THE WI NEWSLETTER 06/11

THE WI NEWSLETTER


Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 142 June 2011








THEY FOUGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM

USNCVA WW II Veterans Documentary...

This documentary is due to be released in November of this year. It is worth a couple of minutes to view this. I am looking forward to the program.

They are trying to get 50000 views before Memorial Day. You need to view the whole thing to be counted. (Only 2 minutes.)

This is a trailer for a full-length feature documentary about a program to honor WWII vets.

Just click on the link below to watch!

http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=175378540



THE AUDITORIUM

submitted by: David Bates (WI '51)


The first time that I remember being in the WI auditorium was in the spring of 1943 to see my brother John in the senior class play, "Abe Lincoln in Illinois". He played Tom Lincoln to Bob Souders (Parson Souders) Abe. The last was for my sister Carol's graduation in May 1964. Between those dates, more happy experiences than I could possibly recall.

Think of the Friday mornings when we went to chapel. (Why did we call it "chapel"?) The freshmen sat in the balcony, the sophomores on the right side of the main floor, the juniors on the left and the SENIORS in the middle. We sang popular songs of the day before the program. Can't remember a single program, but do remember "Tennessee Waltz", "Good Night, Irene", "Tree In The Meadow", "Cruising Down The River", et. al. Thank you, Mrs. Melody and Miss Albright! (Et. Al.= Latin)

My senior year (‘50-‘51) I had the opportunity to be on the stage four times. First, a chapel program by the speech class, second, the senior skit night when Miss Bailey's home room walked off as winner with a humorous, romantic, poetic skit. I think I was in it, third, the senior class play, "A Gentleman From Athens". Tim Corsini was the gentleman. I was a congressman from New York and Carol Scott was my sweetheart, Lee. My opening line was, "Lee, why didn't you let me pick you up at the airport?". My world nearly fell apart when, from about the third row, Lillie Mae shouts, "Well, David, KISS HER! You have kissed a girl before, haven't you?" Amid much fumbling and embarrassment, I lied and said, "Of course I have." I got to kiss her. Hot damn! Wasn't I the lucky one? Maurice DeValliere, Alice Kibler, Leila Lopen and Ray Garrett pretty much rounded out the cast. This experience introduced me to the footlights and it stuck! I wasn't in another play until 1980. Then, until, 1996 I was in eighteen more. Oh, the bliss and the wonder of little/community theater!

Number Four…COMMENCMENT. We'd worked four long years (if we include algebra it seemed like six or eight) to walk down the aisle to the strains of "Pomp and Circumstance" in our caps and gowns. Wait a minute! Something's wrong! The caps and gowns aren't gray, they're royal blue! There's been an awful mistake! They've always been gray! Yep, The Senior Executive Committee (Nancy Carskadon and I represented Miss Bailey's home room) chose to change colors. Much hell was raised, but, we prevailed. We also, for the first time, chose a black man for our speaker. During our last chapel we left our seats and the juniors moved over while we sang, "…we have our caps and gowns on, still we all have frowns on, we don't really want to go, we're laughing on the outside, crying on the inside, ‘cause it's graduation day."

What room in the school, or what event(s) inspire you. Yes, I'm talking to YOU, to put fingers to your computer keyboard and send it off to Roleta?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Dave has suggested a great subject for discussion. What are your memories of time spent in the auditorium? Share some of your memories with us. WRITE TO Roleta1@aol.com

If this subject doesn't bring in some mail, we might as well close it down now because everyone of you have memories of that room!



WHAT DOES THE NEWSLETTER MEAN TO YOU?

submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)

Recently while I was looking at my 4th Grade class picture from Alta Vista Grade School, I realized that with the help of the WI Newsletter and the reunions in Sarasota, I have been in contact with about a third of my class. You don't realize what something like that means until you start talking to your current friends and neighbors telling them that you still keep up with your high school buddies and most amazing, some have been friends since elementary school. I wonder how many of you have had the same experience through the newsletter. We are losing some of those acquaintances too quickly which makes reading the newsletter that much more important. Also important is trying to do my best to go to the CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC held every March in Sarasota, Florida.

Again I want to thank you, Judy and Bill for a wonderful job in all that you do.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Write and tell us why you read the newsletter. Why is it important to you? We would like to know.


Can you identify those pictured above, please write and share your thoughts and memories




NOTRE DAME AND ST. MARY'S UPDATE

The St. Mary's Grade School Building Improvement Campaign has now received gifts and pledges of $732,780. All scheduled work has now been completed with the exception of the restroom renovations and lighting upgrades. Restroom renovations will take place over the summer vacation. To achieve the campaign goal, $13,842 is now left to be raised. New lighting will then be installed. Please help us reach our goal of $746,622 by making a gift to this campaign. Your support is appreciated.

The annual fund has now received gifts of $43,685. This year's goal is $45,000. Thank you to everyone who has made a gift to the annual fund.




