Sunday, December 22, 2013

Dr. Albert Eskenazi, Jane McGauley Eskenazi's Husband Passes Away

Dr. Albert Eskenazi

Dr. Albert Eskenazi, a prominent Polk County Psychologist and a former director of the Peace River Center, who ran a private psychology practice in Lakeland for more than 25 years, died Saturday, December 14, 2013. He was 86.  Dr. Eskenazi was married to our own Jane McGauley Eskenazi.  Here is a LINK to his obituary, which details the accomplishments in his life. 

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Helen Perdicaris Eady - Bone Marrow Transplant Update

Roger Sherman has chatted with Helen on the phone.  Her transplant went well, and she is in good spirits.  We all must pray and hope that the next 90 days of recuperation passes without complications.

LHS Class of 1959 Christmas Party - 2013

On the evening of December 7th, Pearl Harbor Day, our class gathered at the beautiful and tranquil home of Mary Futch, on Lake Lester, a private lake.  There were 29 attendees by my corrected count.  Here is an image of the attendance PDF.



For this party, I made a video, not still photographs.  Here is a LINK to that video on YouTube.

Enjoy!



 


Friday, December 13, 2013

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady - December 13, 2013

Today, Friday, December 13, 2013, Helen is undergoing a bone marrow transplant at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.  Helen must be hospitalized at Moffitt for 30 days.  The following 60 days must be spent within 15 minutes of Moffitt.  Finally, the following two years will require monitoring at Watson Clinic in Lakeland.  Let's pray for a recovery without complications.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Shirley Arnold McKinley's Husband, Paul, Passes Away

Shirley Arnold McKinley's husband, Paul McKinley, passed away on October 18, 2013, one day before the passing of her brother, Jimmy Arnold.  Here is a LINK  to Paul's obituary.  This is a genuine tragedy to lose two family members on consecutive days.  I am certain that Shirley's classmates offer her their prayer and positive thoughts.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Jimmy Arnold Passes Away

Jimmy Arnold
Jimmy Arnold has passed away at the age of 75 from complications of cancer.  Jimmy's sister, Shirley Arnold, was also in our class.  Jimmy's name does not appear in our graduation bulletin, but Shirley's name does.  I have no explanation for why Jimmy was three years older than most of the rest of us in high school.  I believe his age prevented him from participating in any high school sports.  You may read Jimmy's obituary in The Ledger.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Class Party at Mary Futch's Home, September 28, 2013

Below is a slide show of the party (speakers on - there is background music).  Some attendees do not show up in these photos.  I have some video, which I will work on as time permits.


The first slide shows tables of food.  The second shows Lew Rice, his wife Shirley, Charlie Page, and a partial of Roger Kenny, Roger Sherman's friend.  The third shows all of Roger Kenny, Roger Sherman, Shirley Rice, Charlie Page, and others beyond.  The fourth shows Sue Moody, Alice Musso, and Jimmy Musso.  The fifth shows Jimmy Musso, James Edwards, and others beyond.  The sixth shows Betty Toy and Annette Davis.  The seventh shows Barbara Graddy and Jane McGauley Eskenazi.  The eighth shows Barbara Graddy.  The ninth shows Ralph Waller, Jim Malone, Allan Davis, Bill Johnson, and Carolyn Bayhan.  The tenth shows Ralph Waller and Jim Malone.  The eleventh shows Betty Toy.  The twelfth shows Roger Sherman, the back of Annette Davis's head, Dave Bayhan, and James Edwards.  The thirteenth shows the back of Mary Futch's head, Bill Johnson, Bobby Anderson, and Barbara Graddy in the distance.  The fourteenth is Allan and Annette Davis

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Jack Peddy, Beverly Boswell Peddy's Husband, Has Passed Away

Beverly Boswell Peddy

Jack Peddy, husband to our own Beverly Boswell, passed away on September 24, 2013, of cancer in the Concord, NC area, where he and Beverly have a home.  The Ledger has a very brief obituary.

I am certain that Beverly's classmates send their prayers and best wishes.

