bhsclassof1967@hotmail.com

July 27, 2009

Greetings and salutations my fellow classmates!
Can you believe that July is just about gone already and we’re staring down the barrel of August??  My gosh, where has the summer gone?  Well, if you’re still living in Arkansas you certainly can’t complain about the weather because it has been absolutely “wonderful” so far this summer.  A few hot days and then we get a cool respite and we’re even above normal by about a foot on our rail fall.  Wow, this “global warming” thing may not be all that bad.  =)  Just kidding for all you ecologists out there.  Don’t jump on me.

Well let’s wish all of our August born classmates a very great and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Carla Allen Bennett        August 5 th
Beverly Burton Griffin          August 24th
Jim Kelley                            August 15th
Debbie Mooney Mitchell       August 12th
Jackie Pelton                       August 12th
Doug Wilson                         August 29th

Well, I know some of you have already taken some vacation time this summer and as always, I have been hoping to get some pictures so I could pass them along.  And you’re looking at all of them that I received.  Yep, zip, nil, nada, nuttin’!  I’m not sure why that is because when I have had pictures to put in here I get comments on how much everyone likes to see them and keep up with everyone, but no one seems to think that their own are any good.  Well, send them to me and I will let everyone else enjoy them…if you don’t want to look at them, then don’t…just send them to me.

I got a call about a week ago from my favorite soldier type buddy, Charles Harrington.  He was at the Baptist Hospital and wanted to know Sid’s room number so he could run by there and visit with him.  He checked in on Sid and he was sleeping so he didn’t wake him, but I tell you this for two reasons.  The first is that Sid is STILL in the hospital.  I talked to him this morning and his voice is still only a whisper but at least it is stronger than before.  I could tell that he is getting really down about being there.  He’s been in for four weeks, working on five, as he says, and the doctors are not telling him when he might be able to get out.  If you have time, please give him a call or run by there for a few minutes.  It may not seem like much to you, but I know it would be a good morale booster for Sid.  I’m sure that he hasn’t given me all of the details but just the fact that he’s still in the hospital is NOT a good sign to me.  Let your heart guide you on this one.

The other reason that I mentioned Charlie going by there is because this is only the second time since he’s been home from Iraq that I heard his voice.  I jumped him pretty good about that and tried to catch up with him as much as we could on the phone.  I will be having lunch or dinner with him within the next month (I made him promise) and I’ll do my best to bring you all up to date on him.  I CAN tell you that he had retired from the postal system about three or four years ago, and after getting back from Iraq he had some issues that had developed while he was there so he has now retired from the military after about 38 years.  The day after he retired the Dept. of Defense called him and asked him to come back to instruct the troops as a civilian.  And of course he is now instructing troops.  I’ll give you more details after we have a chance to get together, but there are some really interesting things to tell you.  I do know that much.  Stay tuned!!

The last time I talked to Charlie Edmonson he was doing really well and should be finished with his radiation treatments by now.  He takes one chemo treatment a month and he has either three or four of those left. His spirits and attitude are great and he’s looking forward to going back to work soon.

Debbie Thomas McAdory’s husband Rick had the first of two eye surgeries this past week.  As far as I know he is doing well and is home recuperating.  I’m not sure when his next surgery will be but I will find out and let you know.

Beth Marshall Lane has been home a little over a week now from her biopsy surgery and is recovering.  The last I heard she got great news about the biopsy and we are all happy to hear that.

Please keep all of these in your prayers as they continue their treatments, continue down the road to recovery, and prepare for their next surgery.  Prayer a simple thing to do and one of the most powerful things that you can do for anyone.

I want to propose a question to all of you and I want everyone of you to respond with your answers.  I think this will be fun and very insightful.  What would you do with your life if there were no restrictions, no worries about money or income, no worries about anything?  What would you do right now, if you could do ANYTHING?  That’s a pretty heavy duty thing to think about so don’t sell the question short.  I’ve been thinking about it for over a week so far, and I’m not sure what mine would be…I’ve got a couple of things in mind, but I promise you I will have my answer for you in the next issue of the COG.  Please send me your responses and I will get them in there too.  I already know what a couple of you would do, but I won’t say right now.  We’ll see how the responses come in.

Some of you may have already noticed that I’m using a different format this month from in the past.  Hotmail has finally started allowing the use of Microsoft Outlook on their format so that should open up a lot more things that I will be able to do (a LOT easier) and hopefully make the COG a little more fun to read.  We are still waiting for pictures of your kids and grandkids to set up the new page on the website.  Come on gang, get those together and send them in.  We have an awesome resource in David Hughes as our webmaster.  I don’t know if many of you realize it or not, but I would put our class website up against anyone’s.  It is truly awesome, and if you haven’t checked it out lately you need to.  It’s at www.bhsclassof1967.org   Look at it and enjoy it and send in your family photos so we can get the new pages started and up and running.  It just takes a little effort on your part.

So to sum up what you need to focus on for the coming month:  Pray for our classmates, pray for one another, send in your family pictures for the website, and send in your responses about the “What would you do if you could do anything” question.  Also please continue to pray for our country and our troops.  I want to pass this one last thing along to you that I received this past month.

WHEN A SOLDIER COMES HOME

        When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard....
          ..to listen to his son whine about being bored.
 
        ....to keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.
 
           to be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.
 
        ...to be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night's sleep.
 
         ..to be silent when people pray to God for a new car.
 
        ...to control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.
 
         ..to be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying. 
 
       ....to keep from laughing when anxious parents say they're afraid to send their kids off to summer camp.    
       ....to keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.
 
       ....to control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.   
       ....to remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog. 
      .....to be civil to people who complain about their jobs.  
       ....to just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year. 
 
       ....to be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house.

July 14, 2009 update

Hey Gang,
No, it's not the end of the month yet, but I wanted to update you on a couple of our classmates and their health issues:

I talked with Charlie Edmondson this afternoon and he is doing better.  He is over half way finished with his radiation treatments with only ten left to take and he has had two chemo treatments (at one per month) and has four more of those until he is finished with that.  His spirits are very good and he's ready to get on with the treatments and finish them so that his body can start the healing process.  He had a bit of a setback last week after his radiation treatment and experienced some pretty major pains in his chest.  His wife, Avon, took him to the emergency room at Saline Memorial and they ended up keeping him for four or five days.  He had a blood clot that had developed in his lung that was causing the pain.  They put him on medication to help thin his blood and reduce further risks and then let him go home last Thursday. 

The other classmate I want to tell you about is Sid Emmons.  I had requested your prayers for him and with his permission, I would like to give you a little detail about his condition.  He entered the Baptist Hospital in Little Rock because he was having trouble breathing..or at least trouble taking a deep breath.  They did CT Scans and x-rays and found that he had fluid in his left lung...at least they thought it was in his lung.  They  later determined that it was actually "outside" of his lung, and went in with a long needle to drain it off.  More tests were run, and then more tests and they finally found a tumor behind his heart and in front of his spine.  They did a biopsy and found that it was a non-Hodgkin lymphoma and it had not matasticized itself but it was wrapped around a large artery.  Long story short, they have started him on radiation treatments and will continue those for a couple of weeks.  Then they will start him on a round of chemo.  At this point the length of chemo treatments will depend on the effect it has on the tumor.  Hopes and expectations are high that it will reduce and eventually kill the tumor so that it will not only stop growing but also go away.

I ask you all to please keep these classmates in your prayers.  Charlie is home, but not back to work yet, and as of this writing Sid is in room 667 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock which is an "intermediate care" room.  Hopefully he will be either in a regular room or even possibly discharged later this week.  My last face to face visit with Sid was on Saturday and he was still unable to talk above a whisper due to the tube they had down his throat while they did his biopsy surgery.  One good thing is that his doctor is a very nice looking red haired lady which I know he has a "weakness" for so hopefully he will do what she tells him to do.  I tried calling him yesterday but due to his lack of audible voice and my lack of ability to hear well made conversation difficult.  I tell you that because he may not answer the phone if you call because he is still having a difficult time talking much above a whisper.

One other classmate I want you all to keep in your prayers is Beth Marshall Lane.  She goes in the hospital on this coming Thursday to have a biopsy that will require the doctors to remove a portion of one of her ribs to get to the area they're wanting to look at.  She will be in the hospital for at least three to four days and recovery just from the biopsy will be a minimum of three weeks and up to three months.  Please remember her daily and that the results of her biopsy will be a positive one.

I will do my best to keep you all posted on how they are getting along as well as any others that have health issues.

God bless you all,
Bill

July 8, 2009

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to let everyone know that Sid Emmons is in Baptist Hospital here in Little Rock, and has been there for a little over a week.  I also know how "private" Sid is so I don't want to go into much detail.  But when I called Monday to check on him and to see if he was still there I was told that he is in Intensive Care.  So I ask that you all pray for him and for his recovery.  Sid was an only child and his parents have both passed so he has very little family.  Please keep him in your prayers and I will keep you updated as much as I can.

Thanks gang,
Bill

July 2, 2009

Hey guys,
The format for this COG will be a little different than those in the past.  It's really hard for me right now to simply get on with things.  I know the bible tells us that we are to rejoice and praise God in all things, but there are times when that is more difficult than other.  For me this is one of those times.

Please keep Kenneth Musteen's family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through the grieving process and mourn their loss.  There are some of you that weren't aware that our friend and classmate Martin Tull also lost his wife, Sandy, on June 29th. Please keep Martin in your thoughts are prayers as well.

I talked to Sid Emmons last Tuesday evening.  He was in Baptist hospital in room 934.  He went in because he was having trouble breathing.  The doctor had done an x-ray and found fluid building up in his lung...or so he thought.  Further tests in the hospital showed that the fluid was actually "outside" of the lung. They did a procedure with a verrrrrry long needle according to Sid, removed the fluid, and his breathing instantly was back to normal.  Of course the doctors were satisfied so more tests were being done when I talked to him.  They did a CT scan and found "something" but they weren't sure what it is.  As Sid said, they test, I pay, and so it goes.  Please keep Sid in your prayers as well.  He was hoping to be out of the hospital by this weekend but wasn't sure.  I will try to check in on him again this afternoon and let you guys know.

I also talked to Charlie Edmonson and things are sounding pretty good for him.  He had his PET Scan and Brain Scan and there are no active cancer cells anywhere in his body.  He and his wife were planning a vacation trip to the lake and his doctor has told him that it would be fine for him to take his vacation before he starts his chemo and radiation.  Both of those treatments were to start on June 22nd.  He will have chemo for six months with one treatment every 28 days and six weeks of radiation at five days a week.  Please keep him in your prayers as he undergoes these treatments and I will give you an update on his progress in the next COG.

While I'm on the "health line" I want to mention one more to you.  Beth Marshall Lane will be going in the hospital on July 17th to have a biopsy.  I'm sure there is a name for it, but I don't remember it.  They will take out a portion of one of her ribs and then go in a take a tissue sample in the aorta and pulmonary window area.  If cancer is found this would be an inoperable area and she would have to be treated with chemo and radiation.  From talking with her I know that her body did not cope well with chemo treatments that she has had in the past.  I ask you to please pray for her and for this procedure.  She will be in the hospital for 3-4 days and there will be a 3 week to 3 month recovery just from the biopsy.  I  know we have some great prayer warriors out there and I know the power of prayer.  So please keep Beth in them.  Nothing would be sweeter to me than to tell you in the next COG that nothing was found and she was given a clear bill of health.

Hey, did you know they are going to tear down our "old" high school?  Carol Sue Moberly Dawson's sister and a friend of hers went over a couple of weeks ago to get some film of some of the class rooms, the halls, and the principal's office.  I sure would love to get a copy of that. If any of the rest of you are doing that, please get them to me or David Hughes.  David wants to set up a new page on our class website in memory of the school building.  They don't have to be current pictures...if you've got old ones that would work on this page send them to us.  David has also got some other ideas for additional pages to the website and I want to run by you guys. 

  If you have pictures of your kids and/or grandkids, which I know all of you do, send them to us.  Be sure to label them with names, dates, age, and who they are related to.  If you have a senior picture of your children/grand children that would be awesome.  He's going to set up a picture of your senior picture and then show kind of a family tree situation with your loved ones.  We would also like to do an honor to our military.  So if any of you have pictures of yourself, your spouse, or your children in uniform.  Send those to us.  We don't care how old or new they are just send them.  Our class website is quickly becoming a work of art. 

For those of you that don't check it out very often you need to take a look at it.  www.bhsclassof1967.org  We need your help though.  We need your pictures to be able to build these new pages so please don't just read this and think "well, someone else will send their pictures in".  Take action...send us your pictures!

Danny Wright passed along a great suggestion:
Just a friendly FYI if you didn't know REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public soon. All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number. HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS. It takes about 20 seconds.

Debbie Thomas McAdory told me that she and Rick are really excited to have their son Scott and grandson Drew back in Benton and living with them for a while.  They sure missed them when they were living in Arizona and Colorado.  Their daughter Kael will be getting her Masters of Education degree in December.  She already has a degree in communications but decided that she wants to teach.  She will be certified for fourth through eighth grade Language Arts and Reading and she is currently teaching at Avilla Christian Academy in Avilla. 

Debbie's granddaughter, Megan, attends Avilla Christian Academy and will be in the fourth grade next year.  Kael will be her teacher...kind of "home school AT school".

No I haven't forgotten....HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of our July born classmates:
Ben Blankenship                        July 7
John Davis                                 July 26
Sid Emmons                               July 29
Ronn Glosson                             July 9
Ed (Eddie) Jones                     July 20
Sue Scott Bennett                  July 18
Martin Tull                               July 27

And a very special HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY to:
Fred Raines                              July 2
Fred, I'm truly sorry that this is belated.  It was just due to circumstances beyond my control.  I hope you'll understand.

Well gang, that's just about it from me for this time.  We do have a few new email addresses that have been added to our list.  I thank those of you that sent those to me and if any of you have others that would like to get on the mailing list just let me know.  I will leave you with one last thing that was sent to me by Carol Dawson.

While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior 

 pastors who had been retired many years.
  

 He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
  

 After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as 

 the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a 

 note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to 

 steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....
  

 "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I

  thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... The only thing that would comfort was this verse........ .. 

  

 "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, we are weak but He is strong..... 

 Yes, Jesus loves me... 

 The Bible tells me so.." 

  

 When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could 

 hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe 

 I will never forget it. A pastor once stated, "I always noticed 

 that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves 

 Me' (for the children of course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who 

 sang

  the loudest because I could see they knew it the best."
  

 "Senior version of Jesus Loves Me"
  

 Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no 

 hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all 

 you others,check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.
  

 JESUS LOVES ME
  

 Jesus loves me, this I know, 

 Though my hair is white as snow 

 Though my sight is growing dim, 

 Still He bids me trust in Him. 

 (CHORUS)YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. 

 YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. 

 YES, JESUS LOVES ME, 

 FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
  

 Though my steps are oh, so slow, 

 With my hand in His I'll go 

 On through life, let come what may, 

 He'll be there to lead the way. 

 (CHORUS)  

 When the nights

  are dark and long, 

 In my heart He puts a song.. 

 Telling me in words so clear, 

 "Have no fear, for I am near." 

 (CHORUS)  

 When my work on earth is done, 

 And life's victories have been won. 

 He will take me home above, 

 Then I'll understand His love.(CHORUS)
  

 I love Jesus, does He know? 

 Have I ever told Him so? 

 Jesus loves to hear me say, 

 That I love Him every day. 

 (CHORUS)

May God bless you and watch over you til we talk again,

Bill

June 2009

Good Golly Miss Molly!!  Can you believe that it's already June??? Man, if time starts going by any faster I'm going to be 100 before I can turn around.  Well, first things first. Let's all join together and wish our June born classmates a VERY HAPPY Birthday:

Barbara Farley Nix                 June 2
Diane Harrison Stensland        June 26
Paula Madden Doan                  June 15
Dorothy Maddox O'Kelley       June 7
Bridget Matthews Hensley      June 11
Mike Rabb                              June 11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GANG!!!  I hope you have an awesome time on your "special" day.  If any of you know of other classmates that are having birthdays in June please let me know. 

I would like to pass along some pretty good news about Charley Edmonson.  He had surgery for Esophageal cancer on April 6th.  I talked to him earlier tonight and he said he was feeling much better and was starting to get his appetite back slowly.  He has been back to work for a couple of weeks now and says that has helped to keep him from being so restless and bored just sitting around.  He had a PET Scan last Thursday and a Brain Scan on Friday.  He's sceduled to go back to his Encologist on Tuesday to get the results but feels pretty positive about it.  He will still have to undergo chemo and radiation treatments but he's not sure yet when those will be set to begin.  Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers.

For those of you that weren't able to make the "get-together" on May 19th... we missed you!  I know it was a pretty short notice but those in attendance were;
Debbie Thomas McAdory, Janet Riley Johnston, Eddie Jones, Ron King, Beth Marshall Lane, Barbara Farley Nix, Paula Burton Robertson, Janie Witham McAdoo, Pat Miller Foreman, Kathy Tedford King, and yours truely.  I got pictures of everyone except Kathy (because she had left before I got there) and me (because I was taking the pictures).  You can check them out on our class website at www.bhsclassof1967.org    Yes...the website is still up and running!!  You need to check it out more often.  David Hughes continues to do an outstanding job as webmaster and keeps new postings going on there all the time.  So, check it out!

I talked to Phillip Prince about two weeks ago.  He is still living in Oklahoma City but is experiencing a lot of back and knee problems and isn't able to work.  He said that he has been on disability for almost a year now and just takes things as they come.  If any of you would like to give him a call, let me know and I will pass his phone number along to you.  He doesn't currently have an active email address so just let me know.  He seemed to be in pretty good spirits overall, but I'm sure he would be more than happy to talk to some of you if you have the urge.

I also heard from Tim Lewis.  He says his wife, Ann, is glad that school is about out for her kindergarten class this year.  She plans to teach one more year and then will be retiring.  Tim said he's amazed that most of his fellow classmates have either turned 60 or are about to.  He says he just doesn't feel that old.  Well, Tim, that's from all that "clean living" that you've practiced most of your life.  See, it did pay off!  =)  He's expecting a busy summer with a family trip to Boston in June (and yes, I am expecting pictures) and then in July he will be going to Nairobi, Kenya to help rescue kids that are living on the streets and in the slums.  He's on the board of a ministry called "Made in the Streets" and if any of you would like to know more about what all this ministry does you can check it out on their website at www.made-in-the-streets.org

What would May/June be without talking about kids & school??  Tom Chamber's daughter just finished her Freshman year at Univ. of Texas in Austin as a Vocal Major.  She is a classical singer, and I can tell that Tom is very proud of her. 

If any of you have kids or grandkids that are graduating from High School, College, headed for college or whatever, just let me know and I'll be glad to mention them.

My joke of the month comes to us courtesy of Danny Wright.  Danny, it's almost so true it's not funny.  But I think it's worth sharing and hopefully it will be as big of a smile to your face as it did to mine.


An Important Message About Growing Old

* 
 
Crap
 

I Forgot What

I was going to tell you..
If you can't relate to that.....well, you didn't really graduate in our class.  =)


One last thing and I will leave you alone for another month.  I forgot to mention this in the Memorial Day issue of the COG and I have felt bad about it all month. Please remember to keep our men and women in the military in your thoughts and prayers.  They're doing an incredible job under terrible conditions and some pay the "ultimate" price for you and me.  Please pray for them daily.

God bless you all,
Bill

May, 2009

Hey Gang!
Just when I start to get disheartened that no one is sending me information to pass along I get a blessing...well SEVERLAL blessings from you guys.  So many, in fact, that it's worth a Special Edition of our now infamous Class-O-Gram.  I'll try to keep things in order as much as I can but you've got to make sure that you read all the way to the end because that the SPECIAL news.

