The *WeCaTon* - West Carrollton (Ohio) H.S. Alumni News (unofficial)
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
WECATON NEWS REPORT: 21 MAY 2014
|
---Who knows when this one will reach you? Certainly, not me! In any case,
I
'm beginning it on Feb. 5, and intend to shoot for mid-March. Hey, I'll
tell
you what. My 72nd birthday, as nearly all of you already know, falls dead
in
the middle of March (16th), along with that of my birthday twin
(1960's
DEVONA S. TAYLOR), so I think I'll just shoot for that date as being my
goal
(Footnote: Yeah, sure! So much for that piece of fantasy, right?)
In the meantime, we will stick with our usual format, first listing
our
forwarders: 1954's FREDA P. FLE
TCHER; 1955's C. ELAINE BARKER; 1956's DENNIS A. MICHAEL; 1957's ERCELL
P.
PHILLIPS, BETTY LEE CARROLL, R ALPH H. WARNER, SHIRLEY A. HILE; 1958's
LANDO
F. STEELE, BILL R. HOWARD, RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, RICHARD A. FAHRNEY, LORNA
D.
TROUTMAN, W. BAILE
Y HAWKINS; 1959's GARY E. BARNES, ROBT. H. FULLER; 1960's RICHARD S
HOLT,
DOLORES K. "DEDE" FAHRNEY, WM. E. "BUDDY" STOVER, C. SUE MCCLOUD, THOS,
L
WOLF, JR., JUDI
TH A. SLIFE, WM. O. WALKER, DAVID A. BLAIR, GARY L. WARLAUMONT; 1961's
GARY
R. FRAN
K, JANET L. WALTERS, SALLY L. GILLETTE, SANDRA E. BROCK, PAUL R.
BEARDSLEY,
P. LYN
NETTE GARRETT, FRANCES E. DAYSPRING, CONNIE K. STREETE, SHARON K.
WENDELKEN,
DALLAS K. MATHIS, LARRY D. GILBERT; 1962's JACKQUELYN S. HAINES;
1963's
SHIRLEY A. R
ANKIN; 1964's W. THOS. GODBY, KARL L. BURRUS; 1970's DEBRE C. "DEBBY"
SPENCER;
Yes, we had more e-mail rejects, pretty much the same ones, though.
I'm
right on the brink of deleting the following alumni from our readers list.
I
always says if I get 3 consecutive rejects, and no update, I'll delete
them.
But the fact is, I just can't bring myself to do it, until I've gotten
about
6 of them. I do hate losing even one of us. If you have information which
is
Current, let me know. They are 1954's BLANCHE B. MANNING; 1956's BETTY
L.
CULPEPPER; 1960's RICHARD G. "JERRY" BROWN, MADELEINE J. BECK; 1963's JOHN
L
JONES; 1980's BRIAN A. GILBERT; 1988's KRISITE A. WILSON; 1990's BRANDON
C.
CARPENTER. From 1963's TIMOTHY A. LUCAS we got a hot tip on Jerry and
Madeleine's whereabouts. Tim said his friend in Sebring, Florida, just
had
dinner with them, recently. So Tim sent the friend a message, advising
him
to tell them their old, WC classmates are
searching for them. He also sent along my e-mail address to give them. So
we
hope to hear from one of them soon. At least, we know they're both
okay.
Thanks, Tim. But we have others, so pay attention and update me if you
know
anything. Thanks for any help you can give on these. We also had a few
who
sent an updates and thank you so much for doing that. One was 1958's DAVID
L
HOWARD and K. JUNE. CRUTCHFIELD. Another was 1955's JESS E. HOHNHORST,
as
well as 1960's RICHARD S. HOLT. Thanks so much..
Although I keep delaying this part, trying to find just the right spot
to
insert it, there never seems to be one, so I'll just get on with it. Yes,
we
ve lost a few more of us, so let's get these done, and then we'll move
on
with other news. First of all, I'll mention the thank-yous from
1958's
RICHARD A. FAHRNEY and his 1960 sister, DOLORES K. "DEDE" FAHRNEY. I
may
have done that, already, but if so, it's ok and we can mention it
again.
These were sent to the alumni in response to the January loss of
their
father, 1933's iconic A. EMERSON FAHRNEY. (Footnote: In view of passing
time
and many WC losses, I decided to insert this section, further down in
the
text, so keep reading. We'll cover them.)