You are invited to the Eleventh Annual WI Reunion Picnic in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at Veterans (River Bend) Park, off Milford St. The picnic will be in the Osborne Shelter, big pavilion across from the amphitheater. You can also get to it via the Nutter Fort area by going over Rt 98. The time is 11AM until the last one goes home...whenever that is. The picnic is for anyone who ever attended WI (YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A GRADUATE).

LET'S MAKE THIS A BIG WI REUNION DAY!

Sharyn Cottrill McGahan (WI 1959) is in charge of this picnic. She provides the table settings for you. You will need to bring a covered dish, your own drink, and money to put in the pot to help her cover her expenses. Some people bring a folding lawn chair. Don't forget your cameras!!!

You do not have to make a reservation but she will need to know about how many to expect. It is nice to be surprised but it isn't nice to be overcome with a large group of people and not have enough supplies. So write to Sharyn at mtmama41@msn.com and tell her you will see her there.

Also, If you can help please let her know. There is decorating, putting up the sign and lots of hauling the tables, pop ups and etc. Ice and getting some of the meatballs, peppers and sausage, plates, cups, napkins and all that out there.... she also will need help in setting up the food tables and electric cords....or if you can stay and help clean up.

The WI class of 1961 is having their 50th class reunion this week-end and you could see some classmates you haven't seen in a while

If anyone needs directions to Veterans Park they can e-mail Sharyn.

Hope to see you all out there this year.


A group enjoying the food and socializing at the 2010 picnic

If you live out of the area, you might want to make this picnic part of a week long vacation that would include the Italian Heritage Festival in Clarksburg on Labor Day weekend. If you don't have family in the area with whom you can stay, you should make motel reservations now.

Some area Motels:

Days Inn      842-7371    Off Exit 119 then turn towards Bridgeport
Knights Inn    842-7115   Off Exit 119 then turn towards Bridgeport
Sleep Inn      842-1919    Off Exit 119 then turn towards Bridgeport
Holiday Inn    842-5411    Off Exit 119 then turn towards Bridgeport
Hampton Inn    842-9300    Exit 121 (Mall Exit - Meadowbrook Road)




MYSTERY PICTURE OF TWO LITTLE BOYS


The mystery has been solved….read below the 3 responses to last month's question. Didn't you recognize those 2 cute little boys.

Mary Sue Clark Spahr guessed:

I'm going to guess that the mystery picture is Jim and Fred Alvaro. There is something about the older boy that reminds me of Jim.

From Don Sager

I'm having a tough time deciding whether this picture is of new members in the Italian Dwarf Army from WW II or the youngest members of the Hepzibah Police Force.

So I flipped a coin and it landed on the edge (Just my luck). Then I remembered where I had always seen this picture, on Mrs. Alvaro's mantle.

SOOOO, it must be my good friends----Jimmy and Freddy Alvaro.

From Terry Shorr (WI '58)

The Chinese Communist Army outfits are no help, but from the two pairs of eyes, I believe we have Jim and Fred Alvaro in the May mystery photo.

I've missed several months of issues and am relieved to have received this one.

Thanks!



WI TEE SHIRT

submitted by: Bob Davis (WI '59)

Colors are bright and show up good, shirt is right size and is well made. No problems and seems to be first class! Probably out-live me!! Like it!



submitted by: Judy Daugherty Kimler (WI '59)

If anyone wants a really nice t-shirt, get a WI t-shirt from Roleta. I got one and it is so-o-o nice. They are a beautiful gold with a blue WI HILLTOPPERS logo. They are made from a quality material and they fit great. You don't have to worry about them shrinking or stretching out of shape because they are 100% pre-shrunk cotton.

And don't forget, the proceeds go to the WIN Scholarship to help an RCB grad with college expenses.




JUNE

June is the month of romance and marriage. Which brought to mind this subject.

How did you meet your spouse?

How long have you been married?

Tell us what one thing would you tell a newlywed couple is the most important thing to do to keep the marriage a happy one?

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com



ALL OF THESE BUSINESSES CLOSED PRIOR TO 1979

Do you remember the businesses listed below? Write to Roleta1@aol.com and tell me your memories.






SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO CLARKSBURG HS GRADUATES

I received a list of all of the recipients of the many scholarships awarded by both the WI RW KELLY MILLER ALUMNI ASSOCIATION and the NOTRE DAME ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. Honestly, there are too many for me to put here. I congratulate all of the recipients and than those who support these associations. All of us are in agreement that education is the way to a better life in their future. If you are interested in supporting either association, please contact them.




WHAT TO WEAR?

A TEE SHIRT!



I was approached a few years ago by a few people who were interested in wearing a WI Hilltoppers tee shirt to some party. I will be wearing mine to the WI Reunion picnic which will be held on August 27, 2011 at the Veterans Park. I will also wear mine on several other occasions. I hope you will be wearing yours when I see you the next time.

I have three sizes of tee shirts. Medium: this is a typical medium---exactly the size of my Medium WVU shirt—in length and width. The same is true of the other sizes. I have size Large and XLarge.

