THE WI NEWSLETTER 02/10

THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Issue 126

February 2010

2009 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER SENT A NOTE TO YOU:
submitted by: Ron Frazzini (RC Byrd HS 2009)
I am still at FSU. I am doing very well. I am set to start my second semester. As far as my grades, I had a 4.0 last semester. I am very proud of myself and the accomplishment I have made. I will be going into Radiology. I am excited about going into the medical field and with the generous donations from this scholarship, I have been able to start my second semester and reach towards my goal.

College life has been amazing. I have met a few new people but, I have also been bogged down with homework. I have grown up this past year and realize that it is time to concentrate on my future. Hopefully when I get out of college and get established I will be able to return the favor and donate to this wonderful scholarship in hopes of helping someone like you did for me.

Again, thank you for everything and I will keep you posted when grades come out.

Take care, and God Bless
Ronnie Fazzini

HOW IT WORKS
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ron received one of the 2 WIN Scholarships presented to a student graduating from RC Byrd HS in 2009. Each scholarship is for $3,000.00 and is paid to the Financial Aid Department of the college the student chooses to attend. The first payment check in the amount of $1,500.00 is sent in August and is placed in the student’s college account from which the student can pay for books or tuition or needed college expenses only. The second half of the scholarship is paid in January for the second half of the school year. We try each year to award 2 WIN Scholarships each worth $3,000.00. In other words, through the WI Newsletter Scholarship, those who support the scholarship are giving $6,000.00 yearly back to our “hometown”.

If you wish to join in this effort, write a check to:
Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

AND MAIL TO:
Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43219

Thank you…remember if you send your check this month, you will receive tickets for the quilt drawing. Give $1.00 and get one ticket. Give $5.00 and get 6 tickets, etc. The quilt which is made by very talented ladies earns about $1,500.00 yearly for the scholarship. Let’s surprise the ladies and raise more this year!

Those who gave so generously this month are:

Don (WI 1956) and Kitty Sager thanks for the continued help for the scholarship.

Freddie Layman (VHS 1946) What a dear man--thank you for your interest in Clarksburg History and sharing with the readers....and a big thank you for helping support this scholarship which is presented to a graduate from RC Byrd HS.

Karen and Auggie Malfregeot (WI 1956) Thank you for your continued support for the scholarship.

Kaye Baker A friend who helps each year with a check for the scholarship.

Stu and Babe Bisping Cashman (WI 1956) Thank you for your continuing support.

Jim (WI 1956) and Sonja Alvaro (Bridgeport 1958) Thank you for your continued support.

Eloise Harvey Stacy (WI 1953) Than you for the generous check you sent to the scholarship in memory of your husband Kenneth Ray Stacy (Bristol 1951).

LET’S DISCUSS NEXT MONTH:
1. Where were some of the favorite parking (necking) places. (YOU DON’T HAVE TO NAME THE DATE)!

2. Where did the boys take their dates and do you remember what it cost to take a date out at that time? (YOU DON’T HAVE TO GIVE THE NAME OF YOUR DATE)

3. Do the girls remember their favorite places to be taken on a date? Tell us about the place and what made it a special place for a date? Tell us about the worse date…(DON’T TELL US THE BOY’S NAME).

4. Favorite or least favorite teacher while you were in school….and WHY?

5. Discipline in schools.

FRONT STEPS

EDITOR’S NOTE: Was I wrong? Were the front steps only for seniors or were they for everyone but the freshmen?

submitted by: Bob Patterson (VHS '54)
James 22055@aol.com
Roleta, we also had at VHS front stairs for seniors only, I thought it was great. Never had a problem with it when I was an underclassman, I sure liked it when I was a senior. The discipline in schools today is very sad. Students are running the schools and some parents are just as bad. I hear all the time from my grandkids what goes on. I have had teachers tell me there hands are tied they are not allowed to discipline

submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
JATeter@aol.com
I have always thought that the policy of “SENIORS ONLY ON THE FRONT STEPS” was an honor thing and saw nothing wrong with the idea. EXCEPT, when I became a senior and could not bring my “girlfriend” to the front steps with me. I do not remember dating a SENIOR my entire SENIOR year, so this would have been a problem for me my entire senior year.

EDITOR’S NOTE: There is a good reason for senior boys to date senior girls! LOL

WI-VICTORY RIVARY!
submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith (WI '59)
Wasn’t the rivalry between WI and Victory wonderful? Just two high schools in the same town but my how they disliked each other….in a fun way wasn’t it? Does anyone remember guys from VICTORY coming to WI before a game between the 2 schools and painting our front doors? I remember guys from WI going to Victory and painting the doors too? Or is my memory mixed up? Of course it was right before our big game. I have no idea what year. But it was about the time that a song something about “Behind the Green Door” was popular wasn’t it? Do you remember? Write Roleta1@aol.com

SEPARATE STEPS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
submitted by: Fred Alvaro (WI '59)
Falvaro33@aol.com
Concerning the issue of boy and girls students walking up separate stair cases. I addressed this issue once with Mr. Cubbon and he indicated that particular policy was put into place by the previous principal, Mr. McConkey. The reason was to prevent lengthy conversations between the boys and girls and therefore getting to their respective classes quicker and on time. Makes sense.

CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC

Last chance To make
YOUR RESERVATIONS
COME JOIN THE FUN
Come to the ANNUAL CLARKSBURG REUNION PICNIC held each year in Sarasota, Florida. This year the date is set for Saturday, March 6, 2010. We usually meet around 10:00 and stay until around 3:00. You only need to bring a covered dish and your own drink. I provide the hotdogs with chili, onions, place setting (down to your fork and napkin! LOL) and the condiments; I even have slaw for those outsiders who like it that way!

ROLETA SERVES HOT DOGS AT LAST YEARS PICNIC
The picnic is held at Twin Lakes Park each year. It is a lovely place with a huge pavilion that I reserve for the event. We share memories and laughs. You will probably see people from your class, might see old neighbors, someone who babysat you when you were little, a distant relative or maybe a close friend with whom you have lost contact. Each year I get a big kick out of people discovering each other after having lost contact for many years.

PAVILLION AT TWIN LAKES PARK
Fred Alvaro (WI 1959) kindly called the Country Inn and Suites on Clark Road in Sarasota, Fl and got a special price for those who are attending the picnic. He wrote the following: “The hotel originally quoted $119 but I talked her and the hotel mgr. to $99. They said first of March is a very busy time. I think this will be the best and everyone seemed to like it”.

So, if you are interested: call County Inn and Suites, at (941) 925-0631; tell them that you are part of the Clarksburg, WV Picnic group. If there is any question, ask to speak to Kelly or you can email Fred at Falvaro33@aol.com” This is a deal compared with other motels in the vicinity.”

When calling to make your reservations at the hotel, ask for "inhouse reservations" or your call might be transferred to a national reservations center. Just contact me and tell me how many of you plan to attend the picnic this year. Give me the names of those attending. Email me at Roleta1@aol.com or call me at 941-342-0030.

Hope to see you there. This is a big year for me, so I am hoping for a big crowd! I do request that you contact me and make your reservations so I will know how many to expect.

I will need to know how many plates to buy, and how many hotdogs I need to cook! We do pass the hat for you to donate to the costs of the picnic…….Thank you for your consideration.

You must make your reservations before the picnic. Write to me at Roleta1@aol.com or call me at 941-342-0030. I have a personal reason to want as many here this year as possible. Let’s break the record for attendance this year!

