Happy Holidays.  2007 has been a very active year for classmates and friends of the HHS Class of 1960.  The Cyberponies have grown to 216 active members and another 15 or so keep in touch periodically.  Several missing classmates have been found this year, however the missing list is still very large (171).  Another marriage occurred within the group this year when Martha Kiser Richards and Steve Brown were married on July 7, 2007.  Unfortunately, we have lost a number of friends and members of our extended families during the year, which saddens us all and reminds us of our own mortality.  More of us are retiring and adjusting to a different life without daily trips to the workplace.  This has allowed us to travel, be with family, and meet each other more frequently.  Many have shared these experiences with the group.  We have had some very interesting discussions during the year (Immigration, Medicare, Health Hints, 1937 Flood) and hope to do the same next year.  Our home city of Huntington, West Virginia has continued to evolve along with the state of West Virginia.  We are able to follow these changes online with the help of the Huntington Herald-Dispatch newspaper.  Friendships in the HHS Class of 1960 (plus friends of the class) are strong and continuing to grow as we use our e-mail group to keep connected.  Thanks to all of you for your participation in the Cyberponies.  I wish all of you a Happy and Healthy New Year of 2008.  Fred

New Cyberpony – Essie Dorton Thornton.  I recently found Essie Dorton Thornton in Barboursville, WV.  This was the first time that we had spoken since graduation from HHS in 1960.  She and her husband Paul returned to Barboursville, from Newport News, VA eight years ago. They met in Barboursville and were married 33 years ago.  They have 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.  After graduating from HHS in 1960, Essie studied nursing and became a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington.  When living in Virginia, she was the office manager for a local doctor.  Essie now works part time at G.C. Services.  Paul retired as manager of a Super K Store in Newport News.  They both really enjoy living once again in the small town of Barboursville.  Since Essie has lived away from Huntington for many years, she has not had contact with any of her classmates.  She is anxious to become reacquainted with her old friends from HHS through the Cyberponies.  You can contact Essie by e-mail at essiepaul@peoplepc.com.

New Cyberpony – Chester “Chet” Parker.  I recently found Chet Parker in Westerville, Ohio.  It was really exciting to say hello after 49 years!  Chet left Huntington in 1959 and was not able to graduate with us in 1960.  His father accepted a job in Akron, Ohio and moved the family to Cuyahoga Falls.  Chet finished high school at Cuyahoga Falls High School and then went to Akron University.  After Akron U, he went to the University of Kentucky and graduated with a Pharmacy degree.  He has worked as a pharmacist since then mostly in Lexington, KY where he owned his own pharmacy.  In 2001, Chet and his wife Priscilla moved to Ohio where his oldest son's family lives.  He continues to work as a pharmacist there.  Chet and Priscilla have been married 44 years and have two sons and two granddaughters.  You can contact him at cpparker1801@aol.com. 

New Cyberpony – Jim Kiser.  Please welcome Jim Kiser to the Cyberponies.  Jim and his wife Yvonne live in Culloden, WV.  They purchased a new townhome there recently where they are neighbors of my sister Barbra Haptonstall.  Jim retired 15 years ago, at the age of 50, when the International Nickel Company closed in Huntington.  He worked there since the 60's in Sales and as a Manager in Manufacturing.  Yvonne is also retired from a teaching career of 35 years.  Jim has one daughter who is an attorney in Columbus, OH.  Jim enjoys scuba diving and together, Jim and Yvonne, help foreign exchange students in their home.  They also are very active in their local Presbyterian Church (PCA) and serve as biblical counselors.  You can contact Jim at jykiser@bestjuno.com.

New Cyberpony  - Lacreta Gillespie Nelson.  Please welcome Lacreta Gillespie Nelson to the Cyberponies.  You may also have known her as Mae Gillespie in school.  Lacreta and her husband Larry live in Huntington where Larry is a pastor.  Lacreta is retired from Corbin Limited where she worked in the accounting department for 13 years.  She was also a teacher in the Head Start Program for many years.  Lacreta and Larry were married in 1959 and have celebrated their 48th anniversary.  They have three children (1 son and 2 daughters) and 5 grandchildren.  All of their children live in the Huntington area allowing them to get together often.  Lacreta enjoys singing and she performs at weddings and other events regularly in addition to her church choir.  You can contact Lacreta at lacretanelson@aol.com. 

