Paul Schiff Shares His Conneticut Winter Wonderland

Allan... I don't know if you saw our snowstorms on television.

Attached are some photos I took at our house. Temperatures are in the 20s... but it is a winter wonderland. The driveway (400 feet) gets plowed by me sitting atop an elderly Bolens tractor. People have fun in different ways, I guess.

Feel free to share these with others.

Link To Kodak Gallery

Paul

Ladies of The Class of 1959 Take Coach Arlene Thomas Lawver To Lunch

A few of the ladies of the LHS Class of 1959 took their former physical education teacher, Arlene Thomas Lawver out for lunch at Olive Garden restaurant. Coach Thomas is featured in the photo on the left. In the photo on the right, our ladies are Charlotte Goodman Key, Shirley Scarborough DeFoor, Barbara Graddy, Annette Joiner Davis, Coach Thomas, Barbara Brantley Gandy, Sorrell Swift - Shirley's sister, Janice Ray Lyons, and Betty Toy. Mary West Futch attended, but is not in the photo.

Coach Thomas taught at Lakeland Junior High School. Go Green Hornets!  Later in life, Coach Thomas married her high school sweetheart, Lester Lawver.

Calvin Jamison - Wakulla Spring Ambassador & Sinkhole Savior

Here is a link to what I've been doing for the past 6 years or so. The video clip was made a few years ago.

Please visit the following link: Wakulla Spring

Once you are there, click on Launch the Feature (has green bar for background), then click on Protecting the Springshed. Then click on Threats and Solutions and finally Springs Ambassador.

Cal Jamison

Pete, The Green Hornet - Thanks To James Elbon

James Elbon says that he had a hand in designing Pete, The Green Hornet, for Lakeland Junior High School.  James furnished the black and white version.  I, Allan Davis, took an artist's license and added the color.  Do you remember Pete?

Christmas Party 2008 At Mary Futch's

 

On Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 5:00 PM, roughly 62 persons gathered for the LHS Class of 1959's Christmas party. The venue was the beautiful lakeside home of Mary Futch on Lake Lester.

We had very special guests at this party. Coaches Jim Miller and Earl Stokes, along with their wives, Donna and Elaine, attended. Also, Artie Haer and Kenny Cone from the LHS Class of 1957 attended. Lamar Hayes joined us for a second time as a guest of Leon and Rosemary Futch. Last, but not least, Sam Baca, former Lakeland police chief joined us as a guest of Hugh and Mikey Turbeville.

To view all of the photos of this event, please visit the Kodak Gallery by using the link below.

Go To Kodak Gallery

Elton & Theresa Elliott Share a Photo With The Class

 

Elton and Theresa Elliott have shared a photograph of themselves.  They now live in Lake Placid, Florida.  Theresa says that she is the techno-geek in the family, and she keeps Elton up-to-date.

James Elbon Flies High

James has flown high at least twice in his life. The photo above and to the left, taken in 1983, is his Evel Knievil impersonation. The following is a link that James furnished.

TT Data Base

James also flew high in his career as a flight engineer with Saudi Arabia Airlines (see photo upper right). During his tenure with the airline, he attended a LHS Class of 1959 reunion, and got the award for traveling the greatest distance.

In James's most recent career, he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. He freelances in low/no budget movies as a stereographer, videographer, and behind the scenes photographer. He likes being the art director's assistant the best. For more information, please follow the link below.

The Tampa Graphic Design Meetup Group

Roger Sherman Now Commander In Imperial Order Of The Dragon Of Annam

I have been awarded the Imperial Order of the Dragon of Annam, rank of commander, by the Imperial House of Viet Nam. This is the imperial family suppressed by the French, and driven out by the communists. This Order was considered so important that the French Government continued its award during their dominance, after which time it was again vested in the Imperial Family. I have also been made an Imperial Baron. Of course this is all grand, especially if one lives in SE Asia, or perhaps Orange County CA, but not so much here in central Florida. Anyway I seem to be in good company and the medal is neat. Details this Saturday!! All of this and $5.00 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

An image of the Order of the Dragon of Annam is on the left.

Please visit the following link for more information..

