Friday, August 31, 2007

Guess who, again?







Bo is correct!
It's RICHARD CRENNA.
Who is the guy on the right?
He was a well known film and TV star.
Born in CA. to Italian immigrants in the 1920's.
1st hint:
married for 47 years, had 3 kids,
died of heart failure due to cancer at the age of 76.

Guess who?


This famous celebrity was not born in the U.S.
She was in many movies, but

was very famous for one particular movie.

Yes, you've all heard of her.
Vivian Leigh is correct!


One More Bump in the Road

Wow, I hate to do this, 'cause Heaven knows we could use a good laugh about now, but I have one more piece of uncomfortable business to share.
After posting the memorial and getting it semi-straightened out,
I got a note from Up/Down with a list of his classmates that are gone, asking me to post them.

I'm sorry to say there are some VERY familiar names on that class of '66 list now... real friends with whom I shared some great times.
I'm sure you'll have the same reaction.

Go and look.
But don't grieve. We've done enough of that this week.
It's time to celebrate their memory.
It's time once again to celebrate life.
God Bless them. God Bless us all.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Photos from Vandy's Service

Thanks to Hawkeye and HL for the photos of Vandy's service Class of '65 flowers

Viewing in the Hall of Excellence


Bill's daughter, sons and daughter-in-law in front of the Vandermeer Gymnasium


Bill and Hawkeye with friends


Wednesday, August 29, 2007

YES, VANDY'S FUNERAL WAS PERFECT


Yes, Vandy's funeral was perfect. Gene Rund gave a wonderful message at the church. You hung on every word. At the end, he read an open letter to the community from Bill Vandermeer. It was so well written and special. We have asked for a copy to post on the Vandy Blog. The Hall of Excellence at Center Grove looked really cool for the showing. I have some pictures and I think Bob is sending them to PT. Maybe she will post them on the Blog. Vandy had only one school kid pall bearer, Bob Davidson, and the rest were teachers and probably community leaders or something. Bob was so humbled to be asked to be a pall bearer.

There were several Class of 65 kids at the showning and funeral. Mary Ellen R came in from Illinois. She told her friend she was going to Indiana to her high school principal's funeral. Her friend said why in the world would you do this? Mary said he was a special principal. Her friend said she didn't even remember her high school principal's name.

The flowers from the Class of 65 were the biggest arrangement there. They were very pretty and tasteful, and as every arrangement but one there, red and white. There were many flowers, several other classes sent flowers, but only one went on to the cemetary....The Class of 65.

Vandy had set aside money for a lunch after the funeral. Everyone at the Church for the funeral was invited to the lunch. About 75 of us went. An executive type guy, about 30 years old, Ben, spoke at the dinner. His family lived across the street from Vandy and Margaret in Carefree. He told about asking Vandy to be his Grandfather when he was 6 years old. Vandy said he would. Vandy went to 1st grade Grandparents Day with Ben. He was such a hit, he was asked back two weeks later as Ben's "show and tell".

Ben went on to tell about getting off of the bus from school and going directly to Vandy's house where the two of them played a daily game of "Fish". This friendship of young and old kept going on. Ben was visably shaken at times, but kept his voice even. He talked about splitting wood and building fireplace fires for Vandy. He said the last time he and Vandy talked was May of 2006. It was then that Vandy made him promise to say nice words about him after he was gone. Ben's voice cracked as he said he now had kept his last promise to his friend.

Ben is married and lives in Pinehurst, Pineville, or something, South or North Carolina. He has several tax service businesses and a car dealership there. Ben was also my student helper one period of the day when I was Center Grove Registrar. He did a great job delivering the US Mail and inter-office mail for me. He drew a picture of a rose for me. I still have it. I had him sign it at the time and told him I would keep it for when he became famous. I told him I thought he was now famous! He shook his head and smiled at me with tears. We both know that being Vandys friend makes anyone famous!

The Journal has a story today written by a former Center Grove student, Norman Knight. He is a teacher at Clark-Pleasant Middle School and he writes a weekly column for the Daily Journal. He is, by his own definition, a former student radical and the column is about his participating in a sit down strike at Center Grove. Vandy did not handle the sit down strike with an iron fist, but he called the four ringleaders into his office and talked to them about the issues that led to the confrontation. No one was kicked out of school.The many stories just keep coming out......a live well lived......a man well loved....HL

Vandy Stories

A cousin sent this Journal article and I thought you might enjoy it too.
**************************************************
Trojan leader Vandermeer influenced future teacher
By NORMAN KNIGHT

KnightAug. 29, 2007
Dear Neil, I don't know if the news made it to you way out there in Idaho, but I thought you should know that our old high school principal, Mr. Vandermeer, died last week. I've just come from the visitation at Center Grove High School. It was in a wing of the school that wasn't there when we were students back in the '60s called the Hall of Excellence. Can you think of a more appropriately named place for Vandy?

