Being able to stand on the stage at the Keith-Albee once again and represent our HHS Class of 1960 was a very proud moment for me personally.  Joe McVay, Sharon Roach Ray, and I made the presentation to David Tyson, Co-President of the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.  We were joined on stage by many members of our class and spouses - Judy Browning Clark, Donna Carey Dewey, Bill Jarvis, Betty Sue Haden Kinzer, John Kinzer, Ronald Marcum, Stan Maynard, Pam McCoy, Mary Harvey Wilson Midkiff, Jim Raines, Roger Ray, Judy Sheers Swann, Mary Lou Eaton Williams, and Dick Wilson.  Others who also attended the event and dinner before the MU Artist Series were Steve Brown, Susan Chetwin Brandon, Jean Charles, Alfreda Corradi Leef, Billy Glick, Barbara Maynard, Carolyn Raines, Pam Morlock Rawn, Ed Shaffer, and Dixie Wilson.

Before the presentation, we were given a tour of the Keith-Albee including behind and below the stage.  It was very interesting to say the least.  We stood where so many famous performers stood since the 1920's.  After the presentation, we joined the Artist Series crowd and enjoyed a great performance by Mannheim Steamroller.  Setting in the balcony, I was able to observe all of the ornate architecture and decorations that I remember from years ago.  What a beautiful theater.  Penny Watkins, Executive Director of the Artist Series, showed us the locations where they are testing various painting schemes for the renovation of the interior.  They were to have a visit in the following weeks by the consulting firm who is helping plan for the theater renovation.  After the performance, we were all treated to a reception at Saads Carpets.  It was a wonderful evening in Huntington.  Please see Classmate Photos (2007) for a photo from the stage of the Keith-Albee.  Fred Charles

Herald-Dispatch, April 7, 2007.  The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center has received a $15,000 donation from the Huntington High School Class of 1960, McVay Realty and friends.  HUNTINGTON - The Huntington High School Class of 1960, McVay Realty and Friends recently banded together to donate $15,000 to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center Inc. (KAPAC) for restoration of the theatre.  A check will be presented to KAPAC co-presidents, Senator Bob Plymale and David Tyson at the Marshall Artists Series presentation of Mannheim Steamroller on April 10^th at 8 p.m. 

“This is a wonderful result and a great memorial to the Huntington High School Class of 1960 and Friends,” said Fred Charles of Matthews, NC.  “Everybody should be very proud to know that we are generously giving back to our old hometown of Huntington, West Virginia by supporting the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.”  “Many of our classmates have been very concerned about the future of the Keith-Albee Theatre,” said Charles. “So concerned, in fact, that our class donated $5000 from our memorial fund to the Keith-Albee renovation project.”  This resulted in a fund drive for all class members and friends that ultimately raised an additional $5000.

The group received a pledge from classmate Joe A. McVay, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, SC. to match all donations from the group. McVay kept his pledge and matched the group with a $5000 donation of his own to bring the grand total to $15,000.  When asked about his pledge to match his classmate’s donation, Joe A. McVay, Jr. of McVay Realty said, “I'm very honored to be able to help with the restoration of my favorite building in Huntington. I'm proud to have grown up in Huntington, and because of the efforts of a lot of people the Keith Albee will be remain as the premiere landmark of downtown Huntington.  There isn't a theater on Broadway that has the elegance or beauty of OUR Keith Albee.  It is a proud day for all of us.”

Memories of the Keith-Albee among the class of 1960 are very vivid.  Classmate Sharon Ray of Sumter, SC. sums it up best when she answered her question, What is so special about the Keith-Albee?  “It’s laughter, tears, enthusiasm, stars, audiences, cartoons.  It’s black and white, color, 3-D, Cinemascope, Stereo, and THX movies.  It’s also live shows, concerts, Vaudeville, and pop music.  Last but not least, it’s graduations for many senior class students.  The Keith-Albee was part of my life for as long as I can remember”

“Senator Plymale and I are deeply grateful to the Huntington High School Class of 1960 & McVay Realty for their generous contribution to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center” said David Tyson Co-President of KAPAC.  “This will certainly help in the ongoing restoration of Huntington’s finest gem.”  “The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, Inc. appreciates groups such as the Huntington High School Class of 1960 and individuals such as Joe A. McVay, Jr. that realize the importance of the future plans for revitalizing Downtown Huntington and we encourage other groups to follow their lead,” said Senator Bob Plymale, Co-President of KAPAC.

