This WI Football Mothers' Hot Dog Chili was submitted by Ann McMunn Watson
(WI '53) and is forever in my cookbook!!
Ann's mother, Eleanor, was one of the cooks when her brother, Dave, was
playing football for WI. Ann got the quantity recipe from her, pared it down to
family size and made it routinely, freezing it in meal size containers for easy
hurry-up dinners. Here's the pared down recipe:
This recipe supposedly came from the old Anderson's Restaurant on Main St.
I'm sure a lot of you remember it.
HOT DOG CHILI
1 lb hamburger
1/2 c. chopped onions
1/4 c. cooking oil
1/2 pt water (1 cup)
1 tsp. salt
1Tbsp chili powder
1 can (small) tomato paste
1/2 pt water (1 cup)
Simmer onions in oil until cooked. Then add salt and chili powder; simmer slowly
(a few minutes, not long). Add water and tomato paste. Then the hamburger.
Mash down with a potato masher. Cook for one hour.
This is the basic recipe. Over the years, I have added a few things, a little
pepper, a little basil, also if you want it hot, you can put in hot pepper flakes. If
your chili powder is fresh, a well rounded Tbsp is plenty. I also use the potato
masher when I am cooking the onions.
Our office just had a hot dog sale to raise money for the March of Dimes--this
sauce got a lot of raves--some even said better than T&L Hot Dogs--which if you
aren't in this area, wouldn't recognize.
What did you do for fun in the summers of your youth? Write to: Roleta1@aol.com
Below is a picture that Mary Lou Johnson Alonzo gave me at the Clarksburg picnic
this last March. The picture was taken in 1957 at Audra State Park. I remember
going to Audra several times when I was young.
Pictured L-R are: Judy Zickefoose, Mary Lou Johnson Alonso, Roleta Smith Meredith
You are invited to the Tenth Annual WI Reunion Picnic in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at Veterans (River Bend) Park, Osborne Shelter, off Milford St. 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, let her know if you are willing to come early and help with the picnic --- cover tables, registration, tell people where to put their food, or stay and help clean up, etc.
If anyone needs directions to Veterans Park they can e-mail Sharyn or Judy Daugherty Kimler at jkimler@verizon.net.
A group enjoying the food and socializing at the 2008 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)
Plans are being made for the 2011 WIN Scholarship Quilt. This year we will be making blocks
representing the state of WV: flower, bird, mountain, log cabin blocks, Country Roads, etc.....anything
that reminds one of Wonderful West Virginia.
Packets of fabric with suggested block ideas are being prepared & will be sent to those quilters
who are participating. Many of the previous WIN quilters have already said "Yes" to making
blocks for the 2011 quilt.
ALL quilters are welcome to join us. If you'd like to participate in this wonderful project to help
fund The WI Newsletter Scholarship, please email Sue (Selby) Moats, WI 1955, moatsue@aol.com with your name
and mailing address.
Let's raise even more $$$'s than last year!
WHO DO YOU WANT TO THANK?
Is there someone in your life, living or dead, to whom you would like to say “thank
you”? You can give the name and the reason ….maybe there is someone who gave
you advice, has done something to change your life, gone that extra step to make
your life easier or more enjoyable, etc? Speak you gratitude here----------------
I would like to say Thank You to Josephine Swiger. There were a few times
during my years at WI that I really felt she reached out to me and answered
some unasked questions. I wish I would have told her so many years ago.
WI NEWSLETTER READERS FIND OWNER
OF MAJORETTE JACKET
I am glad that our TEAM EFFORT has prevailed in locating the owner of the 1988 WI Majorette
with the name of KARIN on the jacket.
You first posted the information regarding the jacket being bought at an estate sale in your March
newsletter, and followed up with additional discussions regarding the jacket in April and May.
I started looking for a KARIN that would have been at WI in 1988, via CLASSMATES.COM, but
could not find any Karin via Classmates.
I understand that during this three month period of time, you received information from Bette
Miller (WI 1948), who said that she was a distant relative of Karin's. You also received clues from
Gladys Anna Walsh Williams (WI 1971) and this is the person that first gave you the idea that
KARIN was the daughter of Marie Miller that lived on Milford Street. Somewhere along the line,
somebody sent you information that Karin's father might be Irv (Irvin), who graduated with me.
