Ferrin Hicks In Critical Condition

Ferrin Hicks, through his older sister, Peggy Dorminey, has asked that his classmates be notified that he is in critical condition at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.  Ferrin, on a voice mail, said that last week, he was declared clinically dead; however, he was successfully resuscitated.  For several days, he was in ICU, but as of June 30, he is in wing B, room 413A.  Peggy says that his cardiologist has stated that Ferrin has considerable cardiac disease, complicated by renal insufficiency and diabetes.

Carol Bregler Kinder Passes Away

With sadness, I must report that another of our classmates has passed away.  Carol passed away June 13, 2010, from cardiac failure.  Below is a link to her obituary in The Ledger.
Obituary - Carol Bregler Kinder

Roger Shermans's Trip To England And France

My trip to England went really well.  The weather, instead of what my English friends said, was boiling for most of the visit, and I hadn't packed a single short sleeve shirt.   I ended up buying one in a charity shop in Canterbury and changing there!

I traveled with my friend Dr. Douglas Files (Lt.Col. USAF) who had never been to England although he's been most everywhere else in the world.  Our first stop was the rental car agency at Heathrow.  Douglas had insisted on a manual transmission car, as that is what he has always driven.   What he failed to realize is that the gear shift is on his left in an English car, so there were the occasional grindings of gears.  My job was to occasionally warn "mind the curb".

The day we arrived, we drove to West Sussex for a three day stay with HRH Princess Katarina, Granddaughter of King Alexander of Jugoslavia, and 5x great grandaughter of Queen Victoria -  and about everyone else on a throne of Europe.

Her turn of the century craftsman country house was quite grand and her garden spectacular.   She is recently divorced from Sir Desmond de Silva, QC, who is a war crimes prosecutor for the Hague trials.

The three of us had a great day outing to Brighton where we visited the Royal Pavillion.

We then left for the coast, ending up at Dover at the beginning of the 70th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation.  In addition to the Castle, we visited the secret tunnels carved into the cliffs where the command center for the British troops was housed for WWII.  

The next day, we went to Calais, France for lunch (how cool is that) and  visited the German bunker which was the forward command post at the channel. We also visited the City Hall (Maison de ville) to see the monumental sculpture by Rodin of the "Burghers of Calais"  ...and yes, it is signed.

Then off to Canterbury where we spent a great deal of time at the Cathedral and town centre and also saw an ancient Norman castle ruin.   While in Canterbury we took a day trip to visit Leeds Castle.  A spectacular setting in lush parks.   This is the place where important international meetings are held, specifically the G8 meetings in the past.  The grounds include an aviary, so took a few photos for Roger K. I was pleased to note that our collection at the farm was larger.  We are, however, short a few hundred acres and one castle.

Then off to London, were we stayed in a B&B in Victoria, the section of London just south of Buckingham Palace.  While there we and an appointment with the Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms at the Royal College of Arms and got to see the heraldic records of England from the 13th century, and visited with an heraldic artist doing a grant of arms certificate.   One evening I was able to meet up with my cousin from Massachusetts, Kayla Haveles, who was there for a week after graduating.

While in London we did a day trip to Windsor, visiting the Castle and St. George's Chapel.  I've been a life member of the St. George's Friends for more than 30 years.

I also showed Doug the usual suspects, Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral, St. Paul's, Buckingham Palace etc.   Walked for miles.

The trip home was long and boring, but uneventful.    Will attach a few photos which might help.

Cheers,

Roger

LHS Class of 1959 Vietnam Veterans, Spouses & Siblings

 

A number of our 1959 classmates, spouses or siblings were involved with the Vietnam War, either serving in the war theater or holding down the fort at home.  Below is a short version of their service and sacrifice.

• Barnes, Frank | Class of 1959 | Served during Tet, 1968-1969, around Da Nang & the Cua Viet river area
•  Bird, Donna | Class of 1959 |Donna's husband, Scott Wilson, a U. S. Air Force fighter pilot, was shot down on Thanksgiving Day of 1966.  The remains of Gordon Scott Wilson were returned to the USA in April, 1986. He was interred in the cemetery of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 22 Nov 1986 - twenty years to the day after he lost his life in the service of his country.  Please visit the Virtual Wall web page http://www.virtualwall.org/dw/WilsonGS01a.htm 
• Collier, Ron | Class of 1959 | Served in Viet Nam from June 1967-June 1968 as part of the 21st Reconnaissance Airplane Company - flew the O1G Birddog, a two-place reconnaissance fixed wing aircraft
• Edwards, James | Class of 1959 | Served in Vietnam from January 1966 through December 1969 with the First and Fifth Special Forces Groups.
• Ford, Thomas | Class of 1959 | Now deceased - was most likely in Vietnam with Army Special Forces 
• Gilley, Robert | Class of 1959 | Went to Vietnam with 1st Cavalry in 1965
• Gonzalez, Ralph | Class of 1959 | U. S. Army Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam
• Hodgson, Jean | Class of 1959 | U. S. Air Force Flight Nurse - in and out of Vietnam numerous times from June 1969 to May 1971 
• Huston, Dale | Class of 1962 | Brother of Anne Huston Whalen, class of 1959 - Dale died in Vietnam in 1968.  Please visit the Virtual Wall web page http://www.virtualwall.org/dh/HustonDM01a.htm
• James, Mollie | Class of 1959 | Mollie took care of the family and home front, while Rodney flew over North Vietnam
• James, Rodney |Class of 1959 | U. S. Air Force fighter pilot out of Da Nang AB in Vietnam
• Sheridan, Wayne | Class of 1965 | Brother of Arlene Sheridan, class of 1959 - Charles Wayne Sheridan was a U. S. Navy medical corpsman, attached to a Marine unit in Vietnam 
• Valentine, Daniel | Class of 1959 | U. S. Air Force 1960 through 1980 - Da Nang, Vietnam 1966 