Lee Brayton Passes Away in Lakeland

Lee Brayton
Lee Brayton, twin of Len Brayton, has passed away in Lakeland on September 23, 2013, of respiratory failure.  The Ledger has a very brief obituary.  Lee's photo has been added to our class "In Memoriam"  page

This photo came from the 1957 Highlander, which is the last evidence of Lee's presence.  His twin, Len, graduated with the class in 1959.

Ruby Lewis Helps George Jenkins HS Win 1st Place in 5K Race

Ruby Lewis and four other girls from George Jenkins High School teamed up to win 1st place in the 5 kilometer race, about 3.1 miles.  Congratulations to Ruby.  For more information, read the article in The Ledger.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Rosemary Futch's Mother in Serious Condition

Rosemary Futch's mother has fallen and hit her head.  The injury sounds like a subdural hematoma. This injury is resulting in the Leon and Rosemary having to postpone their trip to California to pick take possession of Leon's new service dog.  Rosemary asks for your prayers.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady August 27, 2013

Charlyene Steele again has heard from John Eady, Helen's husband.  Helen had to go back in hospital Saturday. She had another bout of low blood pressure (hypotension) and she fell again. She is doing well in hospital, and we don't know when she will come home.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Update On Helen Perdicaris Eady - August 20, 2013



Helen went in the Hospital last Tuesday for her second "Consolidation": Chemo treatment.  Everything went well and she was to be released Sunday; however she was getting dizzy when she stood up from a sitting or laying position and the doctor wanted her to stay in the hospital for some test to determine the cause of her getting dizzy.  Monday she was to come home but she still had the dizzy spells. So, the docs ordered a cat scan for additional test.

This morning I went to bring her home, however the problem still exist, so they have another test being performed today.  All her blood work is good and all indications are normal however the problem is still there.  It may just be the reaction to the Chemo and she has to work through it.  I hope she will be released tomorrow.

Her third and last "Consolidation" treatment is scheduled in 3 or 4 weeks unless Moffitt calls to start treatment for a transplant.  Thank you for your continued prayers and good wishes.


John Eady

Monday, August 12, 2013

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady - August 12, 2013

Charlyne Steele furnished to me this report, after she spoke with John Eady.

Helen has had her required consultation with Moffitt Cancer Center.  She is in acceptable condition for a bone marrow transplant.  It has been determined that her brother is not an acceptable donor.

The criteria for bone marrow matching is based on human leukocyte antigens (HLAs).  These antigens are designated by HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1 & HLA-DQ.  Six of eight of these antigens must be a match for the bone marrow transplant to proceed.

After and acceptable donor is found, and the transplant is performed, Helen must be hospitalized at Moffitt for 30 days.  The following 60 days must be spent within 15 minutes of Moffitt.  Finally, the following two years will require monitoring at Watson Clinic in Lakeland.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady

Charlyne Steele is going to be the contact point with John Eady from this point forward.  This way, John will only have to give the updated status to one person.  Charlyne wil relay the information to me and I will post it.

Recently, while at home, Helen had a hypertension scare and was again hospitalized in Lakeland.  That is now under control, her blood panel is acceptable at this point, and she is enjoying some more time at home, even though she is weak.

On August 9, 2013, she will have a consultation at Moffitt Cancer Center to further explore a bone marrow transplant.  Nothing more will be known until then.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

USAF 7 Summits Team Wrap-Up By Nick Gibson

Nick Gibson, son of Gordon and Jean Gibson, wrote an interesting wrap-up of the team's experiences while climbing Mt. Everest.  You may read his wrap-up at Nick Gibson's wrap-up.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Paul Schiff and Beatty Raymond (Photo)

Beatty Raymond & Paul Schiff

Paul Schiff submitted this photo of Beatty and him at his home in Guilford, CT.  Don't they look great?

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Latest Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady From Her Husband

Helen got to come home from the hospital for seven days. She enjoyed just being home and didn't want to go anywhere. She was still weak and not up to her normal standards and desires.

She entered the Lakeland Hospital this morning for 7 more days of treatment and test. If everything goes well she will then be referred to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for Bone Marrow Transplant.

Her phone number at the hospital remains the same except her room number is B668.  Remember, no fresh flowers,fruit or vegetables. Also remember she is listed as Sara Eady.