So, I tried getting in touch with Irvin, only to find out that the information that I had for him (living in
Clarksburg) was incorrect as he and his wife had moved out of Clarksburg.
SO, then I sent out an E-mail to all 82 of my classmates that I had E-mails for and got contributing
information from Barbara WILMOTH Falkenstine and Carol GREYNOLDS Cleveland in regards to
the whereabouts of Irvin. I finally found Irvin via a letter that I wrote to him at the address that I
was given for his wife in Florida; Irvin then sent me an E-mail giving me his updated information,
along with instructions on what Karen Phelan (the person who is presently in possession of the
jacket) could do to get the jacket back to its original owner.
I had an E-mail from Karen Phelan on Friday, and she is going to send the jacket back to Karin as
soon as she gets thru her graduation time of the year. In Karen's E-mail on Friday, she thanked
Pam Burch, who is the person that had originally bought the jacket at the estate auction.
GOOD TEAMWORK, and/or a JOB WELL DONE. Thanks for all of your help via E-mails and the
newsletter in getting the jacket back to its original owner.
Karin Miller emailed me that she will be in Clarksburg this Thursday and I will meet
her and give her the jacket personally.
Thanks for your help! You're a WI godsend in reconnecting the past with the
present.
Take care, Karen
AN INTERESTING WEB SITE
I received this from several people. I looked under my maiden name and under my married name
and didn’t find my name---guess I am not a famous West Virginian but you can find many others
here….this is very interesting. Have fun! Thanks to all of you who thought of the newsletter and
sent this to me….
When you get to the site, there are several pictures shown but look to
the bottom and there is all the alphabet and click on a letter and you
will be able to read about people who lived in/or are from WV whose
name starts with that letter.
Here comes Summer. After a brutal Winter, Lake Floyd got a much needed
Booster Shot from a healthy Spring; and a symbolic snapping of the snow shovel
sure did me some personal good.
As we reflect back on Junes-gone-by how can we not recall graduations, saying
good-bye to some friends, saying hello to a summer job or two, and listening to
good music on our radios and record players. No more pencils, no more books,
no more teachers' dirty looks.
Here's to swimming pools, sunburns, staying up late, getting up late and no home
work. No home work involving books anyway. Lawn mowers and hedge
clippers? That's another story. June was always about freedom! I hope some of
these songs trigger good memories of summer, old friends and good times.
These were all hit songs in the month of Junes from years gone by.
1948..."You Can't Be True, Dear"...KEN GRIFFIN. This song has an interesting
back story as it was first released as an instrumental, featuring Mr. Griffin on the
Wurlitzer Organ, quite the contraption for its time. A version was also released
with vocalist Jerry Wayne providing the singing. That's the version here. I love
the ad that appears at the 1:26 mark with KG touting the fine tones of this
keyboard Cadillac. Can anybody still whistle like this? Wuner-full, Wuner-full, as
Mr. Welk might say.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVMtYptVW-M
1950..."Hoop-Dee-Doo"...PERRY COMO (w/The Fontane Sisters). I've said it
before, but it is amazing how many hits Mr. C, from Cannonsburg, PA. had
during this era. This peaked at number two. So...push the furniture back and put
on your polka shoes. I must be channeling Lawrence Welk with these back to
back selections. The video includes a few tidbits about both Perry and the
Fontanes who were regulars on his early TV show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaK6iANjSg8&feature=related
1954..."Hernado's Hideaway"...ARCHIE BLEYER. The song originated from the
musical The Pajama Game and reached #2 nationally. From another video, not
included here, I spotted this on the record label - "Maria Alba - Castanet Solo".
And I thought it was just a clever set of "false teeth". I've also included those
country clowns, Homer & Jethro doing their parody of the tune. It reached #14
on the Country charts in Sept. of '54.
1956..."I'm In Love Again" b/w "My Blue Heaven"...FATS DOMINO. Mr. D. is
one of my favorite performers, and is still performing at 82 years of age. He had a
two sided hit with combo in June of '56. His boogie woogie piano style and warm
vocals came to epitomize the classic New Orleans R&B sound.