You too can have a shirt by writing to me asking for your size, include your mailing address. You only have to give a gift to the WIN Scholarship of $15.00 or more and I will send you the shirt. This shirt is made of very high quality 100% pre shrunk cotton. I have kept the cost low so everyone can afford one. The $15.00 includes postage and handling to the lower 48 states only.

Make your check out to:
Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

And mail to:
Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Thanks



submitted by: Bill Meredith
billmere@aol.com

Jim Alvaro, W I 1956, sent me the following copy of the picture and season write-up of the 1954-55 Washington Irving basketball team. This had to be one of the best teams ever to represent the school. As noted, they won all 18 regular season games and the sectional and regional tournaments. What amazed me is how they won most of their games, averaging over a 25 point victory margin.

Do you remember this team? If so, what made them great? Does any one memory stand out? I know that several team members went on to star on college teams. Do you have a story about any of these or other players? Send your comments to Bill at billmere@aol.com.






RANDOM THOUGHTS

submitted by: Bill Meredith

We only received one sports item this month. That proves what I have been saying, we are between seasons that interest most readers. We are in the "Dog Days".

I have been reading some of the sports blogs and find that many writers are picking WVU to have a great football season. They reason that if the Mountaineers had scored a few more points last year, they would have been in the hunt for the national title. With a new offensive coordinator, whose teams score a lot of points, they think this could be a very good year. I'm not too sure that will happen, since the defense must replace seven starters. But, at least we have something to talk about. So, how do you see the season panning out? Let's talk some football.

In about three months, Bob Huggins will be taking his young team to Italy to play some exhibition games. His team will have seven or eight first year players. Do you think we will finally see a typical Huggins team? These guys are all his recruits, so it should be fun to watch them.

Next year, the Big Ten Conference (high school) will add several teams, including the three from Marion County. How will this change the local sports scene? By the way, Bridgeport is ranked No. 1 in the state in baseball and is still in the playoffs. Good luck! It's time to bring a state championship to north central W.Va. Send your thoughts and comments about any sports item to me at billmere@aol.com.



BEING WITH SOMEONE FAMOUS

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)

Roleta,

I was reviewing the May Newsletter one more time, and when I reread the article from my brother (Bob) and his picture with someone famous, it reminded me that I was at that wedding. I am wondering why I was not in the picture with Bob, his "youngest" son (Bryan) and my brother-in-law (Bill - married to my sister Lib). Also strangely missing from the picture is my brother's "oldest" son (Mike) who would obviously have been at that wedding as it was HIS WEDDING! It must have been one of those "spur of the moment things", that Bob, Bill and Bryan just happened to be where Dallas Green was. It also probably helped that Bill and Bryan are both HUGE BASEBALL FANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The article also reminded me that I have met a couple of people that would fit into the "someone famous" category. One of those would be JOE GIBBS, former Washington Redskins coach and now NASCAR car owner. My son used to race with a remote control car club, and each year the club would have a charity race. One of those races was held to benefit the school for boys that Joe Gibbs sponsors down in the Manassas, Virginia area. We were able to collect quite a sizable donation to contribute, so my "girlfriend" at the time (now my wife) and I were invited to attend a luncheon in the Tysons Corner area where Joe was going to be the guest speaker. The luncheon was another promotional effort to support his boys school, so we fit right in. We actually had our picture taken with Joe, handing him the check for the monies that we had collected, but I was never able to get a copy of that picture. BUT, the memory is still there! Joe Gibbs is a REALLY NICE PERSON!

I also met MARTIN SHEEN at a car rental facility at Dulles quite a few years ago. I was returning a rental car, as was he and when I walked into the rental car return facility, the people working there were NOT WORKING, as they were all gathered around Martin, so I joined the crowd. I did not get my picture taken with him (this was before cell phone days and/or before cell phones had cameras in them), but I did get him to give me his autograph with a "comment" to my "girlfriend" at the time. NOTE: Yes, it was the same "girlfriend" that is now my wife. When I gave her the piece of paper with the autograph, she was not real sure who he was, so the autograph is a "thing of the past" and is nowhere to be found.



REMEMBERANCE

submitted by: Tom Keenan (WI '49)


As I read the Newsletter each month, I can see that a lot of the graduates have had the opportunity to keep their high school friendships alive throughout the years. I wasn't able to do that for the reasons of family, distance, and work as I essentially left Clarksburg in 1953. I did better after our 30th Reunion in 1979. However, through the prior years, I had four occurrences where I met people from Clarksburg at odd times and places. Each time was a joyous occasion and of wonder.

The first time it happened was in Inchon, South Korea. I was stationed at Kimpo AB, in 1955 and went to the Officer's Club on Wolmi-do Island (Where the Marines landed in 1950) and I saw Mickey Ransome at the next table. Mickey was a graduate of St. Marys and a popular guy and was then in the Army. I knew of him but was not a friend. However, we had a nice conversation, and never met again.

The second time, I was shopping in a Milwaukee, WI, 5&10 when I saw a walk that I thought belonged to a Broad Oaks friend. I walked around to get an identification view and, voila, it was Tommy Progler, a ‘50 WI Graduate. He was working at Allis- Chambers as I recall. Unfortunately, I think he died young.