Oh, my! Time has literally flown past. Doesn't it, always? It's now March
19
How did that happen? I'm going to go back over everything and see if I
can
salvage some time here. Way back on Jan. 28, I got e-mail from 1959's
SANDRA
R. KINNEY, in which she requested I add a reader. It was none other
than her classmate and fellow majorette, VIRGINIA K. GAULDIN. I was happy
to
do so, and we're all thrilled you've come aboard, Virginia!
Skating right along on those coattails from Sandy, I got an e-mail on
this
very day from Brenda K. Heiser, longtime companion of 1958's VINCENT
A.
BRODBECK. She sends special thanks to you, inparticularly, Sandy, because
of
finding her fellow nurse for her. It was 1961's MARYJANE MYERS. I had
a
couple other clues, yes, but yours was key one, Sandy. Brenda is
thrilled
and Mary Jane has now reconnected with a number of other old friends, due
to
our joint efforts. Way to go, Pirates!
Cousin JUDITH L. SAMUELS is currently undergoing radiation, following
her
November surgery which was for the removal of a lung. She's hanging in
there
so far, and appreciates any and all support. She especially thanks
1961's
EDNA L. GRAY and P. LYNNETTE GARRETT, both of whom have offered
contact
and/or sent cards. How wonderful of you both! (Footnote: Since writing
the
previous text, I'm maintaining nearly-daily contact with Judy. She has
some
really good days, but also occasionally has several days in a row, when
she
s down for the count. I'm hoping for the best.)
We all remember losing WC icon, 1933's A. EMERSON FAHRNEY in January,
of
course. I received nice e-mail thank-yous from both 1960's D0LORES K.
"DEDE"
FAHRNEY and 1958's class prez, RICHARD A. FAHRNEY. I understand his
service
was held on a bitterly-cold day, but still produced an impressive turnout.
I
'm not surprised. He was one of a kind. Lots of commentary and a good
report
on his service was received from THOS. L. WOLF, JR., 1960. He pointed out
we
need to determine who is now our oldest, living alumnus. I think I may
have
more on that, later in the text, Tom. Keep reading. Tom also sent news
on
the class photo project of the older classes being hung in the
hallway,
finally, and I forwarded that info to all of you, so you could make
donations to that project, if you want. They went to alumni
treasurer,
1970's GARY L. JOHNSON. Thanks for your efforts, Tom and Gary.
Thanks all over the place to 1973's JEAN ANN MILLER for providing a
website
to view some great WC memories and reading. I was sure I sent that, when
I
first got it. But just in case, I redistributed it, on this date
(Mar.19),
in order to be certain all had access, who wished to do so. It's an
enjoyable piece of WC history. Lots of folks thought this was a new
bulletin
too. But it wasn't. It was just tacked onto the end of Jean's
video.
In latter January, a note arrived from 1958's RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, in
which
he identified a bit with my nudist colony story, of a while back. He
and
share the distinction of having been (he still is, I think) process
servers
in Florida. I did that for 8 years. Tom reiterated a service in which
a
beautiful lady got his summons papers, totally in the nude, when she
opened
the door. His wife was with him and saw it. She told Tom the lady was
beautiful when he got back in the car. Tom replied he didn't know, as he
did
not see her face. Hmmmm, wonder why? Good one, Tom!
From 1960s RONNIE R. WHEELER also came some comment on my own nudist
colony
story. He said he's still laughing, too. Well, so am I, Ron, now that
it's
years into the past. But believe me, that's still one of the most
awkward
moments of my life, and I never want to do anything like that again!
Ron
also wrote, more recently, of how I should continue the bulletins, as I
so
enjoy doing them, and being in touch with so many of you, as a result,
but
still finding a bit of time to stop and smell the roses. There's no
doubt,
you're right, Ron. I suppose, given my extenuating circumstances, my
rose-smelling time is probably done when I write. I find writing to
be
relaxing and a release of sorts. It's a lifelong pursuit for me, but
if
there's a downside, it's when I read printed material and/or listen
to
nationally-broadcast news programs and read/hear incorrect use of grammar.
I
m never, ever going to get over the huge dose of English teacher, the
late
REBECCA A. MARSH, which I carry, at all times. But bully for her. I
loved
her. Thanks, Ron, I'm going to keep typing!
A wonderful recollection of the 1950s neighborhood on Ellery Avenue
in
Moraine City came from 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST, as he recapped the
period
when everyone went to the home of another 1960 classmate, the late L.