"I'm In Love Again" (Reached #3.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uORo2CMUUsk
1960..."Good Timin'"...JIMMY JONES. This was his second hit in a year,
following "Handy Man". Featured on the American Graffiti soundtrack, this video
includes pics from that movie. For me, another under rated, over
looked song with a history lesson or two tossed in for good measure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=modfq47onwU
1963..."Lonesome 7-7203"...HAWKSHAW HAWKINS. I'm going out on a limb
here and crossing over to the Country charts for a #1 hit by this Huntington, WV
native. He was just recently voted into the WV Music Hall of Fame. He
is somewhat forgotten though he did have a total of seven top 15 C&W hits. If
remembered at all, it is often sadly as he was on the plane with Patsy Cline and
Cowboy Copas when they were all killed in a crash in March of '63. This
posthumous release was his biggest selling single. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUHqM3j7n5Y
1965..."Help Me Rhonda"...THE BEACH BOYS. Summertime...Beach Boys. Of
course. This is one of the few hits they had with Al Jardine singing the lead.
This live version comes from the Andy Williams TV show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9SmT6cXGFQ&feature=related
1968..."Mrs. Robinson"...SIMON & GARFUNKLE. Where have you gone Joe
Dimaggio? A great song from a very influential (for my generation) movie.
Famous scene from The Graduate. I was never the same after seeing this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3lKbMBab18&feature=related
1981..."Being With You"...SMOKEY ROBINSON. Maybe I've said it before, but if
Smokey cut an album called, "Smokey Sings the Phonebook", I'd buy it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJyOpIbefWo
1985..."Everybody Wants To Rule the World"...TEARS FOR FEARS. I always
loved cruisin' down the highway to this one. Turn it up. Good sound quality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOA4ixV-3jU
Sing your way through the summer! Let me hear from you, don't be a stranger.
Have you asked readers their favorite RADIO program? I think so, but
not too much detail came of it all...?? During my Towers-Central-WI
school days and nights..especially afternoons,after school,when I got
home........I enjoyed the kid serials on Radio. As with every other
subject and hobby, there are many-many devoted fans yet out there
who write, collect and talk about the kids shows, Jack Armstrong, Little
Orphan Annie, Captain Midnight, Dick Tracy, Terry and the Pirates,
etc. etc. and my favorite TOM MIX. That program ran for the usual 15-
minutes from 1930's to 1950's..and for so many years had just one
sponsor..the Ralston Cereal Company "Checkerboard Square,
St. Louis,Missouri. " The show was written with lots of action and
mystery and always serious but outlandish wonderful stories.
One of
the important QUESTIONS to ask of readers..boys or girls ..did
they SEND in for the premiums offered..at first "FREE, for a box-top.."
then later also for "one thin dime"..and much later a bit more coin, to
"cover handling and mailing". Some Rings and Badges were great
quality of metal, secret compartments, etc..and made well, later the war
material shortage caused premiums to be offered made of plastic.
Offered by the sponsor and the networks to see how many fans were
listening, and re-act, considering each mail-in represented about 100
listeners, one single offer of several million Jack Armstrong paper
planes were mailed out by Wheaties.
Listening to RADIO ..before TV,
gave my imagination a great stretch...you had to "see"what was going
on with whatever capacity your "imagination" would create. That's what
shoved me into local Radio and TV for 15-years soon after I graduated
from WI!.
My personal collection is full of original radio programs and
memorabilia. There are also many others like me around the country.
AND the evening network programs and Radio stars were part of my
life also. I am wondering if others that read the WI Newsletter and have
the same interest.
PLEASE WRITE YOUR MEMORIES OF THE FOLLOWING
TO: ROLETA1@AOL.COM
Topics for the June newsletter:
Name of the Bread companies when you were growing up?
Tell us about a summer romance
Where did you take a dip in order to cool off?
Was your home air conditioned? If not, I don’t think many of us had AC back
then, what trick did your family use to stay cool?
Where and when was your high school band camp held?
What year did you study Beowolf in school? My granddaughter studied it in the
ninth grade.
Write about these suggestions or any thing you wish to write, Roleta1@aol.com
If you have comments to share, memories of sports, or would
like to discuss any sports related subject, please write to
Bill Meredith at billmere@aol.com.
To Bill:
I’d love to see WVU in the ACC.