Dolores Elias Degnan's Husband John Passes Away

COLUMBIA, SC - John Degnan, 69, passed away 5/29/10 from cancer.  Please visit link below.
 
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=john-degnan&pid=143214326

Floyd Lay Passes Away

Recently, Floyd Lay, father of Sandra Lay, who is the spouse of our own Bobby Bowden, recently passed away.  Mr. Lay was a very interesting gentlemen, who contributed much to society during his life.  I remember, while in high school, hearing his name mentioned many times.  Below is a link to an article that you might like to read.  http://www.theledger.com/article/20100519/NEWS/5195065?tc=ar

Harrison Payne Not Doing Well

Harrison came out of the SICU Monday evening.  The doctor dischared him today, Wednesday, June 2, 2010.  He is home but very weak. Thank you all for all the prayers that have been sent our way.  Prayer Does Help.

Love - Marge

Harrison took a turn for the worst this morning, May 21, 2010.  He is now in SICU - has a breathing tube in and many IV - has only opened his eyes a few times today.

Marge


Harrison came through the surgery today, May 19, 2010, pretty good. He had three stints put in.  He was having not to good a day today but his heart held up well during surgery. Thank one and all for the prayers sent our way. God is Good.

Love - Marge

Harrison Payne To Have Abdomenal Aneurysm Surgery

Just a note for a prayer request for Harrison. He is scheduled for surgery
on Wednesday to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Thanks to all.
 
Love - Marge Payne

Roger Sherman's Ancestry Project Back To Edward III

I've just got my ancestry project back to Edward III, and as you can see from the photo, we are beginning to look a bit alike. (minus the crown)

Roger Sherman is OFF TO ENGLAND

Off to England.   Volcano permitting, I will be going to England to visit Princess Katarina then the south east coast from Brighton to Dover.  At Dover castle we hope to visit the tunnels in the Dover cliffs which were part of the English defense for WWII, then a day trip to Calais to see the German bunkers.  Both remain exactly as they were at the end of the war.  Then more time in East Anglia around Canterbury, finally back to London for an appointment with a Herald of the Royal College of Arms.  I will be traveling with Lt. Col. Doughlas Files MD, USAF who is a French scholar and while he's traveled a lot in Europe, has never been to the UK, so he gets a tour guide and I get a personal physician!!!  Back by June 1.

Class Party - April 17, 2010

Thirty-six folks, or thereabouts, gathered for the class party at Mary Futch's beautiful lakeside home.  Most were 1959 classmates and spouses.  However, Donovan (Corky Dean, class of 1957, and his wife Mary attended.  The class has sort of adopted Bill and Bea Johnson.  The Mussos brought Franky Flint, and Lamar Hayes came with Leon Futch.  Enjoy the slideshow.

)
List of Party Attendees

Linda Launt Huggins Terminal With Parkinson's Disease

In checking on a returned email, I spoke with Linda's husband, Jim.  He tells me that Linda is in a nursing home home for the duration.  She has Parkinson s Disease and is totally disabled.

A Message From Jane Morris Bay - Hospice of Petaluma

Dear Friends,

Long time no email.  Just want you to know I'm alive and well, and to tell you about an event I'm doing on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 in Petaluma, California (visit link). 
http://lhsclassof59.webatu.com/blogstuff/hospice-petaluma.pdf

Hospice of Petaluma has invited me to participate in their Community Education Series, "Food for Your Mind, Body & Spirit" on Wednesday, May 12, 2010.  (See enclosed flyer).  This free program is one of the ways Hospice of Petaluma thanks their community for the incredible support they receive during the year.  I'm donating copies of LOVE & LOSS - A Story About Life, Death, and Rebirth. 

I'll talk about my relationship with Namgyal and the consequences of her life and death on my life.  When Namgyal died, I could never have imagined that I would be able to come to the end of mourning, celebrating the gifts of grief I have received by loving and losing her.  Following my reading excerpts from LOVE & LOSS, there will be an "interactive discussion" with the audience. 

Namgyal is very much alive in my heart and continues to expand my capacity to love and walk the Bodhisattva Path.

If you're in the neighborhood, please come.

