THE WI NEWSLETTER 05/11

THE WI NEWSLETTER

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith Issue 141 May 2011






MEMORIES BUILD A SPECIAL BRIDGE

(Emily Matthews)

Our memories build a special bridge
when loved ones have to part
to help us feel we're with them still
and sooth a grieving heart.

Our memories span the years we shared,
preserving ties that bind,
They build a special bridge of love
and bring us peace of mind.



A PROUD FATHER SHARES THIS

AS A PROUD AMERICAN, I WANT TO SHARE IT WITH YOU!
PLEASE READ THIS AND THEN CLICK ON THE LINK TO WATCH

submitted by: Tom Keenan (WI '49)
Tpkeenan@frontier.com

My youngest son, Dan, is now 47 years old. I still think of him as the little tow-headed kid carrying his fishing pole and heading for the Indian River to spend the day. Despite my remembrance, he has worked at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for the past 21 years, predominately in the Operations Engineering Section working on the Shuttle Orbiter Thermal Protection System (Tile). For those of you who don’t understand what "tile" is, it is the protective material over the outside of the Shuttle Orbiter that protects it from the intense heat generated by the air friction during reentry or return from orbit. Over this time, he has formed strong friendships with the Contractor and NASA team. However, the cuts in the NASA Budget and the reduction of support to the Space Station and other Space functions, has caused the KSC Team to be reduced by layoffs, now and in the future. As a longtime songwriter, Dan wanted to build a music video to honor the commitment of the KSC Team to getting the job done right for Manned Space Flights and our Space Family.

To accomplish this task of making a video, Dan enlisted the aid of his Shuttle friends. Twenty workers performed on the song and music, others provided photographs and videos, all done enthusiastically. From this input, Dan produced a "Tribute Video" whose focus was the Planners, Schedulers, Technicians, Engineers, and all the other workers that makeup "The Team". Dan has named this Video, "We All Do What We Can Do," to honor their intense devotion to the mission. Dan tells me it was a labor of love which consumed several months of evenings and weekends of off time for him and his friends. The reaction from viewers has been wonderful. A preliminary showing of this video was previewed to a KSC NASA Alumni Group where it was greeted with enthusiasm. In fact, one person told me he was left speechless. The KSC Launch Director played it recently for about 200 people at one of Discovery's Pre-Test Briefing.

While somewhat paternalistic, it is in my appreciation of the excellent attitude and work ethic of the KSC Launch Team that I urge you to spend the minutes required to view this video. It will give you a look at the spirit of Manned Space Flight as seen in these faces of KSC employees and our Shuttle crew members. The sequence to view this video is to address this website:

www.youtube.com

Then, find the search box and enter, with apostrophes: "we all do what we can do" and enter.

If you are interested in the sequence of Shuttle Processing at KSC, there is another video that was done with time-lapse photography is at this website:

https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup? v=KZrFC988Thc

If you are interested in listening to some of his songs that he has written and recorded, visit his website (www.cdbaby.com/dankeenan). On the site, he gives the reasons for the theme of each song. I found it to be very interesting and heart warming. I hope you will find it the same way.

This is a more direct URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7XVrhltrcU to the video.




RAMPS

submitted by: Brooke Beall (ND '58)
bbeall@bit.coop

Visit our web site @ http://ndhsclassof1958.weebly.com/

Thank you and Judy again for the great job you do with the Newsletter and the picnic. Am sorry we were not able to attend the picnic this year.

Ramps….For many years I, along with several good friends, attended the granddaddy of Ramp dinners in Helvetia, in Randolph County. I don’t recall who sponsored the dinner. It was held in the Helvetia Community Building. This is a one story building and the food was served in the basement. The menu consisted of ham, German coleslaw, boiled potatoes, cooked Ramps, raw Ramps, a desert and drink. There may have been some other items on the menu, but this is what I remember.

We usually made a day out of this event, sometimes fishing the streams of Randolph County until meal time. More often than not, we took a couple coolers of beer (one year a pony keg) because one gets thirsty waiting in line to get fed. Once you got inside the hall, and before you began your decent to the basement, you would hear the strains of music coming from a fiddle player on the stage of the meeting room. This meeting room was an open room with chairs placed along the perimeter and the stage at one end. After everyone was served, the real fun began with a square dance held in this room.

The festivities usually lasted until about eleven o’clock. Often towards the end of the evening there would be a large bonfire outside the hall. Many years we would stop on the way home at Snyder’s (Land of a Thousand Dances) for additional supplies, arriving back in Clarksburg or Bridgeport around one or two o’clock in the morning. The Ramp dinner was always held on Saturday.

The date of the dinner was planned around the harvest of the Ramps, always in the Spring of the year. I really was never sure of the date, but part of my sales territory was Randolph County and I often ate lunch at a local hangout of the Elkins bankers, lawyers, and other business people. I would start to hear the conversation about Helvetia and the Ramp harvest a couple of weeks before the event. If I didn’t hear about it from the locals in Elkins there was a guy that sold eggs to the restaurant from Helvetia that always knew the date.

The Ramp Dinner at Helvetia was quite an event. I have many great memories of the time spent at Helvetia. I continued to attend the dinners after I married and took my children along several times. My son ate all the raw Ramps he could because he heard his grandfather say that he had been sent home from school when he was a kid (Mill Creek, WV) for eating them. It didn’t work in Bridgeport .

http://www.helvetiawv.com/Events/Helvetia_Ramps/Helvetia_Ramps.htm

I think the menu is the same as when I attended in the 60’s and 70’s.



submitted by: Jim Nutter (WI '71)
jlnutter@hotmail.com

RAMPS AND ROMANCE
Back in the high school days, many lonely Saturday nights were spent at the Bartow Drive-In. Some of the girls would walk up to talk, but few would get in the car. There was one very attractive girl, way out of my league, that I dreamed some night the magic would happen. Then one night it looked like my wish would come true. She walked right up and to my surprise, jumped in without any encouragement. Sliding over to me, she whispered that one of my friends told her that I was interested in her. Wow! She stunk of ramps, so bad that I could not get past the odor. As bad as I wanted her, I could not put my well laid plans into play. She was not amused with my inaction and I was alone again. Ramps and romance does not mix. That is my stinking story.



submitted by: Bob Bridge (WI '56)
BridgePSU@aol.com

I never ate a ramp and wouldn't know one if I tripped over it; but I remember my father going to an annual ramp dinner somewhere in Clarksburg. The only other thing I remember about it was that my mother refused to sleep in the same bedroom as my father on the night of the dinner.