GROUP EATING AND SOCIALIZING AT LAST YEARS PICNIC

WASHINGTON IRVING CLASS OF 1960
TO HOLD REUNION

August 27th and 28th, 2010

Village Square Conference Center

(Formerly Jewel City Bowling Lanes)

Friday and Saturday evenings, August 27 & 28, 2010

We will also participate in the Annual "WI Picnic" on Saturday

It begins at 11:00 am at Veteran’s Park and continues to mid-afternoon

For additional information, contact Pam Wolfe Brown at pameez@aol.com or 304-288-9188

LAST CHANCE
This is your last chance to buy your tickets for the drawing for the quilt on March 6, 2010 at the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic.

JUST A LITTLE ABOUT THE QUILT FROM AN OUTSIDERS VIEW:

A FEW OF THE SQUARES
The name of the WIN Scholarship quilt for 2010 is “West Virginia Winter Wonderland”. The main colors are soft silver and blue! Material was bought and distributed to ladies from our readers who volunteered to design and sew little pieces of material into a beautiful snowflake design to make a square. These squares were then sent to Sue Selby Moats who organized and placed the squares into a very beautiful pattern and edged each piece with a border of coordinating material. Then she sewed the squares together, put batting on the back then added a lovely material as the main backing, added a border all around the quilt then she performs magic! She owns a long arm quilting machine and she makes the most beautiful designs that fit the type of quilt she is making.

I won the quilt titled “Autumn Splendor” and the quilting pattern she used was in the design of leaves….and the thread she used was even variegated in fall colors to blend into the background just right. Mine is a lovely quilt. But each quilt she has made has been a masterpiece.

Those wonderful ladies who worked to make this quilt possible this year were: Carolyn Cady, Liz Carder, Barb Charles, Carol VanHorn Dean, Sara Graham, Mary Ella Flowers, Mary Hulick, Nancy Jackson, Gig Meredith, Joan Merrill, Sue Moats, Elaine Nortemann, Kitty Sager, Mary Sue Spahr, Lin Stricker and Mary Ann Williams. (Hopefully no one has been omitted.)

So this is your last chance to get your tickets for the drawing and to support the WIN scholarship. Remember, the winning ticket will be drawn on March 6, 2010 at the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic which will be held in Sarasota, FL. Contact Roleta at Roleta1@aol.com if you plan to attend.

To buy tickets for the quilt drawing, write your check to:
Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

AND MAIL TO:
Roleta Meredith
3025 Switzer Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43219

All money from the sale of the tickets goes to the WIN Scholarship.

PRAYERS
Your continued prayers for Bobby Secret (WI 1960) are working. He recently underwent a procedure to remove the fluid that had built up in his left lung again. This time it was properly tested. There was a 50% chance it was infection and a 50% chance it was recurrent cancer. The tests were run and there were no cancer cells present.

His family is very appreciative of your prayers. Bobby is home and back to his normal activities. You can email him at RLSecret@aol.com. I am sure he would love to hear from you.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Prayers are asked for Stephen Warne 45 years of age (WI 1983). His parents are Jerry Warne (WI 1959) and Carolyn Pinella Warne (WI 1959). Stephen now lives in Clarksburg and is on medical leave from Home Depot. He had open heart surgery in November 2008. But now he is fighting cancer which they found in his colon in April 2009, it has moved to his liver and the lining of his stomach. He is undergoing strong chemo treatments for 3 days straight via IV every other week. If you belong to a prayer group or prayer chain, please submit Stephen’s name. This boy needs a lot of strong prayers for better health and more comfort while fighting this cancer out of his body.

PRAYER NEEDED FOR:
submitted by: Sonja Grossa Alvaro (Bridgeport 1959)
Csonja1940@aol.com
I desperately need prays for my brother Metro "Butch" Grossa who is fighting a battle with leukemia. We really need a miracle. If you would, please pass this prayer to friends.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES
Most pure Virgin, you chose to manifest yourself shining with life, sweetness, and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes. To St. Bernadette you revealed yourself: "I am the Immaculate Conception."

Immaculate Virgin, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. Through your intercession, many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and physical.

Receive my prayers with love. Secure a favorable answer to my request. O loving Mother, obtain for me (my brother Butch will be cured of this dreaded disease, leukemia).

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him.

Amen

BLUE CHEESEBALL RECIPE
submitted by: Sharon Tiano Secret (ND '63)
sharonts@aol.com
This is a new cheese ball for anyone that likes blue cheese. Very good. I am not a real fan of blue cheese, but this was delicious!!! So easy.

Blue cheese/ cheese ball

1/2 or 1/4 cup blue cheese.............. I used 1/4
2 T milk............I used skim so I don't think it matters about what kind
3T craisins............I just threw in what I wanted, I put more!!! lol
3 T walnuts...........and of course I added more

Mix with mixer

So easy, and so good.

FAVORITE OR LEAST FAVORITE TEACHER AND WHY?

COME ON, I KNOW THAT WITH SO MANY READERS THIS QUESTION SHOULD GET MORE RESPONSE
submitted by: Carolyn Burnside
crburnside842@verizon.net
I totally agree with your opinion about Mr. Gudekunst. He was my math nemesis -- that had never been my good subject --- BUT --- during the exam, that man pushed on that tender place in my shoulder and said, "Karline, you aren't doing well in this class." I escaped with the only bad, but passing, grade I ever had. I know he wanted us to think and solve problems but when I was fifteen years old, I needed help --- and he didn't give it.

submitted by: Charles Ferrell (WI '46)
eagle1928@starpower.net
My favorite teachers at WI were Mr. Gudekunst and Mr. Duckworth. I was in the same math classes with his daughter Mary Francis and he gave her a rough time. He did not like to be called by his nickname by the students as "Gus". He chewed out a football player friend of mine when he responded with the statement "OK Gus". These two teachers were responsible for me to major in electrical engineering and later physics with a math minor at Salem College. I also picked up a teaching field in chemistry and biology. In 1950 I tried to get a teaching position in WV but no one would hire me for I was "Draft Bait" for the Korean Conflict. I come from a line of teachers in WV. My mother Mary Ethlyn Selby taught at WI in the 1920s and when she married my father Benjamin Franklin Ferrell taught at RW and Victory high schools during the Second World War. My Aunt Josey Ferrell and a cousin Ralph Ferrell taught at the Sistersville,WV High School. After being drafted into the US Army Third Armored Division as a PFC I made more money, housing, food etc. than I would have made at $1800/year teaching in WV. I also got to fire guns that I could not have afforded the ammo on a teacher's salary.

After Basic Training I was assigned to the US Army Chemical Corp as a soldier scientist at Edgewood, MD in the Radiological Division Working on nuclear weapons tests, gamma radiation shielding and assisted in the design of instrumentation to measure thermal radiation. Being drafted changed me from teaching to nuclear engineering. Once I became a civilian I used my teaching skills as a Boy Scout Leader 40+ years.

submitted by: Jim Selario (WI ’67)
jselario@gmail.com
My memories of Miss Nutter are not particularly pleasant. I was assigned to her for Latin 1 my freshman year. Her room was the middle one of the three rooms that were located right behind the stage. My first period was band, which was on the stage. My second class was Miss Nutter’s. By the end of first period she was not at all happy. I can’t say that I really blamed her, as I imagine that the sound of the band practicing was deafening and made it almost impossible to conduct class. Just the same, it was not the fault of those of us who were in the band, but she was bound and determined to make it our fault and to take it out on us. When she found out that I was in the band my life with her went from bad to worse.

Another memory of her (and this is, in my opinion, a sad example of how truly miserable and unhappy she must have been) is something that happened on the day after John Kennedy’s funeral. She came into class and the first thing that she did was go into a diatribe about how our generation was responsible for his murder and how terrible we were and how glad she was that she did not belong to such a generation. She went on and on. To this day I have never figured out how we were involved in President Kennedy’s death, but in her mind it was our fault.