Imperial Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam

Roger Sherman

Jane Morris Bay - Careers & Experiences

Our own Jane Morris Bay has led a very interesting life - sad in ways, but seemingly fulfilling with two wonderful careers. The first is with George Lucas, an American film director, producer, and screenwriter, the creator of the epic space opera saga Star Wars and the archaeologist-adventurer character Indiana Jones. Her second career is as an author. Her first book, PRECIOUS JEWELS OF TIBET – A Journey to the Roof of the World, was written on weekends during the three years between her first and second visits to Tibet. Her second book, LOVE & LOSS – A Story About Life, Death, and Rebirth, was born out of grief for the loss of her beloved adopted Tibetan daughter, Namgyal Youdon. She is currently working on two other books, a memoir entitled Growing Up Southern, and an anthology of short stories called The Magic of New Mexico about her experiences on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, and the Pueblos along the Rio Grande River.

Jane has a web site that has many interesting links about her careers and experiences. Please visit this web site at the link shown below.

Jane Bay's Web Site

The Dalai Lama Foundation has a couple of interesting blogs in which Jane is interviewed. The first one below is about her career with George Lucas. Please follow the link below and click on the pod player.

Jane Bay's Day Job With George Lucas

The second is about her relationship with and loss of her beloved adopted Tibetan daughter, Namgyal Youdon. Please follow the link below and click on the pod player.

Love & Loss: A Story About Life, Death, and Rebirth

Note: The pod player uses QuickTime to play the interviews. Older versions of QuickTime are not compatible with Vista, so you may have to update your QuickTime player.

Update On Leon Futch

An update from Rosemary Futch

Came home to get clothes and back to Tampa. Leon came through the four hour operation okay but he had a nerve block on his leg and still is numb which is a side effect. Can't walk on the new knee replacement because his knee buckles because it is still numb. They won't release him from the hospital until he can walk with a walker on the new implant-catch twenty two situation. He is aggravated and bored laying around , so if anyone wants to call and talk to him his direct line in his room is: 813-8441756.

Rosemary Futch

Leon Futch To Have Knee Replacement

Leon's surgery is set for 11:00 am on 11/26/08.Can you believe we have to be at Tampa General Hospital at 7:00 am! This will be a total knee replacement.I will keep everyone updated.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Rosemary Futch

Contact information:
4000 Berkley Road
Auburndale, FL, 33823
863-984-8230
floridacrackerlr@aol.com

James Waibel Had The Coolest Chopped And Channeled Hot Rods At LHS

You remember Jimmy Waibel? He was the one who had the coolest chopped and channeled hot rods at school. He blueprinted Chrysler engines, and became so good at it that after he graduated, he built racing engines for Chrysler corporation. He also built world record dragster engines, and held some world records himself. I remember he also built the engines for the Smothers Brothers racing team.

Cheers,

James Elbon

***********

James, I found these on the Internet.

Allan

The Smother Brothers racing team will enter the GS field with their 1969 Oldsmobile, driven by Jim Waibel of Lakeland, Fla.

STOCK ELIMINATOR 1. James Waibel, Lakeland, Fla., '82 Cutlass, U/SA, 13.891 seconds, -1.259 under index

Sandra Hooker Stedman Enrolled in Charis Bible College

 

Sandra Hooker Stedman, we have found, has started a new phase in her life. She is a newly enrolled student in the two-year program at Charis Bible College in Atlanta, GA. Charis Bible College offers one-year and two-year, non-degreed programs. The one-year program is the Bible Training Institute. The two-year program is the School of Practical Ministry.

Charis Bible College Link

Sandra's husband of many years, Norm Stedman, passed away last year.

Let's all wish Sandra much success and happiness in her Christian training and ministry.

Jim Malone To Have Back Surgery

Jim Malone's wife, Diann, reports that Jim will have back surgery on November 6, 2008. The surgery, I believe, will be a fusion of L2 and L3. Let's all wish a speedy recovery for Jim.Jim's contact information is:

388 Troon Ct.
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Phones: 863-224-7387 (Jim mobile), 863-224-7388 (Diann mobile)
Email: fdiann@gmail.com

Daniel Valentine Recovering From Brain Tumor Surgery

Daniel is recovering from a non malignant brain tumor, surgery was Oct. 13 took 5 1/2 hrs. He was home less than 48 hrs. after surgery,get's the staples out tomorrow. We give God all the glory. Hope to see all of you at the party.