submitted by: Fred Layman (VHS '46)
FGL46VHS@aol.com

Ramps are plentiful here in Harrison County but Randolph County has the most. The month of April is best for ramp digging. Each year here in Harrison County many ramp dinners are held. The cost is around $8.00 now which also includes fried potatoes and corn bread with a couple of other side dishes. Also in April dandelions are thick every where. We had one hayfield that was always covered with dandelions and the Italian ladies from Hepzibah would come up with bushel baskets and fill them up as their husbands made dandelion wine. Our landlord removed all the milk cows from this hay field in April because due to the cows eating wild onions, the flavor of the onions got mixed in with the milk and then the milk didn't taste too good.



submitted by: Barbara Warren Williams (WI '58)
gemdandy@htwc.biz

I have to tell you that Bob loves ramps. When we lived in Connecticut, his son sent us some and we had several people in for a ramp feast and everyone in the neighborhood wondered what the smell was. When the UPS delivered them to the house, he told me I should open it right away because it smelled really bad and I told him what they were. He stopped by the next day and asked me again what they were and that the smell was still in his truck. Another time when Bob was at work a delivery of ramps came and his boss said the package would have to stay outside on the dock because of the smell. Another time when Bob ate them (I don't care for them) we went to church the next day and we heard these two ladies that sat behind us say that something sure stunk and of course it was Bob. After that, Bob never went to church after he had eaten ramps. Bob is going to e-mail you something on ramps.



submitted by: Judy Daugherty Kimler (WI '59)
jkimler@frontier.com

I have only been around ramps one time in my life. I went to a ramp feed in Helvetia when I still lived in Clksbg. It must have been around 1962-63. Just getting there is a story in itself. We went to Buckhannon, then to French Creek and then way out in the middle of nowhere. The town, what there was of it, consisted of a few houses, some barns, one street light and that's all. At the time I worked at C & P Tel Co and Helvetia's whole telephone service was in a lady's kitchen. I always think of Mayberry when talking about this experience.

The dinner was held in a sort of community building. I think it was really a barn but can't say for sure. There were several long tables with benches on either side. The food was in the center of the tables from one end to the other and you just served yourself. I think that is called "boarding house reach". I DID NOT eat the ramps. I ate the rest of the food which if I remember correctly was potatoes, beans and other vegetables. I was warned that you smell for days after eating ramps. The odor comes out in your perspiration. The ramps were so stinky I could hardly stand to be in the same room with them. I don't know how the others ate them.

After dinner they cleared out the tables and had a square dance. I had never been to a real square dance before and didn't know how to do any of the dances. A lot of people did dance and I enjoyed watching them.



RAMPS

Ramps, a member of the lily family and a spring culinary treat, grow from New Brunswick and Minnesota south to Iowa, and in the mountains to North Carolina and Tennessee. In WV, extensive beds of ramps are found in the rich mountain woodlands, particularly in the Monongahela National Forest which runs along the state’s eastern boundary.

The broad, flat leaves resemble the lily-of-the-valley, and its thin stem and pearly white bulb are reminiscent of the wild onion. Ramps appear in the early spring, but the leaves wither and disappear before flowering time in June and July when delicate white flowers are seen.

This small, highly odoriferous plant was a favorite with early people in the Sothern Appalachian mountains, whose winter diet lacked fresh fruit and vegetables. In the very early spring, often when snow still covered the glens, the deep green leaves of the ramp were sought as a welcome addition to the supper table, a taste treat and nutritional supplement. In cooking, the whole ramp, green and bulb, is used. Ramps are typically parboiled and eaten in quantity as a side dish. Many enjoy eating the bulbs raw or substituting the bulbs for onions in recipes.

Many devotees claim ramps possess healing powers, from the prevention of colds, which may be true due to their high content of Vitamin C, to the cleansing of the blood. The ramp’s European cousin, the ramson, recently has been identified as having antibiotic properties. Ramp "feeds" abound in small communities throughout West Virginia in April. The granddaddy of them all, Richwood’s "Feast of the Ramson," has been held annually since 1938.

Taken from "The West Virginia Encyclopedia"…pg. 600. by Barbara Beury McCallum, Charleston, Mom & Ramps Forever, 1983.



LOOK AT MY NEW TEE SHIRT!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUY ONE?

Haven’t you wanted a WI tee shirt for years? I have…and so, I bought one. But I didn’t stop when I bought one; I bought 400, so I can sell them to you and raise money for the WIN Scholarship.

In the picture I am wearing a size M in what is called a unisex tee shirt size. In other words, it is a Medium for men and a size 10 to 14 for women. I also have size Large tee shirts which means a man’s size Large or a woman’s size 16 to 18. I have men’s size XL which is for a woman size 20 to 22. I will send you a tee shirt for $15.00. This includes postage in an envelope for one shirt. The check is to be made out to Roleta Meredith/WIN Scholarship. All proceeds go to the WIN Scholarship fund.

If you would like to buy a WI Hilltoppers Tee Shirt, let me know.

Mail to: Roleta Meredith
c/o Meredith Brothers, Inc.
3025 Switzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219




THE GLASS MADONNA

submitted by: Donna Meredith (WI '69)

I don’t know if you'd be interested in including this in the WI newsletter, but I wrote a coming-of-age novel set in Clarksburg in the '70s. It is called "The Glass Madonna" and has glass history woven into the story line. Here's a link so you can check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Madonna-Donna- Meredith/dp/098290150X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294149210&sr=8-1

Donna Meredith, class of '69
www.donnameredith.com
850-878-2931
Author of The Glass Madonna



SAVE THE DATE

The WI Picnic will be held at the Veteran's Hospital on August 27th from 11:00 am until you wish to leave. More information later---- Mark your calendar and SAVE THE DATE




WI CLASS OF 1971 TO HOLD REUNION
JULY 16, 2011

PLEASE HELP FIND CLASSMATES
CHECK THE LIST OF NAMES

The WI Class of 1971 is planning their 40th Class Reunion on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at the 4th Street Restaurant in Clarksburg. Classmates can meet at 4:45 pm in the new Jackson Square Parking Lot located on Pike St. between S. 3rd and S. 4th Streets. This is across the street from where the Workingman's Store was. From there, we will car pool up to WI and tour the building as it stands today. It is now used as a Middle School.

After the tour, we will be having a casual get-together and dinner at 4th Street Restaurant, 123 S. 4th Street, in downtown Clarksburg (in the old Clothes Horse/Friedlander's building). Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm and continue until 10:00 pm. A cash bar will be available. This should give us plenty of time to get reacquainted and visit with everyone. A group picture of our class will be taken and be mailed to those who desire one. The cost is $10.00.

We have been unable to locate the following classmates. If you have any information on them, please email Babbs Hyde Tolley at: raeh74@ma.rr.com .

