The 59 Musketeers

The Memorials

2009-05-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

Every forest branch moves differently in the breeze,
but as they sway, they connect at the roots.
-Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks

Soon after I was asked to present the Memorial to our deceased classmates, I began to think of ways to acknowledge each of them without reading the growing list of names. We had determined that they would be listed in the Memory Book, but I wanted a little more than that and just the few comments that I would make.

In December, I spotted shiny, glorious purple ornaments in the holiday aisle and I had my answer! I would write the almost 80 names on purple and gold balls and hang them on a tree. I hoped it would work.

On a warm afternoon in February, I wandered the woods looking for just the right tree. I found a beautiful, bare sweet gum, its gnarly branches glowing in the winter sun. I cut three limbs and put them on the porch of my grandmother's old house. I checked them often to see that they were drying well and that the shapes would fit together. Carrying them through the woods had not been a problem, getting them the 30 miles to the Country Club was another matter.

On Saturday night, classmates were asked to place one of the balls on the tree; the list had now grown to 82. I was surprised that it began to matter whose name they hung -- not usually just a close friend, but someone they remembered from third grade or junior high or band. Each deceased classmate was remembered and missed.

I had prepared my remarks and promised not to take more than five minutes, but after we had gathered in the dining room, I knew I needed to allow some other words. Now, I'm not even sure at which point I asked for two sentences from . . . anyone. A few stood in place to remember old friends out loud; others just remembered. I think it was a good part of our time together.

NOTE: Before the Reunion, we did not have the names of Betty June Hendricks (Oglesby) (2004), Julian David King (2008) nor Douglas Granger.

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Thanks to Fred Fidler for bringing in the tree and to my daughter Susan for hanging the lights.
AAB

The Official Photo

2009-05-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is the photo which was taken on Saturday morning. No. I can't identify everyone! Can you?

Tracy Symms did a great job with this. Send her a 20$ check for your copy. Email her if you have questions. Email me for her contact info, if you deleted this week's email.

-0-0-0-0-

While you are thinking of who is on the steps, keep in mind those classmates who had to miss the Reunion for health reasons. They can use your good thoughts.

-- Suzanne Sinsheimer Shapiro, who managed to get to the school for the photo, but could not get to the evening events, says, "Health issues sometimes prevent one from doing things they want to do most, but you have to keep the faith, be optimistic and keep on going." Good thing for all of us to keep in mind.
-- Joy Hughes Mallard has had a whole winter's worth of medical problems. Just when the coast seemed clear, she broke her ankle and Wade got a bad cold which seemed too much like the scary flu.
-- Barbara Myers Garner is under the weather and having tests done.
-- Gay Cox Shaw said, "I really hate that I missed it - I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee and couldn't walk too well."
-- Yvonne King Langley wrote, "I was in the hospital having a heart catherization. That resulted in my fourth stent so it is best that I did not try to come to Augusta. I had looked forward to the 50th reunion since the 45th and planned to be there right up to the last minute."

AAB
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Our Spirits Soared

2009-05-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

For several years, a nervous committee had suggested, rejected and planned for a weekend which would be The Best Ever while classmates marked dates on calendars and set travel schedules in hopes of a great reunion.

On Thursday night, a few of the out of towners and a few locals gathered for a "Beyond Casual®" meal. The first of the HUGS, the exclamations of greetings and the astonished comments about how-good-we-all-looked set the tone for the evening and let us know that we had nothing to fear. As copies of the Memory Book were opened for the first time, the magic began to happen.

On Friday night, Purple and Gold reflected in the old arched windows and off the old polished floors of the Julian Smith Casino. Many of us came early, taking advantage of the announcement that Weatherman Bob Smith (AKA Robert Gordon Smith) would be doing his 6:15 segment from his 50th High School Reunion.

We all felt like celebrities on the Red Carpet as he greeted and interviewed us between giving weather facts. His old neighborhood friend Michael Danish arrived from Maryland; Dorothy Lanier Cravey popped in from South Georgia, Gilroy Garner came from Texas, Madeline Register Bandy came from Florida and . . . and . . . .

Jane Bass Moxley's registration committee checked off names and passed out nametags with BIG lettering! Ron Colvin made sure classmates got the Memory Book as they came in. Laughter filled the rotunda and spread into the great stone-walled casino.

It was just the beginning of a fabulous night of BBQ, memories and dancing -- exactly as planned by Chairman Pete May and his hard-working committee. The magic continued as the purple and gold balloons were released into the night sky. (Okay, it was an accident, so don't get weird.)

On Saturday morning, we climbed the steps of the school -- were they always this high?!!

We sat in desks ready to answer questions, wondered about high tech props in the Auditorium and strolled the halls looking for the 'hottest' guys and gals.

We took floods of memories with us to the front steps in time for the official picture. The photographer atop the firetruck lift was not as 'high' as we were as we squinted past her into the overcast sky.

With the Canal not refilled enough to float the Petersburg boats, Co-chairmen Harry Pund and Butch Murdock and Saturday Event Chairman Don Patterson made the decision to substitute a cruise of the Savannah River aboard The Patriot.

Mary Todd Pyott probably put it best: "We loved everything, especially the river cruise (in all my years I had never been up the river!)"

I didn't get reports from everyone about after-lunch activities, although I heard there were a few small get-togethers of close friends and a few naps. Well, maybe more than a few naps. . . .

On Saturday evening, we all worried a little about dressing for the Augusta Country Club -- Old insecurities die hard, don't they? -- What does "dressy casual" mean anyway? What is too fancy? What is too casual? We quickly learned that whatever we had on was exactly right! (No one cared -- except the CC staff which has rules about denim, no jackets and cell phones.) And as one dear hubby said, to reassure his spouse when she said that she wouldn't know anyone and that she was old and fat, "all of us are old - and half w(ill) be fat, so not to worry."

Well, we didn't worry. And we were all comfortable because everything was perfectly planned by Janice Johnson Dixon and her committee. No detail was left to chance so there were no glitches to make anyone wonder what came next. The flowers, the music, the food (oh, yes! the food!) and the program were spectacular! Helen Gnann Byars' husband Joel said, "I've had more fun at your reunion than at mine. It was really FIRST CLASS!"

Frank Stafford and Jayne Dye Snell began the formal portion of our weekend with the same sense of decorum and humor which made them our student council co-presidents fifty years ago.

Charles Henry* had prepared to serve as our emcee with more gentleness, fun facts and coincidences than anyone could expect.

When we stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and sang out "Glory, Glory, to Old Richmond," we knew why we had come.

And by the way, Bubber Best can still make us swoon, Rae Brown still delights the heart, the basketball teams could still win a few quarters, Joyce Blanchard and Minta McDairmid still have the figures we love to hate, and not a few members of the Sabre Club can still pass muster.

The magic was still around as we called for our cars. Our Spirits Soared.

We stood in the driveway and chatted as if we didn't want it to end.

Somehow, I don't think it did.
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* For copies of Charles comments, please see my email for his corrected email addy.
For copies of the official photograph, please see my email for the Photographer's info.
If you are not getting the email blasts from me, why not?

Annette
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It Was SOME Reunion!

2009-05-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have notes. I have pictures. We worked so hard on the reunion, we were afraid it would do like some we've heard of. We were afraid it would fall flat. The only real negatives are: 1. So many stayed away, could not come or were just missing -- there was a hole in our joy. 2. It was not long enough for spending time with every one!

I promise to get some info up in the next few days. I have just been catching up with things I left undone while getting the book to the printer. See you soon.

Annette

Cruising down the . . .

2009-04-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Since the Canal is still a mud-hole from the repair procedures of the late winter-early spring, our cruise will now be on the River. Don Patterson has created this flyer with details. Please note that 10th Street doesn't go through, so 11th is the best bet. When 11th deadends at Tattnall Street, there is parking on the left in the old Golf Hall of Fame property or in the parking lot at the Marriott one block to the right. Walk through the cut in the levee to board the Patriot.

This event is full.
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The Countdown -- Favorite Song #10

2009-04-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

It's Elvis and Heart Break Hotel

Remember: The "Our Songs" label or the sidebar link will give you a Ten Song Countdown to #1.

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Charles Jackson Jenkins 1941-2009

2009-04-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

I apologize for missing this notice. Thanks to Blythe Carroll Hampton for calling it to my attention.

Jack Jenkins played football and ran track during his years in junior high at ARC. He was a member of Young Life. Many of you will remember his sisters, Jane and her husband, Milner Lively, Betty and Tommy Green.

His obituary from the Augusta Chronicle follows:
Retired Edgefield County Building Official NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. - Graveside services for Mr. Charles Jackson "Jack" Jenkins, 69, of West Woodlawn Avenue, North Augusta, SC, who entered into rest April 14, 2009, will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Father David F. O. Thompson officiating. Jack was a native of Augusta having made North Augusta his home for the past 47 years. He was a member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church where he was a former member of the Vestry and a US Army Veteran. He attended The Academy of Richmond County, Augusta College, The University of Georgia and Aiken Technical College. Jack was retired from the State of South Carolina as an Edgefield County Building Official, worked as a Superintendent of Construction, a licensed Building Contractor, a licensed Home Inspector and was a former Real Estate Agent. He was a certified Building Official and Fire Marshall, a member of the Board of Directors of Central Inspections and SC Code Compliance and a member of the Building Officials Association of South Carolina. Jack loved boating and fishing at Clark Hill Lake, the University of Georgia football and working in the yard. "He fought the good fight, holding on to his faith and a good conscience." Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Pamela Hayes Jenkins; three daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Rob Rothley, Peachtree City, GA, Cindy Owens, North Augusta and Jennifer and Matt Creswell, Huntersville, NC; four grandchildren, Cameron Hayes Rothley, Matthew Thomas Creswell, Jr., Reagan Elizabeth Creswell and Bonnie Pamela Owens; 2 great- grandchildren; two sisters and their husbands, Jane and Milner Lively, Augusta and Betty and Tommy Green, Carrollton, GA. Honorary Pallbearers will be Pat Timmerman, Charles Goodwin, Oliver Owens, Roger Lowe, Milner Lively, Tommy Green, Bill Benjamin, Matt Creswell and Rob Rothley. The family will receive friends at the funeral home this Thursday evening from 6 to 8. Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (803-278-1181). Visit the registry online at www.poseyfuneralhome.com . Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

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Ready to Party!

2009-04-24T05:20:00.000-07:00

Military Ball. Golf Ball. Graduation Ball. Sock Hops. Sock Hops. Sock Hops.

We don't party the same way, but we still party! If you are not on the list, why not? (Bold indicates names recently added to the list; let me know if you have paid but are not listed here!)
Updated April 30: The reservations have been closed. These folks along with spouses, friends and significant others are gonna PARTY!

I don't know about you, but I'm haven't changed a bit so I'm going to wear my mother's makeup. See you next week.

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Annette Adams Bush
Jack Adams
Donna Andrews Pittman
Brenda Atkins Fuller
Larry Wendell Beam
Jane Bass Moxley
Jack Bearden
Joe Bill Beazley
Carolyn Bell Jones
Alex "Bubber" Best
Joyce Blanchard Baker
Ronnie Bowers
Betty Brown Kastner
Jackie Brown Neal
Rae Brown Higgenbottom
Carolyn Cadle Folds
Ben Cheek
Lee Cheeseborough
Herbert Clark
Joann Cliett Dukes
Ron Colvin
Blythe Carroll Hampton
Marie Croft Neal
Michael Danish
Sherry Doris Mercer
Nancy Dunn Adams
Jayne Dye Snell
Barbara A. Ellis
Fred Fidler
Frederick Fuller
Mary Gahnz Usher
Alma Gardner Dewitt
Faye Gardner Harris
Gilroy Garner
Eddie Glover Tanner
Helen Gnann Byars
Kittie Graham Taylor
Tim Hegler
Charles Henry
Nancy Huff Berzins
Joy Hughes Mallard
Judy Hunnicutt Johnson
David Hurst
Elizabeth James Roye
Ruthie Jarrett Fitzgerald
Charles Johnson
Janice Johnson Dixon
Shirley Johnson
Maria Kellett Couch
Judy Kent Huff
Janice Keel Helton
Yvonne King Langley
Robert Koontz
Hamilton Kuhlke
Carol Lamb Thurman
Fred Lamback
Dorothy Lanier Cravey
Susan Leard Wright
Speir Lehmann Mary
Caroline LeRoy Ayers
Judy Little Muphy
Betty Love
Wade Mallard
Bill Marsh
Pete May
Minta McDiarmid Nixon
Pete McDonald
Jimmy Melton
Tom Mercer
Carolee Metcalfe Wende
Claude Miller
Grace Mitchell Hayles
LaVerne Montgomery Young
Bob Mulcay
Alvia "Butch" Murdock
Cobbs Nixon
John Overstreet
Drew (Dip) Page
Linda Paschal Cannady
Carol Patterson Wesse
Don Patterson
Becky Paulos Girten
Jimmy Paulos
James R. Perkins
Joan Pilcher King
Dennis Primrose
Donovan Pugh
Mae Pulliam Williams
Harry Pund
Forte Rabb
Betty Reed Keenan
Madeline Register Bandy
Elizabeth Reid Lundquist
Carolyn Remley Burns
Raymond Richards
Donny Ross
Carol Ann Sandiford
Arnold Scharnitsky
Randall Scott
Robert "Bob" Smith
Joyce Sherrod Wilson
Patricia Sox Snyr
Frank Stafford
Emily Stevens Baumann
James Strong
Judy Stubbs Terry
Maxie Terry
David Thomas
Vernon Tice
Mary Todd Pyott
Ruby Turlington Preuss
Harry Vaiden
Lydia Wammock Ramsey
Bill Ward
Elaine Watkins Skeel
Chuck Wende
James Westbury
Sandra Whitaker Woytcke
William Wilkes
Douglas Woo
Marvin Wren
Merle Wright Dansby
Anne Yearty Gojda

Request for names of girls in picture: Top Ten Candidates for Honorary Cadet Colonel, Military Ball. The picture was taken from the annual. Two of the girls are not identified. Do you know who they are? Top Center is Rae Brown*
L to R: Martha Tallman, ??, ??, Lydia Wammock*, Faye Bussey, Nancy McElderry, Sheila Seago, Helen Gnann*, Jayne Dye*. *Will be attending reunion.

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Another Class Member Has Died

2009-04-23T04:39:00.000-07:00

An email this morning began to spread the word that Mary Comeria Whittle (Sikes)has died. Carol Lamb Thurman had received word in Kansas from Merle Wright Dansby in South Carolina. Later emails from both Don Starnes and Caroline Leroy Ayers wanted class members to know of her passing. A morning of concern, memories, friendships. It seems we were together just yesterday. It does not feel like fifty years.

Carol wrote: I met Comeria in the eighth grade at Tubman, and we were friends from then on. She and I roomed together at UGA. I last talked with her in October before the decade reunion. I hope Comeria can be remembered along with our other classmates who have passed. . . .

Caroline's note had this message: Comeria and I met when we were in junior high and both volunteered at the downtown branch of the Augusta Library. Since she went to Tubman and I went to Langford and we went to different grammar schools, I may never have known her otherwise. She was a good friend and blessing to all who knew her. I haven't seen her in years, but I will always remember her as a thoughtful and caring person. I'm sure she will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Under her picture in the annual was this quote, "'Tis said, her presence would make an undertakers' conference entertaining," so I particularly loved that she was still "known for the witty and inspirational handwritten notes . . . ." Oh, the smiles she has left.

