Keith-Albee Theatre Renovation Project.  The recent creation of the nonprofit Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, Inc organization has given many of us a sense of joy and relief that the Keith-Albee was saved.  Our beautiful old theater will once again be used as we remember it during our high school days in Huntington.  I have received many e-mails from classmates and friends telling of the great times that you experienced at the Keith-Albee Theatre.  As a result of these strong feelings from you, it has been decided that our class will support the renovation of the Keith-Albee by donating $5000 from our class memorial fund.  We also have established a class project to raise money for the Keith-Albee renovation from individual contributions in the name of the HHS Class of 1960 and Friends.

Joe Challenges Us All.  "I have read with great interest our classmates fond memories of the Keith-Albee.  I would like to share my first memory of that beautiful building.  When I was five or six my Grandmother took me to the theater one morning before it had opened. She knew the manager and arranged to have all the lights on. She took me by the hand and we toured the whole theatre from the top of the balcony to the backstage.  My grandmother told me of her love for this beautiful building, and that I should not forget our tour of the Keith-Albee.  I understand that at that age you may not remember a whole lot, but, my memories of this remain vivid.... the climb to the top row of the balcony, the elegant powder room, the ceiling appearing as a blue sky, the enormity of the stage, the feeling of being suspended in mid-air in the gilded side balconies, and just what a magnificent building it had been.  Hopefully it will soon be restored to its former glory.  I have been very fortunate in business life, and real estate has been very good to me. So what better way for to me to repay the town and honor it's most valuable piece of real estate than to make a donation to our class fund.  In my grandmother Marie Sutton's memory, and for my love of Huntington, I will match the first $10,000 that we raise for the Keith-Albee."  Warm regards, Joe McVay.  Joe McVay owns and manages McVay Realty in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and he would be very happy to help anyone who may be considering relocating to that area in the future.

HHS Class of 1960 and Friends Donate $14,510.  This is a wonderful result and a great memorial to the Huntington High School Class of 1960 and Friends.  With our combined donations, we will make a significant impact on the future of the Keith-Albee Theatre.  I want to thank everyone for your generous donations now and over the years to our class memorial fund.  Also, I would like to personally thank Joe McVay and McVay Realty (Myrtle Beach, SC) for his challenge to us all and for his matching donation.  Everyone 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.  Fred Charles

"We Are Marshall" Movie.  We are all excited about the production of the movie "We Are Marshall" based on the 1970 Marshall University plane crash.  Many classmates and friends participated in the movie filming in Huntington and Atlanta.  The movie stars Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, and Anthony Mackie.  These actors are expected to be present when the movie premiers at the Keith-Albee Theatre in Huntington on December 12, 2006

New E-Mail Addresses

Byer, Alice Reynolds - alice_r_byer@mcpsmd.org

Casey, Richard - richardcasey1943@aol.com

Crabtree, Jim - c_crabtree@suddenlink.net

Fletcher, Marcia Grimm - mfletcher@acs.org

Francis, Donna Gail Lytle - sunnydee2@charter.net

Johnson, Richard - gena1948@hotmail.com

Killinger, Becky Hazelett -  britk@mail.com

Lewis, Linda Tomblin - lindalewis60@cfl.rr.com

Lowry, Linda Staten - lllowry@verizon.net

Mabe, Linda Millard - lkmabe@bellsouth.net

McCoy, Pam Adkins - rmccoy25705@verizon.net

Midkiff, Mary Harvey Wilson - mharv@adelphia.net

(Please note the dot Net)

Murphy, Frances Bailey - ronmurphy@tceci.net

Pace, Nelson - ricki@sterlingrates.com

Porter, Sally Staras  - s.porter@insightbb.com

Richards, Gloria Nestberg - rverdad@gmail.com

Sane, Sharleen Berry - cliffsharsane@peoplepc.com

Schenck, Carolyn Thomas - ctschenck@charter.net

Strickling, Bonnie - bstrickling@langara.bc.ca

Shy, Martha Porter - rgshy@zoominternet.net

Strickling, Bonnie - bstrickling@langara.bc.ca

Suter, Martha Bartram - grizsearcher@yahoo.com

von Stroh, Gerald - g.vonstroh@att.net

Wilkinson, Penny Summer - Wilkinson61@gmail.com

New Cyberpony - Marcia Grimm Fletcher.  We can remove another classmate from our missing list.  Marcia Grimm Fletcher lives in Columbus, OH with her husband Allan (HEHS'60).  She and Allan moved there in 1961 after getting married and have continued to make Columbus home.  They have now been married 45 years.  They have 4 sons and 4 grandchildren.  Marcia works in the accounting department for the American Chemical Society in Columbus and Allan owns his own business.  Their oldest grandson is a sophomore at Ohio State.  And, as you would expect, they are big Buckeye fans.  Please welcome Marcia as our newest Cyberpony.  Her e-mail address is mfletcher@acs.org.

New Cyberpony - Frances Bailey Murphy.  I was able to locate Frances in Santee, SC.  She and her husband Ron moved there seven years ago when Ron retired from Kelly Springfield Tire Company in Cumberland, MD.  After moving to South Carolina, they both began new careers.  Frances is now a massage therapist focusing on pain management.  Ron is now a minister.  Frances and Ron have one daughter and two grandsons.  Please welcome Frances to the Cyberponies.  Her e-mail address is ronmurphy@tceci.net.  See Classmate Photos.

Sally Rejoins Cyberponies.  I talked to Sally Staras Porter recently and found that she retired from the University of Kentucky in 2003.  She was an administrator in the College of Dentistry.  As a result of her retirement, she has not been receiving our Cyberpony e-mail for a while.  She says that retirement is great.  She is active in her church, does some traveling, and is very active in the lives of her daughter and two grandchildren.  Sally lives in Lexington, KY.  Her e-mail address is: s.porter@insightbb.com.  Please welcome Sally back to the Cyberponies.

Linda Rejoins Cyberponies.  Please welcome Linda Staten Lowry back to the Cyberponies.  After her retirement from the Cabell County Board of Education, Linda found herself without a computer at home.  She now has a new one and a new e-mail address.  You can contact Linda at lllowry@verizon.net.  Welcome Back Linda!