New E-Mail Addresses

Adkins, Carolyn Russell - fcadkins@tx.rr.com

Benjamin, Jacque - eppiesmom@earthlink.net

Bledsoe, Jim - jbledsoe@zoominternet.net

Clements, Beverly Jones - wclements1@verizon.net

Harper, Louis - lwharper@insight.rr.com

Jerabek, Judee McCorkle - judee.jerabek@yahoo.com

Kiser, Jim - jykiser@bestjuno.com

Nelson, Lacreta Gillespie - lacretanelson@aol.com

Parker, Chet - cpparker1801@aol.com

Thornton, Essie Dorton - essiepaul@peoplepc.com

Vaughan, Pat Warne - patriciawarne.vaughan@gmail.com

White, Judy Setzer - jswhite607@yahoo.com

Wilmink, Peggy Simmons - twilmink@comcast.net

ARTS Auditorium Campaign.  Thanks to all who contributed to the Arts Auditorium Campaign.  Our HHS class of 1960 donated a total of $1350 to ARTS for their auditorium remodeling.

Classmate Paul Alan Shanklin.  I am sorry to inform you of the passing of our classmate Paul Shanklin on October 27, 2006.  His wife Barbara informed me that he died from a heart attack.  She also gave me more information about Paul's life.  Barbara met Paul in New Jersey in 1964.  They both worked at a glass plant there.  They were married in 1968.  It was Paul's second marriage.  He has a daughter, Wendy, from his first marriage.  Paul later became a pipe fitter and they moved to Parkersburg, WV where they lived for quite a long time.  They also lived in Blackwater Falls.  He worked in construction work all over the state.  They later moved to Florida where Paul worked for the Tampa Ship Yards.  He also became a truck driver after that.  Barbara said that Paul had to always keep busy.  Paul and Barbara have two daughters and two grandchildren.  Barbara said that Paul was a real family man, husband, and father.  She said that his other interests were football and food.  While he was not seriously overweight, his diet contributed to his heart condition.  Paul's obituary, from the Tampa Bay Online Newspaper follows.  SHANKLIN, Paul A., 64, of Brandon, Fla., passed away Friday, October 27, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara; two daughters, Desiree Walker and husband, Frankie, Missy Shanklin; two grandchildren, Jessie and Kyle. A native of West Virginia, he moved to the Tampa area 25 years ago. Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2006, at the Stowers Brandon Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

Classmate Robert Raymond Goodall.  I am sorry to inform you of the passing of our classmate Bob Goodall on April 20, 2006.  His daughter Cathy informed me that he died from complications from diabetes.  Bob had been in several assisted living and nursing homes since the amputation of one leg several years ago.  Cathy said that, "His kidneys were failing and he had a great deal of metabolic encephalopathy related to diabetes that affected his thinking and ability to care for himself."  She further related, "While he definitely was depressed, he still appreciated his friends and family and I know you were a part of that.  I remember how much he had looked forward to that class reunion (2000) and the connections he had to HHS and Marshall.  Unfortunately, it was not long after that class reunion that he became very depressed, focusing a lot on the fact that it was difficult to face that many of his classmates had passed away or were ill, and not present.  I remember him really having a sense of his own mortality at the time, dealing with a hard-to-heal foot wound, and continuing to mourn my mom.  My brother Jason and I tried to keep him independent for a long time after his amputation, which cemented his depression, but it did get to the point where we were unable to."  Bob's obituary, from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution follows.  Robert Raymond Goodall age 63 of Ellenwood passed away on April 20, 2006. Mr. Goodall is predeceased by his wife Sue Ann Goodall. Mr. Goodall was retired from Federal Aviation Administration. Mr. Goodall is survived by his children, Catherine Goodall of Athens, Jason Goodall of Ellenwood, brother Mickey Goodall of Capitola, CA, sister Dottie Gibson of Capitola, CA. Graveside services for Mr. Goodall will be held Monday, April 24, 2006 at Fairview Memorial Gardens at 11:00 A.M. Family will receive friends on Monday at the funeral home from 9:30 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. Horis A. Ward Fairview Chapel.

Classmate George Edwards Benjamin.  I am sorry to inform you of the passing of our classmate George Benjamin on January 9, 2007 in Myrtle Beach, SC.  George’s wife, Jacque Cooper Benjamin told me that George fell in December and had been in the hospital and then a nursing home for rehab where he suddenly passed away.  While tests were not clear, it is thought that he had a slow brain stem stroke and then went into a coma as a result of the fall.  The following obituary was in the Myrtle Beach Sun News Online.  George Edwards Benjamin, 64, died Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center.  Born May 26, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the son of the late George W. and Joan Vanderlaun Benjamin.  George graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 1968 with a B.S. in engineering.  He followed in his father's footsteps by becoming a mechanical engineer who specialized in coal mining machinery.  Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline Cooper Benjamin; a son, Christopher Benjamin of Leesburg, Va.; a daughter, Mary Benjamin of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and a brother, Orin Benjamin of Houston, Texas.  A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at the Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club Homeowners Association Hall located at 6851 King Arthur Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.  Please sign a guest book at MyrtleBeachOnline.com.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Memorial & Honor Program-F, Memphis, TN 38105.