They are:
Linda Bland,
Jerry Campbell,
Donna Fazzini,
Donna Gower,
Patty Gunter,
Robert Harrris,
Arlene Miller,
Dorothy Mullenex,
Michael Murphy,
Carol Nutter,
Frank Peters,
John Snyder,
Judy Ann Swick,
Catherine Williams



WAYS OUR FAMILY STRETCHED MONEY

submitted by: Fred G. Layman (VHS '46)
FGL46VHS@AOL.COM

My parents stretched money by having a charge account at a grocery store in Hepzibah. We had seven in our family which included my parents, one sister and four of us boys. My mother always bought Silver Dust soap powders because you could get a free dish towel or a wash cloth in each box. She made my sister’s dresses out of colorful feed sacks that we bought for chicken feed and hog feed. My father paid some on our grocery bill once a month and the store owner would give us a free bag of cookies. He was employed at the Dawson Mine as bookkeeper and surveyor. The reason he didn't buy groceries from the company store was because the prices were too high. Right after WW II, he finally paid off the grocery bill.



SHARING MEMORIES

submitted by: Nancy Kirkpatrick Gaines (WI '50)
Nanielee@aol.com

I remember Mr. Seigal well. He owned a jewelry story next to the Entrance of the Waldo Hotel. My Dad's station and wrecking service was on the corner. I have a receipt I found from his store when my Dad bought a diamond ring for my Mother. He was in the Minstrels they had at the Robinson Grand. I had danced in them.

Some may remember my father, Russell Kirkpatrick, who had Waldo Service Station on 4th Street, and he also owned Kirkpatrick Towing Service. He was a well known boat racer, too. His boat was named Rock A Bye. At one time he raced in Fairmont in front of Woods Boat Docks and Grafton dam. He raced at New Martinsville, WV and Buffalo, N.Y.



submitted by: Sandra Zickefoose Lindke (WI '56)
alindke@tampabay.rr.com

Rex, Judy and I grew up across the street from the Meyer Seigal house. Our address was 301 Magnolia Ave. The white house on the left is the home of Vicki Booth. I believe she is a graduate of WI but was much younger than us Zickefoose kids. I too remember the trains switching on Traction Street. Judy and I shared the bedroom on the back corner of our house and it was only about 20 feet from the tracks. Often I would wake in the middle of the night to have our bedroom aglow from the flares that the trainmen put out. The trains would start to move with a lot of banging and crashing.

My mother had a wringer washer and 2 big galvanized rinsing tubs that were used on wash day. Mom also had a garden in the back yard. She did a lot of canning from that small patch. She did some ironing and sewing for a few people in the neighborhood and worked at Webb's Confectionery. Webb's was the neighborhood hot dog and ice cream place. Mom also pegged pants and made shirts for the neighborhood boys. They bought the material and thread and paid her $1.50 to cut out and stitch up the shirt. It used to embarrass me for my mother to whistle songs in public but I would give anything to hear her whistle again. What was a big embarrassing deal to a kid means nothing after you have grown up.

Mom also made most of mine and Judy's clothes. When I was in Rainbow Girls she made all of my formals. The tops, skirts and over skirts were separate and of different colors so they could be mixed and matched. I thought she was so clever. I wore the same penny loafers all 4 years of high school. Of course they got new heels and soles every year. I think my senior year I got tired of them being brown and I dyed them black. When we were small we had clothes made from feed sacks. I would like to have some of those feed sacks now to use as dish towels.

I have a hand painted quilt from Dolly Wood. It is called the Life of Christ quilt. Each square depicts a part of Christ’s life. Sometimes I display it at Christmas.

I enjoy every ones childhood memories. Keep up your good work and a "hats off" to your team.



submitted by: Steve Goff (WI '72)
sgoff53@hotmail.com

Hello Roleta:

I hope you will share this with your readers and many newsletter contributors. I already know many of you can write. I've been enjoying your excellent contributions to the WI Newsletter for over five years now. Did you know that every June there is a fabulous writers' conference held at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center near Ripley, WV.? It is an excellent three day gathering of writers of all kinds with wonderful workshops in a beautiful setting. My wife Beth (Allen, WI class of '70) will be attending our fifth WVW Summer Conference. Another WI grad, Terry McNemar, (also '70) will be in attendance as he was the organizations president for the last two years.

Yours truly will be a first time presenter this year. I will be teaching two workshops revolving around my love and knowledge of improv comedy and how that skill set can energize your writing and enhance your creativity. On Friday night I will be performing as part of an improv comedy show I'm producing called "Whose Lie Is It Anyway?".

The setting is beautiful, the workshops are stimulating and I guarantee you will enjoy the company of the 100+ folks who attend each year. Here are links for information regarding course descriptions and presenters' bios; and conference registration. I hope to see you at Cedar Lakes. I know you can write. Now let's bump it up a notch.

WVW Conference Course Descriptions and Presenters' Bios.
http://www.wvwriters.org/conference11/2011-descriptions-and-bios.html

WVW Summer Conference Registration.
http://www.wvwriters.org/conference.html



REMEMBERING A FRIEND
NANCY "JANIE" LAULIS

From a friend: Joe Malone (WI '52)
Jmalone934@sbcglobal.net



Above is a picture taken on Senior Skip Day. Janie is the 6th on the left in the front row.



Above is a picture of Joe Malone and his friend Nancy "Janie" Laulis at their Class reunion in 2007.

When you get on the slippery side of 75, it comes as no surprise when a friend, a former work colleague or high school classmate passes away. We mostly all read the obituaries regularly and take note of those folks that the Grim Reaper has mercifully laid down. Earlier this month, he took away a very good friend and classmate that, as Mr. Rogers would say, was "very special" to me. And it apparently wasn't very merciful. The bare facts are laid out at the end of this Newsletter. I'd like to add some context.

Nancy Jane Laulis was known to us at WI from 1948-1952 as "Janie" Rymer. She was the younger of two daughters born to Orel and Thelma Rymer. She grew up in Arbutus Park and attended the Center Branch Baptist Church where memorial services were held on a rainy day two weeks ago. She was an excellent student. Not straight "A"s but good enough, as one classmate told me, to compete with the boys and make Mr. Gudekunst happy. She was not Head Cheerleader, a Drum Majorette or Homecoming/Prom Queen. But she was my "default date" when neither of us had a date for the dance. She sewed my costume for the "Kiddy Kar Kick" and it's still around here somewhere although I couldn't get a leg into it.

Janie and I went to college separately and married different people. We went our separate ways. She stayed in Harrison County, raised three children and taught school. I left the state and we rarely saw each other over the years. Then, as fate would dictate, Janie once again agreed to be my "default date" at both our 50th and 55th Class Reunions. You see, we were both "single" and, as George Burns put it "18 Again". You can see from the enclosed snapshot taken in 2007, we held up pretty well. BTW - There is no disrespect in the term "default date". I use it with the greatest platonic love and admiration. We saw each other almost daily each time I visited Lake Floyd over the past decade.

Those who knew her, even casually, will miss her. She was kind, thoughtful and generous to all. To quote A E. Housman, " When The Journey's Over, There'll Be Time Enough For Sleep." So, sleep well, my friend. The "One-eyed Jack" (her dog) awaits you for long walks without hazards.