(Mary) Comeria's obituary is below, but

Mary Comeria Sikes (1941 - 2009)

Mary Comeria Sikes, 67, passed away at her home Sunday, April 19, 2009, as a result of kidney failure.
Funeral: 10 a.m. Thursday in Laurel Land Memorial Chapel. Interment: Laurel Land Memorial Park of Fort Worth. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mary was born in Augusta, Ga., on Dec. 27, 1941, to Benjamin Howard and Annie Lee Whittle. After graduating from the University of Georgia, she taught school in Augusta and Smyrna, Ga. She married her high school sweetheart, Lee, on Aug. 8, 1964, in Augusta. After living in several locations in the country, they settled in Fort Worth in 1982. She worked at the Fort Worth Public Library from 1984 to 1990. Mary was a member of Hillside Memorial Christian Church and was active in the Christian Women's Fellowship. Mary was known for the witty and inspirational handwritten notes she sent to the shut-ins as well as to the church members serving in the military overseas.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Dr. Michael Howard Whittle of Moultrie, Ga.
Survivors: Husband of 44 years, Lee Sikes; children, Leigh Ann Morrison, Benjamin Sikes and wife, Brooke, and Andrea Robia and husband, Michael; grandchildren, Erika Wikoff, Olivia Sikes, William Robia and Matthew Robia; sister, Linda Johnson and husband, Gen. H.T. Johnson; and sisters-in-law, Janet M. Whittle and Beverly S. Fester.

Published in Star-Telegram on 4/21/2009

There is a link to the obituary here where you may leave a message to the family.

Have you missed me? It's Earth Angel

2009-04-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

Announcement: "The Blogger has been away from her posts while she has finished the Reunion Memory book." True. But I have been thinking about the 59 Musketeers as I have edited your bios and cropped photos and double checked your information. The Memory Book is different from those we have had in the past. It has been my privilege to create this special edition. More about it later -- a few sneak peeks. Maybe. heh heh.

Meanwhile, enjoy our Song #9. Earth Angel by the Penquins. It's a newer version and they're closer to our ages.

If the video doesn't come in, try this link

Here's an interesting raw recording of Elvis singing Earth Angel in Germany. Not the best recording of Earth Angel (or from Elvis) but the photos are interesting ones of Elvis's Army years.

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Chances Are You'll Love #8

2009-04-15T02:31:00.000-07:00

It's Johnny Mathis and our #8 favorite, "Chances Are"

Just in case you've forgotten, this list of songs was compiled from your responses for the 45th Reunion. If you want to have a complete countdown from here to #1, just click on the tiny little 'oursongs' label below or use the link under "The Lists" on the left sidebar. You'll have them all in one place.

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Here's What We Looked Like

2009-04-14T01:20:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that the Reunion Photograph will be taken on the steps of ARC at 10:00 on Saturday morning. Here's what we looked like five years ago at the 45th!

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45th Reunion photo

It's A Big Four-Oh!

2009-04-13T01:20:00.000-07:00

Yes. A big four-oh at the 50th!

Over and over, I have heard on the phone and read in emails, "I just don't want to come by myself." Well, guess what? There are more than 40 classmates who have made reservations for the weekend who ARE COMING BY THEMSELVES!

So, do you want to stay at home where you will really be alone or come party with a couple of hundred Fabulous Fifty-niners!?!

Send Harry your check!

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Tables Piled High!

2009-04-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, memories will be the topic of the evening. There be a lot of "Do you remember. . .?" "You haven't changed since junior high!" and "Oh, wow! I had forgotten this." Fifty years will be erased in minutes as we compare nametags and faces and relax.

Chairman Pete May has arranged for memorabilia tables to be set up for ARC, Langford, Murphey, and Tubman along with one for any other junior highs we went to. Bring things to share and show off. There will be someone at each table to help you place your treasures. Photo albums are appropriate for Friday as well.

On Saturday night, our focus will be more on who we are now. We'll remember those who have died. We'll talk about life after 50. We'll share things we forgot on Friday night. We might even sign each others' Memory books! Chairman Janice Johnson has checked on all the details to make this a night of memories. We'll get past the remembering and make new friends of old friends or old enemies.

So get your stuff together.

Put your name on everything.

Be ready to enjoy tables piled high!

Photos from Madeline Register's Murphey Junior High collection.

Dan Miller 1941-2009

2009-04-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

Dan Miller has sent his bio and photos for the Reunion Memory book. He will be included, but he will not be with us. He has contributed to the memories of the class across the years in notes to the committee and comments about Augusta on his own blog.

Danny died last night here in his hometown. We will miss him.

This link will take you to his home station http://www.wsmv.com/video/19136339/index.html http://www.wsmv.com/danmiller/index.html
More videos and clips about Dan Miller from WSM.

I will put up more info later today.

Annette

On March 9, 2009, I posted an entry here about the Reunion questionnaire along with suggestions of how you might use the forms to send us information about yourself I suggested that you "think of what you would like to read about your old friends. Then tell us that same thing about yourself;. . . " Then I used a photo of Danny Miller reading to his daughter's third grade class. As I thought about what to write about Danny today, I decided to let you read his own words. This is how he answered those questions for our Class of 1959 Fiftieth Reunion.

---What has been your main focus (career, family, hobbies/collections) for the past fifty years?....Broadcasting. It's the only thing I've worked in all these years. In fact, in 1961 I decided to take -- what I thought would be -- a one quarter sabbatical from Augusta College to earn a little extra money editing film full-time at WJBF. Here we are 48 years later and I still haven't gone back to class, but I might yet!

---What would surprise us most about what you have been doing, are interested in or have become?....
The most surprising thing for me, by far, was becoming a father again at age 57, after my first three were already grown. It was frightening to me, but has truly become the most wonderful thing I can imagine in life.

---What surprises you most about your reaction to having grandchildren? That's easy... My biggest surprise about being a grandfather is... I'M A GRANDFATHER!!! Isn't that something really old people do?

---What has it taken you 50 years to learn?... That 50 years can pass in no time at all.

---How or why would you most like to be remembered?... Oh, I suppose as a kind person who came up with a few good ideas, and became a friend to some really fascinating people, even some of my childhood heroes, along the way.

--—What is your favorite memory or what one thing would you change about your high school years?... I wouldn't change a thing, except maybe try not to be such a dork.

---What is the best thing about retirement?! ... I have no idea. Maybe I'll be able to answer that someday way down the road. Remember, I have a 10-year old daughter.

---
The photo is of Dan Miller with his friend former anchor, Jim Davis. Danny sent it for our book. It was taken at Sacred Heart Cultural Center while Dan was here for the 59th Anniversary Celebration of the premier of "The Three Faces of Eve" at the Miller Theater. I sent him the link to the article about the event.

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The Righteous Brothers & Hit # 7

2009-04-08T01:20:00.000-07:00

At the 45th Reunion, 0ur Top Ten List placed Al Hibler at #7 with Unchained Melody. I liked this version by The Righteous Brothers better. It may just be the youtube quality. Click on the white arrow and prepare to enjoy.

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Guess Who's Coming To Dinner!!

2009-04-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Actually, these party people are at Langford. Do you recognize any of them? (Click on the photo for a larger image.) Some of them will be coming to the Reunion. You probably won't recognize them then either.

Here is the list of people who have decided to come share memories, meals and dances on the weekend of May 1-2, 2009. They will probably not have a monument placed in their honor as General George Washington did when he came to Augusta and reviewed the troops at our school in 1791 . They will be able to stroll Broad Street and the RiverWalk, read nametags and do a lot of remembering.

Will you be one of them?

0 = 0= 0 = 0 = 0

Annette Adams Bush
Jack Adams
Donna Andrews Pittman
Brenda Atkins Fuller
Jane Bass Moxley
Jack Bearden
Joe Bill Beazley
Joyce Blanchard Baker
Ronnie Bowers
Betty Brown Kastner
Jackie Brown Neal
Carolyn Cadle Folds
Herbert Clark
Ron Colvin
Michael Danish
Nancy Dunn Adams
Jayne Dye Snell
Barbara A. Ellis
Fred Fidler
Faye Gardner Harris
Brenda Gay Applewhite
Helen Gnann Byars

Tim Hegler
Charles Henry
Nancy Huff Berzins
Joy Hughes Mallard
Mike Moxley
Judy Hunnicutt Johnson
David Hurst
Ruthie Jarrett Fitzgerald
Charles Johnson
Janice Keel Helton
Hamilton Kuhlke
Carol Lamb Thurman
Fred Lamback
Dorothy Lanier Cravey
Susan Leard Wright
Mary Lehmann Speir
Caroline LeRoy Ayers
Judy Little Murphy
Wade Mallard
Bill Marsh
Pete May
Minta McDiarmid
. . . .Nixon
Pete McDonald
Jimmy Melton
Tom Mercer
Carolee Metcalfe
. . . .Wende
Grace Mitchell
. . . .Hayles
Bob Mulcay
Butch Murdock
Cobbs Nixon
John Overstreet
Linda Paschal
. . . .Cannady
Patterson Donny
Becky Paulos
. . . .Girten
Jimmy Paulos
James R. Perkins
Dennis Primrose
Donavan Pugh
Mae Pulliam Williams

Harry Pund
Forte Rabb
Keenan Reed Betty
Madeline Register Bandy
Elizabeth Reid Lundquist
Carolyn Remley Burns
Raymond Richards
Donny Ross
Carol Ann Sandiford
Joyce Sherrod Wilson
Priscilla Sox Snyr
Frank Stafford
Emily Stevens Baumann
James Strong
Judy Stubbs Terry
Maxie Terry
David Thomas
Mary Todd Pyott
Harry Vaiden
Lydia Wammock
. . . .Ramsey
Bill Ward
Elaine Watkins
. . . .Skeel
Charles Wende
Jim Westbury
William Wilkes
Ethel J. Wilson
Sandra Whitaker
. . . .Woytcke
Marvin Wren
Merle Wright
. . . .Dansby
Anne Yearty Gojda

0 = 0 = 0 = 0= 0
I have not put hometowns but will be glad to help anyone locate a classmate. Just email me or leave a message in the comments. There is still time for you to call a friend, send a check, add your bio to the book and enjoy the fun.

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Today's b/w photo from Chuck Wende
Color photos from my file

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Where In the World Is. . . .

2009-04-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Melton is one of the people who will be dancing at the Reunion. He and Cheryl have great fun where ever they go! Come join in!

A Potpourri of Stuff You'll Want to Know

2009-04-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Bios/Photos and Reservations

It is NOT too late to send them! Just fill out the form and send about 300 words about yourself (or just answer the questions) ALONG WITH A PHOTO which tell us about the interesting you as an adult. Just use this email address! (I will email the form to you if you have lost yours.)

We now have close to 150 reservations. We are limited to 200, so get yours in now! If you are from out of town, don't assume that your local friends are coming. CALL THEM UP! TELL THEM YOU ARE COMING TO SEE THEM! Send your check to Harry Pund!

Come make some memories like these from Chuck and Carolee Metcalfe Wende:

REUNION PHOTO

If you have not planned to tour the school this year, you may want to change your plans. The official photo will be taken on the front steps of ARC at 10:00 ( ack!, not 10:30,) so be there.

BLOG UPDATES

---Thanks to Madeline Register Bandy, Niki Johnston and Paul Wolfe, we have found out about a few more people. There's an addendum on the blog links for the deceased and for the missing, please check to see if you can verify any of these.

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Places to Eat in Downtown Augusta

2009-04-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

This list is for downtown only since you will probably want to eat SOON after the Canal Cruise. There are some franchises as well, but I have tried to list locally owned places which I love.

If you have another to add, just click on 'comment' at the bottom. There is a complete listing of area restaurants on the Metro Spirit website
Amazing! Who knew there were so many?!!

For breakfast and lunch, try one of these:

Sunshine Bakery -- 1209 Broad Street -- Great Bagels!/ Great Sandwiches

The Whistle Stop Café -- Corner of 5th and Greene Streets -- Great Biscuits! Great Hamburgers!

For lunch, I like these:
All are open on Saturday (subject to change)

Augustino's at the Marriott - #2 Tenth Street -- Bargain pasta bar! only M-F--11:30 AM-2:00 PM no pasta bar on Saturday

Beamies at the River - 865 Reynolds Street -- Good Seafood

Blue Sky Kitchen - 990 Broad Street -- Redneck Stirfry and other unusual good stuff

Boll Weevil - #10 9th Street -- Great Desserts

Café 209 - #4 8th Street -- Good Southern Food

Cotton Patch - 816 Cotton Lane at Riverwalk -- Long Time Favorite

Fat Man's Riverfront Cafe - #1 Seventh Street on TheRiverwalk -- Better View; Good Food

Nacho Mama's - 976 Broad Street -- Big Old Burritos

Pizza Joint - 1245 Broad Street -- Guess!

This is just a little list with a decent lunch variety.

T's is still on Hwy. 56.

Sconyers is out off Hwy. 25

Luigi's is still on Broad Street.

Remember to let me know if you want to join a group for Thursday evening dinner.

Okay, start your stomachs!
--

Photos from my collection of odd places. Top one is The Whistle Stop.

Our Number 6 Song!

2009-04-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Platters, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.

I hope this one is on my dance card!

Your Committee at Work

2009-03-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

I thought today's photo would make you think that your committee is working themselves to the bone but, truthfully, we are having too much fun! Here are some bits from last night's meeting.

Harry Pund and Butch Murdock have coordinated the efforts of this group.

Saturday Night: Pete May has planned a fun evening with BBQ, dancing and memorabilia. Tables will be placed around the room for displays of your 'stuff' for ARC, Langford, Murphey, Tubman and the Potpourri (those who went to Junior High in other places.) You'll be able to sign in, browse bits of the past and have a mini-reunion with old junior high buddies. A short show, dinner and dancing will fill the night as you begin to recognize old friends in new faces. Betty Reed Keenan and Donna Andrews Pittman are decorating, so you know it'll be cool.

Saturday Morning: Don Patterson has arranged for the school to be opened for touring at 9:00 with the class picture on the front steps at 10:30. Then we'll head down Walton Way and turn left onto 15th Street. Turn right onto Greene Street just after you cross the Butts Memorial Bridge. An immediate right turn will take you to the parking lot of the Enterprise Mill complex where you'll find the Petersburg Boats on the Canal. Be sure to allow lots of time for the Interpretive Center before and after the cruise. Pick a spot for lunch and enjoy your afternoon.

Saturday Evening: Janice Johnson Dixon wants this to be a memorable and fun evening. We will have the entire floor at the Country Club to ourselves, so there will be no crowded rooms. A buffet dinner as only the ACC can do it will begin after a greeting and invocation by co-class Presidents Frank Stafford and Jayne Dye Snell and the Memorial to our deceased classmates. Charles Henry will emcee the evening and a DJ will provide our favorite music. We'll still be visiting as the last song ends. If you are wondering what "dressy casual" means -- put on something a little special but be comfortable -- you are gonna dance; you're gonna hug; you're gonna eat. You want to look good in the pictures.