Contact information:
1610 Reynolds Road #236
Lakeland, FL, 33801
(863) 665-6250
DanJudyVal@aol.com

Dan & Judy.

LHS Class of 1959 Thanksgiving/Christmas Party, 2008, at Mary Futch's Home

December 13, 2008, has been chosen for a get-together (soiree', meeting, etc.) at Mary Futch's. The time is 5:00 PM or thereabouts.  The format is as usual. Bring a covered dish, and if you desire an adult beverage, bring that also.  You may come early, if you wish to help with the setup.

There is a change this time, however. So that Mary is not left with tons of food to package, store and eventually dispose of, we ask that you take home with you any part of your covered dish delight that is not eaten by the end of the night.

Be prepared to participate in preliminary discussions concerning our 50th class reunion, which is tentatively scheduled for October 23 and 24, 2009.

Ferrin Hicks to Have Heart Surgery

Ferrin HIcks advises that he is is going to have heart surgery on Monday, October 13, 2008. His surgeon has warned him that the surgery is serious. Ferrin asks for your prayers and best wishes. Ferrin treasures the support of his classmate friends.

Irma Cox Holt's Son's Obituary

JAMES "JEFF" HOLT, 43 District Mangager LAKELAND - James "Jeff" Holt, 43, began his new journey on Oct. 1, 2008.  Mr. Holt was born in Fairbanks, Alaska on February 24, 1965 and was a district manager in the restaurant industry.   Mr. Holt is survived by two sons, Adam and Ashtyn Holt; parents, Irma and Benny Holt; sister, Cindy Dominy; several nieces and nephews; his companion Karen Martens and his beloved dog "Goldie".  Visitation will be held Mon., Oct. 6, 5-7 p.m. at Heath Funeral Chapel. Services will be Tues., Oct. 7, 11 a.m. at Heath Funeral Chapel.

James Elbon Wants You to See The Movie RoboDoc

James Elbon reports that the National Lampoon movie on which he was part of the production crew, Robodoc, is coming to 15 theaters throughout Central Florida this Friday, September 26th! The production of this movie has taken about three years. The nearest theater to Lakeland, is in Down Town Disney.

Should you wish to review the first blog entry about this movie and James Elbon, go to Link to earlier blog article.

Link to the movie, RoboDoc

Marge Payne Shares Harrison's Progress With Us

A Note From Marge Payne

Sent August 13, 2008

Hi all, Well, it has been nearly three weeks now that Harrison has been home from the Nursing Home. I am pleased to say that he is making progress and getting around some. He has therapy three times a week - and they are pleased with his progress. This past week our home health care put him on a monitor what they call "Tell a Health". This is a machine that takes all his vital signs once a day and transmits them to a nurse who in return sends a report to home health care. If there seems to be any problems , they call us right away and also calls our doctor. Our doctor gets a read out once a week. With this machine they are hoping to stop the readmissions into the hospital so often. Our home health care only has ten of these machine and we are fortunate that Harrison is a candidate for one of them. He is still on oxygen and it looks like he will be for a while. We continually pray that he will get well enough to get out and about once again.. We thank all for the prayers and concerns that have come our way.

LOL - Marge

Robert Anderson's Brother Dies

OBITUARY

James "Jim" R. Anderson, 69
U.S. Army

LAKELAND - Mr. James "Jim" R. Anderson, age 69, passed away Sunday 08/10/08 from complications associated with pneumonia. Jim was born in Jacksonville, FL 10/15/38 then moving to Lakeland from High Springs in 1948. He served 13 years in the Army serving two tours in Korea and one in Germany then retiring in 1972 as a Captain to work in the private sector. Jim was preceded in death by his father Emory Anderson, mother Willie Mae Anderson, brothers Emory B. Anderson, William Anderson, Donald Anderson, stepbrother Curtis Anderson, sisters Nancy R. Tanner, Agnes Thompson and Eva Norton. He is survived by his sons Keven and Stephen Anderson Lakeland, brother Robert Anderson, Lakeland and 3 grand children Shelby Anderson Lakeland, Kimberly Anderson and John Jones Polk City. A private celebration of Jim's life will be held with family and close friends. Arrangements by Cremation Services of Mid-Florida - Davenport.