Jacque wrote the following letter to the class.   Dear Class of 1960.   I thank each of you that were so nice and helpful to me and George during the last reunion. We had a great time, even though our time there was brief.  It is with a sad heart that I tell you our sweet George has passed on to Heaven.  With all of the trials he had in life, George never felt sorry for himself.  He was an inspiration to me in many ways and being married to him was a blessing.  Jacqueline Cooper Benjamin, Huntington High Class of 1960.

Classmate Carolyn L. Winston.  I am sorry to inform you of the passing of our classmate Carolyn L. Winston in 2001.  The following obituary is from the Herald-Dispatch.  Carolyn was in our Huntington High School class during her sophomore and junior years.  She lived in Columbus, Ohio.  Carolyn was the mother of two sons and six daughters.  CAROLYN L. WINSTON, 59, of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Huntington, died Thursday. December 13, 2001. Survivors include one son, Levi H. Winston; daughters, Rosa M. Winston, Ella M. Winston, Sherri L. Winston, Valerie D. Winston, Tonya Y. Winston and Loreece Ferguson; one adopted son, Phil Thompson of Huntington; one brother, Nathaniel Winston; one stepsister, Linda Winston Young; and one stepbrother, Clarence Winston. Funeral 11 a.m. today at Grace Apostolic Church, 1743 Lakeview, Columbus. Evans Funeral Home, 4171 E. Livingston, Columbus, is in charge of arrangements.

Classmate Gloria Gaye Ross Ball.  I am sorry to inform you of the passing of our HHS1960 classmate Gloria Gaye Ross Ball.  She was living in Pasadena, MD and, unfortunately, was one of our missing classmates.  Gloria's obituary, from the Herald-Dispatch, is below.  GLORIA GAYE BALL, 65, formerly of Huntington, W.Va., and Columbus, Ohio, and most recently of Pasadena, Md., widow of Gilbert W. Ball and the daughter of the late George W. and Martha Goodman Ross, passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2007, at Pasadena, Md. She was a former employee of The Bazaar of Huntington, a 1960 graduate of Huntington High School and a devoted and loving mother, sister and aunt. Funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday at the Reger Funeral Home, Huntington, by the Rev. B.C. Egnor. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, South Point, Ohio. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, John, George and Floyd Ross; four sisters, Francis Randal, June Marzella, Martha Jones and Nikki Sims. She is survived by two sons, Gilbert Ball of Pasadena, Md., and Donald Joseph Ball of Columbus, Ohio; three sisters, Betsy Stanley of South Point, Ohio, Brenda Plumley of Chesapeake, Ohio, and Clara Seipel of Grove City, Ohio; four grandchildren, Katlin and Alex Ball of Pasadena, Md., and Joe and Gilbert Ball of Hamlin, W.Va.

David Retires.  David Reeder is retiring at the end of the year and he is very excited about it.  He says,  “I am very excited about retirement on 31 Dec.  I feel like a little kid waiting on Santa Claus.  I can't hold still.  I'm going to buy an old Corvair and just have some fun.  Oh, I still have my '55 Chevy Bel Air that is undergoing a body restoration by a friend.  Gonn’a take some road trips.  Ha Ha.  AS the Mazda commercial says - - -Zoom, Zoom.” David.  Congratulations to David.  Go Zoom Zoom David!

David Tells About His Career.  David Reeder writes, “I left HHS and joined the Air Force in Sept of 1960.  Gave them 22 years and retired in Biloxi, MS at Keesler AFB.  Tried running my own garage, dabbling in oil well leases (bad idea), and selling cars (very bad idea).  Finally ended up back at the Air Base and signed up for Civil Service.  I am now retiring after 18 years.  I worked in the Auto Hobby Shop for 14 years.  This is an automotive garage provided for the servicemen to enable them to repair their own vehicles, under supervision.  They ‘rent’ a space to work on their projects.  They rent the facility by the hour or by the day.  It is very modern with almost any tool you could imagine.  Due to government cutbacks (RIF - reduction in force) my job was terminated in 2003.  I was lucky because I was offered a transfer to the base vehicle maintenance facility where I have remained.  I did buy that Corvair - a 1963 convertible, which I found on the Internet. RED on RED.  Drove it back 550 miles from Tennessee last week at 70 mph.  It is beautiful and runs great.  Strangely enough, Ralph Nader was wrong and GM proved it.  By the way it did NOT throw a fan belt either – more myths.  I am now on Medicare and the government health program Tri Care for Life.  Social security starts on the 1st of Jan 08.  Thanks to all of you cyber ponies and best of health to all.”  David