Classmate Andrea Geer Raines.  Our Classmate Andrea Geer Raines passed away on August 8, 2006 as a result of a fall at home.  Please see the following obituary for Andrea from the Buffalo News sent to me by her husband Ronald.  He notes that she was actually born in Cleveland, OH and grew up in Huntington.  You will see that she taught school in WV for 10 years before moving to Orchard Park, NY.  She continued to teach there.  She was an avid reader and gardener who shared these interests with others.  Andrea was an expert flower and pressed flower designer winning a national award in 2000.

ANDREA K. RAINES, Teacher, Gardener.  Andrea K. Raines, of Orchard Park, died unexpectedly August 8, 2006 in Erie County Medical Center.  She was 64.  Born Andrea Geer in Huntington, W.Va., she was a graduate of Huntington East High School.  She received her bachelor's degree in teaching from Marshall University in 1965.  Mrs. Raines taught for 10 years at Hite Saunders and Springhill elementary schools in West Virginia.  An avid reader, she helped co-found a reading program at Ellicott Elementary School in Orchard Park more than 20 years ago.  The program still operates today.  Mrs. Raines was a longtime member and past president of the Orchard Park Garden Club.  She developed a reputation as both a flower and pressed-flower designer, winning the National Award for Artistic Craft from the National Council of State Garden Clubs in 2000.  She also volunteered fat the Erie County Fair, assisting judges and entrants with plant identification and classification.  Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Ronald L. Raines; a son, Steven B. Raines; and a sister, Beverly Pohlmann.  A service was held Friday in Orchard Park Presbyterian Church.

Classmate Theda Regina Collins.  I am sorry to inform you of the passing of another of our classmates - Theda Regina Collins.  Regina passed away on October 17, 2006 due to complications from diabetes.  After her retirement from the Department of the Navy, she returned to Huntington and lived there until moving to Russell, KY to live with her mother.  Regina's obituary from the Herald-Dispatch follows.

THEDA REGINA COLLINS, 63, of Russell, Ky., formerly of Huntington, died Tuesday in Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Reger Funeral Chapel, Huntington; burial follows at Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington. She was a budget analyst with the Department of the Navy. Survivors include her mother, Theda Melba Cline Collins of Russell; brother Robert K. Collins; sisters Sharon K. Flowers and Marilyn Allen, all of Huntington; six nieces and nephews, Matthew Flowers, Debbie Webster, Becky Shaheen, Paul Flowers, Tamara Utt and Ritchie Allen. Visitation is one hour before service Friday at the funeral home.

Classmate Donald Nelson Mankin.  I am sorry to inform you of the passing of our classmate Don Mankin in October 2006 due to a heart attack.  Don was in the process of moving from Tyler, Texas to Fort Myers, Florida and was apparently in good health at the age of 64.  He leaves three grown children Robert, Scott, and Susan.  His children plan to have a memorial service for Don in Huntington at a future date.

Classmate Sonra Gail King Millman.  I spoke with Sonra King Millman's husband in Cocoa, Florida.  James sadly informed me that Sonra had passed away three years ago due to an inoperable brain tumor.  He generously provided the following information about Sonra's life.  Sonra graduated from Marshall University in 1964.  After graduation, she moved to Florida with her mother and stepfather.  Sonra lived in Cocoa, FL where she taught elementary school.  She taught 3rd grade and 5th grade.  Later in her career, Sonra became a reading specialist.  She continued to take college courses and obtained her masters degree.  While at Marshall, she ran Sonra's School of Dance teaching ballet to young children.  Her mother helped her in the business.  She was an excellent dancer and won many awards in ballroom dancing.  Sonra and James were married 31 years.  They met in 1970 while Sonra was directing choreography at a local Playhouse Theater.  James was an actor in a performance of Guys and Dolls.

New Grandchildren.  Many classmates and friends have written about their new grandchildren who have recently arrived or are expected.  Congratulations to all of you grandparents.

Robert and Laura Raglin - Granddaughter Hailey born in 2006.

Ronald Marcum- Grandson Ronald Matthew born August 19, 2006.

Judy Browning Clark and Butch Clark (HEHS'60) - Granddaughter Kara Elizabeth Rohrer born August 29 (see photo)

David and Jane Jenkins - Grandson born in September and another grandchild due soon.

Pat Richardson Adkins - Grandson Ryan Edward Adkins born October 15, 2006. (See photo)

Larry Shaver - Two new grandchildren recently.

Phil and Patty Ellis - expecting grandchild soon.

Jay and Alfreda Corradi Leef - Expecting a grandchild in December. 2006

Del and Barbara Wilson Lunsford - Expecting twins in March 2007

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

Mrs. Mary C. Donahoe, 98, of Huntington, WV.  HHS teacher (Health and Guidance Counselor) passed away September 17, 2006.

Mrs. Gladys Opal Hage, 88, of Huntington, WV.  Tom Hage's mother passed away September 27, 2006.

Mrs. Jackie Hicks Maynard, 67, of Huntington, WV.  Judy Hicks Russell's sister passed away October 2005.

Mr. Clark Dorsey Todd Sr., 94, of Huntington, W.Va.  David Todd's father passed away September 19, 2006,

Mrs. Myrtle Curry Barrett, 94, of Huntington, WV.  Bob Barrett's mother passed away July 23, 2006.

Ms. Rowena Berry, 88, of Newport TN.  Sharleen Berry Sane's aunt passed away October 13, 2006.

Mrs. Leah Ida Walker, 92, of Huntington, WV.  Tom Walker's mother passed away October 23, 2006.

Mrs. Winona Mae Straight, 91, of Huntington, WV.  Wife of Roy Straight (West Jr. High Principal) passed away November 18, 2006.

Mr. Benjamin Wilkes Hale, 96, of Proctorville, OH.  Wilsie Hale’s father passed away November 19, 2006.