EUGENE
ZINK, drummer in the marching band. Mike wrote of how they all
played
euchre there on Saturday nights, all brought to light by the mention of
the
late BARBARA K. FARLEY, 1956. Also long-residing on that same street
was
THOM B. THOMPSON, 1960's class treasurer.
Boy, the time gets away so quickly, I'm breathless. It's now late
afternoon,
Saturday, April 5. I should've had this bulletin distributed by now, so
I
want to try and actually do that. I'll resume the incoming e-mail, where
I
left off, last time. As usual, there were words of praise and
appreciation
from 1961's JACK L. GODBY and from 1970's INDY JO GRISSOM. Indy also
recently sent her real estate newsletter and I got word from Jack he
was
going to visit his brother, 1964's W. THOS. GODBY. I haven't yet had
the
report on Jack's visit, but I'll bet I'll get one. I hope all went
well,
Jack. Thanks for your bulletin, Indy.
JUDITH A. SLIFE, 1960, sent an e-mail saying she wasn't in attendance at
the
dinner/dance, due to an important and unexpected occurrence. She said
she
will try to come this year. Judy's name was on the list of paid alumni,
so
we'd hoped to see her.
From 1957's LAWRENCE J. RENAS, JR., came a little note to let me know
he's
feeling all right and also to update us on the whereabouts of his
younger
brother, 1960's DOUGLAS A. RENAS. Larry reports that Doug has
permanently
moved to Mexico, Missouri, a tiny burg in the center of the state.
Larry
also expressed surprise, saying Doug hates cold weather. For a very
long
time, Doug was in the state of Arizona. Thanks, Larry, and hope to see
you
in October.
I and 1958's BILL R. HOWARD had our usual word game. He was speaking
of
pronunciations of the state capitals. Unbeknownst to many, the correct
way
to say the capital of South Dakota (Pierre) isn't like the man's name.
It
should be said as, "pier," like the nautical term. I would never have
known
that, myself, but for my 20 consecutive trips to the place for the
Sturgis
Rally & Races (1982-2001). So we had a little trivia lesson.
We still don't know what's up with this year's Miami Shores Memories
Picnic.
I do believe the room has been confirmed, but as to who's in charge,
we're
unsure. I received e-mail from 1957's BETTY LEE CARROLL and she's as of
yet
unaware, also. As I get news and/or confirmation, I will keep all of
you
posted. (Footnote: Sadly, you will later read in this bulletin of
Betty's
passing away. She was in the state of Tennessee, as I understand it, and
it
occurred toward the end of April, I think.)
PAUL R. BEARDSLEY, 1961, requested an explanation as to why I was ragging
on
my old friend, 1960's GARY L. WARLAUMONT, re the new engine for his
plane.
Well, I just couldn't resist, Paul. He and I have teased for decades
about
everything and I wasn't able to restrain myself. Ha! Also, I was elated
to
hear the news of Paul printing the bulletins for 1961's LILY K.
"KITTY"
BURDETTE. I thought we'd lost her and, from a techno standpoint, I guess
we
did. But she and Paul are cousins through his marriage to her
classmate,
SANDRA E. BROCK. So we still have Kitty, which is great news.
Did I already tell you I'm getting company next month? I think I did,
but
who cares? It bears repeating. I'll be visited by 1958's LORNA D.
TROUTMAN,
her 1962 sister, THERESA M. TROUTMAN, and her spouse Roger M. "Chico"
Lopez
III. Lorna and Chico live in Phoenix, Arizona, while Theresa resides
in
Denton, Texas. This is very exciting. They'll be going to Ohio and
Kentucky
also, as Chico is going to the Hamfest event in Ohio. He's an avid
HAM
radio operator. I know we'll all have such fun.
We've all been kicking around this oldest living alumnus thing and no
one
seemed to know for sure. I wasn't surprised, however, when it was
1960's
DOLORES K. "DEDE" FAHRNEY, who came up with what is probably the
correct
answer for this one. Dede reported ALICE GRAY, 95 years old, as going
to
Elmcroft Assisted Living in Washington Township, as of February. It
seems
Alice's late sister is Katherine, who was the mother of 1960's own
MADELEINE
J. BECK. I wouldn't be a bit surprised but that DeDe is correct. Does
anyone
have a different person in mind? Thanks, DeDe. Are you reading this,
Tom
(Wolf)? It sounds as though this might answer your query a number of
paragraphs back in the text.