I was assigned to Mrs. Bauld for Latin 2 in my sophomore year. I believe that Miss Nutter was teaching Latin 2 as well, so luck was with me. Second year Latin went reasonably well for me with much less stress.

Of course Miss Nutter also taught junior English. I had heard some real horror stories about that class (worse than Latin from what I could tell). I decided that there was no way I was going to have her again, so I took English in summer school prior to junior year. It was really great knowing that I would not have to face her again. My summer school teacher was very low key and tried to make the course interesting and enjoyable. He succeeded as far as I was concerned. The other benefit of going to summer school was that it freed up a period in my junior year that I used to take typing. Typing may have been one of the most beneficial classes I took in high school. It served me well through college and several years of graduate school. I use it daily in my profession (of course on the computer primarily, although I occasionally use a typewriter to write a memo or address an envelope). Who would have ever thought in 1965 when we were pounding away on those heavy, manual Remington-Rand and Royal typewriters that key-boarding (as it is now called) would be so important?

Enough for now, I have other memories of this complex and interesting person but will save them for another time. I don’t believe that Miss Nutter was an inherently bad person, I just think that she was deeply troubled and feel sorry for her that she seemed so unhappy.

submitted by: Roleta Smith Meredith
Roleta1@aol.com
I really don’t remember disliking Miss Nutter when I had her for Latin 1. I do have a few memories of being in her class. About her: Who could ever forget her high heeled shoes which looked like one of the stepsisters in “Cinderella” when they tried on the glass slipper---her feet must have been a size 7 and her shoes a size 5….her feet had to hurt, maybe that was the reason for her unhappy disposition?

I faintly remember a story in Latin about a girl parting her hair with an arrow (seems like she was preparing for marriage)---remember Miss Nutter parted her hair in the middle and there were scabs on the path on her head---I remember thinking or maybe we kidded amongst ourselves that she must have parted her hair with an arrow! I had her first period and her classroom was in the little hallway behind the stage—right beside Miss Albright’s classroom. The class room was behind the stage as Jim mentioned in the letter above; however, at the time we were in school the band usually practiced first period in the band room which was on the lower level of the school.

The one thing about having Miss Nutter first period was the little surprises left for her from someone entering during the evening or over the week-end…she would often open her top desk drawer and pull out an empty or almost empty bottle of some sort of booze— (Well, that set her off for the period). Or someone would open the transom above our classroom door and put an inflated condom in that space. Of course as we entered the room, we left it there---she would come in and have a fit! It was hard to not laugh. I think she was late for class for first period a lot and this may have added her frustration for first period….plus the unexpected gifts left in her room by the boys she blamed who were usually the ball players…she didn’t know she just guessed who did it and the athletes received the blame.

Does anyone remember an assembly maybe in 1956 or 1957 when I think a movie was shown and she raised a big fuss about the contents…I vaguely remember she threw a fit but I don’t remember the details. Anyone have any idea her age when you had her for class? Write to me at Roleta1@aol.com and let me know!

submitted by: Steve Limbers (WI '57)
slimberses@aol.com
I had my first dose of diagramming in seventh grade via an excellent teacher in room 210, Sarah Margaret Israel. We actually became expert, and my wife Sandy used diagramming a little bit in her years teaching third grade. I think it's a wonderful tool.

Sorry I didn't have Miss Taylor with her colored cards in WI. I had Miss Duthie sophomore year. She became ill very early in the year (may not have even started) and Mrs Randolph took her spot for many months. I wasn't upset since this would have been my second year with Miss Duthie. Very nice women but I don't remember any diagramming as a freshman or sophomore. It would have been nice if the English teachers had coordinated what they taught, and how, in the various grades.

Those of us who had Glyde Bailey were truly blessed. I know nothing about Maud Yoak, who also taught English (ancient) to seniors, but I do remember being amazed that her students didn't do the sorts of things we did in Miss Bailey's class.

Regarding Mr Gudekunst, I agree with you completely, Roleta. I had Mr Limpert for freshman algebra, did well and learned what was in the text. What a shock to have Mr Gudekinst for plane geometry the following year and learn nothing. I think he taught to the math whizzes (who loved him) but someone should have screened the students who were assigned to him. Next door, students like me were loving Hallie May and learning geometry.

CARNIVALS
submitted by: John Teter (WI '61)
JATeter@aol.com
I can remember the Bridgeport carnivals more than the ones in Nutterfort as my grandparents and Aunt lived in Bridgeport and my family would go to the Bridgeport carnival as a family “thing”. I remember riding most of the rides that I would not get on today on a bet. My son and I got on a TILT-A-WHIRL when he was growing up and I knew that it was a mistake on his part on the first time we went around. The only thing that kept me from having a heart attack on the tilt-a-whirl, was that I was trying to keep my son calm. Has anyone ever tried to get the person operating one of these types of rides to stop the ride? I mention this, as when I was a kid, I thought that the tilt-a-whirl was terrific as well as the Ferris wheel. There was another ride that I remember being on in Bridgeport that I lost my baseball hat (it flew off of my head during the ride), never to be found.

I remember we all especially liked the “coin toss” games, where you had to pitch a penny/nickel/dime to try to get it to land in (or on) something that you wanted. My dad was especially good at doing this and we took home a lot of dishes, glasses and such. I think that I still have some of the glasses that we had won at one of the carnival. My love for those kind of games carried over to the years of my taking my son to carnivals in Reston, Virginia and (YES) I probably have glasses and dishes that I won at the Reston carnivals as well. I was never much of a “knock the target over” and/or “break the balloon” type of person, and they had those type of games galore!

Up until about two weeks ago, I had a glass that had a horseshoe design on the side of it. I am not sure that this was won at one of the carnivals in Clarksburg/Bridgeport, but I do remember that it was from a promotion that ESSO (at the time) had made promoting their product. Unfortunately, the glass cracked and I had to throw it away.

I have a question for those of you still living in the Clarksburg/Bridgeport areas;

DO THEY STILL HAVE THESE TYPE OF CARNIVALS THERE?

And if so, WHERE?? And if so, WHEN???

BOB HARRISON
submitted by: John Cooper (WI '51)
Mysto99@aol.com
When I attended the banquet to honor long time coach Clarksburg's Al Castellana a few months ago, sitting at my table was BOB HARRISON who I played football with at WI--'49-50-51. He recognized me first and bent over the big table to shake my hand. I had not seen him for many years. He looked great, and had worked for the local Telephone Bell System in Clarksburg and my dad was his boss when he started. He was a great guy and when all of us got up to get our food, Bob stayed back. I turned back and asked him if he was hungry and he said to me, he wasn't eating anything as he had throat cancer. He went up front later and told of his years of friendship with Coach Al and seemed to be just fine. His funeral is tomorrow here in Clarksburg. Bob was a great guy who was well liked by so many.

submitted by: Joe Malone (WI '52)
Jmalone934@sbcglobal.net
Recently the WI class of 1952 lost its "Rock of Gibraltar". Bob Harrison passed away. No one was stronger, more physically fit or better morally grounded than "Tarzan". We called him Tarzan because of his Johnny Weissmuller physique. He was the poster child for the old Charles Atlas ads except Bob would chase the bullies on the beach away when they kicked sand in your face.

He was a superb athlete in high school- all-state in both football and track. He was the anchor, alongside Bobby Beto and Jimmy Iaconis, of an unbalanced line that won the Big Ten Championship and ranked 4th in the State losing only to the Big Red from Parkersburg, 7-0. Punky Goodwin got all the glory that year but he never lost sight of who was in the trenches doing the dirty work.