First of all I want to thank Tom Chambers for being so consistent with sending me emails of encouragement after each and every COG.  I can always count on Tom to make a comment and to encourage me.  I really appreciate that and I never take it for granted.

I got a response from Linda Nichols Butler and Rick Butler after my last COG.  Please keep Rick in your prayers because he is going in for his second round of cataract surgery on June 23.  Rick is also diabetic and that doesn't help his situation either so please keep him in your prayers as he gets ready for this surgery.  They also had their house broken in on April 27th.  Linda said they were the third house in their area that was broken into that day.  They took all of her jewelry and all of Rick's medications...Now that's search for a high pretty hard when you start stealing diabetes medications. Please take their bad luck as a serious warning.  If you don't already have a home alarm system at your house it is time NOW to check into getting one.  With the economy as bad as it is right now I think we're going to see more and more of this in the near future.  If you DO already have a home alarm system then be sure to arm it every time you leave your house.

I also got word from Charley Edmonson that he had surgery on April 6th for esophageal cancer.  He says that he is recovering pretty well and is scheduled to start his chemo and radiation therapy this next Tuesday, May 19th.  Please be sure to keep him and his family in your prayers as he works through this whole process.

How about some GOOD news??  Our very own Kenneth Musteen retired from the state after 38 years of service at the end of February.  Since then he recently had surgery on his right hand for Dupuytren's Contracture and has started therapy to regain complete use of it.  He's still not able to make a good solid fist with it, but he's working on it.  Zania, his wife, says that he is really "itching" to get it back in shape so he can head over to Lake Ouachita and do some serious fishing.  Please remember Kenneth in your prayers as well as he starts this therapy and a s he embarks on his new career of "Retiredom".  He said that he has been trying to get in touch with Rick Crawford and I sent him the number that I have for Rick.  So Rick, if you haven't heard from Kenneth in the past couple of weeks, give him a call.  A true blessing that Kenneth and Zania are really proud of is that their youngest son Jason, who is a Major in the Army has recently returned to the states from his year long tour in Afghanistan and is continuing his military career at Ft. Campbell, KY.

NOW, for the FUN thing and SPECIAL thing that I promised you.  Janet Riley Johnston is in town taking care of a friend of her's and Eddie Jones is driving up to Benton/Little Rock... So whatayasay we get as many people together on Tuesday, May 19th, at Dizzy's Cafe in Benton.  People will start getting there around 5:30 PM and they will be staying as long as Dizzy's will let us be there.  I know this is short notice, but it's just one of those little impromptu opportunities that you get in life.  Make the most of it.  You don't have to call anyone to let them know you'll be there, although I think Janie Witham McAdoo and Beth Marshall Lane will be calling as many people as they can to let them know about it.  Not to mention any names, but Rick Crawford this would sure be a great time to get to see you again!!! Hint...Hint... and I don't think that's too far for Rick and Faye Borgman to drive either. (I'm sure I'm making friends again right about now.) And while I'm at it...Kelley if you're going to be over this way COME ON DOWN.  We let you slide on the Ed & Alma's get together because of the snow, but the weather is going to be awesome on Tuesday.  S0, just come on in as soon as you can get there.  Spouses are definitely welcome as well and if you don't want to spend any money then don't get anything....This will be a "dutch treat" so everyone will be responsible for their own tab.  Get out of your shell, get up off the couch, and come on out if you possibly can.

Well gang, that's about all I have for now.  Thanks again for all the input that I got from so many folks this time.  It really makes it much easier to pass things along to everyone when there are things to be passed along.  Have a great rest of the month and we hope to see as many of you as possible on Tuesday evening.

God Bless You All,
Bill

Hey there boys & girls!
Welcome to the LATE edition of the May Class O Gram.  I apologize for being late with this but I was working in Indianapolis all last week and didn't have any extra time to get it out.  So Happy Birthday to our following May born classmates:

Marilyn Herring Hill     May 14th
Nick Landers  May 3rd (Happy Belated Birthday Nick...I'm really sorry I'm late)
Darlene Moody Kurtz  May 7th
Linda Nichols Butler May 21
Mary Jack Sturgeon Landers  May 27th
Kathy Tedford King  May 2nd (Happy Belated Birthday to you too Kathy..again, sorry I'm late)

I hope you all have, or had, a great day on your special day.  Once again, if anyone has any one's birthday that I don't have on my list, please let me know.  All I have to go on is the questionnaire information that was filled out back before our 40th reunion.

I have a couple of quick health updates.  First for Rick Crawford:  I'm told that the scan was made last month and showed him to be cancer free.  Praise God and congratulations, Rick!  I look forward to hearing from you to let me know how things are going for you.

The other update that I have is on Eddie (Ed) Jones:  As most of you know Eddie had to go back into surgery last month right after I had told you that he was doing fine.  The valve that they had repaired in his heart was "leaking" and therefore he was not able to maintain a good and stable sinus rhythm for his heartbeat.  He had surgery and they replaced the valve with a mechanical one. While they had him out , they jump started his heart back into normal rhythm.They also installed a pace maker.  He was in the hospital about 3-4 days after surgery and then they sent him home.  I got an email from him early the following week and he had already gone back to work for a few hours and said he was feeling better than he had in over a year.  Once again Praise God and modern surgical technology.

I'm still in my arm contraption for my right shoulder but the really tough physical rehab has now started.  Before, it was just dangling my arm and making circles.  Now, we're getting to the arm lifts and shoulder stretches... OUCH!  I'm sure I'll be fine and plan on doing exactly what they tell me so that I can have full use of that arm/shoulder as soon as possible.

I got an email from Pat Watkins last month and I think it's appropriate to pass it along to all of you now.  So here ya go.

I went though a really tough time a few years ago that started with my gall bladder and ended with my pancreas.  I spent a total of nine weeks in the hospital, two weeks in ICU, had my heart shocked twice to get it back in rhythm, lost 75 pounds (my pants kept falling off) and finally had surgery to remove both my gallbladder and pancreas.  As a result of all that I am diabetic, have to use insulin to stay alive, go to the cardiologist and endocrinologist to make sure things are still working the way they should...but hey, there are worse things in the world.  Thank God after all that, I made it through, because God does have a plan. 

For all of my BHS friends that are suffering, having tough times or wondering what in the world is next?...just keep on praying and God will take care of the rest.

Pat, my friend, I don't think anyone could have said it better.  Thanks for your words of encouragement.

As I write this Ron King and his wife Sherry, are in Chicago for an extended weekend fun trip.  If you happen to watch the Cubs game tomorrow night on TV look for them if they show shot of the fans in the stands.  They will be there.

The class of '69 is planning their 40th reunion for this coming September.  They have enlisted our own David Hughes to set up a website for them and act as webmaster.  You can check it out at www.bhsclassof1969.com if you'd like.

I also have a "smile" for you courtesy of Doug Wilson.  Doug sent this link to me so check it out when you get a chance.  I warn you...if you're not ready to smile you better get that way.  =)  YEA HAWWW ! ! !

http://fschnell.net/WordPress/?p=1094

That's all I have for now gang.  Be sure to keep me posted on anything going on so that I can pass it along to everyone.  Til next time.....

Take care and God bless,
Bill

April, 2009

Hi Gang!
First things first...Happy Birthday to the only person that I'm showing from my email list of our classmates to have a birthday in April:

Diane Davis Gunter  April 13th

Happy Birthday Dee Dee.  I hope you have a great one. 

Just a couple of updates to pass along.  Eddie Jones is recovering well and has been able to get his heart rate regulated back to a more normal rate with medication.  I think he's still got a follow up visit to his doctor coming up about the middle of April so keep him in your prayers.  The other update is on Rick Crawford.  Rick has finished up his chemo and had a Pep test scheduled for last Friday just to make sure that he was all clear.  I haven't heard the results of that but he was feeling good and seemed to be very upbeat about the test.  Hopefully I'll have a good confirmation on the clean bill of health that he got from that test soon.  Rick and Donna had gone to dinner with Rick and Faye Borgman a couple of weeks ago.  Crawford had lost his hair due to the chemo treatments and when he showed up Borgman had shaved his head to match Crawford's.  Both couples had lots of laughs and enjoyed a great evening.  I just want to put my two cents worth in on that....Borgman that is one of the classiest moves I've heard of in a long time.  You've always been a great guy in my book and this kind of "act of kindness" is just one of the reasons why.

This will be a shorter than normal edition.  I had shoulder surgery last Thursday and it's not much fun typing one handed.

Please keep all of our classmates in your prayers as our economy continues to put a strain on everyone.  I know there are several companies in central Arkansas that are closing down that will effect two or three of our classmates.  If anyone is in a position that you are looking for employees in your company please let me know and I will be happy to pass along names.  Anyone out there that is looking for a job also let me know and maybe we can help.  After all we are just one big extended family.  Let's help where we can.

Thanks to you all & may God bless each of you,
Bill

April 5 Update:

Hey gang,
A couple of quick updates for you.  After I sent out the Class O Gram I found out that Eddie Jones has gone back to the hospital and will probably have surgery either Monday or Tuesday.  He's at Baptist here in Little Rock and as of right now is in room 839.  I don't know where he will be tomorrow.  I went by and visited with him last Thursday and he's in great spirits.  The valve in his heart that they repaired is not functioning properly so they're going to go back in and replace the valve with another one.  He was to have an angeogram (sp?) today and said he would call me to let me know how that went but I haven't heard from him yet.  I'll call him tomorrow and try to pass along any info that I find out.  Please put him on your prayer lists.

The other info that I heard this afternoon is that Ronnie Prince has passed away.  I have no details and I wasn't aware that anything was wrong with him.  I'm pretty sure that Ashby's is doing the service but I don't have any details other than visitation is on Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm.  Again, I will try to let you all know as I get more information.  Please keep his family in your prayers as well.

March, 2009

Hey Gang!
It's that time again.  This month has kinda snuck up on me.  First lets join together and wish all of our March born classmates a very Happy Birthday!

Kathy McAdoo Pelton     March 26
Patricia Eubanks             March 5
Ron Whitley                      March 4

It must be party month around the Pelton house this month. 

It's kinda nice sitting here looking out across my yard as the snow is falling, but I have to admit it looks a bit strange on the ground all around the daffodils that I have already blooming.  You gotta love Arkansas weather!

Ron King was honored last Sunday at Fellowship Bible Church for his work with the RE-CYCLE bicycle project this last year.  Ron ended up giving out over 300 bicycles to a lot of kids around the state that most likely would not have received anything else for Christmas.  Please keep this ministry in mind throughout this year and if you come across a bicycle that might need a little repair (or a LOT of repair) don't throw it away.  Give Ron a call and he can put it in the mix for RE-CYCLE's give away this coming Christmas.  Congratulations Ron and my God continue to bless you and this ministry.

I'm not sure if everyone is just getting tired of the Class O Grams or what, but I've not received any information from anyone.  I also have no updates on Eddie Jones or Rick Crawford.  The last I heard both were doing much better.  Eddie was getting stronger and Rick's treatments were going well and the future looks good.

I did receive something from Danny Wright that I want to pass along to all of you.  You know we're having some tough times in this country right now.  Job security is almost a thing of the past, 401Ks and IRA plans are taking a huge hit as the stock market keeps going down.  The unrest is all around us and it's real easy to loose sight of the important things like friends, family, and our faith.  Here is a story about how one man stood up and made a difference for some of our troops.  There's ways that each of us can make a difference in this world.  Enjoy the story and God bless you all.

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat.  It was going to be a long flight. I'm glad I have a good book to read.  Perhaps I will get a short nap, I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me.  I decided to start a conversation.  Where are you headed? I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. Petawawa.  We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars.  It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch.

'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch.  Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks.  I'll
wait till we get to base'

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers.  None were buying lunch.  I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill.  'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.'  She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly.  Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me.  'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated.  She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a
minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room.  A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.'  He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand.  With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot.  Once, someone bought me a lunch.   It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs.  A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine.  He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane.  Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word.   Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base.   I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars.  'It will take you some time to reach the base.  It will be about time for a sandwich.   God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers.   As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return.   These soldiers were giving their all for our country.  I could only give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'United States of America ' for an amount of  'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'

May God give you the strength and courage to pass this along to friends on your email buddy list....

I JUST DID

Greetings Again!!! Yep this is my second attempt at sending this... =(
First of all let's join together in wishing our February born classmates a very Happy Birthday:

Elizabeth Darrow McDonald    Feb. 24
Carroll Davis                              Feb. 26
Rosemary Dopierala Wall        Feb. 11
Charles Huggins                        Feb. 22
David Hughes                            Feb. 8

Happy Birthday to each of you and I hope you all have a great time on your "special" day.

I have a couple of health updates.  First of all, Rick Borgman tells me that Rick Crawford is much improved, has started his chemo, and is doing better than he (Crawford) had expected.  He is very encouraged and I want to ask that each of you continue to pray for Rick throughout this process.  This is a great example of how prayer works.  Keep it up!
The next update is about Ed (Eddie) Jones.  I talked with Ed a couple of nights ago and he is doing very well and getting stronger each day.  His sister, Sharon, has gone back to New Mexico, and he is taking care of himself.  His heart rate is still elevated... about 125 beats per minute which is about twice what it should be, but he is scheduled to go back to his cardiologist on Feb. 16th.  They will actually stop his heart and then "re-boot" him to get it back to a normal sinus rhythm.  Please keep him in your prayers and ask for a complete recovery.  As most of you know Ed was in the hospital through Christmas... Someone asked him what he got for Christmas and he replied..."Life".  I think that says it all.

We have had another of our classmates honored. Our own Carroll Davis was named to the ASTM International Board of Directors for 2009-2011. 

I knew Carroll was smart when he stabbed me in the knee in Biology class in the 10th grade...not because he stabbed me but because he was reading at over 2,000 wpm and recalling it all.  I think I was rockin' along about 200 wpm at that time.  I guess it's no surprise that I'm writing about him instead of the other way around.  Congratulations Carroll.. I'm proud for you. My next segment is about Tom Chamber's trip to China.  Bless his heart... I have hounded him over the last year or so about sending me pictures of his trips to  China and he has finally done it.  Can you believe it?!  He caught me so off guard that I've not even been able to get the captions printed on the pictures to upload onto the Flickr site.  Created with Admarket'sflickrSLiDR. I will give you the link so you can open up the slide show but the descriptions of what you are seeing are listed below.  I apologize for having to do it this way but I just couldn't get the pictures to upload with the captions on them.  So here's what you will see on the link: Wal Mart's Meat Dept.--Fresh Fish, Turtles, and Eels Another shot of the Meat Market...notice the ice under the fish. Tom at dinner with clients from Italy and India as well as owner of his China factories Tom with friends in Beijing Tom with Kathy Lu who runs his office in China One of the many Beijing Squares A typical private garden...most homes have them if they can find the room. Nope, those aren't hay bales, they're rice straw bales. The next two pictures are etchings on stone by one of the caves. These are actually      poems, and some of them are over 1000 years old. This is a brick kiln...kinda looks like a face of an old man from a distance huh? Bricks drying in the sun..yes, they're from the kiln in the previous pictures. The next two shot are typical scenes from South Central China...pretty nice, huh? The last one is a shot of the Dragon architecture..still very prevalent today. Here's the link:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/22129112@N05/sets/72157612993121210/show/ I'm sorry I had to do these this way, but I hope you were able to switch back and forth and figure out what you were seeing. And THANK YOU Tom for finally sending those to me. Well gang, that's about all the info I have for now.  If any of you have anything that you want/need to pass along to everyone please send it to me.  You know that pictures are always welcome.  Until next month, take care, and have a great time. God bless you all, Bill

January, 2009

Greetings Gang and Happy New Year!
Before I go any further I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to all of our January born classmates:
 
Phillip Prince   Jan. 5
Danny Wright  Jan. 13
 
I hope you guys have a great one and don't go out celebrating too much.
 
I've got a couple of things before I get into the "44 Questions" that I asked you all to fill out last month.  First of all on a personal note, I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers for me throughout the buyout of the company I was working for by Celadon Trucking.  Celadon is a large trucking company based out of Indianapolis, IN and I had no desire to move up there.  They have acquired eight other trucking companies in the past and rarely do they ask anyone to stay on with their company when they buyout another one.  I was one of approximately 20 people that were asked to stay on after the takeover.  We had a little over 500 employees so you can see why I feel so fortunate.  So thanks to all of you for your personal comments, encouragements, emails, thoughts and prayers.  You definitely helped me get through a very stressful time and I appreciate it more than I can tell you.
 
Now on a much brighter note...RECYCLE, remember the bicycle program that Ron King started this past summer?  Well, thanks to all your help, the help of many volunteers, and people willing to donate both used and new bicycles, and God's grace, Ron was able to give away 308 new/refurbished bicycles to kids that would probably not have received anything else for Christmas.  I remember talking to Ron when he first came up with this idea and he was hopeful that he could get close to 100 bicycles to give away.  I told him then that you just never know what God has in store for you when you make yourself available.  Ron wanted me to pass along the numbers, but most of all a great big thanks for all the help that a lot of you gave in making this project such a success.  Just remember, it wasn't a "one year deal".  This will be an ongoing project and I will do my best to keep you all posted on when Ron will be cranking it back up for next year.  But thank you all very much!
 
Now for a couple of serious notes;  I still haven't received any updates about Rick Crawford's health situation.  If anyone has any new updates on that or how he is getting along please let me know and I will pass that on to everyone.  But for now please keep him in your prayers.  The other person that I have information on is Eddie (Ed) Jones.  He is currently in Baptist Hospital in CCU.  He went to his doctor last week for a nuclear stress test and while that was going on he went into full cardiac arrest.  They used the defibralator on him and brought him back and took him straight to Baptist where he had bypass surgery the next morning.  They ended up doing six bypasses and repairing the mitral valve in his heart as well.  As of yesterday they were still having a little problem regulating his blood pressure and heart rate so they kept him in CCU where they could give him closer attention and hopefully get that regulated so he can get into a regular room.  His sister, Sharon, has come in to stay with him and help, and is planning to go home to help take care of him when he gets to leave the hospital.  Please keep him in your prayers for a quick and complete recovery.  I will pass along more details and I have them.
 
Well, last month I asked you to fill out the "44 Questions" and send them back to me.  I got several responses including one from Linda Nalley O'Neal.  My apologies to you Linda because I couldn't open the attachment that you sent on my computer here home.  I still have Microsoft Office 2003 on this computer.  I will get that opened and will included that on next month's COG.  Before I show you all of those I want to wish each and every one of you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.  My question that I'm asking this time is "What did you do on New Year's Eve or How did you ring in the new year"?  Drop me a few lines and let me know and I'll pass those along to everyone next month.
 
Read through these and enjoy getting to know these people a little better.  I'll talk to you next year!
 