Herald-Dispatch, April 11, 2007.  Donation made to Keith-Albee at Mannheim Steamroller Concert.  HUNTINGTON -- A $15,000 check from a group of Huntington High School graduates and a realty company was presented to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center Inc. on Tuesday night for restoration of the theater.  The Huntington High School Class of 1960 and McVay Realty and Friends handed the check over to the theater's co-presidents state Sen. Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, and David Tyson at the Marshall Artists Series presentation of Mannheim Steamroller.  Huntington High's 1960 graduate class collected $10,000 from their memorial fund for the Keith-Albee renovation project.  A $5,000 pledge was received from classmate Joe A. McVay Jr. of Myrtle Beach, S.C., to match all donations from the group. That brought the total to $15,000.  Classmate Sharon Ray of Sumter, S.C., said in a prepared release that Keith-Albee was part of her life for as long as she can remember.  "It's laughter, tears, enthusiasm, stars, audiences and cartoons, live shows, concerts, and last but not least, it's graduations for many senior class students," she said.

Classmates Gather in Huntington.  Many classmates gathered at the Marshall Hall of Fame Café on April 10, 2007 before the Keith-Albee Presentation.  See Classmate Photos (2007).

New E-Mail Addresses

Antonio, Carla Latta - melvinantonio@sbcglobal.net

Bledsoe, Jim - jim.judy@zoominternet.net

Brown, Steve - parksdd884@aol.com

Ewing, Mary Koletka - weedingwidow@hotmail.com

Frick, G.G. Varnum - fricktc@comcast.net

Frick, Tom - fricktc@comcast.net

Harris, Bob - harrisrb@suddenlink.net

Jarvis, Bill - daisy543@aol.com

Keen, Mike - maxshone@bellsouth.net

Myers, Chip - chipmyers@charter.net

Myers, Garland Peoples - garlandmyers@charter.net

Patterson, Jim - patterson@gtcom.net

Raines, Ronald - rraines162@roadrunner.com

Salyers, Sandy York - nanasdolls@comcast.net

Schenck, Carolyn Thomas - cschenck@truvista.net

Shaffer, Ed - jedgar@frontiernet.net

Tickle, Jim - jftickle42@adelphia.net

Vital, Dick - rlvitalaw@yahoo.com

Weaver, Bill - wa42dok@gmail.com

Wireman, Mary Nancarrow - bluejeans26@hotmail.com

New Cyberpony - Mary Koletka Ewing.  I talked to Mary recently found out that she uses the Internet and would be happy to join our group.  Mary lives in Port Orange, Florida.  She lost her second husband, Bob, a few years ago.  Now she shares her home with her 2 Yorkie dogs.  Mary graduated from Marshall in 1964 with a teaching degree and she taught school in Cincinnati for several years.  She has 1 son and 2 daughters.  Mary also works as a landscaper and calls herself the Weeding Widow.  You can contact her at her e-mail address weedingwidow@hotmail.com.

New Cyberpony – Steve Brown.  Those who attended Cammack Junior High will remember Steve.  He left Huntington before attending HHS and then joined the Navy.  Steve completed his high school education in the Navy where he attained the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer.  He retired from the Navy after a 21-year career.  After the Navy, Steve lived in Durham, NC, Akron, OH, and the Atlanta, GA area before returning to Huntington to retire.  Regarding his working career, Steve tells me “Most all of my work has been in the engineering or building trades.   I enjoy doing both, I have been renovating my home here for a little over two years now and it is starting to look pretty good.”  Steve likes to fish and his favorite hobby is building and refurbishing fishing rods and reels.  He has 3 daughters, 3 granddaughters, 3 great granddaughters, 4 grandsons, and 2 great grandsons from a previous marriage.  Steve is now engaged to Martha Kiser Richards.  Steve’s e-mail address is parksdd884@aol.com.

New Cyberpony – Dick Vital.  Dick is an attorney practicing in Barboursville, WV.  He tells me "I continue to spend at least 1/2 of my waking hours in a courtroom - but I still love it."  He recently visited our class web site and really enjoyed the photos and "the DooWop."  He said that, “Rock and Roll music really brings back those memories.”  Dick’s e-mail address is rlvitalaw@yahoo.com.

Jim Tickle Returns to Cyberponies.  After several years, Jim Tickle bought himself a new computer and got back on the Internet.  Jim lives in Huntington and he says that he is looking forward to catching up with his high school friends.  You can write to Jim at jftickle42@adelphia.net.

Carla Returns to the Cyberponies.  I talked to Carla Latta Antonio recently learned her new e-mail address.  Actually, I made a mistake on her address for a long time and she has not been receiving Cyberpony mail.  So, now she will be able to keep in touch with everyone.  Carla lives in Mico, Texas with her husband Melvin.  They have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.  Both Carla and Melvin have retired.  Melvin is studying for the ministry.  Carla tells me that her parents (age 90 and 92) are doing well and are living in Florida.  You can contact Carla at melvinantonio@sbcglobal.net.