Carol is Recovering Well.  Carol Mendelson Ellegant successfully underwent heart valve repair surgery on September 19, 2007.  Carol wrote, "It was a totally unexpected situation but it turned out OK.  I was lucky to be in Evanston with an excellent surgeon and an excellent hospital.”  Carol’s husband Howard gave us all an account of Carol’s surgery and recuperation on a web site provided by the hospital in Evanston, IL.  Now, after three months of healing, Carol is doing very well.  She writes, “In mid October, I sent in my retirement papers and am now officially retired from the State of Illinois for whom I worked for 35 years. For the past 24 years, I had been a day care center licensing inspector, going from Chicago housing projects to nursery schools in upscale suburbs. I enjoyed the challenge of serving such diverse areas and made many friends in those communities. I had planned to retire in December but because of my illness, I actually retired several months early.  I began to drive again in late November and also began a cardiac rehabilitation program at that time. The program meets three mornings a week and lasts for 12 weeks. Even though I don't have a 'heart condition' since my heart valves were repaired during my surgery, I am still recovering from having had heart failure and having open-heart surgery. During the one-hour session, I wear a heart monitor and have my blood pressure taken three times. I spend an hour using several exercise machines as well as doing brief stretches with elastic bands or lifting light weights. Although I had been a walker for many years and taken yoga for the past 4 years, I was weak and very sore for quite a while after my surgery. The stretching helps my muscles and treadmill and cross trainer are helping me gain back my endurance. I find I still need to take an occasional nap but not every day. I have to get my endurance up because, if you can believe it, we have a previously scheduled trip in Feb. to Columbia, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands! I need to be in good shape for the trip so I'm working hard at it.  I want to thank my classmates for their good wishes while I was ill and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a terrific 2008!”  Carol.  See Carol’s photo in Classmate Photos.

Carolyn Sue Joins Living Water International.  Carolyn Sue Daniel has joined Living Water International, which is focused on missionary work in India.  She writes, “Well, I joined a ministry called Living Water International which has an orphanage and seminary in India and an office in New York.  I have opened an office in Dallas.  I will travel to India two/three times a year and then travel within the states to speak about the work in India.  My mission from God has changed from my moving immediately to India to working to raise money and make appointments for the Senior Pastor to speak when he is in the area, also to maintain an office, edit newsletters, etc.  It seems I am more valuable here than there full time.  I will move there when I can no longer keep up with what I need to do here.  Then I have a home with the orphans where I will be "Grandma" and mentor them until the Lord takes me Home.  I am very excited about this new pathway given me by our Father!  I put my house up for sale (it needs too much work and is too big for me to maintain) and will be looking for a smaller condo to purchase.  I am excited about this.  It is fun to get rid of ‘stuff’ and to look forward to a new beginning!”  Carolyn Sue.

Wes Garbee Bicycle Accident.  Wes Garbee had a very serious bicycle accident on May 29, 2007.  He was riding with his Blue Ridge Bicycle Club on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near his home in Asheville, NC, when he ran off the road and hit a bridge railing and went over it to the road 15 feet below.  It was very serious.  His wife, Cornelia, wrote to me explaining the accident plus, I was able to talk to Wes too. After 4 months of operations and recovery, Wes is now able to walk with the aid of a cane and get around by himself.  He believes that his injury is healed but he needs to get his body back in shape.  He lost about 10 pounds and has now put some of it back on toward his normal 140 pounds.  He had to lay still in bed for 3 months to heal his injuries so his muscles need a lot of rehabilitation.  Wes told me, "It was a stupid accident.  I hit the bridge and went over leaving my bike on the bridge.  I was near the end of our 8-person group and no one saw it.  They rode ahead and then realized that I was missing.  So, they doubled back and found me below the bridge.  I hit on my lower body and fortunately did not hit my head.  I had to be transported to the hospital by helicopter and went directly into surgery."  Wes is a pediatrician at Asheville Pediatric Associates in Asheville, NC.  He said that his partners have covered for him, since the accident, and now they have been able to hire some new doctors.  When he goes back to work in November, he will do it at a much lesser pace than before and look into retirement at some time.  Wes has been very active in his bicycle club for 20 years.  He hopes to get back on the bicycle and ride with them whenever the doctor allows it.  He is already riding his stationary bike at home.  We wish Wes success toward complete recovery.

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

Mrs. Alma H. Bolt, 93, Fort Myers, FL.  Bill Bolt’s Mother passed away September 4, 2007.

Mrs. Martha Bohart Rummell, Lexington, KY.  Dick Rummell’s mother passed away October 20, 2007.  Marshall Lab School teacher.

Mrs. Lena Laverne York, 95, Huntington, WV.  Sandra York Salyers’ mother passed away October 20, 2007.

Connie Gail Marcum Coyle, 63, Largo, FL.  Lindal Coyle’s wife and sister to Ronald Marcum and Mary Marcum Elam passed away November 10, 2007.

Mrs. Ruby J. McCloud, 85, Huntington, WV.  Phillis McCloud Adkins’ mother passed away November 14, 2007.