Bill
 
Kathy McAdoo Pelton’s 44:

1.   Do you like blue cheese? yes

2.   Have you ever smoked?   no

3.   Do you own a gun? yes 

4.   What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite?  cherry

 5.   Do you get nervous before doctor  appointments? Yes

6.   What do you think of hot dogs?  They are good especially w/chili & onion

7.   Favorite Holiday Movie? Home alone

8.   Favorite thing to drink in the morning?  flavored coffee w/coffee mate

9.   Can you do push ups?  a few if necessary

  10.  What's your favorite piece of jewellery?  Wedding Ring 

 11.  What's your favorite hobby? 

 12.  Do you have A.D.D.?   I think so-my daughter the teacher diagnosed me

13. What trait do you hate about yourself?  

 14.   Middle name? Ann 

 15.  Name 3 thoughts this exact moment; 1)I'm hungry 2)my dog needs a bath 3)I enjoy my grandchildren(setting w/my two younger ones at this min. 3&4)

16.  What do you read in the bathroom? short devotional books 

17.  Current worry?  another terrorist attack testing reaction of new pres.

18.  Current hate right now? Washington politics underminding the will of the people 

19.  Favorite place to be? I'm a real home body.I love being at my home 

 20.  How did you bring in the New year? party w/ good friends

 21.  Where would you like to go? Colorado snow skiing

 22.  Name three people who will complete this? Bill K,Mike R & me

24.  What shirt are you wearing? Blue long sleeve tee shirt

25. Do you like sleeping on  satin sheets? no,too cold 

26.  Can you whistle? yes 

 27.  Favorite color? orange

28.  Would you be a pirate? No 

29.   What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't

30.  Favorite girl's name? Hannah

 31.  Favorite boy's name? Jack

32. What's in your pocket? nothing

 33.  Last thing that made you laugh? my grandson,Tripp

34.  What vehicle do you drive? '07 GMC Hukon

35.  Worst injury you've ever had? 4wheeler ran over my foot 

36.  Do you love where you live? Yes-in the woods w/very few neighbors 

37.  How many TVs do you have in your house?  2

38.   I guess number 38 got lost  -  Probably lost some “digis” =) 

39.  Do you have any pets? yes. 2 dogs,1 shite zu & a lab

 40.  Does someone have a crush on you? yes,Jackie 

 41.  Your favorite books?  Bible

 42.  Do you collect anything? no

 43.  Favorite sports team? none

 44.  What song do you want played at your funeral? Haven't thought about it 

Charley Edmonson’s 44:
1.   Do you like blue cheese? No
2.   Have you ever smoked?   Yes, quit 1993
3.   Do you own a gun?  Yes
4.   What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite?  CHERRY
 5.   Do you get nervous before doctor  appointments? SOMETIMES 
6.   What do you think of hot dogs?  GREAT WITH CHILLI 
7.   Favorite Holiday Movie? Christmas STORY 
8.   Favorite thing to drink in the morning?  Coffee
9.   Can you do push ups?  YES
10.  What's your favorite piece of jewellery?  US ARMY RING
 11.  What's your favorite hobby?  FLEA MARKETING
 12.  Do you have A.D.D.?   No
13. What trait do you hate about yourself?    BEING TOO JUDGEMENTAL OF PEOPLE
 14.   Middle name? MORRIS 
 15.  Name 3 thoughts this exact moment; 1) I'LL BE GLAD WHEN I CAN RETIRE 2) I WISH CHRISTMAS WAS OVER 3) I'VE HAD A GOOD LIFE SO FAR
16.  What do you read in the bathroom?   I DON'T VERY OFTEN BUT IF I DO IT'S THE BENTON COURIER 
17.  Current worry?  ECONOMIC FUTURE FOR MY KIDS AND GRAND KIDS 
18.  Current hate right now?  BAD MORALITY IN THE U.S. 
19.  Favorite place to be? CAMPING (ANYWHERE) 
 20.  How did you bring in the New year?  AT OUR CHURCH
 21.  Where would you like to go?  AUSTRALIA

 22.  Name three people who will complete this? ME AND 2 OTHERS
24.  What shirt are you wearing?  SLEEVELESS GRAY T-SHIRT
25. Do you like sleeping on  satin sheets?   NO
26.  Can you whistle? YES BUT NOT VERY WELL 
 27.  Favorite color?  BLUE
28.  Would you be a pirate? N0 
29.   What songs do you sing in the shower? I NEVER SING IN THE SHOWER
30.  Favorite girl's name?  ABBY
 31.  Favorite boy's name?  MICHAEL
32. What's in your pocket?   I'M HOME FROM WORK AND HAVE TAKEN EVERYTHING OUT
 33.  Last thing that made you laugh?  A NEW FANCY MOUSE TRAP I SAW TODAY
34.  What vehicle do you drive?  '08 GMC SIERRA CREW CAB AND 02 SUZUKI INTRUDER
35.  Worst injury you've ever had?  BAD CUT TO THE PALM OF MY HAND
36.  Do you love where you live?  YES
37.  How many TVs do you have in your house?  3
38.   I guess number 38 got lost  -  Probably lost some “digits” =) 
39.  Do you have any pets ?   NO 
40.  Does someone have a crush on you?  Doubtful 
 41.  Your favorite books?   LEFT BEHIND SERIES
 42.  Do you collect anything?  BELT BUCKLES
 43.  Favorite sports team? To watch—RAZORBACKS , to participate in—BOWLING
44.      What song do you want played at your funeral?  "PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND" 

Beth Marshall Lane’s 44:
1.   Do you like blue cheese? Yes
2.   Have you ever smoked?   no
3.   Do you own a gun?  No, but I used to target shoot.  I hit the tin cans every time. 
4.   What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite?  cherry 
 5.   Do you get nervous before doctor  appointments? Yes 
6.   What do you think of hot dogs?   Love Gene & Jude's from Chicago area 
7.   Favorite Holiday Movie? Home Alone 
8.   Favorite thing to drink in the morning?  Coffee
9.   Can you do push ups?  not now or ever 
  10.  What's your favorite piece of jewelry?  Wedding Ring 
 11.  What's your favorite hobby?  quilting, knitting, reading
 12.  Do you have A.D.D.?   No
13. What trait do you hate about yourself?    procrastinator
 14.   Middle name? Beth 
 15.  Name 3 thoughts this exact moment; 1) It is COLD!  2) Will the economy ever pick back up to cover my stock losses 3) How much more do I need to do for Christmas
16.  What do you read in the bathroom?   
17.  Current worry?  My retirement fund 
18.  Current hate right now?  The way things are going with our economy 
19.  Favorite place to be? Kansas or Chicago 
 20.  How did you bring in the New year?  Fell asleep
 21.  Where would you like to go?  Kansas or Chicago
 22.  Name three people who will complete this? Pat Foreman, Bill Struble, Janie McAdoo
24.  What shirt are you wearing?  Blue Sweater
25. Do you like sleeping on  satin sheets?   Never have  
26.  Can you whistle? Yes, but my grandma hated it 
 27.  Favorite color?  Red
28.  Would you be a pirate? No, I get sea sick 
29.   What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower.
30.  Favorite girl's name?  Kristin
 31.  Favorite boy's name?  Nathan
32. What's in your pocket?   Nothing
 33.  Last thing that made you laugh?   I laugh a lot without much to set it off
34.  What vehicle do you drive?  '95 Chrysler LES
35.  Worst injury you've ever had?  Fell on a drawer corner that displaced my kneecap in '77
36.  Do you love where you live?  House is paid for and family is here.  Would rather be in Kansas or Chicago 
37.  How many TVs do you have in your house?  1
38.   I guess number 38 got lost  -  Probably lost some “digits” =) 
39.  Do you have any pets?  16 year old cat
 40.  Does someone have a crush on you?  Can't imagine anyone having a crush on someone my age
 41.  Your favorite books?   Historical
 42.  Do you collect anything?  Knitting machines and sewing machines
 43.  Favorite sports team? To watch— none, to participate in— none
44.    What song do you want played at your funeral?  Amazing Grace 

Carol Sue Moberly Dawson’s 44:
1.   Do you like blue cheese?         Absolutely not
2.   Have you ever smoked?           yes
3.   Do you own a gun?                   nope    
4.   What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite?   As a child, grape.  Don’t drink it now 
 5.   Do you get nervous before doctor  appointments? yes 
6.   What do you think of hot dogs?   They are ok with lots of chili and cheese 
7.   Favorite Holiday Movie? Love all the holiday movies 
8.   Favorite thing to drink in the morning?  Caffeine free pepsi
9.   Can you do push ups?  No and I don’t want to 
  10.  What's your favorite piece of jewellery?  A necklace that has been in our family since 1897 
 11.  What's your favorite hobby?  Crocheting, cross stitching, scrapbooking
 12.  Do you have A.D.D.?   Nope.
13. What trait do you hate about yourself?    I’m shy until I get to know you
 14.   Middle name? Sue 
 15.  Name 3 thoughts this exact moment; 1) I wish business would pick up  2) wish I was at home in my warm fuzzy jamies
3) glad to be alive and healthy
16.  What do you read in the bathroom?   Nothing…that’s no place to read!  I agree!!!!!!!!!! 
17.  Current worry?  Economic future of the US 
18.  Current hate right now?  The terrible economy in the US…it stinks! 
19.  Favorite place to be? Curled up on my sofa in my warm fuzzy pjs with a really good book 
 20.  How did you bring in the New year?  asleep
 21.  Where would you like to go?  Anywhere in Italy or Holland
 22.  Name three people who will complete this? Not a clue
24.  What shirt are you wearing?  White fuzzy with embroidered poinsettias on it
25. Do you like sleeping on  satin sheets?   Never slept on satin sheets  
26.  Can you whistle?  yes. 
 27.  Favorite color?  Any shade of purple
28.  Would you be a pirate? No, don't believe in stealing. 
29.   What songs do you sing in the shower? none
30.  Favorite girl's name?  Emma, my grandaughter
 31.  Favorite boy's name?  Russell, my youngest son
32. What's in your pocket?   nothing
 33.  Last thing that made you laugh?   My dog, Maggie, tossing her bone in air.
34.  What vehicle do you drive?  '05 Town and Country Minivan
35.  Worst injury you've ever had?  Fell on the ice ages ago and crinkled my tail bone
36.  Do you love where you live?  Can’t say that I love it, but I’m happy 
37.  How many TVs do you have in your house?  2
38.   I guess number 38 got lost  -  Probably lost some “digits” =) 
39.  Do you have any pets?  Yes, Maggie, a Jack Russell terrior
 40.  Does someone have a crush on you?  Not that I know of
 41.  Your favorite books?   Historical romances
 42.  Do you collect anything?  Nothing other than cob webs and dust in the house
 43.  Favorite sports team? To watch—Razorbacks, to participate in—fishing
 44.  What song do you want played at your funeral?  “On Eagles Wings”

Ben Blankenship’s 44:
1.   Do you like blue cheese? No
2.   Have you ever smoked?   Yes, quit 1978
3.   Do you own a gun?  Several   
4.   What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite?  Strawberry 
 5.   Do you get nervous before doctor  appointments? No 
6.   What do you think of hot dogs?   You bet 
7.   Favorite Holiday Movie? Christmas Vacation 
8.   Favorite thing to drink in the morning?  Coffee
9.   Can you do push ups?  yes
  10.  What's your favorite piece of jewellery?  Wedding Ring 
 11.  What's your favorite hobby?   fishing
 12.  Do you have A.D.D.?   Nope
13.   What trait do you hate about yourself?    Too Trusting
 14.   Middle name? Edward 
 15.  Name 3 thoughts this exact moment; 1) No life loss during holidays  2) Wish council would approve budget  3) Want to spend more time with grandson
16.  What do you read in the bathroom?   Time and Handyman 
17.  Current worry?  Economy and impact on budget 
18.  Current hate right now?  Abusive people 
19.  Favorite place to be? Honduras 
 20.  How did you bring in the New year?  slept
 21.  Where would you like to go?  I’ve been everywhere I’ve ever wanted to go
 22.  Name three people who will complete this? Who knows
24.  What shirt are you wearing?  White uniform
25. Do you like sleeping on  satin sheets?   no 
26.  Can you whistle? Yes, I love to whistle, it makes people wonder about you
 27.  Favorite color?  Red
28.  Would you be a pirate? No 
29.   What songs do you sing in the shower? I don’t sing in the shower.
30.  Favorite girl's name?  Rebecca
 31.  Favorite boy's name?  Walden, my grandson
32. What's in your pocket?   Keys, knife, thumb drive, ID wallet
 33.  Last thing that made you laugh?   Watching my grandson play with our dog
34.  What vehicle do you drive?  ’07 Crown Victoria
35.  Worst injury you've ever had?  Burned my bronchus when trapped in a fire
36.  Do you love where you live?  It’s I do, the people are friendly 
37.  How many TVs do you have in your house?  5
38.   I guess number 38 got lost  -  Probably lost some “digits” =) 
39.  Do you have any pets?  Yes, 2 dogs
 40.  Does someone have a crush on you?  Yeah, sure
 41.  Your favorite books?   No Time for Sergeants
 42.  Do you collect anything?  Fire Helmets
 43.  Favorite sports team? To watch—Dallas Football, to participate in—fishing
 44.  What song do you want played at your funeral?  “It is Well” 
Pat Miller Foreman’s 44:
1.   Do you like blue cheese?   Yuk - No
2.   Have you ever smoked?     Never 
3.   Do you own a gun?    No, but I probably should  
4.   What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite?    Grape 
 5.   Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?     Yes – my blood pressure goes up… 
6.   What do you think of hot dogs?     They’re okay – better on the grill
7.   Favorite Holiday Movie?    Miracle on 34th Street 
8.   Favorite thing to drink in the morning?    Iced Tea 
9.   Can you do push ups?     No 
10.  What's your favorite piece of jewelry?    Cross pendant     
 11.  What's your favorite hobby?    Reading 
 12.  Do you have A.D.D.?       No 
13. What trait do you hate about yourself?    Not assertive enough 
 14.   Middle name?    Ann 
 15.  Name 3 thoughts this exact moment;    (1) Lots of work to get done today – month end.  (2) Thankful for a job that pays my bills.   (3) I love my kids and grandkids – wish I could spend more time with them. 
16.  What do you read in the bathroom?     I don’t….  
17.  Current worry?    Will I ever get to retire??   My 401k has tanked! 
18.  Current hate right now?     The bailouts of all these companies - when their CEO’s are walking away with millions. 
19.  Favorite place to be?    Home 
 20.  How did you bring in the New year?     Stayed home – watched TV 
 21.  Where would you like to go?    I’d love to go to Colorado. 
 22.  Name three people who will complete this?    Bill, Ron, Jane 
24.  What shirt are you wearing?     Sweatshirt 
25. Do you like sleeping on  satin sheets?     Yes  
26.  Can you whistle?    Not very well… 
 27.  Favorite color?     Red 
28.  Would you be a pirate?     No  
29.   What songs do you sing in the shower?    I don’t sing in the shower. 
30.  Favorite girl's name?     Emma – my beautiful granddaughter 
 31.  Favorite boy's name?    Ethan – my adorable grandson 
32. What's in your pocket?      Nothing 
 33.  Last thing that made you laugh?     My sister and I shopping on Black Friday – we always laugh when we’re together. 
34.  What vehicle do you drive?     2001 Chevrolet Tahoe – a gas hog 
35.  Worst injury you've ever had?    Broken finger 
36.  Do you love where you live?    Yes – it’s great to be back home in Benton. 
37.  How many TVs do you have in your house?     Five 
38.   I guess number 38 got lost  -  Probably lost some “digits” =) 
39.  Do you have any pets?      Not right now. 
 40.  Does someone have a crush on you?     Absolutely not 
 41.  Your favorite books?      Karen Kingsbury’s series 
 42.  Do you collect anything?      Music boxes 
 43.  Favorite sports team?     Arkansas Razorbacks, of course 
 44.  What song do you want played at your funeral?     Amazing Grace 
Barbara Farley Nix’s 44:
1.   Do you like blue cheese? No
2.   Have you ever smoked?  no
3.   Do you own a gun? yes 
4.   What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite?  strawberry 
 5.   Do you get nervous before doctor  appointments? Yes 
6.   What do you think of hot dogs?   Love 'em especially off the grill 
7.   Favorite Holiday Movie?  Christmas Vacation 
8.   Favorite thing to drink in the morning?  Coffee
9.   Can you do push ups?  no
  10.  What's your favorite piece of jewellery?  Wedding Ring 
 11.  What's your favorite hobby?  traveling
 12.  Do you have A.D.D.?   No
13. What trait do you hate about yourself?    Worry too much
 14.   Middle name? Ann 
 15.  Name 3 thoughts this exact moment; 1) Got to get ready for school. 2.  What is my next meeting?  3.Who do I call about retiring?
16.  What do you read in the bathroom?  Shopping magazines 
17.  Current worry?  Economic future of the US 
18.  Current hate right now?  The terrible economy in the US…it stinks! 
19.  Favorite place to be? Italy, going again this summer 
 20.  How did you bring in the New year?  Watched TV
 21.  Where would you like to go?  I’d like to visit Costa Rico,  Italy

 22.  Name three people who will complete this? Liz, David, Bill
24.  What shirt are you wearing?  Black t-shirt
25. Do you like sleeping on  satin sheets?   no 
26.  Can you whistle? Never could 27.  Favorite color?  Black
28.  Would you be a pirate? Not now 
29.   What songs do you sing in the shower? I rarely sing in the shower.
30.  Favorite girl's name?  Isabella, my granddaughter
 31.  Favorite boy's name?  Grant, my grandson
32. What's in your pocket?   Cell phone
 33.  Last thing that made you laugh?   Something I read in a book
34.  What vehicle do you drive?  2006 Honda Accord
35.  Worst injury you've ever had?  Sprained ankle
36.  Do you love where you live?  I do
37.  How many TVs do you have in your house?  4
38.   I guess number 38 got lost  -  Probably lost some “digits” =) 
39.  Do you have any pets?  Yes, Macy – a Yorkie
 40.  Does someone have a crush on you?  Don’t know
 41.  Your favorite books?   John Grisham
 42.  Do you collect anything?  Things from countries I have visited
 43.  Favorite sports team? To watch—Razorbacks
 44.  What song do you want played at your funeral?  Hymn of Promise

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings Gang!
First please join me in wishing our December born classmates a very Happy Birthday!

Donna Barber King                         Dec. 3
Rick Borgman                                 Dec. 24
Tom Chambers                               Dec. 15
Sherry Chastain Kelley                  Dec. 7
Beth Marshall Lane                        Dec. 30
Linda Nalley O'Neal                       Dec. 23
Debbie Thomas McAdory             Dec. 15
Jim Wesser                                    Dec. 5

I wish each of you a very Happy Birthday and welcome to your 59th or 60th year, as the case might be.   

Well, have you got all of your Christmas shopping done?  It seems like the older I get the later I finish my shopping...I wonder what causes that?  I use to have everything finished by October 1st. This year I did just about all of it last weekend.  I think I have one more small little thing to pick up and I'll be finished.  There was one of our classmates that had other things on his mind...other than shopping for Christmas.  He was doing a little fishing.  Yep, did you hear me Pat Watkins?  The attached pictures is one that Mike Rabb sent to me. (Eat your heart out Pat!)  I'll let Mike tell you about it in his own words.

I'm really proud of this one as on last year's trip one like this "'got away".  This is a red drum, more commonly known as a "Redfish".  It weighed 25 lbs and was 42 inches long.  The battle took about 30 minutes on light tackle, (15 lb test line) from a pier in Fernandina Beach Florida, which is just across the Georgia and Florida line on Amelia Island. 

This is my 3rd year to go with 3 friends on this trip.  We stay at the Amelia Island Inn, which owns the pier, and all we do is fish, eat, and have a few drinks.  Actually, I caught another Redfish the day before about this same size and another guy on my trip caught one almost as big.  All three fish were released, as the law requires for this size, to re-populate the endangered Redfish species.

I have one more little ditty that I'd like each of you to do and send back to me.  It's called "44 Things".  I sent this to my buddy, Mike Rabb, a couple of weeks ago and he was nice enough to fill it out and send it back to me.  I'm putting it in below this.  All you have to do is Copy and Paste it into a new email, fill in your own answers and send it back to me.  If you get too tired to finish it don't feel bad, just fill out what you would like and send it to me.  I'll include the ones I get back in next months Class O Gram. 

Here's Mike's.  Read through it and enjoy...just remember, everyone would like to read your 44 things as well.