David Reeder Sends Greetings From FEMA Land.  “Greetings from FEMA land.  Biloxi and Gulfport are re-building and you can see progress.  Down the road to the West - Pass Christian, Diamondhead, and Bay St-Louis are just still a total loss.  My granddaughter lives in Bay St-Louis in a tiny FEMA trailer and she is doing fine.  She and her boyfriend are helping rebuild the Bay area.  If any of the cyberponies are interested, the local Biloxi newspaper is available on-line and has an option to read the entire paper from cover to cover daily.  Lots of hurricane Katrina information is represented but you have to search for it.  The web site is http//www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/.  To read in detail, just scroll down the left side of the web page until you see the topic ‘ONLINE EXTRAS’ and then look for ‘TODAY'S NEWSPAPER’.   This is a very nice feature and is identical to the paper delivered to our door.”  Regards, David

John McDonough Visits Mississippi Gulf Coast.  John McDonough made a recent visit to the Mississippi Gulf coast and he tells me that it is really depressing to see the destruction and lack of progress there.  He writes, "FRED, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IT IS HOT AND HUMID DOWN HERE IN MISSISSIPPI.  I KEEP MAKING TRIPS DOWN TO BAY ST. LOUIS.  I DON'T KNOW WHY.  IT IS UTTERLY DEPRESSING.  LAST WEEK I VISITED A SMALL SUBDIVISION (50) HOMES, WHERE 18 PEOPLE DIED.  EVERY ONE OF THE HOUSES WERE BUILT 2 FEET ABOVE THE HIGH WATER MARK OF CAMILLE IN 1968.  PROBLEM WAS THAT THE WATER WENT 5 FEET OVER THE ROOF OF EVERY HOUSE KILLING ALMOST ALL WHO STAYED.  BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THERE ARE STILL THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LIVING IN CHEAP TENTS.  I SAW YOUNG MOTHERS WASHING THERE CLOTHES IN # 2 WASHTUBS JUST LAST WEEK.  I DROVE A 15-MILE STRETCH OF THE BEACH WEST OF GULFPORT.  AS FAR AS THE EYE COULD SEE THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE HOUSE UNDER REPAIRS OR CONSTRUCTION.  THERE ARE NO HOUSES.  PERIOD.  (THIS IS THE AREA OF LONGBEACH, PASS CHRISTIAN AND BAY ST. LOUIS.)  FRED, I NOW THINK THAT IT WILL BE 30 YEARS BEFORE THIS AREA COMES BACK."  John also sent me the following collection of videos about Hurricane Katrina.  http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=related&search_query=Hurricane%20Katrina.  We must all remember how fortunate we are to have survived this terrible storm and recognize the price that people have had to pay who were in its path.

Coach Jack Cook Celebrates 80^th Birthday.  On July 27th, Coach Cook's three children presented him with a great birthday present.  They reserved the Marshall All Star Cafe in Huntington for a surprise birthday party.  They invited all of his friends and spread the news to all of the baseball players that he coached at Huntington High School and Marshall University.  Over 150 people attended, and truly surprised Coach Cook.  During the evening, Coach Cook was presented with the "Order of the 35th Star" which is the highest award given to a civilian in the state of WV.  It was presented by Tammie Stollings for Governor Joe Manchin.  See Classmate Photos.  Coach Cook had an outstanding coaching career starting at HHS in 1958 and finishing at Marshall in 1989.  He had 3 state championships at HHS ('61, '64, '66) and two Southern Conference championships.  His overall record at Marshall was 422-344-3.  As you can see from the photographs, Coach Cook has kept himself in great shape since retirement.  He still has that big smile and wonderful since of humor.  Every summer he helps his son grow a large crop of tomatoes, which he sells at local outdoor markets.  He has also helped Toby Holbrook coach the current HHS baseball team.  We should all take another lesson from him on how to be successful in retirement.

Kinzer Named Interim CEO Of Marshall Foundation.  “John K. Kinzer, a former Huntington resident and longtime member of numerous Marshall University organizations, has been named interim chief executive officer of the Marshall University Foundation, Inc.”, said Monica Hatfield, MU chair of the foundation board of directors.  John is the husband of Betty Sue Haden Kinzer.  Congratulations John.  See the full story at http://www.marshall.edu/alumni/Kinzer06.asp.

George Weaver Enters Greeley’s Legacy in Preakness.  Bill and Billie Weaver traveled to Baltimore, MD for the Preakness Stakes where Greeley's Legacy, trained by son George, raced.  Even though Greeley’s Legacy did not win, he made a good showing.  Bill shared with us by e-mail his four-part story of the full experience at the big race.  We are very proud of George for the work that he is doing in a very competitive sporting business and expect to follow his horses more in future races.

Linda Frankel Visits The Set Of Sesame Street.  “My cousin Eli was being honored by the Sesame Street Foundation, and he invited me to a very elegant dinner that was held RIGHT ON THE SET OF SESAME STREET!  I cannot begin to tell you how thrilling it was to be there. I'm not sure that Graceland, with Elvis in residence, would have been any better.  It took nerve for me to ask the photographer if she would take a picture of me in the trash can of Oscar the Grouch, but I must have hit a chord of secret desire for many other grownups, and a line formed as soon as I exited the trash can.”  See Classmate Photos.  Linda explains further.  “Eli's foundation was not only one of the major funders of Sesame Street, but it brought to life an Israeli version called ‘Rechov Sumsum’, and one in Arabic called ‘Alam Simsim’. The other character appearing with me in the photo is ‘Moshe Ufnik’, who is the Israeli Grouch and one of the real stars of ‘Rechov Sumsum’.  (Explained Eli: The name comes from the sound that Israelis make when things get really frustrating, like standing in line at a falafel stand and just when you get up to your turn, the stand runs out. ‘Uf!’ the Israeli says half in anger and half with ‘not again’.) Linda

Becky Experiences Hawaiian Earthquake.  Becky Hazelett Killinger and husband Brit just returned from a five-week vacation in Hawaii.  Becky says, “We had a wonderful time and most of our aches and pains seemed to vanish in the warm and beautiful weather.”  They were vacationing on the island of Kauai when the recent earthquake shook the islands.  Becky tells me,  “The earthquakes occurred on a Sunday morning on the big Island.  Kauai is the farthest away from the big Island and we only felt tremors.  There was no damage to person or property.  I was sitting at the dresser and Brit was still in bed when the mirror began to rattle and the bed shook.  It lasted for several seconds and the first thought that came to my mind was either an earthquake or a tsunami.  Cable reception was interrupted for a couple of hours but was restored by the middle of the afternoon.  By then, everything on our Island was back to normal.”  Becky.  The earthquake didn’t seriously concern either Becky or Brit who plan to vacation in Hawaii again next year.