Thursday evening and/or Friday lunch: If you are coming into town early and want to join classmates for a meal, let me know and I'll put together a little group.

The Memory Book: Ron Colvin and I have received lots of information for you. If you still have bios or photos you wish to send, please do so. We will squeeze you in as late as possible. If you run across an interesting photo of yourself as an adult, don't hesitate to send it.

The books will be available both evenings, so you can pick one up either night. Your name will be on it, so don't worry about losing it.

Oh, the things you have shared. I can tell you this:

Few look the same.

Most are more interesting.

Most don't care who you used to be, just who you are today.

Few will care if you have grey hair or no hair; if you are fat or thin; if you are wrinkled and pruney or smooth and lifted.

They WILL care that you made the effort to come to share the weekend with them.

A reunion is like a walk in the early spring woods. You never know what you'll find after the long quiet winter, but the Unexpected will make it Memorable.

photos: Sunday Walk in the Woods

--

Guest Blogger: Charles Henry

2009-03-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Charles Henry will emcee Saturday Night at the Country Club. He is today's guest blogger.

Fifty years! How can it have been fifty years since we walked the halls of Richmond Academy? After just looking in the mirror, I now believe it. What a cathartic opportunity we have the first and second of May! I realize those of you who live in Augusta may feel very much at home, but to those of us “out-of-towners”, it will be different returning to the familiar named streets that no longer look like they did fifty years ago.

Speaking of the reunion, it is to be quite an event. And, if you have not planned to attend there will be some very disappointed people who are traveling to Augusta in hopes of seeing literally everyone again. I cannot imagine anyone living in the area not attending.

There will be some surprises and many a smile. I even heard there would be some music reminiscent of 1959. There are a lot of people working doubly hard to make this a memorable event for everyone. Sure hope to see you there!

Charles Henry

The Old School Tour

2009-03-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

The tour of our old school seemed to be a highlight of the 45th -- someone even managed to get the band room open! Caroline LeRoy Ayers sent these photos. Can you name all the people? If not, you should definitely come for the 50th and meet these old friends again.

The Gifts in Life -- The Stories of Two Freds

2009-03-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Freddie Lamback and Frederick Fuller have reasons to be proud, yet their stories are not their entirely their own.

When we left high school in 1959, we were excited about the possibilities for ourselves. We just knew we could do anything! As many of you have pointed out, we lived in a golden age - it was a special time.

We began to make choices as semi-adults: college, marriage, jobs, children. In our twenties, we still had a lot to prove to others and to ourselves before we could really feel like adults. But most of us made it to real adulthood! And for some the challenges took on a new perspective; the challenges were no longer just about US. The challenges involved our families. And that was scary.

For Freddie, the challenge was a son with cerebral palsy. Starting Lantz with swimming at age nine, Freddie and his wife, Donna, helped him compete in able-bodied programs until he was 14. Since then, they have cheered him on to winning medals and breaking records. In 2008, Lantz Lamback won four medals at the Beijing Paralympics -- including his first GOLD.

Always there for Lantz in spite of work schedules, Freddie's interest in supporting other young people with special needs has led him around the globe. He continues to participate in seminars on disabled swimming and recently assisted in setting up disabled programs in Egypt and other parts of Africa. Donna thinks he should retire so he can do more! Now 22, Lantz continues to give as well. A student at Augusta State University while not training in Colorado, he can be found sharing with local young people and inspiring their dreams. Not unlike his father.

For Frederick, the challenge was a daughter-in-law with the need for a transplant. Dealing with the frightening heart condition of their son's wife and the mother of three of their grandchildren was not on the list of 'family activities to do' for Frederick and his wife, Mary, but the love and prayers which enabled them to raise their own family was passed along.

It is what carried them all through the eventual heart transplant of Jeannie Fuller and which fills the days of their son, Chip, and the grandchildren. It is what enables them to celebrate the two year transplant anniversary while prayerfully remembering the family who made Jeannie's new heart possible. One only needs to read blog messages to spot the way this family accepts the Gifts in Life. And, yes, Frederick's big wide smile is still there.

Read more of Jeannie Fuller's story here.

These two classmates have given support and care to the next generation -- it's just what you do -- and they have come to understand that the Gifts in Life are not always what you expect them to be.

From that we can all take a lesson.
For that we can all be proud.

---

Another Favorite Song --#5 "Ain't That a Shame"

2009-03-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Fats Domino, Ain't that a Shame

--
Are you up and dancing yet?! Gee, you ARE old!

What You've Said! #2

2009-03-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

NASCAR is my # 1 passion!

Anonymous until the Memory Book is revealed

I love it that this person has a passion.
With an exclamation point! Too many of us don't.

We think we are so old
-- we are not as old as we look.
We think we have become our parents
-- they never had as much fun.
We think we can barely make it through the day
-- a little passion can cure that!

And then, I love this gull's cocky, confident attitude.
"I am who I am." He could be one of us.

He knows you would like to intimidate him
-- he doesn't care; he'll leave you a present.
He knows he looks a little funny
-- have you seen his friends?
He knows he really CAN soar
-- passion will do that for you!

Come to the Reunion.
Bring your PASSION.
Bring your Attitude.

-----
Photo: VanGull on his painter's palette.
I rediscovered him this week and couldn't leave him out!
For another version of this post, check here
@Annette Bush

News You Can Use: Things to See and Do

2009-03-23T03:26:00.000-07:00

If you arrive in Augusta early or stay over on Sunday, you might have a little more time to check out your old hometown. If you live here and haven't visited most of these sites, shame on you!

The Augusta Canal Interpretive Center and Petersburg Boat Tour should already be on your ToDo list for the weekend. website One of the Petersburg boats has been reserved for class members and their guests for Saturday morning.

Come be a part of the morning and explore the history of the country's only industrial power canal still in use, learn about the people whose lives centered on the canal, spot some wildlife and a familiar site or two from "the other side" and visit with old classmates aboard the 65 foot replica of the original boats. I don't know which is the best part of the experience -- inside the Center or outside on the cruise -- so don't miss this a minute.

Later in the day, you might want to bike the tow path or canoe the canal.

Morris Museum of Art. website You knew an art museum would be at the top of my list! Well, not necessarily. I've found a few Dull and Boring ones and I was prepared to put this one on the D&B list, too -- until my first visit.

Still in a temporary location in a downtown office building, The Morris is a jewel box of visual treasures created by artists in or from the South. Its library is the Center for the Study of Southern Art and it partners with the Imperial Theater to bring excellent examples of Southern sounds throughout the year. Each permanent gallery focuses on a theme/period and the exhibition galleries showcase excellent and varied art works by both contemporary and past masters.

Even if you "don't like art," you'll find something interesting at The Morris. (Three year old Lucy loves the gift shop!)

Sundays are always free at The Morris and you'll enjoy the view across the Savannah of the new homes on the South Carolina side if you stroll the five-block Riverwalk afterwards.

Augusta Museum of History. website If you remember the Augusta Museum from its old days in the Richmond Academy building on Telfair Street, it's time for you to visit again. An up-to-date facility, with fun exhibits about the region's history from pre-historic hunter-gathers to a space shuttle mission by an Augusta woman, this museum is not dusty old history and the James Brown exhibit rocks!

If you love James Brown's music and want to do a tour of points of interest in his life, check this website

National Science Center's Fort Discovery website On the opposite end of the Riverwalk from the Morris Museum of Art, Fort Discovery focuses on Math and science. More than 250 hands on exhibits make this a favorite for young and old. It'll make your hair stand on end! It's on 7th Street at the River, near the old Town Tavern.

Sacred Heart Cultural Center website Here's a place you could encounter on a tour of Europe, it's just that it's here in Augusta. And we almost tore it down!! If you have never been inside, don't miss it. This magnificent former Catholic Church has more than fifteen exterior brick patterns, marble carvings and stained glass windows. It is now home to several arts organizations and the great hall hosts weddings, parties and events. Pick up a brochure outside the gift shop downstairs.

Phinizy Swamp Nature Park website
If you still have time or just want to get outside, the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park is the place to go. 1,100 acres of swampland! A network of trails, boardwalks and observations decks allows visitors to this nature preserve to get a look at the birds, animals and plants in they may forgotten live in this area. A successful wetlands project, it is a relaxing place to visit.

First Friday on Artists' Row Broad Street on First Friday just might remind you of the days before the malls. Well, maybe not. It's a little more arty and rocking and entertaining. It officially begins at 5:00, but you should stop in a little early around the 1000 block of Broad Street while there is still be parking available. Then we'll see you at the Julian Smith Casino!

The Augusta Metro Convention and Visitors Center has a brochure both online and by mail which has more information and maps if you need more. CVB website

If anyone else has suggestions, just pop them into a comment below. I will be posting places to eat next week, so save those until then.

Photos:
Augusta Skyline
Riverwalk Gulls
Sacred Heart Interior
(c)Annette Bush

--

Here's Another Great Pretender

2009-03-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

We come to class reunions wanting to know what you are doing these days, wanting to know what would surprise us about you.

Fred Fidler thinks this would surprise you. Fred and his Hobby have gained recognition beyond the neighborhood, but it is impossible to imagine just what you'll find if you remember this mild mannered engineer and if you've never dropped by. The house is filled with smoke and creepy characters which truly seem alive. The yard is filled with tombstones, dozens of jack'o lanterns and spooky things. It's a Halloween Extravaganza.

The neighbors come to the house down the street with joyous abandon and timid bravery on golf-car mini-hayrides and decorated baby strollers. Friends show up, too. Fred has the most fun of all in his formal attire and Dracula make-up.

Visit, if you dare.

--

Lunch At the Creek

2009-03-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

It was a Girl's Day Out Afternoon today.

Lunch usually begins at 12:00 but no one ever wants to leave. We bring out the old annuals, catch up on today's news, talk about the reunion and gossip a little (did you think we wouldn't?!!)

GDO is arranged by Janice Johnson Dixon for the third Thursday of each month at Jones Creek Country Club. We hear there are plans for a road trip to visit Donna Andrews P. soon. An email or phone call will get you on the list. If you live out of town and are headed to Augusta, plan your day around lunch at the Creek.

Photo: February Girls' Day Out; Judy, Betty and Janice

-

The Platters Sing Song #4! on our Hit Parade

2009-03-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

"The Great Pretender" with an encore -- "Only You"

Stay tuned for one each week. Our Favorites List was compiled from responses to the 45th Reunion questionnaire.

What You've Said!

2009-03-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

There is a reason to have your children when you’re young.

Drew "Dip" Page

Your responses to the questionnaire have been great fun for us to read as we prepare the book.

There have been lots of comments about grandchildren and the joy they bring -- or is it a second childhood for us? George and Mary Todd P. are on their annual trip this week with three grandchildren -- no parents. I have had these two charmers at my house for 26 months now. Carolee sent the BEST photo which defines her days -- you'll have to wait to see it.

There have been indications of having traveled, wanting to travel and going to travel, but little indication of where you've been and fewer anecdotes about leaving a passport at home, being pursued by a gypsy cheese vendor in France, having tea on a blue silk cushion with a Buddhist monk in Japan, being seasick while deep-sea fishing in Puerto Rico or watching the sun come up across the Atlantic with old high school friends. I could tell you ALL those things, but then you would have to share your stories.

Some of you paint or crochet or create things in wood, clay or metal. There are not many pictures. Don Patterson sent the best photos of his days. Or maybe it was Herb Clark. Or possibly Judy Little Murphy . . . . and then there are the black and white photos in batches from several people -- stuff from the 50s and 60s . . . .

We have a tough job ahead. The book will have about a 1/2 page for each person and a directory in the back of all 375 on our roll. Someone called it the Memory Book. I like that. If you think of more memories you'd like to share. There is still time.

Photo: Lucy and Belle on the way to the St. Patrick's Day Parade. They are granddaughters of Annette Adams Bush and the late Henry Bush.

-

Answering Questions!

2009-03-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the answers. Hope they help. If there are other questions, use the comment box and we will try to answer them here.

Concerning the costs. The $75 covers Friday Night BBQ with cash bar; Saturday visit to the school; Saturday Night Buffet with cash bar and the Reunion Book. If there are two of you, you may have two books -- give one to a friend from another class.

The one-price Canal Interpretive Center and the Canal Cruise and Saturday lunch are not included.

Send $22 for the book ONLY if you are NOT coming!

==============================================================

Deadlines.
The reservation deadline is April 1st. Save Harry and Butch a little trauma by sending yours in now.

Call an old friend and make it a foursome or a twosome. (We heard there might be make-out music.)

The "soft" deadline (isn't that a funny term?!) has passed for the Reunion Book submissions. Now that we have enough to begin the preparation for the printer, we will gladly take others and additional materials for a few more weeks.

Once we are finished, to quote my grandchildren -- "Too bad!" -- so send it in NOW!

==================================================================

The Host Hotel. These rates have been arranged at the Partridge Inn on Walton Way $109 for a superior king, queen or double queen room, $119 for a suite, and $129 for a balcony. When calling, please reference: Richmond Academy"s 50th Class Reunion.

This link will take you directly to the booking website: Reservations

The Partridge Inn Website is here.

----------------------------------- more later. . . .

We have had a couple of people offer extra bedroom space. If you'd like to stay with someone or if you have space to share, please let me know. email me at <>

Photo of the Confederate Monument on Broad Street

Have Fun!

2009-03-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't get you in the mood for reminiscing with old friends, nothing will!

Thanks to all of you who have sent such great photos. We won't be able to use all of them in the book, so we will share a few here. Watch for some other little videos.

Hope you can identify a few of these girls who just wanna have fun!

--

List of Classmates We Can't Locate

2009-03-12T03:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mary Ghanz Usher for keeping such great records of where we are. We currently have addresses for more than 375 "found" classmates. We do not know where these are. If you know where any of these are located, comment below but send specific information to me in an email.