Classmate Pamela Pitts White.  I am sorry to inform you of the passing of another of our classmates - Pam White.  Pam lived in Huntington, WV and retired from Alcon Surgical, Inc. at the first of the year.  She was on a trip to Ohio when she died unexpectedly.  The following is her obituary from the Herald-Dispatch.  PAMELA PITTS WHITE, age 64, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away Sunday, March 25, 2007, in Bethesda North Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at 2 p.m. at Beard Mortuary with Rev. Greg Trout officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington. She was born May 31, 1942, a daughter of Eloise Pitts White of Huntington, W.Va., and the late James White. She was retired from Alcon Surgical, Inc. In addition to her mother, Pamela is survived by two sisters, Twila Blake of Charleston, W.Va., and Tamara Barnett of Cincinnati, Ohio; three nieces, Beth Lake, Kelsey Barnett and Jessica Barnett all of Cincinnati, Ohio; a great-nephew, Ian Blake of Savannah, Ga.; a great-niece, Sherri Downing of Breckenridge, Ill.; and an aunt and uncle, Ruth and Richard Hansen of Rock Island, Ill. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.beardfu neralhome.com. The family will receive friends on Wednesday after 12:00 noon at Beard Mortuary.

Classmate Jerald David Collins.  I talked to Jerry Collins' wife Glenna recently and learned that Jerry is deceased.  He died in 2003 due to lung cancer.  Glenna (HHS'61) lives in Knoxville, TN.  No obituary is available.

Huntington School Consolidation.  In 2006, a bond levy was passed allowing four of the county's six middle schools and three elementary schools to be replaced. Martha Elementary and Barboursville and Milton Middle Schools would be replaced, and Cammack and West Middle Schools would be consolidated on the Cammack site.  Likewise, Cammack and Miller elementaries would be consolidated on the Cammack site.  Construction is to begin July 1, 2007 on the new facility at the Cammack site.

Cammack Middle School Holds Memories for Many.  The following article was published in the HuntingtonNews.Net.   Huntington, WV (HNN) -- A lot of memories were rekindled when people came to see Cammack Middle School on Saturday afternoon, April 28, 2007 before it will be torn down next month for construction of a new school. A row of tables with Cammack memorabilia and yearbooks brought up conversations with family members and friends of former days in the Cammack Middle and former junior high school.  Many toured the building taking another look at the halls they used to roam in, the gym where they took physical education classes in and the auditorium they assembled in. Some took a look at the classroom that launched their teaching career.
 
One observer wondered if the new school would be built with materials as good as the old school noting how well Cammack had stood the test of time since 1922 and if the architecture would be as good.  The junior and elementary school was named for one of Huntington's earliest settlers John Henry Cammack.  The school when built in 1922 had a value of $353,000. The school architects were Meanor and Handloser (grandfather of Jim Handloser).  C.M. Ashburn was Cammack's first principal. He had a teaching staff of 23 and 490 pupils in the junior high.  The elementary section had 12 teachers and 375 students.

Cammack Family Bids Farewell to School Building.  Herald-Dispatch April 29, 2007.  The halls of Cammack Middle and Elementary school have been traveled by many over the years. On Saturday afternoon, just a short time before the bell rings at the school for the final time, some of those who traveled the halls came by to say good-bye.  The "Come Back to Cammack" celebration was different from other reunions. More than just asking for students from a specific year to return to the school, it cast a wider net, allowing past students, teachers, administrators and members of the community to tour the building one final time.

Kellie Johnson started her experience in 1989 as a sixth grader at the school. But on Saturday, she was a fully-grown adult, selling bricks of Cammack to those who wanted to own a piece of the school.  "It's just weird seeing things like lockers that I remember, things like that," Johnson said. "There's a lot of reminiscing going on.”  Johnson now has a youngster of her own, a second grader who'll have to transfer to Miller Elementary this fall. The two schools will eventually move into a reconstructed complex on the Cammack grounds. West and Cammack middle schools will merge into their own school that will also be on the same grounds as the elementary. Names have not been formally selected for the two, which are currently being referred to as Southside Middle and the Southside Elementary.

But on this Saturday, all the focus was on the Blue Streaks. Throughout the building, tri-fold posterboard showed generations of the Cammack family, dozens of newspaper clippings, pictures of dances or football games. There was even memorabilia like cheerleading pompoms and awards from Cammack's decades past.  It was likely that many would not have needed the items to jog their memories, though, if the faces, rapt with the smallest details of the building, were any indication. Even with all the yearbooks, the tears, the photographs, the most common sight was a senior citizen, a mom, a teen stopped at a seemingly inconsequential locker or water fountain, seemingly on a stroll down their own private Memory Lane.