NOTE: See her obituary in the Obituaries listed below.



"OIL AND COAL"

Dear Roleta,

I enjoyed the article about "Oil and Coal" in the April issue. You may recognize my name because I'd written to you about the CD before the issue came out. I wanted to be sure you had heard about the CD and it turns out you knew all about it.

I played "Oil and Coal" for my Potluck group. I'm glad I wasn't the only one who got teary-eyed listening to the title song. Just about everyone wanted to Copy the CD. No way! I told them if they wanted the CD they had to order it. Of course, I was given the task of placing the orders because some of my friends don't like using the computer to place orders. Thank goodness you included the 800 number in the Newsletter. I placed all the orders by phone. My friends now think I am a computer whiz.

By the way, my cousin, who lives in Shinnston, told me she read in the Shinnston paper that Jim Fragale sold a screenplay for a movie. Do you know anything about a screenplay?

Thanks again for all the work you put into the WI Newsletter. I am now reading some back issues and enjoy keeping connected.

Beverley Jane Brown (WI Class of 1955)


"Oil and Coal" can easily be ordered online with this link or handy 800 Number. LINK to order "Oil and Coal:" www.cdbaby.com/cd/joelutton, (800) 289-6923. Direct Line: (503) 595-3000.

And, Thank You, W. VA. Jim Fragale. Email: jamesafragale@yahoo.com



GUESS WHO?

If you have a picture of someone that we could post in our newsletter and play Guess Who? Please send it to Roleta1@aol.com or mail a copy to :

Judy Kimler
1130 Huntington Ave
Barboursville, WV 25504

Judy will return the picture to you if you request her to do so. Please identify the persons pictured.

Below is a picture of 2 little boys. Can you identify them? Guess anything……I only print the correct answers. Won’t you make them feel good by sending your guesses to me? Write to Roleta1@aol.com. Thank you for helping the newsletter to continue.





WINNER OF THE 2011 WIN QUILT WROTE TO US!

submitted by: Jim Brown (WI '57)
Jb1obx@aol.com

We have shown the quilt to our friends here at Caper Beach Club. Nothing but raves! All are very impressed, both with the idea, the workmanship and among those who know about collections, etc. the documentation of its origin. It starts North with us this week, first to the Beach House at Kill Devil Hills and then on to West Virginia. We believe we have a suitable place to hang it in the entry to our home.

FROM ROLETA: To Jim, Pam and the other readers---- Thank you again for all of the support you give to the WIN Scholarship. Below is the description in full of the quilt.....

"WILD WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA" 2011 WIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND QUILT


The blocks in the quilt represented various aspects of WV as interpreted by the WIN quilters: Pam Wolfe Brown, Carolyn Cady, Mary Liz Carder, Carol VanHorn Dean, Sara Graham, Mary Hulick, Elaine Norteman, Nancy Jackson, Gig Selby Meredith, Joan Merrill, Sue Selby Moats (machine quilter), Mary Nophsker, Kitty Sager, Mary Sue Clark Spahr, Lin Stricker, and Mary Ann Williams.

The blocks made were: Bear’s claw, black bear, butterfly, cardinals, card trick, churn dash, Clarksburg chili dog, covered bridge, deer landscape, delectable mountains, dogwood, flying geese, golden delicious apple, log cabin, Bar with a Mail Pouch sign on it, maple leaf, moon over the mountain, nine patch, painted WV scene, rail fence, star, waterfall landscape, West Virgininy moonshine and whirling squares.

The block makers live in many states around the USA. The quilt was completed by Sue Selby Moats.

Plans are currently underway for the next WIN Quilt. If you are interested in participating, please contact Sue Selby Moats at moatsue@aol.com




WINNER OF PAST SCHOLARSHIP WRITES

submitted by: Amanda Seefong
adlseefong@yahoo.com

Hello, I just thought I would take the time to give you an update. Hopefully all is well with you. I am still in school, of course. The semester is almost over now, so things are kind of chaotic. As time pushes on and there are more and more fees to deal with, I am becoming more and more thankful for all of your help this year! Your donation was a true blessing and greatly appreciated!! As of right now, I am considering switching my major. I want to switch from pre-dental to nursing. I have looked into it and would really like to follow my dream of becoming a Pediatric Nurse. This has been a dream of mine for many years and I want to make sure I follow my dreams. My grades are still good; all A's and B's as of right now. Don't worry, I am bringing those B's up to A's. Thank you again for all of your help. Have a great day!!



MY FRIEND DAVE MARTINO
AND BEING A TEACHER’S KID

submitted by: Dave Kuhl (WI '62)
dbkuhl@bellsouth.net

Dave Martino "is good people".

He and I used to pal around together going bowling at Jewel City in high school. He was always pretty quiet in school. Having your mother as a teacher put a crimp in your activities. His mother was Leah Martino who taught biology. My mother was also a substitute teacher in my Jr. and Sr. years. She filled in for some teacher who died and was full time my senior year.

Dave and Judy’s father died last year at about 95 or 98. They got to have him for a good long time and most of those years were good years. I did not realize what a jock he had been. Leah died a while back. I enjoyed many a pizza in their home. Parents and teachers generally kept you at arms length to make sure that you kept out of trouble. I did get to know them well enough to see that they were "good people". They never told us about anything crazy that they had done when they were young which might have given us "license" to do something stupid or worse.

There was an incident where a couple guys got into a shoving match and one bumped my mother. The word got back to me that he was so scared that I was going to beat him up that he was out back of the school throwing up. I checked on her. She was not hurt and said that it was an accident. I grabbed him and hugged him and told him that everything was OK. Coach Bill Moore was waiting just inside the doors and winked at me when I came back inside. Our families were close and Bill always kept a close eye on me. Bill Moore pulled me out of a fight at a Shinnston football game. Some punks had come on the field and grabbed one of our footballs before the game as our extra point kicker was practicing. I went after them and clobbered the first one. Then they all jumped me. I held on to the first one to protect my head as the others were kicking me. Bill was there in a few seconds and was pulling them off of me. I never saw a cop. We got our ball back as they ran away. One of them was hanging on the fence later in the game taunting me but I ignored him and he went away. Looking back, it was probably a stupid move on my part. Saving an old football was not worth getting killed for or starting a riot. Of course, if I had done nothing, I might have caught hell for that too.

In a small town like that, everyone had many sets of parents and anything that you did wrong would quickly get back to your parents.



ROBINSON GRAND THEATRE

submitted by: Fred Layman (VHS '46)
FGL46VHS@aol.com


In the early 1900’s the Robinson Grand Theater was known as the Keith Grand Motion Picture Theater. The grand opening of the “Robinson Grand” happened on February 5, 1913. It was named after brothers Claude and Reuben. This theater burned on May 31, 1939. Claude Robinson restored the theater in 1939- 1940 at the cost of $600,000.00. Mrs. Madge Douds began to work at the theater in 1922 as a ticket seller and later as secretary. She later became the manager in 1970. This is when the theater closed but the building is still located on West Pike Street. It is now known as the Rose Garden but is seldom used.