Alonzo, Rebecca Romone
Alonzo, Thomas Jose
Arthur, Harold Bradley
Found! Austin, Marie Hutcheson
Barbara Pierson Bennett
Found! Bargeron, Don Jerome
Bateman, Carolyn (Karkoff)
Beasley, Dorothy Ann
Found! Betty Powell Hughes
Braswell, Nancy P. (Longway)
Brooks, Jacqueline E.
Broome, Lawrence
Cameron, Jean Olive
Carter, George M.
Carter, Jane Eloise
Clark, Emory Gerald
Clark, Rita (Mosley)
Coder, Beverly Ann
Cooler, Martha Marie
Cunningham, Barbara Baxley
Davenport, Jane
Found! Davis, Louis Neal
Dixon, Mabel Jean
Docurro, Frances K.
Ducato, Billy Preston (Jackson)
Durden, Billie
Edmundson, Alice (Timmerman)
Ellis, Charles Howard
Floyd, Helen Gale
Ford, Patricia A.
Deceased. Fountain, William Clyde
Franklin, Barbara
Getz, Patricia
Ginsburg, Eileen S.
Goetz, Robert
Goff, Patricia
Goodson, James Lenwood
Goodwin, Jerry Hudson
Graves, June Elizabeth
Green, Jeanette
Hadden, Roy Lester
Hall, Joyce Lea
Hammock, Frances Lucille
Hendrix, Patricia
Heng, Margaret Theo
Hornby, Diane Ellen
Hughes, Carl Gene
Jenkins, Robert Fulton
Jenks, Juanita
Johnson, Bernard William
Johnson, Jeanette H.
Johnson, Margaret Beatrice (Daley)
Johnson, Wallace Dean
Josey, Annette Parsons
Kendrick, Jessie Timmons
Kerr, Jack Russell
Lain, Sandra E.
Lamm, Myrtle (Simmons)
Lawton, Rosa Lee
Leopard, William H.
Leverett, Sara Nell
L'Oisiau, Marie Evelan
Found! Long, Harridell
Love, Dennis
Lowe, Betty
Markillie, Hulde Elaine
Marshall, Martha A (McCoy)
Martin, Barbara Jean
May, Pat (Merritt)
McCarthy, Mary Virginia
Found again!McCreary, Barbara (Sandlin)
Deceased, Melton, Arthur Robert
Miller, Ella Maxine
Miller, Linda Kathleen
Mitchell, Alexander Jerry
Mitchell, Joan Carol
Mitchell, Robert B.
Mixon, Emily Gertrude
Montgomery, Edward E.
Moore, Barbara Turner
Morris, Brenda L.
Murphy, Doris Ellen
Neal, Carol M.
Neal, JoAnn
Nelson, Robert Kenneth
Newcomb, Vicky J.
Owens, Jean Mae
Found! Parker, Tom
Parsons, Edward
Phillips, Lester
Powell, David Mason
Powell, Mary Sue
Price, Janice Michele
Read, Nancy (Major)
Reeder, Robert Eugene
Reid, Patricia Ann
Reynolds, Patricia N.
Rhymes, Edwin Allen
Salyer, Olive Katella
Sandwich, Lynn
Schnedl, Mary Beth
Seats, Betty June
Seigler, Jackie Wardlaw
Smith, Donald Ellis
Found! Stevenson, Jane Mary
Stewart or Brock, Lavaughn
Stewart, Lucy Mae
Stine, Betty Jane
Stole, Michael Edgar
Summons, Annie Lou
Found? Swetman, Robert Echol
Truitt, James B.
Found! Tuten, James
Waddey or Bradley, Jerry Glenda
Found! Weathersbee, Flora Mae (Underwood)
Weeks, Martha Elizabeth
Wilhelm, Glenda Elizabeth
Wilkes, Ruth Marilyn
Williams, Sandra Alene
Wilson or Byers, Winifred
Wooten, Betty Sue
Ziesing, Christel

We believe these are our folks, but we need to verify. If you know about them, please let us know.

THOMAS ALONZO in Michigan?
WINIFRED BYERS in Georgia?
ROBERT E. SWETMAN in Georgia?

If you have been "found," do stay in touch and send a forwarding address if you move.

Are you making plans for the reunion?

It's Song #3

2009-03-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

Fats Domino -- Blueberry Hill

Did someone mention parking there once or twice?

*(NOTE: The original video was removed from YouTube. If at some point this one is stopped, please let me know. Annette)

How's Your Hand?

2009-03-10T03:20:00.000-07:00

If you have been thinking about all the work required to put on a great reunion, here's your chance to help.

We are still looking for a calligrapher who can put names on labels in a fancy font! We really don't want to do it on the computer and you don't have to live nearby to help out with this one!

We don't promise to erect a monument in your honor like this one on Greene Street, but we sure would say thanks!

Photo: Can you identify this one? It has something to do with writing names!

The Forms. The Forms!

2009-03-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

The forms are slowly arriving in Annette's email and Ron's mailbox. What interesting reads they are! And how surprising!

We decided on a simple form this year, just long enough to get updated information. We also decided that we wanted some interesting stuff about our classmates, so we suggested questions as the basis for a paragraph or two.

Some of you have written pithy, funny, interesting bits about yourself. Others of you would probably draw fire from any of our old English teachers with your one word answers. Thank goodness we did not ask for gender because one of you would surely fill the blank after SEX with "yes, please" or "not often" or "when?"

So, if you have not completed the questionnaire, think of what you would like to read about your old friends. Then tell us that same thing about yourself; tell us what kind of travel you love, what bizarre things you collect, or how much your family means to you. Make Miss Allen, Miss Braddy, Mr. DuPuis, Miss Marshall, Mrs. Youmans . . . proud.

In 300 words or less, we want to know how you turned out!

Today's Photo: Danny Miller reading to his young daughter's classroom. And you thought he was just an old Nashville celebrity!

Our Deceased Class Members

2009-03-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

We have lost quite a number of the best class of the decade. We have a little information on some and none on others. If you have anything to add, please use the comment option below or email me at annette@annettebush.com. I will be in charge of the Memorial on Saturday night and I'd like to have all the names. Girls are listed alphabetically in the position of their maiden names.

We have some other information, but I hesitate to use more specifics than this. If there is no asterisk, we do not have a date available. * we have only month and year ** we have month, day and year

Marcus Anderson *
Barbara Babb
Millard Beckum, Jr. **
Charles Bignon **
Kenneth Wayne Bobo
Joy Boswell Blount
John Brickle
Beverly Bridges Smith
Phillip Burton **
Henry Bush **
Alvin Butler **?
Carl Carter **
Randall Cawley **
Charles Chason **
Jane Chow Wong *
Robert Cook
Virginia Davis Dreyfus *
Jean Dinkins Morris **
Margaret Eidson Jennings **
Leagree Elliott
Fred Endorf **
Jerome Epstein **
Sarah Elizabeth Foster
Nancy Garrett Phillips **
Sandra Gornto
Donald Douglas Granger **
Elna Grimstead Harris **
Betty Annette Hayden
Helen Hildebrandt Sheehan
Edward Holl *
Richard Holley
Thomas Howland **
Peter Hudson *
Joyce Jackson Rabb
Charles Jackson Jenkins**
Virginia Johnson Laird **
Wanda Kay **
Gene Kitchens
Julian David King**
Terri Klett Vaiden
Tommy Lewis
Ray Maddox **
George Mahlstedt **
Vinson Allen Martin
Carolyn McCaslan
Mickey McGuire
James McNair
Arthur "Tex" Melton *
Danny Miller **
Paul Wolfe fondly remembers Henrietta "Bubba."
Jack Milford
Phillip Moog **
Frank Wright Neal **
Kenneth Nix *
Billy Noles
Tom Oglesbee **
Andrea Ogletree
Jeanette Peterson Lanier *
Judith Rogers
Dennis Roundtree **
Dean Sack **
Harold Silver
Robert Jackson Smith
Charles J. Smith
Betty Sprouse **
Gerald Stanley
Frank Starnes **
Ronald Story *
Dorothy Ann Taylor Foster **
Ernest Thompson
Jenida Tullis Buie **
Robert Turner **
Archie Vaughn
Franklin Watkins
William Wier **
M. Comeria Whittle**
Thomas Whittle **
Larry Horace Williford
DeAnne Wiggins
A. Wayne Wingo *
Joe H Womack **
Norma Wright McDaniel **
Robert Horace Young **
Wallace Youngblood **

These names represent so many memories.
-----------------
Names in bold are new to the list.
Danny Miller
Comeria Whittle
Niki Johnston has added the name of Arthur "Tex" Melton
Paul Wolfe fondly remembers Henrietta "Bubba" Johnson
Madeline Register Bandy has found Robert Goetz which we need to verify.

--

Augusta News You Can Use:

2009-03-05T01:20:00.000-08:00

---Congratulations for 30 years to R. Gordon Smith

Yes, it's true. Our Gordon Smith is TV 12s weatherman, Bob Smith. He will be retiring this year after leading the WRDW weather team for 32 years. Wouldn't it be fun to have one of his last live reports from our Friday night event at the Julian Smith Casino!?!

Channel 12's website has these paragraphs about Bob:

Bob has experience in a variety of fields, including flight instructor, Armed Forces Radio and Television, business owner of an audio visual center, drug prevention law enforcement as a pilot and civil air patrol pilot. He is also involved in the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association and the American Meteorological Society. Bob holds a Meteorology Degree from Mississippi State University and has received advanced certification for his studies of Doppler radar. Smith is also a recognized member of the National Weather Association.

In his free time, Smith has devoted time to dozens of area businesses, organizations, churches and schools as a speaker. Smith laughs, “I’ve probably given a couple thousand talks over the past 30 plus years. It’s not unusual for grown adults to tell me I spoke to their class when they were young.”

The full story is here. WRDW TV-12
Photo of Bob from WRDW TV website

-----------------------------------ooo-------------------------------------

---The Songs of Peggy Lee at the Morris

If our TopTen list of music has you in the mood for more, drop in at the Morris Museum of Art on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. The Music of Miss Peggy Lee will be presented by Kate Stevenson. It's free as are most of The Morris's Sunday programs. (Before you wonder, Ms. Stevenson is not a 59Musketeer.) http://www.themorris.org

------------------------------------------ooo---------------------------

---Larry Jon Wilson in Concert

It's a Closing Party at the Art Museum for a show of black-and-white portraits of country music legends which includes one of our Larry Jon Wilson. Last year, LJWilson made quite a hit in London where he played to rave reviews. He will perform songs from his new self-titled album and photographer Jim McGuire will answer questions about this photographs and his experiences. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and conversation with both artists in the galleries at the Morris Museum of Art. Members, $10; nonmembers, $20. Includes lecture, concert, food, and two drink tickets. Space is limited; register early by calling 706-724-7501.

Friday, April 24, 2009
Nashville Portraits Closing Party
6:00–9:00 p.m.

Link to 2008 song "Shoulder"

Article by Don Rhodes, "LJW is a Musical Hero Abroad"

AAB

Another "Song We Loved" -- #2 on our Hit Parade

2009-03-04T01:20:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, some folks held a birthday celebration for the Miller Theater. They say it was the 69th. We thought it was old and elegant 50 years ago. I remember seeing Elvis in "Love Me Tender." It was a fabulous place for movie memories. Since this is our No. 2 song, I think others must have made some memories there, too!

Our #2. Elvis. Love Me Tender.

You'll find YouTube links to other versions of Elvis singing "Love Me Tender" in the thumbnails which are scrolling at the end of this one.

A note from a classmate : The Platters Songs in 'American Graffiti' were "Only you", "The Great Pretender", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" . . . . I would like to request that our DJ play all the songs from the movie. They were great! . . . . "The Platters recorded such great make-out music - may not be a good idea after all to play their music at the reunion!"

I'll leave you to guess which delightful classmate wrote that. I, on the other hand, thought make-out music might not be a bad thing!

A Request for Assistance

2009-03-03T03:20:00.000-08:00

There is a lot to do when a Reunion Book is compiled. We want this one to have as much information as possible about what has happened to our class over the last 50 years, so can you help?

Return your questionnaire ASAP
Scan the old Rainbow photos and send them along to Annette
Do a little calligraphy
Report any deceased classmates which we don't have (I'll include a list later this week)
Locate Classmates who have disappeared from our rolls or who have not been found
Contact an old classmate and plan to get together during the weekend
Let us know what you need to make this a great celebration

Be A Part of the Plan!

Photo: "Out of the Shadows"

What to Expect

2009-03-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

Last week's weather was terrific and spring flowers were popping out all over. Yesterday brought some much needed rain for the water levels at Clark's Hill along with a gentle threat of snow. It made me realize that the Reunion is only two months away. Remember how great all the girls looked in their spring dresses?!

This week look for this:
---In Your Mailbox By Snail Mail: Information about the Reunion Book including the questionnaire and photos requests, a few memory joggers, commemorative opportunities (Advertisements, Memorials and Honorariums) and the committee contacts. Ron Colvin made the trek to the post office early on Saturday morning, so if you didn't get it today, you should get it soon. I already have one great reply with an even greater photo!

---In Your Inbox By Email: The Reunion Questionnaire Is Here. You'll get a second email with the questionnaire as an email (not an attachment!) It will be easier for me to send to all the the emails which I have than trying to send to everyone individually. I will still send to those I don't have and be glad to try to answer questions from anyone.

===Just hit reply and add your information and your answers to one or two (or more!) questions -- we are hoping for a variety of topics. Attach a couple of low resolution jpegs and return. You certainly may use the paper form if you prefer.

In May 2009, the girls will still look terrific and the guys will be fabulous. If you don't believe me, you'd better plan to check us out! It is a time for great remembrances and great expectations.

Annette

Photo: Peach blossoms near Lost in the 50s BBQ location at Trenton

FROM THE 45TH: Songs We Listened To

2009-02-24T05:34:00.000-08:00

Several lists were compiled from your answers in the 45th questionaire. So, between now and the reunion, I'll add a YouTube link for some of the Songs We Listened To -- about one a week. (Click on 'oursongs' in the labels underneath the posts for all of them on one page.)

In the first few weeks, we'll hear from The Platters, Elvis, Fats Domino, Johnny Mathis and the Penquins. Can you guess the Top Ten songs we loved the most?!!!

OUR NUMBER ONE: Only You. The Platters

50th Reunion Reports

2009-02-24T05:02:00.000-08:00

The Committees reported in last night. All that's needed now is a commitment from The Fabulous 59ers to join in.

Your invitation will be in the mail next week, but the personal bio form will arrive THIS week. We want to get your information whether you are coming or not, so don't wait!

If you want a copy of the questionaire by email, you can just fill it out and return the email with photos attached. Faster. Easier. You don't have to look for a stamp.
Email: annette@annettebush.com with reunion in the subject line

All the details on the events in the invitation packet. Please note that Saturday night's event requires jackets for the guys and NO denim for anyone! The cost for both Friday and Saturday night events, the tour of the school and the Reunion Book is $75 per person. The optional 1 hour Petersburg boat cruise on the Augusta Canal is $10 per person.

Are you one of The Fabulous 59ers? Do you want to see who is?! Then, come on to the party!

Did you ever park at Lake Olmstead?!

2009-01-20T10:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, I really don't want to know. Just thought I'd get a little attention for the Friday Night Barbecue.

I've been asked to post a few photos of Julian Smith Casino. It's a great space for an informal party like our Friday Night Barbecue. I took these photos at the Classes of the 60s from Augusta State University (Augusta College.) I thought it might look good festooned with purple and gold. If you have suggestions or want to help, Pete May is the Friday night chairman and Betty Reed Keenan his decorations chairman.

Let me know and I'll forward your email address. Please do not put your contact information on this blog. It sometimes gets read by people all over the world!

Annette

Reunion Countdown Begins

2009-01-20T05:45:00.000-08:00

The 50th Reunion
Class of 1959
Academy of Richmond County
Augusta, Georgia

May 1-2, 2009

Friday Night -- Saturday -- Saturday Night

Barbecue at the Julian Smith Casino
Dinner at the Augusta Country Club
A Day of Fun
Class photos and Old Pictures
Dancing
Visiting With Friends
Remembering the Deceased
Catching up
Souvenir Book with Classmate News

Get in on the plans!
Your invitation will be in the mail soon!

Resurrecting The Blog

2009-01-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

By popular request, I will make some periodic updates to this blog. If you have questions about the 50th Reunion, another classmate or the annual Classes of the 50s Barbecue, post a comment here; we'll try to get you an answer. If you have photos, links or info to share, just send me an email with the info and attach photos!

Guest bloggers are welcome to join in if you have a memory, a challenge or an idea you would like to share. (Again an email is best.) I don't plan to post the usual memory emails which periodically make the rounds, so I hope you'll send personal notes.

