
notice would have come from 1988's JAS. A. MCGUIRE, as the event is being
held by the WC Football Alumni Club with which Jim is so closely affiliated.
 
On Jan. 4, I was deeply saddened when I received an e-mail from Rebecca S.
Schoch, a resident of Cincinnati, in which she informed of the death of her
step-father, 1960's BOYD H. JENKINS, JR.  He'd died on March 21, 2013.  I
don't know why I didn't hear of it earlier, but didn't.  Boyd's birthday was
on Dec. 29, so when I sent his annual card, it was forwarded to Becky, and
that's how she let me know.  I sure was fond of Boyd.  What a truly nice
man!  Comments came from MICHAEL S. WEST and from DOLORES K. "DEDE" FAHRNEY,
to that exact effect.  He had severe heart problems for years, and I knew
that.  If I'm not mistaken, his father also died from it, as did his older
brother, 1955's EDGAR EARL JENKINS, a couple years ago.  Another death
arrived, too, from 1959's GARY E. BARNES, and it was for his classmate,
JANET E. HALL, who passed away on Christmas Eve. We extend condolences to
the families and friends of both Boyd and Janet.  Thanks, Gary.
 
Wonderful photos and gracious words arrived from the lovely, popular,
beautiful and talented LORNA D. TROUTMAN, 1958, who was such fun throughout
our entire alumni weekend.  She smiled, she sang, she danced, she laughed,
she hugged, and she consumed life with a gusto which was delightful to
observe.  I think her infectious personality has a positive effect on every
person with whom she's in contact.  I'm so glad I got to spend a bit of time
with you, Lorna, and I'd be absolutely thrilled for you to visit me, as have
so very many WC alumni!  Be sure to bring along your hunky spouse, Roger M.
Chico" Lopez III, in his puffy, white, Scottish shirt, too!
 
From 1957's LINDA L. MCAFEE came an e-mail in which she wrote her e-mail had
been hacked. I'm sure she was getting it straightened out, though. We all
want to be sure it's okay, Linda, so let us know and if there's a change,
keep us posted.  Thanks for the notice.  Also, a few changes and corrections
reached me and if anyone needs them, let me know. From 1958's BILL R. HOWARD
came an update on the e-mail address for his sister, 1972's PHYLLIS ANN
SELLARS.  Thanks for that, Bill.
 
We also got an updated cell phone number from 1956's CAROL ANN HOHNHORST and
she's done away with all other numbers, she says, which means the landline
is gone.  That brings me to that very topic, by the way, and it's something
I've wanted to address for quite a spell.  Hopefully, any and all who are
interested have, in the past, made note of my phone numbers.  In the event
you don't have them, here they are again;  Home 423 726-2268  Cell 386
290-3381.  Now, I know what a shock this is going to be.  But bear in mind,
I'm a 1950s kid, techno-challenged, aging, grumpy, and set in my ways, okay?
 
 
Here we go!   Anytime you try to call me, please call my home phone FIRST!
I'm so frustrated with all this cell phone mania, it's driving me batty.  I
do not keep my cell phone implanted on my hip, 100% of the time.  Often, I
can't even hear it ring, to be honest, because my house is so huge.  When I
do hear it, I often go running wildly through the house in a desperate
attempt to reach it before it goes to voice mail and I have the missed-call
tone, which goes off endlessly.  Then, there are the times it drops calls or
I just barely touch a wrong spot on the screen and it cuts off the call or
it tells me there's no service.  They're so small and the keys are so tiny,
so for me, they're hard to handle, too.
 
Fast-forward to my trusty, never-fail landline!  Yes, I still have it.  I'm
a Bell retiree who's in the group of 100% concessionaires, so my landline is
free (but I'd keep it, anyway).  It can be answered in no fewer than 42
locations in my house---I told you it's huge---it never drops calls, it
never cuts me off, it always has service, and transmission is flawless, even
during power outages.  I've now started totally turning off my cell phone,
when I'm at home, which is 98% of the time. So please note this and, should
you ever need to call me for anything, dial the landline number first.  By
the way, my door is always open to all weary, WC travelers who may be
passing through the area.  I've got plenty of space, the sheets are clean,
the coffee is good, and the scenery is spectacular!
 
From 1971's RODNEY R. GABBARD came a report he's having some problems and
pain again.  I so hope things are better now, Rod.  You've had your share of
problems for a very long time, now.  Keep us posted and let us know how it's
going.
 