Frances Moves to Frankfort, KY.  Frances Swartz Thresh has recently moved to Frankfort, Kentucky where she will be closer to her son.  She lives in a new seniors apartment building there.  Frances says that Frankfort is a very beautiful city and she likes it there very much.  She says HELLO to all of her friends from HHS.

Nelson Pace.  Nelson Pace is doing well and is back to work as a Loan Specialist at his old company, Sterling Financial Services, in New Orleans, LA.  He and his son Duncan have moved to another apartment in New Orleans, which is a little closer to Tulane University where Duncan is a sophomore.  Nelson says that Duncan received a full academic scholarship to Tulane.  Nelson also wants everyone to know that he is "Eternally Grateful" for the support that he and his family received after Hurricane Katrina.

Carolyn Changes School Districts.  Carolyn Thomas Schenck has switched jobs to the Camden, SC School District where she lives.  She says, "I am still working as a speech/language pathologist in the schools and also as a home health therapist after school about 4 days each week.  It keeps me very busy."

Mike Rides to Sturgis, SD.  Mike McComas writes, "I'm staying busy as ever. I'm x-ray Mike at Salem Hospital here in Salem, Oregon. I also work in an ambulatory surgery center in Portland. When you live as long as we have, you acquire things and we're no different. We have some rental property that keeps us on our toes and a small place in Gold Canyon, AZ that we visit each winter. We'll be heading down on Nov.15th this season. Will probably be doing the "geezer thing" you know, wearing goofy clothes and hitting the little white ball a lot. I just returned last month from a Harley ride to Sturgis, SD. for the annual 'biker' pilgrimage. It's a blast but mostly it illustrates one of my favorite Kris Kristopherson lyrics which goes "I'd rather be sorry for something I did, than for something that I didn't do." One day I'll be this codger sitting in a rocking chair in some desolate nursing home shouting 'by gawd I tried it all'  Later, Mike  See Mike in Sturgis at Classmate Photos

Tom and G.G. are Foster Parents.  Tom and G.G. Frick write, "The only change in our life is we are now 'foster parents' to a rescued Border Collie from Mississippi.  The club purchased the dog to keep the geese off the golf course and he's doing a terrific job.  We have one large lake that is around holes 1, 4, 16, & 18 so the dog's focus is that area.   They also tell me that that they took an over night cruse thru the Dismal Swamp.   See www.bonnyblue.com.

Judy Loves Knoxville.  Judy Setzer White has lived in Knoxville, TN since 1970.  She has now retired from the City of Knoxville where she worked for 25 years as an executive secretary in economic development in the Mayor's office.  She says that it is a wonderful city.  She and husband Roy (Barboursville HS '53) have 4 children from previous marriages and 6 grandchildren.  Being both retired, they enjoy travel and like to spend winters in Fort Myers Beach, FL.

Pat Enjoys Aviation.  Pat Ferguson tells me, "The Historical Aviation Squadron located in Lancaster (OH) has occupied some or maybe most of my spare time.  We have just finished the restoration of a B26 Bomber (waiting for FAA approval for flight) and we have a nearly completed B25 sitting on the ramp.  We recently finished restoring a Sherman tank and a Vietnam era ambulance for the museum.  A friend has started building a RV 6, a four place experimental aircraft, and I have had the fun of helping him build the wings and fuselage.  Once in a great while I have enough time to fly."  Pat

Jane Continues to Manage Camden Park.  Jane Heywood Boylin says, "For the business owner there is no retirement!  But, I enjoy my work.  I just returned from a few weeks in Italy and that was wonderful."  Jane

Mary Lou Eaton Williams Family News.  Mary Lou writes that her mother, who is 95 years old, has now moved to the Woodlands in Huntington.  "What a wonderful place! We are so lucky to have such a good facility here in Huntington.  Anyway that leaves Tony and me trying to clear out and sell her home. What a job! My parents were married for 65 years and they saved almost everything!"  Mary Lou also details their family vacation this summer.  "We did have a wonderful summer in Maine with my brother and sister-in-law. We own the place my father built almost 70 years ago. Over time we have expanded the land as well as the buildings on it so we are able to have quite a crowd at the same time. All three of our girls, our two sons-in-law, and our four grandchildren were there together for a week. Of course mother was with us the whole time enjoying everyone.  What fun! We swam, canoed, kayaked, picked blueberries, ate, drank and were merry!  Our place is on a lake where loons, a blue heron, an American eagle, and some moose all share in the surroundings. It's amazing! What a wonderful world we live in."  Mary Lou

Judee Experiences Remodeling.  Judee McCorkle Jerabek writes, "Like always, we are still working on this house but finally seeing gains. It has taken it toll, Bruce is going in for hip replacement tomorrow.  He with the help of our sons, have done all the work themselves.  Never thought I would learn to dry wall, what a mess."  Judee.  She also says that she has been able to fit in visits with her children in California, Huntington, and Ohio.  In a later e-mail Judee tells me that Bruce is doing fine and working toward playing golf in the Spring.

Bonnie Has A New Book.  Bonnie Strickling tells about her new book.  "Probably the most exciting thing that's happening at the moment is that my book, (Dreaming about the Divine), is being published by the State University Press of New York in their Dream Studies series in the Spring. It's a combination of theory about and case studies of dreams about God, taken mostly from clients but also from friends and colleagues. People tend to dream about God during times of crisis in their lives, representing God in individual ways that are the most healing and that promote the most growth and insight. The dreams are amazingly creative in their various ways of representing God, and particularly interesting in the way they brought change into the lives of the people who dreamed them. Though I've published papers, this is my first book, so I'm quite excited and also a bit nervous!"  Bonnie continues her work.  "I'm still teaching philosophy, still the chair of my dept., still in private practice as a Jungian psychotherapist. I had originally planned to retire from the college at 62, but the college decided not to allow any more early retirements because they were afraid they would be unable to fill the positions (there were a number of applicants), so they eliminated early retirement.  I'm retiring at Christmas of 2007 (just from teaching, not from private practice)."  Bonnie