After re-reading the bulletin I wrote last September (for varying
reasons),
I began to wonder if I'd given anyone the wrong impression when I was
joking
about 1959's COE S. WOLFE, who lives in the same building as does WALLACE
W.
ROBBINS. No one said a word about it, of course, but just to be sure, I
sure
didn't mean to imply---nor do I think I did so---that there was
anything
more there than the fact the two of them happen to live in the same
building
That's it. So if anybody got a different impression, I'd like to make
sure
we all know that's not the case. I don't want to mislead anyone.
PHYLLIS A. DAVIDSON, 1972, wrote me to get me to nudge her brother,
1958's
BILL R. HOWARD, to write her a few lines. Hey, we got that done, didn't
we,
Phyllis? This was conveyed to me through Phyllis' sister, 1963's
GERALDINA
SELLARS. Bill and I are also kicking around the possibility that we
just
might be related, a few generations back. We've both got kinfolk who
share
the same surname. Now, wouldn't that be a hoot? Bill also reported
some
health woes with two of his classmates, RONALD D. "TOM" FEE and DAVID
L.
HOWARD. As I understand it, both are home and doing pretty well, now, as
is
Bill, himself. It's always such a joy to be able to report improvements
in
health for our alumni. It seems Tom had a stroke and Dave was having
some
heart problems. I'm under the distinct impression both are now resolved.
Let
s hope they both stay that way.
Thank you, 1961's RICHARD L. DOLL, for the invite to the Linkedin
website.
However, I don't do any of the social websites. Heck, I can hardly
manage
some of the things on e-mail, Rich! I've already got a number of methods
for
contact and I think if I get one more, especially one I don't know how
to
use, I will scream. But I'm always so flattered by the invitation, so
thank
you. Rich's classmate is my friend, P. LYNNETTE GARRETT, and they've been
in
touch and have discussed some medical issues for the knee replacements,
I
believe.
Let's get our losses done and we'll proceed from there. I hate reporting
the
deaths, but everyone does need to know about them, so here we go. From
1957
s THERESA M. MOSES came the news of the Feb. 16 death of her classmate,
JOHN
W. MARKUNES. He'd apparently suffered from COPD. He'd resided in Orlando,
at
the time of his death.
Also from 1957's SHIRLEY ANN HILE came notice of the Feb. 6 death of
1955's
PATSY W. KINNEY , but no details. She wrote that's all she knew. I
recognize
the name, and remember her face. She had worked for WC schools, for a
number
of years, I read. This passing was also reported to me by my
classmate, THOS. L. WOLF, JR.
Tom also reported to me the death of longtime, WC teacher, Marjorie L.
Allen
who died at Otterbein Home. Miss Allen was my 4th grade teacher at
the
school in Moraine City. I remember her vividly and she was very kind
and
very nice and very pleasant. Thanks, Tom.
Although she's listed in the forwarders, I'm sorry to tell you 1957's
BETTY
LEE CARROLL passed away, apparently at the end of April, while
vacationing
in Nashville. I don't know the circumstances or cause of death, but I
do
know Betty had had health problems for a long time. She was so helpful
with
The orchestrating of our Miami Shores Memories picnic. I was so sorry
to
hear this. She's been long wed to another 1957 class member, RALPH H.
WARNER
We extend condolences to her family and friends, as we do each and
Every
single one of the families and friends of all our departed. It was
1958's BILL R. HOWARD, who reported this one.
About March 10, we lost 1951's DOYLE A. LONAKER. He was 80 years old,
and
had also been having health issues. Doyle was in his senior class play,
I
remember, and was tall and lean. I found a photo of him, once, in the
pages
of the 1951 Piratan. I mailed it to him and he was thrilled. This was
reported to me by 1960's THOS. L. WOLF, JR.
MICHAEL DEWAYNE JONES, class of 1981, passed away on Feb. 11. His obit
was
forwarded to me by 1959's GARY E. BARNES. He was the son of BONNIE
CAUPP,
another WC alumnus. He was but 51 years of age. No cause of death was
listed
for Michael. Also from Gary came the obit of 1940's ROBT. L. BARRINGER,
who
died on Feb. 27, and had lived a long and storied life. He was 91 years
old.
Gary also sent one for the April 8 death of DONALD L. MCELWEE, age 63,
and
judging from his age, I'd guess he was the class of about 1971.
Perhaps
someone knows.