You know, Neil, the older I get, the more I can see just how much my past has affected who I am. Back then, I would never have picked our principal as a big influence on me, but there you go.
Remember when we started Youth for Change? It was our homegrown version of a 1960s radical organization, sort of a cornfield Students for a Democratic Society. We were young and passionate about politics, and we wanted so much to be like the radical people whose books we read and whose protests we watched on the nightly news. We were idealistic kids.I'm not saying what we believed was less valid because we were young.

It was a good thing that we wanted to do something to change a world we thought the adults had really messed up. (We could use a little more of that these days, if you ask me.) It's just that, as a teacher with the perspective of some years, I know that young people tend to believe they have all the answers. I also know that it's hard for them to see that older people have at least a little bit of knowledge and wisdom.

I think Mr. Vandermeer had that perspective.I also believe we were itching to be part of the rebellion that was happening all over the world at the time. It was kind of hard to fire up that kind of excitement in sleepy old Center Grove back in 1969, but we gave it a shot, didn't we? Remember our sit-down strike?

Vandy could have kicked the whole crowd of us out of school for that, but he actually called the four ringleaders into his office and talked to us about the issues that led to the confrontation. He was pretty good about keeping order and at the same time giving students a bit of free rein to discover themselves. That's something I try to remember in my job. And I'll bet you've thought about that, too, in your position as a business leader.

At the visitation, I was standing in line behind a lady who graduated in 1958. She remembered Mr. Vandermeer and his wife, Margaret, chaperoning her senior class trip to Washington and spending their entire time keeping the boys and girls separate. Another former student who graduated in 1965 also had a good Vandy story.I chatted with a few others, and everyone talked as if he were a personal friend.

Each person mentioned Mr. Vandermeer as someone who really cared about him or her as an individual. He had that gift.Looking back, I realize how much my teachers taught me, not just about the causes of the Civil War or the way to punctuate a sentence, but how to relate to people. From some of them, I learned what not to do. From others I learned just what it takes to be an effective educator.

Mr. Vandermeer really changed my life for the better, just as he changed the lives of countless other students. I guess there are other ways besides starting an organization to change the world.

Well, Neil, I know you probably can't come all the way from Idaho on this short a notice, but I know you are here in spirit.
Take care. Go Trojans!
Your friend and fellow radical, NormanNorman Knight, a teacher at Clark-Pleasant Middle School, writes this weekly column for the Daily Journal.

"The Magic Gopher"

GH sent me this link two nights ago.
It amazed and puzzled me, keeping me from sleeping until I solved it.
I guarantee it will drive you crazy for a while...
Can you figure it out?

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

In Memoriam

I think I finally figured out how to do it.

You may remember, we started the memorial to classmates, teachers, and friends, and then had second thoughts.
The memorial wasn't accomplishing what we intended when we established it...
To fondly remember folks that had been part of our lives.

So we took it down... put it away for awhile in hopes of coming up with a better idea.
And then Vandy died, and I added his name to the list.
And while I was typing his name, it hit me...
Make this the first post of the blog, so we can all go back and review the post whenever we want!

To give everyone easy access to the post, I've also added an entry to Our Blogroll titled, "We Won't Forget".
Click that link, and it instantly takes you to the memorial post.
I need your feedback now... are ya comfortable with this?
Does it accomplish what we want?

And something else...
I'd like to delete the comments at that post so it stands alone without several comments that are 'way out of date. Let me know what you think of deleting those comments. I'll wait until we have a consensus before taking that action.

I hope this pleases everyone.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Mr. Melvin A. Vandermeer


Gentleman, and Gentle Man.
Teacher, Veteran, Husband, Father, Coach, Principal, Counselor... Friend.

1918-2007
I heard a story about life... that it was "all about the dash".
The dash between your birthdate and the date of your death, and what you do with the time between those dates.
We will always wonder what life is about... whether we are making the most of it.
But I think I know what's really important...
And that is whether the world is a better place because of our dash.

Vandy will be buried today,

And for "Vandy's Kids" I want to say this-
"Mr. Vandermeer, you used your dash well! God Bless You!"




Sunday, August 26, 2007

Oh Canada!

Take a look here and see if you agree...
Mr. V. was apparently a Canadian citizen when he enlisted as a Private in 1942, at the age of 24.

And as a sidelight, is anyone else surprised that this sort of information is now available?

...More than a little frightening, in my opinion!

Outside Lookin' In?

Okay.
You've been reading Vandy's Kids for some time now and you have to admit... you enjoy it.
In fact, you enjoy it so much it has become a bit of a ritual for you.
You check regularly to see if someone has posted something new,
or you look to see if the number of comments on a post you've been watching has changed, hoping someone has added something.
Go on, 'fess up... you're addicted.

But-
You're still a little afraid to jump in yourself.

And all the rest of us tellin' ya how easy it is ain't gonna cut it...
It's an imposing process and a little scary, gettin' outta your comfort zone.
I've been where you are, and I know how hard it is to take that first step.


So Ol' Greybeard is gonna point ya in the right direction.
Just about everything you need to know about blogging is explained
here, in fairly easy-to-understand language.
And believe me, there's still stuff there I need to read and learn...

It's a lot to digest and the medium is changing quickly...
we're bein' given more and more options/toys to play with!