With love & gratitude,

Jane 

Senior Olympics - Rodney James Again Brings Home Gold And Some Silver

In the 2010 Senior Olympics, Rodney James and his partner, Lex Taylor, won SILVER in the Men's Tennis Doubles.  He and his partner, Wanda Crocker, won GOLD in the Tennis Mixed Doubles.  Last but not least, Rodney won SILVER in the javelin throw.

Rodney James

Marie Gursky Iannone's Obituary

The Ledger has published Marie Gursky Iannone's Obituary,  Marie and her husband, John, have frequently socialized with 1959 classmates and friends at our quarterly parties held at the home of Mary Futch.  She passed away on February 23, 2010; she will be missed.

John Goddard & Jack Walker Host All Male BBQ Luncheon

Nineteen male members of the LHS classes of 1956, 1957, and 1959 met on February 24, 2010 for a luncheon BBQ at the home of John Goddard (59).  Co-hosting and grilling hamburgers was Jack Walker.  In attendance were: Bobby Anderson (59), Kenny Cone (57), Bobby Davidson (59), Allan Davis (59), Corky Dean (57), John Goddard (59), Les Grizzard (56), Artie Haer (57), Doug Harwell (59), Tommy Holcomb (57), Rodney James (59), Bill Johnson (guest), Arthur Jones (59), Butch Moody (59), Charlie Page (59), Travis Tate (59), Hugh Turbeville (59), Jack Walker (59), & George Womble (59).

Two burning questions were answered:
     1. The Little League Pitcher was Tommy Holcomb, and the catcher was John Goddard.
     2. The last time Kenny Cone and John Goddard had laid eyes on each other was over 50 years ago at Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany.

A slide show follows:

The Reverend Timothy Herring Publishing New Contact Information

You might wish to peruse these websites. Tim's original website can be found as a link at the bottom of http://lhsclassof59.webatu.com/Directorya.html.

http://www.disneyweddingminister.com (NEW)
http://home.att.net/~revtim5 (Disney venue pictures)
http://home.att.net/~revtim2 (local wedding site pictures)
revtim6288@gmail.com e-mail
Facebook address: Deems Timothy Herring
407-876-6433 8 AM -- 8 PM

Larry Hale Shares A Snow Day

 

Larry Hale shares a snow day in Atlanta.

Class Christmas Party - December 12, 2009

The class got together on Saturday evening, December 12, 2009, for a Christmas party at the home of Mary Futch.  Mary, living on the shore of  Lake Lester, a beautiful private lake, has a ideal setting for a party.  We did not get an exact head count; however, Mary estimates about 60 persons attended.  Ray and Donna Olinger were the only attendees that had a camera, so we are hoping they will share some photos.  The next party will be on Saturday, April 17, 2009.  Mark your calendars now.

George Womble's Brother, Bobby Ray, Passes Away

Bobby Ray Womble, age 74, brother to classmate George Womble has passed away from complications of diabetes.  The LHS Class of 1959 sends its condolences, prayers and thoughts to George and his family.

Link to The Ledger Obituary

Bobby Bowden Shares His 50th Reunion Photos

Bobby Bowden has shared reunion photos from his personal camera.  Here they are in slideshow format. Click on any photo and you will be taken to the photo gallery.

David Bayhan Now Home

David Bayhan has been released from the Lakeland Regional Medical Center, after having surgery to treat a streptococcus infection in an ankle. He is resting at home with an antibiotic IV and a strong pain killer. He will have a nurse come once a day to change the bandage on his ankle. I am sure that all classmates wish Dave a speedy recovery.

David Bayhan Hospitalized

Sue Moody, cousin to David Bayhan's wife, Carolyn, reports that Dave underwent surgery this morning, December 1, 2009, to treat a staphylococcus infection in his ankle. Dave's ankle was severely injured in a motorcycle accident many years ago, and he has undergone extensive surgery in the past. The ankle was stabilized until he had a knee replacement. The knee replacement required the removal of a surgical orthopaedic plate, which was providing stability to the ankle. This reignited problems with the ankle.

Dave is in Lakeland Regional Medical Center. He can use your thoughts and prayers.

1959 Graduation Program In A PDF File

Jimmy Musso had a copy of our 1959 graduation program, which he hung on the bulletin board at Hugh's place during our Friday evening festivities.  Many classmates did not know it was there.  Jan Lyons, after the reunion, took possession of it, at least temporarily.  She made it available to us to be scanned into a portable document file (PDF).

This document answers a question that was asked many times during the reunion.  How many classmates actually graduated with our class on Monday, June 8, 1959?  The answer is 370.  Did you remember that Albert R. Liggett was our third and last principal?  Did you remember that Cornelia Anne Bryant was valedictorian?  Did you remember that George Talvin Coward was salutatorian?  Cornelia and George, can you produce copies of your respective speeches for posting on the class blog?

See the graduation program

50th Reunion Slideshow, October 23, 24, and 25

This is a slideshow of photographs taken by me, Allan Davis, at the 50th reunion festivities.  I walked around shooting at random, so if I missed you, please forgive me.  Some were taken Friday, some were taken Saturday, and some were taken Sunday.  Enjoy!