I'm sorry that the Blogarithm link is no longer available, so please find another reader or check back often. I will send emails about a batch of updates as I did before so please make sure that your emails and your friends' emails are up-to-date.

The plans are beginning to be very exciting, so stay tuned. And thanks for reading.

With fond memories
Annette

2009-01-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

- - INTERMISSION - -

A Girl's Day Out at Reynolds Plantation

2007-11-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

Since we don't have to take apples to the teacher any more, we can give ourselves a treat. If apples aren't your thing, how about a short jaunt with your classmates?

I thought it was my turn to take responsibility in scheduling the next Girl's Day Out lunch. It is time to go back on the road, so we will visit the Southern Living Idea House at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro and have lunch nearby. This location is about half-way between Augusta and Atlanta so we'd like to have a good fun bunch.

We will plan to meet at 11:30 to have lunch and tour the house afterward. There is great shopping nearby if you want to come early or stay later. The house tour is $5.00 with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity. I have two restaurant recommendations and am waiting on another, but will be happy to hear of other delicious locations.

I have two dates as possibilities: My first choice is Wednesday, November 14 with Friday, November 16 as a back-up if Wednesday is just awful for everybody.

Let me know if you can come and we'll set up some meeting places for the trip from your neck of the woods.

AAB

Define "Old"

2007-11-04T23:04:00.000-08:00

Since it has been 60 years since we entered first grade, this made me smile. I'm glad all my friends are not like this! Thanks to Donna Andrews Pittman.

--------------------
First, you tell your friend that you are having an affair.......!

Then your friend asks you..........
"Are you having it catered"??

That, my friend, is the definition of OLD!!!!!

AAB

Getting the Names

2007-11-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treating and a family wedding got my blog time this week, but let's see now. I've gotten emails from those who went to Joseph R. Lamar and Martha Lester but who remembered some of these faces. Thanks to everyone who sent a list, I've added names to Lewis's list but I'm still unsure about the identity of 3 people. I guess I need a little more help.

On the front row of girls, I'm not sure which is Boyce and which is Margaret Ann nor do I have a name for the girl on the end in front of Mrs. Asserson. I can't wait to get an answer or two so I can get the rest of the names on the photo.

As best as I remember them,
Starting at back, left to right:

Jack Smith

Frank Farris

Paul Wolfe

Kenny Fletcher

David Thomas

Raymond Skelton

Cobbs Nixon

Fred Elser

Next row:

Billie Taylor

Carol Ann Sandiford

Jane Davenport

Patrica Folk

Martha McDaniel

Henrietta 'Bubba' Johnson

Marie Croft

Ruth Jarrett

Dolly Fortson

Mary Lehmann

Francine Bedingfield

Christine Collier

Mrs. Asserson

Next row:

Lynn Taylor

Minta McDairmid

DeAnne Wiggins

Mildred Jeffcoat

?Margaret Ann DeVaughn

?Boyce Ficklen or Anne Williams

Nelda Harmon

Jesse Lou Byne

Front Row:

Jerry Gresham

John Baronosky

Jimmy Snow

David Lee Lowenheim

Lewis Linson

AAB

Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me!

2007-10-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

A phone call from Pete May. "Annette, do you remember who wound up in the class of '59 who started the first grade at Bayvale School?" I thought about that. I remembered a few who were in Miss Anna Wilson's class. She was my father's teacher as well! A few emails later and we have a little list . . . . More on that later.

An email from Lewis Linson with this photo of the seventh grade at William Robinson. Sharp guy that he is. He remembered most and included a list of names. I'm still playing with the photo, adding names to the image. I'll post it later, but thought I'd see if I'd get a list or two from others.

Wonder if there are other grammar school memories out there? This should be our first grade's 60th reunion. Aargh! I'm not THAT old!

AAB

Photo of the Day

2007-10-28T00:42:00.000-07:00

I asked for pictures and immediately got this one from Janice McDonald '60. It was taken by Mike Taylor. Standing behind Jane Moxley and Ron Colvin are Mike Moxley, Pete McDonald, Janice Helton, Butch Murdoch. Good looking bunch, doncha' think?

AAB

And The Sun Was Shining! Part IV

2007-10-25T07:32:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on Going Home from Going Back Home

As I drove the miles home, I thought about the day: I missed seeing a few people. I forgot to take pictures of others. I needed more time to talk with every one of them! There were so many people who didn't look like they were supposed to! It was hard to find everyone and quickly hit on a mutual memory . . . . I meant to ask . . . . It was like speed dating!

My mind raced as the sun dropped in the west.

Late in the afternoon, a small group of 59 Musketeers had pulled up chairs under the old oak which had spread shade over the day. We laughed about a lot of things and talked about a few old friends. We commented on the decaying center of the tree and I took this photo. When I looked at it later, I saw a little figure in the gnarly debris. I wondered if any of the 800 or so people passing by saw this little spirit watching over us and if, for them, the day and their memories of the 50s would be like what each saw in the tree -- creepy, gentle, ugly, lovely, magic.

I had noticed that one of the classes took a group photo. I wish we had. I hope we will another time. Not so we can get out the magnifying glass or, my favorite method, stack two pairs of reading glasses on our noses, to see the tiny faces. But so we can
-- stand together as a group united in memories of days of innocence, enthusiasm and big plans.
-- hug with abandon at the simple joy of seeing an old friend and not fear that we have mistakenly greeted someone from another class.
-- remember faces and share a poignant thought and fond memory of those who are missing from the ranks.
-- refill our spirits with who we were -- both the good and the bad -- which makes us who we are.
-- revisit those parts of ourselves long put away with other childish things like first kisses, first cars and first grade.

I thought about this as I neared the River. I realized we had indeed done all those things on this day of celebrating our Decade and its days of innocence, enthusiasm and big plans. Like connecting with distant cousins, long unseen. I ended the day with a renewed spirit, a little more comfortable with my memories.

It's what you do when you go back home.

AAB

And The Sun Was Shining! Part III

2007-10-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

Some Great Faces

I spent wa-a-ay too much time talking with these folks and forgot to take their pictures: Olin and Ellen Padgett, Louis and Judy Linson, Cheryl and Jimmy Melton, Don Starnes and his wife, David Hurst and his delightful sister.

Here are a few others I spotted.

Wayne and Caroline LeRoy Ayers

Niki Johnson, Jill Stafford, Ed Brown, Frank Stafford

Harry Pund and David Hurst

Bob and Alma Gardner Dewitt

Donna Andrews Pittman and Helen Gnann Byers

Annette James James

Elizabeth James Roye

AAB

And The Sun Was Shining! Part II

2007-10-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

In The Sun and Shade

I quickly realized that there were so many people whom I didn't recognize and others that I just didn't know, so I began to look for green dots.

I joined the groups greeting each other across the grass, gathering for conversation in the shade, checking out the souvenir tent and enjoying the entertainment.

And I stood in the long food line in the shade of the Murphy Pavilion where banana pudding made it worth the wait.

In the afternoon, there was a stir of excitement as our host Robert Murphy (in the "good guy" white hat) drove 'Elvis' to the show in his baby-blue T-Bird. It was so cool, that I forgot to get a picture. (Jeff Barnes and his back-up team gave two great shows. Jeff's Elvis is an annual favorite.)

Each year, as 'new' old classes are welcomed to the roster, the event is tweaked by Robert and his class committees. Judy's Volunteers make things run smoothly and let classmates just enjoy visiting.

It's a great day in the Sun and Shade. I've marked my calendar for the 3rd Saturday in October 2008.

AAB

And The Sun Was Shining! Part I

2007-10-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

Down Memory Lane

Saturday's flurry of concerns over the black clouds was cleared away today by the blue skies and bright sunlight. After turning off the main road onto the farm driveway, I parked and caught a golf cart ride down Memory Lane.

The line of classic cars on the right started the memories pinging in my head. (The cars got a lot of attention all day so I suspect others had a few fond memories as well.)

I headed to the registration tent on the left where each class had been assigned a color and given a 'headquarters' sign representing one of 'our' drive-ins. Stopping at Timmerman's Fly-In/Drive-In, I got my nametag with the green dot and my old annual photo. I remembered how the little planes would taxi up to the fence and get their hamburgers, fries and milkshakes. I thought about some other things, too. . . . Ah, more memories. Blush.

I sat with Butch, Mary and Judy H.J. for a bit and and then made a Coke run. What a line! And some more familiar faces. Thanks to Maxie and Judy S.T., I was able to get near the head of the line and deliver souvenir cups of refreshment back to the registration table pretty quickly -- it was a lo-o-ong line.

There were so many faces and this year's trip down memory lane had just begun.

AAB

Just a Few Photos

2007-10-20T02:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Mary Gahnz Usher and I arrived at the Murphy farm to find quite a few committee members putting out chairs and tables, hanging signs and cleaning dust. We noticed little decision making conferences and bits of conversations as everyone worked to get the scene set.

An area was designated for the classic cars and the popcorn tent.

There was a little concern about the heavy black clouds which gathered over the pasture and a question about whether there would be too much wind for the Coke sign which I created.

I took a few photos, but these were some of my favorites. I'll try for some really great ones today.

The Three Rs and Saturday

2007-10-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I'll be turning off the highway near Trenton at this wonderful white picket fence, driving under an arch of pecan trees and through the peach orchards which line the road and watching for the two left turns before reaching the entrance to the Murphy farm. I'll be transported back in time but I think the 2007 Three R's will be more fun than the 1959 ones.

So here is my plan.

Registration:
Check for our class table under the big tent, get name-tagged, grab a program book and enjoy.

Recognition:
Start looking around at all the people in 'stage make-up!' They will look a little older, but soon the old annual photos on the nametags won't be needed to recognize old friends.

Relaxation:
Just enjoy the day, the memories and some new old friends from the best decade EVER.

The three Rs: registration, recognition, relaxation!

I'm looking forward to Saturday.

AAB

Hot Off The Press!

2007-10-17T22:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, you won't have time to check out ALL the great stuff in the souvenir booklet, but later you'll read it on the way home or over coffee and you'll realize how cool it is.

Here is the guy you need to find on Saturday to thank for a great job. Ben (Thurmond) Bush has worked diligently to lay out the ad copy, the photos and notes, including a list of deceased, for each class. The dummy copy which we saw last week was terrific! (Note: It's in the bag.)

Get yours -- Hot Off The Press!

AAB

Warts and All

2007-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't make the effort to go to the BBQ in the fall following our 45th Reunion. I felt like I had seen 'everybody' just a few months before, so why bother? I heard what a great time everyone had and how cool it was to see folks from other classes, but I really couldn't remember many people from other classes . . . and I needed to cut the grass . . . and I had to stop off at the mall . . . .

Last fall, I went. If you are on the list, you'll soon find out how special it is to be "Lost in the 50s."

If you are NOT on the list and don't plan to crash the gate on Saturday, you won't know

how many old friends from other years that you will miss,
be able to check out the line of classic 50s vehicles,
be able to sway with the music of your youth,
get a copy of the souvenir program book with its photos and class notes,
see that one person who came to see you.

As my two-year-old granddaughter Lucy says, "Too bad."

And, no. I didn't lose any weight, get my hair colored, submit to botox or have nips and tucks for the big day, but I AM looking forward to Saturday. I hope others will join me. Warts and all!

AAB

Don Starnes and A Little Help from A Friend

2007-10-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Don Starnes is coming from Arlington, Texas. He is one of those from 'another class,' but he has been reading the '59 Musketeers blog to keep in touch. He wrote, "I am excited about seeing some of my old friends from JOHN MILLEDGE and WOODLAWN elementary schools, TUBMAN junior high, ARC, Harrisburg, Frogholler, and South Richmond County. You see, I sorta lived all over the place and know folks from all over. Lord knows, I needed all the friends and help that I could get."

Don learned the value of an education at Richmond Academy the hard way. "I actually graduated in the class of '58, but I did so with a GENERAL diploma...which meant that I did not have the academic requirements for entry into college...even AC. I went straight to Parris Island, Marine Corps boot camp immediately after Graduation with my proud General Diploma. After my obligatory active duty in the Marine Corps, I decided that college was the place for me. I returned to ARC where I took first and second semesters of Algebra in summer school, at the same time, passing both, I was ready for Athens."

He also acknowledges the role of the school Secretary, Ms. Rebecca Burroughs, in getting him through school. He calls her "probably the most important person in my life at that time" and has purchased a page in the souvenir program book in her honor. His success in life began with determination and a little help from a friend.

There are other stories like this which will be shared around the tables over barbecue and banana pudding. And the sun will be shining!

AAB

A Note of Sympathy

2007-10-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

There were many romances at Richmond Academy (and/or later at Augusta College)which blossomed into lifelong partnerships. Henry and I were one of those couples for 33 years. So I understand the pain of loss which Joyce Lanier Jaksch is experiencing now and offer my sympathy for the weeks and months ahead. Many of his classmates will also mourn the loss of a friend, Diether Jaksch, Sr.

His obituary:
Business Owner AUGUSTA, Ga. - Entered into rest at University Hospital on Friday, October 12, 2007, Mr. Diether Jaksch, SR., 65, beloved husband of Joyce Lanier Jaksch of Augusta. Mr. Jaksch was a native of Kaplitz, Czechoslovakia. He had made Augusta his home for the past 55 years. He was the owner of South Augusta Auto Electric. Mr. Jaksch was a member of the Elks Club, the Green Meadows Golf Club, President of the Keg Creek Boating Club and was of the Catholic faith. In addition to his wife he is survived by his son, Diether Jaksch, Jr. and his wife Renee of Waynesboro, GA; his daughter, Terri Jaksch Bray and her husband Joel of Swainsboro, GA; grandchildren, Ellen Jaksch Chandler, Beau Jaksch, Courtney Jaksch, Scott Bray and Jack Bray; great-grandchild, Dawson Chandler; brother-in-law, Al Niver; his step-father, Karl Fuerlinger of Martinez, GA; nieces, Elayne McGlaun, Tabatha Niver and Martha Gunn; his nephews, Lanny Niver and Monte Lanier and the extended Prieschl Family of West Palm Beach, Florida. The family would like to thank his special caregiver, Jeanette Grissom. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th St. New York, NY 10022 Funeral services will be conducted today, Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 2:00 PM, in the Chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Max Hicks officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Beau Jaksch, Justin Chandler, Jim Beck, Wes McGlaun, Lanny Niver and Marty Bray. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Bray, Ronald Jowers, Dwight Bagwell, Don Brown, Jim Gohacki, Cecil Adams, Leslie Padgett, Jim McGlaun and Doc Woodward.

Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens, Grovetown, GA. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd. Augusta, GA 30907. 706-364-8484. Published in The Augusta Chronicle from 10/13/2007 - 10/14/2007.