David Grimes, WI 1953 (WVU 1957)
Reply To David:
That could possibly happen. I do not see any way for the Big Ten to even talk to WVU. I
would certainly not want the Mountaineers to remain in a football conference that was
watered-down with Memphis, Central Florida and other similar programs. The big problem
is basketball. Nationally, The Big East is THE conference. Even without Syracuse, Pitt,
Rutgers (Who cares?) and U Conn, it would still be a great conference. We could not
remain as a basketball member only, unless the football conference folded. I think the
conference should be proactive. Tell Notre Dame to get in or out, NOW. Go after
Maryland, Virginia, B C. and maybe even Va Tech. Plus, Penn State never belonged in the
Big Ten. They won't leave it, but there's no harm in asking. Kentucky might even be a
target. If the Big East just sits and waits, it will lose. In this case, the best defense is a
good offense. Also, why not investigate starting a "Big East" network.. TV is where the
money grows. As for the ACC, I'll never forgive them for robbing the Big East. They act
like they are "too good" for WVU. How soon they forget that at one time, they were all part
of the Southern Conference. I think the four N. C. schools, plus Clemson, Ga. Tech, and
either Fla. St. or Miami would make a nice eight team conference for the ACC. One thing I
strongly believe, if you don't look out for yourself, you will be left in the dust. So, WVU
should look at all of their options. They can negotiate from strength, since; overall, their
sports programs have never been stronger.
Buzz Floyd VHS 1956, forwarded the web site below to us, which has an interesting story
about Jerry West being the model for the NBA Logo. This should put to rest any doubt
that West is "The Logo". Enjoy.
Often, when I get discouraged with the WVU football team, I go to a similar
site to relive that night at the Fiesta Bowl. This is really a good film clip
and will bring back all of the good memories to Mountaineer fans. Thanks
for sharing it with us.
Most of us had a favorite Major League baseball team, when we were young. Mine was the St.
Louis Cardinals. Stan Musial was my favorite player. I only saw him play one time in person.
That was at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. I'll never forget the double he hit to left
center field. It was my highlight of the day. I've seen many games since that day. I've been to a
couple of World Series games and even saw Tom Seaver pitch a no-hitter. But, I will always
remember that first game in Pittsburgh, where my first impression upon seeing the field, was,
"That's the greenest grass I've ever seen". This brings me to this month's questions.
As a young person in WV, did you have a favorite team?
Why did you like them?
Who were your favorite players?
How old were you when you saw your first Major League game?
Who played in that game and was one of them your favorite team?
Two WIN Scholarship have been earned and should have been awarded by the
time you read this. The students are not aware that they will be receiving the
scholarship until the day that R.C.Byrd has its Year End Award Presentation.
One 2010 WIN scholarship for $3,000.00 will go to Mariah Calef 17 year old
female born and residing on Maryland Avenue in Nutter Fort.
The other recipient of a 2010 WIN Scholarship for $3,000.00 is Amanda
Seefong who lives on Euclid Avenue in Stealey.
The money is sent in two installments of $1,500.00 each half of the year. The
check is sent to the students college account at the Financial Department of the
College of the student’s choice….then the student can draw on this account to
pay bills at the school only.
Thanks go to each person who has given to the WIN Scholarship, bought a CD,
bought tickets for the quilt drawing or supported any other WIN Scholarship fund
raiser.
Bread cast on
the water comes back to you. The good deed you do today may
benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time. If
you never see the deed again at least you will have made the
world a better place
And, after all, isn't that what life is all
about?
Those who gave this month are:
Sandra Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1956) Sent a nice check in memory of her
Mother---The check arrived before Mother’s Day, what a timely honor to her
mother.
Deb Yourgensen (WI ) Sent a nice check to the purchase of the 1969
yearbook. Debra lives in Texas.
Melissa H. Stanley sent a nice check. Melissa lives in N.C.
John Lee (WI 1965) Sent his thanks to Judy and me for the newsletter from
Ohio.
Dale (WI 1959) and Barbara L Palmer sent a very nice check to support the WIN
Scholarship.
Dave Anderson sent a cash gift to the Scholarship.
Don and Kitty Sager (WI 1956) Thank you for your continued support
If you would like to join these thoughtful supporters of the WIN Scholarship,
please make out your check to: Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship
Yep, it is hot in Florida so we will be moving around some this summer to avoid
the heat and the best way to catch me is to send mail to my office as they always
know where to find me……can’t hide too long!