50th Class Reunion Program For Saturday Evening, October 24, 2009

 I have made a PDF copy of our reunion program for Saturday evening, October 24, 2009, available on the link below.  We have had a couple of requests for this document.  Rather than getting into snail-mailing, we will afford classmates the opportunity to download it and print it for themselves.

http://lhsclassof59.webatu.com/reunion-program.pdf

Bobby Surgeon Suffering From Squamous Cell Carcinoma

 Bobby is reportedly suffering from metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, which has spread from his legs into his throat.  The cancer apparently is encroaching upon his ascending aorta.  We wish Bobby a full recovery.  He has had surgery and is undergoing further treatment at Broward General Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  The address is 1600 South Andrews Ave, 33316.  The phone number is 954-355-4400.

Maxie Benton Passes Away

Sadly, I must report that Maxie Benton has passed away from
complications following lung surgery. Our prayers and thoughts are
with Mary, his wife, and the rest of his family. The following link is to Maxie's obituary as published in The Ledger - http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theledger/obituary.aspx?n=maxie-wayne-benton&pid=135393370.

Two Of Our Couples Have Been Married Over 50 Years

 

 

Both John & Helen (Perdicaris) Eady and Sonny and Bonita (Taylor) McKinsey have been married over 50 years.  John & Helen claim the record with 52 years of marital bliss as of June 8, 2009.  As of June 18, 2009, Sonny & Bonita had logged 50 years.  Congratulations to them both.

Maxie Benton Hospitalized In Intensive Care

Betty Jean Bettag, sister-in-law to Maxie Benton, has asked that we announce that Maxie is in Lakeland General Hospital in intensive care.  Maxie is suffering from complications following lung surgery.  Betty has asked that Maxie, his wife Mary, and the entire family be put on your prayer lists.

50th Reunion Featured Door Prizes By Robert Harper & Roger Sherman

One featured door prize that will be given away at our 50th reunion is being donated by Robert Harper.  It is one of many paintings that Robert has rendered.  The name of the painting is My Paradise.  An Image of this painting is shown below.

The painting will be professionally framed; it will be a genuine first class treasure.  Please visit Robert Harper's website at Robert's Art Website and enjoy his many wonderful renderings.

Roger Sherman is donating all other door prizes.  He is preparing one limited-edition Reunion Book as a door prize.  The one-of-a-kind Reunion Book has some very special surprises, which Roger has not divulged, even to me.  The winner of this book will be asked to surrender his or her regular Reunion Book.

Your Complete Guide To 50th Reunion Activities and Agenda

The links below will take you to the same document (two formats) that was emailed to classmates.  This document should answer many questions that you may have.  These files are rather large; be patient.  You may wish to right-click on the links and choose "save as" to save them to your desktop before trying to open them.

PDF Link
Microsoft Word Link

Olin Hill's Younger Brother, John Tyler, Passes Away

Olin Hill's younger brother, John Tyler Hill, has passed away in Ft. Myers, Florida at the age of 65.  Please visit the link below

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theledger/obituary.aspx?n=john-tyler-hill&pid=133928534

George Clark's Wife, Coral, In Nursing Home

Ronnie (Hot Dog) Lewis reports that George Clark's wife, Coral, is in Wedgewood Nursing Home in Lakeland.  I do not know the nature of her illness.  George can be reached at (863) 858-5433.

Obituary For Arthur Wayne Beaman

 The Ledger has published the obituary for Wayne Beaman. The Orlando Sentinel has also published it. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Collison Family Funeral Home, 3806 Howell branch Road, Winter Park.

Link To The Ledger Obituary - Wayne Beaman

Link to Orlando Sentinel Obituary - Wayne Beaman

Memorial Service For Wayne Beaman

The Memorial for Wayne will be Saturday, September 26th at 11:00 a.m.

 

COLLISON FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES

HOWELL BRANCH CHAPEL

3806 HOWELL BRANCH ROAD

WINTER PARK, FL 32792

PHONE:  407-678-4500

Wayne Beaman Has Passed Away

 

Joann, Wayne Beaman's wife, has advised us that Wayne passed away Saturday morning, September, 12, 2009, from an extended bout with pancreatic cancer.  Wayne was so hoping to attend the 50th class reunion; we will miss him greatly.  I am certain that the entire class offers condolences to Joann.

Details of the service will be posted once they are available.

Obituary of Samuel Edgar Watson

Edgar Watson, from the class of 1958 I believe, has passed away. He is the son of Dr. Samuel Edgar Watson, a Watson Clinic pioneer. Since Watson is such a prominent name in Lakeland, I think this passing is worthy of mention in our class blog. Samuel Edgar Watson Obituary

Jane McGauley Eskenazi 's Sister Passes Away

Jane McGauley Eskenazi reports that her older sister, Pat McGauley Boatwright, died of heart disease on August 19, 2009, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Jane, we are all thinking of you in your time of loss. The obituary, see link the below, contains very little additional information.