The third time was in the Cleveland Airport. I was waiting on a plane going back to Milwaukee when I saw one of the (My memory is going, I can't remember the name. Maybe someone could inform me) twins, the one that was a Priest. The twins had played basketball for St. Marys and graduated in ‘47 or ‘48 and I had watched them play at Carmichael Auditorium. I knew them from a distance. At the Airport, I introduced myself and we had a nice meeting, short as we were traveling. I don't know what profession the other twin was in, but on one of my visits to Florida from Virginia some time ago, I saw the Obit of the other. He was living in Satellite Beach at the time.

The last one was at the Kennedy Space Center and it was Richard "Dick" Young, ‘47 WI Graduate. At that time he was working in the Public Affairs Office. Dick was an interesting guy, funny, talented, full of life, and vigor. When he was growing up in Broad Oaks, his nickname was "Twerp". Who gave that to him, I don't know but it stuck. I had heard that he was in the Merritt Island area but had not looked him up until I saw him in the halls of the KSC Operations and Checkout Building. My first reaction was to yell out "Hey Twerp" just like I would have done back in Cburg. That got his attention. He said later he couldn't believe he would hear that name again. We met occasionally and he always had a funny story to tell. Sadly, he died young and is missed.

No moral to this story, it just indicates to me that, although the probability of an event occurring, they do and to you. It also illustrates that Clarksburg has spread its talent everywhere, maybe there has always been an excess for the area or then again, more talent than a lot of other places. Best Wishes to All.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Have you had any chance meetings with someone from Clarksburg in a location where you never thought anyone you knew would show up? Write to Roleta1@aol.com. Share your memories.



EACH MONTH

submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com

It amazes me that each month someone writes to tell me that they read the newsletter but they were amazed that I didn't mention one thing or the other. And as it turns out, I did mention it and the reader was just guilty of scanning over the entire newsletter searching for something written by someone the reader knew….thus missing every other thing in the newsletter.

By scanning thru to see if someone wrote who you know, you miss a lot. You don't know but someone you don't know, or someone from a different class could mention a friend or relative of yours.

Clarksburg was relatively a "small town" and it is amazing how many people knew people from all over town either through relatives, work, family, sports, playground, entertainment, school, siblings schools, etc.

So my point, if you are scanning you are missing 90% of the interesting things in the newsletter.




WHO IS THAT PERSON OR WHERE IS THE PICTURE TAKEN?

Below is a picture of a person who was seen often in the Clarksburg area. Can you name the person?

Can you recognize where the picture was taken? What is that building in the background? Now come on try to guess…..Help me out here, I am struggling to make this newsletter fun for you but I can't do it alone.

Write your guesses to: Roleta1@aol.com





MUSHROOMS IN THE SPRING

submitted by: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI '56)
msspahr@aol.com

One of the favorite hobbies of the Spahr family is mushroom hunting in April and early May in Ohio. This year has produced a bumper crop of the delicious morsels. The rain and cool weather always prolong the season and enhance the production, so we don't mind the gloomy days in April. Besides, the elusive mushrooms are easier to see in cloudy weather than in sunlight. The pictures I've included are mushrooms found in our back yard. We have found mushrooms just like these in West Virginia, but we don't often hunt there. This year, because of the plentiful rainfall, they ought to be everywhere in West Virginia. We prepare ours for cooking by splitting them, cutting off all soil, rinsing under cold running water and then soaking them for at least 24 hr. in salt water in the refrigerator. To cook them, we drain and rinse then shake them in flour, salt and pepper in a paper bag. We fry them gently in margarine, turning frequently and pressing out the moisture with a fork. They are best when fried until crisp and golden brown.



EDITOR'S NOTE: Do you ever go mushroom hunting? Tell us about it. I can remember my parents going out each spring to cut greens to cook, can you share some of your memories of doing something like this? Write to Roleta1@aol.com




REMEMBER YOUR WEST VIRGINIA HISTORY?

JUNE 20, IS WEST VIRGINIA DAY.







A FAVORITE TEACHER REMEMBERED

submitted by: Dave Kuhl (WI '61)

One of my favorite teachers from Central Junior High School was Don Vincent Ali. He was my home room teacher and taught math. I think the room number was 308.

I recently learned that Mr. Ali is living at Maplewood in Bridgeport. I would consider it a personal favor to me if someone would go to visit Mr. Ali and try to brighten his day.

I have not been back to WV since the summer of 2005 just before Katrina hit. One of my memories of Mr. Ali was when I was applying for the scholarship merit badge for Boy Scouts. He wrote a particularly glowing letter of recommendation for me.

We were blessed with many talented and dedicated teachers in the school systems. Now that many have passed on or are in the twilight of their years, it is nice to have a chance to tell them how much they were appreciated and that they are remembered.