In the height of “worldly” fame Chuck Collins toured and appeared in concert
with popular recording artists such as Patty LaBelle and the Bluebelles, Eric
Burton and War, Bobby Blue Bland, Fats Domino, Lou Christie, The Skyliners,
Etta James, The Capris, Little Johnny Taylor and Little Richard. At one point in
his career he was backed by Little Richard’s band, the Upsetters, and as Troy
Parrish he recorded with The Billie Vaughn Orchestra (Dot Records). His musical
ability and charisma placed him (with The Prodigals) on the East Coast top ten
record charts with a #3 record by the age of 15.
Even with all the fame and fortune that often accompany such stardom and
notoriety, Chuck’s life was not fulfilling. He unsuccessfully attempted to fill the
emptiness he felt with alcohol, drugs and women. In early 1973, Chuck met the
only One who could fill up all the emptiness with His love — Jesus Christ.
Chuck called out to God and experienced His saving grace.
At that point in his life, Chuck decided to lay his gift of music at the altar. He
began to diligently search and study the Scriptures for answers to life’s
problems. As he began to mature, God compelled him to begin using the natural
gift of singing again; but this time he would use it under God’s anointing and for
His purposes.
Since then Chuck has sung and ministered in churches in various areas of the
country and has appeared on stage with the Imperials, Darrell Mansfield and
others. Through music outreaches in rescue missions, parks, prisons and
rehabilitation camps he has been instrumental in leading hundreds to Jesus
Christ.
His music reflects the peace he has come to know—peace with God, peace within
himself and peace in relationships. Through his music he endeavors to share
that peace with others.
I wanted to share with you a recent column in the Clarksburg Exponent-
Telegram, written by WI grad Jamie Logue in which he reminded many of us that
it was 40 years ago this month that a fellow WI grad, Jerry Hufford, passed away
from injuries in a car crash.
I got to know Jerry by hanging out at "The Diamonds" over on Watkins Lane.
Jerry and my "older sister" Nancy were seeing a lot of each other and he and
his fellow “Port Authority” band members would often be there.
It was intimidating as Jerry and Dave Price, etc. all charmed with their talent and
looks. I played my usual "court jester" role and was just glad to be in the room.
A record player, snacks, and laughter...that's a full afternoon!
Following Jerry's service at the Davis Weaver Funeral Home, I rode in the car
with Nancy and her clan, and as we dropped down Pike St., near Krogers, I
looked back, and it seemed hundreds of cars with their lights on were following
us toward the west end cemetery where he would be laid to rest. For some
reason it was then I felt the saddest. A lot of young people had lost a friend, and
for many this was the first time we were mourning a peer. Since then, and
through the power of music, every time I hear the Hollies singing "He Ain't Heavy
He's My Brother", I think of Jerry and that day.
Jamie writes a regular column and is very good at it. Getting a couple of column
pieces together every week, year after year is a lot harder than it looks. I hope
he collects his greatest hits between the covers of a book some day.
Just last year I lost two friends, Bob Glaspell and Jim Garrett. Just a year older
than I, and gone way too soon. Loss is part of life, but it's never easy. What we
can do is appreciate our time, our friends, and families.
Beth and I recently visited with Tom Taylor and his wife Marcia during our visit to
Memphis. As we caught up on things in Clarksburg, suddenly a sequence of WI
yearbooks appeared and an impromptu version of "where are they now?" steered
the conversation. After an hour or so, their 20-something daughter Meredith
commented on how many people we mentioned were gone. Here' my point, I
think...
One of the things friends and families do for each other is bear witness to our
existence and our experiences. Thanks to Jamie for letting many of us
remember and bear witness to a friendship with Jerry, Stay in touch with your
friends.
If you are interested in seeing some pictures of
the building of the New River Gorge Bridge,
check out the link below. You will see part of
Jerry Waters web site. Jerry is a former disc
jockey and fireman from Charleston. He has
always been interested in photography,
pictures, and has many on his website. He
was there from the beginning and has jumped
from the bridge….he is a big fan of Bridge Day.
Although most of his web site is dedicated to
the Charleston area, this section is not.
Hi Roleta, I am so glad I was put on the mailing list by somebody. Anyway, the typing
and shorthand teacher I had was Robert Hall. He was awesome. Clerical work got me
through as a single parent with three daughters and I was able to put myself through
college. I have changed professions and work in the Social Services arena, but Mr. Hall
was one of the best teachers ever!
EDITOR’S NOTE: I am glad you are on the email list for the newsletter too! Keep writing to us and sharing those memories.