Pat McGauley Obituary

A Boy and His Dog

Attached is a picture of me with my dog, Rusty, who accompanied me almost everywhere. I even took Rusty to school on one occasion to Hazel Haley's class when we were doing presentations on "how to do something." My presentation was giving Rusty a bath and picking off the fleas. I remember George Coward demonstrating how to peel a grapefruit and wearing protective clothing with plastic apron and a face mask. I also remember Paul Schiff showed us how to play a clarinet. I remember this since Paul followed me and Rusty was still in the classroom and started howling like a coyote. I had to take him out of the room. The car in the picture is my red Pontiac Catalina convertible, which attracted cops like flies. I got 3 tickets within a year from the same policeman, officer Foster. During one vacation back in Lakeland from college, I came to a 4 way stop near LHS and on the other side of the stop was officer Foster. I got out of my car and waved him through. I was not going to let him give me a 4th ticket!! Bob Schwartz

50th Reunion Reservations & Remittance Received Log

The following links, one in Excel format and the other in portable document format (PDF), lead to a document that shows the classmates for whom we have received reunion reservations. The format has changed There are now three columns, one for Friday evening only, another for Friday and Saturday or Saturday only, and the final one is for book orders only. If your reservation appears in the Saturday column, your reunion book fee is included in Saturday evening's fee. Use this tool to double check us; however, remember that Jan Lyons has the only official record. If this blog is incorrect, I may have misinterpreted the information that Jan gave me.

Excel Format

PDF

In case you need a copy of the reunion letter and questionnaire, the link below will take you to a PDF copy of those documents. You may print this PDF document and use it.

Link to reunion letter and questionnaire

Childhood Sweethearts

These childhood sweethearts eventually, after many years, became Mr. & Mrs. Butch Moody.

Arlene Sheridan Jones Update - Reunion - Health Issues

Dear friends:

As you probably know, reunions are fun to me and I treasure them. I could not wait for our 50th and wouldn't miss it for anything. Then "this year" happened. My Dave had a small heart attack in Feb. but that was the beginning only.......they put him on a a med that we all thought caused her hemoglobin to fall........as a few weeks later he was rushed to the hospital and admitted with a hgb of 7 (normal is 12-16 for a man).

Even now it is only 10. He had 4 transfusions and tons of tests. They thought it was the medication so sent him home with nothing more but Iron to add to his list of meds. Then he began failing again and collapsed at home.........called 911 and same song and dance. This time they did a colonoscopy (they didn't' do one before because he had one recently and was to weak to go thru it). They found polyps and a leaking spot which they fixed. 4 more blood transfusions later he came home. In between all of this they made him aware of a 1-2 cm. spot on his lung that was found. He had Pet scan and then biopsy. Was cancer. He was unable to have surgery so they did radiation. He has COPD and is on oxygen. He is home and doing much better. We could not imagine going to FL for the reunion. We let Allan know.

Things are still up in the air about it. Neither of us are well at all. I think he could handle the reunion by then but the trip to Lakeland (we live in upstate SC near the NC border........closer to Brevard) would be quite a taxing event for him. We did it 18 months ago and it was hard on both of us then as my back doesn't do well to travel.

So I wanted to tell you all that the Reunion I so looked forward to, has become less and less important to me as priorities have changed tremendously. Our plans are to sell this retirement home we built 10 years ago and go back to Lakeland to be near our 2 children and 7 grandchildren. God knows our future.......

Arlene Sheridan Jones

Butler Hendrix now lives in Haskell, OK, with his spouse Jean. Butler was originally in the LHS class of 1958. However, he was injured in the 1957 collapse of the skating rink roof, and he dropped back to the class of 1959. He did not finish with us, and I don't remember why. The Highlanders from 57 through 59 show no photos of Butler; however, the 58 Highlander has his name, with no page reference, in the index. Butler told me that he was in the hot-rod club with Dennis Fontaine, who became a multi-millionaire from his holdings in Discount Auto Parts, and then he died six months later of cancer.

Butler mentioned a brother, Jimmy Hendrix, who before graduation, joined the Air Force with a friend under the Buddy Program.  I sort of remember the name, Jimmy Hendrix, but I have no face to go with the name.

Larry Hale Reports

Keeping busy with tennis. Working 2 days a week at the tennis courts, in the office. Working tennis tournaments all summer long, in the office, and as an umpire, when needed. 3 trips to Florida so far this year. 50th High School class (1959) reunion in Lakeland, FL in late Oct this year. Riding my Harley often as possible, officer (SGT AT ARMS) in our ALR (American Legion Rider) group, officer (VICE COMMANDER) in our American Legion Post 304 in Kennesaw. Have participated recently in PATRIOT GUARD ESCORT CEREMONIES, FOR OUR FALLEN SOLDIERS. Monthly meetings and several bike charity rides, mixing business and fun. Just trying to be giving something back to our veteran's families and their communities...

Just keeping busy, seems like busier now, than when I was working full time. The BIG difference is that, I keep busy doing what I want to do, not what the employer wants me to do. HAHAHA.

Also attending the Allstate Retirement quarterly group luncheons at selected locations around the county. Have seen Brenda Prince, Sandy Dyer, Gerald, Joyce Owens, Ginny Marchant, and a few others. Great group

Lar (TUG)

Consider Zohra's or The Antiquarian Restaurants During the Reunion

We, by chance, found Zohra's Restaurant on Lake Wire Drive. across from the old Lakeland Junior High School, now Lawton Chiles Academy. It offers a Meditteranean cuisine and an unhurried atmosphere. I am making this information available because I am thinking that some of you might like to use it for a Saturday lunch, for example.