MEMORIES:

submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI '56)

Reading Sandra Zickefoose Lindke's newsletter comments on the train track behind her house, brought up a lot of my memories of the same. We would take the street car to Hepzibah to visit my grandmother and grandfather and many times spent the night there. They live about 30 feet from the train tracks. The train would start up the tracks towards my grandmother's house which was only about 1/4 mile from the coal tipple. By the time the steam engine got to her house the black smoke just poured out of the smoke stack. If it was during the day we would run out to the front yard and yell at the engineer and he would blow the whistle. We would cup our hands and collect the coal dust and throw it into the air. That was really healthy wasn't it? I loved going down there to watch the "choo choo" trains come out of the coal tipple. Also, to get traction, the train had to dump sand on the tracks. After the train would pass we would go down and collect as much sand as we could.

Also, we would put a penny on the track and it would be the size of a quarter after it was run over by the train. We couldn't put too many pennies on the track because we didn't have a lot of pennies back in those days and we were afraid too many pennies would wreck the train.

When we spent the night there, I would watch my uncle Frankie Conch, who stayed with my grandmother, get out his work clothes and also his "play" clothes. He would listen to the mining schedule to see if he had to work that evening. If he heard, "Dawson Mine's Cat Eye Shift Will Work Tonight" he would put on his work clothes and start packing his miners lunch bucket. If they didn't work, he would put on his "play" or dress up clothes. When he would come home from the mines the next day I would help him get cleaned up by pumping water from the well and pouring it over him while he sat in a big wash tub. I thought that was a big deal.

I am sure there are others who remember some of those fun times.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks Jim for sharing your memories with us




GUESS WHO



Above is a picture of 3 boys. Can you identify them? Guess anything……I only print the correct answers. Won't you make them feel good by sending your guesses to me? Write to Roleta1@aol.com. Thank you for helping the newsletter to continue.


WRITE TO THE NEWSLETTER

I hope that something you read in this newsletter will inspire you to write and share your memories of with us. Here are a few things to remind you of an experience you have had….

visiting grandmother,

the trains that ran day and night throughout Clarksburg—your experience walking the tracks, riding the trains to travel, the far off lonely sound of the whistle in the night,

the coal miners lunch and how the coal dust seeped into their pores, or an memories.

The Auditorium

Picking mushrooms or greens in the Spring.

A favorite teacher.

Tell us about your meeting someone from Clarksburg in an unusual place after years of not seeing one another.

Write to keep the newsletter alive. I can't do it alone and it is really hard for me to sit and think of things to fill in the spaces.


DON'T THINK "Oh, someone else will write about that….OR No one remembers what I remember….The idea is for you to share your memories about something and then that will remind someone else of something and they will write to me….and it goes on and on.

Write to: Roleta1@aol.com.



DATES TO REMEMBER

Washington Irving High School
Class of 1961
50th Class Reunion

Our 50th class reunion will be held August 26 & 27, 2011 at the Village Square Conference Center, Route 19, South of Clarksburg. Won't you join us to see old friends, and re-live those wonderful high school days so long ago. Dress is informal for both evenings. The schedule is as follows:

Contact Bob Swats at 513-528-2222 or rhswats@hotmail.com, or John Teter at 703-658-2888, or jateter@aol.com, with any questions. We look forward to seeing you.



WI 1975,1976, AND 1977 TO HOLD REUNION

The Washington Irving High School classes of 1975, 1976,and 1977 will hold their 35 year reunion on Saturday September 3rd at Clarksburg Country Club. The event will begin at 6:00 with meet and greet and appetizers to be followed by dinner, pictures and a dance with DJ.

All class members are encouraged to attend and class representatives are looking for E-mail and residence addresses for all class members. Please forward all info on yourself and any class mate that you have to me luke@lukechristie.com, or Ann (Bush) Kirby ann.kirby@dom.com, or Jody (Buffington) Aud jbuffaud@comcast.net .

Thank you very much and am looking forward to a wonderful event. More details to follow!

Luke Christie 304 264-6091



CLARKSBURG PICNIC

SARASOTA, FLORIDA

MARCH 10, 2012

11:00 UNTIL you wish to leave

A REMINDER

Make sure you have reserved March 10, 2012 (the second week-end in March) for the Clarksburg, West Virginia picnic which will be held in Sarasota, Florida. You have a year's notice, so I expect you to come visit with all of us.


NEW READER

Patty Ford de la Tejera (RW '51) patdelatejera@yahoo.com


EMAIL CHANGES

Annabel Day Davis & Paul A Davis (WI '57) padco@carolina.rr.com
JoAnne Drummond Marlette (WI '58) cricketmarie@frontier.com
George Cinci (WI '60) gcinci@comcast.net
Herb Cottrill, Jr. (WI '52) was: herbc@vsba.org
is now: hrcottrilljr@gmail.com




JUNE TUNES

submitted by: Steve Goff (WI '72)

It's a busy May headed toward a busier June. No chatter this month, just tunes.

These songs were all on the national music charts in the month of June, in years gone by. I think this is a particularly good batch.