Jim was a member of the LHS Class of 1958 and played football for the Dreadnaughts.

Annette Davis's Daughter, Theresa, Involved In Project To Provide Lawn Care To Deployed Troops

Many people are interested in programs that support our military, especially deployed troops. Annette Davis's daughter, Theresa Downing-Shirley, whose husband is deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, is active in promoting GreenCare For The Troops.  A local company, American Lawn Landscape, is currently taking care of Theresa's lawn for her. This company is featured in the news clip video above. If you are in position to support this company with your business, that would help them support the deployed troops. I have posted a link below to American Lawn Landscape Company's website below. American Lawn and Landscaping American Lawn & Landscape Company can be reached at (863) 682-4746 Cub Cadet Commercial, a manufacturer of commercial lawn care equipment, underwrites the GreenCare For The Troops program.  GreenCare For The Troops is a part of Project Evergreen, a national non-profit organization representing green industry service (end-user) providers, associations, suppliers/distributors, media companies and other organizations. Joy Westenberg is the manger and contact for GreenCare For The Troops. Welcome to GreenCare for Troops Website Welcome to Cub Cadet Commercial Website. Please acquaint your lawn care professional with this program. Maybe, he or she will want to become a volunteer. Individuals may also volunteer. You may contact Joy Westenberg and/or Theresa Downing-Shirley for more information. Contacts: Email Joy Westenberg Email Theresa Downing-Shirley

Harrison Payne Improving

This is a short update from Marge Payne with whom I today spoke. Harrison is still in Wedgwood Nursing Home. However, he is doing better and may be able to return home Monday, July 28. Marge does not know whether he will be on oxygen at home. Today, she took the family dog to visit Harrison. Dogs are many times good therapy.

Wayne Beaman's Pancreatic Cancer in Remission

 

Concerning his pancreatic cancer, Wayne says,

"Met with the Dr. on Tuesday, says my cancer seems to be in remission at this time, no more Chemo, but will make monthly visits to the Dr., and 3 months another scan to see what is happening. He says it will never go away that we can only fight it back. Sure was good news."

Update on Harrison Payne from Marge Payne

Just an update on Harrison's progress. I am very pleased to say that Harrison walked a ways down the hall yesterday and did not have any bad breathing spells afterward. The two therapists that are working with him are just wonderful and understand the heart and lung problems. Praise the Lord for our progress. He still has the oxygen on most of the time and and is now taking breathing treatments. With this progress I see him coming home in a while. Thanks again for all the prayers that have come our way. LOL

Marge

Harrison Payne Rehabilitating At Wedgewood Nurnsing Home

 

Classmates sent their best wishes to Harrison and Marge.

The following is a note from Harrison's wife, Marge.

Sent: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 6:47 am

Just a note to let everyone know that they moved Harrison to Wedgewood Nursing home yesterday. They did not find a blood clot in his lungs (which is good news) - there are some kidney problems and he is still having trouble breathing when he gets up and moves a little. I do not see much difference now than before he was admitted to the hospital. His back pain is very bad because he is not able to move around much (there is not much they can do about this as he has had it for a long time.) I pray that he will soon be back home here with me and Molly. Thanks for all the prayers that have been send his way.

Marge

Tommy Chancey Hospitalized

 

Ferrin Hicks has alerted me to the fact that Tommy Chancy is in room 521 of Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He is suffering from complications of diverticulitis, a common digestive disease particularly found in the large intestine. Tommy is waiting for a room to open in a nursing home.

Ferrin has asked that we use this blog to ask for prayers for Tommy.

Bonita Taylor McKinsey and Sonny McKinsey Celebrate 49 Years of Marriage

 

Today, June 18, 2008, Bonita Taylor McKinsey and Sonny McKinsey celebrate 49 years of marriage. They have 4 daughters, 1 son, 13 grandchildren, with 2 great grandchildren on the way. Congratulations to Bonita and Sonny.

