SCHS CLASS OF 1958

BLACK EAGLES

                        

 

 

OLD NEWS 2006

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January 31, 2006

 

CLASSMATES: 
 
WELL, THIS MUST BE THE SEASON FOR THE NEW BABIES - WE HAVE ANOTHER ARRIVAL.  
 
BONNIE BRENNEMAN TURNER HAS ANOTHER GREAT-GRANDCHILD.     SHE'S TOO YOUNG FOR THIS.  :-) 
 
DETAILS ARE BELOW.   CONGRATULATION MS. BEE!!!
 
LOVE JAKE

 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Bonnie Turner
To: Buffy
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 9:20 PM
Subject: Kaleb Addison Markners

Arrived at 6:32p.m.today and weighed in at 8lb 12ounces and is 20 inches long. He has lots of hair is very content just sucks his fingers (has all ten and toes too). Mother Father Grandparents Aunt Terri and GREAT GRANDMOTHER are all doing fine.
Just in case anyone is counting I have 3 great grandaughters in Florida and two great grandsons in South Carolina.
 
B

 

 

January 27, 2006

Classmates:
 
I just received a letter from Betty Jo Marshall McMillion.  She has wonderful news to share with us.  Their latest grandson is Adrik Elijah McMillion who was born 1/19/06 at 2:49pm.  He weighed in at 9 lbs 6 ozs.   Wow!!!!  what a guy.
 
This is Betty & C.Q.'s son John's baby.   She goes on to say he is their 10th grandchild.   They have three step- grandchildren besides.   Two of the 10 are in Heaven.   They are expecting another the end of June.   Now that's a great family!!!
 
Congratulations to all of you!
 
Love ya - Jackie

 

 

January 27, 2006

 
HEY THERE GUYS AND GALS:
 
I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM WANDA CLAY COLBERT.  AS YOU KNOW, WANDA IS RECOVERING FROM HEART BY-PASS SURGERY.   SOUNDS LIKE SHE'S ON HER WAY TO BEING AS GOOD AS NEW.
 
WE ARE SOOOOO PLEASED THAT YOU ARE DOING WELL WANDA.   CONTINUE IMPROVING AND WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS.
 
LOVE TO ALL - JAKE

 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Wanda
To: Jackie ; Joan
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 4:24 PM
Subject: Health

Hi girls,
Thought I would try to e-mail you and let you know that finally I am home and doing a lot better not ready to run a marathon race but at least a lot better.  This has really been a bad ordeal for me but I am thankful it is over, I hope.  After spending six days in ICU I finally got moved onto another floor and spent another four days there I was begging to go home.  I was sure on a wild trip due to the drugs I was on and don't think I care to go on that trip again. If the folks didn't know me they probably would have thought I was crazy as a loon.  Robin (her daughter) finally told the doctor that I was confused and hallucinating and he changed my medication to something else and I started getting clear headed after that.
PRAISE GOD, had it not been for him I wouldn't be here today.
Love ya,
Wanda

 

January 26, 2006

BELOW IS A STORY AND PICTURE ABOUT CLIFF CHAPMAN AND HIS SQUAD.   CLIFF IS THE GRANDSON OF DREAM (MARTIN) & ROGER VASS.   NEEDLESS TO SAY, THEY ARE VERY PROUD OF HIM.   JAKE

 
B-1B Lancers rotate into Andersen
B-1B Lancers
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFPN) -- (From left) Capts. Cliff Chapman, Ray Benson, Ivin Vian and Ryan Sweeney conduct a briefing before a morning sortie. The Airmen are B-1B Lancer aircrew members from the 34th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. The unit is here to provide the U.S. Pacific Command a continuous bomber presence in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Val Gempis)

by Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo
Air Force Print News


1/13/2006 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  -- B-1B Lancers from the 34th Bomb Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D, have deployed here.

The rotation was seamless for the 34th BS because they traded the rotation with another Ellsworth squadron, which left its bombers behind for them to use.

“The support we’ve received from Andersen has been fantastic, and I’m not just saying that. Everything has been fantastic,” said Lt. Col. Dana Powell, 34th deputy commander of operations.

Maintaining 24-hour operations in 12-hour shifts presents a new challenge for aircraft maintainers from South Dakota where the climate is completely different.

“Ellsworth is a dry climate, and it’s a damp environment here,” Tech. Sgt. Robert Mulder said. “The rain and salt air affects all the equipment.” The aerospace ground equipment technician maintains the equipment to keep it running and corrosion-free.

“It’s a good challenge. It keeps me busy, and I learn new things” said Tech. Sgt. Glen Rausch, one of two quality assurance inspectors here.

“Our goal is to get aircrews 100 percent combat-qualified while still maintaining a bomber presence in (the Pacific),” said Capt. David Black, aircraft maintenance unit officer in charge. “The jets are flying good and the aircrews are getting qualified.”

The 34th launches seven to 10 sorties a week.

With a good mix of combat and non-combat experienced crews, the squadron makes up a small community that offers great training for all involved.

“Being so isolated from Ellsworth allows us to draw on one another’s experiences,” Colonel Powell said.

“We’re a captured audience on Guam. You just can’t beat the training opportunities offered here. The mission profiles and sorties train our aircrew for combat opportunities,” he said.

One challenge has been the great distances they are forced to fly over the Pacific.

“The distances we fly also take some getting used to,” Colonel Powell said. “We want all of our crewmembers to have experienced at least one long-distance flight before being asked to do it in combat.” 



 

 

January 26, 2006

Hey guys and gals:
 
I had a message from Wanda Clay Colbert that she got home from the hospital on Friday the 13th.   She says is doing well.
 
We're so happy about that - these heart surgeries certainly seem to go quite well.  Take care of yourself and keep us posted Wanda.  
 
Continue to keep praying for her to have a wonderful recovery.
 
Love to all, Jake

 

 

January 26, 2006

Classmates:
 
I just heard from Mona.  She and Leo had just gotten home from visiting their nephew Travis at the hospital in Huntington.    You could hear it in her voice that they are so excited that Travis is doing so well!!! 
 
Mona says his eyes were NOT burned - they were probably swollen shut where he had surgery on his face.  He amazingly remembers everything about the accident.   She says he knew the furnace was going to blow and he remembers the paramedics working with him, etc.
 
He has had a skin graft on his leg and another is scheduled to take care of a burn on his back either Wednesday or Thursday.   He will start rehab as quickly as the doctors think he's ready.   They expect him to walk in a couple of months.  He broke the right thigh and has a pin in it and his left heel is crushed and his ankle broken.   The doctors think the break in his ankle will heal itself so I believe she said it will be in a soft cast.
 
Mona says she thinks he had to be a "chosen one" to have survived this accident.  She told him she thinks it's a miracle.   One of the fellows who was with him during the accident was there visiting at the same time today.   He says you would never believe how close he came to landing on jagged steel,  but instead fell between them.  This being a miracle in itself, he said.
 
Travis was sitting up in bed and talking with them today.  Mona encourages us to send him get well cards.  His address is:
 
Travis Mallory (Room #5105)
St. Mary's Hospital
2900 First Avenue
Huntington, WV 25702
 
Travis is only 34 years old, recently got engaged and plans to marry in September this year.
 
Keep him in your prayers and thoughts.
 
Love to all, Jake

 
THIS IS AN UPDATE RECEIVED FROM JIM O'DELL ABOUT MONA & LEO'S NEPHEW (BOOB'S SON).  PLEASE KEEP THIS YOUNG FELLOW IN YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS!   LOVE TO ALL, JAKE
 

FROM JIM:  This is an excerpt from an email that BobbyJack sent to me Saturday:

Boob's son was hurt quite badly but coming along as well as can be expected.  He was blown 20 ft off the walkway he was on and then went down into a vat that was 40 more feet, so he fell over 60 ft.  Very lucky to survive.  Bone above the left knee broken and thru the skin, broken ankle, several small bones in face broken and burns from the furnace blast on face and head.  Was having skin graft on part of leg and back yesterday.  Has been in ICU for over a week but hope to get out into a room today.  He works for Steel of WV in Huntington .  Chris and I visited Travis in ICU and all he could do is squeeze our hand.  I could hardly look at him he was in such bad shape.  At that time was unable to open eyes where they were burnt.  The DR says that the face and head will heal in about a month with no scars as it was from the blast flash and didn't burn deeply.

 

 

January 23, 2006

Classmates:
 
We again had a wonderful time visiting and laughing (a lot about things Butch told us.)  He continues to be the clown.
 
It was a rainy and dreary day, but we all had smiles on our faces when we left which is a real testimony to how much fun we have when we are together.  
 
If you missed being with us today, try again next month.   Those there today included:   Joan, Janet, Raymond, Bull, Butch, Bill C., Barbara Wolfe and hubby Lee, Faye Collins and hubby Jerry, Jo Ann and me.  I think by now you know our last names, but if you question who someone is - please write and ask me and I'll fill in the details.   :-)
 
Remember if you'd like for us to send a card to a classmate, spouse, parent or child - we'd love to oblige - just let me know and give us an address.  
 
Love to all Jackie

Jan_2006_Lunch.JPG (1219550 bytes)

 

 

 

 

 

January 20, 2006

 

DECIDED I SHOULD POST THIS TO ALL IN CASE YOU WANT TO CONTACT JACK PAULEY.   SURE SOUNDS LIKE A NICE INVITE TO ME....GOLFING AND FISHING.   CAN'T BEAT THAT.  JACKIE
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jack Pauley" <j_pauley@peoplepc.com>
To: <j_pauley@peoplepc.com>
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 10:54 PM
Subject: winter break

> Hello Folks,

> Wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR, and to unform you to hold back on the e-mails for the next three months as Carol and I are pulling the  "snowbird" thing. We will be at a place called the Glades for the next 3 months. It is located 15 miles east of Labelle FL on rt 81. If anyone is in the vicinity bring your golf clubs. ( I have the fishing gear ). Oh yes don't forget the bathing suits
>
> Jack
>

January 19,2006

From: Jackie Pauley
Date: 01/19/06 10:50:57
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:,
Subject: ABOUT MALLORY'S
 
PLEASE FORGIVE ME - I WORDED THIS INCORRECTLY.   IN MY FIRST SENTENCE IT SHOULD HAVE READ:
 
I AM POSTING INFORMATION ABOUT AN ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVED BOOB MALLORY'S SON WHICH IS  LEO'S (NEPHEW).  
 
 SORRY JACKIE

----- Original Message -----
From: Jackie Pauley
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 10:34 AM
Subject: ABOUT MALLORY'S

CLASSMATES: I AM POSTING INFORMATION ABOUT AN ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVED BOOB MALLORY'S SON WHICH IS  LEO'S (NEPHEW).    MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE MALLORY FAMILY.   THESE MESSAGES HAVE COME FROM BOB JACK MALLORY (ANOTHER UNCLE) TO JIM O'DELL AND TO JOAN AND THEN TO ME.   WE THOUGHT OUR CLASS WOULD WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS SINCE THE MALLORY FAMILY IS KNOW TO ALL IN THE SOUTH CHARLESTON/SPRING HILL AREA.  PLEASE KEEP THEM ALL IN YOUR PRAYERS.  LOVE TO ALL JACKIE  

 
1----- Original Message -----
From: Joan Belcher
To: jpauley
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 2:57 PM
Subject: Fw:

     Jake, Just got this from Jim O'Dell
 
-------Original Message-------
 
From: Jim O'Dell
Date: 01/17/06 14:43:27
 

Just found out this morning that It was Boob Mallory’s son that was hurt in  the explosion at WV Steel in Huntington .  He is in St Marys hospital and hurt rather bad.  BobbyJack is going over to the hospital this morning and will let me know how he is.  BobbyJack saw it on the news a couple of times but they never gave the name so he didn't know it was Travis.  Travis was walking over a furnace when it exploded.  He fell over 40 feet and has several broken bones in his face, a broken leg and maybe pelvis.  Also burn rather badly.  Also just found out that Peggy Woolwine had passed away. Not sure of her married name so guess that is why it was missed in the obituary.  She still lived here in the valley somewhere.

 
2
----- Original Message -----
From: Joan Belcher
To: jpauley
Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2006 8:52 AM
Subject: FW: FW: S. C. H. S.

 Jake, just received from Jim........ 
-------Original Message-------
 
From: Jim O'Dell
Date: 01/19/06 08:46:05
Subject: FW: FW: S. C. H. S.

From: BobJackMallory@aol.com [mailto:BobJackMallory@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 9:06 PM
To: Jim O'Dell
Subject: Re: FW: S. C. H. S.

Under the circumstance Travis was lucky although it  puts me in tears just to look at him in ICU.  He was blown off a 20 ft ledge then directly into a vat that was another 40 ft.  Had to take a crane to get him out.  Will make it but really in bad shape.  Will keep you advised. He is about two months younger that my son Chris.

 

 

 

January 17, 2006

CLASSMATES:  BELOW IS CHAD'S OBITUARY - PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS OBIT WAS IN THE PAPER ON DECEMBER 2, 2005.  I HAD MISSED SEEING THIS.  SO SORRY TO BE LATE IN POSTING.  JACKIE

Charles Edward Boll III


Charles Edward "Chad" Boll III, 32 of Abilene, Texas, formerly of Charleston died unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 14, 2005.


He was born in Charleston, graduated with honors from George Washington High School, was a scholarship student at Wittenberg College and attended the University of Charleston. Chad enjoyed many sports activities, especially basketball and soccer. He was a gifted artist, always sharing his talents with others. Throughout many difficulties in life, he kept his abiding faith in God. Locally, he was an active member of the Temple of Faith.


His family and friends will remember Chad as a sweet, loving, and kind person strongly committed to the highest Christian values.


Surviving mother, Patricia of Chapel Hill, N.C.; father, Charles and his wife, Kim Pauley, of Charleston; brother, Brad of Chapel Hill, N.C.; sister, Marian and her husband, M. Eugene Weems and niece, Hailey, of South Charleston; and grandfather, Charles E. Boll Sr. of Charleston.


There will be a memorial service at Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston on Saturday, Dec. 3 at noon with Rev. Ronald English officiating. A gathering of family and friends will immediately follow the service.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Mental Health Association in the Greater Kanawha Valley, 1 United Way, Charleston, WV 25301.


Condolences may be sent to www.barlowbonsall.com.


Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

 

January 16, 2006

 

Hey there boys and girls:

 
It's that time again.   This coming Saturday, January 21, will be our luncheon to be held as usual at Applebee's on Corridor G at 11AM.
 
Since this will kick off our new year of lunches, how about everyone who can - start making plans to be there.   We hope to see you.   Try really hard to make it for lots of fun and visiting and, of course, good food too!
 
Please let me know if you plan to come - or even think you might be with us so we will have an idea how many tables to have them set up for us.
 
Love to all, Jake

 

 

 

 

February 17, 2006

From: Jim O'Dell
Date: 02/17/06 13:35:08
To: jbbelcher@hotmail.com
Cc: jpauley@ntelos.net
 

Richard McCallister’s Dad died…….Richard has younger sister Regina .

They lived on 5000 block of Indiana Avenue in Spring Hill when growing up and going to SCHS.

Earl R. McCallister Sr.