So please, don't be afraid.
Those of you that have signed on as "Vandy's Kids" guests- click that link, go play, and learn!
You're not gonna hurt a thing, and it's one way you can tackle blogging at your own pace.
Not yet a "guest" on Vandy's Kids? Contact PT, TD, Hawkeye, or myself.
Questions? Don't be afraid to ask!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Answer to PT's and GB's problem:

In reference to the post below titled "Oh yeah?!"
here is a solution to your problems:

For GB, a bicycle seat in the shape of a McClellan Calvary Saddle.



For PT, a 3-wheeled adult tricycle.


and for me.
Services for Mr. Melvin A. Vandermeer
Visitation: 3 to 8 PM Sunday, August 26, 2007 Hall of Excellence at Center Grove High School, 2717 S. Morgantown Road.
Funeral: 11 AM Monday, August 27, 2007 Center Grove Presbyterian Church, 2340 State Road 135.
Burial: Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 S. State Road 135 in Greenwood
Memorial contributions: The Vandy and Margaret Scholarship Fund in care of the Center Grove Scholarship Foundation.

Front page story in The Daily Journal "Former principal lived rich, full life" by Joseph S. Pete jpete@thejournalnet.com
Well written, quotes from Mr. Clements, Carol Tumey, Steve Sutton, Steve Witty, Joe DiPietro and Vandys Kids blog comments "Vandy influenced a generation of CG graduates with his humor, compassion".
Many Center Grove High School graduates likely remember principal Melvin Vandermeer addresing an assembly by saying, "People, do I need to be a policeman?" Vandermeer, 89, who spent 38 years in education before retiring in 1978, died Thursday. Friends and colleagues said Vandermeer, for whom Center Grove's gymnasium is named, ensured the school stayed a close-knit community while it doubled in size during his tenure in the 1960's and 1970's. "Families, generations passed through that high school under him," retired Center Grove athletics director John Clements said. "He was always well-known and well-liked. No one ever had anything negative to say about him".
Two direct quotes from Class of 1965:
Steve Witty, a 1965 Center Grove graduate who later coached Ben Davis High School to two state championships, said Vandermeer was a father figure who helped instill in him a drive to succeed. Witty once ended up in Vandermeer's office. He was asked if he realized that life would be easier later on if he worked harder now. The advice stayed with him, Witty said.
Steve Sutton, Center Grove's Class of 1965 president, said Vandermeer had a lasting influence on many students by serving as a role model with his honesty and fairness. Students knew they could trust his judgment even if they didn't always agree with his decisions, Sutton said.
Mr. Clements said, " Vandermeer remained vital even late in life, eating out with friends, entertaining many visitors whose lives he touched and going on his yearly fishing trip to Canada as recently as three years ago." "Really, he lived to be 180, not 89", Carol Tumey said. "He got as much out of every moment as he could and lived a rich full life that shouldn't be forgotten.
Vandy Blog Quotes (in part)
"Hard to see what I'm typing through tears.... We'll all miss him... I'm grateful to have known him"
"Vandy's perfect fit was Margaret. Vandy was always friendly; Margaret was always very charming. Vandy had a wit. Margaret had a look. Vandy told me recently that there would never be another Margaret. Center Grove will never have another Vandy, either"

Hawkeye & Hotlips

Friday, August 24, 2007

Oh Yeah?!


It's been an emotional, eventful few days.
I'm glad to be a part of the VK family... to read your words and feel your support.

It's time to look forward.
Beef and Boards.
VK's in Edinburgh.
VK's say ALOHA!
Anything else?

This is an "Open Forum", so let 'er rip!

Vandy Tribute at Daily Journal

A comment from the post below:

I'm a reporter with the Daily Journal working on a tribute article about Mr. Vandermeer. I was hoping we could get permission to publish excerpts from some of the blog postings and also to talk to those who'd like to share any memories. If anyone has any photos of Mr. Vandermeer at the school, they'd also be vastly appreciated.
Please e-mail blog postings we could use to accompany an article to jpete@thejournalnet.com or call me at 736-2776 if you would like to pay homage or share memories of Mr. Vandermeer. Many thanks and my condolences for the loss.

Joseph Pete
Daily Journal
736-2776
jpete@thejournalnet.com

Mr. Pete, I'm one of the administrators of Vandy's Kids, and so far as I'm concerned you can use anything you find here freely. I'm glad you left your phone number, and hope all with interesting anecdotes will call. I'm assuming the area code to reach you is 317?

Thank you for your attention to our namesake!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Vandy Again

Hard to see what I'm typing through tears...

We all knew this day would come, hoping only that he'd not suffer too much in passing.
From Hawk's report, sounds like we got our wish.
For me, it's a strange feeling, losing this man.
Other than the fleeting conversations I stole during our reunions, I've had no contact with him at all since graduation.

And yet, it's somewhat like losing a Father.