On May 11, I received a phone call from 1961's SANDRA J. CASEY,
longtime
spouse of classmate, THOS. W. WELLER. Sandy's mother, Onda P. Casey,
had
passed away, earlier in the week. She was nearly 97, and Sandy and I
had
talked, intermittently, over the past few months, re her mother's being
a
fan of my dear friend, the late Betty Greenwood. We all offer
condolences
for your loss, Tom and Sandy.
This is the extent (thank God!) of all the death notices I've
received,
since the last bulletin. We've lost a lot of people, readers! This just
goes
to support what I keep saying. Don't delay contacting your old buddies
from
high school. The next week/next month/next year thing just doesn't
wash!
Pick up that phone, write that card, make that visit, just make it
happen.
If you've got any doubts, re-read this list and observe the age range.
Don't
assume all is well, and there's no rush, just because they aren't yet
elderly.
Okay, we're back at it again, on this Mother's Day, May 11. I've had such
a
time for the past few weeks, and have been busier than I ever thought
I
could possibly be, and have even had a couple of unexpected road
trips.
Added to everything else, I've fallen so far behind on this bulletin,
I'm
nearly embarrassed. But hang in there with me, I'm determined to finish
this
I'm going to resume with the April 24 news from alumni treasurer,
1970's
GARY E. JOHNSON. Gary has done such a spectacular job for us, I hate to
see
him go. We all appreciate what you've done, Gary. Your replacement
will
surely have some big shoes to fill. We wish you all the best and we all
are
grateful to you.
From 1961's NANCY A. HALL came wonderful comments about the link sent
by
1973's JEAN ANN MILLER, regarding her old WC neighborhood. Nancy lived
in
that area, too, Jean,and shje wrote she really enjoyed looking at that.
Jean
also reported the Jan. 26, 2014, death of JANET SPRINGER, who lived
there,
too. I don't know her and have no class year, but I'll bet some of you
do.
Thanks, Jean.
Let's all go to website ( www.devinedestinies.com ) and check
out the latest
works by our in-house author, 1961's CAROL A. MUMMA. We can also see
her
works on ( www.goodmysteries.webs.com ), so be
sure to check this out, and
congratulations to you, Carol.
Back in February, I had a nice e-mail from 1960's DAVID A. BLAIR, who
informed me he and wife Marlene were were roaming around Florida,
visiting
various friends. I trust you had a great winter, Dave, and that you're
both
safely back home by now. Next time you're wheeling through Tennessee,
stop
in for a visit.
Before I go further, I want to address the issue of the April 12 death of
my
48-plus-years, close friend and very prominent Daytonian, Betty C.
Greenwood
Known for years as, "Dayton's First Lady of Entertainment," when she
died,
a huge piece of Dayton history went with her. She was larger than life and
I
have no idea if I will ever recover from her death. I've cried buckets
of
tears, but was so deeply honored tobe asked to write her news release,
write
her obituary, and was even asked to deliver her eulogy, which I did. It
was
a quick turnaround trip, and I was in town for just 15 hours, and had
to
return home. The trip nearly killed me, at that pace, but I made it.
Many
thanks to each of you who notified me and sent copies of her obituary,
which
I'd actually written, but you had no way of knowing that. I truly did
appreciate each and every single one. Sandy Casey Weller was in
attendance
with her dear, now-late mother, by the way,who was a decades-long,
ardent
fan of Betty's.
Here is some wonderful, recent news. On March 24, a little girl was born
and
she was named as Penelope Jane Gill. She's the granddaughter of Jennifer
L.
Hamblin, who's the eldest child of my close friend, Sandi L. Young,
who's
been married about 41 years to my classmate and class vice-president, THOS
D
YOUNG. I saw a photo of, "Grampa Tom," holding the baby. Sandi tells me
Tom
is a model grandparent. I'm sure he is and congratulations to all.
From 1956's REBECCA J. POLING came an invitation to join Twitter. I just
don
t do those social web -sites, Becci. First of all, I don't have time for
it,
and secondly, I don't even know how to use them. I've got 8 e-mail
addresses
two cell phones, texting, a landline, and the postal service. I just
don't
think I can come close to handling another form of contact. But I'm
very
flattered you've asked, and thank you. Becci was a very good friend of
my
late sister and only sibling, also from 1956, JUDY ANN RISNER.
Celebrating a 42nd wedding anniversary on April 21 were 1961's EDNA L.
