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.

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

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?

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.

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!"

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!

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

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!

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

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

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."