Bill Enjoys His New VW Convertible Named Brise.  Bill Weaver is having a lot of fun with his new toy that he got as a retirement present.  He says, “Brise is the German and French word for breeze.  It was natural that this is the name I gave my little car.  I am enclosing a nice photo of my little angel.”  See Classmate Photos (2007).  “Even old men can get offers in one of these things.  I have heard everything from, ‘Hey, I like your ride’ to ‘How about a spin for old time’s sake.’  That last one was from a girl who looked so young, she couldn’t have known much at all about old times at all.  The German is Die Brise, and the French is La Brise.  However, I am led to understand that Die Brise is more at the ‘blustery day’, or even can have a connotation of cold strong wind, whereas, La Brise, the French way, conjures a large porch, and a frequent, but gentle, breeze to keep one cool on a nice summer’s day.”

Remembering Others Who Have Left Us.  Please join with me to remember our friends and family who have passed away recently.

Mrs. Marjorie Lerner, 88, Louisville, KY.  Michael Lerner’s mother passed away December 26, 2006

Mr. W. E. “Ernie” Christian, 94, of Sandy Spring, MD.  Carolyn Christian Finegar’s father passed away January 14, 2007.

Mrs. Ginevra Ginn Tidman, 96, of Huntington, WV.  Jim Callaway’s mother passed away February 1, 2007.  See Classmate Photos (2007).

Mr. James Michael Nunley, 63, of Dallas TX.  David Nunley’s brother passed away March 5, 2007.

Mrs. Juanita K. Collins, 84, of Knoxville, TN.  Jerry Collins’ mother passed away April 1, 2007.

Mrs. Helen Asbury Yeager, 84, of Hurricane, WV.  HHS typing teacher passed away April 20, 2007.  See Classmate Photos (2007).

Mrs. Elsie Rutledge, 86, of Huntington, WV.  Tom Rutledge’s mother passed away May 19, 2007.

Major Makes a Huntington Connection.  Major Marcks recently wrote, “When you started sending messages about the old Keith, it started me remembering about it. It caused me to write the Huntington Theater Co. via their web site.  I was shocked that the Hyman's still ran the theaters.  I sent Eric Hyman a note about how I had met Ed Hyman while I was learning to fly at the airport in Chesapeake.  Ed and I used to fly together on weekends at dusk to check out how business was going at all the drive-ins. Well, I mistook Ed for being Erick's Grandpa, however he said that he was his Uncle.  The real shock was Ed lives in Denver in the same area as I do.  Well, I called Ed and 45 years went right out the window in about an hour.  Sunday May 6^th Ed and I once again went flying together in his plane. Ed is still a good pilot and after 20 years of not flying.  I still have not lost my touch even though I flew jet fighters.  Took about 5 min's. to get my brain back to flying something like his twin engine Piper.  Thank you for jogging my gray matter and getting Ed and I together after 45 years.  Major Marcks.

Mason’s Class Compete in Contest.  Beth Rogers Joyce is very proud of her grandson Mason, whose third grade class have become finalists in the Animal Planet’s “How Do You R.O.A.R?" contest.  We all pitched in to vote for his South Butler Primary School.  Go to Classmate Photos (2007) to see Mason holding his adoption certificate for his manatee Ariel.

Classmates Have Fun at Wachovia Golf Tournament.  See Classmate Photos (2007) for Terry & Sandy Brodof and Jean & Fred Charles in the crowd at the recent Wachovia Golf Championship in Charlotte, NC. 

Huntington Weddings in 1960s.  Francine Blain Gemmill asked “What was the typical wedding like in Huntington in the 1960s?”  Her daughter is getting married in October and they are discussing how weddings have changed over the years.  Francine tells us, “When I was married in June of 1964 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Huntington, the reception consisted of wedding cake, fruit punch, mixed nuts and mints with flowers on top. Up until that time I had never been to a wedding reception that was any different. Then when I moved to Washington and started attending more ‘east coast’ weddings-I discovered that wedding receptions were often really "great" parties, with sit down dinners, champagne and other drinks, orchestras and dancing. So I am curious.  Was my experience geographical; just the 60's; or the fact that I was probably not being invited to weddings thrown by more affluent citizens of Huntington?”  Francine Blain Gemmill.  Other classmate have shared their wedding stories. 