Margaret Clements Strang Dies Unexpectedly

 

Margaret "Maggie" Strang MARGARET "MAGGIE" STRANG, 66 Educator NORTH REDINGTON BEACH - Margaret Clements "Maggie" Strang, 66, of North Redington Beach, passed away suddenly at home June 14, 2008. A loving mother and grandmother, Maggie was born in Lakeland, Florida on October 1, 1941, and was a graduate of Lakeland High School and Converse College. Maggie was an educator in North Carolina, a model and fashion buyer in Lakeland, and a Realtor. After raising her devoted daughters, she was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of living at the beach. Maggie was predeceased by her father, Ray Clements, former tax collector of Polk County, and her mother, Margaret Clements. She is survived by her daughters Margaret Taylor Courtney (Patrick) and Courtney Clements Hoening (Eric), all of Tampa, her grandchildren Margaret Grace Courtney and William Charles Hoening, her sister Patricia Lasher of Scotts Valley, California and her brother Ray Clements Jr. of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Maggie always had a sparkle in her eye and will be deeply missed by those who knew her. "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, what a ride!'" In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in her name. A private beachside service will be held. Taylor Family Funeral Home (727) 545-9858. Published in the Ledger from 6/18/2008 - 6/19/2008.

Reunion Surprise From Roger Sherman, Irene Von VonDrasek, and Beatty Raymond

Roger, Irene and Beatty have been working on a 50th reunion surprise for the class.  They are ready to reveal their surprise.  It is the site www.lhs59reunions.bravehost.com.  They are ready to start adding photos and materials from classmates on the special Reunions site.  They ask that if you have any photos or materials from any of the reunions listed in www.lhs59reunions.bravehost.com, to please share with them.

Materials can be sent to me at castlemore@aol.com.

Roger, Irene and Beatty thank you for your cooperation, and they hope you enjoy their work.

CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF GEORGE KISTNER

CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF GEORGE KISTNER memorial service will be Saturday, May 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the F.O.P. Lodge, 125 West Brannen Road, Lakeland. After the services, the lodge is having a barbeque lunch, which will be $10 per person. Anyone wishing to attend should RSVP to 534-4670 (Bartow).

We Have Learned That Gene Hammack Has Been Deceased For Some Time Now

 

Betty Toy has advised me that Gene Hammack died a year or two ago.  She does not remember for sure.

George Kistner Passes Away

 

I have learned that George Kistner passed away yesterday afternoon, May 1, 2008. I understand that George had been suffering from pancreatic and liver cancer. George was a Lakeland police officer, and after he retired, he became a bailiff for the Polk County Court System. About two years ago, George retired from the Polk County Court System, and he and his wife, Sherri, moved to North Carolina.

James Elbon On Production Crew of National Lampoon Movie, ROBODOC

James Elbon worked as part of the production crew on a National Lampoon movie in 2006. The name of the movie is ROBODOC. "Sleazy lawyers and heartless insurance companies are hilariously spoofed in this medical comedy film...."

Link to the movie, RoboDoc

George Kistner Critically Ill -- A Personal Note From Sherri Kistner, George's Wife

 

This is an update to everyone. The nurse has been here today and told me that it is not going to be too much longer for George. It seems that he is on the last leg of his journey here on this earth. He responds very little when spoken to and eats nothing. It will probably be this week or at the most next week. He is still using his oxygen some, but does not even know if it is on most of the time. We are using liquid pain medicine to relieve his pain (which he does not even complain about anymore). For all of you who has spoken kind thoughts and prayers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart which is breaking now for him. I know that it is better for him to let him go. My wish is that you pray that I may be strong enough to do so when the time is upon us.

love and thankfulness to all of you,
Sherri

George and Sherri reside at:
  329 Camelot Estate Road
  Franklin, NC 28734
  Telephone Number: 828 524 9818
  Sherri Kistner's Email: tweetykistner@hotmail.com<

Goodbye, Miss Haley

“The bell has rung, Class dismissed. Anchors aweigh.’’

Smooth sailing, Miss Haley

Hazel Haley Dead at 91

Many, many of us are saddened by this news.  The links to The Ledger article and Miss Haley's guest book are below.


Hazel Haley Dies

View CBS News video interview with Hazel Haley during her last year of teaching.


Hazel Haley's Funeral Service Set for Monday


Sign The Ledger Guest Book For Hazel Haley

50th Class Reunion -- October 23 and 24, 2009

The response to the survey form was underwhelming.  None-the-less, the opinions of those that did respond favor the weekend of October 23 and 24, 2009.  So, put this on your calendar now.