Thanks to all who called and visited her and especially those of you who stayed overnight with her. During this last seven days any one with the time and desire to spend the night with her, your help would be appreciated.

God continues to let his love and blessings flow.

The Eady Family

Friday, July 5, 2013

Latest update: Awesome News! Helen Perdicaris Eady remains in remission

Joyous news today! Mom’s leukemia remains in remission and clear of cancer!

She was supposed to get the news on Monday July 9th at her scheduled doctor appmt then (2nd marrow biopsy following the initial chemo phase to see if the cancer has stayed gone, and a more telling indicator than the first encouraging test) but Dr. Vugman caught her at the clinic this morning when she had to show up for blood work and decided not to delay the good news of biopsy report any further and also not waiting for today’s blood work results confident that those should also reveal good result. The doctor was tickled to tell her and Dad.

Now she doesn’t have to go through another 30 days in the hospital. Instead on course with best prognosis, she will start just 7 days in the hospital for 3 chemo treatments to polish off anything that might be left.
She doesn’t have to go for the Monday office visit. Just show up for hospital admission on Tuesday for shorter follow-up chemo. The doctor already has set up arrangements for her to be admitted to Moffit in Tampa and get set-up with plans for a bone marrow transplant.

Mom suddenly became very tired yesterday and her feet continue to swell. Appetite is OK. Too overjoyed to even tell the doctor about those things today with the good news. This was after her mammogram on Wednesday showed no breast cancer (last week a knot suddenly appeared on her chest) and this had been an additional worry.

Spirits very high. We are overjoyed and thankful to the Lord for this wonderful news. The best report we could have at this time. Mom is very encouraged to move on with the fight next week and continuing with high hopes. Mom said OK to tell everybody.

Praise the Lord!!!!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady From the Eady's Son, Sean

Helen is home from the hospital for seven days, hallelujah!  She is comfortable and well, all test results look good today.  She has doctor’s appointments Friday and Monday.  Tuesday is back to the hospital for either a week or a month, depending on biopsy results.  Please keep praying for remission to continue!

God bless,

Shawn

Monday, July 1, 2013

Leon Futch Getting New Hearing Service Dog in Rosemary's Own Words

Leon Futch lost his Service Dog (Dyna) last September due to cancer. His Hearing Dog alerted him to all kinds of sounds that he had a hard time hearing with his hearing disability. She would alert him to his cell phone ringing,doorbell,smoke alarms-if someone would call his name and he couldn't hear it and many other sounds. It was devastating for him, when he lost her. He has re-applied with Rosemary his wife's encouragement and he has been accepted to receive another dog from Canine Companions for Independence. He will receive this dog sometime soon-since she is receiving advanced training in Santa Rosa,Calif. currently to fit Leon's needs.Then Leon and Rosemary will make the trip to Santa Rosa,Calif to pick the dog up. These dogs are amazing and go through two years of training to be able to do what they do for someone that has a disability.Leon has a hearing loss due to many years of being a State of Florida Water Well Contractor and working with his big rigs and high pressure air.This time when we go-we are going to enjoy touring the Sonoma Wine Country .
This update is provided by Rosemary Futch

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Another Update on Helen Perdicaris Eady in Her Husband's Own Words


Helen has now been in the hospital 25 days and has progressed wonderfully. She has received all the required shots to promote white cell growth. Her white blood cell count is good. She is still on an IV which is to help flush out the Chemo in her system. Her Kidney's were of concern, however her test has improved and they think it was due to all the medication she was on.Helen has now lost her hair and looks beautiful in head wear.

She is still on anti-biotics and is weak. Her appitite has improved and she looks better every day. She is scheduled for another Bone Marrow Byopsy tommorow {Monday) and if her test come back favorable she may be able to come home. What a blessing that would be!!! She is ready to see the outdoors and enjoy some sunshine and scenery other than the hospital room.  I hope my next update will include her being home and on her way to recovery.

We still need your prayers.

God bless you all.

John

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Bob and Lucille Davidson Will Celebrate 50th


 
Bob and Lucille Davidson

In Bob's own words -

"Just a note to let you know that on July 5th Lucille and I will celebrate 50 years of marriage.