Just hit forward and replace my answers with your own.
1.   Do you like blue cheese? No
2.   Have you ever smoked?   Yes, quit 1977
3.   Do you own a gun?  Several  
4.   What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite?  I don’t care for Kool-Aid
5.   Do you get nervous before doctor  appointments? Yes
6.   What do you think of hot dogs?   Love 'em especially off the grill
7.   Favorite Holiday Movie? Christmas Vacation
8.   Favorite thing to drink in the morning?  Coffee
9.   Can you do push ups?  50, 5 days per week 
10.  What's your favorite piece of jewellery?  Wedding Ring 
 11.  What's your favorite hobby?  Golf, fishing
 12.  Do you have A.D.D.?   Nope. I can’t even spell it!
13. What trait do you hate about yourself?    Worry too much
 14.   Middle name? Michael
15.  Name 3 thoughts this exact moment; 1) I wish business would pick up  2) Hope everyone enjoyed the fish photo  3) Wish I was back in Fla. fishing.....
16.  What do you read in the bathroom?   Nothing…that’s no place to read!
17.  Current worry?  Economic future of the US
18.  Current hate right now?  The terrible economy in the US…it stinks!
19.  Favorite place to be? Caribbean, but it's been a long time
20.  How did you bring in the New year?  Watched TV
 21.  Where would you like to go?  I’d like to visit Costa Rico,  Belize
 22.  Name three people who will complete this? Not a clue
24.  What shirt are you wearing?  Green Flannel, cold, snowed in mtns this am
25. Do you like sleeping on  satin sheets?   Never alone.
26.  Can you whistle? Oh yeah…my Dad taught me. 
 27.  Favorite color?  Red
28.  Would you be a pirate? No, don't believe in stealing.
29.   What songs do you sing in the shower? I rarely sing in the shower.
30.  Favorite girl's name?  Chelsea, my step-daughter
 31.  Favorite boy's name?  Jonathan Seth, my step-son
32. What's in your pocket?   Money, business cards left frt., Knife, keys right , wallet bk left.
 33.  Last thing that made you laugh?   Catching and releasing a pelican last week. Long story
34.  What vehicle do you drive?  '05 GMC Canyon Truck
35.  Worst injury you've ever had?  Crushed 3 fingers on left hand '72
36.  Do you love where you live?  It’s OK. I wouldn’t say I love it. 
37.  How many TVs do you have in your house?  5
38.   I guess number 38 got lost  -  Probably lost some “digits” =) 
39.  Do you have any pets?  Yes, dog and a 15 yr old cockatiel
 40.  Does someone have a crush on you?  Doubtful 
 41.  Your favorite books?   Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren
 42.  Do you collect anything?  Scorecards of different golf courses I've played..never counted 'em
 43.  Favorite sports team? To watch—ASU Football, to participate in—Golf, fishing
 44.  What song do you want played at your funeral?  "People Get Ready, there's a train a coming" 

Now, copy and paste this into a new email and send it back to me with YOUR answers.  No, don't wait a few day, you'll forget about it and I know everyone would like to read about YOU.  So, take a few minutes and do it now.

As of right now I have no new information to give you about Rick Crawford.  I will do my best to get some more information and pass it along.  For now, please continue to keep him in your prayers for a quick and complete recovery.  While you're down on those knees, don't forget his wife, Donna.

Gang, it's getting late and I'm not as young as I used to be.  So I'm going to close this for now and head to bed.  Take care, let me hear from you SOON, and most importantly....have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.  If any of you are members of Maumelle Country Club, my band, After Hours, will be playing out there for their New Year's Eve celebration.  Come see us and dance the night away!

God bless you all,
Bill

Oct. 30, 2008

Hey there boys & girls!
Yes, it's that time again...already!  I want to wish each of you a very Happy Halloween.  May your harvest be fruitful.  Now, let's not waste any time in wishing a very Happy upcoming Birthday to our November born classmates:
 
Tim Lewis                   Nov. 01
Pat Miller Foreman       Nov. 24
Jeff Richards               Nov. 02
Janet Riley Johnston    Nov. 30
Ralph Spears               Nov. 04
Beverly Spivey Karnes  Nov. 01
Gary Stone                  Nov. 22
Tracey Styles             Nov. 30
 
Happy Birthday to you all and welcome to the "almost 60" club.  =)  I realize there are some that think that Beverly Spivey Karnes birthday is a different date, but this is the information that I had...so there you go.
 
I want to thank all of those that were involved in planning the mini reunion that took place on Oct. 24th and 25th.  You efforts were very much appreciated and all those that attended had a great time.  David Hughes wasn't able to attend, but he does have some pictures that were taken at the gathering on the 25th posted on our class website.  If you haven't visited it lately this would be a great time to check it out again.   www.bhsclassof1967.org
 
Ron King wants to thank all of those that have helped out on his RE-CYCLE program to give bicycles to needy kids at Christmas.  As of today he has 108 that are cleaned, repaired, and ready to go and another 35-40 that are still in the repair/clean-up stages.  It's still not too late to get involved with this for this year and if you'd like to volunteer some time to help out with it I'm sure Ron would welcome the help.  There are a lot of really neat things going on with this ministry and I know for a fact that it has completely surprised Ron with how it has come about and the volume that is going to be available to be given out come Christmas.  Just imagine the smiles on all those little unsuspecting faces that never dreamed they would be able to have their very own bicycle.  Hopefully, I will be able to get Ron to sit down with me for a few minutes after the first of the year to give you all an update...not only on the number of bicycles that were given out, but also how he has seen the hand of God helping him through this awesome experience.
 
Alma Joyce and Bill Hahn (Mr. & Mrs. Hahn as we remember them) want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers that went out for their grandson Brendan recently.  Brendan is 15 and suffered a stroke not too long ago.  He is still in the hospital but was moved to a private room in rehab just a couple of days ago.  He bled in five places, but the brain has begun to absorb the blood now and he is improving from the stroke.  He is continuing to receive physical, ophthalmological, and speech therapy.  Mrs. Hahn says that he still has a way to go particularly with the speech therapy.  He knows the words he wants to use, but he just can't seem to call them up yet.  He knows which Granny is which, and where they live, but can't remember their names.  She said that he also knows the days of the week and the names of the days but hasn't yet been able to say the names.  So please keep all of them in your prayers and we wish Brendan a speedy and complete recovery.
 
I want to feature three classmates in this issue.  The first two just happen to be husband and wife.  They are Rick (Ricky) Butler and Linda Nichols Butler.  Linda and Rick got married in 1970 and lived in Fayetteville until 1976.  They moved to Dardanelle where Rick was accepting a position as consumer safety inspector with the US Department of Agriculture.  He has been with the USDA for 32 years now.  Linda had a 7 1/2 year teaching career (high school and business college) then got into banking for 18 years.  She has been with Community First Trust Company for 8 years starting out as a trust assistant and then moving into  a trust officer position two years ago.  They have two children; a son Chris, now 36, married to Mitzi and they have a 10 year old daughter and a 6 year old son, and their daughter, Lacey, now 29 and has a 10 year old son and a 6 year old daughter.  Linda says all four grand children play sports so that keeps them pretty busy.  Their hobbies are fishing (Rick, not Linda) hunting, camping, 3-D archery tournaments, and motorcycle riding.  They have a cabin in Logan County, about 20 minutes from their house, where all the kids and grandkids hang out, hunt and ride 4-wheelers.  I asked Linda where all they rode....well, I'll let you read her story for yourself.
 
Ever since Rick and I have been married one of my "wishes" was that we would have a Honda Goldwing motorcycle and join the Retreads.  Well, in April 2005, Rick and I bought a Honda Goldwing motorcycle but we didn't join the Retreads (they just seemed too old a group for us!!)  This was our 3rd bike in the last 15 years.  In June we left on a two-week adventure with another couple headed west.  We saw such wonderful sights -- Mt. Rushmore, Rocky Mountain National Park (the morning we left headed to Yellowstone it was 35 degrees and we had on everything we could find--when we left Yellowstone and got into Gardiner, MT it was 104 degrees); Custer State Park in South Dakota, Grand Tetons in Wyoming, Yellowstone, Devil's Tower in Montana, Estes Park, Colorado, Boot Hill in Dodge City, Kansas, Crazy Horse Monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota; we rode the Pig Tail Trail,  Little Big Horn State Park, Corn Palace in S. Dakota. We visited Wall Drug in Wall, SD (takes up a whole block and you can still get coffee for 10 cents a cup and free ice water).  Of course, we did go to Sturgis, but we were a week before the "big" rally.  We rolled into town, bought our Sturgis T-shirt, got our picture taken under the sign and then rolled on back out of town.  By the time we got back home we had put 3,997 miles on the bike and were ready to go again!  We decided that was our best vacation ever, and the only time we had taken two full weeks off at one time.
 
In 2006 we had a 4 day weekend and packed the bike for a couple of relaxing days in Eureka Springs.  When we left home on Thursday morning we decided to go through Ft. Smith to stop at the Harley Davidson shop/”drool”.  Rick's dream has always been to have a Harley.  By about 11:00 A.M. we had drooled enough and headed on down I-540 to go to Eureka by way of Fayetteville.  At the end of I-540 Rick asked if I really wanted to go to Eureka and I said not really.  My question was:  "I wonder what the Rocky Mountains look like?"  At 3:00 P.M. on Friday afternoon we were looking at the Rocky Mountains.  There is nothing more awesome and breathtaking in our opinion.  We were back home by about 3:00 P.M. Sunday.  Yes, it was a fast trip, but it was great! 
 
In May 2007 one of Rick's dreams came true - he became a Harley owner.  We got a 2007 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic in preparation of another trip out West with our riding buddies.  This trip took us to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, and Roswell, NM to see the UFO Museum. We got hailed on just out of Santa Fe, NM; Four Corners where four states meet (I had my picture taken "sitting" in all four states at once - which for me wasn't too hard), Durango, CO where we rode the Durango-Silverton train (got snowed on in Silverton), Ouray, CO., Monarch Pass, and finally in La Junta CO we saw Bents Old Fort where the mountain men would meet to trade goods with the Indians.  We were gone about 10 days and managed only about 2000 miles this time.
 
Our most recent trip was this year, 2008, and we decided to take a shorter one.  We headed to Mississippi to ride the Natchez Trace Parkway.  I guess this was our most disappointing trip because there was nothing on the Parkway to see but scenery.  We thought there might be replications of what used to be there but there were only signs telling us what was there. 
 
If any one has a bike and would like to get up a long weekend trip, I bet we could find somewhere to go.
 
We enjoyed seeing everyone at the mini-reunion last weekend.  We are already looking forward to the next one.
 
I don't think I could have said it any better myself.  =)  The next classmate I want to feature is Tom Chambers.  I'm sure most of you know or have at least heard about the Old Fashion Days that Saline County has every year.  Well, did you know that our own Tom Chambers came up with the idea for that originally?  When I found that out I had to get the "real" story straight from the horses mouth, so to speak.  So I asked Tom.  Here's what he had to say about it.
 
 OK, let me take a stab at some info on Old Fashioned Day.

Back in 1974 I was just out of Graduate School and having fun with Uncle Sam as an Infantry officer.  I started working for CADC in Benton which is still in operation.  One of the initiatives that we were working on was the establishment of Centers to Serve the needs of our Senior Adults in Saline County and other counties in Central Arkansas that we covered.

I was working with Charles Cunningham and Mary Frost and one day we found out that there were federal matching grants to start Senior Adult Centers.  Someone said " OK how are we going to raise the money to get the matching funds".   I responded that "We will have an Old Fashioned Day"  I did not know at that moment what it was going to entail but started conceptualizing the idea and developed a model for an arts and crafts show on the courthouse lawn along with local people participating in various events to generate participation from the citizens of Saline County. 

I actually went out around the sate to various craft shows and invited artisans to come to Benton for the first Old Fashioned Day to be held the following fall.  The first one was in 1974 and was a great success and has continued to this day.

The most important out growth of this was the establishment of the Saline County Senior Adult Center.  The first site was in an old church on East Street, then for a time it was in the American Legion building at the Park.  At this time a group of Benton citizens headed by my father Ken Chambers started the effort to build the existing Center on Jefferson Street.  All of the engineering and architectural work was donated by former employees of Alcoa and the city passed a 2 mill sales tax to pay for the cost of the building.  This was paid off early by funds raised at Old Fashioned day by the Saline County Senior Adult Council, which is a separate non-profit organization set up to assist the Center. 

To our knowledge this is the only Senior Adult Center paid for solely by local funds with no Federal money involved….a great testament to the citizens of Saline County.

For 34 years now the center has provided meals, activities, medical screening and assistance for over 150 seniors every day five days a week.  That is One Million Three Hundred Twenty Six Thousand meals and persons cared for. 

Our seniors deserve no less than this having cared for us and nurtured us as we were growing up.  Anyone can attend the center.  There are no income limits just age. 

Old Fashioned Day was once much bigger and better than what I saw this past visit.  I would hope that some groups can come together to help grow it back to where it should be.  The money from the auction, raffle tickets and the booth rentals goes to the Senior Adult Council.

I was asked to serve as the King Emeritus, whatever that means, and I was pleased to do so this past Oct. 11th.  This is a legacy that I will always be proud of and know that it will touch more persons lives than anything that I can ever do again in my life.
 
I know this has probably been my longest Class O Gram yet, but this is what I had originally envisioned this to be.  We all have stories...and we are all interested in hearing those stories.  Hopefully this will inspire some of you to tell me a few things going on in your lives so that I can pass them along to everyone else.   One last thing...if any of you have email addresses for other classmates that are not getting the Class O Grams, please pass them along to me and I'll put them on my email list.
 
Take care, have a great November, be sure to vote, and you hunters let me know how your luck goes.
 
God bless you all,
Bill

Sept. 30, 2008

Good Evening Boys & Girls!!
 
Yep, it's that's time again.  I know you've just been sitting on pins and needles waiting on your monthly Class O Gram... Right??  Oh well, humor me...say yes.  =)  First things first...It must have been a really cold cold January back in 1949! I think October is our biggest month of birthdays for the whole year.  So here's wishing each of you a very Happy Birthday!
 
Charles Harrington            Oct. 22
Bill Killian                         Oct. 21
Ron King                          Oct. 12
Liz Laster Mullins               Oct. 9
Joe McCutcheon                Oct. 9
Carol Sue Moberly Dawson Oct. 25
Bill Struble                       Oct. 25
Pat Watkins                      Oct. 9
Janie Witham McAdoo        Oct. 11
 
I hope you all have a great birthday, and if you want to share with the rest of us how you celebrate it then feel free to drop me a few lines and I'll be glad to pass it along to everyone.  I honestly think there are a couple of other people that had October birthdays but these are all of the ones that I have verified dates for from our email list.  Speaking of our email list.. If any of you know other classmates that are not being included on my mailing list please get their emails to me and I will gladly add them.  I also have two email addresses that have started coming back as "undeliverable".  They are for Beverly Spivey Karnes and Charlene Sample Bodiford.  If anyone has a current email address for either of them, please get it to me.
 
The planning committee for the "Mini Reunion" on October 24 & 25 met again about a week ago to finalize all their plans.  For any of you that have not already sent in your money please try to do that by October 15th.  This will sure go a long way to help the committee plan better and make sure all arrangements are made.  Just in case you have forgotten the prices for the tickets to the Panther Homecoming game on Friday night, October 24th are $5.00 each...and YES you do need to send that in ahead of time.  They are trying to get a block of seats relatively close together and it will help greatly if you let them know you're coming.  How will you get your tickets, you ask?  Well, that's taken care of...there will be someone from our class at the front gate on the Home side of the field that will have the tickets that were paid for in advance.  Just look for the 58-60 year old person at the gate that you hardly recognize, tell them who you are, and they will have your ticket.  The cost for the Get Together on Saturday October 25th has not gone up!! (Well, you never know these days the way the stock market is going!)  Prices are still $10 per person or $15 per couple and that will be at the Holland Chapel Family Life Center just off I-30 across the interstate from Trout Addition.  Now you know you have to be from Benton from back in the day to understand where that is.  Make your check out to BHS Class of 1967 and send them to: Bill Struble, 2451 Holly Ridge Cove, Benton, AR  72019.
 
After all of my harping and begging I finally got someone besides me to let me know about one of their trips.  Our own Ron King (I know you're surprised!) went on a mission trip to Trinidad and Tobago back in July of this year.  Here, in his own words, is his story and I will attempt to attach a link to a Flickr page so you can view some of his pictures.
 
At the urging of Bill Killian and with apologies to Strunk and White here is my report of my mission trip to Trinidad & Tobago this summer.

As usual, we left early on Saturday morning for the daylong trip that would take us first to Houston then directly to Port-Au-Spain, Trinidad.  This was my sixth trip in as many years but was the first time out of the country for many of the young people on the trip.  Trinidad is the Southernmost of the Caribbean islands,  just 7 miles off the coast of Venezuela.  We were there to provide the children of the village of Campoo with a Vacation Bible School that included daily crafts, Bible study, and a meal.  In addition to the VBS, we were to work on building an orphanage in the afternoons.

Trinidad is primarily Hindu and Islam with various Christian churches and Buddhists making up the rest.  We were working with mostly Hindu children.  Hindus are very accepting of our teachings but view Jesus as just another of the 300 million gods they worship.  Each family picks three or four gods to follow and prays to them.  Because of their belief in reincarnation you can't convert to Hinduism and you can't renounce your Hinduism, you are either are born a Hindu or you're not.  When people die they are cremated in public with the family gathered around and the ashes are placed in a body or water.  They believe that all waters flow to the Ganges River and when those ashes reach the Ganges the person will be reincarnated as a higher life form or lower depending on how they lived.

We spent four days with some wonderful young Trinis sharing the Gospel and just talking about life.  As usual I feel I got more out of it than they did.  We tied rebar and built concrete frames and hope to return next year to continue the building .

On Friday we flew to Tobago and spent a day relaxing on the beach and snorkeling.  Flew back to Little Rock on Saturday.

Click on this link to go to Ron's photos:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/22129112@N05/sets/72157607616166190/show/ 
If the link doesn't take you there automatically just copy and paste it to your internet browser.

If any of you that live in the central Arkansas area are looking for something fun to do Wednesday night, October 1st...yes, I know that's tonight.. be spontaneous!!  Join me at Stickyfingerz in the River Market District in Little Rock to see Pete Best. Say you don't remember him??? Well, he was the first drummer for a little band that had a few hits back in our day called The Beatles.  Yes, he's still playing music and will be right her in Little Rock City October 1st.  You've got plenty of time to get home from work and relax a bit..maybe even take a short nap.  He won't start playing until 9:30 or 10 PM.  So, come on out!!

Don't forget that our own Barbara Farley Nix is still running for office in the upcoming election. If you're in her district please get out and vote and if you're not contact her and ask her how you can help her.  It's an easy thing to do.  If you need more information about her race you can check it out on her website:  www.ElectNix.org

I know the economy is on everyone's mind and we are in for some tough times I'm afraid.  Please remember to get out and vote in November for the candidate of your choice.  I'm not trying to sway anyone in any direction.  Most of you already know my convictions.  I just ask that you listen to the candidates and make your decision from your heart.  This upcoming election will effect our country and each of us possibly more than any other election this country has had.  There are many issues they have to face, and many more that we aren't even aware of at this time.  Regardless of who is elected to lead our country please pray for them and continue to ask God to guide their decisions.

Have a great Halloween and I'll talk to you next month.

God Bless America!
Bill

Aug. 28, 2008

Hey gang!
Yep, it's that time again and man is there ever a lot of stuff to talk about.  So let's just jump right in and wish a very very happy birthday to our September born classmates:

Linda Selph Moffitt  Sept. 30
Jim Wickliffe          Sept. 28

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday dear Linda and Jim.....Happy Birthday to you!!! (and MANY more...)  Now you have been E-Sung to.  Have a great birthday!!