Vandy counseled me on more than one occasion in High School. I wasn't a bad kid, just "high spirited".
I received a ticket for reckless driving on the way to school once, from a State Trooper who initially would have had my head on a plate had he been able. He wrote the ticket in Vandy's office, with Mr. V. looking over his shoulder.
Then somewhere along the line, this Trooper had an attitude change, and actually came to court with me to plead for a mild sentence.
I think I know what happened to cause that change of heart.


You've read my post about Tools, Ron, and I bein' expelled.
What else could he have done? He made his point, then the anger was gone. After, he treated me no differently than he had before... no differently than he treated any other student.


He touched us all, shaped us all, directed us all.
We are what we are, to some extent, because of the guidance, strength, and example of this man.
We'll all miss him.
I'm grateful to have known him.

Vandy

It is truly sad that VKs have lost such an important person in our lives. Our sympathy goes out to Mr. Vandermeer's family. Vandy has had a great group of support friends around him for a very long time. My sympathy also extends to them in this time of sorrow. We should celebrate the fact that Vandy is again with the person he most admired in life. An edited excerpt of a post in VandysKids reads –

That Perfect Fit

Vandy's was Margaret. Vandy was always friendly; Margaret was always very charming. Vandy had a wit, Margaret had a look. Vandy could make you laugh with his wit. But,when Margaret gave you that look, you probably would not be laughing and it was something that you did not easily forget. Vandy had a grip like a vise. When he grabbed you, you did not get away until he was done talking with you. Key words there are - talking with you. He knew that there were always two sides to each story. Margaret did not have a strong grip - didn't need one. She just gave you ‘that look’. Vandy could be up one minute and back down the next, Margaret was even keel most of the time. Vandy's weapons were his tone and his booming voice. Margaret's was just her look. You always knew what Vandy was thinking. Most of the time, you had no idea what Margaret was thinking. You had to guess. Vandy tells me that even he had no idea what she was thinking. No guessing with Vandy. He told you! I also suspect that he knew what Margaret was thinking most of the time. Because they were That Perfect Fit.

Sometimes in life, Special people are blessed with a second perfect fit. Vandy had another. It was Center Grove. He told me recently that there would never be another Margaret. Center Grove will never have another Vandy, either.
_______________________________________

Vandy, we will miss you!

An unedited version of “That Perfect Fit” can be found on VandysKids, Archives Jan. 2006

A special Thank You to all of the VKs that stayed in contact with Vandy and have kept us informed. Sad news, but a joyous time for Vandy and Margaret.
Bill, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.


I have just a few Heros in my life. Vandy is one of them.

Mr. Vandermeer

Mr. Melvin Vandermeer - 1918 - August 23, 2007- 89 years old

Mr. Vandermeer died today at 2:00 PM. His son Bill made it in last night at 11:00 PM. John Clements stayed with him during the night and today. Funeral arrangements are being made and Mrs. Clements says probably the showing will be on Sunday and burial on Monday. As soon as I find out for sure I will let you all know when and where.

I was on my way to see him when I got the news.

Hawkeye

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Vandy Update - Sad news...

At my last weeks visit to Vandy, I could not get him to wake up. He usually is asleep when I get there to visit him. This time he would only open his eyes halfway and never did say anything. I went ahead and read his newspaper for a while and tried again to talk to him. Again he did not wake up. I left, thinking he must have had a bad nights sleep and needed to sleep.
Just now, 9:00 PM, August 22, 2007, I got a call from Mrs Clemments. She tells me Vandy's kidneys are shutting down and he is having trouble swallowing. His son, Bill has been called and he is trying to get on the first flight to Indy.
Vandy had told me a couple of weeks ago that he wished he would either get better or worse. I will go by tomorrow to see him and update you further. Now, the family and Vandy need our prayers......right now I am praying for God's will. This is a sad time and we all hurt that such a good man will be leaving us. I keep thinking he will be with his beloved Margaret.

Hawkeye

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Ol' What's'is ('er) Name... #1



Hiram Ulysses Grant, later known as Ulysses S. Grant, because of a military clerical error.


Born in the Midwest to a modest, hard working family.
He attended religious schools in both Kentucky and Ohio.
An average student, he graduated college ranked 21st in a class of 39.
He took a Commission as an Officer in the Army, and twice received commendations for bravery, but later told a friend he thought the U.S. had waged a "wicked war".
Assigned duty on the West coast, he was miserable and took to drinking heavily and was forced to resign.
He had reached the rank of Captain.

Prior to leaving the Army he married.
As a civilian, he bought 80 acres of land, intending to clear and farm it.
Two years later, he was in such terrible financial straits he had to pawn family heirlooms in order to buy Christmas presents for his kids.

Tensions mount and his services are again needed by the Army, so he joins, and is quite successful.
He's so successful as a soldier, he parlays his military success into winning election as a politician, but almost immediately following his election, a financial disaster strikes the U.S.
Although never found to be dishonest himself, he has surrounded himself with scoundrels, and some call his political world (I'm paraphrasing here), "the most corrupt ever seen in U.S. politics."

Bits and Pieces

OCTOBER MINI REMINDER

Just wanted to bring forward a reminder of the October Mini.

For those of you who have not marked your calendars or
requested time off please don't wait until the last minute.