For whatever reasons, Bob went into the Navy and spent his working life with "the phone company". He married; raised fine children and devoted himself to his church. In those roles he continued to be a "Rock" upon which his home and family were built. He was a skilled woodsman and craftsman carving exquisite figures from fallen limbs he would find in the forest. He focused his interpersonal life assisting others. He was the figure upon which "the shirt off his back" was based.

I saw him last July at lunch with some classmates and again in August at Coach Castellana's dinner where I was fortunate to share a table with Bob and John Cooper. We knew he was "circling the drain" then but still tougher than nails. I asked him to hang around until I got back next summer and he said, "I'll try, Joe, but that's not really my call." And so it was. The world is a poorer place without him.

Above picture taken at the Bridgeport Country Club. Bob Harrison is on the far left beside Herb Cottrill, Ashton is Herb’s granddaughter, next is Dave (“Hayseed”) Hawkins, Carroll (“Sugar”) Vincent, Sal Vespoint and me, Joe Malone.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bob Harrison’s obituary appears in the obituary section toward the end of the newsletter.

SCHOOL PATROL
submitted by: Lt. Jim Callis (at Morgan School Crossings 1946
Graduated Greenbrier Military Academy would have been WI 1952)
jamesedwardcallis@hotmail.com
Sgt. Virgil Shack was a great mentor for the school boy patrol. We had softball leagues, free tickets to the rodeo and most all the events at the fair grounds. He was a real role model. We had monthly meetings at the fire station. I still have an award I earned; it is a miniature badge which I treasure. I remember the great food at the picnics. Sgt. Shack was a father figure. GOD bless your memory......

FEBRUARY MUSIC MEMORIES
submitted by: Steve Goff (WI '72)
sgoff53@hotmail.com
It's so cold in Clarksburg these days that I'll save my chattering for the winter weather. Attention Mr. Groundhog! We need to talk, buddy. If you insist on that "six more weeks of winter" business this time around, I'm coming for you with a box of Groundhog Helper in hand. I think most of the nation is looking for a pass from you this year.

In the meantime, these tunes were all hit records in the month of February from years gone by. This month I was also able to utilize some songs that have been requested by Hilltoppers from the 1950's and '60's. Turn 'em up and stay warm.

Before we get to the hits, let's forget the groundhog for now and concentrate on the warming qualities of Valentine's Day.

"You Gotta Have Heart" Eddie Fisher. The song comes from the musical Damn Yankees, and the video is from the TV show Coke Time With Eddie Fisher. That NBC show ran only on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30 to 7:45 P.M. It was that length because it followed The Huntley-Brinkley Report, which itself was only a 15 minute broadcast at the time. This clip is from 1956. Fisher had a hit with the song (#6 nationally) in 1955. A song more about perseverance than love, but sometimes those are one and the same. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1DLDnSSPZk&feature=related

"Dear Heart" Andy Williams. In 1965 three different artists placed this song in the Top 100. Jack Jones took it to # 30; Henry Mancini, who wrote it, got his version up to #77; and Andy Williams reached #24. This clip comes from what I'm guessing is a Henry Mancini/Andy Williams TV special. Mancini is at the piano, with a full orchestra, and Williams sings a medley of Mancini songs. "Dear Heart"; "Days of Wine and Roses"; and "Moon River". Also includes "Somewhere" from West Side Story. Not a bad batch of romantic songs for the Valentine's Day season. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQXJGg1T7Q4

HITS FROM YEARS GONE BY...

1947 "The Old Lamp-Lighter" Sammy Kaye. As was often the case in the '40's and early '50's, multiple versions of a song might be released by different artists at near the same time. In this case, in February of 1947, there were 3 versions of this song IN THE TOP 10!! Besides Mr. Kaye, recordings of this ditty by Kay Kayser (#3) and Hal Derwin (#5) were all in rotation at the same time. In 1960, The Browns reached #5 with this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHczkQXkHec

1950 "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" Red Foley. This catchy little number also topped the country charts and was a juke box favorite. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh5A2qmWjf0

1953 "Till I Waltz Again With You" Teresa Brewer. Here's a little tidbit for you. Elvis sang this song at his high school in a spring talent show, 1953. Now that you know that, close your eyes and imagine him doing this song. Oh yes, I bet he nailed it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZkTC0YmfVY&feature=related

1956 "Rock and Roll Waltz" Kay Starr. Simple but well done video that consists entirely of the covers of a number of magazines (Life, Look, Playboy, Hot Rod, Esquire, etc.). On second viewing I noticed that every magazine cover dates from February of 1956. It is a very interesting representation of American life during that year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMxy_TZRP3o

1960 "Teen Angel" Mark Dinning Brace yourselves folks, and let's briefly revisit the phenomenon of the "dead teenager" songs. You know the drill; tragic accident, a ring somewhere in the scene, the longing of the one left behind, a last kiss (the title of another DT song)...ahh Pathos, I knew you well. Here's a Mark Dinning TV appearance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG_VIcoiCFA

1964 "I Want to Hold Your Hand" The Beatles. This has a short intro from Beatles producer George Martin. Where were you when you first heard the Beatles? They blew my little fourth grade mind. I bought my first 45 the day after I saw them on Ed Sullivan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iim6s8Ea_bE

1967 "Kind of a Drag" The Buckinghams. Check out the "spare no expense" set. This Chicago based group also hit the charts with "Don't You Care"; "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy"; "Susan"; and "Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)", all released in 1967. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq1fpN1qWv8

1970 "Venus" Shocking Blue. This band hailed from the Netherlands, and were just one of many acts that had a female lead singer fronting a rock band (think Jefferson Airplane, The Smiths, and Rose Garden) during this time. In high school we all thought this gal was a babe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJqh6au7Ol0

1972 "Let's Stay Together" Al Green. Oh how I love this song, and Al Green. Look out, 1970's bad fashion alert! Mr. Green, a couch just called and wants its' upholstery back, so hand over that suit. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=MVzYxqG9N1c

1976 "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" Paul Simon. Here's a live TV version from the BBC. I always loved the little drum fills that percolate throughout this tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5--Sje98jI

1980 "Do That To Me One More Time" Captain & Tennile. Live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNHcgk5bf7o&feature=related

1984 "Jump" Van Halen. Let's shut this sucker down with some real rock and roll. Eddie Van Halen: Guitar Monster. Check out the 15 second rock guitar clinic he gives beginning at 2:11 mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swzh0ngMNJo

That does it for February. So from me and my WI Valentine (my wife, Beth Allen, WI Class of '70) best wishes and may music always warm your heart.

CULTURAL NOTE RE: WEST VIRGINIA
submitted by: Beth Jeranko Hilburn (WI '55)
hilfarm@hawaii.rr.com
Cultural note, my husband and I made a 3 week trip to China. At Guilin, we met with some students from the tourism school. Every student had to learn the following song prior to graduation, Country Roads!! Why? John Denver visited China often, and they never forget.

TEACHERS
submitted by: Roleta
Roleta1@aol.com
Thinking of the age of teachers, or how long they taught at WI, I started looking for WI yearbooks around the house…I found. So I took the oldest book and the most recent book and went thru them to find if the same teacher appeared in both books. Here are some teachers who appeared in both:

Una Jarvis
Rene Andre
Maynard Duckworth
Edwin Jack Frederick
Virginia Nutter
Lorana Riley
Josephine Swaiger
Pearl Custer (Secretary)

If you were at WI before 1955 or after 1969 and these teachers were still there, we would like to know…write Roleta1@aol.com.

MAIL TO THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT:
To Bill:

Re: Gator Bowl

Does anyone ever remember when we played in a Bowl and our quarterbacks weren't injured---win or lose????