Butch and Susie Moody Move Into New Home

 

Butch and Susie Moody have moved into their new home.
Their address is:
2855 Blackwater Oaks Drive
Mulberry, FL 33860

P. O. Box 1139
Mulberry, FL 33860-1139

863-425-9639 (Office/Shop Phone)
863-425-9642 (Home Phone)
863-425-9645 (Fax)

Here are a few photos of their new home. Congratulations Butch and Susie.

Tennis Match of The Century Will Not Happen

Larry Hale has thrown down the tennis gauntlet, and Rodney James has answered.  However, there is trouble in paradise.  Larry reports that Dave Beerman will not leave retirement to play this match.  Many of us were looking forward to attending this showdown – TOO BAD

Pre-Spring Social at Mary Futch's Lakeside Home

The LHS Class of 1959 held its pre-Spring soiree on the evening of March 8, 2008. The setting was the beautiful lakeside home of Mary Futch. Many thanks, Mary. In the photographs below, I have attempted to show everyone that attended. However, I forgot to have anyone take my(Allan Davis's) photo.

The center photo above shows beautiful Lake Lester, a private lake upon which Mary Futch lives. Those of you who have never been to Mary's home have missed a really beautiful experience.

The photo at the upper left features, from the left, Bobby Davidson, Barry Sears, and Ferrin Hicks. In the background, you can see Annette Davis (green sweater) and way off to the far right is Charlie Page.

The photo in the upper right features, in the foreground, Barry Sears and his friend, Stacy Bean. In the background are Roger Sherman and Charlie Page.

The photo in the lower left shows Charlie Page lecturing, or so it appears, to Roger Sherman.

The photo in the lower right shows Charlotte Goodman Key and her husband, O. B. Key.

 

The center photo is another view of beautiful Lake Lester from Mary's backyard.

The photo on the upper left features Annette Davis.

The photo on the upper right features Charlie and Nancy Page in the foreground. In the background are Barry Sears's friend, Stacy Bean, and Ferrin Hicks.

The photo in the lower left is of Jack Walker. Jack and his wife, Liz, were in town with their recreational vehicle, and Jack decided to come to the party.

Ferrin Hicks and his friend, Lilly, grace the photo in the lower right.

The photo in the upper left proves the presence of James Edwards.

The photo in the upper right shows, in the foreground, Jimmy Musso and Barry Sears chatting. In the mid-ground, Annette Davis (green sweater) is chatting with Paul Tindle, and Alice Musso is serving up some chow. In the background, Bobby Anderson is telling Charlie Page a tale.

The photo on the lower left shows, in the foreground, Paul Tindle and Beverly Mills Tindle. Ferrin Hicks's friend, Lilly, is also prominent in this photo. In the background, Charlotte Goodman Key is talking with Annette Davis.

The photo on the lower right Carl Hawkins chatting with Annette Davis.

 

The photo in the center is of Alice Musso.

The upper left photo, from left to right, features Carol Hawkins, Carl Hawkins, Annette Davis, and Betty Toy.

The photo in the upper right, on the near side of the table, features Shirley Scarbough DeFoor (in red). On the far side of the table, from left to right, are Margery and Harrison Payne, Jan Lyons, Bobby Davidson (standing), and Roger Sherman.

The photo on the lower left, from left to right, features Beverly Mills Tindle, Carl Hawkins, Nancy Page, and Lilly (Ferrin's friend).

The final photo, on the lower right, shows, the backs of Shirley Scarborough DeFoor, Beverly Mills Tindle, and Paul Tindle. On the far side of the table, from left to right, are Margery and Harrison Payne, Jan Lyons, Bobby Davidson (standing), and Roger Sherman.

Rodney James Answers Larry Hale's Tennis Challenge

[Quote from Rodney James]

"I talked to Lax Taylor yesterday, March 1st concerning the proposal put forth by Larry Hale involving a tennis match between the old geezers from the 59 era. Lex remembered the singles match played for the county championship between himself and our own  Larry Hale back in 1959. Lex was a graduate of Bartow High School and though he admits Larry got the win in that event, he said that Larry was lucky. He would like to face him again. Lex went on to the University of Florida and is now a practicing attorney here in Lakeland. He is a friend of our own Jimmy Musso. I first met Lex during one of my visits to Fat Jacks to enjoy their cheap two egg special for breakfast. Lex, Jimmy and I have that in common we love cheap value breakfast deals and Fat Jacks fills the bill. l think it would be fun to play a tennis match against Larry and Dave Beerman.  Hope it works out."