William Walter Fredeking Sr., 79, Huntington, WV.  Coach, teacher, principal, band supporter passed away November 28, 2007.

Garland and Chip Love it in Boone.  Chip and Garland Peoples Myers are now in their new home in Boone, NC.  They sold their home in Charlotte early in 2007, moved to their mountain home in Blowing Rock, and spent most of the year building their new home in Boone.  Garland and Chip write, "We are loving our new 'year round' life here.  The house is perfect and so is the location.  We're about a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway and 5 minutes from the necessities - hospital, supermarket, fitness center, golf course, and Lowe's (not necessarily in that order).  See their home and view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Classmate Photos.  Congratulations to Chip and Garland.

Candlelight Tour of Wilson Home.  Dick and Dixie Wilson's home was part of the Candlelight House Tour in Huntington recently.  Dick tells us, “Just a note to let you know our Home was on the Candlelight House Tour last night an event sponsored by Arts Resources for the Tri-State which allowed ticket-buyers to enter eight of the Huntington area's ‘historic’ homes.  Funds raised will go to various needs at old HHS.  We had several classmates in attendance - Betty Sue, Ila Lee, and others.  We had a great time and think a lot of money was raised for a very good cause.”  I understand that the event was a great success.

Judy Helps Knoxville's Fantasy of Trees.  Please go to the following link, which will connect you to Knoxville's Fantasy of Trees.  This yearly benefit for the East Tennessee Children's Hospital is in its 23rd year.  Judy Setzer White was one of the many volunteer workers who made this year's event very successful.  http://www.etch.com/Fantasy.cfm

Bob and Sara Move to Mineral Wells.  Bob and Sara Harris have moved from Ripley to Mineral Wells, WV.  Bob tells me, "When the kids left home we decided to downsize. It took us three years to sell. We have a lot in Ripley but building costs were so high that we couldn't get a builder to give us an estimate. They wanted to build on a cost plus basis. We couldn't find anything to buy in Ripley that suited us. Sara found this 3200 sq foot colonial in a private community in Mineral Wells [south Parkersburg] with tennis courts a pool and clubhouse. Sara completely re-did the inside. I am now 32 miles from my office but it is all interstate. We love living here.” See Classmate Photos for a picture of their house taken this December in the snow.

McVay Family Thanksgiving.  Joe McVay sent several photos from their recent Thanksgiving gathering.  See them in Classmate Photos.

Bradley Family Photo.  See Classmate Photos for the annual family photo from Charlie and Jane Beckett Bradley.  This one was taken at St. Simons Island, GA.

Joe Makes a Big Real Estate Deal.  See the following news release about the BIG real estate deal brokered by Joe McVay.  Way to go Joe!! 

In a Land Mark real estate transaction 600 acres were sold this week to an undisclosed private investment fund. Joe McVay of McVay Realty and Billy Gavigan of Citadel Realty brokered one of the largest real estate transactions to close in Beaufort County history, a reported $13,000,000+. This transaction will be part of a series of transactions McVay and Gavigan are working on that will create numerous jobs throughout Beaufort County and ensure a slower more stable growth. McVay Realty and Citadel Realty represent numerous investment funds, which include two based over seas. "This type of transaction is called Land Banking” Said McVay.

Take Me Back to the Sixties.  Beth Rogers Joyce sent us the link to a great web site.  http://moreoldfortyfives.com/TakeMeBackToTheSixties.htm.  Everyone has had a good time reliving the times.  Several sent their comments.

Comments from Martha Kiser Brown.  I love the music and scenes that take me back to my teen years. I have to say I appreciate this about today: How easy it is to be in touch with anyone world wide-to see our friends and family via internet in real time- and also replaceable parts!  I have 2 new knees and a hip that have made me able to keep up the pace. So as I dance to the oldies I say kudos to today's technology and I hope no web cam is recording my moves.  Martha Kiser Brown

Comments from Carolyn Christian Finegar.  Those were great days and we were all lucky to be kids then and to live in a good place.  Nostalgia is such fun and we sure did have good music!   I doubt that we knew we were living in such simple times.  I remember lots of us grappling with some fairly thorny issues.   I’m glad that some of the complications of life are being dealt with a little more openly now.  I’m also grateful for e-mail and the Internet, easy air travel, highways where you can see 2 miles without a curve, air conditioning, ethnic foods. Do you remember our Chinese restaurant?   I loved those booths in the back with the curtains around them. I thought Jim’s Grill served Italian food.  Who knew?  Happy Hanukkah to all of the Jewish classmates who sang Christmas carols with us for all those years!   Did we give that a thought?  Not me.  Carolyn Christian Finegar.

