Florida Mini-Reunion Recap and Photos. 

   Our Florida Mini-Reunion in January was a really great time.  There were 28 in attendance at our three-day event.  Two thirds were from Florida and one third traveled from outside of Florida to escape some bitter weather in the North.  Fifteen were classmates from HHS Class of 1960 and three came from the Marshall High School Class of 1960.  Mary Alice Donald Engbers traveled from Shelton, CT to win the longest distance award (1116 miles).  Chari Stevens Singleton also came along way from Dallas, TX (942 miles).  Ten of our thoughtful spouses also attended the event, each still wondering why we have so much fun reliving those days at Huntington High School.

   Beckie Hazelett Killinger, with help from husband Brit, did an excellent job organizing our first day in The Villages, FL.  There were 16 of us in attendance.  We had a wonderful tour of the Villages on a trolley and learned about the details of this unique seniors haven.  We also had a wonderful dinner in a private room at the Cattle Baron Club.  Beckie and Brit had a special "Pony Express" cake made for the event.  Music and dancing was happening in the main part of the restaurant all evening.  We all checked out the action and some joined in after dinner.  Tom Frick arranged for golf at The Havana Country Club and three guys were able to take advantage of the opportunity.  The rain held off just enough for them to get the game in and they all said that golfing was great.

   The next day, we met at the home of Paul and Helen Ford in Venice, FL.  They invited the whole group to their home for a very nice reception and also organized the dinner that followed at The Venetian Golf and River Club.  There were 27 attendees in Venice.  Paul and Helen have a beautiful home and plenty of room for this large group to assemble.  The group had a chance to mix and meet friends that they had not seen for many years.  We had an excellent catered dinner with oldies music arranged by "Lyn the Spinner".  Paul and Helen also had a special "Huntington High" cake made for the event.  We danced into the evening.  On the last day, Paul arranged for golf at The Venetian Golf Club and seven were able to play this beautiful golf course.  The golf pro let us play with the members at a tournament that they were having on that day and he also gave us golf balls to loose on the course.  It was cool (cold for Florida), and a difficult golf course.  But, the good golfers still played in the 80's.  Those who did not play golf spent the morning shopping in Venice, which has many neat stores to attract everyone.

   I want to thank Beckie, Brit, Tom, Paul, and Helen for all of the work that they did to make this event successful.  And, I also want to thank all who attended and brought all of their stories and great personalities to really spark our Florida Mini-Reunion.  You may see photographs from the Florida Mini-Reunion at the following web site.  http://hhs1960reunion.tripod.com/flmrphotoalbum/

New E-Mail Addresses.

   Austin, Butch - b.austin1@yahoo.com

   Brown, Martha Kiser - marthar2625@comcast.net

   Brown, Steve - parksdd884@comcast.net

   Dearing, Ellen Roberts - beach849@suddenlink.net

   Frick, G.G. Varnum - frickgg@embarqmail.com

   Frick, Tom - fricktc@embarqmail.com

   Gilstrap, Sally Clay - gilstrapdeerp@aol.com

   Hoffer, Dr. Harry  - hhoffer@umes.edu

   Kiser, Jim - jykisers@aol.com

   Lewis, Linda Tomblin - lindalewis60@gmail.com

   Marcks, Major - iceman-65@q.com

   Rutledge, Tom - trut41@gmail.com

   Shaver, Helen Callaway - helenhallshaver@aol.com

New Cyberpony - Sally Clay Gilstrap

   Please welcome Sally Clay Gilstrap to the Cyberponies.  I had quite a bit of help to find Sally in Deer Park, Texas and remove her from our missing list.  Sally's sister, Barbara Clay Jones works at Saint Mary's hospital and lives in Proctorville, OH.  She is a 1960 graduate of Barboursville High School.  Donna Legge Hardiman, another Barboursville HS classmate, connected me to Barbara who helped me find Sally.

   Sally is nurse (LPN) and she works in pediatric home care.  She currently is helping a 19-year old quadriplegic young man who lives in her home.  She previously was co-owner of a contracting business with her ex-husband and she also was a paramedic fire fighter.  Sally has 3 sons and one daughter.  And, she has 3 grandchildren.  Sally attended Beverly Hills Junior High, Barboursville High School.  She came to HHS for her junior and senior years, graduating with us in the class of 1960.  Sally's e-mail address is gilstrapdeerp@aol.com.