[Unquote]

Larry Hale Throws Down Tennis Gauntlet

Larry Hale has thrown down the tennis gauntlet. He is going to beseech upon Dave Beerman, Beerman Family Tennis Center, to join him in a men's doubles match, challenging Rodney James and his current men's doubles partner, Lex Taylor, in a doubles tennis dual. Losers buy beer, I guess. Larry proposes the week of April 8 through April 11 for this showdown of tennis titans.
Larry has provided a little history, saying that, in the 1959 Polk County High School Singles Championship, he defeated Lex Taylor. We have no reason to doubt his story. As of this writing, I know very little about Lex Taylor, such as where he went to school? Is he a 1959 graduate?
We will use the website blog to keep everyone updated.

Rodney James Wins Gold In Senior Olympics

Rodney James has again this year participated in the Senior Olympic Games, winning two gold medals in tennis. His partner for mixed doubles was Wanda Crocker, and his partner for men's doubles was Lex Taylor. Congratulations to Rodney and his partners.
In past years he has had similar success in the Senior Olympics, winning medals in tennis, the javelin and shot putt. In past years, his mixed doubles partner was Josie Womble, wife of our very own George Womble. They won one gold medal and two silvers by combining their talents.
Photographs may be available later, if the Senior Olympics officials are willing to share.

Dave Amsler and His Wife, Susan, Visit Lakeland

 

Lunch at Olive Garden
From left: Reed Robinson (Jimmy Musso's friend), Jimmy Musso, Rodney James, Susan Amsler, Dave Amsler.  The photo shows Susan and David.

David and Susan stopped through Lakeland on their way to visit Tommy and DeLinda Kennington.  Reed, Jimmy, and Rodney met them for lunch.

Dr. Richard (Rickey) Schneider and His Wife, Molly, Visit Lakeland

 

Dr. Richard (Rickey) Schneider and his wife, Molly, recently visited Lakeland. Dr. Schneider has been practicing gastroenterology and teaching gastroenterology to young medical students at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee for many years.

Rickey is the male with the trim waistline (3rd from left) in the photo. From left to right are Rodney James, Mollie James, Rickey Schneider, and Molly Schneider. The two dogs are half brothers and are Miniature Maltese. Rodney is holding Josh (belongs to Allan and Annette Davis) and Mollie is holding Percy (belongs to Rodney and Mollie).

More On The Fire That Destroyed Hugh Turbeville's Art Collection And Army/Navy Business

The Ledger has published yet another article about Hugh Turbeville's art collection, which was lost to fire. Not only did this fire destroy Hugh's 38 years of collecting valuable art, it also devastated wildlife artist, Robert Butler, because the loss represents 25% of his life's work. If you would like to read more, please follow the link below.

More On Devastating Loss of Hugh Turbeville's Art Collection

James Elbon's Movie Career

A number of classmates have asked about James Elbon's role in movie making. So, I asked him. He has held several job titles such as assistant producer, art assistant, videograhpher, and some duties related to sound. The most enjoyable so far, according to James, is art assistant. This entails preparing the various scenes for shooting. James's newest endeavor is a horror film called Zombotomy. Here is a link to the auditions website for this production. Zombotomy

If you google "James Elbon" (with quotation marks) you will find all sorts of information.

If you aspire to be the next Tom Hanks or Julia Roberts, James may have just the contact to launch your career on its way to stardom.

LHS Classmate's Lakeland Business and Art Collection Lost in Fire

 

 A fire this afternoon, February 10, 2008, destroyed the building housing LHS classmate Hugh Turbeville's Army/Navy store. Also lost in the fire was Hugh's extensive collection of art. Those of you who attended the Friday night session of the last class reunion at Hugh's Garden Club building will remember seeing these wonderful art pieces. No lives were lost and no one was injured; however, the loss of this art collection is a genuine tragedy

If you wish to read the article in The Ledger, please follow the links below.