God Bless, Bob Davidson"

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Beth McDonald Davis on Trip Out West

Beth McDonald Davis
Beth Davis sent a photo of herself on a horse in one of our National Parks in Arizona or Utah.  She highly recommends a trip out west.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

James Ferrin Hicks Falls, Breaks Bones



James Ferrin Hicks called.  He wants everyone to know that he is in Lakeland Regional Medical Center again.  He fell in his bedroom.  The damage is all on the right side of his body.  His leg is broken below the knee, his hip is shattered, and his arm is broken near his shoulder.  The general phone number for LRMC is 863-687-1100.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Update on (Sara) Helen Perdicaris Eady

Helen is now 18 days in the Hospital. She had a bone marrow byopsy yesterday and we are awaiting the results to see if she requires more Chemo, hopefully not.  She continues to be in good spirits and fighting this dreadful disease.
 
She still is suffering from hemorrhoids, ulcers in her month brought on by the Chemo treatments and a bruised toe that she bumped on the IV machine going to the bathroom. All these things are slow to healing due to her lack of immune system.
 
Helen has received your cards and well wishes and is most grateful for your outpouring of love and concern.
 
If she does not require any more Chemo, they will build up her system with more blood transfusions, white blood cells, and other treatments to prepare her for a Bone Marrow transplant.
 
She can accept phone calls at 863-687-1200 ask for room B653 and remember ask for Sara Eady. She can also receive your e-mails and Facebook messages. She will be slow to respond because I usually read them to her. Your continued prayers are working, she feels the hand of God on her and in her heart.
 
God bless each of you.
 
John and Helen

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Ruby Lewis Named to All County First Team in Girl's Track

Ruby Lewis is in the middle of the top row
Ruby Lewis, granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis, has been named to the all county first team in girl's track (Girl's All County Track Team).  Her specialty is the 3200 meter (about two miles) race.


Congratulations to Ruby!

Sonny McKinsey and Bonita Tayor McKinsey Celebrate 54 Years of Marriage

Bonita Taylor McKinsey
Bonita reports that she and Sonny are celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary today, June 18, 2013.

Congratulations to them.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Video Interview With Air Force Sgt Nick Gibson About Mt. Everest Climb

Nick Gibson, son of Jean Hodgson Gibson and Gordon Gibson, is one of six team members of USAF 7 Summits Challenge that participated in a recent climbing of Mount Everest.  Many of you may have used links on this blog to follow the progress of this team effort.  The following link is a 5 minute 20 second to a video interview with Sgt. Gibson telling about the adventure.  Fox News Interviews AF Sgt Nick Gibson

Helen Perdicaris Eady Hospitalized With Leukemia

Helen Perdicaris Eady
Helen Perdicaris Eady is in Lakeland Regional Medical Center, room B611, for treatment for an aggressive form of leukemia and will be there for 30 days.  Visits and phone calls are welcomed.  She cannot have fresh flowers, fruit or vegetables because the therapy weakens her immune system.  Helen's husband of more than 50 years, John Eady, can be reached at 863-937-4183.  I am certain all classmates offer prayers and best wishes to Helen and John.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Ruby Lewis Competes in Class 3A, District 7 Track and Field Meet

Ruby Lewis, granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis, participated in the Class 3A, District 7 Track and Field meet on April 18, 2013.  Here are her results:
  • 4 x 800 meter relay - The George Jenkins team finished in first place, with Ruby running the final leg.  This qualifies the team to participate in the upcoming regional meet.
  • In the 1600 meter (.99 miles) race, Ruby placed fourth, which qualifies her to participate in the upcoming regional meet.
  • In the 3200 meter (1.99 miles) race, Ruby placed second, which qualifies her to participate in the upcoming regional meet.
Congratulations to Ruby and to the George Jenkins Girl's Track and Field Team as they progress to the regional meet. 

The regional meet will take place at Tampa Leto on April 24, 2013. The top four places in the regional meet advance to state competition. 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Biographical Information on Jackson Weldon, Spouse of Ellen Mershon Weldon

Jackson Weldon
The link below contains a very interesting read on the life of Jackson Weldon, husband of Ellen Mershon Weldon.