As I posted before "there is no one date" that is perfect
for everyone. Had thought of having it earlier in the month
this year but due to some unforeseen events had to keep it
later in the month.

Had the pleasure of visiting with Two Dogs and Cinders last
week end and we was talking about last years reunion. We
had a picture taken on the stairway and Two Dogs counted
22 class mates. So with spouses, other half, and special guests
there was somewhere around 43 attending.

You know guys this is really great. I have spoken with numerous
people who say that they don't get that many in attendance at
their five year class reunions. Just goes to show that the class
of 65 is and always was up for a party.

If you know of someone who hasn't attended before and you are
in touch with them (PLEASE) try and get them to come this
year. Last year Linda K. brought Cynthia A. It was the first
time in years that a lot of us had seen her. So everyone try
and locate someone who hasn't joined before and get them to
come. Even if you have to pick them up to get them here.

LET'S MAKE THIS THE
RECORD BREAKING YEAR ! ! ! !

I am going to be sending out invitations about a month before.
If you know of anyone (our class) or other that you think might
like to attend please let me know their names and address so
I can get them on the list.

Haven't heard from Jamie Lou yet but sure hope she and Mike
will be here again We all look forward to their fantastic music.
Last year Ginger & Johnnie S. made it for the first time. Ginger
was in a back brace from surgery but still made it. Johnnie
said that he also plays music and sings and they are looking f
orward to coming again this year and will join in on the music.
If any of the rest of you can sing or plays music please plan on
sharing with us.

We all had so much fun with the musical stroll down memory
lane. I have started getting together as many of the
"old favorites" that was listed to play. If any of you have any
50's - 60's CD's please bring them.

It is never to early to RSVP that we will be seeing your smiling
faces. So far I have heard from Ferdy, Two Dogs & Cinders,
Top Cat and Sharon and Greybeard & Sara Jean. I know that
there are a lot more of you planning on coming so come on and
let us know we can look forward to seeing you.

The mini has become like a big family reunion. As you know at
"family reunions" there is always someone who brings a family
favorite every year. It is sort of a tradition. Haven't heard
from DJ but (plan) on him coming - your cold slaw is a must -
(fancy bowl or not). Let me know if I need to dig one out.
And I'm not sure who brought that fantastic Oriental Salad
(was that you Cinder's ??) but who ever did - PLEASE
BRING IT AGAIN THIS YEAR.

Had some problems with my earthlink e-mail last year
throwing e-mails into a Block Sender File. Got the danged
problem solved so shouldn't run into that this year. I have
(2) e-mail addresses that you can send to
magadspec@earthlink.net and
kl_harris@yahoo.com. That's a _ between the kl and harris.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING ALL
OF YOU THE 20TH.

Echo & Shifty

Monday, August 20, 2007

IBook?



I'm lookin' for advice.
I've had my PC laptop for almost three years now. I seldom operate it on battery power, but the battery is completely shot now, and will have to be replaced at a cost of $140 or so. But there's another problem with it-
I've had a couple laptops before, and the achilles heel with the things seems to be the hinge that connects the monitor to the keyboard...
for some reason, (constant opening/closing?), the electrical connection there breaks down and the display on the monitor goes blank. That's happened to me twice, and in both cases the recommendation was to buy another computer rather than repair the old one. Now this machine is showing the initial signs of that happening again.

For years I've toyed with the idea of trying an Apple product.
Folks that use them are crazy for them! Apple truly has a crowd of "groupies" singing the praises of their machine.
Every time I get another email warning of some terrible virus that is gonna wipe out my central processor or erase my hard drive, I reconsider the Apple option. There are so few Apple computers out there, virus-writing monsters don't waste time writing bugs to eat their hard drives! (Apple users would also say their operating systems are superior and programs are written with fewer loopholes for virus-writers to exploit.)

So I'll ask... any VK's out there using an Apple product?
Care to voice your opinion?
How hard is it to leave the PC world and venture into Appleland?
Apples are supposedly VERY user friendly... how long will it take for me to feel as comfortable with it as I do pounding on this PC?

Center Grove Alumni News

Alumni committee from CGHS is moving forward. Thanks for everyone's hep in the past and continued support in the future

Web site coming soon (one week) http://www.centergrovealumni.com/

NEW alumni date for 2008 April 26th details closer todate
alumni will staff a booth from the 4 home football games of 07 (should be good year)

alumni selling tee shirts, sweatshirts and polos as fundraiser. items obtained from ENT (Dan Francis 65')

new faces on alumni committee Ruel West 58' Jim Brown79' Emily Poe-Rose, not sure of year. ALumni always welcome to attend and input. Next meeting 9/11/07 7 p.m. CGS admin board room

banquet and scholarship committees formed

Center Grove Education Foundation will host a Gala 4/25/08 and will honor a distinguished alumni. CGEF and ALumni COmmittee needs input on criteria for distinguished alumni (i.e) giving back to CGS, volunteer efforts in community etc. Please share comments to
Center Grove ALumni
2929 s. morgantown road
greenwood in 46143
317.881.9328 x8889

pay pal coming to web site soon. Discussion with CGEF using their pay pap account with credits going to alumni association so all donations will be tax deductible. alumni associaiton at i understand is not 501c3.

keep the faith, thanks for listening and hope to hear from you.