Fire Destroys Building in Downtown Lakeland
A Second Article on Fire

Butch & Sue Moody Buy New Home in Blackwater Oaks

On a happier note than the previous blog article, Butch and Sue Moody have bought a new home in a development called Blackwater Oaks.  It is between Lakeland and Mulberry, but closer to Mulberry and near Sheppard Road.  I will post more details when they are available.

Butch and Sue need to sell their home, which is located just off US-98 South in Lakeland, so if you know of anyone looking, please let Butch and Sue know.

LHS Class of 1959 Goes High-Tech

The LHS Class of 1959 has gone more high-tech.  To facilitate communication with classmates, who do not have Internet access or use email, we have enlisted the services of www.callemall.com.  This website will accept and store a calling list in several formats, one being Excel.  The list must contain the 10-digit phone number in the first column and the recipient’s name in the second column.  The user or customer can then call a toll-free number and record the message to be broadcast.  The message can be sent immediately or scheduled for a future time and date.

We recently used www.callemall.com in an attempt to notify 66 local classmates of the upcoming class get together at Mary Futch’s home on March 8, 2008.  Fifty-nine of the calls were successful in that either someone answered the phone or an answering machine recorded the message.  We identified two invalid numbers, one for Jim Arnold and one for Martha Jo Bridges Chambers.  The system was unable to call Rose Varnadore Makos, for some reason.  There were three no-answers (Judy Taylor McDaniel, Betty Jean Kennedy Bettag, and Lana Turner Mahoney) after four attempts (system limit), and Yvonne Johnson’s phone was busy during all four attempts.

Since the calling list is stored at www.callemall.com, future notifications to these persons will take less than one minute, and the list can be edited online, if necessary.

Announcing The Next Class Get Together

The LHS Class of 1959 will have a Pre-Spring soiree' at Mary Futch's beautiful lakeside home on Saturday, March 8, 2008. The format will be the usual covered dish and bring your own adult beverage. Plan to arrive about 5:00 PM. If you would like to come 30 to 45 minutes early and help set up the tables and apply the table cloths, that would be great.

We plan to have very preliminary discussions about a 2009 class reunion. Probably, about all we accomplish this early in the game is to establish a time line for beginning and ending the various tasks necessary for a successful reunion.

On January 24, 1959 - Buddy Holly's Death

On this day in 1959, Buddy Holly was killed. For more information, follow the link below.

Read More On Buddy Holly's Untimely Death.

Ronald Jones, LHS Class of 1957, Obituary

Ronald A. Jones
RONALD A. JONES, 67 Deloitte and Touche MIAMI - Ronald A. Jones, a resident of Pinecrest (Miami), FL passed away on January 8, 2008 after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 46 long, loving, magnificent years, Brenda Robison Jones, his two children, Scott Jones (Meg) and Brooke Knapp (Clark), four beautiful grandchildren, Courtney, Chelsea, Sloane and Reese, and his brother and sister, Guerry Jones and Karen Jones. Ron is a native of Lakeland, FL. He was known in high-school as "Hoops" and was the starting point guard of the state champion 1957 Lakeland Dreadnaught basketball team. Ron was a self-made success story simultaneously putting himself through college, working, and raising a young family. At the age of 62, he retired as a Partner with Deloitte and Touche where he enjoyed a 35-year long career ... a career and a firm that he loved, and that loved him back. He loved his work so much that he stayed on as a consultant for Deloitte after retirement and worked as much as he could to the very end. Ron loved to read, watch Gator football, do crossword puzzles, listen to rock music, drink good wine, and play golf with his lifelong friends (of which he had many). He was a fearsome Trivial Pursuit player who, once he got his turn, it was all but certain that no one else would get a turn, as he didn't miss. If there was one word most often used to describe Ron by anyone who knew him it was "selfless". His unconditionally loving spirit will be missed greatly, but he leaves his family strong and determined to love and support one another. Services will be held Friday, January 11, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint David's Episcopal Church, 145 East Edgewood Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33803 (Phone: 863-686-4143), followed by a "Celebration of a Life Well-Lived" at the home of his brother, Guerry. In lieu of flowers, those who wish can make a contribution to the Ronald A. Jones Children's Memorial Fund, the proceeds of which will go to St. Jude's Children's Research Fund.  Following is a link to Ronnie's guestbook, hosted by The Ledger http://www.legacy.com/theledger/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestBook&PersonID=100983509