Comments from John Ketchum.  Those were, in retrospect, great days.  Looking back on my time in Huntington, I remember it as one of those idealistic places and times that we should all cherish.  It had a sense of family, of safety, and of freedom from fear (except for that which we created ourselves).  Walking through downtown and knowing many of the people who actually owned the stores, biking to Ritter Park for baseball or football games, sneaking up to Gobbler’s Knob for a little fun in the dark, all without looking over your shoulder or being wary of people you don’t know.  For many of us, it was truly Ozzie and Harriet World.  And yes, Carolyn, it was a simple environment.  Not simplistic, but simple in the best sense of the word - uncomplicated and natural.  I’ve been a North Carolinian for 27 years and in Charlotte for the past 21.  Charlotte is a beautiful, dynamic, exciting and sophisticated city.  It is truly a great place to live and the fact that it is close to so many of the treasures of North Carolina makes it an unusually good place to be.  However, with all the attributes it offers, it is still a big city with the complexity of problems and issues all big cities face.  And yes, you do tend to look over your shoulder and make certain that you have a very tight rein on your children. (Or maybe more correctly, my children make sure they have a tight rein on me.)  In any case, the sense of space and freedom is not what it was when we were growing up.  
Hence, we have a second home in the North Carolina mountains. It’s close to the small town of West Jefferson (in the area of Boone and Blowing Rock).  We’re at 4200 feet so we have the blessing of having two Falls, two Springs, a cool Summer, and if we really want to punish ourselves, a great place in the dead of winter.  West Jefferson is a very small town.  Basically one main street with several art galleries and restaurants clustered among the Carhartt Store, the hardware store that must have been there for 75 years, and the pickup trucks lining the street on Friday night with kids in the back having fun with each other. These mountains are where we go as often as possible to find that sense of space and freedom we once had.  Carolyn mentioned the music.  As I write this, postponing a meeting (because I own the place and I can), I have put on a Chuck Berry CD.  What memories.  And it has just gotten to “My Ding-a ling”.  A participatory song. If you don’t remember it, you should look it up.  For those times, it was close to over the edge.  And yes, I do remember the Chinese joint with the “private booths”, as well as Jim’s and the French Tavern.  I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend and I wish you the best for the Christmas season as well as health and happiness in 2008.  All my best, John Ketchum

Oh What a Night in New York.  Joe McVay and Linda Frankel recently met in New York for a great time with music and memories.  Here’s their story. 

Joe.  “I just finished watching Take Me Back To The Sixties.  I have something even better than that to share with you.   I'm really am going back the sixties TONIGHT with a beautiful girl I grew with from the age of four (Mrs. Pains Kindergarten – see Classmate Photos) and all the way thru school.  The girl that I first made out with at Sherry Steven's house on the couch.  The free spirited girl who once wore her prom dress to the class reunion dance.  Who was and still is one of the most beautiful girl/woman you could ever feast your eyes upon.  The girl that I can relate to thru most of the video of the sixties.  SHE IS MY DATE TONIGHT TO SEE THE JERSEY BOYS ON BROADWAY.  You talk about a great date to go back in time to the sixties with   WOW!!!  Linda Frankel and I send our love and fond memories to all of you and the wonderful, and great memories of the sixties”

Linda.  “Well, if that wasn't the loveliest gift to me, Joe's email, to you.  Who would have thought that at 65?  It is nearly 1:00 a.m., the air is crisp (finally), and Christmas lights, wreaths and red ribbons decorate most buildings. The air is finally crisp, and never is New York more beautiful than it is now. It would be impossible to design a more unforgettable, splendid, joyous evening on the town.  Joe saw Jersey Boys last year when he was here for the Rolling Stones Concert (okay, that was ANOTHER peak life experience), and he said: ‘One day, I'll come back and take you to see Jersey Boys.’  And so he did.  It was a joy to share the joy, the memories, and the feelings with this wonderful man (though I hope he wasn't weary of trying to keep me from dancing in the aisles). Imagine: more than 50 years after we first made out on the red vinyl sofa at Chari Stevens house! (Blessedly, long-term memories are the last to go).   Joe came to New York with friends, had friends in New York, and in his inimitable fashion, he has blended the two groups into probable new life-long friendships. Someone said to me recently: You know, it's all about friends and family. Yes, it is. And it doesn't get much better than having Joe as friend for more than half a century (I like saying that).”  "Oh What A Night!"  Linda