Earl R. McCallister Sr., 88, of Dunbar , passed away Feb. 14, 2006, at Hubbard Hospice House. He was a retired operator with FMC Corporation with 43 years of service. He was a member of the Dunbar First Baptist Church , where he was active in his Sunday school class. Mr. McCallister was an avid golfer and loved to play bingo.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth McCallister; son, Earl Richard McCallister Jr. and his wife, Karen, of Wilson , N.C. ; daughter, Regina Evans and her husband, Bill Clark, of Connecticut ; brother, Orin McCallister of South Charleston ; grandchildren, Mike and Chris Evans, Deborah Wyatt and Jason McCallister; and four great-grandchildren. Other loving family members include Clyde and Goldie Starcher of Spring Hill, Myrtle Casto of Ripley, Annie and Basil Randolph of Ripley, Dane Whited of Ripley and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church , Dunbar , with the Rev. Thomas E. Stevens Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park . Friends called at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Dr. , Charleston , WV 25311 or to the First Baptist Church , 16th St. & Myers Ave. , Dunbar , WV 25064 .

 

 

 

February 10,2006

HEY THERE GUYS AND GALS:
 
NOW THIS IS SOME HAPPY NEWS TO SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU.   LET'S WISH JIM ANOTHER 38 YEARS AND 8 MONTHS OF FUN, RELAXATION AND HAPPINESS!!!   AND BY THE WAY, I HAD NO IDEA HE WAS THAT OLD.    :-)
 
I DON'T SEE WHY HE AND ELINOR CAN'T COME DOWN ONCE A MONTH TO JOIN US FOR LUNCH.   AGREE???
 
LOVE TO ALL, JAKE

Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 2:53 PM
Subject: To all my friends

February 28, 2006 is my last day of gainful employment after 38 years and 8 months of several Information Technology jobs in different geographical areas.

 

I’m retiring……yes I’m well over 65 years of age.

 

It has been fun!

 

Good bye!

Jim O'Dell

 

February 8,2006

HEY THERE GUYS AND GALS.  
 
I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM JOE FLECK (CLASS OF '59) AND IT IS SELF EXPLANATORY.  I'M SURE ANY CARDS YOU SEND WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.  PLEASE KEEP ED IN YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS.
 
LATER AND LOVE YA- JAKE


Jackie,
Last night I received a call from Ed Davis' wife Maudi that he has suffered a stroke which has left him paralyzed on the right side.  Ed was the Drum major for both the class of 58 and 59.  If you could post this on your site and ask that any of the classmates who know Ed if they might drop a card of encouragement, I am certain he and his family would be very grateful.
 
Ed Davis
8239 Stone Heather Court
Las Vegas, NV 89117
 
Also if you or any of the other classmates are participating in prayer chains, please add Ed's name.
 
Thanks Jackie,
Joe

 

February 1, 2006

 

Hey there guys and gals:
 
We thought you might enjoy reading about Lyn Bailey Gumowski's thoughts on good china dinnerware.
 
Love all of you - Jackie and Joan

 
Lyn Bailey Gumowski has been involved in a project called:  "China I have Known with Sidetracks" --  to gather up around the house & to collect seconds and small inexpensive samples of tableware.  Familiar pieces like Jewel Tea, Fiesta, English bone china,  Noritake, majolica, Depression glass, Currier & Ives ironstone bought at A&P and that Siam flatware that American GI's made popular during Korean War.   She says she's going to give Danny's grandchildren a hands-on seminar and tell the two boys that this is also about big business & economic development.
 
Anyway, Lyn says that if any of you are interested, she'll e-mail you her 3-4 pages of notes.  Just ask her at gumowskiwv@worldnet.att.net.  She would love to hear your own memories of tableware.
 
She thanks all of us for sending best wishes/prayers regarding Danny's carotid neck surgery operation -- he's doing just fine and will be home very soon -- both are happy that they live across the street from St. Francis Hospital!
 
We're sure happy that Danny is making such wonderful progress. 
 
 

 

March 29th, 2006

Hey there people:  I believe all of you will enjoy this wonderful story about Cynthia Koch's Mother.  The pictures are posted at the bottom.  Jackie

 
LETTER AT LAST 98-YEAR-OLD RECEIVES REAL WVU EMBLEM TO REPLACE FELT CUTOUTS   (See pictures below)

Publication: THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE
Published: 03/24/2006
Headline: LETTER AT LAST 98-YEAR-OLD RECEIVES REAL WVU EMBLEM TO REPLACE FELT CUTOUTS
Byline: SANDY WELLS

 It festered in her for 77 years. She couldn't forgive the snub, not even at 98.  Now, finally, she can put her rage to rest.

In the dark ages of women's sports, long before intercollegiate competition, annual tournaments and Title IX, back when she was a tiny fireball tomboy, Laura Craig Koch earned a varsity letter at WVU.  She ran track, played baseball, basketball and field hockey. "Sports for women were just beginning," she said. "The only games we had were among ourselves, but I was on all the class teams."

To encourage participation, the athletic department promised coeds a varsity letter based on points for sports activities. "If girls made 1,000 points, they would get a letter," she said.  She worked hard to earn her points. It took a full four years. "I wasn't a physical education major," she said. "I majored in home economics, chemistry and biology, and I had labs all the time. I had very little free time for athletics."  At last, she accumulated the necessary points. Finally, she would get the letter she'd dreamed of for so long. She could hardly wait.

But she didn't get the letter she'd dreamed of. Not even close. "They cut out a letter for me from a piece of felt. Felt! Can you imagine? I don't think I was ever so ... so ..."   Disappointed?  "Oh, no! It was more than a disappointment," she said. "It was a complete and total letdown. I was insulted."

When she graduated in 1929, she put the pitiful letter away and tried to forget she had it. She doesn't know why she kept it. Even now, just the mention of it gets her riled up.  "The boys had a very nice school letter. I wanted a letter like that for a sweater I had. I just wanted to feel important enough to wear a school letter.

"They said they gave me a felt letter because I was the only girl who earned a letter that year," she said. "Well, it seems to me that it would be easier to give the real letter if there was only one person, don't you think?"

Eager for vindication, she fetched the makeshift "letter" and laid it on a square of navy blue felt. The "letter" is actually three letters, W-V-U, cut from gold felt. "I couldn't very well wear these on the pocket of a sweater, now could I?"

Now, she can settle down.  In a ceremony March 14 at her Cross Lanes home, she received an official WVU varsity letter from Sen. Clark Barnes, R-Randolph.

During a legislative reception last year, Barnes met Koch's granddaughter, Laura Fauber. "Laura had heard her grandmother's story and she had my ear," Barnes said, "so she told me the story."

"To have graduated from high school back then, much less college, and to have worked so hard, I felt she deserved the recognition," Fauber said.  Barnes agreed. He contacted the WVU athletic department to see what they could do. "I was a coach in women's athletics at Elkins High School," he said. "I know how hard it is even in this day for women to get the recognition they deserve."

His presentation included the authentic varsity letter and certificates of appreciation from the state Senate, WVU President David Hardesty and the WVU athletic staff. The certificates recognized her "outstanding athletic ability" and her contributions as a teacher.  "I feel very humble," she said.

A dainty dynamo she moves with an agile grace that belies her age. She attributes her fitness to the years she played sports and her stints as a Lawrence Frankel exercise instructor later in life.

She claims to stand 4 feet, 11 3/4 inches. That's a stretch. "I wore 3-inch heels all my life," she said. "I wanted every inch."  Her smallness didn't annoy her nearly as much as her long hands and feet. "I used to hide my hands when I went places because they were so big," she said.  Those long fingers could clutch a basketball like Shaquille O'Neal. And the tiny body could snake and sneak and streak around the court, as elusive as a firefly.

"I was very quick," she said. "I was able to get there faster than most of the girls and could feed the ball to them instead of me shining. I never tried very hard to make baskets."

"She's a scrapper," said her daughter, Joyce Preece. "She has scrapped since the day she was born. She scrapped to live. Her twin didn't survive."

Convinced that girls were too delicate to play basketball like boys, officials changed the rules while Koch was in college. Limitations on dribbles and other action slowed the pace. "I never enjoyed it after they changed the rules." Women weren't as athletic then, she said. "I was ostracized as a little girl because I did more physical things than the other girls did. Their mothers didn't like me very well. I was too much of a tomboy.

"I had two older brothers. My sister was 12 years older, so I wasn't associated with other girls. I played with the boys, and I preferred them. Boys were more straightforward. They said what they meant instead of beating around the bush."

She grew up in Tunnelton, Preston County. Her father moved the family to Morgantown when she was a senior in high school so she and her brother could go to WVU.

For years, she taught chemistry and home economics. In 1936, she married George Craig with the National Parks Service, an instructor in the CCC camps. Work at the various parks kept them on the go. "We moved nine times the first five years we were married."

Receiving the belated varsity letter fills a gap in a long, fruitful life. "I thought the best thing would be to frame it," she said, "but my daughter found a sweater for it, one she'd had in junior high school."

Now the 98-year-old tomboy has some sewing to do.

 

 

In the dark ages of women’s sports, long before intercollegiate competition, annual tournaments and Title IX, back when she was a tiny fireball tomboy, Laura Craig Koch earned a varsity letter at WVU.

She ran track, played baseball, basketball and field hockey. “Sports for women were just beginning,” she said. “The only games we had were among ourselves, but I was on all the class teams.”

To encourage participation, the athletic department promised coeds a varsity letter based on points for sports activities. “If girls made 1,000 points, they would get a letter,” she said.

She worked hard to earn her points. It took a full four years. “I wasn’t a physical education major,” she said. “I majored in home economics, chemistry and biology, and I had labs all the time. I had very little free time for athletics.”

At last, she accumulated the necessary points. Finally, she would get the letter she’d dreamed of for so long. She could hardly wait.

But she didn’t get the letter she’d dreamed of. Not even close. “They cut out a letter for me from a piece of felt. Felt! Can you imagine? I don’t think I was ever so ... so ...”

Disappointed?

“Oh, no! It was more than a disappointment,” she said. “It was a complete and total letdown. I was insulted.”

When she graduated in 1929, she put the pitiful letter away and tried to forget she had it. She doesn’t know why she kept it. Even now, just the mention of it gets her riled up.

“The boys had a very nice school letter. I wanted a letter like that for a sweater I had. I just wanted to feel important enough to wear a school letter.

 

 

Photos

Comparing the sports letters she received for athletic contributions at WVU, 98-year-old Laura Craig Koch holds the official letter bestowed March 14 (right) and, on her lap, the makeshift gold felt letters presented to her when she graduated in 1929.

Paying tribute to Koch, Sen. Clark Barnes, R-Randolph, reads a proclamation from the state Senate recognizing her achievements in sports and as a longtime teacher. Barnes contacted WVU and arranged for her to receive the authentic varsity letter she earned as a student.

Koch, who was photographed on Coopers Rock eating candy during a camping trip to Cheat Lake, explains the only way to reach the rock then was to cross the river by boat, walk 3 miles and then climb to the rock.

 

March 22, 2006

Hey there people:
 
We had a wonderful time on Saturday.   Everyone found Little Creek Country Club a great place to have lunch.  
It was suggested we continue to go there and we had a vote.   Outcome was "for" the Country Club.  So until further notice that's where lunch will be.   It was a nice atmosphere and food was good.   We could actually hear each other.
 
Those present were:  Bull Miller, Butch Buckley, Bill Coles, Dale Miller, Raymond Barnett, Judy (Bowen) Romano, Jerry & Faye (Adams) Collins, Jo Anne (Spitler) Bostic, Leo & Mona (Turner) Mallory, Delores (Cobb) Anderson, Sonny & Delores (McCune) Dilworth, Owen Higgins, Bonnie (Brenneman) Turner, Earl & Vesta (Pauley) Grinstead and me. 
 
Start making plans to come join us for lunch next month on April 15th.
 
Mona said to tell everyone she's so sorry you all missed them.   They will be going to spend some time at their place in Pocahontas County.  They also will be riding their motorcycle to Key West in May and she says to "Wave" if you see them on the interstate.   :-)   She adds that when you see them they will look like one body with two heads as she holds on to Leo with all her strength.
 
Raymond & Liz are going to CA this summer for a month.   They will be going on one of those bus trips and he adds that  "It's the only way to go" - you don't have to worry about watching the road, reading maps, making sure you don't miss the exits, finding a place to park, etc.  It took Raymond a while to listen to Liz when she was trying to convince him to go on those bus trips....now it's hard to keep him off of the bus.   ha ha
 
Bonnie still hasn't sold her home so she still claims WV as her living space for now.   She wants us to know that in June she will see Jimmy Buffett in Charlotte, NC.  This girl is certainly a big fan of Mr. Buffett's - she's seen him in concert many places throughout the years.
 
Love to all, Jackie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 3, 2006

 

From: Jackie Pauley
Date: 02/22/06 20:14:06
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:,
Subject: Fw: Fw: NEWS
 
HEY THERE PEOPLE:
 
I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL CONCERNING GYPSY.   THIS IS WONDERFUL NEWS.
 
THANKS TO SUZANNE FOR THE INFORMATION.
 
LOVE TO ALL - JAKE

----- Original Message -----
Guys and Gals - below is an update from Paul.  Please continue to keep Mary Ann and Paul in your prayers and thoughts in the coming days.   I will let you know progress as we hear from them.   Ask me for their home address if you wish to send cards.  Love to all, Jackie

 

April 24, 2006

 

GUYS & GALS-
 
WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY - WE HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH 19 SHOWING UP FOR LUNCH.   I ACTUALLY WAS SURPRISED WITH SUCH A NICE SHOWING.   I THOUGHT WITH IT BEING EASTER WEEKEND PERHAPS WE WOULDN'T HAVE MANY.
 
THOSE WHO CAME:   ME, JOAN, JANE MONDAY, BULL, BUTCH, DALE, FAYE ADAMS COLLINS, & HUBBY JERRY, JANET BUCKNER GEORGE, JO ANN SPITLER BOSTIC, BONNIE BRENNAMAN, RAYMOND, DELORES COBB ANDERSON, JOE BENNETT, BILL COLES, DREAMA MARTIN VASS & HUBBY ROGER AND DAUGHTER DINAH WHO IS PREGNANT - MAYBE WE SHOULD SAY 19-1/2 SHOWED UP.    :-)   OUR SURPRISE PERSON OF THE DAY WAS NONE OTHER THAN SHARON MCVICKER CULROSS WHO WAS IN VISITING HER MOTHER.   SHARON LOOKED GREAT AND SHE WAS HER SAME SWEET AND FRIENDLY SELF.
 
NOT SURE IF I'VE TOLD YOU THAT JOE MOVED BACK TO SC.   SEE - I KNEW HE'D MISS US TOO MUCH.  HA HA
 
BONNIE ON THE OTHER HAND HAS SOLD HER HOME AND WILL BE MOVING TO ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA TO BE CLOSER TO HER CHILDREN.  SHE SAYS SHE WILL BE RIGHT OFF I-77 SO ANYONE TRAVELING THAT WAY SHOULD JUST JUMP RIGHT OFF THE INTERSTATE AND COME FOR A VISIT.   SHE SAYS STOP OVER, BUT BRING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG - SHE ONLY HAS ONE BED.
 
DREAMA AND ROGER CELEBRATED THEIR 49TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON FRIDAY....AND THEY SAID IT WOULDN'T LAST - JUST KIDDIN'!!!   CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TWO OF YOU. 
 
WELL, THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!   REMEMBER TO PLAN ON NEXT MONTH.
 
LOVE TO ALL, JAKE
 
 April_2006_Lunch.jpg (153094 bytes)

April_2006_Lunch_6.JPG (149900 bytes)

 

 

April 12, 2006 

New shops coming to SC

 

By Jennifer Ginsberg

Staff writer 

 

One of downtown South Charleston ’s main retail areas — D Street — is going to be home to some new businesses soon.