Classmate - Anthony Lee Kessick

   I am sorry to inform you of the passing of our classmate Anthony Lee Kessick, due to lung cancer, this February in Huntington, WV.  Tony's obituary from the Herald-Dispatch Online follows.

   ANTHONY LEE KESSICK, 66, of Huntington, W.Va., died on Thursday, February 19, 2009, at his home. Mr. Kessick was born in Huntington on September 29, 1942. Preceding him in death are his parents, Cecil and Blanche Kessick and Orville Kingery, two brothers, Cecil Kessick Jr., and Tom Kessick, and a sister, Phyllis Gorby. Anthony was a U.S. Army veteran and an instructor for Huntington Junior College. Mr. Kessick was an avid reader and an accomplished writer, having several plays produced for Broadway. He was also a member of the American Mensa, an elite group of individuals with high IQ. Survivors include his mother, Peggy Sydenstricker of Huntington; his niece/sister, Nedra Browning and husband Mike of Proctorville, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews and special friend, Tammy Shortridge. Anthony's life will be celebrated on Sunday, February 22, 2009, 5 p.m. at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Mr. Kessick's name to Hospice of Huntington. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.chapmans- mortuary. com.

Classmates Meet in Huntington

   Please see the Classmate Photos for the photo sent by Jane Beckett Bradley from her recent visit to Huntington.  She writes, "Carolyn (Thomas Schenck) went with me to Huntington for a quick visit.  Mary Harvey (Wilson Midkiff) was our gracious hostess.  We were thrilled to know that Pete (Schoew) was living in Huntington and coordinated a brief time with him.  Peggy (Simmons Wilmink) managed a few minutes with us, too.  It was such fun to catch up with those precious folks.  I thought you might enjoy sharing this photo with our gang."  Many thanks, Jane.

George Becomes a Grandfather

   George Hale proudly announced the arrival of his first Granddaughter, Lyric Elena on January 13, 2009.  See Classmate Photos for a photo of Lyric Elena along with George and Lyric Elena's father Alan.  George's daughter Angel is her mother.

Donna and Selby Have a New Granddaughter

   Donna Bias Wellman and Selby Wellman (HHS'59) wish to announce the birth of their first granddaughter - Emma Hart Wellman.  Emma was born on August 19, 2008 to their oldest son Brent and his wife Yamile in San Diego, CA.  See Emma and Donna's photo at Classmate Photos.

Snack Pack Program in Gallia County, OH Schools

   I have received two e-mails recently from Doug Norris who lives in Gallipolis, Ohio.  Doug is doing fine, although he has recently had some shoulder surgery.  He is really looking forward to the Cincinnati Reds having a good year this year.  Doug told me about some volunteer work that he and his family are doing for the Gallia County Schools.  He writes, "I would like to mention to you, and anyone who may be interested, about a program we have started here in the Gallia schools. We call the program Snack Pack. We have discovered that in grades K-6 that there are a great number of these kids who go hungry over the weekend especially on the last weekend of the month. So, on the last Friday of the month we pack kid friendly foods (enough for 2 days) in bags and take the food to the school and place it in a back pack (If the kid doesn't have one, we provide one for them) just before classes are out. This gives the kids a little something to eat over the weekend. Right now, we are providing food for over 300 kids. That's about 16,200 meals that we are trying to pack just this year. Our goal is to add the other 1292 kids who qualify for this program by next year. We also want to make it twice a month too. This would mean we would have to provide 171,936 meals just for grades K through 6.  As you can see, this is no small undertaking.  We have the support of most of the Churches in our area and several different groups have donated monies to us even the members of a motorcycle club raise money for us.  Also, WSAZ did a story on Snack Pack and play it every now and then on TV. They also gave us a 1,000.00 dollars because we were chosen as one of their charities that best serve the community. Sorry I didn't mean to write a book but as you can see this is very dear to my heart."

