NEWSLETTER - CLASSMATES '53

BRAMWELL HIGH SCHOOL

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, 2004

Greetings and Merry Christmas for "Our Fourth Newsletters" to you and yours! As we recall it has been exactly two years this coming January since the beginning of the planning of our Reunion for September 2003.

Each has had different experiences throughout the years - some painful or joyous, but we live in gratitude for every moment, and to live it abundantly. And now at whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude with new beginnings - 2005.

May we all keep in touch as long as we can and just continue to do the best we can and keep smiling. We all had/have something special from Bramwell High. And what a wonderful time it was that we grew up. I am sure all are thankful for that and putting us all together.

Bill Petty, Class President '53 reports he and Reva spent an afternoon visiting the new Smithsonian Air and Space Museum near Dulles Airport and are happy to report it is worth while visiting if you are in the Washington, DC area. The cost is $12 for parking, but there is no general charge for the museum. The display features over 100 unique historic aircraft, Enterprise space shuttle, WWII Enola Gay, Supersonic French Concord aircraft, and the famous "Blackbird" spy plane. He extends each an invitation that if you are in the Northern Virginia area just contact him. Bill and Reva will be glad to accompany you on this unique tour.

Compliments of Bill is A CHRISTMAS TRADITION POSTED ON THE HISTORIC BRAMWELL SITE @ http://www.bramwellwv.com/jimmie2004.html

Bill mentioned for the year 2004 we lost another three of our beloved classmates. Perry Davis, Nancy Kanode Hilmon, and Joyce Sizemore have left us, and we mourn their passing. This brings to 21 the number of our deceased classmates and reminds us all how precious life really is. These fellow classmates still live in our hearts and memories. They share the dreams of all of us. Their departure may separate us physically, but not spiritually. (Charlotte Austin, Mack Bange, Jr., Edward Bailey, Ilene Taylor, Fannie Belcher, Nancy Kanode Hilmon, Norma Bowman, L. T. Miller, Kenneth Tyree, Catherine Tackett, Buford Collins, Shirley Dowdy, Charles Maxey, Perry Davis, Nancy Page, Etta Lee Neal, Edward Gearhart, Joyce Sizemore, Theo Goins, Janet Goins, Norma Dell Brown)

Our winter avid hunter, Randy Bailey, reports he has had a fantastic deer hunting season by killing a deer in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Family and friends freeze the meat and enjoy Vinson meat until the next season. Summer is boating season for Randy and family (four grandchildren) in his large boat. Great family living!!

Our energetic and traveler Lois Shrewsbury Caswell reports she recently stood in line three hours to get her flu shot --- stood in line three hours to vote. Her usual trek to WV and KY and Daytona Beach at a dwelling that housed approx. 30 family and friends was fun and exciting. Enjoys her Red Hat Society Membership which allows her to meet many nice fun loving women. Two Granddaughters involved in many activities which she tries to attend. Son, Michael, and two other co-workers received a US patent for an invention. Daughter, Amy and husband, are trying to adopt a Chinese baby girl. Might have to go to Hong Kong to help with the baby. "If we stay healthy" in 2005, back for another week in Daytona Beach - going to Europe this year - Germany, France and England - then onto a Mediterranean Cruise out of Rome, Italy in August, "But as we all know, Life is what's happening to you as you go about making other plans." We'll wait and see.

Basil Shrader has had a year battling health problems with his knee and back. Pat, his wife, has been a precious caretaker! His knee replacement is doing great - no more pain! But the possibility of some back and the other knee surgery facing him in the future. He now has neuropathy and doctors gave him medication and seems to be working. They will be going to WV Dec l6 -20.

Vivacious Flop and Elaine have been busy going here and there this fall and enjoyed a train excursion from Huntington, WV to Hinton. Visited Glade Springs resort in Beckley, WV and visited sister, Marie, in Glen Jean in WV. Our plans are going to Florida in early 2005 and will visit sister, Mary Jo and husband Jewell Tyree - visit Marine friends in West Palm Beach, and then on to their annual vacation at Anna Marie Island, Florida.

Our sincere thanks and appreciation goes to Larry Schelcher and wife Bevy who purchased 18 silk red roses with bountiful weeping greenery in a beautiful crystal vase and delivered them to Dolly Forlines Murphy for Christmas. 100% complimentary of Larry and Bevy. On the card Bevy states: "We love you greatly and continually pray for your recovery. Classmates '53."

In October Dolly Forlines Murphy was visiting, sister and brother in Pennsylvania, and was involved in a very serious car accident. Sister was driving and Dolly received severe head/neck injuries and came within one inch of losing her life says the doctor. Most injuries were in the neck area. Nerves severed in the neck. Dolly was hospitalized in Pennsylvania 36-38 days, but now is home (80 Thomas Blvd N. W., Massillon, OH 44647 330-837-1579). She is now receiving therapy three days a week with home/health nursing care and has a great attitude and great hopes of recovery down this long rocky road of recovery. Great Family Support! Husband is on oxygen full time. There was a fatality in the accident as she lost her brother in law after being hospitalized a few days. Estimated the van that her sister drove out in front of was going 57 mph. She says thanks to all who have sent so many beautiful cards and words of encouragement, gifts and phone calls. Still asking for our prayers! How lucky we are this day to have our "Beloved Dolly" still with us. Short phone calls are appreciated.