It was like watching flag football...........the defense doesn't understand that one of the options is to tackle the quarterback and not just let him throw the ball to receivers running wild!!!

Today, after the rain and cold, and a long stop and go drive back on I-95, where I think I counted 100,000 orange barrels on both sides of the road, I swear I will never go again!!!!!!

I guess I've got a while to think about it.

And surely, in the entire U.S., there is an athlete that can KICK THE BALL INTO THE END-ZONE and athletes who can locate a kick-off return man. IT IS THE GUY WITH THE BALL!!!!!!

AND IF THE OPPONENT IS GOING TO KICK-OFF SHORT, IN THE AIR------ PUT A COUPLE OF FAST GUYS UP THE FIELD ALSO.

Oh well---I swore to myself I would put it out of my mind. Back to the Manhattans.........

Don Sager--WI 1956

Reply To Don:

I don't know how badly J. Brown was hurt in the bowl game, but as I've said before, he just was not the same QB after the concussion earlier in the season. This offensive line had trouble all year pass-blocking. That must be a top priority this Spring and Fall. I really felt for the fans at the game. I recall attending a Gator Bowl vs. FSU many, many years ago. We sat through the heaviest rain I've ever seen to watch WVU get whipped. However, I've seen a few good bowl games, too. As far as finding a team to cover kickoff returns, I believe that 15 or 20 years ago, Texas A & M recruited an entire team from the student body and they did a great job. Maybe Billy Stew should take a cue.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

Rich Rod will be at Michigan for another year, his last one if he doesn't start to turn things around this year and ends up losing to Ohio State. Former WVU coach Beilein's basketball team at Michigan is doing fair (his comeback effort the other night was a miracle), but, he has to start winning more games in the future, especially Big Ten wins. WVU basketball coach Bob Huggins on the after-game interview on radio, always complains, when they lose, that the players don't work hard enough. This is the reason he pulls them, as he did with last night's Notre Dame game. They never get back in, but what a great comeback. The final shot, with the ball going in and then spinning out, would have won the game by one point!! If they win, Huggins says the players need to work harder. You can see that by the awful first half (down by 20 points) against the Irish. They must do that (work harder), or some players may not be around long. Huggins claims that he is too soft with the team anyway. Like many WVU fans, I can't wait until the big foreign giant becomes eligible starting with the upcoming Pitt game!!!

Bobby Bowden stated in his press release, that the reason he left WVU for Florida State was that when he got the offer to leave by telephone and hung up, he went outside and slipped on the ice and fell. He decided then and there he was going south where there was no snow and ice. Too bad if a number of his wins are taken away from his winning record, because of exposed illegal players, etc. He is indeed a great coach and person and doesn't need that blot on his coaching record. He did quite well overall at WVU and Jimbo Fisher will do fine at Florida State. Everyone there knows what kind of a coach he will be or they would not have hired him to take Bowden's job in the first place.

John Cooper (WI 1951)

Reply To John:

I assume you are not a relative of the other John Cooper (Former OSU football coach), but regardless, thanks for your comments. I've stated previously that Rodriguez must win in the next two years or lose his job at U of M. I think Beilein's job is safe for the long term. I believe he just signed a contract extension.

We need to get accustomed to hearing Bob Huggins complain about the way his team plays. Win or lose, he is never satisfied (We should call him "Sad Bobby"). It is his way of motivating his players (plus, screaming at them). I really don't care how he does it----just win----without cheating.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

You might want to ask people about what they remember about my husband, Tom Williams (Victory-1967) another good athlete out of Clarksburg. He played football for the Mountaineers and was recruited by Bobby Bowden.

Gladys Anna (Walsh) Williams---(WI 1971)

Reply To Gladys:

Although I am a lifelong Mountaineer fan, I need help with this one. The late 60's were our early years in Ohio, working two jobs and trying to raise a family, so I had trouble following WVU sports. I would appreciate if you folks would send me some information about Tom.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S QUESTIONS: To Bill:

Since I am merely a mother of sports enthusiasts, I decided to interview my youngest son on your sports questions.
(Note: This is how I learn about these things)

To question #1, he said: "They did not over or under (achieve), but met standards. Noel Devine will leave early for the NFL. We won't miss Doc Holliday".

To question #2, he said: "Yes, it is difficult to follow a legend, but, Jimbo will bring Florida State back to compete with Florida.

Bradley Bowden
RCB 2004
Mother: Vickie Zabeau (ND 1973)

Reply to Vickie:

Asking your son was a great idea. Looking back, I agree that they were probably no better than a 9-4 team. I, also, thought Devine would go Pro, but we were both wrong. However, I think they will miss Doc Holliday, if only for his Florida recruiting contacts.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

YEP--WVU will miss a pretty good coach and West Virginia native.... DOC HOLLIDAY. Didn't he want the head coaching job at WVU, but was passed over for Stewart?

John Cooper- (W I 1951)

Reply To John:

We'll miss him, maybe sooner than we expect. Some of this year's recruits may end up at Marshall. (They did) I have always thought he should have been at the top of the list for the WVU job, but it didn't happen. I think he really wanted the job. He was Nehlen's best recruiter and served the same roll for Stewart. Look for Marshall to be loaded with Florida players. I'd be surprised if he doesn't bring them back to respectability very quickly.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill:

Our football season was OK, but I thought we were out--coached in some of the losses, especially the play calling. Maybe we should get another offensive coordinator. We do not have good plays and no deception. We have good ends, but no pass plays. We lost the Gator Bowl because of play calling and not adjusting our defense, using the same old 3-man line

Fisher will do better than Bowden has done the past few years. Yes, we will miss Doc Holliday's recruiting.

David Corsini (WI 1950)

TIM BRINKLEY
To Bill:

In answer to your question about Tim Brinkley, his mother is Mrs. Paul (Velma) Brinkley of Nutter Fort. They were always great supporters of RW sports. You and Roleta (and all involved) do a wonderful job of the WI Newsletter. Thanks for all you do. I enjoy reading about everyone from all the schools.

From: LaDonna Emrick (RW 1956)

To Bill:

You asked in the Newsletter about Tim Brinkley from Clarksburg. I think he was a coach for a high school in Ocala, FL and lived in Anthony, FL. He was killed in an auto crash about 6 years ago and had a son who was an outstanding athlete. They have a Tim Brinkley Memorial Basketball Tournament in Ocala in Jan. or Feb. I think his son is in college somewhere, maybe on a scholarship. He was younger than us and I just don't know that much about it, but maybe someone else can fill in the rest of the story.

Connie Bailey Casto (WI 1959)

To Bill:

I talked to my neighbor that graduated from RW (Bill Peters), and he said that Tim graduated from RW with him, but I do not know what year that would be. I am checking further on that. He also told me that Tim had been killed in an automobile accident 10 - 15 years ago, so that is why I have not been able to find him on a current basis. Bill also said that Tim had a brother (Barry) and I will pursue finding Barry when I get in to work tomorrow, as it is easier to do searching from my office computer than from this one at home.

I will let you know if I find Barry and/or if I can find out what year Bill and Tim graduated from RW!

John Teter (WI 1961)

Reply To John:

Thanks for your help on this (John spent a lot of time trying to get information for me). As you can see from the response from Ron Clevenger, we got quite a bit of information about Tim.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Bill:

Here is what I have on Tim. I worked with his father Paul at the McNicol China Company in 1966.

I am distantly related to his first wife, Jane Post.