 

Teays Valley resident Kim Shirkey is getting ready to close the deal on buying four buildings on the street. She will turn one into a tearoom and lease others to people who will open an upscale children’s clothing resale shop and also an upscale clothing boutique.

 

Shirkey owns a catering business on Davis Creek Road in South Charleston and will combine it with the tearoom at 610 D St . The new business will be called BeauTEAfull Moments. She hopes to remodel the vacant insurance office and open it as a tearoom in June.

 

“I think there’s so much action in South Charleston . I love D Street . I love all the antique shops [and] quaint shops,” she said.

 

The tearoom will feature indoor and outdoor seating and a light lunch menu made up of salads, soups, sandwiches, desserts and, of course, high tea.

 

“I’ve always had a real interest in tea,” Shirkey said. “I like to pamper people. I want to have a real beautiful place for people to come in and enjoy themselves.”

 

She fell in love with the 610 D St. building 14 months ago. She thought the brick patio, after some remodeling, would be perfect for outdoor dining. But half the building was owned by longtime Charleston commercial property dealer Richard Salamie, who didn’t want to sell it.

 

Last week, Salamie sold that building and five lots and four other buildings to D Street LLC, an entity started by Charleston real estate agent Darrell Rolston.

 

Rolston is selling his half of 610 D St. to Shirkey.

 

Meanwhile, three of the five of his newly acquired buildings are vacant. He’d like to bring a retail store into the vacant CVS building, and a distribution‑type business into the former post office, which has a combination of office and warehouse space. The other vacant building is at 207 Seventh Ave. and would be good for offices, he said.

 

A bank is looking into the former post office, and a clothing store is looking at the old CVS building, said South Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Bob Anderson. He’ll be working with Rolston to find tenants for the vacant buildings.

Rolston said he wants the current tenants of the buildings he bought — the Family Dollar Store at 500 D St. and Lab Corp. at 327 Sixth Ave. — to stay. The leases will remain the same.

 

“[The] tenants won’t see anything different other than hopefully we’ll be able to take care of the buildings a little better,” Rolston said.

 

D Street LLC spent more than $1.75 million last week for the lots and buildings. All the properties were sold by Salamie through Salamie Property Co.

 

Rolston said his company wanted to buy the properties as an investment, despite Dow’s recent layoff announcement and uncertainty of the stamping plant.

 

South Charleston is a very active community,” he said. “We feel like it’s a good place to have investments.”

 

 

 

April 11, 2006

GUYS & GALS:  I USUALLY DON'T SEND THESE THINGS ON TO YOU, BUT THIS ONE AND ANOTHER THAT WILL FOLLOW ARE TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE WITH YOU.  JAKE
 
 
SENIOR DRESS CODE
Many of us "Old Folks" (those over 50, WAY over 50, or hovering near 50) are quite confused about how we should present ourselves. We are unsure about the   kind of image we are projecting and whether or not we are correct as we try to Conform to current fashions.  Despite what you may have seen on the streets,   the following combinations DO NOT go together And should be avoided:

1. A nose ring and bifocals
2. Spiked hair and bald spots
3. A pierced tongue and dentures
4. Miniskirts and support hose
5. Ankle bracelets and corn pads
6. Speedo's and cellulite
7. A belly button ring and a gall bladder surgery scar
8. Unbuttoned disco shirts and a heart monitor
9. Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge
10. Bikinis and liver spots
11. Short shorts and varicose veins
12. Inline skates and a walker
And last, but not least...

13. Thongs and Depends

 

 

April 11, 2006

CLASSMATES:
 
I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM JUDY POTEET COLE AND ASKED IF IT WOULD BE ALRIGHT TO LET OUR CLASSMATES KNOW THIS ABOUT HER DAUGHTER.  PLEASE KEEP NATALIE AND THE FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS!!!   JUDY SAID:
"Yes, it is ok to post the information about my daughter; all prayers for her are most welcome.  Yes, there is pain with the condition; to this point it is moderate pain.  I'll keep you updated."

Many thanks, and God bless,
Judy Poteet Cole


----- Original Message -----
From: "Judith Cole" <jpoteetcole@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 12:47 AM
Subject: RE: Grand Reunion

> Dear Jackie,
 
I have a family situation with tight scheduling from now through September.  
My daughter, Natalie, who recovered beautifully from colon cancer, now has a 
serious tissue-degenerative condition resulting from one of the chemo drugs. 
Once set in motion, this continues to progress, and there is apparently no 
treatment or cure.  We have bought a camper and plan to take our daughter on 
several trips while she is still able.  In between those trips, my husband 
and I will be traveling to FL to help repair hurricane damage to his 
sister's house, and to MS for Katrina relief work.
 
I regret that this will prevent my attending the grand reunion.  I hope all 
who are able to attend have a wonderful time!
 
Love and blessings to you,
Judy Poteet Cole
 

 

April 11, 2006

THIS ONE IS FROM LARRY R. JACKSON - A LITTLE LIGHT HUMOR.  MAKES YOU THINK OF ALL THOSE "WHEELS" WE'VE OWNED AND LOVED IN OUR LIFETIME.  JAKE


Subject: THE WHEELS OF LIFE

Getting older has its drawbacks, but I guess there aren't too many good alternatives to getting older. Whenever you see a gathering of seniors, it is an even bet they are talking about everything that is wrong with them.

You know, the usual, memory, urinary problems, knees, eyesight, etc., etc.

Well, I am a senior and I absolutely refuse to discuss these issues with everyone else. If I have a problem, I find a solution It is not always the solution that I like, but I handle it the best way I know and I don't discuss it with every person I see on the street that is past 62. No sir....

With this in mind, I bought myself a new scooter. I wanted something that was easy on gas and could zip me to the store and about town. This seems to meet my EVERY need. I love it!



Remember:
Senior Citizens Are Valuable
We are more valuable than any of the younger generations:
We have silver in our hair.
We have gold in our teeth.
We have stones in our kidneys.
We have lead in our feet and
We are loaded with natural gas.

 

April 11, 2006

CLASSMATES:
 
HERE A BIT OF NEWS FOR ALL OF YOU GIRLS AND BOYS OUT THERE.   GARY GRUBB'S WIFE LINDA STARTED HER BUSINESS SIX YEARS AGO  "HEAVENLY SWEETS, LLC.COM"   I'VE CHECKED OUT THE SITE AND YUMMY YUMMY!!! JUST WHAT I NEED.
 
SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP HER SITE SO THE BUSINESS WILL HAVE ONLINE ORDERING.   SHE WILL MAKE ALL THE GIFT TYPE ITEMS AS CUSTOM ORDERS - JUST AS THE PERSON'S LIKES.  I ASKED GARY ABOUT THE PRICING AND HE SAYS THE PRICING IS COMING WITH THE SITE CHANGES.
 
CHECK THIS SITE OFTEN AND SEE WHAT CHANGES ARE MADE AND WHAT ALL SHE HAS TO OFFER.
 
ANOTHER BIT OF NEWS ABOUT GARY IS HE RETIRED IN LATE 2004 FROM MERCK & COMPANY AND SAYS HE'S TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH HIMSELF NOW.   THEIR DAUGHTER, AMY, IS A TEACHER WHO HOPES TO MOVE INTO A PRINCIPALS POSITION SOON. 
 
HE HOPES TO SEE ALL OF US SOME DAY - I KEEP TELLING HIM HE NEEDS TO PLAN A TRIP WHEN WE ARE HAVING OUR LUNCH GET TOGETHER.   WOULDN'T THAT BE NEAT?
 
UNFORTUNATELY HIS MOTHER DIED IN JANUARY 2005 AND LINDA'S MOTHER DIED IN JUNE 2005.

GARY HAS A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS - BE SURE TO UPDATE YOUR RECORDS:    garygrubb@patmedia.net
 
THAT'S IT FOR NOW FOLKS.   LOVE TO ALL, JAKE

 

 

April 11, 2006

 

Hey there people:
 
The lunch gathering will be this coming Saturday, April 15 at 11:00 am at Little Creek Country Club. 
 
You may dress casual.    Hopefully we will see a number of our classmates there.   Plan to enjoy a wonderful afternoon together.
 
Love to all, Jake

 

April 5, 2006

Good morning people:
 
Below is an email from Judy and she's sharing some interesting facts about her birthday and also her son's birthday.  
 
Judy I always did think you had a little of the devil in you.  ha ha you know I'm just kidding.
 
Love to all, Jake

 
Jackie 
 
 I will also be 66 in 06...Is this the sign of the devil??   I hope not!
 My son, Robert will have a birthday on 6/6/06.  He is having a devil party and he will be Lucifer....crazy crazy.
 
Also something funny, when Robert was born my daughters Gina & Vicki kept looking for a mark of the devil on his body as his birthday is 6.6, but 1968 not 66.    :-)
Judy

 

April 4, 2006

 

Guys and gals:  
 
After sending out the email about the 01/02/03/04/05/06 event, I received this email from Sheila and thought it was really neat.   Right up there with the "things that will only happen one time in your life."   Thanks for sharing Sheila. 
 
Love - Jake

 
--- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 2:58 PM
Subject: RE: Cool

Jackie:
How neat!  It makes me think of something about myself.  On May 6 of this year, I will 66 on the 6th in 06!  That won't happen again either.  I am just glad that it was not June 6, that would be way too many 6s.
 
Sheila

 

HEY GUYS & GALS:   
 
 I JUST RECEIVED THIS FROM CYNTHIA KOCH SCHENLEY AND IT'S PRETTY NEAT.  THANKS CYNTHIA!!!
 
I WANTED TO SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
 
LOVE, JAKE

 


 

May 25,2006

WOW - we had 19 show for lunch today.   Great group and lots of fun!!!
 
Those attending:  Jane Monday, Joan Belcher, Phyllis Fenwick, Bull Miller, Butch Buckley, Dale Miller, Bill Coles, Faye & Jerry Collins, Janet George, Jo Ann Bostic, Barbara Harvey and her daughter Kitty Bostic and granddaughter Kendal, Bonnie and her daughter Terry, Raymond Barnett, Treasure Wiblin ('57), and me.
 
We were pretty surprised when Bonnie & Terry walked in - I didn't think we'd get to see Bonnie for quite some time.  Her daughter's husband had some kind of trip he was on, so Bonnie's daughter decided they should head to WV for a weekend visit and join us for lunch.   How's that for good planning?  We sure were happy to see you girls.
 
It was nice that Barbara's daughter and young granddaughter could join us too.   Since Treasure has recently moved back to WV, Joan invited him to join us today.   It was good to see Phyllis too - it was her weekend home from Canaan and also one with no meetings.  ;-)
 
Butch has recuperated quite well so he was able to join us too.   I believe it's because he has had Bull as his nurse.   When you hear them talk it's a wonder they've made it during this recuperating time.  Bull drove Butch to lunch since he can't drive yet.   This fellow is walking around just great.   He's wondering why in the world he waited 13 years to have this hip replacement done.  (We could say - "we told you so.")
 
Faye had her heart catherization and found that she has two blockages, but they are in the smaller arteries so they will just try medicines and hopefully no surgery.
 
Now I must add that it was good seeing our "ole tried and true" group.   We enjoyed the day and missed those who didn't get to join us.
 
That's it for this month folks.   Be good and try to plan on lunch next month.
 
Love to all, Jake
 
 

 

 

May 4, 2006

 
 WE REALLY NEED TO KEEP ALL OF THESE CLASSMATES IN OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS.  LOVE TO ALL, JAKE
 
 
 
*Raymond Barnett is doing well after having a little situation during our last luncheon.   His sugar either dropped or got too high and he got sick to his stomach.  All under control now thank goodness.
 
*Faye Adams Collins ended up in the hospital a few days later with an irregular heart beat.   She will go in for heart cath some time next week.   She knows she has a blockage and has had several heart attacks before.  I will keep you posted as to her progress.
 
*Butch Buckley had his hip replaced (I might add "finally") and is doing wonderful.   Special note is he is staying at Bull Miller's since he was released from the hospital.   Bull doesn't have any steps.  So far Bull says they haven't killed each other.   My understanding is that Bob McKee brought down some beans and cornbread and Bull ate them all before Butch got home from the hospital.  oh noooooooo.
 
*Barbara Wolfe had trial surgery a short time ago for back pain relief which she says she has waited on for so long.  She hopes it will relieve the pain so she can do more.  Yes, the trial surgery did work!   They put wires in - kind of like an implanted tens unit.  It stimulates the spinal cord.  Barb will go back in on May 15 for a permanent implant.

As for the rest of you, TRY to stay well.   Let us know what's going on in your lives - good or bad.   We hope mostly ALL GOOD!!!    Love to all, Jake

 
 
 
 

 

 
On Wednesday of this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

That won't ever happen again.

June 23, 2006

Hey there people;
 
On Saturday, June 17,  ten of us converged onto Little Creek Country Club to have another lunch.  A much smaller group than usual so we were pretty quiet.  They probably loved that.
 
Now they must really want us to come there since one of the ladies called me -  I had forgotten to call with our reservations.   Yikes!!!  I felt really stupid, but relieved that she had called to remind me I hadn't made reservations.   With all that had come up about the accident that  Butch's son was in  and the jobs I was working on - I just forgot.   Can you imagine that?  Oh well, I'll try not to forget in the future.   It's nice to know that someone has "got my back"  ha ha.
 
Those who were there:   Joan Bennett Belcher, Delores (Cobb) Anderson and her very cute and personable granddaughter, Kirsten, Bull Miller, Dale Miller,  Faye (Adams) & Jerry Collins, Jo Ann (Spitler) Bostic, Bill Coles, and me.  We had a great day together as usual and a very nice meal.
 
Sure hope you can all join us sometime for lunch.    For those of you going to the Grand Reunion this weekend - have a wonderful time and remember the Class of '58 has a room (Number 1) at the Community Center at 9pm on Friday night - no charge or reservations necessary.   Just stop by to visit and have a snack.  
 
I have an address for Scott Buckley who is now home with all of his EMT and nurse friends taking care of him.   He will be in bed or wheelchair for at least six weeks.   Keep him in your prayers and thoughts and if you'd like to send him a card the address is:   7 Church Street, Apt. 4, Middleburg, VT  05753.
 
Love to all, Jake

 

June 16, 2006

Classmates:
 
On Monday June 12  I  received a call from Butch Buckley around 4:30pm - he had just received a call from the hospital in Vermont where his son goes to school.   Scott didn't come home this summer - he stayed on to continue his work as an EMT.   I have a newspaper article with pictures about Scott that Butch gave me and I was suppose to post earlier.  (I have been so busy I hadn't had time, but I will do this ASAP).
 
Anyway, Butch wanted me to know that Scott, was involved in a head on collison in Vermont on Monday.   (Butch was just released today from his doctor after having hip replacement.)  He flew the next morning to Vermont to be with Scott and says he will give me update to post after he talks with the doctors.   Butch doesn't know how long he will stay in VT.
 
I just heard from Bull a few minutes ago and Scott has a cracked pelvis, a crease in his liver, 3 bones broken in his left foot and is quite sore and scatched up.  It took them 45 minutes to cut him out of the ambulance and then they air lifted him to the hospital in Burlington.  The woman in the other car pulled out behind a truck and Scott was driving the ambulance and they hit head on.   The woman was killed.   I will hunt for the story on the web papers over the weekend and post if I find anything.
 