Next order of business:  Did you know that there is an election going on??  Nope, I'm not going to try to get political and sway you one way or the other.  I'm just going to remind you that our own Barbara Farley Nix has a big November coming up.  If you haven't visited her website yet , then please take a few minutes and go to www.electNix.org and check it out.  You'll probably learn something about Barbara that you didn't know.  I sure did...Nope I'm not tellin' you what.  While you're own her website feel free to "kick the tires" so to speak.  Click a few buttons and find out what she stands for and what she's wanting to do.  Whether you're in District 28 or not you can go to the "Endorsement" page and write a few lines about how you feel about her and why you think she would make a good State Representative.  Come on now...don't just say you'll check it out. DO IT! And be sure to go to the Endorsement page and tell everyone why they should vote for Barbara.  It only takes a couple of minutes and you never know what effect it will have on those that read it.

All of you know that I've been asking and asking for pictures of your trips, vacations, kids, grandkids, just about everything.  So far, I've had two people send me a total of three pictures.  Well, all I can say is that if you don't send them to me I'll just keep putting things about me and people that I come in contact with in here.  Maybe you'll get tired enough about hearing about me that you'll break down and let me know what's going on in your life.  Tom Chambers that's partially aimed at you because you've been promising me pictures of China since our reunion and I'm still waiting.  I know you've been there at least twice since last August...maybe more.  I need information to pass on to everyone.

OK, with all that said; On the morning of August 2, my wife Beverly and I met Ron King and his wife Sherry at the airport to catch a plane for a fun-filled weekend in the windy city of Chicago.  Let me tell you, if any of you are looking for a trip planner, Sherry King is the one you need to contact.  She had made an iteneary for our trip and it was action packed.  First of all she had planned direct flights so that we spent as little time in transit as possible. Then everything really started moving. We had lunch at Berghoff's, then walked around and did a little window shopping before going back to the hotel to unpack and get cleaned up before going to The Jersey Boys that evening. (the story of how the Four Seasons got started)  We tried to stop by the Hancock building for cocktails before we left for the theater but the line was too long so we passed that one up.  After The Jersey Boys we just made it to Harry Carey's in time for dinner before the kitchen closed. The next morning we had breakfast at a little sidewalk cafe because the pancake specialty place(I can't remember it's name) was too full, then off to a day game at Wrigley Field to watch our Cubs play the Astros...and they WON! Riding the "El" was a real experience!  Of course some of the cab drivers were an "experience" themselves...especially the one we lovingly called "Mario".  Need I say more?  I was ready to kiss the concrete when we finally got out of his cab!!  After the game; back to the hotel for a quick change of clothes and headed out to Second City.  This is a comedy club where a lot of the original Saturday Night Live people got their start. It was a "skit style" comedy with about 6 or 8 comedians on the stage.  The first two "sessions" were planned and then the last set was completely "Improv".  I'm telling you...If you can't laugh there, you're dead!  When we left there we went to Gibson's for dinner.  If you're ever in Chicago, you've GOT to check out Gibson's.  The underlings like us were seated downstairs, but if you're a Michael Jordan, Shack, or a Jim Belushi type, you are seated up stairs.  Not only can you see all kinds of celebrities there, but the steaks are incredible!  A short walk back to the hotel and crash for the evening.  The next morning started pretty quietly with us finding the little pancake place with a relatively short line.  For some odd reason, they pulled us ahead of about 30 others that were waiting because we were a group of 4.  Needless to say we weren't asked for autographs at that point.  =)  The rest of the morning was spent shopping.  Ron and I hit the stores we wanted and Beverly and Sherry went their way.  We met back in time to head to Wrigley Field once again for an evening game.  The game started at 6:20...I'll try to make this short...there was an almost three hour rain delay(actually a tornado delay) in which the tornado sirens, which by the way are located at Wrigley Field, were blowing as loudley as they could.  The "authorities" were trying to get everyone to evacuate to the main concourse below the seats, but there simply wasn't enough room down there for everyone.  We sat in our seats until it was raining so hard and the wind was blowing and swirling so hard that I could not see the scoreboard.  At that point I led Beverly down to the main concourse and we stayed there for about 45 minutes until it settled down a bit.  Long story short they resumed the game again at 10:20 PM and it had to be called shortly after 11 PM because lighting was striking all around the field and even struck the flag pole on top of the scoreboard as we were leaving our seats.  I haven't see rain that hard in a long time and that really made hailing a cab down even more interesting.  Tuesday morning was much less eventful.  We did a little last minute shopping darting in and out of the rain, spent a few hours in the Field Museam and then checked out and headed to the airport for our quick flight back home.

Now, as if I haven't already worn you out I'm going to put a link in here so that you can see some of the pictures that we took while we were there.  I promise there's only 13 of them and the link will take you to a Flickr slideshow similar to what we have on our class website.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22129112@N05/sets/72157606928186267/show/

If the link doesn't take you directly to the Flickr slideshow just copy and paste it into a new browser.

Ok now that all of that is behind us I want to mention a couple of other things.  First of all it's almost September which means it's getting closer to Christmas.  If you haven't checked your garages or storage buildings for old and unused bicycles, please take a few minutes and do that and either call Ron King at 501-376-9988 or email back to me at this address and we will get them picked up, cleaned up, fixed up, and ready to give to some young person at Christmas that would not be able to have one any other way.  RECYCLE, Bikes for Kids...Please remember it and help us out.

The class of 1969 has started planning their 40th reunion which they expect to be in September of 2009.  I was invited to a meething they had last Saturday evening to basically tell them what all we did.  I'm not so sure that was such a good idea, but I did it anyway.  I'm sure they will have a great reunion and will enjoy their time together as much as we did.  They have also had David Hughes set up a website for them and you can check it out at www.bhsclassof1969.com

Have you sent your money in to Bill Struble for the Mini Reunion coming up on Oct. 24th & 25th?  Don't let time slip up on you and forget to do this.  Remember, plans are to go to the BHS Homecoming game on Friday night, Oct. 24th.  The cost for that is $5 per ticket and you do need to send that in too.  They will buy the tickets in a group and have someone at the front gate to give your tickets to you.  On Saturday the place to be is Holland Chapel Baptist Church Family Life Center from 10 AM until 4 PM.  There will be coffee and snacks from 10-11 AM and there will be cold cuts and all the fixin's for a plate lunch - buffet style around noon.  The cost for this portion is $10 per person or $15 per couple.  Spouses, children, and grandchildren are welcome.  (Just a reminder, there will be no reunion booklet given out this time.)  So, if you and your spouse are going to be at the game and at Holland Chapel you will need to send in a check, made out to BHS Class of 1967 for $25 to:

Bill Struble
BHS Class of 1967
2451 Holly Ridge Cove
Benton, AR  72019

Before I close I want to do one more thing.  I had this question asked to me earlier this week and several of the people in my office spent a lot of time talking about it and had a lot of fun.  I'm going to ask you, and I want you to write back to me at this email address and let me know your answers.  Next month I will include those answers in the Class O Gram.  I think it will be fun and I think you'll be amazed at how it brings back memories.  The question??  What was your first car?  And what are some of the memories that car made for you?  Let me hear from you on this.

I know that's a lot of "stuff" but hopefully this will bring you up to date on what all is going on.  School is back in session and high school and college football starts this weekend.  I know a lot of you will be traveling on this upcoming Labor Day weekend.  Please be safe and take care. 

God bless you all,
Bill


July 30, 2008

Greetings once again Gang!
Yes, it's that time again...I know, it's hard to believe that another month has gone by!  And can you believe that's is been almost a full year since we had our 40th Class Reunion???  Well, you know what that means...Yep, it's now been 41 years since we graduated!  How does that make you feel??  =)

First things first... Let's all join together in wishing all of our August born classmates a very very Happy Birthday!!  Here's "lighting your candle" for you, and I hope each of you have great times as you celebrate your birthdays.

Beverly Burton Griffin         Aug. 24
Jim Kelley                        Aug. 15
Debbie Mooney Mitchell      Aug. 12
Jackie Pelton                    Aug. 12
Doug Wilson                     Aug. 29

I hope everyone is beating the heat this summer.  For some reason it seems to get hotter every year.  I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting older or if I'm just getting more used to staying in an air conditioned office, home and car that makes it seem so blasted hot when I do get outside.

I talked to Fred Raines yesterday and he is back at work.  He is still having to take it easier than he would prefer but all in all he is doing much better.  I'm also happy to announce that he has already lost 27 lbs.  Way to go Fred!  I know from personal experience that isn't an easy thing to do and I applaud you for your efforts.  Keep up the great work!

By now, you all should have received your letters about the Mini Reunion that is coming up October 24th & 25th.  I hope all of you will start making your plans NOW to be there.  This will be a more informal gathering than a year ago, so come on out an enjoy the Homecoming football game and then a great opportunity to catch up with some great friends from "yesteryear" the next day between 10 AM and 4 PM at the Holland Chapel Baptist Church Family Life Center.  There will be snacks and coffee there in the morning and then a self-serve buffet style plate lunch of cold cuts with all the fixins'.  You can't beat the prices!  Tickets for the game are $5 each and for the gathering at Holland Chapel they are $10 per person or $15 per couple.  Go ahead make your check out NOW to BHS Class of 1967 and send it to:

                      Bill Struble
                      2451 Holly Ridge Cove
                      Benton, AR  72019

To help them make plans please have your checks to Bill by October 15th.  If you have any questions you can contact him by email at  bill@mid-arkansas.com  or by phone at 501-840-5080.  Also, some of you may have forgotten.  We still have our class website up and running and there will be a lot of information on there about the upcoming reunion and other events.  You can still find it at  www.bhsclassof1967.org   So, go check it out again.

My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.  My wish is that all is well in each of your lives.  Please don't forget to drop me a few lines about what all is going on with you.  Trust me...EVERYONE is interested!  =)  Take care and I'll be back to you again next month.

God bless you all,
Bill
 

June 30, 2008

Hey Gang!
Yep, it's that time again, and can you believe that 2008 is half gone?  I just don't know where this year has gone!  I guess we can all relate that the older we get the faster time seems to pass.  Someone once told me that life was just like a roll of toilet paper....the closer to the end of it you get, the faster it seems to disappear.  How true that is.

Well without any further hesitation I want to wish our July birthday classmates a very Very VERY Happy Birthday!

Ben Blankenship      July 7
John Davis             July 26
Sid Emmons           July 29
Ron Glosson           July 9
Eddie Jones            July 20
Ken Musteen          July 14
Fred Raines            July 2
Sue Scott Bennett   July 18
Martin Tull             July 27

My kindest and most heartfelt wishes for each and every one of you for an absolutely wonderful birthday.

For those of you that weren't aware, July 2nd will be a VERY special day for Fred Raines.  Fred was on a business trip to Northwest Arkansas earlier this month, experienced some chest pains, and heart palpitations and ended up calling 911 to get him to the emergency room.  A little over two weeks later he finally managed to get stabilized and moved down to Baptist Hospital here in Little Rock.  He was there for several days and finally got to go home.  I'm not sure of all the details but I do know that he had experienced a heart attack and I don't think they were sure if he had a slight stroke or not.  Anyway, with all that said, Fred is still not out of the woods and I know that he can use your prayers.  Just like most of us, he has put on some extra pounds over the years and he is going to have to get some of that off to ease the pressure and strain on his body so that he can get batter.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Switching gears just a bit...Ron King has come up with a super idea.  It is called RE-Cycle.  I'm attaching a copy of the logo for it.  He is collecting bicycles; new or used, in good condition or bad, and he will refurbish them and get them into good shape so that he can give them out to under privileged children this coming Christmas.  I personally think it's an AWESOME idea and I'm asking for your help.  I sent out an email at my office last week asking if anyone had any bicycles sitting around their house that aren't being used to let me know and bring them to me so I can get them to Ron.  I put out a brief description of what he was doing and I was amazed at the response.  So far, I have received two bicycles, and three more are already promised to me for later in the week.  If they are in good working order and don't require much repair Ron will pay up to $25 for each one, or if you'd like to make a contribution to help out he would be more that happy to accept.  I would like to ask your help.  Look around your house, in your basement, in your garage or storage buildings.  See if you have one or more that you can contribute AND ask your friends as well.  Ron said that he would like to have at least 100 bicycles to give away this coming Christmas.  I think if we can get a little help, we can do a lot better than that.  So let me know....especially if you're in the Central Arkansas area.  Drop me an email here or at my office or you can call Ron at 501-376-9988.  If he's not in the office just leave a message and he'll get back with you and arrange a pick up. 

Another thing that is "in the works" is a "Mini Reunion" that will be on October 24th at the Benton Panthers Homecoming game at C.W. Lewis Stadium in Benton and will be followed up the next day, October 25th, with a get together at Holland Chapel Family Life Center from 10 AM to 4 PM.  More details will be posted on the website www.bhsclassof1967.org  and I will be giving you more details in my Class O Grams as I have them.  So start making your plans now and we will get you additional details soon.

I'm sure that all of us share our concerns for our economy.  The stock market seems determined that I am NEVER to be able to retire, and if they can't pull off the coup then OPEC will do their best to finish off my last hope.  Well, this may not be a great help but I'm putting in a link that should take you to a website that will give you best gasoline prices in your area.  Never fear, it works all over the country.  All you have to do is bring up the website and put in your zip code.  If you're planning a trip you can also find out the gas prices along the way as well as at your final destination.  Here it is so give it a try.

                                       http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx

If youhave any problems with this taking you to the site, just copy and paste it into your browser.  If you're one of the lucky ones and already retired and don't have to worry about gas prices, then you can have fun with it and tell your kids how much they're going to have to pay.  =)


Before I close I want to say WELCOME HOME to Charlie Harrington and Sylvia Sullins Campbell.  We're glad to have you both back home safe, and well.  I'm sure there's something else that I'm supposed to tell you but it's getting late and my "Sometimerz" is kicking in.  So I will say good night to all and God Bless.


Bill




May 30, 2008

Hey Gang!
It's that time again!  And first things first...I want to wish all of our June birthday classmates a very happy and awesome birthday!  They are:
 
Barbara Farley Nix            June 2
Diana Harrison Stensland  June 26
Paula Madden Doan          June 15
Dorothy Maddox O'Kelley  June 7
Bridget Matthews Hensley June 11
Mike Rabb                        June 11
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all you guys and gals!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I have a couple of tidbits of news... First CONGRATULATIONS to Barbara Farley Nix for her win in the primary election on May 20th for State Representative.  I think this is AWESOME and I can't tell you how proud of you that we are Barbara.  She will go head-to-head with her Republican opponent in the general election in November. If any of you would like to volunteer your time to help her with her campaign or if you would like to make a monetary contribution to help out I'm sure she would welcome either... or BOTH.  You can mail your contributions made out to:  Barbara Nix Campaign to 1603 Utopia, Benton, AR  72015.  Barbara's home email address is:  BNix2@att.net  You can also visit her website at www.electnix.org   For those of you that weren't able to attend Barbara's Fund Raiser back on March 29th, you missed a good time as well as an opportunity to talk with an up and coming politician from our own class.  Barbara, we wish you the best and please let us know if there's anything specific that you need that we can help with.
 
My next tidbit of news really made my day when I found out about it.  On the morning of  May 21st I got an email from Charlie Harrington to let me know that he is HOME!!!!!!! (Can you see the balloon and confetti dropping??? the band is playing...people are dancing about, jumping up and down, laughing, smiling, and shouting!?!?!)  I had hoped that I would know about when he was coming home so I could let everyone know and have a little "Welcome Home" party for him, but I'm still excited about him being home...safe and sound.  I hope to get a chance to meet with him, drink a coke, and find out all about his experiences while he was over there as well his plans for the future.  I'm thinking there might be a retirement party in the near future???  I'll keep you posted as I know it.  With all that said... WELCOME HOME CHARLIE!!!  We're glad to have you back, and I KNOW Betty is glad she won't have to mow the lawn this summer.  =)
 
 
I hear by way of the grapevine that the "Hen Party" and Janie Witham McAdoo's house was a HUGE success and everyone had a blast.  Honestly that's about all I can tell you because none of them are "talking".  I've seen a lot of smiles, but I think Janie's house must be kinda like Las Vegas.... What happens at Janie's...STAYS at Janie's!  So if any of you guys get any of the real "skinny" on what all went on let me know.  The only tip that I have received is "if you're handed a roll of toilet paper, only take one square".  Now I ask you, does that make any sense to anyone???  Hmmmm, I'm seeing some smiles out there.  =)
 
My grapevine also tells me that Jim Wickliffe was in town over the Memorial Weekend.  Unfortunately, I didn't know about this until after the fact.  I did talk to Jim a little over a week ago...just checking in on him to see how his golf game is holding up, and he assured me that he's trying to play at least once a day!  Retired life must be really tough!  If any of you are planning a trip into Benton or central Arkansas, and if you're interested in getting together for a lunch or dinner, please let me know and I will do everything I can to set that up.  If there's someone in particular that you're trying to look up, let me know.  I'll be glad to do all I can to help you find them.
Here's an invitation for you... Next Wednesday evening at 8PM, there will be a band named Posey Hill performing at the After Thought on Kavanaugh.  You are all invited!  Posey Hill performs blue grass music like you've never heard before.  They give off a very relaxed, down home, family atmosphere, and I know that there will be at least two of our classmates and their spouses there that night.  If you've never been there, it's not a typical bar scene.  It's very casual, relaxed, and intimate setting and I promise you will have a great evening.  Come join some of your friends there.
 
Joke Of The Month:  Compliments of Tip Hockersmith
OLD CLASSMATES -

Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, 'surely I can't look that old'? Well, you'll love this one...

My name is Alice Smith and I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name.

Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same name had been in my high school class some 40-odd years ago. Could he be the same guy that I had a secret crush on, way back then?

Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been my classmate. After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended Morgan Park High School.

"Yes, I did. I'm a Mustang," he gleamed with pride. "

"When did you graduate?" I asked.

"In 1965." he answered. "Why do you ask?"

"You were in my class!", I exclaimed.

He looked at me closely. Then, that four-eyed, ugly, old, bald, wrinkled, fat a$$, gray-haired, son-of-a-bxtch asked, "What did you teach?"....
 
And last but not least...I still need more help with information to put in my Class O Grams.  I tell you guys...you're about the tightest lipped bunch I've ever seen.  Relax, share your stories.  I promise you...all of us really enjoy hearing about you!  With that I will close this issue.  I wish you all Happiness, Love, and Laughter til the next time...
 
Bill

April 29, 2008

Hey Gang!
Can you believe it's almost May already??  Man, the older I get the faster time goes by.  Someone told me a few days ago that life is like a roll of toilet paper; the closer you get to the end of it the faster it goes.  I guess there's a lot of truth in that.  I'm sure you all love my analogy.  =)
 
First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of our May born classmates!
 
Marilyn Herring Hill             May 14
Nick Landers                      May 3
Darlene Moody Kurtz           May 7
Mary Jack Sturgeon Landers  May 27
Kathy Tedford King             May 2
 
I hope you all have an absolutely wonderful day!
 
We have some great news!  Ricky Harris, Chrys Harrison Harris' husband, is now home and doing much better. I'm told that he is only on oxygen at night.  Thanks to Liz Laster Mullins for that report.
 
We also have a couple of new grandbabies!
Diane (Dee Dee - sorry I couldn't resist) Davis Gunter has a new grandson: Lawson Davis Cooper was born on 4/4/08 to Diane's youngest daughter Ashley and her husband Seth Cooper.  Lawson weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 18 1/2 in. long.  They live in Conway and this is Diane's third grandson and she also has one granddaughter.  Everyone is doing great!
 
And on 4/23/08 Beverly and I welcomed our seventh grandchild into this world.  Aden Tanner Chipman weighed in at 8 lbs.
10.5 oz and was 21" long.  He was born to Beverly's oldest son Mikie and his wife Andrea.  They live in Pocahontas. Aden has an "older" brother Cole who is 18 months old, and Beverly and I have five other granddaughters ranging from 13 years down to 4 years old.
 