MEMORIAL DAY

On this day we honor the memory of those who have died while in the military service of the United States of America. May we be faithful to the legacy we have been given, so that truth and freedom may prevail.

"Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers;
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow




MAY TUNES

submitted by: Steve Goff (WI '72)
sgoff53@hotmail.com

I always loved May when I was at WI. The West Virginia spring was getting its' act together. The school year was nearing an end. Senior skip day was around the corner....look out Audra, or more likely Arden. Track season was underway. We boys were reminded that WI girls had the prettiest legs in town as shorts, hot pants, short-shorts, bloomers, or whatever they were called in your era, made their annual reappearance, and we guys were glad to see them. Shorts weren't allowed in our hallowed halls on the hill, but after school and on weekends we fellas would be out watching the girls displaying their gorgeous gams, while you gals were spotting robins or flowers. As if you didn't already know that...

Blooms, blossoms, and baseballs fill the air, and I find myself darn near giddy. Yes, I said giddy.

And as always, in those days, music filled the air. Here is a selection of tunes that were on the national charts in the month of May in years past. Where were you when these songs were on the charts, on the jukebox, on your turntables, and on the radio?

1949..."Lovesick Blues". Hank Williams. Let's go Country, right out of the gate. Though Williams had scored a few hits prior to "Lovesick Blues," the song was the first of many number one hits on Country radio for the singer. The song's monumental success led to Williams' tenure at the Grand Ole Opry and remains one of his best remembered songs. His version of the song appeared in such films as The Last Picture Show (1971) and The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Apparently there is no footage of the most important country artist of all time singing his first number one hit, so this is a fan tribute with pretty good sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMb_7HDWjZo&feature=related

1953..."The Ho-Ho Song (Strange Things Are Happening)". Red Buttons. Discovering songs like this is one of the many reasons I have loved putting together these Tunes for 'Toppers for the past 3+ years. I knew Mr. Buttons (born Aaron Chwatt) had been a comedian and movie actor (The Longest Day, The Poseidon Adventure and an Oscar for Sayonara), but I didn't know he had a top 10 hit. This silly single peaked at #9 in May of 1953. When I first saw the song title I was expecting either 7 dwarfs or a devil's food snack cake...I got neither. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avwa8Ip42Yw

1955..."Tweedlee Dee". Georgia Gibbs (Her version reached #2 and spent 19 weeks on the chart.)... & LaVern Baker (She recorded and released the song first. It peaked at #14 nationally and was on the chart for fourteen weeks.) This song originated on the Rhythm and Blues charts, where it was a number 4 smash. As was often the case in the fifties, a raw, raucous dance song was cleaned up and toned down to make it more appealing to the masses. Safe versus soulful? It's no contest. Give me soulful every time. Here are both recordings. Georgia Gibbs. The video shows off a 1956 Wurlitzer juke box, playing 78's!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8A7oR9hRq0&NR=1

LaVern Baker. Showing off a great voice, with an introduction by Alan Freed, from the movie "Rock, Rock, Rock". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8vb4hyS49s&feature=related

1958..."The Book of Love". The Monotones. They only had one hit, but so what. It is one of the staples on any decent rock 'n' roll, doo-wop record collection. It peaked at #5. Lead singer Charles Patrick heard a Pepsodent toothpaste commercial with the line "wonder where the yellow went ". From there he got the idea for the line, "I wonder, wonder, wonder who, who wrote the book of love ", working it up into a song . The "boom" part of the song was a result of a kid kicking a ball against the garage while they were rehearsing, it sounded good, so they added it to the song. The video is only 1:38 but it captures the energy of the group, and the audience shots show a variety of vintage hair cuts & dress styles. Some of the kids are really working on some chewing gum! Turn this up. You know you'll play it more than once. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNq6DlB1E-Q&feature=related

1961..."Mother-in-Law". Ernie K-Doe. Here's a tune you don't hear much at family reunions. What I love most about this tune is that underneath the comedic, sassy lyrics is a solid New Orleans R&B groove with tasty horns and piano throughout. The catchy call-and-response of the song's title doesn't hurt either. It was number one for one week in May of 1961. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWVa1WMLdDM

1964...The Beatles! On May 2, 1964 the Billboard Hot 100 Chart had a "Top Ten" list that showed one group, with three different songs, ON THREE DIFFERENT LABELS! Who else? Drum roll please.... At #8, "Twist and Shout" (the Tollie label); at #3, "Do You Want to Know a Secret" (the Vee-Jay label); and holding the top spot, on the Capitol label, "Can't Buy Me Love". Number 8. (blank screen until 14 sec. mark) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVlr4g5-r18

Number 3. A rare George Harrison lead vocal. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=yHhRC7K0RHA

Numero Uno. From a "Hard Days' Night". https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=q8zx68HENIA&feature=related

1966..."Rainy Day Women #12 & 35". Bob Dylan. Perhaps the most subversive top ten hit in the annals of the Billboard charts. This one sounds like it begins in New Orleans on Basin Street, and ends up at the corner of Haight and Ashbury in San Francisco. Let's just say it "peaked" at number two. That's as high as it got, in May of '66. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=pIM03siHuaM&feature=related

1970..."Reflections Of My Life". The Marmalade. Here is one of those songs people tend to forget about, and then when they hear it, it's "oh man...I loved that song". It was on the charts for 14 weeks, and spent three weeks at #10. A very nice TV, live performance here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NiN7ISW7E

1974..."Midnight at the Oasis". Maria Muldaur. This sultry number can get in your head and stay all day. It was in the top 10 for three weeks. Video is from The Midnight Special, late night TV show. The sound is a little weak. You might want to turn it up a notch or two. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FgBUQWvEKg

1976..."Fooled Around and Fell in Love". Elvin Bishop. One of my favorite karaoke songs! Mr. Bishop was/is quite a good blues guitar player. He also sings like a bullfrog. He made a great decision when he turned the vocals for this song over to one Mickey Thomas, who later sang lead with Jefferson Starship. It was a number 3 hit. Video comes from the UK. Excuse me while I grab a magic marker microphone and wail along with this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBNUrYyGI7A&feature=related

1979..."Goodnight Tonight". Paul McCartney and Wings. For me, too much disco, saved by a frisky bass line. The song was #5 for three weeks in May of 1979. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRCgueckAXE And with that, I'll say goodnight too. See you in June. Keep those emails coming.



MEMORIES OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION

submitted by: Robert Manley (WI '34)
zumwohl@tampabay.rr.com

From all accounts in your April Newsletter Your Picnic was a huge success. Sorry I wasn’t able to make it this year but the Good Lord willing maybe next year.