GRAY
and her husband, Richard M. Ryan. Edna wrote and told me they'd had a
pleasant day, spending it with family. She and Dick used to travel a
lot,
but like most of us, Dick's health isn't what it used to be, so they
now
stay a bit closer to home. She had written to thank me for sending Dick
a
birthday card (which is the day prior), and an anniversary card. I wish
you
many more annual celebrations, Edna and Dick.
My birthday twin, DEVONA S. TAYLOR, wrote to thank me for writing how
great
she looked at the October gathering of last fall. Well, I wrote it
only
because it's true, Dee, and I hope life continues to be wonderful for
you
and that you're happy. I also got a recent call from JO ANN STEMLEY, of
my
class year, to tell me she and spouse, Ronald R. Hall, Sr., have now
returned from Florida. Actually, you see, Ron and I have, "a secret
crush,"
on each other. Trouble is, Jo Ann knows all about it and doesn't seem to
be
bothered at all. Ha! She also thanked me for his birthday card and told
me
his health is holding steadily, always good news.
Okay, we're back at it, and it's now May 13. I have to keep plugging away
at
this thing, day after day, as I want to get it sent, even late as it is,
so
we can begin a new one, right? An update arrived from 1961's RICHARD L.
DOLL
on April 29. He's been a pretty busy guy, doing all sorts of historical
and
ancestral research, on the Ohio Statehouse, where he has volunteered for
the
past 17 years. He was a history teacher, of course, so that fits the
mold
perfectly. On May 11, Rich celebrated his birthday, turning 71. We wish
you
many more, Rich!
Eventually, I hope to reunite with insurance agent, 1958's DONALD I.
MCCOY,
and change the policy for homeowners insurance. We've been in contact
and
are working on that issue. In the meantime, he continues to entertain
and
play music in the area, along with wife, Frances A.
It's really big news for 1960's DAVID G. OTT and his 1963 spouse, SANDRA
K.
MINIX. At the end of April, they were in New Mexico, offering help to
granddaughter Kim, with her 8-week-old triplet girls. I can't even
imagine
what a handful they must be. But Dave and Sandy are both having a ball
with
little Taylor, Ryliegh, and Natalie and they're getting a helping hand
from
big brother Logan, who's 5. We all offer heartiest congratulations on
your
new great-granddaughters, Sandy and Dave. Enjoy!
Hmmmm, boy! I've really fallen down on the job, this time. At the end
of
April, I even got a query from 1954's FREDA P. FLETHCER, asking if I
was
still doing the bulletins. Yes, I am, Freda, but my plate has been so
full
the past couple months, it's been all could do to maintain, but I hope
to
get back on track, once I get this one distributed. Freda recently had
both
an April anniversary and a birthday on May 12. Wishing you many more of
both
Freda. A similar query came from 1963's TERRIE ANNE STOLTZ, and I
assured
her all is well. From 1961's JACK L. GODBY came the usual words of
praise
and patience, and also from 1970's INDY JO GRISSOM, as well as her
May
newsletter.
As always, 1961's P. LYNNETTE HAWVERMALE and I are intermittently in
contact
and yes, I need to call her again. She's recovering from two
fairly-closely-done knee surgeries and I believe she and classmate RICHARD
L
DOLL shared some of their mutual experiences from that surgery. Lynn
is
currently in a transitional period, considering a permanent move to her
home
in Henderson, Nevada, since her surviving son also lives and works there
If
you do that, Lynn, I'm sure going to miss our visits when I come to Ohio
but
you know I wish you well, wherever you are.
The word on the street is that of 1958's DAVID N. HARRIS making great
strides in his resistance to being immobile. As most are aware, Dave
has
suffered from spinal difficulties and has had some big challenges
with
walking, which most of us simply take for granted. Dave recently bought
one
0ff those 3-wheeled bicycles, and has succeeded in using his walker to
get
himself to that bicycle and is now able to take himself about a mile at
a
time. Needless to say, he's hoping for longer journeys and will continue
his
efforts, until he's able to do that. Good going, Dave, and we're all
pullin
for ya'! Keep up that enthusiasm and effort and maybe we'll see you
tripping
the light fantastic at one of our annual, WC gatherings, hear? It's so
fun
to report such good news!
On May 10, I had the privilege of playing hostess to 1958's LORNA D.