1945...."Caldonia". Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five. In my book, Louis Jordan is the most unsung of the artists that put rock and roll on the map. This is the guy Bill Haley was listening to and stole from. In 1942, Jordan had started on an unparalleled run of success on the Billboard Harlem Hit Parade (forerunner of the R&B chart), which by 1945 had included four number-one hits, and eventually made Jordan by far the most successful R&B chart act of the 1940s. "Caldonia" became his fifth number one on what was at that point called the "Race Records" chart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR6pHtiNT_k

1949..."The Hucklebuck". PAUL WILLIAMS & HIS HUCKLEBUCKERS - THE HUCKLEBUCK. I threw that last one in there for fun. Three "hucklebucks" in one line is pretty good. Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams was an American blues and rhythm and blues saxophonist and songwriter. He was best known for his 1949 hit, "The Hucklebuck", a twelve-bar blues that also spawned a dance craze. The single went to number one on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart What a great song to dance to!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-yIugDwQdE

HUCKLEBUCK BONUS.

The Honeymooners. Ralph and Ed do the Hucklebuck...no really. Good schtick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsT8ML0dc10&feature=related

1951... "Mockin' Brid Hill". Les Paul & Mary Ford. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igcET5EDu-A

1953..."The Song From Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart)". Percy Faith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKhrRgadxhc

1956..."Transfusion". Nervous Norvus. I love this song. Here's my snarky little piece of trashy, garage, rock-a-billy. How this ever made the national top 10 for two weeks is beyond me. It must have snuck in like a little bug and snuck out. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=PtzKr7ERmXE&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=AVGxdCwVVULXdYNIqFh9lkAudS_CisWFiD

1959...."Quiet Village". The Exotic Sounds of Martin Denny. Martin Denny (April 10, 1911–March 2, 2005) was an American piano-player and composer best known as the "father of exotica."[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJK2LwD_nEY

1963..."Another Saturday Night". Sam Cooke. The late great Sam Cooke. The best. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i98_Lqcryp8

1966..."Bare Footin'". Robert Parker. Try not to dance to this one. You can't. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTevhu1ndQM

1968..."The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly". Hugo Montenegro. Peaked at #2 for two straight weeks in June of '68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd_7Bnxblo4

1970..."The Letter". Joe Cocker. Live 1970. Mad Dogs and Englishmen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RnjWLVyMps

1972..."Hot Rod Lincoln". Commander Cody And His Lost Planet Airmen. Snuck into the national for two weeks, first 9, then 10, then consigned to juke boxes everywhere. Hot Rod pics included. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9QpDvhshOQ&playnext=1&list=PL1D507EE75D12433E

1976..."I'll Be Good To Ya". The Brothers Johnson. A number one R&B hit, it got up to #3 on the national Top 40 chart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC0RiQLwOqo

1980..."Biggest Part of Me". Ambrosia. Nice live version on The Midnight Special. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QIWtY7gzvA






REMEMBER TO DISPLAY THE FLAG ON FLAG DAY
JUNE 14, 2011



THE ONLY FLAG THAT DOESN'T FLY


Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed companies. It's a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB. Check out the dimensions of the flag. The Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as described in Executive Order #10834. This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in diameter; each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4-5 flower stems each, for a total of more than 2 million flowers.





HOW YOU CAN HELP ME

"GRIEVING"

Author: unknown

Please talk about my loved one, even though he is gone. It is more comforting to cry than to pretend that he never existed. I need to talk about him, and I need to do it over and over.

Be patient with my agitation. Nothing feels secure in my world. Get comfortable with my crying. Sadness hits me in waves, and I never know when my tears may flow. Just sit with me in silence and hold my hand.

Don't abandon me with the excuse that you don't want to upset me. You can't catch my grief. My world is painful, and when you are too afraid to call me or visit or say anything, you isolate me at a time when I most need to be cared about. If you don't know what to say, just come over, give me a hug or touch my arm, and gently say, "I'm sorry." You can even say, "I just don't know what to say, but I care, and want you to know that."

Just because I look good does not mean that I feel good. Ask me how I feel only if you really have time to find out.

I am not strong. I'm just humbled deeply. When you tell me I am strong, I feel that you don't see me.

I will not recover. This is not a cold or the flu. I'm not sick. I'm grieving and that's different. My grieving may only begin 6 months after my loved one's death. Don't think that I will be over it in a year. For I am not only grieving her death, but also the person I was when I was with her, the life that we shared, the plans we had for watching our children and grandchildren grow, the places we will never get to go together, and the hopes and dreams that will never come true. My whole world has crumbled and I will never be the same.

I will not always be grieving as intensely, but I will never forget my loved one and rather than recover, I want to incorporate her life and love into the rest of my life. She is a part of me and always will be, and sometimes I will remember her with joy and other times with a tear. Both are okay.

I don't have to accept the death. Yes, I have to understand that it has happened and it is real, but there are some things in life that are just not acceptable.

When you tell me what I should be doing, then I feel even more lost and alone. I feel badly enough that my loved one is dead, so please don't make it worse by telling me I'm not doing this right.

Please don't tell me I can find someone else or that I need to start dating again. I'm not ready. And maybe I don't want to. And besides, what makes you think people are replaceable? They aren't. Whoever comes after will always be someone different.