Jane McGauley Eskenazi recommends the Antiquarian restaurant. Says Jane, "I also love The Antiquarian on Bay Street, which isn't very far from the old Junior High."

                     Link To Zohra's                      Link To Antiquarian Restauratn

Ferrin HIcks Hospitalized

Ferrin Hicks has reported that he is in Room B350B, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, with a heart attack and partial renal failure. He has been in for about three days. He has his cell phone with him, and the number is (863) 812-5783. He does not know how long he will be hospitalized, so he most likely will appreciate calls from classmates and friends.

We all wish Ferrin the best of luck in his recovery.

Travis Tate's Work On The Saturn Complex 37 Project

Around the year 1962, Travis worked for Frank M. Murphy and Associates, which was located about 2 miles north of Ft. Meade, Florida on US-17. This company was a subcontractor on the Saturn Complex 37 Project.

The structure seen in the photograph is the top section of the launch tower. It was built in four sections, each weighing 70 tons. Upon completion, this monster had to be transported by truck to Cape Canaveral, Florida. Travis reports that the truck driver had experienced 16 flat tires by the time he reached Bartow, which is nine miles to the north.

The colored photograph shows the Saturn Complex 37 as currently depicted on Flikr.com. I added the banner.

The last photo is a cropped close-up of Travis.

Arlene Sheridan Jones Reports On The Health Of Her Husband, Dave

Arelene Sheridan Jones wishes to share with the class that her husband, David (Dave) Jones, is newly diagnosed with right upper lope lung Cancer. He also suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because of the COPD, he is not a candidate for surgery. He will be treated with radiation. The cancer is very early stage, and the prognosis is good. Most certainly, Dave will beat his cancer, and we will see Arlene and him at our reunion.

Dave is a member of the LHS Class of 1957, although a technical error put him in the 1958 Highlander.

Arlene also reports that when Dave is again well, they will sell their home in Cleveland, SC, and they will move back home (Lakeland) to be near kids, family, and friends. Do you know any one who wants to buy in Cleveland, SC?

Bonita Taylor McKinsey and Sonny McKinsey Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage

 

Today, June 18, 2009, Bonita Taylor McKinsey and Sonny McKinsey celebrate 50 years of marriage. They have 4 daughters, 1 son, 13 grandchildren, with 2 great grandchildren on the way. Congratulations to Bonita and Sonny.

50th Reunion - Friday Evening - Lakeland HS Football Game

The following links are to two different formats of a survey concerning who might have an interest in attending the Lakeland Dreadnaught-Kissimme Kowboys football game after having some finger food and chatting with classmates at Hugh Turbeville's facility.

Excel Version

Portable Document (PDF) Version

Let Allan Davis know if you would like your name on this list.

Ronnie Hot Dog Lewis Shares His Very Old Photographs

Ronnie Hot Dog Lewis has shared some of his very old photographs, which feature Ronnie, Bobby Harper, Dan Minerd, Shirley Scarborough, Dot Waring, Don Carter, and Ralph Gonzalez, as well as several non-classmates. Bill Johnson has been kind enough to enhance them for us. Please visit the link below.



These photos will be put on the scrapbook tab of the class website as well.

LHS Teacher, Mr. Harvey Flatt Passes Away

Harvey Flatt was a teacher at LHS and a three-year sponsor of the class of 1959. We were accustomed to seeing Mr. Flatt at our reunions, and we were going to invite him again. We will miss him this year.

Link To Obituary Of Harvey Flatt

50th Reunion Sunday Brunch - Cleveland Heights Golf & Country Club

The reunion planning committees are organizing an "off the agenda" brunch on Sunday, October 25, 2009. The location will be Cleveland Height Golf and Country. The cost of this brunch is not included in the published prices for the reunion. Attendees will pay the Cleveland Height Golf and Country Club that Sunday morning.

If you wish to attend, please send your intentions to Allan Davis at adavis@verizon.net or Beatty Elliott at ebraymond810@verizon.net. Snail-mail will also get the job done. We are using this list just to estimate the projected size of the crowd for planning purposes. This is not an official signup list. You may attend on that morning, whether or not you have your name on this list.

Link To Sunday Bruch Attendeed - Excel Format

Link To Sunday Bruch Attendeed - Portable Document (PDF) Format

50th Reunion Snail-Mail Letter and Questionnaire

This blog article contains a link to the reunion letter and questionnaire snail-mailed on May 12, 2009. You invited to print the questionnaire from the blog article and submit it. This may come in handy, especially if you misplace the letter and questionnaire.