Along came a request from Brenda K. Heiser, the longtime significant other
of 1958's VINCENT A. BRODBECK, in which she wished to locate 1961's MARY
JANE MYERS, with whom she'd done years of nursing. Well, believe you me, we
all quickly joined forces and solved Brenda's challenge in a big hurry.
First of all, retired police officer and current private investigator, 1958
s BILL R. HOWARD, quickly connected the dots in finding one who fit the
profile and never mind that her last name is now Smith!  Not only that,
DONNA J. RICHARDS logged in to tell us her husband's name is John.  So we
were coping with locating a John and Mary Smith, can you believe it?
 
Still, no problem!  Jumping right on the bandwagon was 1959's SANDRA R.
KINNEY, who wrote she knew for sure that Mary Jane is a current employee in
the deli of Dorothy Lane Market at the nearby Springboro location, where
Sandy often shops.  She said she's talked with her, knows she's a WC grad,
and knows she's the one Brenda is trying to locate.  We also had input from
1961's SANDRA S. HOLLINGSWORTH, who felt SANDRA S. MAYO might be in touch.
Also giving it a shot was 1949 class member, ROBT. E. HOFFMAN, while 1957's
SHIRLEY ANN HILE wrote to say she had no clue
But at least we knew she was reading it.
 
It went well, quickly, and smoothly. Mystery solved!  This was all done
within a 24-hour period, after Brenda wrote me.  What a crew we have!  That
was terrific teamwork and I can tell you, Brenda is just
thrilled.  This 50-year nursing anniversary function is to be very special
to her and I was so happy we were all able to help her.  You did such a
great job.  So thanks to each and every single one who had a hand in this,
especially you, Sandy!
 
From 1958's NICHOLAS P. WOLARY came definite confirmation of the death of
1956's BARBARA A. FARLEY on July 21, 2013.  During the last 2-3 bulletins, I
ve been asked is she had died, but had no confirming reports.  Nick even
transmitted a copy of her obituary, so yes, she is deceased.  Even my
sister-in-law, her classmate, ANITA RAE MASON, had asked me, I believe.  So
at least, we now know.  Thanks, Nick.
 
Remember when I asked about the SIZER brothers, 1957's NEIL H. and 1959's
GARY L., in the last bulletin, and was alluding to the health of both?  Well
  I don't know if whatever was wrong has now resolved or if my information
was in error.  However, 1960's RICHARD S. HOLT wrote to tell he had recently
seen both of them, and they looked to be, "in the pink."  So that's always
great news.  I love being able to write positive news about the health of
our alumni.  Thanks, Rich.
 
From 1964's KARL R. BURRUS came some very exciting news.  In March, Karl
will be retiring from the Alabama Power Corp., but he also had a knee
replacement done on Jan. 13.  He says he wants to be back on the golf course
by March, and of course, is very much anticipating his class' 50th, come
October.  He says he definitely wants to attend.  Well, you'd better, Karl!
Heartiest congratulations to you upon the great occasion of your retirement.
  Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
 
From my treasured friend, 1958's BRUCE E. CHENOWETH, came photos of his
beloved 1948 Olds.
He's got a veritable fortune sunken into that car, but he doesn't care and
it's gorgeous.  I always refer to it as, "my car," in fact. That's because,
during our high school years, I rode more miles in that car than did all his
high school girlfriends, combined.  When girlfriends weren't around, Bruce
and I went by ourselves.
 
Bruce recently celebrated his 74th birthday (Jan. 26) and wrote to thank me
for sending him an actual, postally-mailed card, complete with postage,
postmark, and a handwritten message.  As I told him, it's the only way I'll
ever do it, as long as I've got breath in my body and can see and can write.
  I love the personal touch it imparts.  I hope your birthday was great,
Bruce.
 
Today, we do things a lot the same way as we did in high school.  He comes
to my house about 3 times a year, on average. My grandson adores him, too,
and he's become somewhat of a substitute grandfather figure to him, since my
husband passed away.  BJ gets very excited when he knows Bruce is going to
visit.  We all have a great time together. About half the time, he's
accompanied by his longtime significant other, 1971's PATTY JO WHEELBARGER,
of whom I've also grown very fond. But Patty is usually off hiking the in
the wilderness somewhere, regardless of weather or temperature, and Bruce
kills some time at my house, when she's hiking in the Appalachian region.
It all works out well.  By the way, Bruce, BJ just got a certificate on Jan.
27, from his college.  He's on the president's honor list, having achieved a
perfect 4.0 GPA.  I know you'll be pleased to hear that.
 