TROUTMAN, her sister, once in the 1962 class, THERESA M. TROUTMAN, and
her
(Lorna's) incredibly-charming, unbelievably-talented, intelligent,
charismatic spouse, Roger M. "Chico" Lopez III. Lorna and Chico have
lived
for years in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, where her family
moved,
immediately following her WC graduation. Theresa now resides in
Denton,
Texas, and spent her high school years in Phoenix. Her surname is now
Carriveau. We had such a wonderful and fun visit and I'd love to see
them
all return. They were headed for several destinations when they left
here,
including a run through the famous Blue Ridge Parkway (always a treat),
and
eventually attending the annual HamFest in Dayton. Chico is an avid
ham
radio operator. Actually, it seems there's almost nothing at which this
guy
isn't an expert. He's an amazing photographer and gifted me with 3 of
his
amazing photos of the west. They are huge and I'm having them framed.
Theresa was headed back to Texas on May 19. Lorna and Chico will
probably
have returned about the same time, as he returns to work May 21. All of
you
are welcome back, any old time, Lorna!
Yes, I had one of those pesky birthdays, during this bulletin period.
I
turned 72 on March 16. Many of you took time to send greetings and
best
wishes and I appreciated every single one of them. Among them were
1959's
GARY E. BARNES, 1960's JUDITH A. SLIFE, GERALD A. FULLER, 1961's
SALLY L. GILLETTE (who had her own birthday on March 14), NANCY A.
HALL,
NANCY J. ERTEL, and a number of others, who have been lost in the
drifty
corners of what's left of my mind, but whose cards I still have. Thank
you,
one and all!
With this edition, we welcome aboard 1964's LINDA SUSANNE MAYO. She wrote
me
an e-mail to enlist my aid in locating some classmates for their
upcoming
50th, come October. So let's all rally, as we do so well, and see what
we
can do to assist Linda. These are the 1964 class members, whom she is
trying
to locate: DONALD G. BERNARD, ROBT. W. BRADY, JR., SUE CLIFFORD
(Harvey),
FRANCES COLLINS (Jones), FRED E. FOIST, CYNTHIA FRYE (Lawson),
RICHARD
MCFARLAND,
SHARON LEE MCMILLAN (Pennington-Robinson), KENNETH R. POORMAN, JR.,
ILZE
DINAH RAMEIKA, PATRICIA RICE (Benson), WM. K. RUTHERFORD, ROBT. LEWIS
SHELTON, JR., MARILYN MARIE SULL (Kenney), and BETTY WILMOTH (Lee).
Okay,
gang, let's get those names and locations to Linda, ASAP, whose
e-mail
address is ( lberger46@gmail.com )
I hope this helps, Linda, and we all want
the class of 1964 to have a wonderful gathering!
Okay, now it's May 14 and I'm back at it. I'm determined I'm going to
complete this one, very soon. By the time we all read this, 1960's GERALD
A
FULLER and his WC-honorary spouse, Rebecca A., will have permanently
moved
to their place in Panama City Beach, Florida. A few years back, they got
a
place in Louisville, which is Becky's hometown, stayed a while, but
recently
sold it. They grew weary of the back-and-forth and weary of the costs
and
taxes for maintaining two places. Boy, do I ever get that one! So
they're
now permanent, Florida residents, once again. We all hope you enjoy
it,
Jerry and Becky. The cell number and e-mail address are the same.
Okay, readers, we've got another, upcoming, significant, WC event this
year.
You pay careful heed to this one, FREDA P. FLETCHER. Your 1954 class
is
celebrating its 60th, come October, so you are expected to leave Florida
and
come to Ohio to join in the festivities. From your class president, I
have
an e-mail. JERRY R. GRAHAM says you'll all be congregating at
Treasure
Island Supper Club on the evening of Oct. 10. Additional info will be
forthcoming, as the summer progresses. Jerry noted the absence of the
wonderful, late WM. L. MCNABB and the impact its had on various details
of
record- keeping and other items. Bill sure was great to me, that much I
know
as well as everyone else. He and I had lengthy exchanges about much
WC
trivia. His death left a big gap in communications, that's for sure!
For
anyone who wishes to contact Jerry, here's his e-mail (
jrg574@roadrunner
com )
By late April, there had been great improvement in the health of
1958's
RONALD D. "TOM" FEE, who had suffered a stroke, earlier in the year. He
was
released from home health care and improving by leaps and bounds. In
fact,
he was visited by his lifelong friend and classmate, BILL R. HOWARD,
wife
Lucille M. Howard, and also by another lifelong friend and classmate,
W.
BAILEY HAWKINS and wife, 1962's JACKQUELYN S. HAINES. Isn't that great?