Ron Cleavenger (WI 1963)

Timothy Lynn "Tim" BRINKLEY was born in 1947, in Clarksburg, WV. Tim was a 1965 graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School, where he was an All- State star athlete in baseball, football, and basketball. He graduated in 1969 from Alderson-Broaddus College, where he later coached. "Tim was one of the best point guards ever to play in the [West Virginia] Conference,'' said Jack Funk, who coached Brinkley at A-B from 1965-1969. "He also was an excellent coach. He put everything he had into it.'' While at A-B, he was a three-time All-West Virginia Conference selection in both basketball and baseball. In 2000, he was elected into the Alderson-Broaddus Hall of Fame. During his basketball career, he became only the third player in school history to score more than 2,000 points.

He first taught at South Harrison High School and then landed his first coaching job at his alma mater, Roosevelt-Wilson High School; then went to Jefferson County High School in Shenandoah Junction, WV. Next, he coached at West Virginia Tech College in Montgomery, WV, from 1978-81, where he recruited Sedale Threatt, who later played in the NBA. After leaving Montgomery in 1981, Brinkley left coaching for two years before going to A-B, where he coached from 1983-87, leaving there to go to coach in Florida.

Tim was the basketball and golf coach, as well as an assistant football coach at North Marion High School in Ocala, FL. He won 363 games in 21 years of coaching prep basketball coaching. He spent 15 years in Florida — at Flagler Palm Coast and North Marion — and nine years at Roosevelt-Wilson and Jefferson County High Schools in West Virginia. His first coaching job in Florida was at Flagler Palm Coast, where he compiled a 60-22 record in three seasons. His last 10 coaching seasons were at North Marion High School. There, he finished with a 151-72 record and earned the school its first ever district title. He was killed in an automobile crash near Ocala, Marion County, FL, on May 6, 2001.

Reply To Ron:

WOW, what a career. Most of us could work two lifetimes and not accomplish all that Tim did. It is very rare for an athlete to make All State in three sports. I'm sure there are probably more than I realize, but the only one I can think of is Ronnie Retton (Mary Lou's father), who I think did it at Fairview HS in the 1950's. (If you know of others, particularly during the 50's or 60's, please send me the information). Another thing that strikes me as special, is the fact that Tim was not only a great high school player, but was also a super college player and then an excellent coach--in two states !!! What a great story. Thanks Ron, for introducing me and many of our readers to this wonderful athlete from Harrison County.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

To Bill: .

Tim Brinkley went to R-W after I was at W-I. I saw him play often. He competed in a summer Softball League for which I did the publicity in the C-Burg area, later. I knew who his wife was when they were dating, not then knowing she and I were distantly related.

He was a very accomplished athlete, and truly deserves consideration in the outstanding athletes of the Clarksburg area of all time, in my opinion. One other fine athlete was Dave Corsini of W-I football and basketball. He later worked at the bank in Clarksburg on the corner of Main and Fourth Street.

Ron Cleavenger (WI 1963)

Reply To Ron:

You can tell by my comments above, that I agree that Tim was outstanding. I had an email from a David Corsini, which appears in this month's newsletter. Is he is the athlete you refer to above? Would anyone like to tell me more about Dave's career? I'd love to hear from you.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

YOU MIGHT NOT AGREE, BUT:
Here are some comments on Sports. Let me know whether or not you agree with me.

Peyton Manning is the best professional quarterback I have ever seen. I’m told that he calls most of his own plays. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that said about any other modern day QB. Why is he so good? Because he learned well from his Dad and he is very intelligent about football. Without him, the Colts would be just another team.

There is something very wrong with Devin Ebanks. Maybe he doesn’t appreciate Bob Huggins’ style of coaching. We are not being told the whole story. WVU needs him to stick around for at least one more year, but the lure of dollars is very strong.

WVU will be much stronger when Joe Mazzulla is healthy (He is improving with each game), Ebanks gets his head into the game (See above) and everyone is eligible. Then, and only then will they be a Top 10 team.

Geno Smith broke another bone in his foot. This will give Coley White a chance to “show his stuff” in the spring. Will he be up to the task? My guess is, no!

WVU has great fans. However, sometimes they may get a little out of hand. I heard (My son called me from Columbus to comment and the paper there made several references to it) that they were especially nasty to Ohio State’s Evan Turner this past Saturday. I recall Bobby Knight taking the microphone to settle down the Indiana U. crowd many years ago. Should Bob Huggins do the same thing when it is warranted? My thoughts? On that occasion, Knight (whom I don’t respect) showed a lot of class. I look forward to Huggins doing the same thing.

Finally, thanks to everyone who wrote this month. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. Send your news, views and comments to billmere@aol.com. And remember, “If you’ve ever lived in West Virginia, you’re one step closer to Heaven than everyone else”.

GRASSLAND
Grassland was mentioned in last month’s newsletter… http://wi59.tripod.com/news/news1001/news1001.html where I wrote : Did you ever hear of CRIMS, GRASSLAND or RESPECT? If so write to Roleta1@aol.com.

One person knew where Grassland was located,

Question answered by: Lyle Corder (RW '57)
Wvlyle@aol.com
Grassland was located south of Anmoore on what I call the Brushy Fork Road. Many of my father's relatives lived there. My father was born in that general area. There was a Post Office named Grassland at one time. One of my passions is genealogy and I have driven over most of the area in my four-wheel drive vehicle looking for homes and cemeteries.

One replied with some information about North View, Adamston, Stealey and Broad Oaks.

submitted by: Sylvia Wolfe (WI '50)
pole0117@verizon.net
North View as well as Adamston, Stealey and Broad Oaks were incorporated towns until they became a part of Clarksburg in 1917

HISTORY OF HARRISON OCUNTY
THE EARLY DAYS
submitted by: Charlie Mc Clung
Copy and paste this link and read the book…

http://books.google.com/books?id=J4QFK5LO-boC&pg=PA337&ie=ISO-8859- 1&output=html

Thanks Charlie

MY FOUR YOUNGEST GRANDDAUGHTERS
My granddaughters are so proud of where they are from, here they spell out O-H-I-O

NEW READERS

Julia Conaway Mckita (WI '45)	jkmikta@sbcglobal.net
Joyce Aspy Molloy (WI '70)	gogetterz@hotmail.com
Pam Carson Legget (WI '66)	Pleg1@verizon.net
Elizabeth (Bobo) Swiger Christenson (attended WI 1953 to January 1955)	annchr@bellsouth.net
Carol Hall Greathouse Pearce (East Fairmont HS '55)	cepmlp@aol.com

CHANGE OF EMAIL ADDRESSES

Harry Kennedy (WI '59)	was: dorisk@ezlinknet.com is now: dbkennedy97@yahoo.com
Betty J. Tiano Rossana (WI '57)	was: rossana312@verizon.net is now: bjrossana312@gmail.com

MAIL
submitted by: Carol Hall Greathouse Pearce (East Fairmont HS 1955)
cepmlp@aol.com
Would you please add me to your email list? A friend sent me the January issue. I truly enjoyed it. Although I am a graduate of East Fairmont High School, I worked in Clarksburg for many years and know several of the people mentioned.

Thank you.

DID YOUR GRADE SCHOOL HAVE A PLAYGROUND?