I don't even understand what you mean when you say, "You've got to get on with your life." My life is going on, I've been forced to take on many new responsibilities and roles. It may not look the way you think it should. This will take time and I will never be my old self again. So please, just love me as I am today, and know that with your love and support, the joy will slowly return to my life. But I will never forget and there will always be times that I cry.

I need to know that you care about me. I need to feel your touch, your hugs. I need you just to be with me, and I need to be with you. I need to know you believe in me and in my ability to get through my grief in my own way, and in my own time.

Please don't say, "Call me if you need anything." I'll never call you because I have no idea what I need. Trying to figure out what you could do for me takes more energy than I have.

Send me a card on special holidays. You can't make me cry. The tears are here and I will love you for giving me the opportunity to shed them because someone cared enough about me to reach out on this difficult day.

Ask me more than once to join you lunch or dinner. I may say no at first or even for a while, but please don't give up on me because somewhere down the line, I may be ready, and if you've given up then I really will be alone.

Understand how difficult it is for me to be surrounded by couples, to walk into events alone, to go home alone, to feel out of place in the same situations where I used to feel so comfortable.

Please don't judge me now - or think that I'm behaving strangely. Remember I'm grieving. I may even be in shock. I am afraid. I may feel deep rage. I may even feel guilty. But above all, I hurt. I'm experiencing a pain unlike any I've ever felt before and one that can't be imagined by anyone who has not walked in my shoes.

Don't worry if you think I'm getting better and then suddenly I seem to slip backward. Grief makes me behave this way at times. And please don't tell me you know how I feel, or that it's time for me to get on with my life. What I need now is time to grieve.

Most of all thank you for being my friends. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for caring. Thank you for helping, for understanding. Thank you for praying for me.

And remember in the days or years ahead, after your loss - when you need me as I have needed you - I will understand. And then I will come and be with you.



OBITUARIES

YVONNE SERENO BETO (WI 1952)

Yuvonne M. Beto, 76, of Clarksburg, went to be with her Lord on Friday, May 6, 2011, after a hard and valiant struggle with cancer. She was born July 15, 1934, in Terra Alta, the daughter of Aurelius (Tony) Alexander and Daisy Orean Sereno. Yuvonne graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1952 and from St. Mary's School of Nursing in 1955.

She was a Registered Nurse, primarily employed in the operating room, and retired from United Hospital Center in 1999.

She was married August 11, 1957, to the late John Dominick Beto. She is survived by her son, John Anthony Beto, and daughters, Mrs. Allen (Tina) Bennett and Mrs. Paul (Cathy) Benedum, all of Clarksburg. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Mary Ellen Rawlinitis of Bridgeport, and brother John Barre Sereno of Centreville, VA and many nieces and nephews.



GARNETT EUGENE LYNCH (VHS 1936)

Garnett Eugene Lynch, 92, died May 6, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Grover E. Gerrard and Fannie Southern Gerrard. Mrs. Lynch was preceded in death by her husband William E. Lynch in 1976.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by one daughter, Linda Lynch McPherson; one sister, Eulah Bray; two brothers, Vernor W. Gerrard and Edmond W. Gerrard.



BOB FESLER

(FORMER OWNER OF THE GREEN PARIOT)

Robert "Bob" Fesler, 89, of Bridgeport, passed away May 1, 2011, at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center. He was born in Anmoore on May 21, 1921, a son of the late Fred Walter and Virginia Belle Hathaway Fesler. He is survived by his sister, Wilma Meier, Phoenix, AZ; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Scranage and Mary Ellen Blankenship; and four brothers, Dana, Ralph, Delmer and Fred Jr. Fesler.

Bob always had a good work ethic and held several jobs as a young boy. He was the owner of the Green Parrot. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was wounded in the Battle of St. Lo in France on June 6, 1945, and awarded the Purple Heart.



JOSEPH FISHBAUGH, III (Bridgeport 1975)

Joseph "Joey" Frank Fishbaugh, III, 54, departed this life April 22, 2011.

He was the son of Helen Kinney Fishbaugh and the late Joseph Frank Fishbaugh Jr.

He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Charles Fishbaugh.

He is survived by mother, Helen Fishbaugh of Sutton; brother, William Fishbaugh (Olive) of Sutton; sisters, Nancy Jo Haines (Carl) of Finleyville, Pa., and Janet Cunningham (Patrick) of Bridgeport, WV; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.



EDMUND LEE FLINT (VHS 1950)

BRIDGEPORT — Mr. Edmund Lee Flint, 78 years of age, and formerly of Maple Lake community, died on Sunday, May 1, 2011, at the Heritage Nursing Home, Bridgeport, WV.

He was the son of the late Frances Harrison Flint and Marshall Lee Flint.

Ed is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth Warnock Flint (WI '50).

He is also survived by two sons, Tim (Tammy) Flint, and Andy Flint and his special friend Rebecca Rosenberger; one daughter, Fran, several children and grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a stepfather, Charles "Kit" Carson.