?? anyone remember a time capsule in first elementary near office of O.J. Sloop Sr. and Elienn Fulmer , secretary? I have been told capsule in one of the corner stones of office entrance.

hatchet

Sunday, August 19, 2007

The Center Grove Foundation

Some time back, someone, (Carol?), broached the issue of Jake and Travis Findlay...
Pokin' around, I found
this site devoted to the subject.
Looks like they are having a fund-raising dinner the evening of
15 September.

I wrote and left a note with the Administrator, Heidi, and suggested she might want to link with us there. I may also add her link to our blogroll. In the meantime, go check 'em out!

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Hey Up/Down!

I think this seems like a pretty decent deal.
Know anyone interested?

UPDATE:
Someone bought the yearbook!
Was that you, Asoka?

Center Grove Television?

Yep!
Center Grove Television!

Answer to: "Guess who this is" (below)


I tried 4 times to post this picture to the same blog as the
"Guess who this is" blog,
and it kept kicking me out.
GB got it -so here's the answer:

She is in the picture above on your left.
Vivian Vance, aka Ethel Mertz
(her co-star: William Clement Frawley)

Internet Nooks and Crannies

My job pays me even if I'm idle.
Good thing too, 'cause if I weren't paid to do what I do, I can see where friends and relatives might begin to talk behind my back about what a sad computer addict I have become!

While researching Bouncin' Bill Baker I came across
this site, and found a lot of memories.
So my fall into this electronic abyss has paid a dividend...
You don't have to search for hours to find stuff like this.

Katzass!

Friday, August 17, 2007

Guess who this is

Unless you're a big fan you probably won't recognize her right away,
but ask the right questions and you'll get it fairly quick.
Her "aka" is a household name.
Hints coming soon.
1st hint:
She got her big break in 1951.
She was married 4 times.
She's an actress and she's recognized everywhere.
2nd hint:
She was in Broadway musicals then later
became a TV actress in the early 50's, which was her
"claim to fame".
3rd hint:
Her initials at birth were: VRJ
later she changed her last name for show biz purposes.
Her TV co-star's initials were W.C.F.
and she did not like her co-star in real life.

Another Mystery Man



I'm hoping you can all see this image.
First clues:
He was born in 1928 in Pennsylvania.
His Father was a Lutheran Minister.
At age 15, he got his first job at what would be his lifelong career.

He was a drummer in a band, and met his wife, Betty, while playing at his Father's Church.
They were married in 1952, and moved to take on a new job in Kokomo in '54.

Okay, ya ready? Here we go...
The Kokomo job was with WIOU radio.
I'm out the door, headed to work, and I bet we at least have close guesses by the time I check in later!

Indeed, it is Bouncin' Bill, and he died almost exactly two years ago. I can vividly remember his "early morning vitamin pill" broadcast!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The Little Rascals




Check out the guy with the bow tie! Is he a cutie or what!!
There are so many cute faces. And then of course you can tell I was a Fashionista even in the early years.

Tired of Quizzes?


If you are tired of the guessing game, ignore this post.
If not, here we go:
I'm not gonna give you his birth date, 'cause I know you'd be like me and go see who was born that year... and that would be a dead give-away for this guy.

But it IS a guy, and I'll give ya a minor clue: He served in the Army during 1944 and '45.

PT pulled it out of her hat... how, I don't know.
I had all sorts of great clues to give ya:
You may have crossed a bridge named in his honor- (on the State line over the Wabash 'twixt Vincennes and Illinois.)
Born in Vincennes.
Dad was a circus clown.
Gave Johnny Carson his first big break.

Wow PT... I'm impressed.

So Far So Good For Oahu

I want to take the time to thank you for the concern and your thoughts on the hurricane coming our way. The Big Island dodged a bullet, but did get lots of rain with warnings of flash flooding. The Big Island also had a earthquake during all this. The warning there has now been cancelled. Flossie is still heading this way, but continue weakening is the notice right now. She should be totally through here by Thursday. She is passing Maui now.
We just got a new crank radio with the weather station on it and I have been cranking like crazy.
We now have a funky coloring in the sky, but the winds aren't bad yet.
The wind is out of the East at 16mph gusting to about 25.
I think we will be okay. We have more concern since we have moved here, as our neighborhood is right on the beach, but we set a little bit on the inland side of it. We are on the south shore right next to Pearl Harbor.

What a way to spend my birthday, uh?

Joker, I found a picture of Mrs. Rueff's class, who did you want to know about? I love your puzzles you have been publishing.
I was in Mrs. Merrilees class with BO.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

CG- Circa 1955


Do all young boys want pretty teachers? These days too many pretty teachers are brought to our attention by way of their mug shots, after they've been caught dabblin' where they ought not be!
I was disappointed on my first day of second grade...
I don't remember any of the other teachers, but no one could have called Mrs. Saunders pretty. You can see from this photo that she had a skin pigmentation problem, which stood out like a Nazi Swastika when you first met her.