Francine and Bill Attend 50th Class Reunion.  Francine Blain Gemmill, with her husband Bill, attended Bill's 50th high school class reunion in Tulsa, Oklahoma this summer.  Francine writes, "Let me tell you, it was quite an affair. Amazing that we attended, as he had not attended any previous reunions, and barely remembered any of his classmates, but we had a great time.  They had everything at the Double Tree Hotel. On Thursday evening there was registration, and the hospitality suite was open with drinks and snacks. They had a golf tournament on Friday morning.  On Friday there was a lunch, and on Friday evening a 50's style party and dinner. On Saturday morning they had a two-hour Daze presentation, which was what they called their assemblies back in the day, the afternoon was a bus tour of Tulsa with a stop for lunch.  That evening a dinner dance, and they gave all of the graduates a gift, which was a water globe with the skyline of downtown Tulsa, which played Oklahoma.  That dinner ended somewhat early so the party continued in the hospitality suite.  All the graduates had nametags with their high school picture, and the spouses had nametags as well. I guess what we liked best was that there were plenty of opportunities to meet and talk with people.  Interesting class, there were 950 graduates, at the time Tulsa Central High was the second largest school in the nation, the next year Tulsa started building additional high schools.  Are we having a 50th?"  Francine.  Yes, Francine we certainly will have a 50th class reunion in 2010.

Donna's A Texan Now.  Donna Darbes McGehee says, "Howdy - getting to be a real Texan now.  We are loving being near our grandchildren and enjoying the wonderful Texas weather - October 3 and 90 degrees with 70 at night, we still are amazed. We are fine and healthy, with my heart figured I would have been gone by now, but doing great as I hope you are.  Still so sorry that we missed the reunion but looking forward to 50th.  I am still working as an assistant to a vice chancellor at a community college (working with grants).  Donna

David Jenkins.  David tells me, "I am a counselor full time at Southwest Counseling Associates, in Littleton.  SCA is a large Christian Counseling group with 19 therapists.  Jane and I just returned yesterday from Broken Arrow, OK where we visited our daughter, son-in-law, and their three boys.  Their third son was born earlier in September.  Our middle daughter and her husband have two children and the third is due any time now.  Our youngest daughter is not married and is serving with a mission organization developing their leadership training program.  We keep busy and at times find it difficult to slow down."  David

Randy Brosky Enjoying Retirement.  Randy writes, "I am retired from CSX Technology and live in Jacksonville, Florida - the home of the Jaguars and our quarterback, Byron Leftwich.  Have been doing a lot of football between the Florida colleges and the Jaguars."  Randy

Donna Henry Hutchison.  Donna says that they have had a very busy summer.  "Our daughter-in-law is a doctor, and they have moved to Chesapeake, Virginia.  Our two grandchildren spent a lot of the summer here with us.  We just got back from a two-week vacation.  On the way back from the beach, we visited our best friends in Matthews, NC.  Jeannine took me to the Southern Ladies Show in Charlotte.  Allan and I are enjoying life, and I stay very busy with Garden Club, church, family, and our friends."  Donna

Sandy Is Enjoying Retirement.  Sandy York Salyers says that Larry is still working, but "I have retired and loving it."  She is in contact with Kay Roberts Loudermilk and that "Kay is doing pretty good."  Sandy

Doug Norris.  Doug writes, "I think I told you before I had retired several years ago. My health doesn't allow me to get out a lot and do the things I really want to do, but I really don't have any right to complain. I have a great wife and between the two of us we have 5 children and 7 grandchildren. One lives here in Gallipolis with her husband and daughter. She works for Ohio State and that comes in handy this time of the year for season tickets. One lives in Barboursville and is an accountant and her husband is in charge of the critical care unit at Cabell Huntington Hospital.  They have 2 boys one 8 and one 6 mos. The last daughter lives in Getaway OH (just across the river from Huntington). She and her husband have a eye practice just across 3rd Ave from St. Marys Hospital called Lilly Eye Care.  They have 3 boys 14, 9, and 1.  One boy lives in Bel Aire, MD. and is a Federal officer.  His wife is a x-ray tech at the local hospital there. They have 1 girl 3 years old. The last child (son) we have is some where in Texas, never married or any children."  Doug

Betty and Kamal Celebrate 40th.  Betty Tweel Rahal writes, "Thanks for your good wishes on our 40th anniversary.  I got several cards from our classmates, which surprised me so much.  Our kids threw a really nice surprise party for us on Sunday the 9th (July), the exact date of our anniversary.  We thought it was going to be 4 other people besides ourselves.  It turned out to be about 45 others!!!"  Betty also writes, "We have a daughter getting married on Dec. 16 and we've been busy with events getting to know her future in laws, with trips between here and Thomasville, NC, and shopping and planning for all those things related to weddings.  And I must say, I have enjoyed every minute.  Also, I have been working on the CROP Walk for our area, putting together a benefit concert and contacting local churches and groups.  Last year we made $23,000 to fight hunger and provide disaster relief.  This year I have set a goal of $40,000, and I know we can do it.  Much of our money last year went to help the victims of Katrina and Rita, so as I read about the problems of our friends, Nelson and his family and saw the pictures that John McDonough sent, I was hoping that maybe our efforts up here may have helped to relieve some of their suffering through the disaster relief arm of the CROP Walk/Church World Service organization."  Betty.

Guys Get Together in Georgia.  Dan Nelson writes, "This past August, Bob Stevens (another Peachtree City resident) & I met George Hale for lunch just down the street from The State University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA where he teaches part-time.  We entertained each other by swapping tall tales for two hours!"  Dan 

Dan and Sally Vacation in Colorado.  Dan Nelson also writes, "Sally & I just returned from 10 days in colorful Colorado.  Where else can you spend the official last day of Summer standing in 10" of snow!  We were at the Maroon Bells just outside Aspen (see Classmate Photos).  It was absolutely beautiful.  My cameras worked overtime!  We then spent 4 days in Rocky Mountain National Park watching the annual mating rituals of the North American Elk (Wapiti).  There are nearly 3000 elk in RMNP and I think we saw most of them.  Being a frustrated wildlife photographer I spent mornings and evenings taking literally hundreds of wildlife photos.  We hiked during the days."  Dan.  See Dan's wildlife photos in Classmate Photos.