We need to keep Scott and Butch in our prayers.  If you wish to send Scott a card his address is:     
 
FLETCHER ALLEN HOSPITAL OF VERMONT
Baird Ward, Room 321  
111 COLCHESTER AVE
BURLINGTON, VT 05401


 He will be in the hospital for a while and I will let you know details as I find out.   Scott will have to be in a wheelchair for 6 weeks and then on crutches.    They got him up today and he fainted and then they got him up a second time  - he fell across the bed and the third time he was able to stay up a few minutes.   They said the fact that he was in good physical condition probably saved his life.
 
We have much to be thankful for- Scott is a nice, smart and wonderful young man.   I'm so happy that God was with him.   Pray for him to have a quick recovery.
 
Love to all - Jake 





Car accident claims life
By Sam Hemingway
Free Press Staff Writer

June 13, 2006
One person was killed in a car accident Monday after a collision with an ambulance on U.S. 7 in New Haven that caused four medical personnel and a patient riding in the ambulance to be hospitalized.

Jennifer S. Laughlin, 44, of Castleton died when the car she was driving south on U.S. 7 crossed over the center line and collided head-on with the ambulance shortly after 2 p.m.

The ambulance, which was en route to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, had its emergency lights flashing at the time but did not have its siren activated, police said.

The driver of the ambulance, William Buckley, 23, of Ferrisburgh, tried to avoid being struck by veering to the east side of the highway.

Buckley and the other four ambulance occupants were taken to Porter Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Buckley was later airlifted to Fletcher Allen with back and lower body injuries. He was in the emergency room Monday night, but his condition was not disclosed.

The accident closed a section of U.S. 7 for two hours, forcing traffic to be re-routed.

 

I cannot copy the picture. but after seeing the scene I'm so very grateful that Scott wasn't hurt worse.  You can go to the story and view the picture at the Burlington Free Press old news on the 14th.  Jake
 

 


 

 

June 13, 2006

Classmates:

It is with deep sadness that I tell you Barbara Bates Rollins mother passed away.   Below is her obituary.  

Love to all Jackie

Mildred Mae Bates

Mildred Mae Bates, 94, passed away June 10, 2006, in Cape Coral, Fla.

John Harmon Bates preceded her in death.

Survivors include her son, William H. Bates and his wife, Jeannette, of South Charleston; daughters, Beverly C. Holley and her husband, Larry, of Cape Coral and Barbara Bates Rollins and her husband, Dean, of Tampa, Fla.; 11 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was born in Pennsylvania on Nov. 12, 1911, and had been a resident of Tampa since 1960.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 16, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 South MacDill Ave., with visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

 

June 16, 2006

Classmates:
 
On Monday June 12  I  received a call from Butch Buckley around 4:30pm - he had just received a call from the hospital in Vermont where his son goes to school.   Scott didn't come home this summer - he stayed on to continue his work as an EMT.   I have a newspaper article with pictures about Scott that Butch gave me and I was suppose to post earlier.  (I have been so busy I hadn't had time, but I will do this ASAP).
 
Anyway, Butch wanted me to know that Scott, was involved in a head on collison in Vermont on Monday.   (Butch was just released today from his doctor after having hip replacement.)  He flew the next morning to Vermont to be with Scott and says he will give me update to post after he talks with the doctors.   Butch doesn't know how long he will stay in VT.
 
I just heard from Bull a few minutes ago and Scott has a cracked pelvis, a crease in his liver, 3 bones broken in his left foot and is quite sore and scatched up.  It took them 45 minutes to cut him out of the ambulance and then they air lifted him to the hospital in Burlington.  The woman in the other car pulled out behind a truck and Scott was driving the ambulance and they hit head on.   The woman was killed.   I will hunt for the story on the web papers over the weekend and post if I find anything.
 
We need to keep Scott and Butch in our prayers.  If you wish to send Scott a card his address is:     
 
FLETCHER ALLEN HOSPITAL OF VERMONT
Baird Ward, Room 321  
111 COLCHESTER AVE
BURLINGTON, VT 05401


 He will be in the hospital for a while and I will let you know details as I find out.   Scott will have to be in a wheelchair for 6 weeks and then on crutches.    They got him up today and he fainted and then they got him up a second time  - he fell across the bed and the third time he was able to stay up a few minutes.   They said the fact that he was in good physical condition probably saved his life.
 
We have much to be thankful for- Scott is a nice, smart and wonderful young man.   I'm so happy that God was with him.   Pray for him to have a quick recovery.
 
Love to all - Jake 





Car accident claims life
By Sam Hemingway
Free Press Staff Writer

June 13, 2006
One person was killed in a car accident Monday after a collision with an ambulance on U.S. 7 in New Haven that caused four medical personnel and a patient riding in the ambulance to be hospitalized.

Jennifer S. Laughlin, 44, of Castleton died when the car she was driving south on U.S. 7 crossed over the center line and collided head-on with the ambulance shortly after 2 p.m.

The ambulance, which was en route to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, had its emergency lights flashing at the time but did not have its siren activated, police said.

The driver of the ambulance, William Buckley, 23, of Ferrisburgh, tried to avoid being struck by veering to the east side of the highway.

Buckley and the other four ambulance occupants were taken to Porter Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Buckley was later airlifted to Fletcher Allen with back and lower body injuries. He was in the emergency room Monday night, but his condition was not disclosed.

The accident closed a section of U.S. 7 for two hours, forcing traffic to be re-routed.

 

I cannot copy the picture. but after seeing the scene I'm so very grateful that Scott wasn't hurt worse.  You can go to the story and view the picture at the Burlington Free Press old news on the 14th.  Jake
 

 


 

 

June 13, 2006

Classmates:

It is with deep sadness that I tell you Barbara Bates Rollins mother passed away.   Below is her obituary.  

Love to all Jackie

Mildred Mae Bates

Mildred Mae Bates, 94, passed away June 10, 2006, in Cape Coral, Fla.

John Harmon Bates preceded her in death.

Survivors include her son, William H. Bates and his wife, Jeannette, of South Charleston; daughters, Beverly C. Holley and her husband, Larry, of Cape Coral and Barbara Bates Rollins and her husband, Dean, of Tampa, Fla.; 11 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was born in Pennsylvania on Nov. 12, 1911, and had been a resident of Tampa since 1960.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 16, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 South MacDill Ave., with visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

 

June 9, 2006

HEY THERE PEOPLE:
 
Cynthia Koch Schenley sent this interesting article to me with facts about the USS New York.  I am forwarding it to all of you as I think you will also find it newsworthy.  How fitting that the ship be named the USS New York.
 
Thanks for sharing this with us Cynthia.
 
Love to all, Jake

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 9:28 PM
Subject: Fw: USS New York......

Subject: USS New York......
 
Thought you might find this interesting.

Artists Rendering of the USS New York

With a year to go before it even touches the water, the Navy's amphibious assault ship USS New York has already made history. It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center .

USS New York is about 45 percent complete and should be ready for launch in mid-2007. Katrina disrupted construction when it pounded the Gulf Coast last summer, but the 684-foot vessel escaped serious damage, and workers were back at the yard near New Orleans two weeks after the storm.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship — designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

"It would be fitting if the first mission this ship would go on is to make sure that bin Laden is taken out, his terrorist organization is taken out," said Glenn Clement, a paint foreman. "He came in through the back door and knocked our towers down and (the New York ) is coming right through the front door, and we want them to know that."

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , La. , to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept. 9, 2003, "those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence," recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. "It was a spiritual moment for everybody there."

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the "hair on my neck stood up."

"It had a big meaning to it for all of us," he said. "They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back."

The ship's motto? - 'Never Forget'

GRAND REUNION 2006

June 13, 2006

Classmates:
 
I am getting a number of request about the charge for the Friday night get together at the Community Center for our class only.
 
OK there is NO charge for Friday night with our 58 group at the community center - we took money for the room from our class. 
 
I think the fee for the weekend is $80.00 a couple and $40 for single.   If singles aren't a member of the alumni association you automatically have to pay $50.  $10 of that goes to the scholarship fund.  
 
A Lifetime Membership is $50 for a single graduate and if both are graduates of SC its $75 for couple.  All money from the membership goes to the Scholarship Fund plus a percentage of the cost of the reunion weekend also goes to the Scholarship Fund.
 
I sure hope this makes some sense.
 
Jake
 
Hope this helps.  Jake.

 

 

May 11, 2006

From: SCHS Alumni
Date: 05/11/06 00:04:09
Subject: class rep checklist
 
South Charleston High School Alumni Association
www.schsalumni.org
                      Grand Reunion III                     June 23-24-25
Class Representative Checklist

Contact your classmates

Over 14,000 reunion mailers went out mid-February but we have learned that many people did not receive it (or discarded as junk mail).  Because bulk mail is not returned, there is no record of undeliverables due to changes of address.

Please contact your classmates via e-mail, phone or a postcard. See the attached spreadsheet for the most current information in the alumni database.  Changes or corrections should be e-mailed to schsalumni@verizon.net.  Classmates may also update their information on the alumni website.

Reunion information and registration forms are available on the new alumni website www.schsalumni.org.  Classmates may use PayPal to submit directly online or print forms and mail to P.O. Box 8053, South Charleston 25303.

Advance registration and alumni membership are required. 

(The golf tournament will be limited to the first 100 registrants.)

Schedule of Activities

Thursday, June 22

 

7:00 SCHS night at Appalachian Power Park

 

Friday, June 23

9:00 - 8:00 Registration check-in

 

9:00 Golf tournament

 

6:30 Memorial service featuring the Alumni Chorus

 

7:30 Faculty reception

 

7:30 The Drifters concert

 

9:30 Individual class activities

 

Saturday, June 24

8:00 5K Walk/Run

 

9:00 - noon Registration check-in

 

9:00 - noon LaBelle Theatre tour

 

9:00 - noon Old school tours

 

11:00 - 3:00 Street fair

 

12:00 Grand Feature parade

 

1:00 - 3:00 LaBelle Theatre tour

 

1:00 - 3:00 Old school tours

 

6:30 - 12:30 Grand Reunion Party

 

Sunday, June 25

9:00 - 1:30 Brunch

 

 

 

Plan Class Activities

All classes are encouraged to plan a gathering on Friday evening following The Drifters concert.  This can be a restaurant, bar, boat, pool, private home, etc.  To post those plans on the alumni website, e-mail details to schsalumni@verizon.net.

If your class is participating in the parade, contact Pauline Holst at paulinedelight@aol.com.

Class will be seated together at the Grand Reunion Party on Saturday evening.  Individual class pictures will be made during the evening.

Share Memories

Individual classes are asked to create displays of memorabilia for the Hall of Memories at the high school.  For additional information, contact Dee Rogers at dalona@wvdsl.net. 

Ask your classmates to provide photos for the presentation at the LaBelle Theatre.  E-mail these as soon as possible to Anita Wehrmann at wv1hoorah@aol.com.  Please identify subjects, places, activities, etc.

Volunteer

Volunteers are needed for all events.  This is a great way for out-of-town classmates to get involved.  Classmates should contact Phyllis Wehrmann at wpw5307@aol.com to offer assistance.

 

April 24, 2006

Here an updated list of those who will be attending the Grand Reunion.   I will keep it updated as I receive names. 
Love, Jake

GRAND REUNION

 

 

THOSE ATTENDING FOR SURE:

 

1 -          Judy Romano

2 -          Butch Buckley

3/4 -       Laura Jo Counts Carte & Bob

5/6 -      Janet Buckner George & David

7/8 -       Barbara Wolfe Harvey & Dorsey Lee        (Friday night only)

9/10 -     Sheila Hamric Wilson & Ray                      (his 50th reunion weekend too)

11/12 -   Mary Ann & Paul Nixon                                        

13 -        Jane Monk Monday

14/15 -   Phyllis Rumbaugh Fenwick & John

16/17 –  Jim & Elinor O’Dell

18 -        Nadine Mitchell  (sorry, I don’t have married name)

19 –       Margaret Sutter  (sorry, I don’t have married name)

20 -       Bud Williams

 

 

THOSE WHO THINK THEY WILL COME:

 

Max & Becky Padon

Wanda Clay Colbert     will let me know for sure next wk.  10th

Delores Cobb Anderson    depends on her health

 

 

 

THOSE WHO WILL NOT ATTEND:

 

Gypsy Barker Lyle

Ann Winnings Miller

Larry R. Jackson

Jay Nelson

 

June 23, 2006

Hey there people;
 
On Saturday, June 17,  ten of us converged onto Little Creek Country Club to have another lunch.  A much smaller group than usual so we were pretty quiet.  They probably loved that.
 
Now they must really want us to come there since one of the ladies called me -  I had forgotten to call with our reservations.   Yikes!!!  I felt really stupid, but relieved that she had called to remind me I hadn't made reservations.   With all that had come up about the accident that  Butch's son was in  and the jobs I was working on - I just forgot.   Can you imagine that?  Oh well, I'll try not to forget in the future.   It's nice to know that someone has "got my back"  ha ha.
 
Those who were there:   Joan Bennett Belcher, Delores (Cobb) Anderson and her very cute and personable granddaughter, Kirsten, Bull Miller, Dale Miller,  Faye (Adams) & Jerry Collins, Jo Ann (Spitler) Bostic, Bill Coles, and me.  We had a great day together as usual and a very nice meal.
 
Sure hope you can all join us sometime for lunch.    For those of you going to the Grand Reunion this weekend - have a wonderful time and remember the Class of '58 has a room (Number 1) at the Community Center at 9pm on Friday night - no charge or reservations necessary.   Just stop by to visit and have a snack.  
 
I have an address for Scott Buckley who is now home with all of his EMT and nurse friends taking care of him.   He will be in bed or wheelchair for at least six weeks.   Keep him in your prayers and thoughts and if you'd like to send him a card the address is:   7 Church Street, Apt. 4, Middleburg, VT  05753.
 
Love to all, Jake

 

July 26, 2006

JANE MONDAY NOTIFIED ME THAT OUR CLASSMATE VIRGINIA JOHNSON MELLINGER'S BROTHER, CALVIN JOHNSON, PASSED AWAY.   IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEND A CARD TO VIRGINIA,  EMAIL ME FOR HER ADDRESS.   WE SEND OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO VIRGINIA AND HER FAMILY.    JAKE

 

Calvin T. Johnson

Calvin T. “Tom” Johnson, 57, of St. Albans, passed away July 22, 2006, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston.

He was a retired track inspector for CSX Transportation and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, having been a recipient of the Purple Heart with one Bronze Star.

Surviving are his wife, Brenda Mallory Johnson; sons, Calvin Thomas Johnson Jr. and his wife, Teresa, of Columbus, Ohio, and Gregory Allen Johnson and his wife, Lorie, of St. Albans; father, Happy Jack Johnson of St. Albans; brothers, Larry and Dave Johnson of St. Albans, Jerry Johnson of Berryville, Va., and Bob Johnson of Bluemont, Va.; sisters, Margaret Sams of Ashburn, Va., Phyllis Scarberry of St. Albans, Virginia Mellinger of South Charleston and Betty Slawter of Tornado; and three grandchildren, Matthew, Aaron and Alexander Johnson.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Stephen Neese officiating. Burial with military graveside rites conducted by American Legion Post 61, Clendenin, will be in Teays Hill Cemetery, St. Albans.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VFW State Headquarters, 5532 MacCorkle Ave., SW, South Charleston, WV 25309.