News From Ron Cheatham.  I have recently been in contact with Ron Cheatham who is now living in Phoenix, AZ.  You will remember Ron from HHS and Marshall.  Ron came to Huntington for his junior and senior years at HHS and then attended Marshall University, where he graduated in 1965.  At HHS, Ron was a member of the Marching Band.  At Marshall, he was active in the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, and the ROTC.  After graduation from Marshall, Ron accepted an Army commission and completed a 20-year career as an Army officer.  He told me, “I went into the ordnance corps (the ammunition side of ordnance not the equipment part of it) in March '65 and got out in June '85.”  He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Ron was married to another HHS1960 classmate, Peggy Jo Dailey.  Peggy and their two children traveled the world with Ron while he was in the Army.  Ron says that his assignments were “Vietnam (of course), Germany, Greece, Korea, upstate New York and Logan Utah, including Ft. Stewart, Georgia.  Peggy and the family went with me except to Vietnam and Korea.  It was a good life, I guess.  We certainly got to see the world.  And the experiences and sights?  My, yes!”  Ron and Peggy were divorced after 23 years of marriage.  Ron says that, “Peg lives in Richmond near our daughter, Angela, who is married and has a daughter and a new son. Our son died in March '97.”  After his military career, Ron settled in Phoenix and managed a real estate investment business.  In 1999, he married Anna Lupa, MD, who is a physician in family practice there.  They met through his mother.  Anna was his mother’s physician.  Ron is now getting out of the real estate investment business.  He now owns and operates Laredo Bullets.  They manufacture and sell lead bullets for the reloading of shells.  This is a popular activity done by individuals who will reload spent shells for their pistols and rifles.  You can learn about this at his web site - laredobullets.com.  Ron says, “There are a lot of reloaders out here. The Wild West aspect, I guess. Old cowboys, and just plain target shooters who like to save a penny or two.”  Ron says hello to all who may remember him and wishes all a "Wonderful Thanksgiving, a Very Merry Christmas, and Super New Year."

Classmates Meet at Snowshoe.  Betty Tweel Rahal met two of our HHS classmates and spouses at the West Virginia Symphony weekend at Snowshoe Ski Resort in August.  Betty says, “We had a grand time at Snowshoe.  It was the West Virginia Symphony weekend.  What a wonderful event!  The last time we were at Snowshoe was 1986!  What a change!  Beautiful...incredible...W.VA scenery, amazing development.  Reminded me of Park City, Utah.”  The other classmates are Pam Adkins McCoy and Alfreda Corradi Leef.  See them all in Classmate Photos.

Sandy and Larry Enjoy MU Homecoming.  See the photo in Classmate Photos of Larry and Sandy York Salyers taken in the President’s box at the Marshall University Homecoming game.  Now, that’s the way to see the game!

Select A Candidate.  Judee McCorkle Jerabek sent us a web site, which allows you to match your views with the views of our presidential candidates.  It was created by WQAD TV Moline IL.  The WQAD candidate survey is based on the original SELECT A CANDIDATE survey developed by Minnesota Public Radio.  Go to http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460 and make your selections.

Holy Habits for Health.  Carolyn Russell Adkins has begun a new Internet based program for physical, emotional, and spiritual balance.  You can learn about Carolyn's program by going to her web site at http://www.holyhabitsforhealth.com/.  Carolyn lives in Richardson, Texas with her husband Gary Adkins (HHS1959).  They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.  Gary is a CPA and he continues to serve the Dallas, TX area.  Carolyn taught school for many years and also managed a Marriage and Family Therapy practice.  She says, "I just retired from teaching last May.  During that 11 yrs. of teaching, I kept my counseling practice going on a limited basis.  Now my practice is actively growing again.  I have been tremendously blessed with many growth opportunities and with the privilege of serving others. The vision for the website is a way to bring all these blessings together, so they might be passed on to those who could benefit."  Carolyn received an Associates Degree in Business from Marshall University; a B.A. degree in Elementary Education at UMass, Amherst; and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Woman's University.  She told me, "My nutrition training was through The International and American Association for Clinical Nutrition with a national certification from the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board.  My specialty is integrating nutritional treatment with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders and ADD/ADHD."  Carolyn also has been trained as a Spiritual Director under the auspices of The Episcopal Diocese of Dallas and Fort Worth.  Carolyn tells me, "I've had a lot of fun putting this program together.  It is a culmination of 25 years of experience and training in Psychotherapy, Clinical Nutrition, Spiritual Direction, Teaching and Ministry.  This is a way to pass on what has been helpful to me in my own personal growth and the practice of helping others."  Many thanks to Carolyn for sharing her new exciting program with us.  You can see a recent photo of Carolyn in Classmate Photos.

Alice and Gus Have Moved.  I recently contacted Alice Travis Collis and found that she and her husband Gus have moved.  Alice said that they found a nice one-story home, in Louisville, KY, with all of the features that they like.  It also has a large one-acre lot.  Alice also told me that her daughter, a twin herself, is expecting twins.  Alice is continuing to manage her company, which employs registered dietitians consulting with hospitals, long-term care centers, and weight loss centers in the Louisville area.