    I asked Doug about how others could get involved in their program and he replied with the following. "Thank you for your offer and if anyone would like to help, the address is Snack Pack P.O. Box 169 Gallipolis, OH 45631.  We are a 501C3 charity so any donation is tax deductible. Snack Pack was started in, I believe, Lexington, KY and is now in 5 states.  Although we have the same name, we are not part of the original Snack Pack group.  We stand on our own, as do all snack pack groups.  We are allowed to share the name and follow the standards of the original group.  With all the down turn and job losses we have already seen a jump in the kids we serve."

   If anyone wishes to make a contribution to the Snack Pack Program, please send it to the address above and also give Doug an e-mail at poppyballgolf@ yahoo.com.  Congratulations to Doug Norris and his family for the good work that they are doing.

Abu Dhabi Adventure 2008 by Pete and Betty Schoew

   Below is Pete and Betty Schoew's report from their trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates last October and November.  What a wonderful trip!  Go to Classmate Photos to see a photo taken in Huntington after their return.  Pete and Betty write.

   "We are blessed to have spent October and November with our son, John, his wife Kirsten, and their children, Gavin (4) and Margot (21 months) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. John is there doing consulting work. After a 14-hour direct flight from New York to Dubai, we drove 80 km to Abu Dhabi and began our adventure.  The UAE celebrated her 37th birthday on December 1st, which was the day we boarded the Emirates Airways 380 Airbus to return to the USA. Like most young nations, progress is a process of decisions that affect everyone. Unlike most new nations, the uniting of the seven emirates in 1971 has produced unparalleled growth (especially Dubai) in building and construction with goals for improved health care and education opportunities at the top of the leadership's hopes for the UAE (NYU to open there soon)."

   "Located on the Arabian Gulf (aka Persian Gulf), northwest of Oman, southeast of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, Abu Dhabi is developing into a modern city of 850 thousand people. Traffic is exciting and parking a challenge. So, walking is preferred if you are near the grocery, a shop or souk, or the post office. The Abu Dhabi Mall was an elevator ride "next door" from our son's flat: the food court was filled with Lebanese, Greek, French, Arabian, Chinese and Japanese eateries as well as Starbuck's, McDonald's, Kidde's Korner, Cold Stone Creamery, a book store with cafe, Seattle's Best, and an abundant variety of French, English, and Arabian clothing and furniture stores with a smattering of American ones."

   "We enjoyed seeing the Emirati families on outings dressed in their traditional candoras (men) and abayas and sheilas - pronounced shala - (women). They clearly valued their time together, whether shopping in the mall or enjoying the playground or a picnic in one of the lovely parks along the Cornish (boulevard). During our stay in the UAE, we soon began to meet people from other countries working or visiting in Abu Dhabi.  In fact, around 70% of the country are expats from the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa, Nepal, Kenya, Ethiopia, UK, Germany, Russia, and the USA. Gavin was in swim class with Dhulenda from Sri Lanka, Kiera from South Africa, and Arnov from India. We visited Gavin and Margot's pre-school with it's own international atmosphere as well."

   "We drove through the desert marked by small dunes and rocky, arid landscape to Al 'Ayn oasis on the border with Oman and into the foothills of the mountains. We saw a few camels (wild) on the way. Most are on camel farms now where they are trained for racing and trekking. The royal family of this emirate has its roots in Al 'Ayn which is now a city of 100 thousand with beautiful boulevards lined with date palms and villas. Our fun was focused on our grandchildren and their dad and mom at the zoo!  Yes, we did get to Dubai and drove out onto the off shore Palm Island...and then under and around the Atlantis Hotel. Next, John negotiated eight lanes of traffic and we found Pinky's in the Sharjah emirate's warehouse district where he and Kirsten found décor among the furniture from India, Arabia, and Asia. We were blessed at tea with Kirsten in the Emirate Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi as well as being invited to join John and Kirsten for an evening at the Hotel for the closing gala of the Middle East International Film Festival. Eva Green (Bond's girl in "Casino Royale") and Joseph Fiennes were the hosts and emcees. Amazing art exhibits on loan from Spain at the Abu Dhabi Cultural and Heritage Center and from Paris at the Palace Hotel were two other incredible occasions."