With reference to the depression, if you and any of your readers are interested you might to go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great Depression for a complete article on that era. I was amazed to find how it spread world-wide. My memories are mostly prior to 1929 where we had an outside toilet, fireplace to heat the house, kitchen stove that burned coal, gathering coal on the railroad tracks, and also gas lights. We had no electricity.

I can't remember the year my father wired our house for electricity…we didn’t use an Electrician.



SO MANY SPORTS, SO LITTLE NEWS

submitted by: Bill Meredith (Monongah '56)
billmere@aol.com

Baseball is just underway, the NBA playoffs are slowly winding their way to June and the NHL playoffs are ending the first round. All of these "exciting" sports, but very little for us to discuss. Major League baseball is a big yawn until September. The NBA, well, who cares? The Penguins could make the Stanley Cup Playoffs exciting for us, if they advance past the Lightning, etc. At least we have WVU and Marshall Spring football practice to think about, but that is almost over.

This month, we had a variety of subjects discussed, from Rich Rod's regrets to coaches fighting cancer. I hope you will enjoy reading the reader's comments as much as I did receiving them. Remember, you are the newsletter. Without your letters, we have nothing to publish. Send your stories, memories and comments on sports to Bill at billmere@aol.com.



To Bill:

This is how the 13th inning went, after Harvey pitched 12 perfect innings

Haddix will always be remembered for taking a perfect game into the 13th inning of a game against the Milwaukee Braves on May 26, 1959. Haddix retired 36 consecutive batters in 12 innings essentially relying on two pitches: the fastball and slider. However, his Pittsburgh teammates didn't score, as Braves pitcher, Lew Burdette (From Nitro, WV) was also pitching a shutout.

A fielding error by Don Hoak ended the perfect game in the bottom of the 13th, with the leadoff batter for Milwaukee, Felix Mantilla, being safe at first base. Mantilla later advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, which was followed by an intentional walk to Hank Aaron. Joe Adcock then hit an apparent home run, ending the no hitter and the game. However, in the confusion, Aaron left the base paths and was passed by Adcock for the second out and the Braves won 2-0. Eventually the hit was changed from a home run to a double by a ruling from National League president Warren Giles. Only Mantilla's run counted, for a score of 1-0, but the Pirates and Haddix still lost.

Ron Cleavenger, W I 1963

Reply To Ron:

Thanks for the information. I have passed it on to Steve Goff. The game ended with a lot of confusion, but, as you say, the Pirates and Haddix still lost a heartbreaker.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



Looking back (after being fired at Michigan), does Rich Rodriquez regret leaving WVU.

The link below is a short article which gives his most recent answer to the question. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6415022



Fred Alvaro, WI 1959, sent me the following newspaper article picture and box scores of a doubleheader (baseball games) in which he was the winning pitcher in both games. That has to be a special sports memory, for this seldom happens. Fred writes further that, "Not only was I credited with both wins as a pitcher, but I scored the winning run. Sam Fernandez (Notre Dame 1958), was the catcher on the team." Many thanks to Fred for sharing this special memory.






To Bill:

I tried hard not to write this, but you and Jerry Winerman stirred the pot and got me thinking about my own brushes with fame. I sat next to Tom Hanks in Jersey Boys soon after it opened. Sandy and I have sat very near many big stars in theatres, and generally manage to casually follow them around at intermissions but Hanks was the closest I got. I spoke briefly with both him and his wife Rita Wilson.

Although we generally allow these folks privacy, Sandy struck up a conversation with Shirley MacLaine one evening at intermission. She had taken her mother to a matinee and an evening performance (two different shows) on the same day and Sandy and I happened to show up at both performances. That, of course, was the topic of conversation.

We live in DE and Jayne Rose Ross (WI 1957) lives in MD. We met up with her by accident TWICE at performances at Kennedy Center. Now THAT is coincidence.

Steve Limbers, WI 1957

Reply To Steve:

This probably doesn't belong in the sports area, but I'll answer it anyway. I always enjoy hearing from you.

It is amazing how many of the "beautiful people" you have a chance to see in theatres, etc. This is especially true in larger cities. My daughter lived in Orlando for several years and sat two rows behind Michael Jackson in a theatre. She also ran into several of the rich and famous in various Disney night spots, including Charles Barkley. (Now, that makes it sports) You were fortunate to sit right next to Tom Hanks. These people usually have "buffer" persons around them to avoid direct contact with the public.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)



Sue Selby Moats, WI 1955, sent me the link below, showing some of the nation's top college basketball coaches, speaking out for Congress to increase funding for cancer research. This disease has touched all of us and we strongly support the Coaches For Cancer movement in association with the American Cancer Society.

VIDEO: Top Basketball Coaches Stand Side-By-Side with ACS CAN
When it comes to cancer, even our nation’s greatest athletes and coaches are vulnerable.

A few months ago, some of the nation's top college basketball coaches stood side-by-side with ACS CAN volunteers in Washington, D.C., pushing Congress to increase funding for cancer research.

Watch this video to see why they are working to make cancer a national priority.




NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES

Jennifer Schellenberg (VHS '63) jennifer.five@frontier.com

CHANGED EMAIL ADDRESSES

Pamela Wolfe Watson (Unidis High School '63) smilingeyes630@yahoo.com
Mary Merendino Kane (WI '59) mcmkane@yahoo.com
Joanne Johnson Morgan (WI '54) jomorgan15@att.net
Cheryl Davis (WI '63) Cdavis58@frontier.com
Jack A. Moore (WI '64) imincharge63@yahoo.com
Bill Bowie (WI '62) whbowie@me.com
Sue Robinson Pierson (WI '65) NJSUSIEQ@aol.com
Anthony Bellotte (WI '57) bellotte3@aol.com
Paul and Annabel Davis padco@carolina.rr.com
William B. Snyder (WI '57) wbs111@aol.com



PHOTOGRAPHED WITH A CELEBRITY

submitted by: Bob Teter (WI '60)
bteter@chartertn.net



The above picture was taken at our oldest son Mike's wedding some years back. The celebrity in the brown suit is Dallas Green, who used to manage the Phillies. I am on the left, youngest son, Bryan on the right and remaining is brother in law Bill Akin, my sister Lib's hubby.



OBITUARIES


LINDA GOUGH ARMSTRONG (WI)

Linda M. Armstrong, 58, passed away on March 27, 2011, in Ruby Memorial Hospital of Morgantown following an extended illness.

She was the daughter of the late Everett Gough and Evelyn (Frye) Gough, who survives. On October 9, 1981, she married Earl Armstrong, who survives.

Mrs. Armstrong is also survived by four children and grandchildren to whom she gave the world. Her children are: Kimberly (Cameron) DeLay, Earl (Melissa) Armstrong Jr, Tommy Armstrong, Scott (Kathy) Carson and their children.