I know there must be a lot of other things going on, but if you don't let me know about it I can't pass it along to everyone else to enjoy.  Tom Chambers...I know you've been to China again and this is the second trip since our reunion.  I'm still waiting for details and my first picture.  Jim Wickliffe..I'm still waiting for details on your European vacation from last summer.  How's that for dropping a couple of subtle hints?!?!  I know that you are all busy, but if you just had any idea how many positive responses I get from sending these out I think you would be more forthcoming with getting info to me.  Overall, our classmates really enjoy hearing about what all is going on.  So, if you enjoy getting these please start letting me know what all is going on in your lives.  Or, if you're not enjoying them let me know and I will stop bugging all of you with extra emails.
 
I haven't had anyone say anything about getting a motorcycle ride together, and I'm really not sure how many of us ride.  So, Tip, give me a call and we'll set one up for us.
 
Good health, laughter, and love to you all til next time,
Bill

March 25, 2008

Hey Gang!
Well it's Class-O-Gram time again!  Can you believe it?  First of all I want to wish our April birthday babies a very warm and heartfelt Happy Birthday.  This is the only month since I've been doing this that we only have "1" birthday.  So Happy Birthday to our very own

Diane "Dee Dee" Davis Gunter - April 13th

I don't have any updates on either Sylvia Sullins Campbell or Chrys Harrison Harris' husband Rick other than I have been told that Sylvia is back in Kuwait and will finish out her teaching contract for this year, but doesn't plan on renewing her contract again.  Her husband Gary is planning a visit over there in May.

I did get a short email from Charlie Harrington last week and he said that there is a possibility that his unit might get to come home from Iraq in a month or so...which would be a few months early.  That's great news!  And, I hope you all will continue to keep him, and all our troops, in your prayers.  Charlie said that they still get rockets lobbed in on them just about daily.  So it's still not a safe place to be.

I would like to dedicate this issue of the Class-O-Gram to Barbara Farley Nix.  Barbara has been teaching in the Benton School System...I think this is her 38th year. I hope that's correct and I hope she doesn't mind me telling that.  She is also running for State Representative of District #28.  That district includes all of the city limits of Benton and also the Haskell, Harmony Grove, and Traskwood areas.  I wish I had a map that would show you the exact area, but that should give you a pretty good idea.  You can get more information about her campaign from her website at www.electNix.org  The primary election is on May 20th, early voting starts on May 5th, so if you're in that district be sure to make it to the polls and cast your vote for Barbara.  

I'm really proud of her for taking this opportunity to give back to the community, and I hope you are as well.  I have had a couple of our classmates that have asked how they could make contributions to her campaign.... Well, it's pretty simple.  Make your check out to "Barbara Nix Campaign" (you can donate up to $2000) and mail it to her at 1603 Utopia, Benton, AR  72015.  Or, even better still, you can bring it to her personally this coming Saturday, March 29th.  She is having a fund raiser at the Gene Moss Building in Benton on Sevier Street, just west of, and right beside, the old Legion Hut building.  It will be from 6 PM until 8 PM and it's going to be a LOT of fun.  My band, After Hours, will be playing so come on out and think about dancing...notice I said "think about dancing".  I know you'll be able to remember when you used to dance to some of the songs that we will be playing.  It's not quite the Avontes, but a lot of the music will be from our era.  There will also be a silent auction so there will be lots of great items to spend your money on.  If you would like to contribute an item for the silent auction you can either call Barbara or email her at  BNix2@att.net  and let her know about it, or bring it on down yourself in time to get it in the line up.  I talked to Barbara earlier this evening and she said that she would sure like to see as many of our classmates there as possible.  So if you are anywhere in the near vicinity of Benton this coming Saturday, or can get there, please drop by for a little while and show your support and have a great evening.

Remember that the information that I get from all of you is what I pass along to everyone.  Please don't forget to drop me a line or two or give me a call and let me know what's going on in your life.  Believe it or not, we would all like to know.  After all, you read this didn't you?  =)  I rest my case.  I hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful Easter and are getting ready for a fun filled Spring.  For those of you that are motorcycle riders let me know if you're going to be in the Little Rock area.  I'd love to plan a ride for as many of us as we could get together.  I think that would be a hoot...talk about the "over the hill" gang.  =)

Hopefully I haven't bored you too much.  Take care and let me hear from you.

God bless you,
Bill

Feb. 29, 2008

OK Boys & Girls!
 
I can only send you an email on this date every four years so you know this has to be "SPECIAL".
 
Everyone stop right now.  Get your calendars out, and with your Red Crayola Crayon, circle next Friday, March 7th.  That is one week from today.  Janet Riley Johnston is making a trip down to Benton and wants to try to get everyone together that has an opening that night.  Beth Marshal Lane has talked with Kay at Ed & Kay's Cafe (used to be Pat's Cafe back in the day) and they are reserving the "front" side of the restaurant from 6-8 PM for that night for members of the BHS Class of 1967 and their guests.  Remember that Southern Fried Chicken and those "mile high" pies?  I can almost smell them now! And I haven't even mentioned the fellowship with old friends...What a night it should be!  But it does require a little bit of effort on your part.
 
You need to get in touch with  either Beth Marshall Lane at lblane@prodigy.net  or Janet Riley Johnston at
JanetRJohnston1@charter.net and let them know if you will be able to attend or not.  Please make contact with one of them and let them know whether or not you will be attending.  Also keep in mind, if you wait until late, Janet will be coming down from St. Louis on that Thursday so you won't be able to reach her via email.  If you know of other classmates that aren't on our email list please talk with them and then let Beth or Janet know if they will be attending.
 
Your dinner and dessert orders will be on an individual basis and will be taken shortly after you arrive.
 
Kay is thrilled that we chose her restaurant so I'm sure there will be plenty of good ole home cookin' and lots of friendly service for our group.  We're not really sure how many to expect so please let us know if you can make it.  Also, I know that a lot of you don't still live in Central Arkansas.  Well, you've got a week to make plans...so PLAN. Let's see you there!  There were also several that are from Central Arkansas that weren't able to make the reunion.  Well, here's a great opportunity for you to get to see some of those "strange faces" that you've seen on the website in person again.  Make your plans to attend and then let Beth or Janet know.
 
I hope you have a special day!
 
Bill
 
Feb. 26, 2008

Greeting all my BHS brethren....and brethrenetts!
 
It's time once again for a little update.  First of all Happy Birthday wishes to all of our March born:
 
Kathy McAdoo Pelton  Mar. 26
Pat Parsons Eubanks  Mar. 05
Ron Whitley                  Mar. 04
 
I wish each of you a happy, and healthy birthday and upcoming year!!
 
I haven't been getting much information from you guys so this edition will be an abbreviated version.  I haven't heard from either Sylvia Sullins Campbell or Chrys Harrison Harris's husband Rick so I'm assuming that they are both progressing well and on their way to a complete recovery.  Hopefully I will have more information for the next time.
 
I do want to congratulate Joe McCutcheon and his wife on their budding beauty queen grand daughters.  They had not one, but two beauty contest winners this past month. (see picture attached)  Brittany, the youngest child of Joes's daughter and son-in-law wearing the yellow dress, won the Miss Middle title at Magnet Cove school.  Joe says that she is an old hand at this type of competition several times already.  Madelyn in the white dress, Joes's son and daughter-in-law's oldest daughter, is a first time winner and claimed the title of Miss Primary.  Needless to say this was an extremely happy day for the McCutcheon family...especially the grandparents!
 
I haven't received any news on Barbara Farley Nix's political race for State Representative but I hope to have more on that in the coming issue.
 
Ron King and his wife, Sherry, and son, Chris made a trip to Las Vegas to take in a few shows and do a little NASCAR driving. Yep, that's right, Ron and Chris tried their hand at driving a race car in Richard Petty's NASCAR Driving School.  That may not be the exact name but you get the idea.  It was fun hearing about that experience.  Ron got up to almost 130 mph driving on the mile & a half closed track.  There was also an opportunity to take a "ride" with a more experienced driver where you would reach speeds to 180-190 mph.  Ron said he didn't have too much trouble passing on that opportunity.  Just listening to him got me all excited about it.  I think I'm gonna have to make a trip to Vegas in the near future.  Anyone wanta join me?  =)
 
Please send me any information that I can pass along to our fellow classmates.  It might not seem like anything big to you but we all like to stay in touch and keep informed.
 
Take care and stay healthy...until next time,
Bill

Jan, 28, 2008

Hey Gang!
Greetings to all and I hope you're all having a wonderful 2008 so far.  First of all we have a lot to be thankful for and I want to thank each of your for your prayers and thoughts.  Janie Witham McAdoo talked to Sylvia Sullins Campbell last Tuesday night and she has been back in the states for a couple of weeks now and has begun her slow healing process.  Her doctors tell her that she is lucky to be alive.  The breaks to her pelvis were more severe than first thought.  One was more of a "shatter" than a break. She will be going back to Kuwait to complete her teaching contract, but she will not be teaching anymore over there after this contract is finished.  Janie said that Sylvia has battled other health issues during her life but she says that this is the worst thing she has ever endured.  Janie will keep us posted on how she is doing and when she will be headed back to Kuwait.
 
Ricky Harris, Chrys Harrison Harris' husband, is doing better.  He has undergone several surgeries and has been moving between the Heart Hospital and a St. Joseph's Rehab Hospital in Hot Springs.  Most recently, he was transferred back to St. Joseph's this past Tuesday and Chrys says he is doing remarkably well.  He is alert and still has a feeding tube and the trac in case he has to be put back on the respirator.  They are considering possibly removing the feeding tube soon if his progress continues.
 
One other health issue I found out about was that Sherry Chastain Kelley's husband, Jim, underwent heart surgery to have a valve replaced.  The surgery went fine but he has experienced a few problems since then and had to go back to the hospital last weekend.  At last report he was doing much better.
 
Thank you all for your prayers for each of these and please continue to keep lifting them up.
 
On a little lighter note:  I want to wish all of the February birthday classmates a Very Happy Birthday!  We join you in your celebration!
 
Elizabeth Darrow McDonald  Feb. 24
Carroll Davis  Feb. 26
Rosemary Dopierala Wall  Feb. 11
Charles Huggins  Feb. 22
David Hughes  Feb. 8
   
 
As all of you know I have been asking all of your for pictures, and believe it or not I'm finally starting to get a few here and there.
 
I would like to dedicate this issue of the Class-O-Gram to Mike Rabb and his family in Marion, NC.  Mike is in the Real Estate buisiness there in Marion,  and was nice enough to send a picture to me of their family as well as Enrico Pfuller who was a former exchange student that lived with them when he and Mike's stepson, Seth, were Juniors in High School in 1998-1999.  Pictured from left to right is their son, Seth, age 25, who is a graduate from East Carolina University with a degree in Construction Management and  works with his Dad in Asheville, NC building homes; their daughter Chelsea, now 22 and a student at Mars Hill College majoring in Special Education.  She is currently working with special needs kids at a group home; Mike's wife Kathy, Mike, and Enrico a.k.a. "Rico" on the right hand side.  Rico is 6'9" tall so you KNOW Mike is standing on a step above him.  Yes, he did play basketball, both there in NC for the McDowell Titans along with Mike's son Seth, and also back in Germany where he played "Club Basketball".  Mike explained that this is a "layered" situation with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 5 being about the same as our semi-pro or Developmental League for the NBA.  Rico played in Level 4 and also completed all of his college work at the University of Stuttgart where he majored in Aerospace Engineering.  He will have the equivalent of a Masters degree after doing an internship with NASA in Southern California and writing his final thesis.  He was visiting with the Rabb's for a couple of weeks before he departed for California to start his internship. 
 
Mike is very high on the exchange student program, needless to say, and says that it is an excellent way to encourage an international experience for our US kids.  If you would like more information about it you could check with your local High School or get in touch with Mike.  He can give you some first hand knowledge of it.  Mike still enjoys a round of golf whenever he can fine the time, and I'm still trying to get him to head this way so we can get the Avontes in the recording studio.
 
Well, as I promised, I'm also attaching a picture of Beverly(my wife) and me on top of Dercum Mountain at Keystone Resort in Colorado.  We made our annual trip, at least we TRY to make it annually, to Keystone the first week of January.  We got married at the resort on January 2, 2001 and we have tried to make it back there every year since then to ski as well as celebrate or anniversary.  There are three mountains at Keystone, Dercum, North Peak, and The Outback.  I managed to get Beverly up on The Outback on this trip and as we came off the lift and she saw that all the trails were Black runs; she just looked at me and said, "What have you done?"  She made it fine, as I knew she would and we had a wonderful time, and got GREAT snow while we were there.  By the way, Lake Dillon that you can see in the background of our picture is about 12 miles away, and the peaks of some of the mountains that are in the background are 50-75 miles away.
 
By the way, Ron King left yesterday morning flying out to Colorado for a week of skiing at Steamboat Springs, Colorado with a group of guys from his Community Group from church.  Hopefully he didn't forget his camera because he told me that he was going to try snow boarding on Thursday.  I've got to see that!
 
One last thing to let you know about; our own Barbara Farley Nix is running for Arkansas State Representative in District 28.  Her website is www.electnix.org  Visit it soon and visit it often. I'm sure she could use your support throughout her campaign whether it's some of your time or if you're able, a financial contribution.  Please make contact with her to work out the details and see if YOU can help.  Don't wait for someone else to "step up".  Take the initiative and make the first move.
 
Have a great February and please keep me posted on anything that is going on so that I can pass it along to the other classmates.  Take care and I'll talk to you next time.
 
Bill
 
 
 
 

 

Dec. 27, 2007

Greetings to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Can you believe this year is just about gone??  Unbelievable!!  I'm sure you're like me and are amazed at how fast the years seem to roll by now.  It doesn't seem like that long ago that I was BEGGING to turn 16 so I could drive by myself.  Now my oldest granddaughter reminded me that in less than a year she would be old enough (14) to driver with a licensed adult in the car with her.  Where did all those years go??
 
Well, now that I've got all of you thinking...I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and have/are enjoyed/enjoying the holidays.  This will only be the second year since 1987 that my band has not played on New Years Eve...quite a different feeling for me.  How are you going to be celebrating the new year?  Let me know.  Inquiring minds want to know. They would also enjoy pictures...if only some of you would send them.  As I have mentioned before we are going skiing so celebrate our anniversary...we got married at a ski lodge in Colorado seven years ago.  So if anyone is going to be near Keystone, let me know and we can ski & celebrate together. 
 
I don't have much new information to pass along about Rick Harris, Chrys Harrison's husband, other than he has been moved to Hot Springs for rehab, and I think they have been talking about moving him to Benton to finish it up.  The last I heard he will be going through about six weeks of rehab.  The only thing I know about Sylvia Sullins Campbell is that she is still in the hospital in Kuwait and is finally getting some treatment.  She was still in a lot of pain as of the last report I got, but fortunately she did not sustain any internal injuries when she was hit by the car.  Her husband Gary went over there to see about getting her moved back to the states when she is able to be transported.  As I get more information I will pass it on to you.  Thank you for all your prayers for both of them.
 
Well, I can't go any further without wishing a very Happy Birthday to our classmates born in January.  They are:
 
Phillip Prince               Jan. 5
Virginia Tyson Strong    Jan. 26
Danny Wright               Jan. 13
 
Great news!  Another lost classmate has been found.  Jeff Richards emailed me this past week!  He has already checked out our website and wanted to know "who all those old people were"?  :)  Actually, he didn't really say that, but he did have trouble recognizing a lot of the faces.  Jeff and his wife Susan are living in Fayetteville, AR and have a blended family of four children and no grandchildren yet.  He is now on the Class O Gram mailing list. 
 
If any of you know of any classmates that didn't make the reunion and are not on my mailing list, please get their email address to me so I can start including them.  Hey, they're as old as we are, they might as well get bored with this stuff as you...right??  :)
 
Well, that's about all I have for this edition.  I plan to have ski pictures for the next one. (I have to lead by example).  I hope each of you have enjoyed rekindling old friendships with classmates this past year as much as I have.  Working on the reunion was truly a "labor of love" and hopefully those of you that were able to make it had a great time, and those of you that couldn't make it will be able to make plans for the next one.  My wish for each of you for the coming new year is that you will all be blessed with Health and Happiness.
 
Take care and God bless you all,
Bill
 
 
 
 
Nov. 27, 2007

Season's Greetings to All,
 
I trust that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends.  Hopefully, some of you were able to reunite with fellow classmates over the holiday, and I hope that all your travels were safe.
 
If any of you took pictures that you would like to share with us, please send them to me and we will get them on the website for everyone to enjoy.  Of special interest are the multi-generational photos.  Yes, we want to see your kids and grandkids!  So send those to me PLEASE! 
 
With all the excitement and fun of planning and getting ready for Christmas and the New Year we don't want to over look our December birthdays.  The ones that I have are as follows:
 
Donna Barber King - Dec. 3
Rick Borgman - Dec. 24
Tom Chambers - Dec. 15
Sherry Chastain Kelley - Dec. 7
Beth Marshall Lane - Dec. 30
Linda Nalley O'Neal - Dec. 23
Debbie Thomas McAdory - Dec. 15
Jim Weser - Dec. 5
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you all.  I hope that this birthday finds you in good health, prosperous, and close to family and friends.  If any of you are having a birthday party...take pictures to share with the rest of us...OR, invite us!  :)  If any of you know of any other birthdays that I don't have listed please let me know.  By the way, these birthday are now listed on the website.  www.bhsclassof1967.org  If you haven't check the website in a while, but sure to make a stop there soon.
 
I don't have much news to share with you right now.  I'm still waiting to hear how Barbara Farley Nix's trip to Germany over the Thanksgiving weekend went, and I know that Tom Chambers has a trip to China planned.  Jim Wickliffe and his wife spent a month in Europe recently and I've yet to see a single picture from anyone!  Come on gang, send me some pictures to share.
 
My wife and I are planning a ski trip to Colorado the first week of January.  If anyone has similar plans please let me know and maybe we could meet and ski together for a bit.  We will be at Keystone and will not only be skiing, but celebrating our wedding anniversary.  We got married out there seven years ago.  So come on out and join is.  By the way, after a full day of skiing, it only takes us until about 8 or 9 PM to complete our celebration and "mild" partying.   :)
 
For those of you that don't celebrate Christmas I wish you Season's Greetings, and for those of you that do celebrate it, MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy and prosperous New Year to you all. 
 
May God bless you all,
Bill

Nov. 30, 2007

Hey Gang,
I just found out that Ricky Harris, husband of Chrys Harrison Harris, had triple by-pass surgery at the Arkansas Heart Hospital on 11/14.  He is still in the hospital and is still not out of the woods.  Please include him and Chrys in your prayers.
 
The doctor told Chrys that six by-passes were needed but due to some damage to the back of his heart from a heart attack about two years ago, they could only do three.  Three days after surgery his left lung collapsed and they had to get it re-inflated and it ended up with a chest tube in it (there was one in the right lung from the surgery).  He also suffers from COPD so this complicates the issues with his lungs.  He was in a great deal of pain and they found out that his breast bone was not properly aligned after the heart surgery so they had to take him back to surgery, open him up, realign the breast bone, and wire it back correctly.  This reduced his pain, but the toll on his body has been great.  He was still having trouble breathing so they put him back on the ventilator yesterday late.  They also have to sedate him so they can suction the excess fluid out of his lungs.
 
Please pray for strength for Ricky's body to fight the fight and return to good health, and for the doctors to continue to make good decisions for him.  Also remember Chrys.  She has been at the hospital since he was admitted and I'm sure she is completely exhausted.  They will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this coming summer.
 
I will update you as I find out more information.
 
Bill
Nov. 18, 2007

Due to a much heavier work load for me this past week, I have been a bit remiss in getting this message out to all of you.  I received an email from Beth Marshall Lane this past week, and I wanted to pass it along to all of you.