 

 

July 19, 2006

07/18/2006
RUTH A. PELFREY

Ruth Ann Pelfrey of Colonial Heights died July 16, 2006, after a long period of declining health. Her parents, Earl and Margaret Barker of Charleston, W.Va., and her sisters, Peggy Phalen and Barbara Turley, preceded her in death.

 
 
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Gary of Colonial Heights; son, Scott and his wife, Laura, of Mechanicsville, Va.; her sister, Mary Boggess and husband, James, of Barboursville, W.Va., sister, Joyce Clements and husband, Alan, of Rocky Mount, N.C., and sister, Beverly Brawley and husband, David, of Bonita Springs, Fla.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ruth Ann grew up in Charleston, W.Va., and spent her working career in the insurance field and with the C&P Telephone Co. But the job she enjoyed most was being a stay-at-home mother, which she did full time for 18 years until her son was ready for college.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2006, at Wesley Methodist Church in Colonial Heights. Her remains will be returned to West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.


 

 

July 19, 2006

Classmates:
 
At lunch Saturday the 15th, we had 13 present.   Those attending were:  Joan Bennett Belcher, Jo Anne Spitler Bostic, Jane Monk Monday, Butch Buckley, Dale Miller, Jerry and Faye Adams Collins, Erma Wood Harris, Raymond Barnett, Judy Bowen Romano, Lee and Barbara Wolfe Harvey and me.  We had a great time visiting.
 
This was the first time Erma has attended a lunch...she will miss next month's lunch as she is taking a trip abroad and promises to fill us in with details when she returns.  I can't wait to hear the details.
 
We had expected to see Jay Nelson as he was in visiting relatives in Huntington, but he wasn't able to pull it off because of weather problems traveling.   Sorry we missed ya Jay!!!  Maybe next time.
 
Love to all and hope some of you will plan to join us next month for lunch on the third Saturday of the month.  Jake
 
 _JulyLunch.jpg (144890 bytes)

butch-Ray7-2006.JPG (155806 bytes)

 

Erma__Dale.JPG (147447 bytes)

Joann-Jackie7-2006.JPG (164837 bytes)

 

July 19, 2006

Hey -
 
Good thing I was at home this afternoon.    I received a phone call from Jay Nelson and he said he was sitting in front of my house.   How about that for a surprise!!!   We had a great visit.  Jay had thought he would make lunch with us on Saturday, but wasn't able to do so.
 
It was so good to see him.   He and wife Marie had traveled in from the State of Washington to Huntington to see their children.  He had things to take care of in South Charleston so he stopped by for a visit.  It was so nice to see him and he's already thinking ahead to make a trip to WV for our 50th reunion in 2008.  That's good news!!!
 
Jay promises that when he gets home he will write a story for us telling about his travels across the USA!!   We will look forward to this story.
 
During our visit I found out something I didn't know....when he lived here, Jay was the choir director for 15 + years at South Charleston Presbyterian Church.   We love to know what people have done in the past and what they are doing now.   Hey, it would be great to get some more stories from everyone - some might have plans for the future.  We want to know that too. :-)   
 
So happy Jay stopped.  For all of you I say - stop by anytime to visit!!!   I promise I'll try to be home.  ha ha
 
Love to all, Jake
 
 

 

July 14, 2006

CLASSMATES:  NOW ISN'T THIS A NICE BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR DREAMA?   SOUNDS LIKE SHE'S ON CLOUD NINE.  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WHOLE FAMILY!  LOVE JAKE

----- Original Message -----

 

From: Dreama
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 5:29 AM
Subject: Dinah & Baby

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to me Its a BOY!
 
Hi Jackie, Dinah had the BABY at 4:05 p.m. July 13th
both are doing well. Doniven Michael weighted 7lbs. 2oz.
and 21in. long. And is cute as can be.
This makes our 4th Grandson, plus we have 2 Great-granddaughters.
Life is great isn't it.  Hugs Dreama

 

July 13, 2006

Hey there guys and gals:
 
I'm very happy to bring you up to date on Paul Sharps.   Some of you may remember that several years ago, I talked Paul into sending me pictures of his boat, home, himself and wife.    Unfortunately, that is when I had a computer failure and lost everything before I could send you the story.
 
I have been asking Paul often since then to please, please send me more pictures.   Recently he did and I'm very happy he has consented to let me post to everyone.  I think you will enjoy them as I have.  The pictures are absolutely spectacular!  Attached you will see pictures of his boat, his wife, his dingy and also where he and Joanne have spent the last 20 years on the 4th of July.  I have for many long years always pictured Paul in a captains hat....don't know why - I didn't even know he owned a boat.   I still want to see a picture of him with such a hat on his head.   :-)
 
You will find an explanation below of the pictures in his email to me.  Also I do hope you can open the pictures OR that they show at the bottom of this email.
 
My hope is this will encourage some of you to send me stories or little tidbits of what's going on in your lives.   We LOVE to know what all of you are doing at this time.   Please send more stories.  Everything you all do is of importance to us - from the smallest things to the largest - we want to know, so please share!
 
A special thanks goes to Paul.   I certainly am pleased that I got this posted without losing the pictures.   Wouldn't it have been awful if I had to go back and ask him again.  Oh noooooooooo    ha ha
 
Love to all, Jake
 
 

 

Sent: Monday, July 10, 2006 1:32 PM
Subject: July 4th on the Water
 
Jackie:  We spent six days on the water over the 4th holiday. Had a great time. Here are a few scenes from the Hilton Fireworks raft-up along the San Joaquin River in the Delta. There were 2-3 thousand boats anchored out in the area. Joanne & I recalled that this was our 20th year at this event.  Paul

 

 

 

Hi Jackie,
 
The bottom picture ("Girl's Party on Playtime") is the only photo that shows a portion of our boat with the name Playtime showing. Joanne, facing the camera without sunglasses, has on a blue top. Our boat is also in the raftup photo ("SRBCNC Raft-up") but is hard to pickout from the angle shown
 
The picture with the Sea Doo ("Dinghy Parade")  is our runabout. As you can see, we had it well decked out with flags. Actually won first place in the decorated dinghy parade. Joanne is also facing the camera in this photo.
 
The American flag was definitely well represented in this event - as it should be! Very patriotic crowd! Reinforces the greatness of our country and its people!
 
Paul
 

 

Attachments Preview:

SRBCNC Raft-up 5 07-04-05.JPG



Boats at Sunset 07-04-06.JPG



Boats at Sunset JS July 4 '06.jpg



Dinghy Parade 4 07-04-06.JPG



Girl's Party on Playtime 07-04-06.JPG


July 13, 2006

CLASSMATES:  I THOUGHT THIS SEEMED INTERESTING ENOUGH FOR ME TO FORWARD TO ALL OF YOU.   THANKS TO CYNTHIA (KOCH) & BOB SCHENLEY FOR SENDING TO ME.  LOVE TO ALL JAKE

----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 9:55 AM

Subject: We will never see this again in our lifetime
 
...nor will the people of the next 50-to-1,000 Life Times!   Mars - The Red Planet is about to be spectacular!
 
This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that
will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in
recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is
in 2287. Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on
Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can only be
certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth
in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as
60,000 years before it happens again.

The encounter will culminate on August 27th when
Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and
will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in
the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9
and will appear 25 .11 arc seconds wide. At a modest
75-power magnification.


Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.
 
Mars will be easy to spot. At the
beginning of August it will rise in the east at
10p.m.
and reach its azimuth at about
3 a.m.

By the end of August when the two planets are
closest! , Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its
highest point in the sky at
12:30a.m.
That's pretty
convenient to see something that no human being has
seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at
the beginning of August to see Mars grow
progressively brighter and brighter throughout the
month.


Share this with your children and grandchildren.

 

NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN

 

July 12, 2006

Guys and Gals:
 
I have received another postcard from Jim & Katherine Garber.   It was written on July 4th and mailed on July 5th from Fairbanks, Alaska!  WOW!
 

7/4/06 Tuesday
 
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY - WE MADE IT!!!
 
Traveled 2000 miles thru Canada crossed over into Alaska Sunday.  We are going to Denali National Park
 
on Thursday.   We are having a great time.   We have met a lot of "interesting" people.   We went to the
 
University of Alaska today and visited a museum.   Awesome!   Hope all is well.   Love - Jim & Katherine

 

 

I'm certainly happy these two adventurous friends are having a safe and fun trip on their motorcycle.   It all does sound wonderful!   I pray they continue to have a good trip and get home safely.   Jake

 

 

July 10, 2006

 

Hey there boys and girls:

I received a letter today from Betty Jo Marshall McMillian dated July 5 and wanted to share it with all of you.

Jake

 

 

Jackie -

Our family is going through lots of changes.   From diapers to the Navy.

Our oldest living grandson has joined the Navy and will be working with sonar on a ship.  Nick McMillion.

Our step-grandson has joined the Navy with hopes of being a Seal.   Adam Chesnut.

Our daughter Marsha & husband Jason have a new son, Henry Michael Koonce.  Born 6/21/06 weighing in at 6 pounds.  The name Michael is in honor of our oldest grandson who passed away three years ago.  Michael was the oldest brother of Nick.  He joined the Navy, but never got to serve to due to his death.  Please post on internet.

I know you had a wonderful time at the reunion.   I wish I could see everyone sometime.   It is a big trip to WV for me.   I have a lot of pain riding that far.  I have been going to the Chiropractor, but I guess I need a new hip.   I'm falling apart.   I have Osteo arthritis.   It is very painful.

Betty Jo

 

 

Betty Jo:

It was so good to hear from you.   Most unfortuate that you are in so much pain.   Butch Buckley recently had a hip replaced after suffering for 13 years.   He says he sure wishes he would have had it done sooner.   He feels wonderful and is doing great!!!

Start planning now to come to the 50th reunion which will be held in 2008!   We want to see you too!!!

Please give all of your family our best.   We will be thinking of all of you and remembering you in our prayers.   Have a great time with that new grandson.

Love ya Jackie

 

TO REMIND YOU ABOUT BETTY JO'S GRANDSON - I'M SENDING YOU THIS EMAIL AGAIN.  JAKE

February 25, 2003  (NOTE DATE THIS WAS WRITTEN)

I'm sure all of our classmates join me in extending our deepest 
sympathy for Betty Jo (Marshall) McMillion and her family on the 
death of her oldest grandson. (See message from Betty Jo below.)

Betty Jo, our prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad 
time. Love, Jackie 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: MCb267@aol.com 
To: jpauley@intelos.net 
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2003 11:07 PM
Subject: Grandson's death


Please let our classmates know of the sudden death of my oldest 
grandson. Michael died at his computer. He had a birth defect 
(left main heart artery never fully developed) which had never been 
detected. The autopsy revealed it had suddenly collapsed and death 
was practically instantaneous. He had joined the Navy, passed the 
physical and other tests and was to begin basic training upon 
graduation from Hi School. His mother found him the morning of Feb. 
19, 2003. MICHAEL JAMES "MIKE" MCMILLION (b. Nov. 28, 1984 -- 18 
yrs. old.) He had a wonderful Christian witness and a sweet 
personality. When he was in the 4th grade he wrote a paper about 
how he loved life and living in America. He wished that all the 
world could live in freedom as we do. He decided to be a Navy man 
when he was in Jr. Hi. He loved computers and studied volumes of 
computer books. What a loss for the Navy and our family and all who 
knew and loved him.
Betty Jo Marshall McMillion 

 

July 7, 2006

Classmates:
 
Jane Monk Monday's niece Tammy Jo Jean Wilson only 42 years old died of a heart attack on Thursday in Columbus, OH .   Jane's sister (Tammy's mother) is Faye Monk Jean.
 
Tammy  wishes were to be cremated which has been done.  
 
Please keep Jane and her family in your prayers and thoughts.
 
Love to all, Jake
 

Tammy Jo Jean-Wilson

Tammy Jo Jean-Wilson passed away June 29, 2006, at her home in Columbus, Ohio.

She was born Sept. 12, 1963, to David and Faye Jean.

She graduated from Dunbar High School in 1981.

She is survived by her husband, John Wilson of Columbus. Besides her parents, she is survived by her brothers, David (Kris) of Lawson, Mo., and Keith (Heather) of St. Louis, Mo.; and sisters, Cathy Lawlor of Alaska and Debby Roquet of Dunbar. Also surviving are her nieces, Erica Beverly of Louisville, Ky., Kaitlin and Jessica Jean of Lawson, Mo., and Regan and Sydney Jean of St. Louis, Mo.; and nephews, Derek Lawlor of Louisville, Ky., David Jean II of Lawson, Mo., and Ryan and Aaron Roquet of Dunbar. She is survived by great-nieces, Brianna Beverly, Nora Beverly and Serena Lawlor of Louisville, Ky.

Tammy also left behind her three cats, Scarlett, Graycie and Pitty Pat.

Tammy's wishes were to be cremated.

Donations may be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Animal Shelter.

July 7, 2006

NOW TALK ABOUT A LOOOONG TRIP - HOW ABOUT THIS ONE?   JIM & KATHERINE GARBER ARE GOING ALL THE WAY TO ALASKA AND BETTER STILL THEY ARE GOING BY MOTORCYCLE.
 
KEEP THESE TWO IN YOUR PRAYERS AS THEY TRAVEL ABOUT.  JAKE

 
----- Original Message -----
From: "katherine garber" <kgarber2@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, June 05, 2006 9:31 PM
Subject: vacation/Alaska

Jackie,   Hope everyone is doing ok. we are fine.  Just wanted to let you know  that  we won't be using the computer this summer.  We'll be in Alaska for a  couple of months.   We'll be going on the motorcycle....crazy huh!!!!   We'll be 
leaving next week.   Say a little prayer for us  as the summer goes by.   We'll send you a postcard or two.  Love......Katherine

 

 

Since receiving the above email, I have received a postcard mailed to me  6-20-06 stating:       We made the first part of our adventure.   We're in Great Falls, Montana.  We're staying at a KOA Camp Ground  tonight.  We're going to Glacier National Park on Thursday.  Say a little prayer for us.   Love Jim and Katherine

 

 
I will keep you posted as to where "our adventurous couple" is as time goes on.   I admire these two for taking on such a journey.   Can you imagine the tales they will have to share with us?   Remember to think about them often and keep them in your prayers for a safe trip back to their home in Pocahontas County.  
 
 Love to all, Jake

 

July 7, 2005

Hey Gang:
 
If you didn't get to come to the Grand Reunion I'll have to fill you in a little.   Right up front I must say, the ONLY thing Joan and I were able to attend was the 9pm gathering of the '58 class of SCHS at the Community Center.  I can't do the big crowds....I stagger too much and that ain't from drinkin' people!   Joan was good enough to escort me around..pretty funny looking.   We love you guys so we set everything up for our Friday night gathering.
 
We had a wonderful turn out for Friday night and it was so fun, fun, fun!!!    We kept it simple:   table and chairs to sit in - room for standing, no music, simple snacks and drinks.   People from other classes kept stopping by to see us and many brought sisters and brothers with them.   It was grrrrrrrrrrrrreat!!!
 
We had fun reminiscing about ole times and maintained that we still couldn't share some of our secret stories with others - even today.   Yee Gads!!!  How crazy were we?
 