Shirley Lee Smith lost a brother, James William Smith 72 of Sandlick; October 23. This is the second brother she has lost in less than two years. Some may recall the first brother; Richard passed three weeks before our 50th Reunion. Now, she has a sister and a Mother in mid 90's. Shirley lives alone in an apartment in Ashland and continues to work part time.

Dorothy Vest McComas has been traveling and visiting family - flew to Dallas to see son and family; Louisiana to see son and family and this is an annual tradition --- Thanksgiving, Birthdays and then Christmas. Also, they have three grandchildren in Michigan.

Eula Mae Shufford Savage has been struggling with health issues since Thanksgiving 2003, but is finally beginning to feel like a human being again. She was hospitalized with a severe kidney infection and came close to loosing her life. This spring she started getting her energy back. This fall she started having mini strokes and on October 8 she had a car accident from a stroke. She is just thankful for each day and says she has had a great husband as a caretaker.

Helen Saul Gilliam visited her daughter in Sarasota, Florida in December.

Norma Sparks Marus sends "Prayers for all grads and good Health, Happiness, and Gods blessing to each & every one of you. Thanks for all the beautiful cards that are lining my stairs and being one of the highlights of my Christmas. Leaving the 22nd for Virginia to spend the Holidays with daughter. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas with special thanks to Shirley for all her hard work for keeping us in touch."

Donald Cromer had a heart attack 2 ½ years ago - doing well at this time. He is loosing weight and staying on a healthy diet. Has about an acre lawn and takes a couple hours each time to mow. Has some poor circulation in his legs. He was happy to see Jim Bailey recently who he says was in a class a couple years ahead of us - Police Chief in Bluefield. He lives in Nemours in a "Small Village near the Pinnacle Park Dam and it is stocked with fish twice a year. He loves to watch them fish --- now they are ice fishing.

Just a little information: There is a DO NOT CALL REGISTRY for cell phones for five years. 1-888-382-1222 (Thanks Flop)

Perino and Myra Massaroni received a letter from Naomi Richard (David's wife") saying one Monday she found him in the tub. His head was rolling, eyes would not focus, and he could not talk. He was taken to E.R. A scan showed that mini strokes had taken place. After that his heart would stop and he'd have a seizure. On Tuesday the doctor told her that a pacemaker was the only way to save him. On Wednesday A. M. he had surgery and came through fine. He is at home and needs everyone to pray for him. David Richardson, 1327 Whitethorn Street, Bluefield, WV 24701. Recent emails state that Mr. Richrdson is recovering and they have seen him when they were in Bluefield, WV.

In Mary Frances McFadden Browns Christmas card she writes: "We weathered the hurricane storms pretty good. No house damage but cost about 14 trees and 50 foot of stoackade fence. The worst part was nine days without power in the #3 Hurricane and four days without power in the #4 Hurricane. We are fine and hope all are the same.

John and Bonnie Lawrence visited family in LA this year and was in Radford, VA this fall. He seems to be having a knee health concern and sometimes has a surprise fall.

The year of 2004 has been a busy time for Lloyd and Shirley Minnick Smith. Looking at each month on the calendar at least four/five days of each week that we are home in Sun City Center, we had something scheduled - between the two of us with doctor, dental, hair, volunteering, and church activities, etc. One highlight of the year was attending Lloyd's 50th High School Reunion, in Bland, Virginia in October when the leaves were in full color and the foliage was so heavy in the mountains. Another frightening experience was the four hurricanes we had in Florida. By God's blessing we escaped all four with little damage - just lost a few shingles from the roof, etc. Believe me it was an experience I shall never forget as we packed one time and was ready to evacuate. Our 47th Anniversary December 7 was a nice celebration with friends from Virginia. Hoping to see and visit our sixth continent sometime this coming year --- all plans depend on health. We are resigning some volunteering assignments in order to do this.

Bobby and Marianna Stoker reported they have had an active year, highlighted by trips to Branson, Missouri, to Chicago, 3 trips to WV & VA, Ashville, NC, to Biltmore Estates. They love visiting with the grandchildren and son is starting procedures to adopt a fourth child. Daughter making plans for her wedding this coming spring. She and "future son-in-law will spend Christmas with them.

Joy Reed Sargent's new email address is: joy8692frank@sunlitsurf.com. Very busy with many activities and would like to retire from some of her volunteer services. Has back arthritis. Mother of three children - one in California, one in Lorton Lick, one deceased. Son retired from Air Force after 22 years. Daughter lives in Charleston, WV. Five grandchildren.. UNIQUE 20th ANNIVERSARY - invited all Montcalm Students she attended school with (seeking one year) and over 200 attended.
Talking to Joy Reed by phone she reminded me that Norma Bowman was killed by car accident over 10 years ago and had two sons. Also, Jack Bailey (not '53) was in the Air Force 8 years - was in Sales for Pocahontas Welding for 20 years. Have 2 girls, 1 boy. Address: Old Bramwell Road, Bramwell, WV - 304-327-5344. (Thanks Joy for the information)

Janice Blevins Pickett had both knees replaced and been on six month leave of absence. Will report back to work at the Cracker Barrel in Princeton, WV. Says that's the best thing she ever did in her life. Still a little pain, but nothing compared??