I had the 4th PET scan since March on this past Wednesday and the results are: 

The cancer cells are still showing improvement and decreasing.  No need for a biopsy and no more tests until next year!

My oncologist said that not only has my cancer been unusual (I know she wanted to say wierd, but was being nice) since the beginning in 2000, it was highly unusual for cancer cells to improve and decrease like this without medical intervention.  So, my answer was that there are a lot of people praying for me and God has heard those prayers. 

The past six months have been a real roller coaster ride with this cancer business.  I knew it had to be getting better since the chest pains had begun to decrease and then finally stop.  My left arm looks like a pin cushion with one test leading to another.  The prognosis in August didn't look that great but here it is November and things are looking much better.

I do not know what He has planned for me, but I will continue to take each day as it comes and not worry about tomorrow.  I am very thankful for all the prayers said on my behalf.

Beth Marshall Lane

As you can see from her email, Beth has much to be thankful for this year.  As we head into the Thanksgiving week I hope that each and every one of you have a simply fantastic holiday.  WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?  Let me know, and remember...if any of you are going to be in the Benton area for the holidays and want to get together for a lunch or just a friendly cup of coffee, let me know.  I will do my best to coordinate to let everyone know who will be in town.  Again, I'm not trying to make a big spectacle of this, but I'm willing to help some of you get together if you're wanting to do that.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Bill

Nov. 1, 2007

Most of you are aware of Carroll Hambrick's heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery this past July.  Carroll came through that with flying colors and was back on his feet in no time.  During one of his follow up check ups one of his doctors discovered a large tumor in his colon and what they thought was certainly colon cancer.  He went back under the knife a little over a week ago and finally found out the test results on the tumor and section of his colon that was removed.  I am happy to tell you all that he is cancer free.  The tumor was contained and had no tentacles and they got it all.  Carroll is well on his way to being back on his feet and as hornory as ever...just a LOT happier, healthier, and relieved.
 
For many years Carroll had taken pride in the fact that he had not gone to a doctor.  I think men tend to subscribe to this more than women, but there are women that do this too.  Please, PLEASE, don't follow his lead.  Have yourself checked out and find out if there is anything wrong before it has time to get worse.
 
I had a very good friend, John Sawatski, that felt this same way.  He felt fine and knew there was nothing wrong with him and therefore didn't need to go see a doctor to tell him what he already knew.  Even after many urging remarks from his wife he wouldn't go.  He felt fine! He felt fine right up until last Friday afternoon when he had a massive heart attack and died.  I helped play the music at his funeral yesterday. I lost a great friend..
 
I tell you all of this not to preach, but to plead with you.  If you are one of those that have not seen a doctor in some time, male or female, please make and appointment and go get checked out.  We would like to have you around for a long time.
 
I'm sure you all join me in rejoicing over Carroll's great news.
 
Have a great day!
Bill

Oct. 30, 2007

Happy Birthday to you all and welcome to Club 58!
 
I talked to Jimmy(Jim) Wickliffe earlier this week.  He was one of the ones that we were unable to locate before the reunion.  Ralph Spears had given me his address and email address just after the reunion and I had been sending him our Class O Grams and then all of a sudden they started showing up as "Undeliverable".  I called him and got his voicemail and left a message for him to call me back.  After almost three weeks he got back with me.  I think he had the best excuse that I can imagine.  When he called he and his wife had just gotten home from a month-long vacation in Europe.  They have been planning and dreaming about this for years, but while Jim was working his company would only let him take two weeks of his vacation at one time.  Things tend to work out most of the time (Do I sound optimistic?).  The company he worked for was bought by another company and Jim was given the choice of working for the new company or taking an early retirement.  He opted for the early retirement and since they were already living in Florida they pretty well had everything in place.  The next most obvious thing for them to do was to take their dream vacation they had been planning for so long.  He says that he plays as much golf as he can stand and basically takes it easy.  Not a bad life Jim,  I have to admit I'm a bit jealous.  I've asked him to send me pictures of their vacation to share with you.  Hopefully, I'll have those before the next email.
 
I don't know if all of you are taking advantage of our website but just because our reunion is over don't think that the website is not being continually updated.  I would advise each of you to check it out at least once a week.  David Hughes has done a remarkable job and continues to amaze me with how quick he can update it.  There are some new sections on there that you might want to check out.  Also we have been thinking of other ways for us to use it.  Do you have a website, blog or picture site that you that you would like to share with fellow classmates?  If so, just send along the address or URL to me and we will post the information on the class Web page.  It could also be a great tool for networking.
 
Some of you are keeping the tradition of the personal picture Christmas card alive.  They usually feature a family picture and this is just the type of material that would be great on YOUR web page.  If you have an electronic image of your Christmas card please send it along to us.  If you don't, scan the card if you have that capability and get it to us.  You can even take the card itself and send it to us and we will scan it for you.  Just remember that the Post Office can smudge the image as it winds through the labyrinth of machine and the image could be somewhat damaged.  But send them to us.  We want YOUR pictures on the website so everyone can enjoy them. 
 
If any of you are taking trips or have recently taken trips, send your pictures in...either electronically or via snail mail.  We will get them on the website and keep everyone posted on what's going on.  I know that Tom Chambers was planning a trip to China.  He has promised me pictures and I'm going to hold him to it.  Watch for those.
 
News has been a bit scarce but that's because not many of you are telling me much!  So let's crank it up and get that info to me.  If any of you have email addresses of any of our classmates that we are not currently sending these to, please let me know.  Hot mail will only allow me to send emails to about 25-30 people at a time so don't think that the ones listed on the top of your email are the only ones I have.   Currently, I have 79 classmates on my mailing list.
 
I sent out an email to several people a few days ago.  Many of you may have already seen it but I'm pasting it below:
 
 If the Red shirt thing is new to you, read below...

   Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two
together.

    After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who had been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

   "No," he responded.
 
   "Heading out?" I asked.

   "No. I'm escorting a soldier home."

   "Going to pick him up?"

   "No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq, I'm taking him home to his family."
 

   The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his death to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.

    I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, "Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so that my family and I can do what we do."

    Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

    Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me
realize that I am proud to be an American.

    So here's a public "Thank You" to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do:

    Red Fridays.

    Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the
"silent majority." We are no longer silent, and we are voicing our love for God, country and home in record-breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

   Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and it continues each and every Friday until the troops all return home, sending a deafening message: that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

   By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in red and it will let our troops know that the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever -- certainly more than the media lets on.

    The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is, "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.
 
 
I got a response back from Charlie Harrington which I am also pasting just below this line:
 
Bill,
  Last month we had a ramp ceremony, where a flag draped casket was carried up the ramp of a C130, with a proud Soldier escorting a brave Soldier home. It's hard to really grasp the finality of the situation until at the memorial ceremony the First Sergeant calls the final role for that unit and the brave Soldier don't answer the roll call, then you hear a gun salute and Taps. That will really make you realize how fragile life is, and the price we pay for freedom.
                                               Charlie
 
In our hustle and bustle lives we can sometimes forget about our brave soldiers that are fighting half a world away so that we can continue our freedom and our hustle and bustle lifestyles.  As we head into the Holiday season I ask that as you  get a chance, pause for just a minute and say a prayer for these men and women who are giving up so much so that we won't have to give up anything.  And while your at it, please pray for Charlie's continued safety and health.  
 
One last thing and I promise I'll close for this session...if any of you are planning a trip back to Arkansas for Thanksgiving let me know when you're planning to be here.  We can post it on the website for others to see and maybe we could have a mini reunion, possibly a lunch or something like that.  Several of you have already expressed an interest in that and I just wanted to help make that happen for those of you interested.
 
God bless you all,
Bill
 
 
Sept. 26, 2007

Greetings to all on 9/27 afternoon.  I have been discussing/fighting with Hotmail since yesterday (AGAIN) that just because I send the same email to several email addresses that I am not sending SPAM.  So for that reason I have transferred the address book from the Hotmail account into my account here at the office and I will most likely be using it to send emails to you in the future....unless Hotmail changes their stance.  Anyway, here is the email that I was trying to send to you yesterday.

Good Morning to Everyone!
 
I know the reunion is over and you've gotten back to your normal routines by now. My plan was to start sending out a Newsletter to kinda keep everyone updated on what all is going on in each of our lives.  The only way I can do that is if you let me know what's going on.  So far, I haven't received much information to be passed along.
 
One item is that Charles Harrington is still in Iraq.  I got an email from him about three weeks ago saying that he had a "good" day that day.  The temperature only got up to 118 degrees and no one shot at him.  We have lots to be thankful for in each of our lives.  Please keep Charlie in your thoughts and prayers while he is over there.  I'm still trying to get a mailing address for him but haven't been able to secure it yet.  I will let each of you know when I have it.
 
If you have any information that you would like to share or have me pass along, including "current" pictures of you, your family, kids, grandkids, etc., please let me know.  This could be anything... a new house, a great vacation, a new child or grandchild, a son or daughter getting married.  Whatever your news might be, SHARE it with us.  On a personal note, I'm planning a ski trip to Keystone Colorado the first week of January.  If anyone wants to make similar plans and meet us there, we would be glad to see you.  (See how easy that is?)
 
By the way, and I'm just going from memory here so don't shoot me if I forgot some.  October birthdays, other than mine, are Janie Witham McAdoo (I believe hers is on 10/11) and Ron King is on 10/12...mine is 10/21.  I also think that Liz Lasiter Mullins has one in October, but I don't remember the date.  Others, coming up that I remember are Tim Lewis and Beverly Spivey Karnes that share 11/1.  If anyone knows of others feel free to let me know.
 
I understand that the Pep Stepper/Cheerleader reunion last Friday night in Benton was a HUGE success.  They had "girls" that had graduated as far back as the 40's that attended.  They met in the BAMM building from 4-6 PM and I heard that the place was packed!  Congratulations to all that were able to attend, and I'm glad that everyone had such a great time and were able to renew some old friendships.

If you respond to anything in this email, please send it to bhsclassof1967@hotmail.com  I can receive email there and send as long as I don't try to send it to 20 or so people at a time.  That way I won't fill up my email box here at work.  My IT department will appreciate your consideration.  =)

I hope that all are doing well and having a great day as you read this.  Please let me hear from you.
 
Bill

Aug. 23, 2007

Hello once again!  I hope all of you that were able to make it to the reunion had safe trips home and as much fun at the reunion as I did.  For those of you that weren't able to make it here for the reunion there are several things available to you that will help to replace the awesome time you missed.  First of all there are pictures!  I'm talking HUNDREDS of pictures available for your viewing on the website.  Go to www.bhsclassof1967.org and look to your hearts content.  No, there are no subtitles with names on them so you're going to just have to guess at who everyone is.  There are pictures on the front page of the website of each of the events that we had.  Simply click on those pictures and that will take you to the multitude of pictures of that specific event that you can view.  It will automatically go to a slideshow presentation or you can click on specific pictures to view them.
 
Thanks to an AWESOME job by Rosemary Dopierala Wall the questionnaires are now typed and are being prepared to be put on the website.  The plan right now is to link them to the photo of the respective classmate in the annual which you can get to by clicking on the annual on the front page of the website.  Now the good news...for those of you that have either changed your mind and wish that you had filled out a questionnaire, or for those that couldn't make it to the reunion and thought that they were only for the people that were coming, you can still fill out a questionnaire from the website, email it to me, and we will get it on with the others.  If you haven't already filled one out, please don't miss this opportunity.  You'll never know who has been wanting to know all about you if you don't fill one out!
 
Bill Struble is finishing up the DVD of the pictures that everyone gave to him at the reunion.  A lot of these pictures are on the website, but this will be in DVD format and will have music from our era backing it up.  It will also include the memorial video and the classmates video that Janet Riley Johnston put together and presented at the reunion.  For those of you that paid to attend the reunion a complimentary DVD will be mailed to you.  If you want additional copies or if those of you that were not able to attend the reunion want a copy of this DVD you can purchase one for $5.  Please make your checks out to BHS Class of 1967 and you can mail them to 801 S. Richards St., Benton, AR  72015.  Be sure to include your "current" mailing address so that we can get these mailed out to you.  Just as information the cost of producing these DVDs and mailing them is about $3 per DVD.  The other $2/DVD will be put into the BHS Class of 1967 bank account for future class functions.  While I'm on that I will be sending out a complete accounting of our financial status so each of you will know where we stand.  I will tell you that due to some very nice donations of time, talents, and resources, both from corporate and personal sources we were able to end up with "money in the bank".  This will be a good start for the next reunion, whenever that comes up.
 
I had lunch with Bill MaGee earlier this week and I was amazed by some of the things that he had to say about our class.  He was very complimentary and said that he felt that our class was always a "leader".  It didn't matter if you were talking about school spirit, scholastics, parties, athletics, or overall drive; we were the class to look up to.  He said that we set the bar so high that he didn't think any other class since then has even come close.  He used several examples, but our reunion and our website were two.  He said that he has never seen a website that even could be compared to ours.  I hope this makes you as proud of our class as it did for me.  We never know who is watching.
 
Well, in keeping with our "leadership" there are several things that are currently being planned.  One is one that I want to do and I will need your help.  I want to start putting out a Newsletter.  I had asked for possible names before and I will ask once again.  I got a few suggestions, but I could use more.  There will be several things that will go into this newsletter, and I will be asking you to contribute ideas and also asking some of you to write articles on specific topics.  My first request is for those who attended the reunion.  I would like to hear from you, and know what you thought about the reunion.  Have you written a poem or something in your journal about it that you might want to share.  Or, do you just have a comment about it to pass along?  This will be a feature in the first issue of the "yet to be named" newsletter.  Also, if you have pictures to contribute.... They could be of anything that would be of interest to your friends that you shared a high school experience with.  It might be a new grandchild, or a picture from a vacation, or whatever.  I got an email from Charles Harrington this morning from beautiful downtown Iraq.  He said he had a good day yesterday....the temperature was only 118 and no one shot at him.  I plan on having more on his journey over there to report and hopefully some pictures.  Are you getting the idea?  I think there should be possibly a recipe corner as well...I'm open to all suggestions, but I want to make this happen.
 
We will be giving you information about what is being done with the money left over from the reunion.  I think you'll be pleased with that as well.
 
I don't know if the questionnaire booklets have yet been mailed out to those that didn't attend the reunion or not.  I will find out later today.  If they haven't, I'm sure they will be mailed no later than the first of next week.
 
There will be a recognition of all the cheerleaders and pep steppers (I think it's from 1967 to present but I'm not for sure) that will take place at the Benton Panthers football game on September 21st.  If you are a member of that group and aren't aware of it please contact Barbara Farley Nix at bnix@bentonschools.org  I know there is something going on that afternoon, but she will have all the details.
 
One last thing...for those of you that did not attend the reunion.  Please have a current picture taken and send it to us.  We want to know what you look like now!  Don't be shy, this isn't a beauty contest.  We would just like to be able to recognize you if we happened to pass you on the street.  Please do this as soon as possible so you won't forget it. And yes, it's important to us...even if it's not important to you.
 
That's it for now...Until next time,
Bill

Feb. 28, 2010

NO, I’m not losing my mind!  I just didn’t proof read this before I sent it the first time.  So discard the first one and hopefully this one doesn’t have any words left out or incorrect grammar…I said HOPEFULLY!

Hey Gang!
Well it’s that short month again and time just keeps on tickin’.  Hmm, that would make a good lyric line for a song. =)  First of all let’s all join together in wishing all of our March born classmates a very Happy Birthday!

Rick Crawford                 Mar. 27
Kathy McAdoo Pelton       Mar. 26
Pat Parsons Eubanks        Mar. 5
Ron Whitley                    Mar. 4

I wish each of you a VERY Happy, Healthy, and Wonderful birthday.

I hate to go from such a high note to such a somber moment but as many of you already know, we have lost another classmate.  Reba Hughes Calhoun Gay passed away last Sunday in Oklahoma City.  Visitation was at Ashby Funeral Home last Thursday evening and a Graveside service was held at 10 AM on Friday at Ten Mile Cemetery.   Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to Reba’s family and friends.  You will be greatly missed.

I do have a couple of other health updates to give you.  I think I have already mentioned that David Hughes is home now.  I hate to admit that I haven’t talked to him this month, but I will make a point to catch up with him soon and give you all a better update on him.  I did talk to Sid Emmons and not only did he get out of the hospital and rehab before Christmas but he is now off of the feeding tube and is able to eat solid food by mouth.  I also know that he has promised me a sampling of his gourmet cooking so I’m looking forward to getting down to his house for that really soon.  On a very personal level, I want to thank all of you for your prayers for my wife, Beverly, as she went through her surgery recently.  Everything went very well and she actually got to come home after only four days in the hospital instead of seven.  She is recovering well and goes back this coming week for her follow up visit with her surgeon. Your continued prayers for her full recovery are greatly appreciated.

Hey!  How many of you are planning on attending the casual reunion for classes of ’67 through ’71 on March 27th?  Well, those were the years that they initially started planning to have but that has been extended to classes of the “Mid 60’s through Early 70’s”.  I talked to Sally Witham Bradley this past week and got a few more details to pass along to you guys.  It is still to be held at the Gene Moss Building in the Tyndall Park area there in Benton on March 27, 2010.  There will be food catered and Sally said you can send $5 or $10 to her at 2354 Buckville Road, Jessieville, AR.  71949 or you can “pay at the door”.  It won’t be a “sit down” dinner but rather a buffet style.  She did ask if any of you have old pictures to please bring them so they can have them out for display during the reunion.  It will start at 5 PM and there is no specific ending time set up.  The dress is definitely casual..jeans welcome.  She told me the main goal for this reunion is to help classmates get back in touch with each other.  All too often people hear the word “reunion” and start to freak out about what do I wear, or what do I look like?  Well, get over it!  Everyone is basically still the same person that you knew in high school.  We’ve all put on a few pounds; some have even lost a few; it simply doesn’t matter.  And you don’t have to worry about the price being too high to be able to afford it.  They’ve done a great job taking care of that, and it’s only for one night.  You don’t have to make plans for a whole weekend.  So take time right now to set aside a few hours of your time on March 27, 2010…yep, put it on your schedule or write it down in your Daytimer if you have to…store it in your computer.  Just make plans to be there.  I think you’ll be glad you did.

Ron King’s Recycle Bikes for Kids ministry continues to grow and touch many lives around the state.  I know a lot of you have been in contact with Ron and have donated old, and in some cases new, bikes for him to give away.  God bless you for doing that, and please don’t stop.  I’m putting in a link for the Facebook page of Recycle Bikes for Kids.  Please go to it and spend a little time looking at what they are doing and read some of the letters that he has received.  I’m not trying to put anyone on the spot but I did get a call from a very dear classmate buddy that said he was collecting a whole trailer full of bicycles to get to Ron.  Maybe some others of you could help too.  And if can’t find any old bicycles but you have some spare time that you could help work on the ones he has to get them ready…well let Ron know.  I think he’s working on a schedule for just that… (No pressure Ron) =)  Anyway, here’s the link.  www.facebook.com/recyclebikesforkids

Well, boys & girls, that’s about all I have for this time.  I do know that Tom Chamber’s daughter is home from the University of Texas at Austin this weekend.  I’m sure they’re headed out for a great breakfast and lots of time just catching up with her.  Don’t forget to keep me posted on things going on in your lives.  If I don’t know it, I can’t let everyone else know about it.

APRIL 2010

Greetings Boys & Girls!
How many of you guys went to the multi-class reunion for the classes of 60-something through 70-something last night?  Well what did you think?  Give me comments and send pictures.  I’ll be more than happy to pass them along to everyone.

Now let’s take just a moment, stop, take a deep breath, and wish all of our April born classmates a VERY Happy and Wonderful Birthday.  They are:

Susan Bragg Crowson                April 10th
Diane “Dee Dee” Davis Gunter   April 13th
Janet Hecox Toombs                 April 14th
Phyllis Henry                             April 5th

I hope all you girls have a great one.