Dan Nelson's Photography.  Dan Nelson has continued to take many beautiful photographs.  Dan says, "Several of you have asked to see more of my nature photos (Birds, Animals, Flowers, etc.).  I now have an easy way for you to do just that."  You can see his nature photos by going to the following link - http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=28674.  Also see Classmate Photo Album for some of his latest photos.

Barbara Enjoys Living in Charleston, SC.  Barbara Moorman Bryan tells me, "I've been busy with my 16-year-old granddaughter who has been living with me since July.  I am living outside of Charleston, SC and enjoy it a lot."  Barbara.

Louis Ashworth Joins the Ministry.  Louis Ashworth has become the minister of the Heritage Baptist Church in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.  Previous to this assignment, Lou was in the grocery business and owned an IGA store in Mansfield, Ohio.  But, he also served as assistant minister at his church in Mansfield.  He and his wife Rita moved to Upper Sandusky two years ago.  He tells me that it is a nice little town of about 6000 people about one hour's drive north of Columbus.  Lou and Rita have two sons who live in San Antonio, TX and Chicago, IL.

Bill Garner is Enjoying Golf.  Bill says, "I'm just trying to make it to retirement which is less than two years away. I'm playing golf and my handicap changes from a low of 11 to a high of 14."  Bill.

Wes Garbee.  Wes says that he is looking forward to our 50th Class Reunion before long.  He also tells me, "I am still working full time and Cornelia and I celebrated our 41st anniversary this past July.  Between work, bicycling a few times a wk, 5 grandchildren and a new 9 mo old puppy Weimaraner we both stay busy.  Cornelia is a full time volunteer around town.  We are going to her 50th high school reunion this next weekend (October).  Last weekend we rode 3 days / 150 miles at the southern tandem bike rally near Raleigh.  I don't do computers / Internet etc - Cornelia enjoys all that.  I would rather listen to Bob Dylan and read.  My mom is still healthy near Roanoke, VA and is still on 2 square dance teams.  Dad died 3+ yr ago."  Wes

Dick Wilson Retires Again.  Dick writes, "I have retired as of September 1st as Chairman of American Benefit Corporation. I have found plenty to do! I have been busy getting a new lake built on our Ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas.  This Ranch has been in the family for over 100 years.  My wife, Dixie is still hard at work as President of American Anesthesia Associates.  We are also busy trying to be with our two granddaughters as much as possible. They are 4 and 6 and live in Wilton CT.  Stephanie, our daughter, is between jobs but works in the International fashion business.  Her most recent position was VP of Sales worldwide for Karl Lagerfeld and Lagerfeld Gallery.  Her husband John Paulson just took the job of President of Grey Interactive a NYNY based Advertising Company.  Our oldest son John just finished Ross University School of Medicine and is living in NYNY.  We don't know where he will be for his residency but he wants to be in the North/East. Our youngest son Richard II is a senior at Marshall University and plans to attend Law School."  Dick

Sylvia Max Brammer.  Sylvia and husband Bob Brammer (HHS'59) are sharing their time between homes in Canada and Montgomery, Texas.  They frequently visit Huntington for Marshall activities.  Bob says that he is semi-retired and Sylvia is fully retired.

Dr. Joe Ricketts.  Joe Ricketts writes,  “Still working in internal medicine at the Dayton VAMC.  Remain on the faculty at Wright State University medical school, Dept. of family practice.  3-4 more years and maybe I can retire to my island home in Canada, at least during the summer months.”  Keep up the good work Joe.

Helen Belvin Vinson.  Helen will be in Huntington the first weekend in November to the Monacan Gathering.  Helen writes, "As all Know my Sister, Mary Belvin Wade, graduated from HHS around 1969.  There is a new painting out of her and it’s on a story I wrote about her..Who is Mary Laughing Dove."  Helen.  You can see this photo and story at http://www.manataka.org/page497.html.

This is Barbara's Last Year of Teaching.  Barbara Wilson Lunsford tells me, "School keeps me so busy I haven't even had time to go to water aerobics which I love to do.  Can't retire until end of May. I can hardly wait!  Every box of school materials I take to school is now going to another teacher when I'm finished with it, so I don't have to lug it back home.  Del is excited about reclaiming some of the garage space.  There is one bit of news to share & that is we are going to become grandparents in March, with TWINS.  We are so excited.  They're due just about spring break.  Guess where we will be?  Yes, Indianapolis."  Barbara

John Hampton is Still in Washington.  John writes, "Still working in DC for the Government. I was going to retire this year but several senior execs called me in several weeks ago and offered me what is known as "retention pay" to work another year. This is a substantial sum of money so I decided to work another year with the understanding that it would definitely be my last. I have been working as a liaison with Taxation Committees & their staffs on Capitol Hill as a part of my job. My current office is only 3 blocks away from Capitol Hill and I can see the Capital Dome from my office window. I have made quite a lot of friends on Capitol Hill among the staffers of Congressmen & Senators (as well as several Congressmen & Senators) there and I suspect that is the reason they want me to stay. I have been careful to establish credibility with them. Not too difficult as many of them are my age and Viet Nam vets as I am. Hopefully they can find someone else to do this because I'm outta here on 1/3/2008 and off to Arizona (where I own a house in Sierra Vista) to retire."  John

Anita Herbert Oller.  Anita says that she has been doing a lot of traveling and is "busy with work, the arts, and enjoying our children and grandchildren."  Anita

Bill Javins Visits Huntington.  Bill wrote, "My wife and I were in Huntington for her high school reunion (East High School) in August.  We also spent time working on the family tree and visiting some old friends."  Bill

Linda and Doug Celebrate 41st Anniversary.  Linda Fleming Hager and husband Doug celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on October 29th.  Congratulations!  Linda proudly says, "And they said it would never last."  She adds, "Doug retired from CSX in 2000 and I retired the next year.  I was a stay at home mom and now I get my own money in retirement.  What a wonderful country!"  Linda

Beth Rogers Joyce.  Beth writes, "We spent a week at the beach in August...the whole family (kids, grand kids and Reid's brother, and our dog and son's dog!). We had SO much fun. It was the first time we were all able to be together at the same time in years." (See Classmate Photos).  "I just seem to keep busy with grand boys and have begun teaching a Mommy and Me class one day a week at the preschool at our church. I have a class of kids who are two and their moms. It's the most fun! Beth

Sonja Brown Auxier-Craythorne.  Sonja says that she spends her time about equal between Miami, FL and Vail, CO.  She writes. "I am very busy being a grandmom to some toddlers, boating, skiing in the winter, and reading.  I made a mission out of reading about the Middle East and Islam and their relationship to the west.  Have two little dogs (Maltese and Cockapoo), which I adore.  Some travel.  On the board of a homeless shelter for children ages 10-17 which keeps me busy.  Generally just living, loving life and trying to stay healthy!"  Sonja

Joann Christian Billups.  Joann tells me that she has been very busy getting her life back in order since losing her husband of 45 years last December.  She was able to visit Huntington last summer for the first time in 10 years.  She has two sisters and one brother in Huntington.