James Blevins bowls in the senior leagues and is a retired Tipple Boss from Consolidated Coal Company. He helps sister Janice take care of their Mother. James has one daughter in North Carolina.

Good News! Robert "Tuffy Bostic" is in remission with his cancer. Still weak and not 100%, but spends his time doing "Honey Do Jobs around the house." Opportunity to go fishing with railroad buddies at Nags Head and caught a 40 lb fish. Loves his granddaughter who is 14 wanting him to teach her to drive a stick shift Volkswagen.

Earl Bailey, Sr, retired in 1998 with 23 years in the military (one year of that was in Vietnam). Went back to college and received a degree in Business Administration and started working for the government after military service at a government Artillery Center Reservation in Oklahoma for 20 years. His hobby is taking care of his sporting dogs, and enjoys breeding, training and hunting with them. Also, does some photography as time permits mostly of the outdoors and the family, especially the grandchildren. 2 sons, 4 grandchildren. He and wife travel a lot. He is an Alaskan Dog Trainer and a certified field testing Judge. Goes to the WV Family Reunion in August each year whenever possible.

Nancy Mitchell Miller and Donald are having the time of their lives traveling around the US and the World. Denver for Thanksgiving and expecting daughter and nephew for Christmas. They have three trips planned for 2005. - Copper Canyon, North Fjord London, Copenhagen, and Transatlantic to Iceland, Greenland, etc.

Good News from Nancy Tiller Smith as she has had no complications with her heart condition since they put the pacemaker in. Recently learned she has permanent damage to the ear from the antibiotics they had given her and left her with dizziness she is learning to cope with. She is expecting all her family home for Christmas sometime during the holidays and has two granddaughters to be married this year.

Betty Gentle Moulthrop and husband, George have just returned from Connecticut caring for George's 93-year old mother who had a serious emergency operation. Other family members were ill in the area and they visited with them. Betty volunteered a couple of weeks to relieve her three sisters-in-law as a care taker of George's Mother to see if she would still be able to live alone without constant supervision. She was happy to say that she does pretty good --- has some short-term memory loss, can still hear and see fairly well.

Cecil Smith and Nancy of Bluewell - Cecil retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service. Drove the Mercer County School Bus after retiring for several years from service and retired from that a couple years ago due to health issues. They have two children and one grandchild.

AnnaBell Nicewander Thomas is a new great grandmother which made her happy. Says this year has been good for her in Assisted Living - making friends - sees her daughter often - facility had a great Christmas Party for all the residents - Santa is bringing her little dog a new dog collar. Her diabetes is getting worse and causing other health issues. She says, "thanks to those who have called, sent Christmas Gifts, get well and Christmas Cards. and she requests prayers for her family to come together.

Tom Shrewsbury seems to be getting some new jobs in his "Golden Years". Newest job is the "Volunteer Janitor for his Church". How well we remember him leading the troops cleaning the Assembly Hall at Glenwood Park after our class picnic. He also has accepted a part time job in a machine shop in the area. Tom is retired as a machinist from Coppinger's Machine Corporation in Bluewell. He is secretary to the local bowling league and secretary to the association league of 500 memberships. Has a daughter (graduate of Asbury College) and son- in- law who is a minister. Son who is "thinking" of marriage.

Billy Miles is having a fun Christmas - December 20 catered a meal for 50 seniors of his church - did all the cooking himself --- hams, turkeys, pork roasts, etc and all the trimmings. He did not say, but I am guessing and knowing Billy they all took home a bag of fruits of some sort from his orchard. December l1 - 12 - 13th he took some military friends to Disney and was their guide and provided all "free tickets." Approx. three months ago wife, Margie, developed medical problems with her legs. Takes medications and is able to walk short distances, but when they go to Disney with guests he puts her in a wheelchair and off they go and have a great time. Margie lost a brother just a short time ago and sometime during this year she lost her Mother.

I have faith that someone in the Class '53 will volunteer to do the Newsletter for 2005 - "please not EVERYONE step forward and yell MY TURN at the same time." I am glad to help whoever agrees to do this. It would be very helpful if everyone would send a little information for the newletter and it would make it much easier for the person who takes the job next year.
When I sent the Newsletter to 25 classmates 53, I mailed copies of the spouse names; classmate names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, birthdays and anniversary date lists.

As I close the Newsletter for this year I say: A friend is a present you give yourself, and a faithful friend is the medicine of life, true friends are those seeking solitude together, hold a true friend with both hands, and certainly a real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

(Thanks for the wonderful letters, cards, calls, and words of encouragement and compliments I have received this year from doing the Newsletter. It has been my pleasure. Merry Christmas to All. (Forgive me if I have made errors)

Pease keep in touch --- shirley