I’ve got a few health updates and I want to thank Martin Tull for being so faithful in sending out his weekly updates to keep us all posted on how his treatments are going.  I trust everyone will continue to pray for him as he goes through the next two cycles of chemo and then his radiation treatments.  I will keep passing his reports along to you as I get them.

I had a couple of you ask me about Charley Edmonson and I’m happy to report that his is doing really great and has less than a year before he can retire from the Post Office.  I’ve copied in his email back to me below.
Bill
I'm doing great as of today.  I've finished all my chemo and radiation and only have to go for routine blood work. I do have to get a Pet scan every 3 months and so far I've had 2 and am scheduled for another one on 22 March.  My weight has stabilized and I can now eat pretty good. I do appreciate all the prayers and thoughts of our class mates. It really helps a lot. If there is any change to my health problems
I'll let you know. I only have about 10 months to work before I retire and I am really looking forward to it. Thanks again for all you do and I really enjoy the class-o-grams.

Charley Edmonson

I also got an AWESOME report from Beth Marshall Lane.  This is incredible news…see below
Subject: my latest PET scan

Bill,
Just got the results from last week's PET scan.  No new cancer suspected sites and no reoccurrence of previous cancer sites.  The nurse said that this was the clearest scan I have ever had.  After 10 years of dealing with this, this is probably the best news I have had.
Beth

I’ve had several people ask about Eddie Jones but I haven’t been able to get in touch with him recently.  So, Eddie/Ed drop me a few lines and let me know how you’re getting along or even better, give me a call and let me know.  Your ole buds and budettes are wanting to know about you. 

The last time I talked with David Hughes he was continuing his rehab at home.  He’s able to get around pretty well with his walker but still has a problem sitting up for extended periods of time.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers as well.

I’ve not been able to make recent contact with Sid Emmons either.  Evidently the cell number that I have for him is either no longer working or he’s gotten a new cell phone.  So Sid, you need to give me a call as well and bring me up to date on what all is going on with you.  The last time I talked to him he was doing much better and has had his feeding tube removed and was able to eat on his own.  His voice was much stronger than it had been but he was still having trouble getting much volume out when he spoke.  So Sid, a Tarzan yell would be a great thing to hear from you.  Give me a call or shoot me an email an let me know how things are going.

I had emailed Janet Riley Johnston a couple of weeks ago to get an update on her boys and how she was doing.  Her response is shown below:

Hi Bill,

I'm doing well. -- The boys are better - Todd is completely off heroin -- Tim continues to have relapses with Alcohol -- keep praying

I'm leaving for the airport in a few minutes to head to San Antonio to my youngest son's graduation from  Air Force Basic Military Training -- he will then head to Wichita Falls, Texas for technical training with college credits and then on to Colorado Springs to the Air Force Academy where he will complete his University work -- He was invited to attend prior to boot camp but declined -- his commanding officer talked him into it and I am so glad -- his scores were off the charts & they invited him again.

Anxious to see him -- and pray that all will be well here at my house with the two other boys staying there again as I take a trip

I hate that I will miss the multi group reunion -- would love to be there but I'll just be getting back from Texas -- I'm trying to plan a trip in April and also I'll be down in the country for a family reunion in late May - Memorial Day Weekend

Love to all - tell everyone hi for me!!!

JJ

One of the great benefits of sending out these Class O Grams is getting to hear from some of our classmates and find out what all is going on in their lives.  I try to be a good steward of that information and pass it along to you.  One such bit of information came to me earlier this month from our very own Ronn Glosson.  Here’s a copy of his email so you all can be up-to-date on what all is going on in his life.

Thanks, Bill for all that you do to keep us in touch. It dawned on me that I have not filled you in on what I've been doing.  I married my college sweetheart, had four wonderful children (one still in the nest) and seven fantastic grands. We were in Pastoral ministry for nearly 34 years. For about the last 3 years, I have been working with the Salvation Army helping the homeless in Tulsa. My area of responsibility has been with families as well as single men and women. I didn't realize how sheltered my life has been. It has really shattered my stereotypical mindset regarding homelessness. I see college graduates, an investment banker, people who lost their jobs, divorcee's, as well as substance abusers and mentally ill. Lots of hurting people. This time last year we had around 200 people staying with us. Last week we set a record with 383 in one night. Sure makes me thankful for the little things.

I will be praying for your wife's total recovery, as well as our classmates.

God's richest blessings to you.   Ronn

You know guys, our class is a very “rich” one.  I’m sure others are as well, but I honestly consider it a privilege to have been in our class.  I know that a lot of us sewed a few wild oats (some of us more than others), and we didn’t always make the “best” decisions at all times, but when I sit back and see how we have turned out it really touches my heart.  I don’t think that this would come as a surprise to any of you, but Ron King is probably the best friend that I have.  He and I have been buddies since Junior High School.  It makes me proud to see how his bicycle ministry has really taken off and is continuing to grow  www.facebook.com/recyclebikesforkids.  Ronn Glosson is a great example with his work with the Salvation Army and helping the homeless.  Tim Lewis is yet another shining example with his mission to help teens in Nairobi, Kenya called “Made in the Streets”  www.made-in-the-streets.org  The list could go on and on.  It’s just absolutely amazing to me how the lives of our 219 have touched, and continue to touch so many others around the world.  This is not only true with our classmates but also with our kids.  I had talked to Carol Sue Moberly Dawson a couple of months back and found out that her daughter Kim was about to go on a mission trip to Honduras with LT Care Ministries.  This was of special interest to me because I had worked several years ago with a singles group from my church with LT Care in a food ministry here in Little Rock.  I asked Carol to get some information about Kim’s experiences and her email is below:

Kim’s Honduras Mission Trip
LT Care Ministries
February 5th – 14th, 2010

Kim was very nervous about making this trip.  She has never done anything like this before and really didn’t know what to expect.  It was a real “eye-opener” for her.  The first thing she said to me when she returned was, “Mom, I never realized just how truly blessed I am!  Those people have absolutely nothing and I have a house full of stuff I don’t even use.  The Lord has been so good to me!”

I am including a few photos.  One is of a house that her group built.  The houses are 10’ X 10’ with 4 windows and a door and a metal or clay tile roof.  The family that this house was built for had been living in a make-shift tent and they were thrilled with their new house.  Each house is blessed before the new owners move in.  None of the houses in that area have running water, indoor plumbing or electricity.  They wash clothes and take showers outside.  They have very few possessions and most of the children do not have shoes.

Kim fell in love with the children!  As they would drive up the mountain, she would throw candy out of the window of the truck.  The first day, there were just a few children.  By the third day, there were at least 25 children lining both sides of the road just waiting for her candy.  She was painting the house that they built and the children kept coming to her to play.  She told them to go find some big flat rocks.  When they came back with their rocks, she painted happy faces on them.  The children were thrilled and took their rocks back to their houses and put them in their yards so they would always remember Miss Kimmy!

Needless to say, Miss Kimmy, will be going back again next year!  She has already started a “Honduras 2011 change jar” and has informed me that all my change this year will be donated to her jar!  She will have to raise about $2000.00 so I think it will take a little more than change, but she will do it! 

I’ve attached three pictures that Carol sent along with Kim’s story. (above)

Now, shifting gears just a bit.  A couple of months ago I sent some “tidbits” of information along about Geographical Wonders so that we could all “Learn something for that day”.  Remember that?  Well, I’ve got something to pass along to you now that’s just about as amazing.  It was actually set up to be passed along in 2009 which would have made it 100 years out from 1909.  But you’ll just have to overlook the three extra months and still be amazed by what all has come along in the last one hundred years.  After you wrap your brain around all of this I want you to sit back and think what it will be like in 2109.  Let me know what kinds of inventions and things you think will be commonplace at that time.  OR, do you think we’ll still be here then? (Not literally you and me…I mean mankind)  So without further ado.  Here you go.

1909 Ford Model R
Show this to your friends, children and/or grandchildren


THE YEAR 1909

This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine!
The year is 1909.
One hundred years ago.
What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1909 :
*********
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles
Of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower

The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year ....

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year,
A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME ...

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!
Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which
Were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.
Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used
Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from
Entering their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars..

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea Hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school..


Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind,regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health'
( Shocking? DUH! )

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help..

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.!
Plus one more sad thought; 95 percent of the taxes we have now did not exist in 1909

I am now going to forward this to someone else without typing it myself.

From there, it will be sent to others all over the WORLD - all in a matter of seconds!

Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.

IT STAGGERS THE MIND!
Well gang, I’m sure there is a lot that I have left out, but this is the best I can do for this time.  I want to hear from you guys!  Let me know what you’re doing, what’s going on in your lives, and I definitely want to know what you think will be going on 100 years down the road.  Thanks to all of you for your kindness, love, and support.  And thank you for putting up with my ramblings.  One last quick personal note; my wife started back to work last night after her colon surgery six weeks ago.  Thank you all for the prayers and support you gave throughout her recovery.

God Bless & Have a Great Day!

Bill Killian
BHS Panthers 1967

MAY - 2010

Greetings Boys & Girls!
Yes, it’s that time again.  So let’s not waste any time and jump right in and wish a VERY Happy Birthday to our May born classmates:

Marilyn Herring Hill                            May 14
Nick Landers                                      May 03
Darlene Moody Kuntz                          May 07
Linda Nichols Butler                           May 21
Mary Jack Sturgeon Landers              May 27
Kathy Tedford King                            May 02

Happy Birthday to you…
Happy Birthday to you…
Happy Birthday to you alllllllllllllllll…..
Happy Birthday to you…

Now that you’ve officially been e-sung to I hope you all are feeling great and looking forward to the coming year.

I want to take just a moment to welcome one of our classmates to the Class O Gram family.  I just got his email address a couple of days ago so we’re breaking him in today with this one.  Welcome Mr. Fred Smith!  I hope to have much more information on what all he has been doing over the years and I will pass that along to you in the next edition.

I have a few health updates that I want to pass along to you.  First though, I want to thank Martin Tull for the AWESOME job that he, and the “bud dog”, are doing in keeping us posted on his journey through his chemo treatments.  It’s also great to be able to see visible positive results from the chemo in shrinking his tumor.  Hang in there Martin and please keep those updates coming.  Your attitude is as amazing as the results of your treatments.  I’m looking forward to next update this evening.

I also received a very encouraging email from David Hughes this past week.  I’m attaching it below:

Bill,

Hope all is well with you. Just a note to let you know that I am progressing well. Yesterday, I was able to climb the stairs from my room to the front door, use my walker to get to the car and then into the barber shop for a much needed tune-up. Later, my family and I went out to eat to celebrate the milestone, as well as my retirement at Lone Star where I had a wonderful steak I had been dreaming of for months. I was afraid I would be embarrassed being on a walker, but I faced that and literally moved on.

Made back home and back down the stairs without killing myself, but my legs and arms ache today (grin).

I encourage our classmates to take stock of their lives and thank God for good health and mobility.

I have also discovered facebook and found a lot of old friends. Please, if you have a facebook page either friend me or send me your FB name. It means a lot to old geezers like me.

Best

Flash Hughes

This is great news!  I also received another email from David shortly after that reminding me to put his request about Facebook in the Class O Gram.  So those of you that are on Facebook please take head and make contact with David and either “friend him or send him your FB name”.  I’m not on Facebook so I barely know how to even ask about this, but I’m sure those of you that ARE on it know exactly what he’s asking.  So just do it!  =)

I haven’t heard from Charley Edmonson with the results from his third PET scan that he was to have the latter part of March, but I’m trusting that it will be a positive result just like the other two scans he has had before it.  I will do my best to have a better update on his progress in the next COG. 

I talked to Sid Emmons earlier this morning and he is still going through the radiation portion of his treatments.  He does have the feeding tube out and can eat on his own, and his voice is much stronger and now can talk at a normal level.  He says that it usually lasts until about 1:30 in the afternoon and then it starts going back to the whisper level.  That’s also about when his energy level bottoms out and it’s time for him to lay down and take it easy.  He goes in on 4/28 for a consult and then the first week of May he will go back in for a PET scan.  The last scan he had showed that the tumor in his chest was reduced a little over 50% from when they started treatment. (That’s a great sign!)  So we’re looking forward to great results from the upcoming scan.  I will try to have that information for all of you in the next COG.

I also got a great email from Ed (Eddie) Jones and I’m passing along a portion of it for all of you to enjoy:
Hi Bill,

Didn't mean to drop out of the loop.  I have no excuse other than been busy with school.

Health first:  I'm doing great, finally put some of my weight back on, discovered pasta again, and well, flew past the 205 agreed to by my doctors.  Holding at 215 now.  Had appointments this month with surgeon, cardiologist, and general practitioner...released by the first two, have next appointment with them in a year.  I joked with you about the Christian holidays killing me in 08-09 (by-pass and valve repair at Christmas 08, and then going back at Easter 09 to replace the valve that broke.)  Made it through Christmas and hopefully will make it through this Easter without a relapse so I'm doing fine!!!!

Been busy at school, we held basketball tournaments here for 3 weeks, then went to state tournament.  Girls did better than the boys this year, but they lost to the state champs in their game.  They also beat us in the Regionals here.

We just finished spring break, didn't do anything like the old days...just played some golf, slept  late, and yes ate too much.... 

Read the article about Ronnie King...great article.  I wonder how many people know that he also supplied about 15 bikes for my school kids for Christmas.  Should have seen the faces of the parents when we delivered the bikes along with other presents and food.  I think Ron has added "jewels to his crown" in abundance.  Like you I feel honored to know him.

No relationships to report, still dating my car!!!  Must admit, it is more fun than my last wife :-) 

These are all great examples of the power of prayer, well maybe with the exception of Eddie’s car.   I know that a lot of you have been, and still are, praying for these guys.   I have a couple more people that I want you to put on your prayers lists as well.  I received an email from Betty Harrington this past week and she told me that Charlie is going into Baptist Hospital on April 28th to have surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right vocal cord.  I talked to Charlie a couple of days later and he said that they will actually go in through his mouth and shouldn’t have to make any incision in his neck.  He will spend the night in the hospital and should be able to go home the next day.  There will most likely be some radiation treatment as a follow up but those plans haven’t been confirmed yet. The great side of this story is that the cure rate is 95-98%.  The negative side is that the doctors aren’t sure how much of his voice will be left after the surgery…worst case scenario he will only be able to whisper; best case obviously is that there will be no change.  Please pray not only for the doctors to be able to get all of this cancer and Charlie will be cured, but also for great skills for the surgeon so that his vocal cords are not damaged in the process and that he will be able to have his full voice.

The other prayer request I have is for Peggy Babbitt Childress’s husband Ronnie.  He was diagnosed with Mantel Cell Lymphoma in Sept. 2009, and is undergoing his second round of chemo treatments.  I found this out through one of Peggy’s responses to Martin Tull’s updates.  Their faith is helping both of them get through this ordeal and she knows that God is in control.  Please join with me in adding Ronnie and Peggy to your prayer lists as they go through this journey together.  Peggy please keep us posted on Ronnie’s progress and let us know if there’s anything else we can do to help out.  You are not alone in this.

Switching gears just a bit; I know that a lot of you read the article in the Democrat Gazette about Ron King’s Bicycles for Kids ministry and how it’s just taken off far beyond what he could have ever imagined.  I was talking to Ron last week and he had received a phone call from a guy in another city that was wanting to start a similar program and had called Ron to see how he got started.  Ron invited him over to his place to see firsthand what they are doing and how they do it.  This is truly a labor of love, and the process is VERY labor intensive.  If any of you have unwanted bicycles that you are about to get rid of or want to get rid of, please let Ron know and he will get them picked up for you.  You can reach him at 501-376-9988 or if you just want to get an up-to-date idea of what all is going on with Bicycles for Kids program you can use this link to go onto his Facebook page and check them out. By the way, you don’t have to be a member of Facebook to check out their page.  Even “I” can get on there.  =) www.facebook.com/recyclebikesforkids 

I don’t want to forget our politician either.  Barbara Farley Nix is running for re-election in her State Representative position.  She is having a get-together the first week in May.  Here is the info in her own words….well writings anyway.

Bill, can you get word out that I am having a fish fry/open house on May 4th, 5-8 P.M. at the home of Dan and Brenda Meeks Billingsley?  Their address is 6229 Foxfire.  You turn left at the end of Congo Road, then left onto Mulberry and right onto Foxfire.  All classmates and families in the area are invited.  This is to kick off my campaign for re-election.  I have a November opponent.  Thanks.

If you either live in this area or if you’re going to be in this area on May 4th give Barbara a call and show up.  I’m sure she would appreciate you being there even if you don’t live in her District.  Show up and show your support.

There was to be a get-together at Ed & Alma’s café this past week to meet and greet Janet Riley Johnston who was coming down from St. Louis.  I wasn’t able to attend and I haven’t heard anything about the gathering.  I’m not sure if that’s because they just don’t want to tell me any of their secrets that were divulged there, or if they got so rowdy that they were all thrown in jail and haven’t made it out yet.  Maybe someone will let me know how it went and I’ll tell their “little secrets” in the next COG.

I don’t really have a Joke of the Month this issue, but I do have some anagrams that I would like to pass along.  These were supplied to me by none other than Mr. Bill Magee, ex Avonte, and current big time Accountant here in Little Rock.

For those of you that send me jokes, copies of bumper stickers, billboard signs, etc., please keep in mind that I try to keep the political opinions out of the Class O Gram.  Sometimes I do allow my own personal views to slip in, but it’s not done on purpose.  Although I may agree with the jokes, copies of bumper stickers, or billboard signs, I just don’t feel like this is the proper forum to put them in.  You are still welcome to send them to me, and I will continue to act as a one-man censor of what needs to go into the COGs.

Well Gang, that’s all I’ve got for this time.  Please keep me informed of what all is going on in your lives; health issues, grandkids, vacations, retirements, moves, career changes, etc. I would love to have more of that to pass along to other classmates.  I know you don’t believe it, but we all want to know about that stuff….for the ‘other’ classmates.  =)  Take care, and have a great month.

God Bless & Have a Great Day!

Bill Killian
BHS Panthers 1967

 I’m running a bit late with Martin’s update as well.  Remember if you want to respond to him please click on this link; martintull@comcast.net   Don’t just reply to this email because I’m ‘forwarding’ this to all of you.

Family & Friends,

Well, by the grace of the Lord and the many prayers offered in my behalf, phase one, the heavy chemotherapy, is complete,......................YES!  Can't say I'm sorry to reach this point!  As you can tell, I'm late getting this update out.  I mentioned previously that the effects are somewhat cumulative as one progresses through the treatments.  The fatigue factor, for me, was significantly deeper during this last cycle.  Yesterday, I simply didn't have the energy to get the update out, my apology to all.

Not much happens the next 2-1/2 weeks.  On 10MAY I have my next PET scan and my next appointments with my oncologists on 12MAY & 13MAY.  This past Monday (19APR) Dr. Missichia was extremely pleased with the response to the chemo by my tumor and especially my tolerence to the treatments.  I told her with the number of prayers sent my way, I didn't know how it could go any other way,..........................................and, she's a pretty darn good physician too.

My plan is to not make another update until the week of 10MAY10, since there won't be much to report, but I'll resume the weekly updates as the next phase (radiation therapy) begins.

I know you all are on the edge of your seats regarding the Bud-Dog,...........................well, he's recovered and we resumed playing ball this weekend, he's SO happy it would bring a tear to a glass eye! 

Amy has done an outstanding job of looking out for me this week, she returns to California on Wednesday to resume her life in television, it's been great to have her here for a while.

No photos this week, but we'll include some in the next update.

Again, my expressions of thanks to each of you seems paltry compared to the your expressions of compassion and caring, when that is combined with faith, the results can simply be astounding,.............................until the week of May 10th, God Bless each of you and Godspeed to you all.

Martin