Lost in the 50s Registrations through August 11th

2007-10-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Classmates
This list is in alphabetical order (by maiden name for the girls and without spouses or guests listed.) There is still a little time to get your check to Robert Murphy. If Saturday morning comes and you just can't stand not being in the 700-800 folks who attended ARC from 1953 to 1960, just show up at the farm in Trenton and pay your $30. We'll be glad to see you! If I have missed anyone, let me know.
Annette

Annette Adams Bush, Augusta, GA
Charles E. Allen, Grovetown, GA
Donna Andrews Pittman, Metter, GA
Jimmy Bagby, Augusta, GA
Jane Bass Moxley (Mike), Augusta, GA
Jack Bearden, Augusta, GA
Marie Brennecke Rogers, Augusta, GA
Jimmy Broadwater, Evans, GA:
Ed Brown Martinez, GA
Ed Brown, Panama City, FL:
Carolyn Cadle Folds, Chapel Hill, NC
Benny Cheek, Martinez, GA
Ron Colvin, Evans, GA
Connie Connell Harrison, Evans, GA
Gay Cox Shaw, Simpsonville, SC
Sherry Dorris Mercer Augusta, GA
Charles Durand, Augusta, GA
Larry Enroughty, Harlem, GA
Claire Faircloth Tollison,Cross Hill, SC
Patricia Folk Carter, Lady Lake, FL
Sybil Foster Agers, Martinez, GA
Mary Gahnz Usher, Augusta, GA
Alma Gardner DeWitt, Evans, GA
Martha Anne Gibbs Bagby, Augusta, GA
Helen Gnann Byars, McDonough, GA
Tim Hegler, Belvedere, SC
Dorothy Herron Jennings, Grovetown,GA
Jerry Howington, Augusta, GA
Judy Hunnicutt Johnson (Charles), Augusta, GA
David Hurst, Jefferson, GA
Annette James James, Augusta, GA
Elizabeth James, Roye, Gracewood, GA
Charles Johnson, Augusta, GA
Janice Johnson Dixon, Augusta, GA
Shirley Johnson, Augusta, GA
Fred "Niki" Johnston, Sierra Vista, AZ
Janice Keel Helton, Augusta, GA
Esther Kennedy Peacock, North Augusta, SC
Mary Alice King Forbes, Augusta, GA
Yvonne King Langley, Knoxville, TN
Jimmy Knight, Augusta, GA
Hamilton Kuhlke, Augusta, GA
Carol Lamb Thurman, Leawood, KS
Dorothy Lanier Cravey, Cochran, GA
Caroline LeRoy Ayers, Greenville, NC
Roy E Lindsey, Tifton, GA
Louis Linson, Conyers, GA
Judy Little Murphy, Augusta, GA
Frances Logan Brown, North Augusta, SC
John "Buddy" Lowe, Grovetown, GA
Linda Matthews Epps, Augusta, GA
Pete McDonald, Augusta, GA
Jimmy Melton, Augusta, GA
Tom Mercer, Martinez, GA
Nancy McElmurray Chunka, Dunwoody, GA
LaVerne Montgomery Young, Augusta, GA
Mike Moxley, Augusta, GA
Alvia 'Butch' Murdock, Martinez, GA
John Overstreet, Augusta, GA
Olin Padgett, Palmyra, TN
Harriett Paul Jones, Augusta, GA
James "Jimmy" Perkins, Blythe, GA
Harry Pund, Evans, GA
Mae Pulliam Williams, Kathleen, GA
Betty Reed Keenan, Augusta, GA
Hilda Reese Riegler, Martinez, GA
Carolyn Remley Burns, Augusta, GA
Joyce Rennison Grimaud, Appling, GA
Carol Sandiford, Avondale Estates, GA
Randall Scott, Augusta, GA
Frank Stafford, Augusta, GA
Emily Stevens Baumann, Thomson, GA
Judy Stubbs Terry, Greenville, SC
Maxie Terry, Greenville, SC
Bill Ward, Martinez, GA
Walter Sheridan Wilson, Augusta, GA
Larry Jon Wilson, Augusta, GA
Merle Wright Dansby, North Augusta, SC
Anne Yearty Gojda, Augusta, GA

AAB

Regrettable Notes + 2

2007-10-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

I have heard from a few people who are not planning to come on October 20th. Thought I'd share with you. Okay, so Louis's is not a 'regrets" but I just love his sig line. By the way, I deliberately left off the girl's married names here.
AAB

(New -10/16 ) Annette,
I am sorry to be so late in sending this regret, I just returned home from a 2 week
period of setting up a Seniors retirement home in Pawleys Island SC. This is my
line of work. I have so much to catch up on at home that this weekend is out for
me, however I am looking forward to the big reunion next. Hope all goes well, Dolly Fortson Adams

(New - 10/16) Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the Class Reunion... I will be in Chicago on those dates, working with a charitable organization...perhaps all of you should get involved...Best, Mary Lehman

I want to send my regrets as my nephew is getting married in North Carolina on that date. I will certainly miss you all and look forward to next year.

Betty Love

--------------------------

Rae Brown called to say that she will be leaving on the 20th for a fabulous cruise, but that she will miss us all.

--------------
Lydia Wammock: Count me out on the BBQ. I wish I could come, but my college roommate and I are facilitating a workshop on grief at my church on that day.

Have fun and give my best to all!
Lydia
------------------------
(the) BBQs . . . conflict with my annual mountain biking trip to Bryson City, NC - as Tom Petty says "never slow down, never grow old" - my motto!

Herb Clark

-----------------------

OK, (check) will be in the mail and on the way.

Thanks,

--
Louis Linson

From spammers and hackers,
And viruses beastly
And things that go beep in the night,
May The Good Lord protect us.

---

Jean Dinkins Morris -- One of the Treasures

2007-10-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

I often refer to myself as a "born again Augustan" -- a facetious title, but one which fits my rediscovery of Augusta and all its hidden treasures. After college, I accepted a job in Greenville, SC while hubby was at Clemson. We moved to a number of towns over the next 25 years and enjoyed what each had to offer. Imagine our surprise to find, after returning 'home,' that Augusta has many of those things and more. Everything about our old hometown has been experienced with new eyes and new excitement.

I saw very few classmates over those years that we were away and I still sometimes just pass them by without recognizing them. Seeing them again is like discovering another hidden treasure.

One of the first ones I recognized was Jean Dinkins. Her big smile had not changed a bit. We talked a little about our days at Richmond, reunions, and singing with Miss Halbert in that upstairs chorus room.

Jean Dinkins Morris died on Sunday. A grandmother of six who is gone too soon. Another classmate who has been lost to us.

Her obituary from Monday's Augusta Chronicle is below.
----------------------
EVANS, Ga. - Mrs. Jean Dinkins Morris, 66, entered into rest on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at Heartland Hospice. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Abilene Baptist Church cemetery with Rev. Bill Harrell and Rev. Barry Daniel officiating. Mrs. Morris will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Abilene Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Tommie Morris of Evans; two daughters, Debbie Atwood and her husband Rick of Brunswick, Ga., Robin Compton and her husband Randy of Piedmont, S.C.; and six grandchildren, Thomas Knapp, Nikolas Knapp, Heather Knapp, Kaitlyn Compton, Madison Atwood, and Caleb Atwood. Mrs. Morris was predeceased by her parents, Gary and Vivian Dinkins; and her brother, Wayne Dinkins. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Abilene Baptist Church Building Fund, 3917 Washington Rd., Martinez, Ga. 30907. Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Rd., Evans, Ga. 30809. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com Published in The Augusta Chronicle on 10/8/2007.

AAB

Blog Readers FYI

2007-10-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Since I first created this blog, I have been interested in how the readership is spreading. I compiled this bit of information about the locations of the last 100 visitors. (AOL locations do not show up and most large companies with their own server appear as unknown in my statistics, so these places aren't reflected here.) Nice spread.

California: San Jose
Georgia: Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Blythe, Cleveland, Conyers, Evans, Grovetown, Lithonia, Pooler, Savannah, Waynesboro
South Carolina: Aiken, Columbia, Irmo, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Woodruff
Tennessee: Nashville
Texas: Arlington, Irving, Plano, Wylie
London, Lambeth

AAB

The Name Game

2007-10-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday evening, representatives from Classes of 1953-1960 met to assemble the name tags with the old annual photos for this year's 50s Decade Barbecue. Robert Murphy had printed names and colored dots for each class. Butch Murdoch had copied and cut the photos and prepared the envelopes for our class so the job was easier. There was much laughter and general enthusiasm as we settled into the job.

Comments around the table included "Hey, you got my scotch tape!" "Where is the picture for this one?" "You look good in this photo. Where were you when I was dating?" "Is he bringing a date this year?" "Are there more plastic sleeves for the name tags?"

We thought of others we'd like to have seen on the reservation list. We finished the job, carefully repacked the blank name tags to use for late registrations and added the clean-up(Oct 13)/prep days(Oct 19) to our calendars.

After the job was done, we began to mingle. I was approached by a member of another class and asked, "Are you Annette?" When I said yes, he replied that we used to work together. Thank goodness my long term memory kicked in (doesn't that happen at our age but we can't remember what we had for lunch?) and I said, "Hugh." For two years, he was head lifeguard and I was cashier at Highland Park Pool 47-48 years ago and I had not seen him in almost that many years. I'm looking forward to the 50th Reunion of our Class, but the Decade Barbecue connects more than just our class and jogs almost forgotten fond memories. It's a Good Thing.

These are the new additions to the previously posted list of those coming to play the Name Game.

From Lady Lake, FL:

Patricia Folk Carter

From Panama City, FL:

Ed Brown

From Palmyra, TN:

Olin Padgett

From Cochran, GA:

Dorothy Lanier Cravey

From Conyers, GA:

Lewis Linson

From Kathleen, GA:

May Pulliam Williams

From Metter, GA

Donna Andrews Pittman

From Evans, GA:

Jimmy Broadwater

From Harlem, GA:

Larry Enroughty

From Martinez, GA:

Bill Ward

From Augusta, GA:

Sherry Dorris Mercer
Elizabeth James Roye
Jimmy Knight
LaVerne Montgomery Young

AAB

Pete and the Parade

2007-09-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

After I posted about living with "joyous naughtiness," I have had a few emails about what it means.

The best example I can give you is our classmate, Pete May. His joy in life is evident with each task he undertakes. His naughtiness appears in a bright purple suit for ARC functions or a Jester costume complete with tights for a national table tennis event. His contagious energy is a gift to all.

Last week, the annual Horse and Carriage Parade moved with precision through Augusta's downtown streets. Everything from Clydesdales to miniature mules were pulling an assortment of wheeled vehicles: the usual polished carriages, wagons and coaches along with ancient hearses, chuck wagons, bridal buggies, and a lone long-horned cow.

Planned as a kick-off event for the Augusta Futurity by Pete in 1992, the Parade has now been moved to the fall weekend of Arts in the Heart for better weather and different crowds. Pete knows not only how to dress, but how to adjust, for success!

Often in our towns, we do things which make a small difference. There are many of us in the Class of 59 who have quietly given to our communities, in our jobs or as volunteers. Sometimes it makes the paper; sometimes only we know. Pete is only one, but if you pay attention, you'll find his hand in lots of things around town -- usually the fun things which encourage a little joyous naughtiness.
AAB

Look Who Else is Going to Be 'Lost in the 50s!'

2007-09-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

An update from Robert Murphy about the Decades BBQ shows that we have moved up in the class listings. We are now at #3, but our numbers are still down! If there are folks you'd like to see, give them a call. October 20 is a perfect day for a visit! These are the newest additions.

From Sierra Vista, AZ:

Fred "Niki" Johnston

From Leawood KS:

Carol Lamb Thurman

From Knoxville, TN:

Yvonne King Langley

From Jefferson, GA:

David Hurst

From Appling, GA:

Joyce Rennison Grimaud

From Grovetown, GA:

Charles E. Allen

From Thomson, GA:

Emily Stevens Baumann

From Augusta, GA:

Jerry Howington
Charles and Judy Hunnicutt Johnson
Annette James
Shirley Johnson
Janice Johnson Dixon
John Overstreet
Carolyn Remley Burns
Frank Stafford

Who do you think is missing?

We're #4!

2007-09-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

We have always been at #2 for number of attendees at the annual 50s BBQ. Yesterday, I learned that we have been pushed down the ranks by enthusiastic members of other classes.
If you get there VERY early in the morning, this is the view as you turn off the main road.

We're now #4 and losing ground.
Is your name on the list or have you just forgotten?! The first reservation deadline is quickly approaching.

I have asked Robert Murphy to send me the list of registrations so far and will try to give you a weekly update. I have listed these by towns; call a classmate who lives nearby.

From Chapel Hill, NC:

Carolyn Cadle Folds

From Greenville, NC

Caroline LeRoy Ayers

From Greenville, SC:

Maxie and Judy Stubbs Terry

From Simpsonville, SC:

Gay Cox Shaw

From Cross Hill, SC:

Claire Faircloth Tollison

From Belvedere, SC:

Tim Hegler

From North Augusta, SC:

Esther Kennedy Peacock

Frances Logan Brown

Merle Wright Dansby

From Tifton, GA:

Roy E. Lindsey

From Avondale Estates, GA:

Carol Ann Sandiford

From Blythe, GA:

Jimmy Perkins

From Grovetown, GA:

Dorothy Herron Jenkins

John Buddy Lowe

From Martinez, GA:

Alvia Butch Murdoch

Sybil Foster Agers

Ben Cheek

Hilda Reese Riegler

Ed Brown

Tom Mercer

From Evans, GA:

Alma Gardner DeWitt

Connie Connell Harrison

Ron Colvin

From Augusta, GA:

Jimmy Melton

Walter S. Wilson

Mary Alice King Wilson

Pete McDonald

Anne Yearty Gojda

Annette Adams Bush

Janice Keel Helton

Judy Little Murphy

Linda M. Epps

Randall Scott

Mike and Jane Bass Moxley

Jimmy Bagby

Charles Durand

Mary Gahnz Usher

Marie Brennecke Rogers

Larry Jon Wilson

Harriet Paul Jones

Hamilton Kuhlke

Jack Bearden

Martha Gibbs Bagby

Betty Reed Keenan

As you leave in the afternoon, the sight of these peach trees will be the perfect ending.

Eve and the Miller

2007-09-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sounds a little like a Chaucer's Tale, doesn't it? Well, it IS classic stuff.

You (and hundreds of your closest friends) are invited. It's a celebration of both the 50th Anniversary of the World Premiere of "The Three Faces of Eve" and the renovation-in-progress of the Miller Theater. The event is a fund-raiser to refurbish and maintain features of the Imperial Theatre.

On September 18 from each half hour from 2:00-6:00, there'll be tours of the Miller.
Then at 8:00, across the street at The Imperial Theatre, there will be a special presentation which will include our own classmate Dan Miller, the grand nephew of the theater founder.
The screening of "The Three Faces of Eve" will begin at 8:30. Tickets (which include the Miller tour) are $15 with a VIP ticket of $50.

The Chronicle editorial closes with this about the Miller. "It is a grand structure that stands not only for the best of what Augusta was, but the best of what it can become. And it begs for whatever outpouring of support Augustans can give to that end." The same could be said of the Imperial as well. The full story is here.

It seems to me that "Eve and the Miller" is a good reason to relive some old memories of 'our days.' And maybe make some new 'tales' worth telling.

Two Words to Live By

2007-09-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

This week in my personal blog, I wrote about my discovery of two words to live by as an artist.

Since they popped off the page of a summer "beach read" last weekend, I've thought about them and what they might have to do with life in general. I wondered if I know anyone who already knows those words and who has filled the decades with them. I could name a few. I have decided that perhaps they are what we all need as we approach our fiftieth reunion; that perhaps we are too old to be serious, dull and deadly for the remainder of our days.