Mark Wins First Place in Drag Racing Series.  Mark Artis writes, "Still here in Frisco, TX, along with Pat, two worthless cats, and one ole chow dog.  We have a new chow puppy.  He came thru the door and I asked him what his name was.  He said  'Wolf", Wolf'......quite a handful.  We are still building and racing the Nostalgia Super Stock class and are leading points in our racing series. Heading to Houston on Oct 20/22 for our finals.  A leading die cast manufacturer is doing a model of our 63 Ford "Texas Thunder" and we are excited about that."  After the race, Mark writes, "Just rolled in from Houston.  Didn't win the race, but we ran well and I gathered up enough points to win the series championship."  I asked Mark to explain this drag racing series.  "Fred, we race with many organizations such as the NHRA, IHRA, NMCA and others.  A few years ago, we started hosting a race here in Texas at the end of the season and throwing a party for all.  It sorta turned into a 4 or 5 race series that we called the TexasOutsiders Racing Series.  Dug up a sponsor called the Contingency Connection and started touring.  I had been hosting this series and watching others win thousands of dollars in contingencies from over 100 major manufacturers. All was well until this spring.  Pat said, 'Hey!, Why don't you just go out and win it yourself.'  So we set up the car to do just that.  I went out and made a concerted effort to just 'go rounds', gain points, and not so much of just showing off.  After 4 races we were one point out of first.  And, this past weekend at the Lonestar Shootout in Houston, a race that featured our Nostalgia Super Stock cars, we did just what we set out to do.  We needed to qualify well, go more rounds than our closest competition and take charge.  My closest competitor was my ex-partner who just left and went in partnership with my biggest customer. As it turned out, he lost in the first round, but his boss was right on my heels.  I only had to go 2 rounds, qualify better than 6th and the only way he could win the series was to win the race............he lost in the 3rd round to the eventual race winner...and I won the series by a margin of over 30 points.  We all had a blast this season and we had cars from as far away as WI, IL, MO and TN come down to the finals to support us.  Everyone said that they would be back for the series next season and bring more friends.  Even one member of our group flew in from England and raced with us.  Don't have a clue what next year will bring, but we will do our best to have as much fun as possible."  Mark

Pat Richardson Adkins Family News.  Pat writes, "My Mom is now in a nursing facility nearby. I visit her every other day to keep her company and make sure she has everything she needs. She is active there, though she has some dementia and health problems that could not be taken care of anymore at home. She loves playing Bingo every other day. She is pretty good at it too I am told.  My daughter lives next door to me, and she has identical twin boys who will be 2 next month and also a little boy who will be 3 1/2. So I spend a lot of time with her. And she usually comes with me to see my Mom. Mom loves those little guys.  My son and his wife are expecting their first any day now. It will be a little boy too. So will be a grandmother of 4 little boys soon.  I miss my husband very much but life goes on and I am very blessed to have two wonderful children who live nearby and beautiful and healthy little boys who always smile and give me lots of hugs and love."  Pat.

HHS Marching Band Postcard.  Pat Richardson Adkins sent me a photo of a postcard that was made of the band and majorettes in 1960.  Many of you will remember this one.  See Classmate Photos.

Jim Readies For Winter.  Jim Handloser writes, “Summer and the weekenders are mostly gone now and things have quieted down here in the Hamptons.  Joanne and I are shifting into our winter mode.”  Jim

Linda and Jim Move to a Townhouse.  Linda Millard Mabe and husband Jim have purchased a townhouse in a gated community in Jacksonville, FL.  Linda says, "It is a change but it was time to sell the house. Too big and no one seemed to use the pool anymore.  The children all live here and we have 5 grandchildren.  Our oldest just graduated from high school.  We have one that will be 2 this month.  Enjoy having them around.  Dad (Gordon Millard) will be 88 on Sunday.  Lives at a retirement center and is doing very well."  On a sadder note, Linda tells me that in April, she fell and broke both shoulders.  "I had a replacement on left and rod and screws in right.  It has been very long healing and much rehab.  The shoulders have frozen so it has been most difficult.  Looking forward to some better times.  I was still working until I fell training new real estate agents and still selling real estate.  I may go back and sell when I feel up to it."  Linda.  Best wishes to Linda for her continued recovery.

Larry And Dee Travel To Alaska.  Larry and Dee Clark vacationed in Alaska in June.  Larry summarizes, “We left Columbus 6/16.  Arrived Fairbanks that evening.  Two 2 days there, then on to Denali Princess Lodge and Denali tour, then to Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge for a night.  Then to Kenai Princess Lodge for two nights.  We did a gold mine tour and riverboat tour in Fairbanks and an all-day Kenai National Park tour on the Kenai Peninsula.  We saw lots of wild life...caribou, moose, eagles, whales.  We rode White Pass & Yukon narrow gauge RR in Skagway, Mendenhall Glacier & whale watch catamaran tour in Juneau, and a seaplane ride into Misty Fjords in Ketchikan.  We spent an extra 3 days in Vancouver & Victoria after the cruise.  After 6 days on land we boarded the ship on 6/22 for the 7-day Southbound cruise, returning on 7/1.”  Larry

Larry and Dee Travel the Northwest.  Larry and Dee Clark recently made a very long driving trip from Ohio to the Northwest corner of the US and into Canada.  They left Columbus on September 1st and returned in late October.  Their trip took them to: The Badlands; Blackhills/Mt. Rushmore ("We got married there 43 yrs. ago!!"); Crazy Horse monument; Devils Tower; Grand Tetons; Yellowstone; Glacier National Park; Calgary; Banff National Park; The Icefields Parkway; Seattle; Oregon coast; Yosemite National Park; Zion Canyon National Park; Bryce Canyon National Park; and Las Vegas.  During the return trip they attended Dee's high school class reunion in Oklahoma.  Larry says, "Luv this retirement thing!"