From 1963's LEE JEAN JORDAN came a report on her class' 50th get-together
which took place in October (I think).  She wrote of seeing ALVIN M.
PEARLMAN, a classmate whom she had not seen in 50 years. She said she
recognized him right away.  Bully for you, Alvin!  She also wrote of all the
Jordans who are still WC affiliates, attendees, and grads.  It sure is a
long WC history.  Then she asked how I keep up with all this.  Well, Lee
Jean, the answer is that I don't.  All of you are the ones who keep up with
it.  I merely pigeonhole the e-mails, then go through them one at a time and
record the details in what is hopefully a readworthy format.  So there's
your answer.
 
NANCY A. HALL, 1961, wrote to say I shouldn't apologize for the bulletins
taking so long. Well, I guess I just feel as though I should, Nancy.  I'm
normally not so lax about the time frames.  Nancy's husband recently took a
spill and we're all glad to know he's okay now.  They were in Hilton Head,
South Carolina, returning from Orlando where their daughter ran in the
Disney Goofy Challenge on Saturday and Sunday.  She was also thrilled to
know Pat Barnes is doing well, saying Pat and husband 1959's GARY E. BARNES
were so helpful to them when her father moved to Wisconsin.  She added she
was happy to hear JACK L. GODBY is doing all right after his fall.
 
The update on the health of 1961's JUDITH L. SAMUELS  seems to be okay for
now.  She had cancer surgery on Nov. 4 and is coming along.  She says she
feels fine and she has opted out of the chemo for now.  It's a possibility
at a later time, depending on extenuating circumstances.  She gets a lot of
conflicting reports from the various doctors, and it takes a while to sort
through and process all that.  She's much better, but not yet quite out of
the woods.  We are in daily contact.
 
We have some would-be snowbirds, and I understand 1961's ROBT. W. BRANE did
make it to his place in Florida.  Also currently there is 1959's JERRY L.
WEBB, 1960's CHAS. V. CARTER and JO
ANN K. STEMLEY.  At this writing, and hoping to head that way are 1960's
SHIRLEY J. TUDOR, 1961's DONNA J. RICHARDS, JANET L. WALTERS, and 1962's
BARBARA T. O'NEAL.  We hope you all have a wonderful visit, although this
the coldest winter on record for much of Florida.  But it probably beats
Ohio.
 
Alumni with whom I've recently spoken include 1960's SHIRLEY J. TUDOR (who's
doing well and, as already stated, heading to Florida), CHAS. A. HIGH, JR.
(whose health is precarious and touch-and- go, due to his heart problems
which cannot be resolved because they can't seem to get his high blood
pressure under control, so I'm very worried about him), GARY L. WARLAUMONT
who thanked me for
his birthday card and said he had to go to work to pay for new engines for
his private airplane, the poor bastard--Tsk! Tsk!), 1958's BRUCE E.
CHENOWETH, about whom I've pretty much already covered the bases, and 1961's
DONNA J. RICHARDS, whom I've also already discussed.
 
As unbelievable as it is to me, I've now finished yet another bulletin, but
I was doggedly determined to make these last two come together a little more
closely, due to the long gap between the last one and the one prior.  So I
hope I have redeemed myself.  Now, I hope to get back on my regular,
8-week-ish interval.  So be sure to send all your news and happenings and
travels, will you?  I leave you all, once again, with my personal wish for
glowing health, personal safety, great happiness, peaceful serenity,
spiritual harmony, and boundless prosperity.  Ciao!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Back in the 1950's there was a very close neighborhood of families between Enxing and Gibbons in WC - three of the families, Springer, Sanner, and Miller, had 3 very close little girls.   Just wanted to report that one of those little girls, Janet Springer,  passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014.  I'm sure there are folks from the old neighborhood, (Simpson, Miller, Michael, Duncan, etc.) that remember the family and Janet.

I hesitate to do this, as these are just old home movies, but someone on that exhaustive list of yours might see someone they recognize, or their old home, or neighborhood, so I will share some of my memories from WC 1956.  Yes, I know I'm the 2 year old star but if you look closely, you'll see a number of faces from the 1956 Gibbons - Enxing neighborhood - Dave and Rose Michael, Nedra and Dick Miller, Mayor Jeff Sanner and Doris Sanner, Simpson family, and WCJH bookstore matron Pat Miller and a few more families.  At least I hope you get a smile from it.  Life sure has changed!  
---And there you have it! More at 11---
 
 
 







- posted by Mikey @ 6:15 PM



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