We
hope all is well by now, Tom, and we hope the same for Sandi, who
earlier
had her own health problems. It's great to report good news.
Thank you, beautiful homecoming queen and cheerleader, 1959's SHIRLEY
R.
PARKS, who's long been wed to 1957's NEIL H. SIZER. When I apologized
for
being so late with this bulletin, Shirley wrote back and told me, in
essence
to give myself a break. Well, I think I will, Shirley. Best to you
and
Neil, and I hope you're both in glowing health.
From 1961's NANCY J. ERTEL came thanks for birthday wishes, too, as well
as
a request from a guy named Kirk, who wanted a certain Piratan. Yes, I
still
have many, and even a few extras of some of the years. However, if
you've
never attended a class at good, ol' WC, you won't be getting your hands
on
one of MY Piratans! By the way, I'm still accepting all years from
all
sources, and would now KILL to get a 1965 edition. I've needed one of
those
for reference, so many times I can't chin it.
Do we all remember 1958's BILL R. HOWARD, as the fastest guy on 2 legs,
who
has ever run track in WC? Of course, we do! Bill wrote and sent
some
statistics which I don't understand at all, re track records. His time
was
faster in every event. Yes, we know that, Bill. Everyone knew
that. You
were to track what FLOYD R. "BUBBLES" WILLIAMS, JR., RICHARD A.
FAHRNEY,
LANDO F. STEELE, VINCENT A. BRODBECK, and ROBT. W. "SMITTY" SMITH were
to
football. You were the undisputed champ, that's for sure.
By the way, folks, Smitty and his wife were in a serious auto
accident
several months ago and I have yet to get an official update to
report. But
I hear they at least lived through it and he's making his way back, and
so
is Mrs. Smith. Smitty wanted a phone number and contact on
classmate,
SANDRA L. PAYNE. I believe we were able to provide that, weren't we,
Bill?
We all wish a full recovery for Smitty and his wife. I think they live
in
Wisconsin.
Bill also said he and DAVID L. HOWARD felt we should all do a,
"brain-pick,"
on iconic civics teacher, MURL E. HUFFMAN. Well, not a bad idea, you
two.
Someone needs to get with him and do that. He has called me about every
6
weeks, and he leaves messages if I'm unable to answer. I believe he's
doing
well.
Hey, guess who else is coming to visit me? I got not only photos of his
new
Harley-Davidson, but also several calls from 1970's THOS. A. DORSEY,
our
past, longtime alumni prez. He and his wife are going to buzz down on
the
bike and spend a bit of time with me. We'll likely get to take a spin
here
and there. "Come on down!" Tommy! I've got lots of space.
Okay, all you golfers! Save the date of July 11. It's the next golf
tourney for the WC Football Alumni Club. It will be held at Pipestone
Golf
Course in Miamisburg. This event always comes to me from
1988's JAS. A. MCGUIRE. Thanks, Jim, and for all of you who wish to
contact
him and/or make your reservations, his e-mail address is ( wcfac@yahoo.com )
Gallivanting around in Savannah last month were 1960's MICHAEL S. WEST
and
wife, Sally. I got a postcard, as did EULA FAYE BAILEY. But Eula Faye
was
out of touch for a bit, so I checked on her. All is well and we talked
very
recently. I also got a call from CHAS. A. HIGH, JR., who's still
suffering
awful health problems, but hanging in there. Another call came from CHAS.
V
CARTER, and he's doing all right, too. I talk intermittently with
1958's
LANDO F. STEELE, and he's hanging in there, too. Aren't we all? At
least,
those among us who are a bit older. As always, BRUCE E. CHENOWETH and
I
touch base pretty regularly, too.
Last month, a tornado tore up a tiny town called Vilonia, Arkansas, which
is
the postal address for 1958's HARRIETTE E. DOGGETT. I picked up the
phone
immediately, and succeeded in reaching her. She was fine. But what else
is
new? Believe me, if a tornado ever came close to Harriette's house,
it
would run the other way, and very quickly. If you doubt me, you don't
know
Harriette very well.
Guess what, readers? We've made it! I've processed every e-mail
I've
received and thrown in every piece of news I can remember. It will take
you
days to read this one, I'm sure. I apologize profusely for the
extremely
long gap. I'll try hard to avoid that, in the future. I leave you all
with
my sincerest wish for glowing health, personal safety, great
happiness,
peaceful serenity, spiritual harmony, and boundless
prosperity. Ciao!
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