IF NOT, HOW DID YOU GET EXERCISE?
submitted by: Jim Alvaro (WI ' 56) (Alta Vista '50)
jalvaro@aol.com
Roleta, Alta Vista did not have a play ground that I can remember. What I do remember, is that it seems we had a basketball goal. Someone might clear this up but I think it was in the upstairs hall or in one of the rooms. I remember bouncing the ball on the oily hardwood floor. That was the exercise we got except for what we did in a band room upstairs and of course dusting chalk erasers by beating them against the outside wall. Now, in the band room/playroom we did get a little exercise. Bob Kopp and I, known as fatty number one and fatty number two by Mr. Lawson, our principal, would rooster fight. I still can't remember which one was fatty number one but I do know I was the heavier. Mr. Lawson would sit in a high back chair in the center of one of the side walls like a king on his throne. He would put Bob in one corner and told me to go into the opposite corner. He would yell, "Go Fight" and we would fold our arms together and run as hard as we could at each other and slam our shoulders together. I think our classmates got all their exercise by laughing so hard. If I remember correctly, this procedure was followed every school day. I don't think there was ever a winner or remember any of us getting hurt. Bob and I still talk about that today. Can you imagine if a principal had an activity like that going on in a school today??

There are a lot of Newsletter readers who were in our class at that time who might remember those happenings and can add to Alta Vista's athletics and extensive exercise programs.

submitted by: Roleta Meredith
Roleta1@aol.com
I started school in Wolf Summit and we had a huge out of doors area on which to play. I don’t remember there being any playground equipment but we ran, jumped rope, played hopscotch, even games we made up as we went along. We got plenty of fresh air and exercise. Wolf Summit was a three room school—with 2 teachers and a teacher principal for 5th and 6th grade, but we had a hot lunch program with terrific food. The teachers were like my family away from home. My teacher in first and second grade was Miss Davis. She was a sweet lady with a lovely smile and personality. This made it so easy to be away from mother, grandmother and home. I was amazed when I started Morgan, there were 2 of every grade and a principal who had an office and didn’t have to teach classes. . The enrollment was so large that there were actually 2 little buildings that were totally independent of the large main building. There was no lunch room, and no playground or outside area to run around in. However, half of the basement was a large empty area with 3 walls…I think there may have been play period once in awhile, I am not sure but almost everyday after we ate our sack lunches, Mr. Sheets, the principal, would take us to the basement and we would have 2 captains who would pick players for each side and we would play dodge ball. The ceiling was low….not many girls liked to play but I was a bit of a tomboy and I loved playing dodge ball. I walked a long way to and from school so the dodge ball and the daily walk was a lot of nice exercise for me. Kept me a skinny little girl.

Does anyone else who attended Morgan Grade School remember this activity? Or what did you do at the school you attended? Write and share your memories with us…write Roleta1@aol.com.

submitted by: Freddie Layman (VHS '46)
Fgl46vhs@aol.com
I attended Hepzibah Grade School. We had a really nice large playground equipped with swings, seesaws, merry go round and a large all field. In the spring, in good weather, at recess the boys played marbles. In the class room when marbles fell out of your pockets, the teachers would take them away and never returned them.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Even though my mother was never your teacher, She also took the marbles from the boys who dropped them on the floor. I have a large red vase almost full of marbles which I took from my mother’s parent’s home. They are beautiful! Thanks to any of the boys who had my mother as a teacher!

AN UPDATE ON A CLARKSBURG GIRL
submitted by: Wayne Winters (WI 1964—left WI in 1964)
Wwinters@ix.netcom.com
Pamela M. Bailey - (Notre Dame 1964)---(B.M. '68, M.M. '69).
Pam (Wilson) Bailey grew up on the same street where my family lived in Clarksburg. She still keeps in touch with my mom and sent these updates on her life in her Christmas correspondence.

Her kids at Pineville elementary performed the Nutcracker one Thursday in December and were "cute as they could be." Her husband Roger has unretired and is teaching mine safety. Tommy, Pam's son, is a senior at WVU and plans another year in order to earn a minor in music.

Pam also teaches in a small college in the area and in her 'spare time" gives piano lessons and plays the clavinova at her church on Sundays. She says she gets bored in the summer since the only place she plays regularly is church.

Pam was my sister's friend and Pam learned her love for the piano from her father, Turk Wilson. Turk worked at the National Carbon plant in Clarksburg. This love for music is now being passed down to Pam's son Tommy. BTW --I think that part of Pam's music training came at Julliard.

Some of the kids from my old neighborhood remained in the Mountain State and are nurturing the young seeds of "the coal flowers". Blessings on those I went to school with who 'gutted it out' and remained there to give something back to their roots.

WEST VIRGINIA CONTEST

WI Alums Head Up West Virginia Writers, Inc
submitted by: Steve Goff (WI '72)
sgoff53@hotmail.com
Greetings,

As the Coordinator of the 2010 West Virginia Writer's Competition, I want to extend an invitation to the readers and contributors of the WI Newsletter to enter the contest this year. I've been a reader and contributor myself to this fine publication for a few years now and I am always impressed with the overall quality, skill and imagination of the items and stories included. Each issue contains some very good writing.

You should also know that West Virginia Writers, Inc. current President in none other than Terry McNemar, WI Class of '70. Yes, that Terry McNemar. He and I first crossed paths at Linden grade school where he was a 6th grader and I was down the hall in Ms. Harris' 4th grade class. We both have the writing bug, and folks I'm telling you T-Mac is a flat out good story teller. (His published novella is Ragdoll Angel.) But so are you.

This year the contest consists of 12 categories. Prose, poetry, scripts, children's books, nonfiction, humor, and Appalachian writing are just some of the kinds of writing we're looking for.

IMPORTANT: You do not have to be from WV or live in WV to enter. In fact last year we had entries from 22 states. And at the end of it all, 12 of the awards we gave were to writers from out of state. We use top notch judges who are established in the categories we ask them to judge. On purpose, all of our judges reside outside of WV.

We award cash prizes to first, second, and third. Each category also awards at least 3 honorable mentions. So if you're interested here is a link to the WV Writers' Home Page. Check it out and then click the "Annual Writing Competition" link for all contest details and entry forms. You might also want to check our annual conference link. We have a grand get together each June, in Ripley, WV at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center. First class workshops, presentations and entertainment abound.
http://www.wvwriters.org/

From what I've seen, many of you already have a head start on a contest like this. One, you're a good writer, and two, you could take some of the pieces you've submitted here and enter them in the contest. You'll find my contact information at the site if you have any questions.

And finally, we also have a wonderful youth writing competition. Our New Mountain Voices contest has three age groups (elementary, middle and high school) and we also award cash prizes to the kids as well. However, this contest is for residents of WV only. Youth contest details are also on our home page. This year there are no entry fees in the youth competition. This can be a fun experience for your children or grand children.

So, pull 'em out, dust 'em off, polish a little and enter those gems of yours we've been reading in this newsletter; or dazzle us with some of your other writing. Terry and I have placed WI squarely in the middle of this fine writing organization, now let's supply them with some winners.

Steve Goff
WV Writers, Inc.
2010 Writing Contest Coordinator

WV Writer, Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer organization founded in 1977.

ROBERT T. “BOB” HARRISON
Robert T. “Bob” Harrison, 76, (WI '52), Clarksburg, died January 7, 2010, at his residence. He was the son of the late Burr White and Reva J. Paugh Harrison. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Williams Harrison. Also surviving are three children, Steve (Sandra) Harrison, Donna (Bobby) Trickett, and Cathy (Jim) Keiffer; and several grandchildren.

Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather who took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He was a retired field engineer with Bell Atlantic Telephone Company and a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Mr. Harrison was a member of the Duff Street United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Faith Sunday School Class, a Trustee, served on the Administrative Council and was serving on the Building Committee until he became ill.

While in high school he was an All-State athlete in football and track. Mr. Harrison was a United States Navy Veteran, serving on the USS Marias A057. He kept in contact with his former shipmates and attended shipmate reunions. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman

MAXINE ROBINSON GARRETT
Maxine Robinson Garrett, 93, of Masontown, formerly of Clarksburg and Reynoldsville, WV, passed away Thursday December 31, 2009.