May I thank you very much for your faithfulness in creating and publishing these
newsletters each month. I confess that I haven’t been a contributor, but I am a
reader and really enjoy the stories from days long gone by. I will try to contribute
something in the future. I graduated from W.I. in 1956, attended WVU and
received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I returned to Clarksburg to work at
the Union Carbide plant in Anmoore. My job took me several places including
Mexico where I met and married Alicia, my wife of 40 years. We now live in
Strongsville, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.
Although I left West Virginia when I was 27, I still have a very soft spot in my
heart for my home state and will always be a Mountaineer. It is always a great
feeling to cross that bridge over the Ohio River and get back into my country. I
have lived in three states and three foreign countries, but have never found
people who are as friendly, trustworthy and genuine as West Virginians.
Thanks again Roleta, Judy and Bill for the great work you do for all of us. You
are much appreciated.
This isn't exactly a book review, but a good read.
The biography, Jerry West by Roland Lazenby, is a good read for WVU
basketball fans. It gives a brief history of early West Virginia, and in particular
southern West Virginia, as well as Mountaineer Basketball in the late 50's. By
the way Bob Clausen is mentioned in the book, and how he came to play at
WVU. Jim Warren (another WI grad) is also mentioned as he came off the
bench to score 6 points and to defeat Virginia Tech in a Crucial game. I think all
fans of WVU will really enjoy the book, and remembering some early glory years.
Thank you Jim for the article on Addison Fischer! My senior year, I was in Mr. Traugh's class with
Addison. We knew he was very smart because he always blew the curve for the rest of us. The
article really makes me proud to have had a class with him and graduated from a school which
has graduated may successful people.
Thank you, Roleta. As I age a bit, I am reminded how much I appreciate my
Clarksburg heritage.
Joe Malone’s saga (story) made me wish I had experienced the same wander
lust he has exhibited over the years. Thanks for sharing that with all of us.
The 50s in Clarksburg were magical, at least in retrospect. My new license plate
in NC is “WVU-1957”. Perhaps others living in various states could order plates
telling of their heritage in WV.
Best wishes to you and thanks for your dedication to preserving Clarksburg
memories (“The Jewel of the Mountain State”).
Hi, Roleta;
First of all, I have a couple of changes/additions for names of people in the
Morgan School class picture sent in by Elaine Zabeau Norteman last month. I
believe the fourth boy from the left in the back row is Dwight Jenkins. I was in
Ms. Chestnut's first grade class a year behind this one and I believe Dwight was
held back and wound up with us. Also, the person identified as Ron LeJeune
would actually have been Dick LeJeune, Ron's older brother. Ron was a year or
two behind me at Morgan. Finally, the name of the dancing instructor was Louie
Buttafuco (not sure of the spelling but we pronounced it "butter fokio". That's a
name that has stuck with me over the years...slide, tap, tap, slide etc.). He was
itinerant and went around to several grade schools, teaching tap dancing in the
gyms.
I also wanted to mention an excellent 4 part TV series that I just finished
watching. It's Appalachia: A History of Mountains and People and was carried by
my local PBS affiliate in Orlando. I recommend that anyone who grew up in the
hills keep an eye out for it when it runs. Although it's about all the Appalachian
states, it provides one of the best treatments of us "hillbillies" I've ever seen and
is beautifully filmed. Here's their website: http://www.appalachiafilm.org/
REMEMBER YOUR WEST VIRGINIA HISTORY?
JUNE 20, IS WEST VIRGINIA DAY.
I LOVE APRONS
submitted by:Roleta Smith Meredith
I wear an apron, of some sort or the other, just about every time I cook. I love
aprons. Do you wear them? Barbara Paugh Patton (WI 1961) sent me 2
pictures of apron patterns. I remember making aprons, but I used to make the
ones like we learned to make in Central….they didn’t have a bib and had pockets
all the way across the skirt…I carried a pair of plastic gloves, my dust cloth, a can
of either Pledge, window cleaner or Dow….in a pocket….depending on the daily
mission for cleanliness. I never tried to make an apron with a bib. The sad thing
is, I no longer have time to sew, I hate ripping out seams and I know that if I tried
to make something after all of these years I would have to spend some time
ripping out seams. Notice the price on these patterns, if I were going to make
one, I like the style on the right on the first envelope. When sewers look thru
pattern books at a material shop it is like getting the new Sears Christmas
catalog when you were a kid…..so many pretty things and hard to make a wish!