Mary Ellen Remembers.  “I think Francine's wedding experience was fairly typical.  I was married the first time in 1962, and we had the reception in the reception hall at the church.  We had cake and punch and nuts and mints.  It was fairly brief.  Most of my friend's weddings were the same.  Chari Stevens wedding was larger and more formal.  The reception was at her house, and we had champagne.  That is about all I remember because the bride's maids had quite a bit of champagne.  I am sure there was food.  My daughter's weddings were much larger, and Mimi's reception included a full bar, champagne, lots of food, and there was dancing.  It lasted for hours.  My other daughter got married in Hawaii, and the families flew over.  We stayed a week.  They were married on the beach at Maui, and then we had a sit down dinner overlooking the ocean.  Hey! we were cheated.  Our parents were lucky we didn't know about those kinds of weddings and receptions.  Times have changed.  Tom and I got married a year ago.  We got married on the beach with the entire family participating in one way or another.  The Grandchildren were in the wedding.  We had a catered dinner at the Hotel on the beach, and there was a Raegae band and dancing.  It is much more fun today.  Francine, Don't make your daughter have a reception in the church basement.”  Mary Ellen Wharton Camden.

Penny Recalls Her Wedding.  “My wedding in early 1961 mirrored my mother's wedding in 1936.  I chose to have a small wedding at home, in my mother's living room.  We had the minister from Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.  My family was all present including aunt, uncle, and cousins from Columbus and Randy's great-aunt from Virginia.  We were married at 2:00 pm, no music, my great-uncle met me at the foot of our stairwell and walked me into the living room in front of the fireplace.  He gave me away in marriage.  Tea foods were provided, as were alcoholic beverages.  We did have a wedding cake, which I jammed into Randy's mouth (I have a picture to prove it).  My attendants were my brother and sister.  My brother came from Paintsville, KY and realized that morning that his wife had forgotten to pack the pants to his suit so he had to rush out and purchase a new suit at Asbury's.  My dress I borrowed; it had been Carroll Kincaid's older sister's wedding dress.  Emma Lou Kincaid (Carroll's mother) was my godmother; she offered the dress for me to use, which I thought was a grand idea.  I had it altered and it was lovely on me.  I wore a green tweed wool suit as my going-away outfit.  The previous semester at Oberlin (my freshman year) I had knitted a yellow angora sweater, which I wore under the green suit as we left my home on a balmy February afternoon.  For our honeymoon, we took a Pullman to New York City for a week.  When we arrived at the train station, the Pullman attendant asked, ‘Is you newlyweds?’  When Randy said yes (it was so obvious, I had on a corsage), the retort was, ‘Yes, sir, I get those beds made right up!’  True story.  And we're still married!”  Penny Summer Wilkinson

Pete and Betty Are Still in New Mexico.  Please see the news that I recently received from Rev. Pete Schoew.  Pete has retired but, as you will see, he has been called back to work in many interesting and challenging positions in the community and internationally.   Pete writes, “I appreciate your continuing interest in us out here in the beautiful Southwest.  Betty and I are blessed to continue our life in New Mexico in the early years of my retirement (March '04) as a pastor/priest after 34 years. I have remained in place in Trinity @ The Marketplace as assisting pastor with the encouragement of my bishop and in support of our new pastor and church planter. I serve as prayer coordinator.  Betty and I have served as leaders along with members from other branches of the Body of Christ in Desert Streams Ministries since the early 90's in Virginia. This is an international ministry to sexually and relationally broken persons who seek the healing and wholeness that Jesus offers those who seek Him.”

“As you and I communicated some time back, I have gotten to serve the Church in Tanzania, East Africa with Sharing of Ministries Abroad on 3 short term missions since 1999. I am blessed to be going again this July to serve on a team whose members come from Kenya, Tanzania, the UK, and the US. We are welcomed into the Church by Anglican Church leaders who continue to place great value on the fruit borne by the Emotionally Free Course we, and now they teach and minister. The course has been translated into Kswahili. Therefore, the ministry is ever so much more effective in the lives of those in need of unloading at the Cross of Christ the unforgiveness they harbor in their hearts. It has been a time of great opportunity for forgiveness among Christian people who have been divided by tribalism and denominational pride.”

“I am presently serving part-time as a chaplain in the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque with the encouragement of our congregation's Missions Chairman. He has served for the last 17 years in the Trauma/Surgical ICU. He and Betty teamed up on me to draw me away from the retirement perk of daytime John Wayne and Clint Eastwood western movies and Cincinnati Reds baseball games.  Betty will retire at the end of this year from Charter Bank and Mortgage Co where she has served as an Investor Accounting Representative the last 6 plus years. She is excited about getting to serve others recently in our home at tea and we are praying about opening a Tea Room after her retirement. In that regard, I have been blessed to get to reconnect with Stan Maynard recently as Betty and I consider returning to live in Huntington sometime next year ('08). My brother, Rick and his wife, Annette live in Huntington as does Betty's sister, Kay.  We certainly grow in our love and joy in getting to be grandparents! Our daughter, Amy (San Francisco) and her husband, Patrick have two daughters and our son, John (Arlington, VA) and his wife, Kirsten have a son and a month old daughter.”  Pete and Betty Schoew.