Link To Reunion Letter & Questionnaire

Each of you can help minimize the workload on Roger Sherman by emailing to him the answers to the questions on the lower half of the questionnaire. It will much easier for him to cut and paste your text than to type your handwritten responses. Windows users may use Notepad, which is a part of the Windows Operating System, to prepare their answers in a text format. I am not a MAC user, but I believe TextEdit is used with a MAC, just as Notepad is used with Windows. When finished, attach the text document to an email and fire it off to Roger at castlemore@aol.com. I am sure that Roger would love it, if you email your answers in today or even yesterday. He has a great deal of work to do. NOTE: You will still need to snail-mail the upper half of the questionnaire back to us with your reservations and money.
Roger asks that, in an effort to identify and fight SPAM, you put LHS in the subject of any email that you send to him.  By doing so, you will make it easy for him to determine that you are not a sinister force.

The letter does not contain information about a Sunday brunch at Cleveland Heights Golf and Country Club because we are trying to keep Sunday informal and off of the agenda. However, for planning purposes, we'd like to know how many of you would plan to attend this brunch. Please email me, Allan Davis, at adavis@verizon.net or Beatty Raymond at ebraymond810@verizon.net with your intentions.

The letter does contain one error. It indicates that October 24 is a Friday. Actually, October 23 is a Friday.

Passing of Al DeFoor, husband of Shirley Scarborough DeFoor

Sadly, we announce the passing of Al DeFoor, husband of classmate Shirley Scarborough DeFoor. For information on funeral arrangements, please use the link below to visit Al's obituary in The Ledger. The obituary does fail to mention that the visitation will be at 10:30, one hour before the funeral service.

Obituary, James Allison " Al" DeFoor

Jane Morris Bay - Update On Career As Author

Dear Friends,

I'm happy to announce that both my books, PRECIOUS JEWELS OF TIBET and LOVE & LOSS can now be purchased directly from my website, and within the very near future, LOVE & LOSS will be available on Kindle. That's right, the little computer book. I know you thought I'd never make it into the 21st century, but guess what, I'm a new woman and am embracing the new technology….. Just wanted you to know and hope you will spread the word to introduce my website www.JaneBay.com to more people.

There's a new short story in the "Stories from the Road" section on the website that includes a photo from the Leesburg High School 50th Class Reunion that I attended in March with my childhood friends. The trip to North Carolina and Florida was an amazing journey, and I got all the information I need to go forward with the next chapter of GROWING UP SOUTHERN. I'm going into writing retreat for the Summer and will send the it to you in the near future.

Love to all,

Jane

LHS Class of 1959 Classmate Tommy Chancey Dies

Tommy Chancey has died. Below are links to the LHS Class of 1959 In Memoriam web page and to his obituary in The Ledger.

LHS Class of 1959 In Memoriam Web Page

Tommy Chancey's Obituary In The Ledger

LHS Physics Teacher, Mr. Mac, Dies

Our 1959 LHS physics teacher, Mr. Mac, has died. His obituary can be found in the following link:

Francis Murray Mac Jr. - obituary

Reverend & Mrs. Perry Ray Johnson Suffer Tragic Lose of Daughter, Becki Wilson

Reverend Perry Ray Johnson and his wife Jeannie report that on April 4, 2009, they tragically lost their daughter, Becki Wilson, to a massive and totally unexpected heart attack.

If you would like to offer support to Ray & Jeannie in this most difficult hour, contact information is:

828 Trailwood Ave
Titusville, FL 32796-2257
(321) 267-0898
revrayandjcj@aol.com

Harrison Payne Hospitalized - A Note From Marge Payne

Just a note to let all know that Harrison was admitted to the hospital this past Sunday. His heart rate was way out of control. Yesterday he was in surgery for about five hours. At first they did a cath and said he only has one artery that is working in his heart and that is about 20 percent blocked but not enough to put a stint in it. Then they went and did more ablation surgery, The doctor said that hopefully he was able to do enough to stop the fast heart rate but only time will tell. Harrison is in the CCU right now - not sure when they will move him out - if he does well probably in the next few days. Please keep him in your prayers.

Marge

LHS Class of 1959 50th Reunion Hotel Arrangement/Deals

Hotel arrangements/deals have been made at the Terrace Hotel and, through joint cooperation of both hotels, at the Courtyard and Residence Inn, both Marriott hotels, and at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel. You may view these arrangements/deals in either of the links below.
 
Microsoft Word Document Format Link

PDF Fomat Link

If you do not have the full Microsoft Word application software, but would like to view the information in Microsoft Word format, you may download the Microsoft Word 2003 Viewer, free of charge, at the following link.

Download Microsoft's Word 2003 Viewer

Rodney James Bring Home Gold In Tennis

Rodney James recently won seven medal in the Polk Senior Games. See the link below.

A Ledger Article

The Ledger is very short on details. However, I believe among his medals were a gold in men's doubles tennis and a gold in mixed doubles tennis. His men's doubles partner was Lex Taylor.

1959 Ladies Welcome Jane Morris Bay And Guests To Town

Some of the ladies from the LHS Class of 1959 welcomed Jane Bay, her sister, and guest to Lakeland. The party was hosted by Ihla Phillips Sloman and Shirley Scarborough DeFoor. The party was held on March 11, 2009 at Ihla's home.

Email Survey Results - Who Plans to Attend 50th Class Reunion?