DAVID HOBSON BLACKWELL (WI)

David Hobson Blackwell, 79, passed away March 28, 2011. He was the son of the late Markwood Hobson Blackwell and Pearl Ruth Underwood Blackwell.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Campbell Blackwell.

In addition to his wife, he is also survived by one son, Jeff (Celia); one daughter, Tina (Randy) Harpold and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Pinella and Rosalee Blackwell.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy.



PAULA COWGILL (RW)

Paula Cowgill, age 69 years, passed away April 7, 2011.

She was the daughter of the late Harold C. and Maxine Wilkes Kieffer.

Surviving are two sons, Robert E. “Gene” Cowgill and Douglas E. Cowgill; one daughter, Barbara E. Robertson,; two brothers, Gene Kieffer, and Doug Kieffer.

Paula was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School in Clarksburg and was employed as a Paramedic with the Randolph County Emergency Squad prior to her retirement.



ROBERT ALAN FELTNER (WI '63)

Robert Alan ("Bob") Feltner, age 64, of Clermont, FL, died unexpectedly at ease in his home on July 11, 2010.

He was the only child of Francis Marion and Helen Mary Robinson Feltner.

Bob graduated from Fairmont State College in 1967. Following a distinguished career working for the US Government, Bob retired in 2003.

A fearless traveler and nature lover with a wide ranging curiosity which included archeology and anthropology, Bob wandered the globe as often as he could starting with road trips around the US, then venturing abroad with friends to Japan and Taiwan in '82, Ecuador/Bolivia/Peru (Machu Picchu) in '86, Spain/Portugal/Morocco in '89, Tibet and Nepal in '91, China and the ‘Stans (Silk Road), Turkey, and on around the globe in ‘98, and Egypt and Jordon in 2007. Bob traveled solo as well, to Africa on a nature safari, to the territory of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeastern India and the wilds of Pakistan, and on several occasions to visit the various ruins of meso-America. While with DoD, Bob’s assignments took him to Alaska, Guam, and Europe, as well as a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia during the buildup to Desert Storm.

Bob's day calendar titled "1000 places to see before you die ..." was last dated Friday 9 July 2010. The image was a pastoral scene with rolling hills very reminiscent of West Virginia. The quotation for that day was: "The earth belongs to anyone who stops for a moment, gazes and goes on his way."



FRANK LOWTHER (WI 1951)

Frank E. Lowther, 78, died on March 29, 2011. He was the son of the late Jesse Irwin Lowther and Lovie Marie (Ingram) Lowther.

Frank is survived by a stepdaughter, Suellen Weekley; one brother, Stanley M. Lowther; one sister, Jean Griffith; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 22 years, Mary Ellen Weekley, two brothers, John W. Lowther and Jessee Irwin Lowther Jr., and two sisters, Margaret Weil and Lucille Watson.

Frank was a graduate of Washington Irving High School, Class of 1951, and was a member of the football team from 1948-1950. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1955 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He retired with 30 years service with Pittsburgh Plate and Glass. After retiring, he went on to work for James & Law as a picture framer and a warehouse attendant. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church since 1979.

A NOTE FROM A FRIEND RE: FRANK LOWTHER

From: John Cooper (WI 1951)



Frank Lowther is at the top on right passing the football,with the "W" behind them

I knew FRANK LOWTHER before WI high school. Frank and his two brothers, Stanley and John and I ran around together. We did lots of things, played sand-lot football with Al Castalano, but never smoked or drank and were good guys who had fun, never ever would have considered any drugs. My dad at the telephone co hired John because my dad liked them....as the guys were always at my house and I knew John well. John was the oldest, then Frank then Stanley was the youngest. Stanley is still living but was more the subdued guy. I saw Frank a few weeks ago and he was bent over and did not look well. I thought there was some trouble there. I was out of town during Frank's funeral. I made it to John's...a number of years ago--wow--quite a few years ago wow-- Frank called me one afternoon back in 1951 and told me that I had to drive him to Fort Knox to his army camp because he had to be there the next day or be AWOL. And I had to take him in his old car. So like a good guy and long time friend, I said OK. (I was also very young). I talked another friend into going along with us. I did drive him there; it took all night and into the next day. On the way back the brakes on that old car went out in Parkersburg, WV. My friend was taking classes in auto repair at WI and we bought and fixed the brakes and then continued home. I don't remember for sure, but I believe I never saw that money. We were friends until his passing, but recently I did not see him very often. Another grad I played football with has now passed away. And that neighbor fellow that went with us, Ronald Mitchell, passed away about 10 years ago.

At least Frank almost made it to 80...!.



MARY EDITH OWREY SCALISE (WI 1944)

Mary Edith Owrey Scalise, 84, died. March 29, 2011, at home in the presence and comfort of her family.

She the daughter of the late William Oscar Owrey Sr. and Antoinette Myrtle Francisco Owrey.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John James Scalise Sr.

She had the distinction of being the “tough girl” on the block growing up in Glen Elk. Nothing stood in her way and she usually got what she wanted — her husband John and her twelve children.

Surviving are twelve children, 32 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1944. She was employed by Hammond-Harper Restaurant as a waitress and at White & Bailey Glass Company. She was a deputy sheriff during Fitzhugh Reynolds’ administration in 1951 and 1952. She also was employed at the Harrison County Courthouse and at the West Virginia Department of Highways at Gore. During the 1970s, Mary was a very successful unit manager for Tupperware. She named her unit “The Merry Maids.” However, her favorite job was as a bus driver for the Mount Zion School District while she was in Illinois. Mary Edith was the co-owner of the Funaramics Ceramic Shop. She was also a homemaker and “great” Mother, “great” Grandmother and “great” Great-Grandmother. Mary Jr. says she was a “fantastic” mother.

She was very involved in local politics, campaigned for many politicians and was an avid Democrat. She supported and campaigned for the late Honorable Senator Robert C. Byrd and the late Honorable State Senator Walter Neely.



ROBERT E. BERMAN (WI 1965)

Robert E. Berman, age 63, passed away on April 2, 2011. Born in Clarksburg, he graduated from Washington Irving in 1965.

In 1969, Bob graduated New York University, as had his older brother Steven D. Berman (WI 1966), and his dear parents, Harry J. and Florence K. Berman (both WI 1942).

Bob’s early professional gigs included positions with a premier Madison Avenue ad agency and an executive management post with Workingman’s Stores, Inc., in his beloved Clarksburg.

However, Bob’s most valuable professional achievement didn’t receive media notice. He was revered by his colleagues, cultivating talent and even taking the stars of each team with him as he moved from one leadership post to another.

A close professional colleague wrote, “Robert is a loyal, detailed, experienced and highly innovative franchise executive, a great leader and mentor.”

Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Berman of Clarksburg. He is survived by his father, Harry Berman of Bridgeport; daughters, Corinn Rocker and Ashley Markowich and two grandchildren two brothers, Steven Berman and Richard T. Berman.



