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.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
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.
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
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
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."
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
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
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!
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?
Know anyone interested?
UPDATE:
Someone bought the yearbook!
Was that you, Asoka?
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!
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!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
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.
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.
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