So . . . if you can't learn from the grandchildren in your family, I give you "Joyous Naughtiness." Write the words on your bathroom mirror, post them on your computer monitor, leave a note in your pants pocket. Live them!

Affecting Our Days

2007-09-06T03:55:00.000-07:00

As I have added obituaries of classmates to this blog, I've received a number of emails from readers. Some just say thanks for the memories. Most comment that they don't remember much about specific class members at first or have truly lost touch with those they do remember, yet they have a true sense of loss.

I understand their response; sometimes I feel like old classmates are fictional characters in some fictional person's life (Mine. Was that really me?!!) Yet I have snippets of memory which come back -- both the pleasant and the down-right awful -- and I appreciate that these folks and our days together helped to make me who I am today.

I like Dan Miller's comments after reading an obituary.

-

mreddie and The Blueberry Patch Blog

2007-09-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

While reading through a good bit of Eddie Collier's blog, I discovered this statement: If you can't dazzle them with brilliance then baffle them with baloney sandwiches.

Composing most posts on a little voice recorder during his evening walks down by the pond, he has filled his blog with personal thoughts and tossed them with a little wry humor. He doesn't gloss over the good or the bad; just describes his daily life with a gentle touch. And, he never fails to let you know where he and God stand, out there by the blueberry patch.

George Eddie Collier offers a little baloney seasoned with the spirit at Blueberry Patch.

Update: Dolly Fortson Adams

2007-08-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

What do the National Geographic, the Weather Channel and the City of Charleston have in common? Our classmate, Dolly Fortson Adams and her camera. (Her photos are published under 'Dorothea Adams.') She has also done some work for the Post and Courier and others. I asked her to share these two with us. ( I apologize that these didn't get posted initially.)

Living on the South Carolina coast, Dolly is surrounded by beauty every day. But can you believe that photography is her second love?

She stays busy as a caregiver for Lutheran Hospice in Mt. Pleasant. She also loves dogs and horses, keeps in touch with Bobbye Ward Anderson and frequently asks for news of old classmates. She plans to be at the Decades BBQ.

I'll be adding notes about Minta McD, Martha McD, Marie C., Peggy M., Ruthie J., Jeannie C. and others soon. So Dolly, stayed tuned!

Deadlines Make It Happen!

2007-08-31T05:04:00.000-07:00

This month's meeting for the 50s Decade BBQ buzzed with excitement under the threat of looming deadlines.

Photos and news from each class and advertising copy are needed NOW for the Souvenir program book which will be bigger and better.
Reservations for the day are due by September 25 if you want to pay just $20.
Old teachers who are still around are being invited to come as our guests.
Volunteers are needed to clean-up on October 13 and set-up on October 19th.
AND last minute details are now officially 'last minute."

Although Judy says that Robert is not organized, he seems to have the numbers in order to motivate and inspire.

A lot of work was done and we can see the silver lining!

We will welcome the Class of 1953 to the roster of participating classes and expect all to have a great day . . . .

-

Charles Bignon: Keeping Track

2007-08-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

Reunion committees don't just look for names, they keep track and sometimes they connect.

When we began to look for classmates before the 45th Reunion, I took out my old list of "A" names which had been assigned for the aborted 40th. I searched in as many ways as possible and I found quite a few. Then, I picked up the stack of "B" cards which had been given to Henry and began again. I finally just made some phone calls. Just out of the blue, I called people. Some remembered me; some didn't. Most were glad to hear from someone from ARC and their past.

Charles Bignon was one of those I called. He was kind enough NOT to say, "I don't remember you." I could tell he didn't. But he remembered lots of others and wanted to know about them - to catch up.

He read the Chronicle on-line everyday to keep up with his beloved Augusta. He often came over from Macon to check on his mother's house and would call or come by to talk about growing up in "PG" (Olde Town) just a block over from my house. He looked at the 1959 annual and asked about specific people who we might have found in our reunion search. He brought me his friend Willie Perkins' (ARC Class of '58) book ("No Saints, No Saviors") about their years with the Allman Brothers Band; he talked a little about those times and the job of keeping track of the band.

Sometimes I would not hear anything from him for 6-8 months and then he would call with some kind of request which was both matter of fact and specific. So, I checked his house after a storm, I wrapped Christmas presents for his family, I saved all the papers pertaining to James Brown's death and funeral, I redressed a small injury on his calf which had required an emergency room visit . . . . The last time I saw Charles we shared our first and only meal and talked about my tiny little digital camera. Later, he called to ask for more details. He liked it and thought he would buy one. When I told him the cost, he said, "Damn, Sugar, I don't want to make love to it. I just want to take a few pictures!" That was the Charles I got to know.

Charles reached the end of his days on August 25, 2007. I will miss those infrequent calls and visits from this kind and gentle classmate. I will always regret that I owed him a phone call and perhaps an email.

Charles's obituary follows:
MACON, Ga. - Charles N. Bignon, III died on August 25, 2007. Born on July 30, 1941 in Augusta, Ga., he lived in Macon for many years. He was the son of the late Charles N. Bignon, Jr. and the late Mary E. Massengale. He graduated from Richmond Academy and attended Augusta College. He worked in Atlanta and then in Macon for The Allman Brothers Band and as co-owner of The Great Southern Company. He retired in 1990. Charles is survived by a brother, Robert E. Bignon of Athens, Ga.; a sister, Gloria Anne Ivy of Belvedere, S.C.; nieces, Erin, Elizabeth and Britton; nephews, Rush, Tony, Christopher and Ryan; and many friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 29, 2007 from 10:30 a.m. until noon at Hart's Mortuary, located at 765 Cherry Street in Macon. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. in Athens, Ga. at the First United Methodist Church Chapel located at 327 North Lumpkin Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the donor's favorite charity. Hart's Mortuary has charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com
Published in The Augusta Chronicle on 8/28/2007.

50th Reunion Report

2007-08-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night, the air seemed a little cooler after our days of triple digit temps. But maybe it just always seems to be cooler down by the river at Butch and Jackie's house. Butch presided over the hamburger grill and classmates visited in groups on the grass. On the inside, plates and bowls of goodies filled the serving counter and other folks gathered in the air conditioning.

There were a few complaints, "My mouth won't fit this burger." seemed to be the main one.

It was time for the meeting to begin. Heh heh. Just wanted to point out that planning a 50th Reunion is not always just hard work!

Janice Johnson Dixon and Frank Stafford reported on the research for locations.

They did a great job of offering options for both a casual event and more formal evening and will pursue a couple of venues.

Co-chairs Butch Murdoch and Harry Pund tried to keep us in line as we discussed the thoughtful suggestions sent in by Dan Miller, possibilities for this historic weekend and options for a full schedule. Janice Johnson Dixon, Janice Keel Helton and I will develop an agenda which can be discussed in blocks of time. So get ready for a fabulous ARC weekend in 2009 -- probably late April.

In the photos, I hope you will also spot, Mike and Jane Bass Moxley, Fred Fidler, Eddie Glover Tanner, Ron and Louise Colvin, Annette James and her friend, Mary Gahnz Usher, Robert and Judy Little Murphy, Don and Norma Patterson, Robert Dixon, and Diane Pund .

The next meeting will not be until December, but we have lots to do until then.

A Welcome to the World!

2007-08-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

A tiny little discovery this week gave me a 'frisson' of concern. (I've always wanted to use that word; the heroines in gothic novels always seem to love it -- and this is my second time in two weeks!) Following my statistics for website visitors, I clicked on a link back to . . . my own website!

My first reaction was, "Strange." My second reaction was, "Wait, something is not right. It's in SPANISH!" Since others have had their websites appropriated by nefarious characters, I wondered if mine had been stolen as well.

With a little help from my webmistress/daughter, I've learned that my webpages -- and my blogs now appear as about ten or so different websites in as many languages -- we believe it is a new creation from Google. (See my English website and their Spanish versions.)

I have sometimes taken for granted the reach of the World Wide Web when I need to find information. Now, I feel a little like the mother cat in the photo who stepped between the camera and her baby -- don't bother my baby!

Colloquialisms and dialects sometimes need interpretations in this country, so certainly translations from one writing system to another are not always clear. It makes me a little nervous as I publish my words in perhaps a dozen languages: my own English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Korean . . . .

I once had to explain to my Japanese friends that a new gallery label was needed to replace "A Big Harvest" for the painting, "A Bushel and a Peck." (The title comes from the song "I Love You a Bushel and a Peck.")

So, I hope these words I write will find good meanings for readers wherever they live and whichever version they use.

Welcome, World!
Annette

Note: I also published this post today on my BushStrokes blog.

We're Few but Fun!

2007-08-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

While only four of us made it to the Girls Day Out lunch during one of the hottest days of the decade, we had a great time visiting. It's Emily Stevens Baumann, Mary Gahnz Usher, Jane Bass Moxley, and Annette Adams Bush.

We discussed doing something special in November. Hope some of you will join us then - - and bring pics of the BBQ!

The Check Is In The Mail. . . .

2007-08-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

Oh, sorry.The INVITATION is in the mail!

This week the Community Room of the Martinez Fire Department was buzzing as each class of the Fifties filled a table with envelops, labels, invitations, newsletters, and stamps.

What efficiency! What dedication to duty! What speed!

Almost 2900 envelopes were ready and packed in boxes within two hours for Robert Murphey ('58) in his purple hat to take to the post office.

So, send your reservation in ASAP. If you hear from Robert, tell him, "The check is in the mail!" (It's music to the ears of an old CPA.)

See YOU at the Decades Reunion on October 20th.

A few more pics.

"My Name Up In Lights"

2007-08-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

One of the fun things about writing a blog is getting responses -- the lovely interaction which blog-writing brings. Sometimes the comments are from strangers, especially on my personal blog. Sometimes the notes are emails from old friends, usually on this one.

Over the weekend, a long email came from Dan Miller. He wrote that he had followed the web links mentioned in the last class newsletter. He had found both my 59 Musketeers blog and my art website. (Thanks for the compliments, Danny!) AND, per my request for links to classmates' web presence, he added this note:

For several years, I've been writing regular essays on the WSMV-TV website (still do).

The articles (more than 350 of them) are archived at my personal "Dan Miller's Notebook" website.... and in MANY of them, I write about Augusta, and the old days growing up there.

I suspect that my Augusta contemporaries might find the references interesting, and bring back a few memories.

Off the top of my head, some specific essays that reference Augusta, even ARC, are:

FRIDAY NIGHTS, EMERSON BOOZER, AND ME

WIGGLES

THE HAMMER

DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

THE 18TH AT AUGUSTA

THE FRUIT OF THE PINE

THE DAY ALDOUS HUXLEY DEPARTED THIS WORLD

JAMES BROWN

THE GREENISH BOWL

CHRISTMAS EVE IN MY HOME TOWN

THE PLEASURES OF BARBECUE

MY NAME UP IN LIGHTS

HAIL TO THE MASTERS

CONNECTIONS

GENE AUTRY, MY HERO

THOSE THREE LITTLE WORDS

HERSHEY'S, SNICKERS, AND ARNOLD PALMER

AN UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP (perhaps my favorite)

And there are many others with "Augusta references" that might just stir up some old memories for folks who lived there.

Yep, Dan, quite a few have stirred up some memories for me. This one for July 24th is an example: Catcher in the Sly My uncle played for the Tigers and then for a St. Louis Cardinal farm team until he gave up baseball to become a physicist. Dan reminded me that baseball in Augusta was BIG STUFF.

So, I have added Dan Miller's Notebook to the blog list. While not truly a blog, I thought its weekly updated content fit blog better than website.

I hope to occasionally point to one of his essays as it strikes my fancy. Today, I'm just posting this photo of the RiverWalk to pique your interest in another of his recent essays "Down By the Riverside."

And the reference in the title? Check this one

You'll want to visit often.

Updates -- The Lydia Mystery

2007-08-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

It's placed discretely on the sidebar under websites -- Lydia's Manners That Sell -- but who is Lydia?

Many of you know that the Ms. Manners of the business world along the Georgia/Carolina coast is our own Lydia Wammock Ramsey. She specializes in office etiquette, meeting manners, and business communications.

If you didn't know about Lydia, you will want to check out her website for more info on this lovely classmate. You'll find that she "writes a weekly newspaper column on business etiquette for the Savannah Morning News and The Carolina Morning News. She has appeared on radio and television programs across the country, and has been quoted or featured in The Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, Cosmopolitan and Woman’s Day."

Her website also says,

Lydia Ramsey helps people promote themselves and grow their business by showing them how to keep their feet out of their mouths and egg off of their faces.

We could ALL use that kind of help, so:

Sign-up for her newsletter.
Hire her to give a manners seminar to your not-so-up-to-snuff employees.
take her quiz.
buy her books.

She's someone to know!

My Old Friend, Virginia Johnson Laird

2007-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, my daughters and I were discussing family dogs. Most of our pets have been mixed mutts or pound puppies. One of our favorites had been Rags, a little Peekapoo, who looked like a little pile of black rags on the floor at the pound. I thought about the first 'real' pekingese which I had ever seen. It belonged to Virginia Johnson's grandmother. Virginia and I got to be good friends while her mother was my third grade teacher and I often visited their house during the next few years. Sometimes Mrs. McElveen would let us play with her little pug-nosed, bug-eyed jewel. He seemed very exotic! Our Rags was not exotic, but he was loved just about as much. I had lost touch with Virginia across the years, but still have warm memories whenever I pass the little brick house on Troup Street in Kings Woods.

Even though Virginia died in January before I began my class blog, I had saved her obituary. I wanted to add it just for the record with thanks for the memories.

HOUSTON, TX - Virginia Johnson Laird, born August 9, 1941 in Aiken, South Carolina, entered into our Lord's hands January 4, 2007 at the age of 65. Virginia graduated from Augusta Richmond Academy and Bolens Business College. She started her career in the apartment industry in Columbia, SC in 1969 and continued her career in Houston from 1979 until retirement in 2001. Virginia was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and she was a loving friend to many. She was preceded in death by her son Steven John Laird, her mother Ruby McElveen Johnson and her father James Tilman Johnson. Virginia is survived by her husband of 45 years, John B. Laird, Sr., daughter Merrell L. Turpin and her husband Dean, son John B. Laird Jr. and his wife Dalene, grandchildren Justin, Kurt, Halton, Laird, Elizabeth Massey and Wyatt and great grandchildren, Kori and Landon. Virginia had a great love for life and enjoyed every moment she shared with her family and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, Georgia 30907 from 12 pm to 1 pm with the funeral service beginning at 1 pm and burial will follow at Westview Cemetery, 2051 Division Street, Augusta, 30904. Pallbearers will be Justin Turpin, Halton Turpin, Laird Turpin, Jordan Clem, Richard O'Connell and Doyle Evans. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Virginia. Published in The Augusta Chronicle on 1/7/2007.

Looking for a Few Good Sports!

2007-08-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have followed with interest the swimming career of my friend's husband in Alabama. He is now 70 and still competes on a national level.

It occurs to me that some of the Class of '59 might be doing some interesting things. Biking, basketball, swimming, fishing, golf . . . . competitive or not.

Let us know what you do -- a comment here is fine. An email to me with a photo works, too. Later, I'll add some photos of a few good sports!

Where? Who?