She was a gentle soul, and she cared for her kids right to her very core. She may have been the best teacher I ever had. I think the pigment problem became invisible to me after about a week in her class. By the end of the year, I loved her dearly.

I mentioned in a comment to my 1st Grade post the name "Sirona Morton". I now realize she wasn't in that photo 'cause she's definitely in this one. Lots of other familiar faces here too.

(Look at teacher's pet, right there next to her!)

Monday, August 13, 2007

Recognize him?


This is not quite as exciting as ELVIRA,
and I did a crappy job of blacking out his name (sorry).
This guy is much, much older then us '65 grads
and he is recognized throughout the world
and we all knew of and loved him.
I'm giving you the first hint now:
1st hint:
He was a model and part-time stuntman in Hollywood in the
1930's before his "big break" in 1949.
This big break is what made him famous
until the day he died in 1999.
2nd hint:
His initials were J.C.M.
Later, around 1940, he dropped one of his initials.
(I'm not telling which one)

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Here's your answer

Elvira
Mistress of the Dark
Better known as Cassandra Peterson
Anonymous got it right

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Recognize her?


Oh, come on, you all know her. Any guesses as to who she is?
She's almost our age, born in 1949.
This is just for fun!
I'll give ya a hint later.
1st hint:
her initials are C.P.
I briefly met her at an autograph signing
here in Indy at a car show many years ago.
She is NOT a race car driver nor an athlete.
2nd hint:
She holds a record in the
Guinness Book of World Records
as the youngest showgirl in Las Vegas history
(late 60's) but that's NOT what made her famous.
She's an actress with a "gimmick" and it's the gimmick
that has made her famous world wide.

Friday, August 10, 2007

SAD NEWS

I just learned that Bill Porter; who was one of our teachers in high school, passed away last night. He lived accross the street from my mom and dad in Greenwood. Bill had been diagnosed with bone cancer in May. I am so sad to learn that he died. He was always nice to me in school and a good friend as a neighbor to my folks.



I don't know any details about his funeral or calling. It will probobly be in The Daily Journal and the Indianapolis Star tomorrow or Saturday.

"Your Hair Is Romance!"


I'm sure we watched this ad as kids. Remember the jingle?
(If, when you click the link, you get a page that says "You are not authorized..." click "Go" again, and it should take you to the link. Don't know why it sometimes won't go directly!)

Lots of old TV Ads here.

Monday, August 06, 2007

HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED

WHAT MADE ME ME

Long ago and far away,
In a land that time forgot,
Before the days of Dylan,
Or the dawn of Camelot.

There lived a race of innocents,
And they were you and me,
Long ago and far away
In the Land That Made Me Me.

For Ike was in the White House
In that land where we were born,
Where navels were for oranges
And Peyton Place was porn.

We learned to gut a muffler,
We washed our hair at dawn,
We spread our crinolines to dry
In circles on the lawn.

We longed for love & romance,
And waited for our Prince,
And Eddie Fisher married Liz,
And no one's seen him since.

We danced to "Little Darlin"
And sang to "Stagger Lee"
And cried for Buddy Holly
In the Land Than Made Me Me.

Only girls wore earrings then,
And 3 was one too many,
And only boys wore flat-top cuts,
Except for Jean McKinney.

And only in our wildest dreams
Did we expect to see
A boy named George with lipstick,
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We fell for Frankie Avalon,
Annette was oh, so nice,
And when they made a movie,
They never made it twice.

We didn't have a Star Trek Five,
Or Psycho Two & Three,
Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty
In the Land That Made Me Me.

Miss Kitty had a heart of gold,
And Chester had a limp
And Reagan was a Democrat
Whose co-star was a chimp.

We had a Mr. Wizard,
But not a Mr. T
And Oprah couldn't talk yet
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We had our share of heroes
We never thought they'd go.
At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.

For youth was still eternal,
And life was yet to be,
And Elvis was forever
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We'd never seen the rock band
That was Grateful to be Dead,
And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson,
And Zeppelins were not Led.

And Beatles lived in gardens then,
And Monkees lived in trees,
Madonna was a virgin
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We'd never heard of microwaves,
Or telephones in cars,
And babies might be bottle-fed,
But they weren't grown in jars.

An pumping iron got wrinkles out,
And "gay" meant fancy-free,
And dorms were never coed
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We hadn't seen enough of jets
To talk about the lag.
And microchips were what was left
At the bottom of the bag.

And hardware was a box of nails,
And bytes came from a flea,
And rocket ships were fiction
In the Land That Made Me Me.

Buick's came with portholes,
And side shows came with freaks,
And bathing suits came big enough
To cover both your cheeks.

And Coke came just in bottles,
And shirts came to the knee,
And Castro came to power
In the Land That Made Me Me.

We had no Crest with Fluoride,
We had no Hill Stree Blues,
We all wore superstructure bras
Designed by Howard Hughes.