She was born in Liberty Addition, Clarksburg,, a daughter of the late Brazel and Juanita McCartney Robinson.

She was a graduate of Victory High School in Clarksburg and worked for more than 20 years at the Blue Bird Grocery Store on Third Street, Clarksburg. She was a member of the Clarksburg Presbyterian Church and later became a member of the Masontown Nazarene Church, where she had a volunteer job for the Nazarene’s “Crusader’s Sunday School Class” and made cards for shut-ins and other occasions. In 2006, she was presented the Distinguished Service Award from the Church of the Nazarene, and was an avid Mountaineer fan.

She was a proud mother of three surviving sons, Ray A. “Woody” Garrett, Alvin “Babe” (Marie) Garrett, and James “Jim” (Kathy) Garrett; one brother, John W. “Bill” (Nena) Robinson,one sister, Bernice (Francis) Moots and five grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray A. Garrett, in 1967; two brothers, Basil “Bob” Robinson and Charles “Duck” Robinson; and two sisters, Shirley Lee Lakey and Mary Farence; a daughter-in-law, Linda Zara Garrett; and a great-grandson, Jason Lawrence.

YVONNE MYRTLE QUICKLE
Yvonne Myrtle Quickle, 73, of Nutter Fort, passed away, December 29, 2009. She was born in Clarksburg on July 1, 1936, the daughter of the late Earie and Sylvia Hashman Griffith.

She is survived by five children, David L. Quickle, II, of Cumming, GA, Rick Quickle, Jeff Quickle, Yvonne Viglianco, and Ronda Quickle.

Yvonne attended Victory High School.

JACK E. WOLFE

Jack E. Wolfe, age 64, (WI 1963) of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on January 15, 2010, following an extended illness.

Jack was a son of the late Homer N. Wolfe and Betty L. Holliday Wolfe.

Surviving are: his wife, Margaret A. Long Wolfe, whom he married February 14, 1970; a son Brian E. (Noelle) Wolfe, and two daughters, Heather Wolfe and Amy Wolfe, one grandson, Maximillian Morgan Wolfe.

Mr. Wolfe was a member of the North View United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Washington Irving High School, Class of 1963, and Salem College, Class of 1968, with a B.A. in Music Education. He had served his country in the Army National Guard as a Staff Sergeant. He retired from the 249th Army Band and had previously been a member of “Pershing’s Own” Army Band of Washington, D. C.

Mr. Wolfe had been a drummer and vocalist in many musical groups in our local area as well, such as: The Dynatones, The Upsetters, The Emeralds and most recently “Souled Out.” He also taught private drum lessons and coached marching drum lines in the local area. He had also served as a mentor for Mountaineer Challenge Academy.

Mr. Wolfe retired July 1, 2006, after teaching for thirty-six years, his last position being at Robert L. Bland Middle School in Lewis County, WV.

LOUISA ANN MANKOCH
Louisa Ann Mankoch (WI 1942) passed on to eternal life on January 16, 2010, after a long and very difficult struggle with non-curable cancer.

She was born on June 17, 1924, in Rittman, OH. She spent most of her life on a small farm off of Rt. 25 near Mount Clare.

Louisa Ann was never married and she dedicated her life to caring for her parents, the late Louis and Angeline Vidergar Mankoch. Her father had lost both of his legs and her mother was also in poor health.

Louisa went to work as a Billing Clerk for the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in Nutter Fort the day after she graduated from Washington Irving. She was a longtime member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

JOHN RYDER DENHAM
John Ryder Denham, age 81, (WI 1947) of Clarksburg, WV, passed away January 13, 2010. He was born in Clarksburg, WV, January 13, 1929, the only child of Jay Pierce Denham and Eleanor Gertrude Ryder Denham.

Mr. Denham was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Surviving are some cousins.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Clarksburg. For many years, he had worked for National Cash Register (N.C.R.) Company. He later owned and operated his own business — Cash Register Services. He was a mechanical inspector for business machines.

BONNIE ROBINSON TETER
Bonnie Jane (Robinson) Teter, 93, wife of the late Robert M. Teter Sr., Parkhouse Providence Pointe, Upper Providence, died peacefully Wednesday at Phoenixville Hospital.

She was a former resident of Collegeville, but lived most of her life in Clarksburg, W.Va.

Mrs. Teter was born on February 16, 1916, in Marion County, W.Va, and was the daughter of the late Joseph H. and Lizzie (Goodwin) Robinson. She was a 1934 graduate of Bridgeport (W.Va.) High School.

Before she retired, Mrs. Teter was a sales clerk at Hill's Dept. Store, Bridgeport.

Mrs. Teter was a member of the United Methodist Temple, Clarksburg.

Mrs. Teter is survived by a loving family: her children, K. Elizabeth Akin (WI 1956) and her husband, William E. Akin, Collegeville, Robert M. (Arlene) Teter Jr. (WI 1960), and John A. (Donna) Teter (WI 1961); her grandchildren, Adana Covert (John) Bauer, Denton H. (Jacqueline) Covert II, Michael D. (Carol) Teter, Bryan W. (Susan) Teter, and John M. (Amy) Teter; her step-grandchildren, Lynn S. Akin, William E. Akin Jr., and Joseph W. Fryling, and nine great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her infant son and three half-brothers.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

JOHN FRAGALE, JR

John Fragale, Jr. "Junior" died on January 13, 2010, of Owings, Maryland, formerly of Bridgeport, WV. Loving father of Johnna Harrison, Gina Yoder, Mia Biafore, Marissa Hite, John Michael Fragale. Son of Mafalda "Muffett" Fragale and the late John Fragale, Sr. Brother of Betty Crowley and Gloria Dutchess. And grandfather of three. Mr. Fragale passed away from an extended illness with his family by his side.

He was also the former owner of Home Industry Bakery

MARY GAY MARKS
Mary Gay Marks, 81, (VHS 1946) of Clarksburg, passed away January 22, 2010.

Mrs. Marks was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sarah Mazza Romano. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, John Lewis Marks, whom she married in 1947. Also surviving are three children, Carol (Richard) Anderson, John Lewis (Linda) Marks, Jr, and Tina (Dwight) Yankosky. Seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

KRISTINA ROSE MORNEAU
Kristina Rose Morneau was born on October 1, 1949 and died on September 20, 2009. She was the daughter of Walford and Bertha Rose and the devoted wife and spiritual friend to Timothy J. Morneau. Kris is also survived by her sister Jayne Rose Ross and brother John Rose.

She resided in idyllic Clarksburg, WV until 1961. Her life changed dramatically when her father accepted a USAID post in La Pa, Bolivia. From there she lived in Shiraz and Teheran, Iran and Bangkok, Thailand. She finished her high school senior year in Tyrone, PA at the Grier School for Girls. She attended WVU. In 1976 she began her 33 year career with UCLA hospital---first as an administration assistant and then as senior analyst.

Surviving are Kristina's mother Bertha Rose, sister Jayne Ross and brother Jon Rose.

KENNETH RAY STACY
Kenneth Ray Stacy, 75 (Bristol HS 1951) died August 12, 2009 in Penrose, Colorado. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eloise Joan Stacy, WI 1953.

Also survived by five children, Dorothy (Boyd) Sheets, Robert (Joann) Stacy, Kenneth (Warren) Preston, Janie (Solomon) Roybal, Russell (Chirs) Stacy; thirteen grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Anne Stacy (Ronald) Harvey.

Ken served his country in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1960. He was an assistant pastor at Staley Assembly of God. He retired from Canon City, Co. Free Methodist Church.

A generous donation to the WIN Scholarship was given in memory of Kenneth Ray Stacy.

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