ELEANOR FREEMAN LUTHER (VHS 1943)

Eleanor Grace Luther nee Freeman, age 85, died April 23, 2011. She was born in Fairmont and grew up in Clarksburg, WV, currently of Ashburn, VA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Austin H. Freeman and Mabel D. Watkins Freeman. She was the beloved wife of E. Eugene Luther; the devoted mother of Michael (Janet); the loving stepmother of Tara L. (Robert) Schmohl, Tanya K. (Joseph) Kukral , and Lura E. (Lee) Teeter; and the adoring grandmother of Parker Joseph Kukral, Rhett Colton Teeter and Keanen Gage Teeter.

After high school graduation, she became a highly regarded local and regional big band vocalist and area actress. She began her business career as a secretary and bookkeeper for several local businesses. After a wonderfully successful career in Clarksburg, she moved to VA, where she continued to pursue a career in the business world.



ROY "PETE" GUICE (RW)

Roy E. "Pete" Guice, Jr., passed away on May 15, 2011, after a short struggle with cancer.

He was the late Roy E. Guice Sr. and Lorraine Lipps Guice. Pete graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School. He was married to Carol A. Bavlsik on April 20, 1963, after moving to Bellevue, OH. Pete worked at Johnson Corporation and at Hayward Rigging and Construction.

He is survived by wife Carol, son Tom Guice, daughter Kim (Mike) Roberts, and 2 . Brother Robert "Sonny" Guice and sisters Gaynell Lipps and Betty Krivosky, survive, along with several aunts and uncles. In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his brother, Walter "Bud" Guice.



JAMES "SMILEY" MARTIN, JR.

CLARKSBURG — Mr. James W. "Smiley" Martin, Jr., age 66, of Jane Lew, WV, passed away at 8:13 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV, following a long battle with cancer.

He was born in Clarksburg, WV, Sept. 2, 1944, a son of the late James W. Martin and Ruth Smiley Martin.

Surviving are: His wife, Victoria "Dee" Stapleton Martin, whom he married Aug. 10, 1974, his children, Ruth K. Martin and husband Matthew Mulkey, Silver Spring, MD, James W. "Will" Martin III, Robert Smiley Martin, both of Jane Lew, WV, and Sarah Elizabeth Martin, Bethesda, MD, a sister, Jean Martin Allen, Clarksburg, WV, one granddaughter, Vivienne Martin Mulkey, Silver Spring, MD, and two nephews, James Allen, Clarksburg, WV, and Michael Allen in Montana.

Mr. Martin was Methodist by faith. He was a graduate of West Virginia University with a doctorate of jurisprudence and a master's in public administration and also had a degree in astronomy from Yale University.



CAROLYN DIANN CLEGHORN LOSH (RW 1964)

Carol Cleghorn Losh, the daughter of Cecil and Ruth Losh, passed away May 6, 2011, at Dekalb Medical Center in Atlanta, GA.

She was raised in Clarksburg, WV, and attended Roosevelt-Wilson High School, graduating in 1964. She retired from Sprint, then enjoyed sharing time with her spouse, "Dee," and family, including six grandchildren.

She is survived by her spouse, Dalton "Dee" Cleghorn; her daughter, Tiffany (Scott) and three children, her son, Gary S.(Deanna) Corder and their three children. Her brother, Bill (Barbara) and her brother, Gene Losh.



MARVIN MILLER (WI 1945)

Marvin Miller of Sarasota Fl, died on March 27, 2011, following a brief illness.

He is survived by his loving wife Betty who shared his life for 60 wonderful years, one daughter, Stephanie Labossiere Steamboat Springs Co., sons David Miller Richmond Va. and Scott Miller Jacksonville., Fl. After graduating from Washington Irving in 1945, Marvin served in the US Army, He graduated from Ohio University, Athens Ohio, in 1951.

Marvin was well known for his accounting practice, Marvin Miller and Associates. While living in Clarksburg, he was active in the Exchange Club, Lions Club, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

His family was always his greatest joy. He will be gravely missed.



ROSCOE EARL RUSSELL (RW 1939)

Roscoe Earl Russell, 90, went home to be with the Lord on May 18, 2011, in Clarksburg, W.Va.

He was born in Interstate, W.Va., to Roscoe and Clara Russell.

He was a Stonewood resident most of his life. He served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Noble. He was employed by the Union Carbide for 42 years, retiring in 1982.

Earl is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Mary; two sons, Jim (Carrie) and Larry (Mary); daughter, Sharon (Bill) Rogers; grandchildren, Kim (Charlie) Croft, Diane Knight, Mark "Scott" (Missy) Wilmoth, Jackie (Rod) May, Jim (Lina) Wilmoth, Jim "JR" (Monica) Russell, Aaron (Julie) Russell; great grandchildren, Brent and Elizabeth Shafer, Nick and Erica May, Isaac, Ethan, Liam Russell, Courtney Croft, Samantha Wilmoth and Madeleine and James "Tre" Russell; brother, Fred (Delores); sister, Lorain Lewis; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Cliff; and sister, Gladys.





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