E. JOSEPH CHARLES


E. Joseph Charles, age 73, of Erie, died Sunday, April 10, 2011, at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born in Clarksburg, W.V. on December 13, 1937, the son of the late Earl and Helen Harbert Charles. Joe received his BA degree in 1958 and his MA degree in 1968 from Gannon University and was a teacher at Wattsburg Area School District for 34 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Irish Cultural Society, Maennerchor Club, and Pennsylvania Association School Retirees. Joe was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles; he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and greatly enjoyed winters in Florida the past 15 years with his wife. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Yeager Charles; a son, David Charles and his wife, Ruela, of Huntsville, Ala.; three daughters, Michelle Bozich and her husband, Anthony, of Erie, Mary Beth Thompson and her husband, John, of Apollo Beach, Fla., and Patricia Watson and her husband, Mark, of Erie; and a sister, Elise Wozniak and her husband, Mike, of Erie. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.



BARBARA SUTTON ELDER (WI 1957)

Barbara passed away April 17th, 2011. She had pneumonia for the 6-8 weeks which increasingly got worse and worse. During that time in the hospital they diagnosed her with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

A memorial service was held on April 23, 2011 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.



NANCY RYMER LAULIS (WI 1952)

Nancy Laulis met an untimely death in Bethesda, MD, on Thursday, April 14, 2011, as she was returning home from a visit in Scotland.

Nancy was the daughter of the late Oral Bee Rymer and Thelma Smith Rymer. She was the widow of Thomas Howard Laulis Jr.

She was the mother of three children, Melissa “Missy” Laulis, Louise Rymer Laulis Perkins and Thomas H. Laulis III, who is deceased. She was the grandmother of 3. And the great-grandmother of 2.

Nancy grew up in Clarksburg, WV, and in very recent years had moved to Bridgeport, WV. She was a graduate of Washington Irving Class of 1952 and a graduate of West Virginia University.

Nancy was a member of the Goff Plaza Garden Club, Lake Floyd “Beach Bunnies,” IOGA, League for Service, Tressa’s Prayer Group, Clarksburg Baptist Church, Washington Irving Alumni Group, Flame for Christ Literacy Mission, Harrison County Humane Society and American Association of University Women.



DEL GLENN GAINER II (BRIDGEPORT 1995)

Del Glenn Gainer II, passed away Monday, April 4, 2011. He was the son of Del Glenn Gainer and Janet Lee Marker Gainer of Quiet Dell.

Also surviving are his sister, Janelle (Lawrence) Paul and their children whom Del adored, Maya, Tory and Zane. He is also survived by his paternal grandmother Thelma Gainer aunts and uncles which include Brenda and Bill Brown, Phil and Tammy Gainer, Nancy and David Saffel, John and Susie Gainer, Leslie and Phil Louk, Jay and Karen Gainer, Joan Plant, Julie and Al Cassera and Joe Marker of Keyser, WV.

Del was a graduate of Bridgeport High School, Class of 1991. He then went on to graduate from WVU in 1995 with a BS degree in Economics.

He was formerly employed as a UPS driver out of Stonewood, having also managed the Quiet Dell Chevron, and worked for the state Division of Highways. He was also the former owner of Ideal Mobile Home Park. Currently, Del was employed as a Mine Water Reclamation specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Del, being a very dynamic person, also was an instructor for the Aviation Program at Fairmont State University, having been a charter pilot as well for US Air. He loved to ski with his many friends, and also served as a member of the National Ski Patrol, serving Canaan Valley and Timberline resorts. His passion for the outdoors continued on with trout fishing in the mountains, and loving all college sports.



JOYCE SCOLISH PROBST (WI)

Joyce Ann Probst (age 64) passed away March 14, 2011, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 64 years old. She was the only child of Ross and Christine Scolish of Clarksburg, who preceded her in death.

She was a graduate of Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg and attended Fairmont State College.

She is survived by her husband of 23 years, John Probst and two children, Jeffrey Brian Bart and Janine Bart.



JUDY KEISTER DAVIS (RW)

Judith A. Keister Davis, 69, passed away on April 21, 2011, after an extended illness. Lovingly known as “Judy” to all who knew her, she was born in Clarksburg, on October 17, 1941, the daughter of the late Ralph J. and Ruby Queen Keister.

Judy is survived by her husband, John W. Davis. Judy is also survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Mrs. Frank (Tonya) Zedek and Mrs. Randy (Tracey) Lawrence; two sons and daughters in law, Mr. Tim and Teresa Davis and Mr. Todd and Tiffany Davis.

Judy is survived by one brother, Jack (Sue) Keister

Following in the footsteps of her parents (her father was elected to the House of Delegates and her mother served as County Clerk and County Commissioner) Judy spent her entire career in public service. She loved working for and helping the public. Everyone who knew her loved Judy’s smile. She began work with the WV Department of Highways in 1972. In 1976, she was appointed by the WV Supreme Court to be a Magistrate Assistant to then Harrison County Magistrate Fray Queen. After 27 years of combined service, Judy retired from the Harrison County Clerk’s Office in 1999. Like her parents, she was active in Democratic Party politics at the county, state and national levels. In 1999, she was elected to represent West Virginia as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco, CA.

Judy was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School. She was a member of the East View Lady Lions Club and a former member of the 4-H Center Board, Harrison County Parks and Recreation Commission and a number of other community, social and civic organizations.



MONICA JOSEPHINE FOLIO

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Monica Jo Folio, formerly of Bridgeport, WV, died on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at her home in Incline Village, Nevada.

She is survived by her daughter, Dianna Folio-Battel; two grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Monica was born in Fairmont, WV, to the late Arthur (Arpie) and Lorraine Sabo.

Influenced by her dance instructor, Ona Erdie, she began teaching dance at the age of 12. By the age of 16, she owned her own studio and later owned dance schools in several communities, including Bridgeport, WV, and Incline Village, NV. Among Monica’s former students were the late Patrick Swayze, Mary Lou Retton, Melissa Rector, Jenna Malone and many others who were famous in her heart. She was taught by Luigi, Gene Kelly, Charles Kelly and other great names of dance. Monica attended Fairmont State University, where she majored in theater and drama. While a student, she held the lead in several plays.

In 1989, Monica moved from West Virginia to Lake Tahoe, Nevada, with her husband, Sam Folio. She initially ran the booking agency for the American Federation of Musicians Local 368, in Reno. She and Sam founded Tahoe Players and produced musicals for children. Under her direction, Tahoe Players delighted audiences, young and old, with dozens of productions including “Babes in Toyland,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Suessical the Musical.” Many of Tahoe Players productions were staged in the Grand Theater on the world’s largest indoor stage of the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno.


Our thanks to the Clarksburg Exponent-Telegram for permission to allow us to use excerpts from their Obituary column.



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