   "We watched beautiful Arabian horses in the ring at the Abu Dhabi National Event Center, held falcons perched on a glove placed over our hand, walked among the stalls to see cultural and traditional Arabian arts and crafts being made and saw the model layout of the soon-to-be-complete d Yas Island Formula One race course. We were also able to visit a 'humungous' (a word Gavin likes to say) Mosque (second largest in the world) and its architecture and artwork were truly amazing. Our stretch adventure was to drive ourselves on a four-lane highway 2 1/2 hours to the Liwa oasis on the Saudi Arabian border for a lovely 2-day stay at the Liwa Hotel. We did a desert safari out among the huge dunes at the edge of the Rub'al Khali, which is known as the Empty Quarter (looks just like scenes from "Lawrence of Arabia"). Kareem, who drove us among some of the world's largest dunes outside the Sahara in North Africa, was asked (for Betty's sake), to keep the 4 wheel "dune bashing" at a low level. She was, however a bit woozy at Kareem's desert camp during lunch. We agree with Wilfred Thesiger, the British explorer: "the desert silence really is the loudest sound we have ever 'heard'."

   "Our greatest blessing was getting to worship in the English Evangelical Community Church with our family. One of the Sheiks (pronounced "shake") from the royal family gave land and 11 million dollars for the church to be built. 21 denominations worship there on Friday and Saturday each week (this is the Arab weekend in the UAE). His generosity reflects his gratitude for the opportunity to practice his Muslim faith while in the UK during military training at Sand Hurst as well as helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. We worshipped with Christians from many nations around the world. A taste of Heaven!"

   "We are blessed to be back in Huntington with family and a few of you to live and move and have our being. Our family time in Abu Dhabi was truly a 'you had to see it to believe it' experience. Blessings and love to each of you Cyberponies."  Pete and Betty Schoew.

Prom Picture.

   See Classmate Photos for a picture sent by Bob Harris, which was taken at our 1960 Junior Senior Prom.  Bob explains, "The picture sent previously for the class to share is of the 1960 HHS prom. It was sent to me by Christy Copeland Groves, HHS class of 61. Christy and David Groves are in the front of the picture. David graduated from Barboursville High School. They are friends of my brother Tom. I am with my prom date, Pat Pierson, HHS 62. She lived down the street from me on Berkeley Place. Larry Osborne identified the girl, second from the left, in the back room, as the late Janice Sanford, class of 62. Mary Harvey Wilson Midkiff identified Francine Blain, John Tweel, and John McDonough, all in the back room. Helen Callaway was first to identify Christy Copeland."

Remembering Others Who Have Left Us. 

   Please join with me to remember our friends and family who passed away recently.

   Mrs. Virginia Myers Pemberton, 87, Stockton, CA.  Bob Pemberton's mother passed away Dec. 16, 2008.

   Mrs. Dorothy Lee Osborne, 90, Vidalia, GA.  Larry Osborne's mother passed away January 24, 2009.

   Mr. Leonard Keen, 94, Huntington, WV.  Mike Keen's father passed away March 19, 2009.

Donna is Doing Much Better Now.

   Donna Carey Dewey is making a lot of progress in her battle with the serious blood condition called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), now that she is at Duke University Medical Center.   She was sent to Duke by ambulance on March 3rd after over a month in Saint Marys Hospital.  Several people have talked to Donna and she is feeling much better.  Both Donna Henry Hutchison and Judy Sheers Swann have kept me posted on Donna's status.  Donna really appreciates the cards and messages sent by her friends.

Bob Pemberton In Hospital.

   Bob Pemberton was in the hospital in January with acute pancreatitis.  We all wish Bob the best and hope for a full recovery.

Larry and Lacreta Announce Their 50th Wedding Anniversary

   Larry and Lacreta Gillespie Nelson (HHS'60) announce their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary on May 23, 2009.  Congratulations to Larry and Lacreta.

Stan Maynard Has Plans For A New Style Of High School

   Please see the following article from the Herald-Dispatch sent by Pam Adkins McCoy telling about Stan Maynard's research and plans for a new high school on the Marshall campus.  Keep up the good work Stan.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/life/schools/x1907743201/MU-pursues-new-model-for-high-school-education

John Hicks Announces Marriage

   John Hicks and Sandra Rosende/Diez announce their marriage on May 15, 2008.  John says that they met in March, 1986 and have been a "couple" for 23 years.  Sandra is a lovely lady and it is really great that they have finally made it official.  The "newlyweds" make their home in Tampa, Florida.  Congratulations to John and Sandra.  See Classmate Photos.