Bill Says Retired Life is Great.  Bill and Litz Jarvis have retired to their farm in Williamsburg, WV.  Like the song - "Life is Great There".  Bill writes, “Retired life is great, but I'm not certain when I had time to work. Our children and grandchildren come to visit often. Litz and I have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Today we all spent the afternoon carving pumpkins. We have a jack-o-lantern designed by each grandchild on our porch. We live very rural - 15 miles from the nearest gasoline or bread, and overlook the mountains from high on our own hill.  The trees are lovely even with the DRY fall. Hope this finds each healthy and happy.”  Bill Jarvis

New Granddaughter for Bill and Billy.  See the following announcement for the birth of Bill and Billy Weaver’s granddaughter.  Haiden Elizabeth Weaver was born 2007-1004-0038hrs by Caesarian Section.  She weighed 8lbs 12oz, or 4 kilos.  She is beautiful, and had her eyes open and was alert from her first moments.  Congratulations to the Weaver family!  See Bill and Haiden at Classmate Photos.

I Love Mountains.  Please take a look at the following web site.  www.ilovemountains.org.  It tells the story of mountaintop removal and solicits action to stop it.  In the site, it explains:  Local, state, and regional organizations across Appalachia are working together to end mountaintop removal and create a prosperous future for the region. Through iLoveMountains.org, 7 grassroots organizations from 5 Appalachian states have come together to use cutting edge technology to inform and involve Americans in their efforts to save the mountains.

West Virginia Ranks 50^th for Residents With College Degrees.  The following article appeared in the Marshall Parthenon Online.  You will see that West Virginia ranks last in the nation for college degrees.  The student writer quotes our own Dr. Stan Maynard, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Education and Human Services.  Stan explains what Marshall is doing to change this.

W.Va. ranked 50th in residents with degrees, MU reacts to issues.  By: Alicia Merritt  9/13/07.

West Virginia is home to the lowest percentage of people ages 25 and older who have earned a bachelor's degree at 16.5 percent.  Although West Virginia ranks last in the U.S. Census Bureau's findings, many at Marshall are trying change the standings.  "I think cultural issues and strong ties to one's community create a divide in those people who want to go to school and those who actually attend college," Stan Maynard, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Education and Human Services, said.  Although some might consider the odds against West Virginians, Maynard said Marshall works against barriers for students.  The Two Plus Two degree program is an option for students who don't want to travel during the first two years of college.  Maynard said it gives students an opportunity to adapt to college life closer to home by attending a community college for two years and then finishing the last two years at a four-year university.  "This way students won't be intimidated of the idea of going to college," Maynard said.  Advancements in technology, such as WebCT and online classes, also have been indicative for students who would rather spend time at home earning a college degree.  Because advance placement and honors classes often are absent in rural high schools, students get to college and can't deal with the pressure of college classes, Maynard said.  As a remedy, UNI 101 classes are required for freshmen. The class is a part of Marshall retention efforts, which includes making sure new students know support center locations and establishing student and adviser relationships. 

Programs aimed at low-income, first generation college students, such as Upward Bound, also serve as a retention measure in certain counties in West Virginia.  Marshall's graduation rate during a six-year period is 48 percent and is increasing because of financial aid, Frances Hensley, associate vice president of academic affairs, said.  "There are many challenges for a student in college, and trying to maintain a job while keeping grades up is one of the hardest," Hensley said. Besides the rural factor, West Virginia's senior citizen population accounts for 15.3 percent of the state while only 12.4 percent account for the Unites States entirely, according the U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau also reports the average age of West Virginians is 40.7 years old, compared to the United States average of 36.4 years old.  "Many West Virginians grew up in a time when a college degree wasn't emphasized," Maynard said. "This is a large reason West Virginia lacks higher education."

In addition to the items listed by Stan above, I believe that the large percentage of college graduates leaving the state for jobs is a very big factor. 

Life Expectancy and Real Age.  Paul "Lyn" Ford sent us the following web site, which is a model that can be used to calculate your Life Expectancy and Real Age.  It is created by Poodwaddle.com. 

http://www.peterrussell.dreamhosters.com/Odds/RealAge.php.

Many thanks to Paul "Lyn" Ford for giving us this site.

The Doo-Wop Oldies Quiz.  Enjoy taking the Doo-Wop Oldies Quiz at http://www.wernerf.com/article/oldiesquiz.htm.  Thanks to Michael Pigman and Dick Rummell for sending this site to us.

Favorite Web Sites.

Harry Hoffer - http://www.peterrussell.com:80/Odds/WorldClock.php

Ron Cheatham - http://www.laredobullets.com/

Judee McCorkle Jerabek - http://www.wqad.com/Global/link.asp?L=259460

Carolyn Russell Adkins - http://www.holyhabitsforhealth.com/

Paul "Lyn" Ford - http://www.peterrussell.dreamhosters.com/Odds/RealAge.php

Mike Pigman - http://www.wernerf.com/article/oldiesquiz.htm

Dick Rummell - http://www.wernerf.com/article/oldiesquiz.htm