An email survey was sent to approximately 140 Classmates with email address, asking if they plan to attend the 50th class reunion. The results of this survey are posted below in both Adobe portable document (PDF) and Excel formats. Please check to insure that your submission has been accurately recorded. Additionally, review the names of other classmates who expect to attend. GET EXCITED!!

Excel Format

Abode Portable Document (PDF) Format

Jane Morris Bay Shares Notes About Her North Carolina Trip

 

Kitty and I are going back to North Carolina on Saturday, March 7 for one more visit with our cousins to wrap up the research for the next chapter of GROWING UP SOUTHERN - Stories from the Attic of Childhood Memories.  This chapter/short story will be about our Mother.  Below are some notes I made last April during the Morris Girls Road Trip that I wanted to share you on the eve of our upcoming journey to the South.  These notes will be part of the next chapter, with a new twist.

"The dogwood and azaleas were in full bloom when we arrived in North Carolina.  It's rained like cats and dogs every day, but we've spent most of our time sitting around the dinner table, eating good homegrown food and talking with cousins about our family history.  Went over to Kenly yesterday to the house that Uncle Elton and Aunt Gladys lived in where Mother lost her high school ring a few days after graduating in 1932.  Mother was throwing out food scraps onto the compost pile and her ring, a little too big, flew off her finger and disappeared into the compost.  

Mother had been very upset about the loss of her 14 carat gold ring studded with a multifaceted oval shaped ruby. I remember her telling this story when we were children every time we went to visit Uncle Elton and Aunt Gladys who kept a vegetable garden year round until after Aunt Gladys died.

Fifty years later when the current owner of the house was rototilling the garden, he noticed a red stone (ruby) sparkling in the soil that had been turned over and, low and behold, it was Mother's ring.  His wife found the initials IBN (Ina Blanche Neighbor) inscribed inside on the band of the ring.  She called Benson High School in an effort to locate the owner, and the local newspaper wrote up a story about the long lost ring.  Someone sent the article to Mother in Florida, and shortly thereafter, she went to her 50th High School Class Reunion and was reunited with her ring.  I'm wearing the ring on a gold chain around my neck while we're here in North Carolina in memory of our dear sweet mother."

Mother was indescribably happy to have her High School Graduation ring, and enjoyed telling the story of it's recovery for over twenty year.

As you may remember, there was magic in the air during last years trip to North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and the two recent short stories I sent you, which have been revised, rewritten and embellished, are now up on the website www.JaneBay.com with wonderful photographs in the "Stories from the Road" section.  "SynchroDestiny" is the story about my being reunited with Martha Jean Webster (Miller), my best childhood friend from the age of three until I left Leesburg when I was twelve years old.  

As its turned out, I've been invited by my childhood friends from Kindergarten through the Fifth Grade to come as an honorary member to their 50th Leesburg High School Class Reunion on Friday and Saturday, March 13-14.  I am so excited I can hardly stand it.  Several of my friends from Lakeland, where I actually graduated from high school, are also having a luncheon in my honor while I'm in Florida.  One of my best high school girlfriends, who was the Captain of our cheerleading squad, is actually coming in from Texas for the get together because she won't be able to attend the 50th Lakeland High School Class Reunion in October.  Of course, I'll be there for that one, too.

There's something karmicly delicious about this journey, with Mother's ring and her 50th high school class reunion, and both my 50th high school class reunions, so off I go with her ring on a gold chain around my neck and an open heart full of love and gratitude for all life's blessing, big and small.  Life is good even in these hard and troubling times we're going through right now.

Oh, and, one more thing, yesterday I got a copy of my portrait for the 2008 Lucasfilm Yearbook which is attached. 

Love ya'll.  Bye bye....  Jane  

LHS Class of 1959 50th Reunion Athletic Activities

Below are links to the roster of classmates that have expressed an interest in golf, tennis, or both. The rosters are posted below in both Microsoft Excel and Adobe Portable Document (PDF) formats.

Let us know if you find any inaccuracies in the roster.

Link to Microsoft Excel Format

Link to Adobe Portable Document Format

LHS Class of 1959 Fiftieth Reunion Planning Meeting Minutes, February 26, 2009

On February 26, 2009, local class members met to further the planning of the fiftieth reunion of the LHS Class of 1959. The minutes of this meeting are posted below in Microsoft Word and Adobe portable document formats.

Link to Microsoft Word Format

Link to Adobe Portable Document Format

Another document that may be useful and interesting contains a list of the various committee members. It is posted below in Microsoft Word and Adobe portable document formats.

Link to Microsoft Word Format

Link to Adobe Portable Document Format

We Have Heard From Jane Morris Bay

Jane Morris Bay has contacted me, and she told me that she will continue to write what she calls Stories From The Road, and she will publish them on her website. She currently has six stories posted. Please visit the link below, if you wish to read these stories. While visiting this link, please feel free to explore other portions of her website.

Stories From The Road

Jane has published two other books, which are highlighted in the following link.

Jane's Books

Back on November 30, 2008, I published in this blog a complete story about Jane, as I knew it.. You may wish to revisit blog entry; the link directly to it is below.

First blog entry on Jane Morris Bay

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.