Everyone looked wonderful.   The guys ever handsome and the women as beautiful as they were in 1958.   Now I know you are saying,  "hey that can't be true," but seriously folks - the many years of eating too much, not eating enough, being in the sun too often, or being too white from no sun, gray hair/dyed hair, etc doesn't matter when we are together today.   NO MATTER WHAT WE LOOK LIKE TODAY, I STILL SEE THE YOUTHFUL FACES, EYES AND BODIES THAT WE HAD IN HIGH SCHOOL .   I know some Classmates don't come because of what they look like now, but never let that be a problem.   Others in high school classes I spoken to - talk of "clicks", etc.   We all had our own special friends, but the class of '58 has always shared a special bond between each member of our class!  We love each other for the memories, the friendship and the closeness that the class of '58 for some reason has always had and still does today.   With this little spill - I'll just say to all of you...I love you and the great times we've had together throughout the years.
 
I want to hear from some of the others when I can get them slowed down to give me a report.   There's so much to cover:   Many were in celebrating their 50th reunion....don't forget our 50th is coming soon, so be sure to stay in good health and we will let you know ASAP when we have secured a place and date so you can make plans.   (Sheila & Ray Wilson went to the Edgewood Country Club for his 50th and Elvis drove up in his car and sang - later "E" appeared at SCHS);  remember The Drifters?  They preformed on Friday evening, I heard many danced - any from our group?  Bet so!!!  A Memorial Service for all deceased SCHS graduates was held on Friday.   On (Saturday) there was a parade and later a dinner/dance,  on Sunday a departing brunch.  
 
I'll write more as stories come in or as I remember things I was told on Saturday and Sunday.   Of course, not to worry - I won't tell any deep dark secrets I was told, if you don't tell what I told you.  ha ha 
 
I have to tell you that a little birdie told me that some classes before and after us just loved the class of '58 because we were so friendly.   How about that!!! 
 
Love to all, Jake

 

July 7, 2006

Hey guys and gals:
 
I just spoke with Butch and he said Scott is doing well....still in bed recovering from the wreck.   He's in great spirit and has loved receiving cards and phone calls from everyone.
 
The address Butch gave us before was incorrect.  He did get the cards sent before.  Please send cards to:
 
7 Court Street, Apt. 4
Middlebury, VT 05753
 
His many friends are watching after him as well as the Physical Therapist who visits daily.
 
Send me an email if you need his phone number.
 
Hugs, Jake

 

April 24, 2006

 

GUYS & GALS-
 
WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY - WE HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH 19 SHOWING UP FOR LUNCH.   I ACTUALLY WAS SURPRISED WITH SUCH A NICE SHOWING.   I THOUGHT WITH IT BEING EASTER WEEKEND PERHAPS WE WOULDN'T HAVE MANY.
 
THOSE WHO CAME:   ME, JOAN, JANE MONDAY, BULL, BUTCH, DALE, FAYE ADAMS COLLINS, & HUBBY JERRY, JANET BUCKNER GEORGE, JO ANN SPITLER BOSTIC, BONNIE BRENNAMAN, RAYMOND, DELORES COBB ANDERSON, JOE BENNETT, BILL COLES, DREAMA MARTIN VASS & HUBBY ROGER AND DAUGHTER DINAH WHO IS PREGNANT - MAYBE WE SHOULD SAY 19-1/2 SHOWED UP.    :-)   OUR SURPRISE PERSON OF THE DAY WAS NONE OTHER THAN SHARON MCVICKER CULROSS WHO WAS IN VISITING HER MOTHER.   SHARON LOOKED GREAT AND SHE WAS HER SAME SWEET AND FRIENDLY SELF.
 
NOT SURE IF I'VE TOLD YOU THAT JOE MOVED BACK TO SC.   SEE - I KNEW HE'D MISS US TOO MUCH.  HA HA
 
BONNIE ON THE OTHER HAND HAS SOLD HER HOME AND WILL BE MOVING TO ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA TO BE CLOSER TO HER CHILDREN.  SHE SAYS SHE WILL BE RIGHT OFF I-77 SO ANYONE TRAVELING THAT WAY SHOULD JUST JUMP RIGHT OFF THE INTERSTATE AND COME FOR A VISIT.   SHE SAYS STOP OVER, BUT BRING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG - SHE ONLY HAS ONE BED.
 
DREAMA AND ROGER CELEBRATED THEIR 49TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON FRIDAY....AND THEY SAID IT WOULDN'T LAST - JUST KIDDIN'!!!   CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TWO OF YOU. 
 
WELL, THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!   REMEMBER TO PLAN ON NEXT MONTH.
 
LOVE TO ALL, JAKE
 
 April_2006_Lunch.jpg (153094 bytes)

April_2006_Lunch_6.JPG (149900 bytes)

 

 

April 12, 2006 

New shops coming to SC

 

By Jennifer Ginsberg

Staff writer 

 

One of downtown South Charleston ’s main retail areas — D Street — is going to be home to some new businesses soon.

 

Teays Valley resident Kim Shirkey is getting ready to close the deal on buying four buildings on the street. She will turn one into a tearoom and lease others to people who will open an upscale children’s clothing resale shop and also an upscale clothing boutique.

 

Shirkey owns a catering business on Davis Creek Road in South Charleston and will combine it with the tearoom at 610 D St . The new business will be called BeauTEAfull Moments. She hopes to remodel the vacant insurance office and open it as a tearoom in June.

 

“I think there’s so much action in South Charleston . I love D Street . I love all the antique shops [and] quaint shops,” she said.

 

The tearoom will feature indoor and outdoor seating and a light lunch menu made up of salads, soups, sandwiches, desserts and, of course, high tea.

 

“I’ve always had a real interest in tea,” Shirkey said. “I like to pamper people. I want to have a real beautiful place for people to come in and enjoy themselves.”

 

She fell in love with the 610 D St. building 14 months ago. She thought the brick patio, after some remodeling, would be perfect for outdoor dining. But half the building was owned by longtime Charleston commercial property dealer Richard Salamie, who didn’t want to sell it.

 

Last week, Salamie sold that building and five lots and four other buildings to D Street LLC, an entity started by Charleston real estate agent Darrell Rolston.

 

Rolston is selling his half of 610 D St. to Shirkey.

 

Meanwhile, three of the five of his newly acquired buildings are vacant. He’d like to bring a retail store into the vacant CVS building, and a distribution‑type business into the former post office, which has a combination of office and warehouse space. The other vacant building is at 207 Seventh Ave. and would be good for offices, he said.

 

A bank is looking into the former post office, and a clothing store is looking at the old CVS building, said South Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Bob Anderson. He’ll be working with Rolston to find tenants for the vacant buildings.

Rolston said he wants the current tenants of the buildings he bought — the Family Dollar Store at 500 D St. and Lab Corp. at 327 Sixth Ave. — to stay. The leases will remain the same.

 

“[The] tenants won’t see anything different other than hopefully we’ll be able to take care of the buildings a little better,” Rolston said.

 

D Street LLC spent more than $1.75 million last week for the lots and buildings. All the properties were sold by Salamie through Salamie Property Co.

 

Rolston said his company wanted to buy the properties as an investment, despite Dow’s recent layoff announcement and uncertainty of the stamping plant.

 

South Charleston is a very active community,” he said. “We feel like it’s a good place to have investments.”

 

 

 

April 11, 2006

GUYS & GALS:  I USUALLY DON'T SEND THESE THINGS ON TO YOU, BUT THIS ONE AND ANOTHER THAT WILL FOLLOW ARE TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE WITH YOU.  JAKE
 
 
SENIOR DRESS CODE
Many of us "Old Folks" (those over 50, WAY over 50, or hovering near 50) are quite confused about how we should present ourselves. We are unsure about the   kind of image we are projecting and whether or not we are correct as we try to Conform to current fashions.  Despite what you may have seen on the streets,   the following combinations DO NOT go together And should be avoided:

1. A nose ring and bifocals
2. Spiked hair and bald spots
3. A pierced tongue and dentures
4. Miniskirts and support hose
5. Ankle bracelets and corn pads
6. Speedo's and cellulite
7. A belly button ring and a gall bladder surgery scar
8. Unbuttoned disco shirts and a heart monitor
9. Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge
10. Bikinis and liver spots
11. Short shorts and varicose veins
12. Inline skates and a walker
And last, but not least...

13. Thongs and Depends

 

 

April 11, 2006

CLASSMATES:
 
I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM JUDY POTEET COLE AND ASKED IF IT WOULD BE ALRIGHT TO LET OUR CLASSMATES KNOW THIS ABOUT HER DAUGHTER.  PLEASE KEEP NATALIE AND THE FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS!!!   JUDY SAID:
"Yes, it is ok to post the information about my daughter; all prayers for her are most welcome.  Yes, there is pain with the condition; to this point it is moderate pain.  I'll keep you updated."

Many thanks, and God bless,
Judy Poteet Cole


----- Original Message -----
From: "Judith Cole" <jpoteetcole@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 12:47 AM
Subject: RE: Grand Reunion

> Dear Jackie,
 
I have a family situation with tight scheduling from now through September.  
My daughter, Natalie, who recovered beautifully from colon cancer, now has a 
serious tissue-degenerative condition resulting from one of the chemo drugs. 
Once set in motion, this continues to progress, and there is apparently no 
treatment or cure.  We have bought a camper and plan to take our daughter on 
several trips while she is still able.  In between those trips, my husband 
and I will be traveling to FL to help repair hurricane damage to his 
sister's house, and to MS for Katrina relief work.
 
I regret that this will prevent my attending the grand reunion.  I hope all 
who are able to attend have a wonderful time!
 
Love and blessings to you,
Judy Poteet Cole
 

 

April 11, 2006

THIS ONE IS FROM LARRY R. JACKSON - A LITTLE LIGHT HUMOR.  MAKES YOU THINK OF ALL THOSE "WHEELS" WE'VE OWNED AND LOVED IN OUR LIFETIME.  JAKE


Subject: THE WHEELS OF LIFE

Getting older has its drawbacks, but I guess there aren't too many good alternatives to getting older. Whenever you see a gathering of seniors, it is an even bet they are talking about everything that is wrong with them.

You know, the usual, memory, urinary problems, knees, eyesight, etc., etc.

Well, I am a senior and I absolutely refuse to discuss these issues with everyone else. If I have a problem, I find a solution It is not always the solution that I like, but I handle it the best way I know and I don't discuss it with every person I see on the street that is past 62. No sir....

With this in mind, I bought myself a new scooter. I wanted something that was easy on gas and could zip me to the store and about town. This seems to meet my EVERY need. I love it!



Remember:
Senior Citizens Are Valuable
We are more valuable than any of the younger generations:
We have silver in our hair.
We have gold in our teeth.
We have stones in our kidneys.
We have lead in our feet and
We are loaded with natural gas.

 

April 11, 2006

CLASSMATES:
 
HERE A BIT OF NEWS FOR ALL OF YOU GIRLS AND BOYS OUT THERE.   GARY GRUBB'S WIFE LINDA STARTED HER BUSINESS SIX YEARS AGO  "HEAVENLY SWEETS, LLC.COM"   I'VE CHECKED OUT THE SITE AND YUMMY YUMMY!!! JUST WHAT I NEED.
 
SHE IS IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP HER SITE SO THE BUSINESS WILL HAVE ONLINE ORDERING.   SHE WILL MAKE ALL THE GIFT TYPE ITEMS AS CUSTOM ORDERS - JUST AS THE PERSON'S LIKES.  I ASKED GARY ABOUT THE PRICING AND HE SAYS THE PRICING IS COMING WITH THE SITE CHANGES.
 
CHECK THIS SITE OFTEN AND SEE WHAT CHANGES ARE MADE AND WHAT ALL SHE HAS TO OFFER.
 
ANOTHER BIT OF NEWS ABOUT GARY IS HE RETIRED IN LATE 2004 FROM MERCK & COMPANY AND SAYS HE'S TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH HIMSELF NOW.   THEIR DAUGHTER, AMY, IS A TEACHER WHO HOPES TO MOVE INTO A PRINCIPALS POSITION SOON. 
 
HE HOPES TO SEE ALL OF US SOME DAY - I KEEP TELLING HIM HE NEEDS TO PLAN A TRIP WHEN WE ARE HAVING OUR LUNCH GET TOGETHER.   WOULDN'T THAT BE NEAT?
 
UNFORTUNATELY HIS MOTHER DIED IN JANUARY 2005 AND LINDA'S MOTHER DIED IN JUNE 2005.

GARY HAS A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS - BE SURE TO UPDATE YOUR RECORDS:    garygrubb@patmedia.net
 
THAT'S IT FOR NOW FOLKS.   LOVE TO ALL, JAKE

 

 

April 11, 2006

 

Hey there people:
 
The lunch gathering will be this coming Saturday, April 15 at 11:00 am at Little Creek Country Club. 
 
You may dress casual.    Hopefully we will see a number of our classmates there.   Plan to enjoy a wonderful afternoon together.
 
Love to all, Jake

 

April 5, 2006

Good morning people:
 
Below is an email from Judy and she's sharing some interesting facts about her birthday and also her son's birthday.  
 
Judy I always did think you had a little of the devil in you.  ha ha you know I'm just kidding.
 
Love to all, Jake

 
Jackie 
 
 I will also be 66 in 06...Is this the sign of the devil??   I hope not!
 My son, Robert will have a birthday on 6/6/06.  He is having a devil party and he will be Lucifer....crazy crazy.
 
Also something funny, when Robert was born my daughters Gina & Vicki kept looking for a mark of the devil on his body as his birthday is 6.6, but 1968 not 66.    :-)
Judy

 

April 4, 2006

 

Guys and gals:  
 
After sending out the email about the 01/02/03/04/05/06 event, I received this email from Sheila and thought it was really neat.   Right up there with the "things that will only happen one time in your life."   Thanks for sharing Sheila. 
 
Love - Jake

 
--- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 2:58 PM
Subject: RE: Cool

Jackie:
How neat!  It makes me think of something about myself.  On May 6 of this year, I will 66 on the 6th in 06!  That won't happen again either.  I am just glad that it was not June 6, that would be way too many 6s.
 
Sheila

 

HEY GUYS & GALS:   
 
 I JUST RECEIVED THIS FROM CYNTHIA KOCH SCHENLEY AND IT'S PRETTY NEAT.  THANKS CYNTHIA!!!
 
I WANTED TO SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
 
LOVE, JAKE


 
On Wednesday of this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

That won't ever happen again.

August 29, 2006

Question to classmates from Lyn Bailey Gumowski:

 
I wonder if you all, like me, use the internet to refresh your memory?  Can't remember song lyrics or poetry lines, you just key in a few on Google.  Can't remember an author's name, ditto, plug in the name of a novel, etc..  For two days I've been trying to remember the name of an early rock group. (I do like ALL kinds of music).
 
So, this morning I keyed in their beginning name which mysteriously managed to stick in my mind, "Moving Sidewalks" and typed band next to it.  Voila!  ZZ Tops, now I can go to sleep faster tonight!
 
Best to all,    Lyn
 ..

...................................................

August 28, 2006

Hey guys and gals;   Below is an addition to Paul & Mary Ann's travel list.   Let's hear from the rest of you.  Love to all, Jake

----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Nixon
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 6:31 PM
Subject: Re: Ooops

JACKIE; WELL WE MIGHT AS WELL ADD THE OTHERS TO OUR LIST; CANADA, MEXICO,BERMUDA & COSTA RICO & BELLIZE AS WELL AS THE GOOD OL USA.
 
PAUL & MARY ANN NIXON
 

 

August 23, 2006

Guys and Gals - below is an update from Paul.  Please continue to keep Mary Ann and Paul in your prayers and thoughts in the coming days.   I will let you know progress as we hear from them.   Ask me for their home address if you wish to send cards.  Love to all, Jackie

 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Nixon
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 8:59 PM
Subject: Re: Mary Ann

JACKIE;
 
AS ALWAYS YOU CAN POST THIS E-MAIL.  MARY ANN WILL BE HOME THIS WEDNESDAY, BUT BACK IN  TWO WEEKS FOR A LONG SURGERY.
 