Judy Has a Fit of Nostalgia.  Judy Browning Clark sends a web site that will cause us to stop what we are doing and listen.  Go to http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT.htm and enjoy.  If you get really into the 50's/60's music, you can go to our class web site home page and connect to other sites.

Medicare Discussion.  The Cyberponies recently had a lively discussion on Medicare (Parts A, B, C, and D).  Many thanks to Marcia Grimm Fletcher, Joe McVay, John McDonough, Ron Winkler, Jim Handloser, Terry Brodof, Paula Whitten Smith, Bill Weaver, Bonnie Strickling, Jean Charles, Paula Whitten Smith, Royce Hinchman, Sally Staras Porter, Sandy York Salyers, Joe McVay, Bob Bodine, and Pat Richardson Adkins for their comments.  Contact me at fscharles42@yahoo.com for the individual responses and contact information.  Of course, you can call Medicare 1-800-633-4227/1-800-MEDICARE or email them at www.medicare.gov for help.

Bill and Ben Go Fishing.  The following story from Bill Weaver.  It is a very touching discussion between a grandson and a very proud grandfather.  “I took my Grandson (Ben) fishing.  His Dad came along too (George).  His Uncle was there (Scott), as was Grandma (Billie).  We fished a bit, but didn't catch a fish.  Later, at dinner, I asked Ben to walk with me out to the car.  Asked him if he had a good day.  He said he really liked the net I gave him, but wished we had caught a fish.  Of course, I said I wished we caught a fish too, but sometimes we fish, and don't catch a fish.  ‘Why Not, Grandpa?’  ‘Well, sometimes the fish are not where we are, and sometimes they are not interested in what we have to offer.’  ‘Why not, Grandpa?’  ‘I don't know.’  ‘YOU DON'T KNOW!!!’  ‘Nope.  I don't know.  But I do know this.  If you keep fishing, you will catch a fish, and if you keep fishing long enough and hard enough you will catch a big fish.’  ‘Well, how do you know that?’  ‘Because, that's what happened to me, and I figured you are a lot like me, and so that's probably the way it will happen for you.’  ‘OK.  I had a good day. Can we go again tomorrow?’  ‘Nope.  Not tomorrow.  You and Daddy have to go to Saratoga with the horses, and the next time we fish, we will fish in Saratoga Lake or Lake George.’  ‘OK, but I still had a good day.’  ‘Thank you Ben.  I had a good day too.’  Bill Weaver

Tom and G.G. Have Moved to The Villages in Florida.  Tom Frick is in heaven with all of the golf courses around.  G.G. says that she is still employed by telecommuting to the office in North Carolina.  They have kept their home in Cary, NC and plan to be back there 3 to 4 months a year.  Their dog is still employed at the golf course in Cary to chase the geese off.  Tom and G.G. Frick.

The 1937 Flood.  In January 1937, Huntington experienced the worst flood in the city's history.  This January, the Herald-Dispatch prepared a special section to look back to the 37 Flood.  Of course, we were all born well after the flood and the building of the floodwall.  But, our parents and grandparents all had strong memories of it.  Paula Whitten Smith enjoyed viewing the H-D site with its articles and photographs with her mother.  Mrs. Whitten still has a very good memory of the tragedy.  Here is Paula's story.

"2007 is the 70th anniversary of the 1937 flood that hit the Huntington area.  My parents were newly weds then and I assume many of my classmates parents were also young adults.  I pulled up articles from the Herald-Dispatch which included several first person accounts, photos, and even a video made by the US Corps of Engineers.  I brought mom's wheelchair over close to the computer and we had a great time going down flood memory lane.  I was pleased that she could identify every place of business in the photos.  This stimulated more conversation of our family history.  Don and I married in 1964, moved away, and seldom saw our families in WV.  She and dad moved to Fla. in 1984. When she came to live with us in 1993 there was obviously a 30-year lapse in family information.  We have spent time getting caught up.  She is the last person of her generation from a big family. Until I retired I was too busy to sit down and discuss such matters.  Maybe some of our classmates would be interested in their parent's '37 flood stories or family histories."  Paula Whitten Smith

1937 Flood Movies.  John McDonough says, “My dad, who was a doctor, was also an amateur 8mm photographer.  I have about an hour of fantastic hospital/boat rescues from the flood of 1937.  I have only given one copy of this away in the past.  If any of our classmates should want this for historical preservation, I would probably let them have it.”  John McDonough