Wonderful news about St. Mary's! Now everyone who came forward with their prayers, support, calls & letters to the Bishop, etc., please continue to do so & please consider making a contribution to help with the repairs. With so many Catholic Schools being closed nationwide, it truly is a miracle that St. Mary's has been saved.
Someone wrote a comment on the FB page suggesting that as many parents as possible should attend Mass this Friday with their kids, I think that is a great idea, but everyone else who lives in the area should also be at that Mass too - so all you C-burgers out there, with kids, without kids, Catholic, non-Catholic, be at the 8 AM Mass this Friday, May 28th at Immaculate Conception & show your thanks & support for St. Mary's being saved!
WHEELING, W.Va.—St. Mary Central School in Clarksburg will remain in its current location and will begin repairs to its century-old building this summer, according to Most Reverend Michael J. Bransfield, bishop of Wheeling-Charleston. A major gifts campaign is also being launched to raise approximately $1.2 million to address structural issues and make improvements to the beloved school on East Pike Street.
“After making a pastoral visit to Clarksburg and Bridgeport this past weekend for a final round of consultations with local clergy and lay leadership, I want to assure parents, faculty, staff and students of St. Mary School that I understand how important this school is to the local community. Like all those who have sought my support for St. Mary’s, I want the school to remain open and viable for future generations of students who are seeking a Catholic education,” Bransfield said.
A $400,000 matching grant fund has been established by two local parishes, which will serve as a 1-to-2 match for contributions to the capital fund. The school hopes to realize at least $800,000 in additional funding due to the match.
“I sincerely thank Father Casey Mahone of Immaculate Conception Parish and Father Harry Cramer of All Saints Parish for dedicating up to $200,000 from each parish in matching funds for this project,” Bransfield said. “It shows the tremendous love and support each parish has for St. Mary School.”
Bransfield said the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston will provide short-term financing so that the project can begin immediately.
“Time is of the essence,” Bransfield said. “We need to begin work so that the next academic year can begin with minimal disruption.”
After several months of extensive review by expert contractors, and after several weeks of confidential consultations with local pastors, school administrators and parish leadership, Bransfield said that he felt that this was the best solution for the children and families who support St. Mary’s.
In previous meetings with parents, St. Mary’s principal, Nicole Folio, and designated pastor, Father Mahone, were clear about the many problems facing the aging structure. “We have received overwhelming support of St. Mary’s School during these discussions,” Folio said. “I know that parents and grandparents of current and future students truly want to continue the legacy of academic excellence at St. Mary’s. We will need their continued support as well as the financial support of the broader community to make our building a more modern learning environment for the students.”
According to Folio, work will begin this summer on replacing bricks around the top of the building that have become loose due to weatherization. A new roof will be added, new windows installed, and other improvements will be made as funding becomes available. Projects under consideration include improvements to lighting, restrooms, HVAC and classroom technologies.
There are three ways to contribute to this emergency fund. To receive parish matching funds, contributions can be made payable to Immaculate Conception Parish, 126 E. Pike Street, Clarksburg WV 26301 or to All Saints Parish, 317 E. Main St., Bridgeport WV 26330. General contributions to the St. Mary School Building Improvement Fund can be made to St. Mary School, 107 E. Pike St., Clarksburg WV 26301.
Calling all Classmates. Time is fast approaching for our 50th Reunion!!!!
If you haven't sent in your reservation and or information sheet, please do so as soon as possible.
Remember that the INFORMATION SHEET is part of the program booklet and should be
submitted whether you are able to attend or not. If you are not able to attend, the class photo
and/or the program can be ordered.
The Reunion is August 27 & 28 at Village Square Conference Center. This is the same weekend
of the Annual Clarksburg WI Picnic which will allow you to visit with any alumni attending from
other classes.
If you have any questions, please contact met at: pameez@aol.com and I will get right back to
you. The committee is looking forward to renewing old friendships.
Sincerely, Pam Wolfe Brown
OBITUARIES
PETER “PETE” JOSEPH FRAGALE
Peter “Pete” Joseph Fragale, age 67, of Bridgeport, WV, died April 29, 2010.
He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on Jan. 8, 1943, a son of the late James L. Fragale and Louise
Biafore Fragale.