HER COLON HAS A BLOCKAGE AND THE LOWER INTESTINE HAS A SUSPECT SPOT ABOUT ONE INCH LONG, ALL BLOOD WORK POINTS TO THE OVERIES WHICH THEY WILL REMOVE. THEY COULD ONLY GO INTO THE COLON ABOUT 40 CENTIMETERS. SHE HAD NO FOOD OR WATER FOR 5 1/2 DAYS.
 
SHE HAS HAD A TOTAL OF SIX MD'S WORKING AS A TEAM. THREE WERE DEPT. HEADS, RN'S AND STAFF.  THEY HAVE BEEN AWESOME. BLEEDING HAS STOPPED AND THE PAIN IS ALMOST GONE.
 
JACKIE, MAYO CLINIC IS AN ABSOLUTE AWESOME PLACE AND NOT BECAUSE MARY ANN WORKS THERE NOW PART TIME. I WILL GIVE AN UPDATE  IN A FEW DAYS
 
TAKE CARE & THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN
 
PAUL

 

August 22, 2006

Hey there people:
 
We had a great group (16) yesterday for lunch.   Those who were there:  Joan Bennett Belcher, Butch Buckley, Judy Bowen Romano, Faye (Adams) & Jerry Collins, Bill Coles, Dale Miller, Jo Ann Spitler Bostic, Jane Monk Monday, Carroll (Pack) & Stanley Kinder , Raymond Barnett, Delbert Kidd, Vest (Pauley) & Earl Grinstead and me.
 
It was a wonderful day and we enjoyed our time together.   Below are some of the things we discussed about our classmates:

8-2006_Lunch.JPG (168941 bytes)

Aug_2006_Lunch.JPG (173001 bytes)

Aug_2006_Lunch2.JPG (159959 bytes)

August 19th 2006 Luncheon

 
1-  I had received the following message from Barbara Wolfe Harvey.   She certainly needs our prayers and thoughts right now.
 
 ----- Original Message -----
From: "Barbara Harvey" <wolfe2@citynet.net>
To: "'Jackie Pauley'" <jpauley@ntelos.net>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 6:34 PM
Subject: RE: spinal cord stimulator surgery

Hi to all
Thought I should update everyone.  I'm doing fine.  It seems all I want to
do is sleep.  I can take pain pills every 4 hours but I usually  go 12 hours
and sleep 10 of those.  The surgery supposed was successful.  I don't stay
awake long enough to really try the stimulator - not supposed to leave it on
while sleeping.  I did once and found some painful stimulation as I wiggled
around while waking up and not coordinated enough to turn it down or off.
Thank goodness Ruby knew what was happening and turned it off - I had the
controls under me instead of beside me.

I am uncomfortable sitting at the computer so I'm not reading email - going
to sign off and get in comfortable chair.

Thanks for your concern.
Love
Barbara

2 -   I received this email from Paul Nixon - Mary Ann's husband.
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Nixon
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 3:20 PM
Subject: Re: update on Scott Buckley

JACKIE; GLAD HE IS ON SCHEDULE (He was talking about Scott Buckley). MUST HAVE HAD VERY GOOD DOCTORS.
 
MARY ANN IS IN ST.LUKES HOSPITAL HERE IN JACKSONVILLE, FL. WENT IN YESTERDAY WITH SEVERE PAIN AND BLEEDING IN THE RECTUM. SHOULD BE HOME SUNDAY OR MONDAY. WILL SEND YOU AN UPDATE AS SOON AS I KNOW IT. YES YOU CAN POST TO ALL. THANK GOODNESS SHE STILL WORKS AT MAYO CLINIC PART TIME AS SHE IS GETTING THE BEST OF THE BEST MAYO DOCTORS AS MOST KNOW HER.
 
TAKE CARE;  PAUL NIXON
 
I must say I was quite pleased that Paul wrote to tell us about Mary Ann.  Please keep both of them in your prayers and thoughts.   As Paul says, she has the best of care where she is.  I will keep you up to date on her progress as I hear from Paul.   Jake
 

3 - Scott Buckley - a follow up about Scott is that he was able to stand yesterday and he went and took a shower standing up - using his crutches.  He walked 20 ft. and was extremely excited and up beat with his feats.   These accomplishments were after two months of just laying flat on his back. 
 
Here is a note that Scott sent to Joan about the cards our group sends to him:   Dear SCHS lunch bunch,  Thank you for the cards that I receive.   I especially like how my own father signs his full name on them.  I guess it's a good think I take after my Mother, in more ways than one.   I will be spending most of my time in bed until school starts.   I will return to school and be living in a wheelchair accessible dorm room.   I have many months of Physical Therapy left after my bones heal.   I hope this note finds everyone in high spirits.   Warmly, Scott Buckley   8/1/06   
 
Continue to keep young Scott in your prayers and thoughts that he will have a speedy recovery with wonderful motor skills.   This youngin' needs to get back on those skis and ice skates soon.  Remember he was involved in the ambulance/car wreck in VT where he is an EMT.   The woman who was driving the car was on the wrong side of the road.   Jake

4 -   This note from Ann Winnings Miller: 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: "B. Ann Miller" <millerann327@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2006 10:47 AM

> Hi Jackie:  Talking about Jim Garber and wife's trip.   Gene and I are
> leaving end of month for an Alaskan cruise for 11 days.  Hope things go
> well and we enjoy.  Take care and be healthy.  Ann w. Miller
 
Hey maybe they will past Jim & Katherine Garber returning from Alaska on their motorcycle.  ha ha   How fortunate for Ann and Gene that they will be able to take this Alaskan cruise.   Maybe they will send us a story along with pictures to post to our group.   Have a swell time guys!!!  Jake

5 - Speaking of trips.   Jane Monday will leave this coming Saturday for a trip to Rome.  We have several world travelers in our class.   Remember Jane you can't go unless you write a story complete with pictures to share with us!!  All of you travelers have a wonderful time and behave yourselves!!!   Jake

6 - I know you've wondered where Bull Miller was this month.    The good guy that he is - he was checking in on his sister-in-law whom he takes care of.   She had surgery.   Bull goes to the grocery and gets her meds - as I say one of the good guys.   Jake

7 -  when I got to the car, I had a message on my cell phone.   Jane Monday and I  listened to it while standing in the parking lot at Little Creek Country Club - We stood there and laughed out loud.   The message was from Gary Pelfrey who had asked me why I hadn't posted the report about lunch yet.   Such a silly boy.  ha ha   I'm still laughing.
 
And finally, my husband Jerry, is having one knee replaced on August 31.   Keep us in your prayers and thoughts too.  Jerry is usually a very good patient so let's pray all goes well and I'm a good nurse.   I know right now Butch is laughing about me staggering around and trying to help Jerry recover.   Butch always says when he calls me - while the phone is ringing he has visions of me getting up, trying to get my balance and then staggering around as I try to reach the phone.   Now really folks, I'm not that bad.  Note:   staggering is not from drinking - it's from the remains of three back surgeries and a stroke.  "-)   Jake

8 - after leaving us yesterday,  Raymond Barnett was going upstairs at the Country Club to the large dining area to be the DJ at a 50th wedding anniversary.   He's the greatest DJ - bet they had a lot of fun - hope Raymond did too.   :-)  Have you ever seen Raymond do an imitation of Elvis?    Ask him sometime to show you.   Maybe at the 50th reunion he will oblige.

 
9 - Well folks, that's all we know as of today.  Now aren't you sorry you didn't join us.   ha ha  If you have any information that we should know about you or your family - send to me to share.   Here's hoping that all is well with you and yours.   Love, Jake

Classmates: 
 
A little more news about our traveling friends.  Gee whiz - they're going all over the globe!!!
 
* Jackie,  My knee continues to improve and now I'm working very hard to build up my endurance for our trip to China the end of next month.    Love, Gypsy   
 
* After posting information about classmates going on trips - Bonnie Brenneman wrote, "Jackie This is my first time to Africa - I have been to Alaska already."   So once again I am too crazy - both started with an "A"  - most people would make that same mistake - right (Africa/Alaska?)    oh sure.   :-)
 
* Also I heard from Max Padon and he relates:  We all are getting older so the motto for traveling should be "Do it while you can."   I will have to check with Bonnie, who seems to be the most peripatetic of the bunch, to see whether she is able to match, or better, my 51 countries. 
 
I wrote back to Max and said, "Maybe I should ask if anyone can beat your record; my guess....heavens no.... not even close!   Although I wonder about David Morris - do you think he's been to as many as you have since he flew for TWA? 
 
Love to all Jake

 

Classmates:  I'm pleased that Max remembered to include Becky's "foreign countries visited" list.  Jake

 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Max Padon
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 11:43 PM
Subject: Ooops

I hadn't checked for awhile, and our exchange prompted me to check my list. Becky is at 20 foreign countries, and the US, of course, while I am at 58 foreign countries, plus the land of the Red, White, and Blue.


 

 

 

August 17, 2006

Hey guys and gals:
 
I'm not sure If I have sent this message before or not.  If I have,  just enjoy hearing about Jim & Katherine's trip again.   :-)   Remember they are traveling by motorcycle on this trip.   I'm sure the Ferry ride must have given their "rumps" a little rest.
 
I admire the fact that they are in great physical shape and can endure the wear and tear on the old body.   Keep these two in your prayers and thoughts.   We wish them a very safe trip home.
 
I'll keep you updated as I receive postcards from them.
 
Love to all - Jake

 
I received another postcard from Jim & Katherine Garber.  
 
7/12/06 Wednesday
 
This is the Ferry that we are on.  We caught it at Haines, Alaska and we are getting off at Bellingham, Washington Friday at 7:00am.  The ride on the Ferry has been very nice, very relaxing.   We've seen whales and dolphins swimming along side of the boat.   We are sleeping in lounge chairs on the deck.  Not bad.   Soon we'll be heading back across the states.   Love Jim & Katherine.

 

---- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 7:19 PM
Subject: Emailing: David Fertich-Becky... 1958

The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
 
David Fertich-Becky
 

Note: To protect against computer viruses, e-mail programs may prevent sending or receiving certain types of file attachments.  Check your e-mail security settings to determine how attachments are handled.

 

 


 

David Fertich-Becky.jpg


 

Senior All Night Party......
 
Anita Wilson on the lap of David Fertich.....Helen Rollins on the lap of Bill Smith (Stonewall Jackson) and me on the lap of Bull Miller....who is making a face, as to say how heavy I was....
 
Have a good chuckle.
 
 
 

  
 
 
1958Allnightparty0001
 

Note: To protect against computer viruses, e-mail programs may prevent sending or receiving certain types of file attachments.  Check your e-mail security settings to determine how attachments are handled.

 

 


1958Allnightparty0001.jpg


 

Classmates:
 
Many of you are aware of the pain Vesta Pauley Grinstead has endured with her ankle.
 
She and husband Earl recently went to Duke University Hospital and she has qualified to be in part of a "artificial ankle replacement program."   Two years ago, the government did a short study on 400 people for a while that was stopped - now they find that the people who participated in this study are doing quite well.  
 
Vesta is number 71 with her assigned doctor and it will probably be April 07 before they do the replacement.  She is to call in four to five months to check with them.  They say she is a perfect candidate - they say her density is great.  I believe she said her doctor's name is Dr. Nunley - he is a 1966 graduate from Stonewall Jackson High School.   His mother still lives in this area.
 
We wish Vesta a very successful surgery and recovery when this time rolls around.   Keep her in your prayers.
 
Love, Jake

 

September 20, 2006

What a wonderful lunch today.    Twenty people showed up.
 
Those who were there:   Joan (Bennett) Belcher, Butch Buckley, Judy (Bowen) Romano, Faye (Adams) & Jerry Collins, Bill Coles, Bull Miller, Jo Ann (Spitler) Bostic, Jane (Monk) Monday,  Vest (Pauley) & Earl Grinstead, Janet (Buckner) George, Dreama (Martin) & Roger Vass and their daughter Dinah with her wonderful new baby boy - Donavan, Erma (Wood) Harris, Barbara (Wolfe) & Lee Harvey  and me.
 
There was lots of talk about the trips Erma and Jane had just taken.  More about this later.   Gus Belcher stopped by briefly to say hello - he was to tee off in a golf tournament around 12:30 pm. 
 
I received a note from Jo Anne Scarbro saying her twin grandchildren would be one year old today which was quite exciting for their family.   She wanted me to tell everyone that she misses us and wish she could be at lunch with us some month in the future.
 
We had a great time and it was a truly beautiful day here in good ole South Charleston!!!
 
For those who didn't make it - do try again next month.   That lunch will be on October 21st. 
 
Take care and love to all, Jake

 

 

I thought some of you might like to read this - especially those of you who live away from WV.   It's an article in today's CNN web news.
 
Hope you enjoy - Jake

 

story.bridge.view.ap.jpg

 

To experience the New River, get beyond the bridge

POSTED: 10:42 a.m. EDT, September 11, 2006

FAYETTEVILLE, West Virginia (AP) -- At the bottom of the 174 wooden steps from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to the lookout on the New River Gorge, Jim Dill removes his woven straw hat, as if he has entered a holy place.

"This is breathtaking," he says softly, as wife Rita begins snapping photos. A few minutes later, he adds: "I can't look enough! I've got a sore neck, twisting my head one direction and then the other."

Dill, of Caldwell, Idaho, is one of some 300,000 people who stop at the New River Gorge National River each year. Most are here just to get a glimpse of the world famous New River Gorge Bridge and the canyon below. The steel-arch span, the second-longest in the world, is a sight in itself, made famous by jumpers who parachute from its edge at a festival the third Saturday of every October (October 21 this year).

In May, Roads & Bridges magazine ranked it one of the top 10 bridges of all time, in the company of such icons as the Brooklyn Bridge in New York and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

And while they don't yet have the numbers to back up their theory, guides with the National Park Service swear that tourism has increased since the release last year of the West Virginia quarter -- a coin bearing the image of the bridge.

But there is more to the New River Gorge than the steel that stretches over it. And there is more to it than the blue and yellow rafts that ply the whitewater below the bridge, carrying 100,000 people a year down Class 4 rapids that qualify as the park's most traveled "trail."

There is the rest of the New, beyond the bridge.

The river begins at a spring in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and winds north for 320 miles until it intersects with the Gauley. For 53 miles in West Virginia, it is a national park encompassing 70,000 acres between Fayetteville and Hinton.

The park was created in part to preserve the legacy of coal mining towns like Kaymoor and Thurmond, though its valleys are now free of the smoke that once belched from coke ovens and freight trains. Today, it offers recreation in many forms, from rock climbing and biking to fishing, birding, swimming and hunting.

Each of the four visitors' centers has something different to offer.

Twelve miles south of Fayetteville, travelers turn off U.S. 19 into the village of Glen Jean, then onto a narrow road that winds for seven miles through a community of tin-roofed homes that give way to orange lilies exploding from the greenery. A few miles in, a mountain waterfall roars over a stream filled with boulders and lined with moss-covered trees.

Eventually, the road offers up a choice: Left or right. History or nature.

Running parallel to the railroad is a one-lane path that emerges from the trees and crosses a narrow rusting bridge into Thurmond, a boom town turned ghost town.