Link to biographical information about Jackson Weldon

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Motorcycle Racers From the Past

Barry Sears submitted this photo that was in the Lakeland Ledger many years past.  Yes it was the Lakeland Ledger back then, now known as The Ledger.  I  wonder who won.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

David Alcorn Passes Away

David Alcorn
David and Judy Alcorn were living in Lilburn, Georgia, according to class records.  David's obituary confirms that Lilburn was his home.  He has been retired for a number of years.  His obituary yields very little information; however, here is the link to it - Link to Obituary.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Ellen Mershon Weldon's Husband Passes Away

Ellen Mershon Weldon
In Ellen's own words, "I have lost the love of my life...Jackson Weldon died Easter Sunday"....Ellen Mershon Weldon class of 59.

The obituary for Jackson P. Weldon can be found at the following link - Obituary.

The LHS Class of 1959 sends its condolences and offer their prayers and best wishes.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Roger Carlton Sherman Costars with William Shatner and Ruth Roman in the Movie - IMPULSE


Roger Carlton Sherman
In Roger's own words.

The 1974 Movie - IMPULSE

I found the first major film, Impulse (Link) , in which I costarred with William Shatner (Link) and Ruth_Roman (Link). Both Bill and Ruth visited in my home and I visited Bill in CA the next year. Here is the movie "Impulse" and if you want to see the 'walk-on' they gave me, it's at the dinner party about minute 27. Plus in the credits, there I am listed as the Art Director. You can see the portrait of the Duke of Wellington hanging over the mantle in Ruths 'home', the same one hanging here today!! I stayed with Jennifer Bishop when I visited Hollywood.


Those were the days.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

USAF Staff Sgt. Nick Gibson Gives Pre-Mt. Everest CBS Interview

In this CBS interview, Staff Sgt Nick Gibson explains the USAF 7 Summits climb of Mt. Everest in Spring 2013.  You may navigate to this interview by using the link below.

Staff Sgt. Nick Gibson's CBS Pre-Mt. Everest Interview

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

USAF Staff Sgt. Nicholas Gibson, Son of Jean & Gordon Gibson

I just want to thank you for supporting Nick in his Everest expedition. He will be sending individual emails when he returns, but in the meantime, if you want to follow their progress, you can go to USAF 7 Summits and click on blogs and then click on voice updates. I'll see if I can attach a nice article that was in our newspaper last week (not sure I know how). They leave from Denver this Friday and start climbing right away. 

 You may refresh your memories and learn more about this endeavor at this link - Staff Sgt. Nicholas Gibson Headed to Top of the World.

Please pray.
 

Jean & Gordon Gibson

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Ed Neel Has Setback With Knee Replacement

Jayne Neel reports that Ed has had to have another surgery due to an infection in his knee replacement.  He will be on an antibiotic for six weeks, during which period he cannot put weight on the leg.  Then, he will have another knee replacement surgery.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Ruby Lewis Has Two First Place Finishes

Ruby Lewis, granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis, achieved two first place finishes in the Polk County Track and Field Championships, and the George Jenkins Girls edged out Kathleen for a team first place.

Ruby ran a leg in the 4 x 800 meter relay, which George Jenkins won, and she finished first in the 3200 meter race, approximately two miles.

The Ledger Article on Polk County Track and Field Championships 

Congratulations to Ruby and her family. 

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Melbourne HS Defeats George Jenkins HS for State Championship in Girl's Soccer

For the second year in a row, Melbourne High School has defeated George Jenkins High School for the state championship in Girl's soccer.  Ruby Lewis, granddaughter of Ronnie and Carolyn Lewis, played on the Jenkins team as a sophomore and had a great deal of playing time in the state championship gameRuby shows great promise for her junior and senior years.  Here is a link to an article about the game in The Ledger George Jenkins - Melbourne Girl's Soccer State Championship.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Tommy Kennington's Mother Passes Away

Mrs. Gladys Garrison
Gladys Flickinger, 94, our own Tommy Kennington's Mother, died of natural causes 1/02/13.  Many of you knew her as your high school typing teacher, office practice teacher or Opti-Misses advisor, and as Mrs. Garrison. Here is a link to her obituary - Mrs. Gladys Flickinger's Obituary.  We send our condolences to Tommy and his family.