Surviving are his wife, Donna Lopez Fragale; five sons, James Fragale, Peter Fragale, Jr., Mark
Folio, John-David Fragale, and Vincent Fragale: two daughters, Anna Price, and Kim Oliverio,;
three brothers, David Fragale, James Fragale, and Ernest Fragale; two sisters, Margaret (Becky)
Baldini, and Alberta Fragale, and eight grandchildren.
He was a member of the All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport. Pete in his youth worked for
WBOY in Clarksburg and from 1962-1976 worked for WTTG Channel Five in Washington, D.C.
For the past 28 years, he and his wife Donna owned and operated the D&P Restaurant at
Edgewood.
METRO J. GROSSA JR.
MAITLAND, Fla. — Metro J. Grossa Jr., 63, of Altamonte Springs, FL, formerly of Anmoore, WV,
passed away peacefully Saturday, May 8, 2010.
He was born November 18, 1946, in Clarksburg, WV, the son of the late Metro and Anna
Krosmico Grossa.
Butch was a Vietnam veteran, U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Bridgeport (WV) High School
and West Virginia University. Butch had a successful business in Altamonte Springs, FL. He was
preceded in death by his wife of 15 years, the late Connie Cone Grossa, also of WV. Butch
enjoyed life to its fullest. He loved cooking, fishing, the ocean and all sports.
He is survived by son, Ryan Grossa; daughter, Erin Grossa Brown, son-in-law, Dave Brown;
three grandchildren, Jordynn Alexis Grossa, Kaili Ann Brown and Dave Brown II of Orlando, Fl;
two sisters, Barbara Ann Grossa Ferraro, brother-in-law, David B. Ferraro of Memphis, TN,
Carolyn Sonja Grossa Alvaro, brother-in-law James E. Alvaro of Buford, GA; one brother, Patrick
M. Grossa, sister-in-law, Joyce Mallamo Grossa of Royal Palm Beach, FL, five nieces and three
nephews.
ALVIN GARRETT
TIMONIUM, Md. — On Saturday, May 8, 2010, Alvin H. Garrett, (WI 1957) formerly
of Clarksburg, WV, died in Towson, Maryland.
He was the beloved husband of Marie E. (nee Frutchey Lawrence) Garrett, father of
Lisa Lawrence and Timothy Garrett, and a grandfather of 3.
He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
Alvin was an avid West Virginia University Mountaineers fan.
PATRICIA ANN MAYLE RUSSELL
(VICTORY 1955)
Patricia Ann Russell, age 73, of Morley, Michigan, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2010, at her
residence.
She was born in Harrison County, West Virginia, on January 5, 1937, to the late Sherman Mayle
and Dessie Mayle.
Survived by her husband, Byron Russell of Morley.
KAREN SUE KNAPP HEASTER (RW)
Karen Sue (Knapp) Heaster, age 66, of Puyallup, Washington, formerly of
Stonewood died recently.
Karen was one of the “Knapp twins” born to Frederick G. Knapp and Florence
Lucille (Morris) Knapp. A graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School, Karen
married David Lee Heaster, who preceded her in death in March 2000. Extremely
talented in all forms of needle arts, she instructed countless classes throughout
Harrison County and received national awards and recognition for her designs
and creativity.
MARY KATHERINE WARE (RW)
Mary Katherine Ware, 50, of Clarksburg passed away May 14, 2010.
She was a daughter of the late Paul L. Ware and Carol E. White Ware.
She is survived by her companion, William T. “Bill” Slaughter; one daughter,
Misty Barker and her husband Joey; and one son, Patrick Ware; five brothers and
sisters, Debbie (Ricard) Galloway, William Ware, Paula (Paul) Hardman, Paul
Mark (Sharon) Ware and Tim.
Mary was a graduate of RWHS 1978 and attended WV Business College.
JOHN DONNELLY (NDHS)
John W. Donnelly, 66, of Morgantown passed away Sunday, May 9, 2010 after his fearless battle
with cancer. He was the son of the late John W. and Emma Grace (Spitznas) Donnelly.
He worked in the banking industry for 25 years and was active in many banking organizations.
He was employed as an office manager at Precision Staffing Services Inc. with his wife. John
graduated from Notre Dame High School, Clarksburg Business College and earned a B.A.
degree from Salem College. He was a member of St. John University Parish where he served as
a Eucharistic Minister.