In the early 1900s, Thurmond's banks were among the wealthiest in the state, and 15 passenger trains a day passed through on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. But the Great Depression triggered shutdowns and bank failures, and rail travel began to shift from the steam engines that served the C&O to diesel locomotives that made jobs in the rail yard obsolete.

The proliferation of cars and roads cut deeper into train travel, and when the coal industry began to give out, there was little reason left to travel to Thurmond. Today, it's a monument to a lost way of life.

A few miles away, at the opposite end of the fork, is the Dun Glen recreational area, a little-known stretch of the New with a wide, sandy beach.

Melissa Wilson, 32, of Thayer, is camping with husband Chris and three daughters, relishing the peace broken only by a train that passes four times a day.

"A lot of people ought to enjoy this," she says. "It's something else."

"A lot of people just don't know it's there," Chris adds. "They just think that road out there is a road to nowhere."

In a way, it is nowhere. But that's what makes it so appealing, Melissa says. And there is plenty to do.

"You can fish or swim or just sit here under the trees and camp. Where else do you get this kind of peace?" she says.

Still, there is more.

About 25 miles south of Glen Jean, just off Interstate 64, county Route 9 winds for 5 miles between rolling pastures and well-kept homes.

At the end is Grandview, a well-manicured section of the park with playgrounds and pavilions. The longest trail is three miles, and the walkway leading to the main overlook is level sandstone, somehow suggesting there is not much to see. But emerge from tree line, and it's clear there is.

The Grandview overlook is higher than the perch at Canyon Rim, some 1,400 feet above the New, with views that spread for miles and include the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal left the gorge in 1873.

The only sounds are the birds above and the rapids below.

It's only another 20 miles to the southernmost visitor center, Sandstone. The eco-friendly building has a light-colored roof to reflect sunlight, is insulated with recycled cellulose and has a geothermal heating system.

But its highlight is an intricate terrazo tile floor map of the New River watershed -- dark green for park land, white for public land, gray for state parks and forests, and blue for the river.

Few tourists make it this far south, and Sandstone spokesman David Caldwell says even many locals don't realize it's part of the park.

Just a few miles from here, the New drops over a rock shelf in a sheet of water some 1,500 feet wide. The Park Service has built picnic areas, hiking trails and a boardwalk, making it one of the safest and most accessible spots on the river.

"There's just as much nature here as in the other end of the park," Caldwell says, "but here, you go slow enough to see it."

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Classmates:
 
The following emails have been sent to me by Janet Buckner George.   Please read both emails and also the attachment.  
 
Thanks - Jake

 
----- Original Message -----
To: "Jake" <jpauley@ntelos.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 2:08 PM
Subject: about Gaye Simms

Jake,
 
Gaye is the daughter of the former Rosealie Newman, who was a grade or two ahead of us in school.  She was also head majorette in 56 I think.  Anyway her daughter is very ill, maybe you could forward the email to other classmates and maybe someone would want to help.     Rosie and Choochee, her brother were both former classmates of ours.    They are also my husband's cousins.  
 
Thanks for any help you can give.  Janet

 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 2:04 PM

Gaye's bad plasma cells returned after 11 weeks of the first chemo treatment.  On Monday, Oct. 30, she will begin the 3rd cycle of a
4-chemo, 96-hour treatment, then 2 weeks off.  They have already collected her stem cells for a transplant in December.

Please read the attachment to see how you might be able to help.

Gratefully,
Rosalie and family

To Friends of Gaye and Tripp Sims and the Gwinns:

 

So many of you have called and sent cards and flowers and food and other goodies, and all of you have asked if there is anything you can do for Gaye or for us.  For some of you, at least, we may have an answer. 

 

Gaye has completed two intense cycles of chemo and two spinal taps, during which they injected chemo into the spinal fluid.  Last week after a week of a self-injected growth formula, they collected 11 million stem cells in one day (usually they get 5 or 6 million in a day); stem cell transplants have been more successful with multiple myeloma than bone marrow transplants.  Gaye has more chemo to do before they do the autologous (self) stem cell transplant.

 

It is still quite possible that she will need a healthy donor’s stem cells, as well.  The most likely candidates are siblings, but both brothers have been typed, and neither is an exact match.  There is a national registry of stem cell donors, the National Marrow Donor Program, and the Emory clinic is checking this to find possible donors.  A match could be anyone, anywhere.   You might even be a match for Gaye, but for sure you could be a match for someone who needs a healthy donor.  Stem cell donation (known as Peripheral Blood Stem Cell or PBSC), unlike bone marrow donation, is not painful or uncomfortable; it is like donating blood, just takes a little longer.  Getting on the donor registry involves providing either a blood sample or a cheek swab sample and some paper work.  Each state has different donor sites.

 

If you would like to be a stem cell donor, go to http://marrow.org for all the information that you need.  Who knows?  Once you are on the national registry, you may be the match for Gaye, or you may be a match for someone else who needs healthy stem cells.  A small fee is involved to pay for the sample kits, and we would be glad to help out anyone who needs financial help with this.

 

Again, we thank you for all you prayers and good thoughts and anything else you have done for us in the last four months.  Gaye uses all her strength to fight the pain and nausea and boredom of being sick; your positive energy boosts us all.

 

P.S.  Friends in the Orlando area can get a swab kit from Kids Beating Cancer, 615 E. Princeton Street, Suite 400 , Orlando , FL 32803 .  You can call Adele Smith at 407-894-2888 or email her at kbcancer@aol.com.  You can also ask to be typed free for the registry if you give blood at any one of the Florida Blood Centers, 888-9-donate, Ext. 5004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 23, 2006

 

Hey guys and gals:
 
Attached is the billboards that we are seeing all over town.   Our own Judy Bowen Romano is running for  the WV House of Delegates.   Notice the little play on words.....#3 on the ballot and #1 in your heart!  Pretty neat!  Now I THINK I heard her say she stole that slogan from Butch Buckley.   :-)
 
Love to all,  Jake
 
 


 

October 23, 2006

Hey there people:
 
As usual, we had a wonderful time visiting, eating and catching up on the latest news.
 
Those who were able to join us were:   Judy (Bowen) Romano, Butch Buckley, Bull Miller, Jane (Monk) Monday, Jo Ann (Spitler) Bostic, Carroll (Pack) & Stanley Kinder, Bill Coles, Raymond Barnett, Owen Higgins, Max Padon (who was in visiting his Mother) and me.  (No pictures this time as no one brought their camera.)
 
It was so good to see Max and I talked to Becky a little earlier in the day.   She already had plans with a relative so wasn't able to join us.
 
Start planning on next month's lunch which will be on November 18th.
 
Love to all, Jake

 

October 4, 2006

Hey guys and gals:
 
I just received this email from Paul and he wanted me to give all of you an update about Mary Ann.   Be sure to keep both of them in your prayers and thoughts.   Please continue to send cards!
 
Love to all, Jake

 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Nixon
To: jpauley
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 8:48 PM
Subject: UP-DATE ON MARY ANN

JACKIE;  MARY ANN GOES INTO THE HOSPITAL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO START HER CHEMO. SHOULD BE HOME FRIDAY. SHE IS IN GOOD SPRITS BUT ALSO A LITTLE SCARED AT THE SAME TIME. THE LATEST CAT SCAN WAS GOOD NEWS AS NO CANCER IN THE CHEST OR THE UPPER/LOWER BOWEL TRACT. HER CANCER IS RATED AS A CATEGORY 3 TYPE 2. RESTRICTED TO THE OVARIES AND THE FALLOPIAN TUBES AN THEY WERE REMOVED. DOC'S WILL USE BOTH PORTS WHILE IN THE HOSPITAL THEN THE REST WILL BE AT THE MAYO CLINIC AS AN OUT PATIENT .
 
AS ALWAYS YOU CAN POST THIS E-MAIL. THE CARDS HAVE CHEERED HER UP.
 
PAUL

 

October 3, 2006

Hey Guys and Gals:
 
Becky Agnew Huffman found this picture when she was going through some of her Mother's things.   I have gotten permission from Max Padon to post it.   I do believe you will all get a kick out of it - I sure did!  Isn't it wonderful that Becky found this and can share it with Max?  Does anyone have any great pictures of when you were young - perhaps with siblings, parents or other classmates?  
 
Becky says her family ran into Max's family one year while they were all on vacation in FL and Becky's Mother took the picture which is the reason she isn't in it.  
 
Max adds these little tidbits.   "It might have been at Daytona Beach, but I think that it was in or near Ormond Beach which is just north of Daytona. I would guess that it was the summer of 1950 or '51, but that is based more on appearance than recollection. I think that we actually ran into the Agnews down there more than one summer, but I am not sure about that. I will try to remember to ask my mother. Our fathers knew one another from Union Carbide.

Becky has identified everyone for us:
 
   Max and me up front....   AW SHUCKS NOW, AREN'T THEY JUST TOO PRECIOUS!!!
   Back left...my dad...Lee Agnew     BECKY ADDS THAT HER DAD WAS IN THE MARINES.
   Middle and right....Max's parents...Jo and Homer
   Mom (Augusta Agnew), took the photo
 
An additional note - yesterday was Becky's birthday (September 30) - so Becky....Happy Birthday to YOU!!!  Jake

 


 

Max Padon and me.JPG

 



November 27, 2006

Classmates:   This email from Max is self explanatory.   Please read it.   Love to all, Jake

 
----- Original Message -----
From: Max Padon
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 11:45 AM
Subject: A Different Christmas poem

I forward few of the things that rocket around the Net, and this might seem a bit sappy at first, but we all have been there in our own way. Remembering those in the Armed Forces in a sappy way, is better than not remembering them at all.

Forwarding a poem is one thing you can do, but still better would be to send to anysoldier.com or one of the other organizations that supports those overseas. I have made my contribution. Have you?

I hope that you all have a good Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas or Happy Chanukah, and have your family with you to enjoy whatever holidays you are celebrating.

Max Padon
 

Subject: Different Christmas poem



The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."


PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due
to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities.  Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we
owe.  Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who
sacrificed themselves for us.



LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum, Iraq



 

November 9, 2006

Classmates:
 
Paul has sent us an update about Mary Ann.   Keep them in your prayers and thoughts. 
 
Email me if you want their home address so you can send cards.
 
Love to all - Jake

 

JACKIE;
 
SORRY FOR THE DELAY. THE FIRST CHEMO TREATMENT WAS VERY BAD. SPENT OVER 10 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL. HAD HER SECOND CHEMO TREATMENT THIS PAST WEDNESDAY  SO FAR ALL HAS GONE VERY WELL EXCEPT FOR THE SEVERE HEADACHES FROM THE WHITE CELL INJECTION. NEXT TREATMENT IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 22.
 
KIDNEY'S STILL NOT UP TO PAR BUT THE DOCTORS DO NOT FEEL THERE IS A PROBLEM. THEY DID CHANGE THE CHEMO DRUG AS THE FIRST ONE WAS TOO STRONG FOR HER SYSTEM.
 
ALL OF THE DOC'S AND RN'S HAVE BEEN ANGELS FOR HER AT MAYO CLINIC. WE BOTH KNOW SHE IS IN THE BEST OF HANDS THAT CAN BE HAD.
 
AS ALWAYS YOU CAN POST TO ALL.
 
MAY GOD BLESS ALL
 
PAUL FOR MARY ANN

 

December 27,2006

Hey guys and gals:   Below you will find a neat letter forwarded from David and Gypsy Barker Lyle.  Enjoy, Jake

 

 

 

                 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

 

In my next life I plan to be extremely organized and never feel like I am doing things at the last minute but here I am in this life living with my current reality.  The consequence of this means that the plans this year to have pictures with our Christmas letter aren’t happening.  Nevertheless, we have had a good year which included a fabulous three week tour in China.  Those would have been some of the pictures we would have included.  The popular “couple on the Great Wall” would not have been one of them. We arrived during their national holi-week when half the country is on vacation. It seemed like they were all visiting the Wall on the same day. Gypsy, with her replacement knees and hip was not steady enough to make it up to the top of the Wall with the pulsing throng all around her even with David’s attentive assistance.  It was a wonderful sight as were the Terra Cotta soldiers, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Yangtze River and so many other amazing things.  We traveled with a great group organized by our Tucson friends and met other interesting people in the total tour group.  The Chinese we met were friendly and curious. Gypsy was somewhat of a Chinese tourist attraction due to her height.  They would come up to her, tap her on the arm, and then motion that they wanted a picture with their tiny mother or grandmother who came to her waist.  We figure she is now in many Chinese albums under the heading of “Tall American Woman”.

          David and Gypsy are both still working.  David says he keeps his office open so he won’t have to do chores at home.  He goes to work around 9:00, has coffee with a group of guys in his building; works some, then they go out to lunch. He returns and works until around 6:00 when he goes to his martial arts class, thrice weekly. Gypsy still does two 10 hour days as a therapist with sexual trauma survivors and continues to love her work and her colleagues.  Work seems to give our lives meaning. 

          David, the older son, is still working long hours with his company which is now called Bloom Energy.  They build energy cells and are doing very well but he has the goal of next year getting a “balanced life”.  He is making progress on remodeling his San Francisco house in lower Haight but not as fast as he would like.

          John and Jennifer added a daughter Kelsie in January of 2006 and we all agree that she is small but mighty.  Her older brother Mason continues to be a delight and has taken proudly to the role of big brother.  Jennifer is a stay at home Mom which keeps her very busy and John is a Sergeant with the Gilbert Police Dept. currently assigned to the Police Academy which gives him more regular hours for the next year or so. 

          David’s father Kenneth went into a nursing home in Scottsville, Kentucky this past spring.  The facility is near the home they lived in for many years and has a very caring staff. He is doing well for 92.

          May 2007 bring you and yours the love and peace we wish for All.   

 

December 18, 2006

Today's luncheon was another "winner."   We had 15 people show up and we had a wonderful time together.  
 
Those who were there:   Joan Belcher, Judy Romano & granddaughter Gabrielle Potter, Butch Buckley and son Scott (walking very well I might add!!), Bill Coles, Dale Miller, Joe Bennett, Janet George, Phyllis Fenwick, Raymond Barnett, Jo Ann Bostic, Faye & Jerry Collins and me.
 
It was so good to see Scott up and walking around.   He is still in PT three times a week, but getting along very well.   Leave it to his crazy Dad who checked to see if a magnet would stick to Scott's behind and IT DID!!!  Scott will be home until the first week in January.   This sure makes Mr. Buckley happy.
 
Little Gabrielle was quite the young lady - being very adult like while eating her lunch.
 
We certainly missed Bull Miller today.  Butch said he was very sick - probably with a virus?   They had taken him to the hospital a day or two before to be checked over and they said his heart was fine.   We'll keep you up to date.
 
Most of the gals were decked out in their Christmas finery today.   We had a great time as usual and hope to see some of you next month. 
 
Love to all, Jake

 

November 28, 2006

Hey there people:
 
Today we were small in number, but large in fun.   Those attending were:  Joan Belcher, Jo Ann Bostic, Judy Romano, Dale Miller, Bull Miller, Butch Buckley, Joe Bennett, Jane Monday and me. 
 
An unexpected treat when I arrived - sitting next to the tables they had fixed for us was Bud Williams and his grandson, Jonathan.   They had come for breakfast - so we all were able to visit with them for a short time.
 
Good news from Butch - Scotty got off his crutches on Wednesday this week and they want him to put weight on his leg now.
 
Hope to see some of you next month for lunch.  We will let you know what the plans are for December's lunch as soon as we decide what we will do.
 
Love to all - Jake

 

 

 

 

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