2007-08-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Jane and Emily wonder who is planning to come on August 16 for the Girl's Day Out lunch. An email to one of them will get your name on the list and they can decide where to get together. If there are enough from North of the Oconee River, lunch will probably in Madison. If you have suggestions for good spots close to Augusta, let them know that, too. Stay tuned. I'll try to have pictures!

More Time to Mail Survey

2007-07-31T05:34:00.000-07:00

Butch Murdoch's workshop has been the meeting space for the '59 Reunion committee. It's a great space, but lots of work for Butch and Jackie to rearrange, set up tables and be prepared with something cooking on the grill. Committee members bring along extras and the meal makes the planning for the reunion even more fun.

Yesterday, Butch called to say that they have a family commitment and will need to change the date of the meeting. Now we will meet on August 21 at 7:00 to discuss where our 50th Reunion will be . . . and a few dozen other things.

So if you haven't answered the questions about reunion preferences on the newsletter survey and mailed them back to Harry Pund, you have a few more days!

We'll look for a sunset like this one which I saw on the drive out one evening.

We might even talk about a few old classmates.

Save The Date! October 20th

2007-07-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Annual Reunion of ARC classes of the 5o's is being well-planned. The Murphey farm in Trenton is being readied. The souvenir booklet is filling up with photos, messages and ads although there's still room for your memorial, business ad or greeting. T-Shirts, hats and cups are being counted and reordered. Vendors for tents, chairs, porta-potties and Barbecue (along with banana puddin' this year) are standing by.

Invitations with all the details will be mailed in mid-August. The committee is hard at work!

This is your chance to see old friends from Richmond -- most of them older than you! Put it on your calendar.

Poodle skirts are not required!

A Time to Travel -- Update on Maxie and Judy

2007-07-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

It has taken quite a while for Maxie and Judy Stubbs Terry to recover from their fabulous cruise to Alaska. I finally got a photo to share. (Yes, they traveled at the same time as the Pittman's but not on same cruise as I thought .) I asked Judy for a brief description and when she returned from her annual mission trip to Kentucky, she sent this note.

We are on the Yukon side of the sign welcoming us to Alaska. That bus ride was part of a tour from Skagway, another Gold Rush town. The whole trip was wonderful - a trip of a lifetime - and it will take the rest of our lifetime to pay for it! We cruised the Inside Passage and toured the interior on the train going from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Along the way we toured Denali National Park, and actually saw the peak of Mt. McKinley with no clouds in the way! We also saw the Alaska Pipeline. We saw all of the advertised wildlife except for Orca Whales - you had to go on a special expedition to see those. The glaciers were awesome - in Glacier Bay and also College Fjord.

As a Master Gardener, I was really interested in the plants and trees - they were HUGE in the rain forest, as expected, but also in Fairbanks. I guess it's because of the shortened growing season there. Fairbanks experiences the extremes in weather conditions - high summer temps around 80*, and winter ones as low a -60*. But I found a river I could really live on - during the summer season only! Most of the houses are very modest, but everybody has toys - 4 wheelers, airplanes, boats, etc. And the neatest thing in Fairbanks is the outlets in each parking space - to warm up all the systems in your car in the winter. It was our best vacation ever, and no other destination I can think of would even could close.

One of the lovely things about getting closer to our 50th class reunion is that we have more time to travel, to indulge in our personal interests and to enjoy the day. We do get squeezed in between grandchildren and older parents, but somehow, there is still time.

Let me hear from YOU . . . and send pictures!

Phillip Gray Burton Found the Joy in Life

2007-07-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

This week, Don Patterson received an email from Evelyn Burton-Kelly, who contacted Don after finding the "59 Classics" in her father's mail. She wrote, "Daddy went to heaven on April 9 after a 4 month fight with Mesothelioma. Please include this in your next newsletter as notification to his former classmates." Don forwarded her email to me.

Even though we shared a homeroom, I checked my annual to make sure I was remembering Phillip correctly. Underneath his photo was this quote "To eat, to drink and to be merry." It seems this is the way he lived his life and that he made sure those around him enjoyed life as well as he.

I am finding more and more that those early traits stay with us for all our lives. It's one of the reasons reunions work; suddenly we are back in time with those same folks. They may look different on the outside, but inside we know them. It's too bad Phillip Burton will not be with us for the 50th Reunion to share his laughter and sense of humor. I have no doubt he would have once again made us all find the joy in the day.

Part of Phillip's Obituary from the AJC follows:
Phillip Gray Burton was met at the gates of Heaven on April 9, 2007 by his parents, Milton and Mazzie Burton and his step-son, Richard Drummond, Jr. Mr. Burton worked for SAIA Motor Freight for ten years and was retired from Yellow Freight System after 30 years of service. Preceded in death by his parents and step-son, he is survived by his wife, Mary Burton of Duluth; daughter, Evelyn Ann Burton Kelly and her husband James of Suwanee; sisters and brother-in-law, Faye B. and Pete Ogren of Lawrenceville, Betty Mayes of Kings Mountain, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

If you would like to email Evelyn and her family, contact me or simply click on comments below. If you would like to see all obituaries which have been posted, see labels below and click on obits.

It Arrived This Week!

2007-07-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

The latest edition of "59 Classics" is in mailboxes across the country. The committee has tried very hard to keep the addresses updated, thanks to Mary Gahnz Usher's great efforts. If you didn't get one . . . you've moved, the committee hasn't found you yet or someone else is reading yours. Get in touch with the committee or email me ASAP.

The newsletter contains a survey about what you'd like planned for the 50th Reunion, bits of news about classmates, an article from Jane Bass Moxley on the Girls' Days Out and info from Robert Murphey about how to get your company advertised, your friends memorialized or your class congratulated in the next "Lost in the Fifties" souvenir booklet.

Congratulations to the committee for an excellent edition of "59 Classics."

A update from Donna Andrews Pittman

2007-07-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

Donna has been really good about emailing classmates, forwarding fun things and showing interest in what's happening with the rest of us. I asked if I could share this update.

For the last year, she and husband Joe have struggled with his health, much of it unexplained, the beginning coming at the time of last year's planned trip to Alaska. This year, they rescheduled the cruise and, shortly before the trip, he received a diagnosis of "pre-leukemia ( Myloedysplasia of bone marrow, which means,the bone marrow has completely stopped making white and red blood cells and he has no immune system at all.)" With the encouragement of his oncologist, they decided to make the trip. In June, Joe entered the hospital for surgery and was there for 26 days for partial removal of his malignant left kidney with complications and more surgeries. Donna writes that "he isn't doing well at all..weak and lost 100 pounds..we still need prayers....."

With all that, she still has time to think about the approaching 50th class reunion and adds "remember how we use to sign those "opinion Books".....Lord how I used to love to get hold of one during class....and see who liked who...ha ha." Oh. She sent along this new photo as well.

June Meeting - Lost in the 50s BBQ

2007-07-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Lost In The 50s Chairman, Robert Murphey reports on the last month's meeting for the annual BBQ:

Our last meeting was primarily covering Ads for our 2007 Booklet. To date, we have 14 ads paid totaling $1,900.00. We need $5,000.00 to break even. We also discussed having free popcorn this year instead of boiled peanuts.

The Martinez Fire Dept. has allowed us to use their community room on the fourth Tuesday each month for our meetings. Next meeting is July 24th at 7:00 PM.

This group really gets down to the nitty-gritty on the details -- just one reason this is such a great event.

Jimmy is UGA VI !?!

2007-07-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

I got this email from Cheryl Melton . . .

Hi Everyone,

I thought you might be interested in seeing a funny photo of Jimmy that appears in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution! Go to ajc.com and click on "sports" and then "uga." He hasn't seen it yet; I can't wait to show him the photo and caption. Cheryl

. . . so I followed the link and this is what I found.

Jimmy Melton sits in UGA VI's dog house on Saturday during Countdown to Kickoff. Thousands of fans attended the charity event where they got a chance to get autographs and meet past and present Bulldogs players.

I asked Cheryl for permission to share it here. She wrote back that he would gladly autograph copies at the fall BBQ in Trenton!

Although I didn't recognize other fans in the other photos of the event, you might.
http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/index.html

Ray Maddox Painted What We Remember

2007-07-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

I had a long conversation with Ray a couple of years ago -- two artists who vowed to get together and talk about our work face to face. We never had that afternoon. For that I am sorry.

Although Ray had painted for many years, he began to paint seriously in oils and pastels after moving to the Carolina Low Country coast a few years ago. He and his wife Pati, a potter, shared a studio space at their home and often shared the exhibiting spotlight. He was a good representational artist whose work was colored by his memories of vacations as a boy. He said. "It is not enough to simply capture a scene on canvas. That can be done with a camera and film. The artist should make the viewer a participant. The viewer should feel, ‘I’ve seen this place. I’ve been there. I know it.’"' *from Ray's bio.

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Ray's obituary follows:

Retired Sales Manager BEAUFORT, S.C. - Entered into rest Friday, July 06, 2007 at University Hospital, Mr. Raymond D. "Ray" Maddox, 65, husband of Pati True Maddox. Mr. Maddox was a native of Augusta, had lived in New Orleans for 10 years and Beaufort for the last 6 years. He was a retired Sales Manager in the Chemical Industry and a retired Teacher with Beaufort Academy. Mr. Maddox was also a Low Country Artist. Family members in addition to his wife include his mother: Janie Richards Maddox of Augusta; daughters and sons-in-law: Kimberly Maddox and Jon Utley of Salt Lake City, UT, Melanie Maddox of Atlanta, Julie and Michael Sanders of Greenville, TN; son and daughter-in-law: Charles and Dominique Giordano of New Orleans; sister and brother-in-law: DiAnne Maddox Gay and Ray Gay of Charleston, SC; brother and sister-in-law: Ronald Charles and Greta Maddox of St. Helena Island, SC and 15 grandchildren. A Celebration of Mr. Maddox life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Beaufort Art Association, PO Box 625, Beaufort, SC 29901. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

Road Angels

2007-07-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

I'm always glad to see news of old classmates which is happy.
Today's Augusta Chronicle has photos of Charles Durand and his 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray split-window coupe before the First Friday car show in Downtown Augusta. Nobody does cars better than Charles and, yeah, he still has great legs.

You have to click here to see the legs. . .
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/070707/met_134983.shtml

Charlie Harris Storms the Gates Again

2007-07-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

This week, Charlie Harris died. He was not a 59 Musketeer, but many of us knew him when he was on the winning football teams in earlier years. I have occasionally run into him and have heard the whispers "he's an ex-con, you know" about his time in prison and his crazy actions which put him there and the quiet comments "he's a hard worker in his church."

But I also learned that he was a hard-drinking buddy of my uncle before he stormed the gates of the Augusta National Golf Club in his old blue pickup to see President Reagan about his concerns for American Workers and overseas jobs. I learned that after he stood before our classmate Judge Dudley Bowen to hear his charges and later served a portion of his sentence, he began a prison ministry which he continued after he became a regular citizen again. I learned that he was a quietly respected member of his community who could always be counted on.

I'm glad I had a chance to get to know the adult Charlie Harris. I'm sure he's storming another Gate this week. This time, I don't think he'll need to take hostages to see The Big Guy.

Addendum: 7/26/07 This week I visited my sister and passed by the church where my Story great-grandparents are buried. I thought this photo needed to be added to Charlie's obituary. AAB

Charlie's Obituary
APPLING, Ga. - Entered rest Wednesday, July 4, 2007, Mr. Charles R. "Charlie" Harris, 68, beloved husband of Eleanor Harris for 47 years. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 7, 2007, at Dunn's Chapel United Methodist Church, Appling, Ga., with the Reverend Jeffrey Freehof officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Harris, was born in Newberry, South Carolina to the late Harry Raymond Harris and Almena Harris. He was a retired Millwright from Austin Industries. He was an avid sportsman and loved hunting, fishing, and football. He was devoted to his family and friends and lived his life to the fullest. He graduated from Richmond Academy where he was a star football player with scholarships offered, but was unable to continue due to injury his senior year. He did later play semi-pro ball with the Augusta Eagles. Mr. Harris was a good Christian man who touched many lives with his testimony. He was a member of Dunn's Chapel United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School teacher and Lay Leader of the church. In addition to his wife, survivors include his children, Sandra H. Vandeventer, Evans, Bonnie H. Bussey and husband, Scott, Grovetown, Charlene H. Fulcher and husband, Carlton, Appling, and Ramsey R. Harris, Augusta; grandchildren, John J. McDaniel, Jr., Amber Bussey, Brent Bussey; and Morgan Fulcher; brother, Michael L. Harris and wife Peggy, Appling; sister Harriett Garrison and husband Butch, Evans; his mother, Eulalie Sales, of California; and brother, Russell Remero, California. He was predeceased by brother John Curtis Harris. Pallbearers will be Fred Richard Bussey, John McDaniel, Ray Fulcher, Ernie Hammond, Jack L. Fitzgerald, and Steve Hutchins. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Charlie's memory to Dunn's Chapel United Methodist Church, 6563 Ridge Road, Appling, Ga. 30802. Mr. Harris will lie-in-state at the church one hour prior to the service. Friends may call at the residence. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 7 to 9 PM at Starling Funeral Home, Hwy 78, Harlem, Ga. -

Related story in Augusta Chronicle
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/070707/met_134992.shtml
1983 Story in Time Magazine

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,921354,00.html

On Track to the Fiftieth!

2007-06-22T03:07:00.000-07:00

Last night a few members of the planning committee for our fiftieth reunion met in Butch (Alvia) Murdoch's workshop. It's a fascinating place where it's difficult to tell if he is a wood worker, an auto restorer, an antique buff, a collector of fireman memorabilia . . . . but that's another story.

After exploring the workshop and eating hotdogs cooked by Butch and Jackie with other goodies by everyone else, the group settled down to discuss what needs to be done to get ready for the reunion in 2009. The dynamics in the group were interesting to watch as everyone felt their way through the events of the 45th and analyzed stuff to keep and stuff to change.

Since Don Patterson has stepped down, Harry Pund agreed to join Butch as co-chairman.

In the end, it was decided to get input from class members through a survey in the next newsletter to see what everyone would like to do.

Don will put this together, but it will include questions such as:
When it should be --
Spring, summer, fall.

What it should be --
A stand alone event or on the weekend of the Lost in the Fifties Barbecue.
Friday night, Saturday and Saturday night or just one event.
Casual, formal, in between or both.

Where it should be --
Julian Smith Casino, Old Government House, Old Richmond Hotel, The Boathouse, Savannah Rapids Pavilion, and assorted Country Clubs.

I suspect some decisions will have to be made on what is available and how many others come to join the committee to do some of the work.

Frank Stafford will work with Janice Johnson Dixon to explore locations and will make some recommendations based on rental and other costs, catering requirements and best type of event for the venue.

There is a lot of work ahead, but the group seems up to the challenge. I also spotted these folks around the tables --

Judy Little Murphey
Charles and Judy Hunnicutt Johnson
Eddie Glover Tanner
Mike and Jane Bass Moxley
Judy Kent Huff
Janice Keel Helton
and the spouses --
Jackie Murdoch
Robert Murphey
Norma Patterson
Dianne Pund
Robert Dixon

We're on Track to A Great Celebration!!
Facelifts, diets, hair plugs and new wardrobes.
There's so little time and lots to do!