Paula Retires From Teaching.  Paula Whitten Smith wrote, "School began yesterday (August 23rd) and, for the first time since 1979, I was not there. My mother, who has resided with Don and I since 1993, had a second bout with congestive heart failure this past May. I had not planned to retire for a couple more years but I made the call to retire early and care for mother at home. The teacher who replaced me is a young, blond, and right out of college. In other words, very different than me. I can remember being a first-year teacher-very scary. I did all I could to organize my teaching information to help him. Being young, he has a great deal more computer/electronic savvy than me. I expect he will quickly relate to the students."  Paula

Mrs. Beckett Has 100th Birthday.  Very special birthday congratulations are in order for Mrs. Melissa Beckett who celebrated her 100th birthday on September 11th.  Jane Beckett Bradley told me that, "The celebration began on Friday when all the grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived. We had a gathering of just immediate family on Sat.--cake, etc.- The family left on Sunday and my cousins from Ohio, DC, and Michigan arrived for two days.  Mama was great--perky and adorable."

Harry and David Honored.  Harry Hoffer and David Whipkey (MHS'60) both returned to Huntington to play golf at the Guyan Golf and Country Club and to be honored as members of the Marshall 1962 MAC Championship team.

Mary Evelyn Taylor Brooks.  I was able to contact Mary Evelyn recently and get her in touch with a couple of old HHS friends.  She is doing well living with her daughter in Tampa, FL.

Rhys Cruses The Eastern Shore.  Rhys Evans writes, “For the past year I have been cruising the Eastern U. S. on a 43' motor yacht.  Presently we are in St. Michaels, MD with Davis & Jean Biggs aboard preparing to head for Annapolis where they will pick up their car & head back to Huntington.  We have been as far north as Mystic, CT.  Monday I continue heading south.  I remain retired with no real agenda and thoroughly enjoying cruising life.” Rhys

Jim Rides The “Tail Of The Dragon”.  Jim Graley writes, “I am managing to use my motor home at least twice a year for a day or two. October 15 we are going to take it, and my Bourget chopper motorcycle to Pigeon Forge and spend a few days riding the Smokies. There is a road there called "Tail of the Dragon" with 318 curves in 11 miles which, as you can imagine, is mountains and cliffs. I am going to attempt to ride it in a rather very, very quick manner.  Just kidding. Actually, I am going for the scenery. There is also a tree there with all kinds of bike parts in it (The Tree of Fear).” Jim

Bonnie Helps The Environment.  Bonnie Terrell Rousey writes, “I work part-time in lab and for St. Joseph Hospital doing testing and health consulting at out patient locations.   Love it.  The rest of time I'm dog walking, exercising, re-cycling, playing in dirt, and spending time with my only grandchild.  I have been very active saving environment.  Sierra Club, Land Conservatory, Defenders of Wildlife, Wildlife Rehab Centers, and others.  I used to do hands on feeding cleaning, and caring for abused horses but become so attached and saddened that I had to step away for awhile.”  Bonnie

John Is Having Fun With A New Business.  John Tweel writes, “I was fully retired but have become involved recently in a small start up LLC that's a lot of fun.”  John.

Richard Is Handling The Honey-Dos.   Richard Casey is pretty busy.  He says, “I haven't had much of a chance to do much this year for all the honey do's but we did have a chance to go to Myrtle Beach this year and ride some on my motorcycle.”  Richard.  I know about that too.  The list just doesn’t get any smaller does it?

Chuck Is Helping Refuge Writers.  Chuck Kinder writes, “I've been working on developing linkage between the Writing Program (at The University of Pittsburgh) and an organization called Cities of Asylum, which is a worldwide network of cities that set up programs to help offer refuge to writers who are under threat in their home countries. It was founded by world-renowned writers such as Toni Morrison, Salmon Rushdie, Russell Banks, & Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian Nobel laureate who was in town recently to help us dedicate a new residence. Long story, but you can check it out on: www.cityofasylum.org. Plus I am trying to get some of my own work done on another book. Meanwhile HONEYMOONERS came out in Israel a couple of months ago & I recently signed contracts for LAST MOUNTAIN DANCER to appear in Italy. I guess what I'm saying is that I have just been too busy in the last few months to get much else besides work done.”  Chuck

Bob Continues His Dental Practice.  Bob Harris says, “Still working with no plans to retire. I love the work too much. Sara may retire next year. Our youngest son graduates from dental school this year. He got married June 24 so we may get some grandkids in a year or two. Daughter Beth is the new chair of journalism at WVUP. I am sending a picture of the family at Jonathan's wedding.”  Bob.  See Classmate Photos.

Donna Cooke Henderson.  Donna and her husband Gil are currently caring for both of their  mothers - one in Daytona Beach and the other in Chicago.  Donna writes, “Gil and I are grateful to be able to help our mothers.  We are returning a little of the love we received through the years.”  Donna. 

Judy Loves Her Work.  Judy Hicks Russell tells me that, “My retired husband (6 years now) tells everyone I'm still working to keep him in the manner to which he is accustomed. HA. HA.  No, seriously, some of us get fulfillment out of customer-service type employment and I absolutely qualify.  Coming home at night, I have a contented feeling that I've maybe changed a life for the better and give someone hope to get out of the financial mess they are in.”  Judy

"America" Sung By Elvis Presley.  John McDonough has sent us this nice web site, which is a tribute to the American flag with Elvis Presley singing "America."   Thanks John.     http://home.comcast.net/~nw-fla/tribute_flag_B_thompson.htm

Memories.   Here's a fun stroll down memory lane.  I have added this to our web site homepage.

http://oldfortyfives.com/TakeMeBackToTheFifties.htm.