Child of the Flood.  Here is Helen Belvin Vinson’s story.  I was born Thanksgiving Day of 1937.  I tell everyone that I was washed in by the flood and found on the riverbank.  Actually, we lived close to the Ohio River on Virginia Ave.  In1939 we moved up the block to 1625 Virginia Ave.  At 6, I attended Washington Elementary for 2 years.  It was in the second grade that the teacher brought in a Sioux War Bonnet and had all to try it on.  Then she put it back on me sent me and another child to all of the classrooms so they could see me.  That's when I knew my family was and is Indian Native American.  Then my mom and grandmother told me.  Later I wrote mail to aunts for grandmother in Buena Vista, VA and found out that my parents were from Amherst VA.  But it was 1989 when I found out what Tribe we belonged to.  The Monacan Indian Nation in Amherst.  Our Nation has been there over 10 thousand years and are Eastern Sioux.  I think back to that day in school, wearing the war bonnet headdress, and realized it was a Sioux headdress that the teacher has me wear.  Since then, I also have looked at rolls for Native Americans and saw the name Wright.  I knew that the headdress was real not a toy costume one.  Helen Belvin Vinson

Ten Oaks – Home of Bob and Mary Moffat Jones.  Huntington Quarterly is a great magazine, which highlights Huntington's many special features and events.  One recent edition shows the top 10 homes in Huntington.  At number 9 you will see Bob and Mary Moffat Jones' home named "Ten Oaks".  Here is what the magazine says about their fine home.  "This somewhat newer colonial nestled amid two and one-half thickly wooded acres on High Drive was also transformed from red brick to buff when Bob and Mary Jones purchased it in 1982. Surrounded by ten towering oak trees, the southern style mansion – appropriately named “Ten Oaks” - uses floor-to-ceiling plantation windows to take full advantage of the view from its natural setting above Washington Boulevard."  You can see the Huntington's Top Homes at http://www.huntingtonquarterly.com/issue58/homes.html.  Go to Classmate Photos (2007) to see their home.

Holiday Gathering.  A number of our classmates gathered during the Christmas holidays in Huntington.  Everyone tells me that they had a great time.  See Classmate Photos (2007).  The group included Tom and Mary Ellen Wharton Camden, Dick and Dixie Wilson, Judy Browning Clark, Davis and Jeanne Biggs, Rhys Evans, and Mary Harvey Wilson Midkiff.

Logan Clark – HHS Girls Basketball.  See Classmate Photos (2007) for Judy Browning Clark’s granddaughter, Logan Clark, who plays for the HHS girl’s basketball team.

Sharon and Roger Visit Huntington.  Sharon accounts their visit in early January. “I have just returned form Huntington and I am somewhat encouraged about the town.  I was very encouraged about the Keith but I almost had a fit when I found that the owners put a clause in the sales contract that the Keith would not show first run movies.  "We Are Marshall" was an exception.  The inside is now back and looks good.  I saw a patch of the new paint and it was fantastic.   Anyway they have written American Movie Company to see about showing older films.  That could bring a lot of money.  I like to see older movies, in beautiful theaters, and we are close enough to go to Huntington, so I would be a perfect patron for something like that. They have plenty of neat plays and such coming up soon too.   (It would be great to see something at the Keith at our 50th.)  They are using it for parties too.  The front part was going to be a News Years Eve Party and it was decorated like a casino. Something else - Huntington is trying to make condominiums in the old buildings.  The trial building is the old First Huntington National Bank.  If these take off, other buildings will do the same, like Frederick, Anderson's, so on.  That would bring a great group of people to town and little businesses would be needed.  These condos are for single, couples and older people not for raising a family.  Each have security and the prices are good now.  One man has bought one, paid for it and said he would be there in a year and half.  I'd love to see Huntington, "The River City" thrive again.  I have lived and visited many places and Huntington is a beautiful town, perfect tourist town, the river, the wide brick streets, beautiful old houses from the east end 3rd Ave. to the South side lower hill, Ritter Park and the homes there, the Herald Dispatch building will be 100 years old in a few years, the old churches, court house, etc.  I could go on and on.  I hope some people take hold because it could make somebody or sombodies a lot of money.  Roger and Sharon Ray. 

The Saint James Condominium (old First Huntington National Bank) that Sharon refers to can be viewed at the following link.  http://www.stjamescondominiums.com/index.html

Bill Weaver Retires.  Bill tells me that it is time for him to "retire, sit back, and do whatever the hell I please."  Congratulations to Bill for joining many of the rest of us in retirement.  Bill relates, “After 25 years of performing aquatic toxicology, I am retiring from active duty.  I will still be available for private consultation, at my discretion, but will no longer work for the city, state, and/or federal government.  I have also resigned my post as a consultant for the NRDC.  My reasons for doing this are the same.  I am no longer willing to expose myself to any highly toxic materials.  We have come a long way in water treatment, both incoming and outgoing, since I started my work.  Major progress has been made in reducing our exposure to heavy metals, and other toxins, in our drinking water.  Additionally, the treatment of our effluents, as we discharge waste into our rivers and streams, has been greatly improved.  However, I must tell you that much remains to be done in guarding our waters.  One of the most difficult problems we will have, will be in bringing the medical community up to speed on the kinds of symptoms we might see as a result of environmental toxic factors, as opposed to disease.” 