Pat Ferguson is Enjoying Life.

   Pat Ferguson tells me, "Things are great, retired twice, businesses sold, more money than a man should have, and plenty of coffee.  Honestly my everyday life is a wonderful vacation. I'm the President of a Historical Aircraft Squadron and have some great pilots and volunteers. Friends abound.  A local military museum allows me to bring old military vehicles home for restoration.  Bought a fast little plane last year and tear up the clouds when the weather is good. They even let me work some air shows here and there.  Do whatever I want, whenever I want, as long as I want!  My health is more than wonderful, - Heck, I even pass a flight physical once and a while. Wish everyone had my health and blessings. Thanks for asking, Pat

Butch Retires Again.

   Butch Austin tells me that he retired from his job as an electrician in 1995.  This was due to an accident that severely injured his left knee, along with a long time problem with it since an injury in B Team Football at HHS.  After surgery, rehab, and hard work, Butch's knee recovered and he was even able to play golf.  He says that after many years of retirement he just got bored and decided to go back to work.  So, he found a nice job for 2 years working in the Quality Control Department at the John Amos Power Plant in Winfield, WV.  He was their troubleshooting electrician.  Butch said that he really enjoyed the job and found that the work had really changed while he was off.  Everything got computerized.  So, he applied himself and learned all he could to use the new computer techniques.  After two years, Butch decided to retire again and see how it goes the second time around.  Along with having more time to spend with his wife Donna, Butch helps his mother in Huntington who turned 89 on March 20th.

Jane Has Hip Replacement Surgery

   Jane Heywood Boylin had a hip replacement in January.  I understand that she is doing well.

Judy Has Knee Replacement Surgery

   Judy Browning Clark had knee replacement surgery on February 10th in Huntington.  Pam Morlock Rawn wrote that the surgery went quite well.  Judy wants to thank all who sent her Get Well cards.  She is now back to work and progressing very well.

 Francine Also Has a Hip Replacement

   I have learned that Francine Blaine Gemmill also had hip replacement surgery on February 3rd.  She writes, "Thanks, Fred, I am recovering well.  Still must walk with a walker for the next three weeks, Bummer.  However, I am planning to go back to work next week. Loved sleeping in, but sick leave is drying up. Sounds like with Jane, and Judy also having replacement surgery, that there is a subgroup of bionic HHS grads." Francine.

Classmates Enjoy Super Bowl in NC

   See Classmate Photos to see Joe McVay, Paul Harrison, Boots Elam (HHS'61), and Boots' grandson (Mackie) watching the Super Bowl (Feb 1, 2009).

Heart Attack Slide Show

  Dr. Joe Ricketts sent us a Power Point slide show explaining the Cough CPR Procedure adding much credibility to this procedure.  This was previously sent by John Tweel and also is shown on our Helpful Health Hints section in our class web site.  As Joe says, "this is a refresher course."  Thanks Joe.

Favorite Web Sites. 

   Several of you have sent special web sites for our enjoyment over the period.

Larry Clark - Mini Golf Game. 

http://www.ibogleif.dk/spil/flashspil/minigolf/minigolf.swf

Michael Lerner - Google Maps.  http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Michael Lerner - Music Video (Stand By Me).  http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

Carol Mendelson Ellegant - Number One Songs http://www.joshhosler.biz/

Anita Herbert Oller - The 27 Most Commonly Misspelled Words http://www.businesswriting.com/tests/commonmisspelled.html  

Joe McVay - Video (Send In The Clowns).  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfPI4PTu8_s&NR=1

Joe McVay - Music Video (Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino).  

 http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xe5w0_ray-charles-jerry-lee-lewis

Joe McVay - Young British Singer.  Clip 1:  http://www.tagtele.com/videos/voir/7383/1/

Clip 2: http://www.tagtele.com/videos/voir/19214/1/

Joe McVay - Statler Brothers (Do You Remember These?).  http://cruzintheavenue.com/DYRT.htm

Doug Norris - Take Me Back To The 50's.  http://oldfortyfives.com/TakeMeBackToTheFifties

Judy Menear Harrison - Statler Brothers (Do You Remember These?).  http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT. htm