We had no patterned pantyhose
Or Lipton herbal tea
Or prime-time ads for condoms
In the Land That Made Me Me.

There were no golden arches,
No Perrier to chill,
And fish were not called Wanda,
And cats were not called Bill.

And middle-aged was 35
And old was forty-three,
And ancient was our parents
In the Land That Made Me Me.

But all things have a season
Or so we'ver heard them say,
And now instead of Maybelline
We swear by Retin-A.

And they send us invitations
To join AARP,
We've come a long way, baby,
From the Land That Made Me Me.

So now we face a brave new world
In slightly larger jeans,
And wonder why they're using
Smaller print in magazines.

And we tell our children's children
Of the way it used to be.
Long ago and far away.
In the Land That Made Me Me.

GB - After reading this
Would I go back???
You bet ya ! ! !

Echo

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Class of '67-- the Early Years

Someone asked to see a photo of Mrs Parrish's class
that would have graduated in '67.
This is a photo of the persons of interest
and they all look guilty!
How many can you ID?

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Weren't We All Rebels?

Keeping with the theme of late-




Or alternatively, and maybe even more apropo:

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Wheels, Tunes and Memories

Sit back and relax and take a Stroll down Memory Lane with this
fantastic site.

My brother Terry (many of you may remember) is involved in a car club and is also a judge of Custom Car Shows through out the country.

He sent me this site and it is just so perfect for remembering old times.

Remember This ?

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE

In July while recovering I posted the "How Good Is Your Memory ???" about TV shows we use to watch in our youth. I never dreamed that is would have the impact that it did. I hear from GB that it has topped the records so far with (57 comments).

S - O - O- O I have come up with a new memory jogger. Let's see if we can have as much fun with this one. Now we all will have to admit that in "our day" music was real music. The entertainers actually "sang" the songs and you could understand the words. They didn't even use make up to hide their identity. Well Little Richard (maybe a little bit) HAHA

Shifty and I love listening to music from the 60's and carry overs from the 50's. Shifty use to travel with a band back in the 60's. He did the set up for them and promoting. They were called JERRY AND THE DECADES. All of the guys in the band were from London Kentucky and surrounding areas. Little did they know back then that a couple of the guys would go on to stardom and work with some of the "big name" entertainers of today and yesterday.

If you think back I am sure that you will remember a group called EXILE. Memory not so good ???? Well this may trip your memory !!!!

Kiss You All Over, She's A Miracle, Cant's Get Close Enough, Give Me One More Chance, It'll Be Me, Woke Up In Love and Take Me Down and many more.

One of the lead singers with EXILE is Les Taylor. Shifty grew up with Les and he started out with Jerry and The Decades. We had the great experience of seeing EXILE in concert two years ago. Shifty hadn't seen Les in some 30+ years. It was a really moving experience to see them re-united after all those years. After the concert we gathered around their tour bus until the wee hours of the morning talking and reliving the "old days". I think those guys would still be talking if they hadn't had to get on the road for another concert.

Also in their band is a super guy - who is like a brother to Shifty. His name is Fred Wooton. Fred is a Steel Guitar player and backup singer. He is known in the music industry as one of the most outstanding guitar and steel guitar players around. Aside for his unbelievable talent there is something else that makes him unique. He doesn't read music. He plays strictly by ear. As the years went on Fred has played in the bands of some top names that I am sure your will recognize. Keith Whitley, Lori Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, Linda Ronstat and I am sure a few more that I have forgotten. We visit with Fred and his wife quite often and spend Christmas with them each year. It is really something to hear Fred & Shifty rehash tails of old. I didn't know Shifty was such a hoot. I couldn't believe the story Fred told about Shifty letting some "goopie girls" believe he was from England on one of his road trips. When I heard the story I said, "Honey, how could you lie to those poor little teeny boppers". He said, "on heck, I didn't lie, I just told them I was from London - I just didn't say London Kentucky". Oh some of the stories they can tell.

Anyway, enough of that - HERE IS MY NEW MEMORY CHALLENGE TO YOU !!

How many songs from the (60's) can you remember? And even some of the carry overs from the 50's that we like to claim. And to make it even more interesting CAN YOU REMEMBER THE ARTIST'S? I will have to admit that I have a pretty big collection of 50's & 60's music and I can't believe how many of the songs I know but have no idea who sang them. When I looked some of them up I swear I have never heard of them in my life.

So think back to the hours spent at the Bee Hive, The Frost Top and the Sock Hops and lets see how good you are. If you don't know the band or artist but remember the song it will be fun to see who can fill in the artist/band name etc.

Here is my starting contribution:

Creedence Clearwater Revival - PROUD MARY, HAVE YOUR EVERY SEEN THE RAIN, TRAVELIN BAND and who can forget THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

Tommy James & The Shondells - MONY MONY
Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs - WOOLY BULLY
The Kingsmen - LOUIE LOUIE
Wilson Pickett - LAND OF 1,000 DANCES
Betty Everett - THE SHOOP SHOOP SONG (It's In His Kiss)

HAVE FUN AND JOIN IN

Echo & Shifty