“In the past, most of our medical problems have come from pathogenic causes, and they are still with us, but now, the possibility exists that we can suffer from chronic or acute toxicity, and many doctors never carry this in their minds, as they examine us for health problems.  My plans are to loaf, but my idea of loafing is probably a little different than some.  I don’t like TV, movies, radio listening, books, writing, collecting, musical instruments, musicology, religious practice, or any of the traditional amusements most people enjoy.  I also have no plans for a sudden increase in theatre outings.  I love nature; macro and micro.  Hiking and observing the details of the living environment around me, is what I like most, and from time to time, I will bring stuff home that I find, and look at it under a stereoscope.  And, along with this, I enjoy taking pictures; especially close up pictures, of nature’s finest.  I keep a notebook, but it is not to name or claim a find, but rather to record what hearing and seeing has done to my own mind.  I still make tea, and have a couple of one on one meetings every week.  Simply put, I am retiring, and right now it looks like I have about 15 months to tread water, waiting for Billie, and doing whatever the hell I please.  I think that’s just about what’s going to happen.  Hope my health holds up while I do it.  Been very lucky so far, and hope my luck holds.”  Bill Weaver.

John Tweel’s New Retirement Project.  John is very excited about his new retirement project.  He says that he will give you a personal guided tour of the Copper Fox Distillery when you are in town.  He requests, however, that I "Tell everyone to just send me an email for a heads up before they arrive in town and I'll be ready."  John tells his story.  “There are a couple of things that have happened this year that bear telling. To start with, I finally retired from the daily grind of the federal contracting business. Since then I've been having a lot of fun with a small start up distillery business that my wife Judy and I luckily invested in last year. I'll try to keep the story short, but it's tough to do since I'm so excited about it and there's so much to tell.”

“After over a year's planning and preparation, the venture has finally come to life and we are actually selling a product. Our small LLC makes and sells Wasmund's Whisky, a true single malt whisky. No, it's not Scotch whisky only because it's not made in Scotland. But, as a matter of fact, we are not trying to be a Scotch; we're a 100% American whisky using our own special patented accelerated aging process, which produces a unique fine smooth taste. If you go to the web site, you will find out the reason it's different. It is the brainchild of a friend of ours, Rick Wasmund, who is the Principal Member and the Master Distiller. He had a dream and convinced enough of us to invest in it to make it a reality. It's a neat story, which you can read on the web site. I don't know of any other distillery in the US that makes single malt whisky.  I do know that there are only three distilleries in the world that make their whisky from scratch, which includes malting their own barley; we're one and the other two are in Scotland. You would not believe the Federal and State inspections, licenses, certifications, bonding, etc that are involved. We do everything right in our own building, starting with the steeping of the barley grain and then going through malting, kiln drying and smoking, grinding, mashing, fermenting, distilling, aging and bottling.  We do follow the common traditional Scottish method of aging the whisky in used American bourbon barrels.”

“I can't tell you how much fun I'm having being a part of this new adventure. Making a big profit is not that important (but I wouldn't refuse); just having a good time making whisky with a small bunch of friends is priceless. Two years ago I had no idea what I'd be doing in retirement and I really wasn't looking forward to it. This has been such an unexpected happy surprise and I hope it goes on for a long time. The whole story and lots of pictures are on the web site at www.copperfox.biz.   As I said above, my picture is there also.”  See Classmate Photos (2007).  “If you go to the web site and click on the ‘Press’ link, you will see me in a picture which was taken at our first bottling last August. If you don't recognize me, I'm the bald headed guy in the white shirt (So who looks like they did in High School? I mean without surgery! - LOL). I was helping to dip the filled bottles into the hot sealing wax. No, I'm not a regular worker, but I do visit at least once or twice a week, sometimes helping out if they're busy - raking the malting grain on the floor, tending the kiln fire, stirring the fermenting mash (distiller's beer), etc. One thing I'm always happy to do when I'm there is conducting a little quality assurance.”

“Well, that's the story; hope I haven't run on too long. I'd be happy if you passed this on to the rest of the Class and if anyone happens to be in the Washington DC area and has the time and the inclination, I would be happy to see them and to take them on a private tour of the distillery. It's just a short drive west to a beautiful spot along the banks of the Thornton River (actually a wide mountain trout stream) in the rustic village of Sperryville VA, right at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”  John Tweel.

Favorite Web Sites.

Joe McVay - http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/special/ppcs/ppcs.html

Sharon Roach Ray - http://www.stjamescondominiums.com/index.html

John Tweel - www.copperfox.biz

Judy Browning Clark - http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT.htm