Waco Town Crier – June 2018

An adapted version of “The Town Crier” sent by Jeanne Harman on May 1, 2018.

58th REUNION

The Waco High Class of 1960 58th Reunion Registration Form is attached. Do not be the last one to respond….Malissa is wanting to hear from you!

FROM OUR GRADUATES

From Judith (Hamff) Murphy:
“Here’s some feedback for my fellow traveling classmates. I made a reservation on-line for the Indigo Hotel. A couple of weeks later I decided I’d check-in with the hotel by phone so that I’m included with the WHS 60 group. There’s a savings of about $75 for the two nights with the group discount.
Thanks to the organizing committee for negotiating this discount! Looking forward to seeing you and the rest of our classmates in October.”

Regarding the safety of David Pettus with the Hawaiian volcanic issues:

“Glad to hear this. Was thinking of him.”
Janell (Buida) Bolton

“Glad all is well with them.”
Tommye Ruth (Blair) Toler

“That’s good news! It looks really bad on television. Thanks for keeping us posted on our classmates’ status. Blessings,”
Kay (Albright) Hofer

Latest word from David Pettus regarding the volcano (May 15, 2018):
“Aloha Jeanne,

“Mahalo for you interest, and aloha to all the classmates!

“Below you will see this morning’s update from the Volcano Observatory. It includes links to sources of information and video footage, and there is even a link to subscribe to these updates if anyone would like to stay current. Fortunately, we can still report that everything is calm in our neck of the woods. We live about 5 miles from Honoka`a, in the Hamakua District, on the oldest and most geologically “settled – down” part of the Big Island, so our location is very fortunate. In addition, the prevailing winds (which come from the East and are called “Tradewinds” because they brought trade from the mainland) are blowing the smoke away from our direction. We have still not seen any smoke or lava except on television. Keeping our fingers crossed, with concern for the many people who have lost their homes about 75 miles south of us. Some geologists say there could be a significantly larger event in the near future, and this could be of concern to us; however, for now we are just counting our blessings.

“In Gratefulness,”
Sherry and Dave Pettus
Honokaa, HI

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY STATUS REPORT
U.S. Geological Survey
Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 9:41 AM HST (Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 19:41 UTC)

KILAUEA VOLCANO (VNUM #332010)
19°25’16” N 155°17’13” W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WARNING
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

Kīlauea Volcano Summit

Ash emission from the Overlook crater within Halemaumau has generally increased this morning compared to previous days. Although varying in intensity, at times the plume contains enough ash to be gray in color. The cloud is rising an estimated 3 to 4,000 feet above the ground, but altitudes are varying with pulses of emission. The ash cloud is drifting generally west and southwest from the Kilauea summit and ashfall is occurring in the Ka’u Desert. Communities downwind are likely to receive ashfall today and should take necessary precautions.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement regarding ashfall, please see: http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/

For information on the hazards of volcanic ash and how to prepare your home or business, please see: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/

Earthquake activity in the summit remains elevated with several strongly felt events at HVO today. Most of these earthquakes are related to the ongoing subsidence of the summit area and earthquakes beneath the south flank of the volcano.

For information on volcanic ash, please see: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/

MORE INFORMATION

Activity Summary also available by phone: (808) 967-8862

Subscribe to these messages: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns2/

Webcam images: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_webcams.html

Photos/Video: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html

Lava Flow Maps: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_maps.html

Definitions of terms used in update: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/definitions.pdf

Overview of Kīlauea summit (Halemaʻumaʻu) and East Rift Zone (Puʻu ʻŌʻō ) eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/background.pdf

Summary of volcanic hazards from Kīlauea eruptions:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/extra/hazards.pdf

Recent Earthquakes in Hawai’i (map and list):
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo/earthquakes/

Explanation of Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/activity/alertsystem/index.php
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3139/

Sondi (Nelson) Pace reports important news about the Massey Foundation that is being formed from the estate funds of our graduate, Jan Massey.

Please know that there is no request for any money! The foundation is to keep alive the dreams and purposes that Jan would want to carry on! There is a hall (Springfield Hall) being built in Limestone County right now with her foundation funds that will open next fall. It will serve the local community for cultural, inspirational, artistic, political, environmental, etc. events that Jan’s dreams would support. It will have a rustic hill county theme and be for the local people to use for art shows, craft shows, speakers, music, and local events. It will have a large main room, kitchen, covered patio, bathrooms, and be on several beautiful acres!

Jan Massey’s niece (and namesake) Jana Raymond has formed this in Jan’s honor with her inheritance and instructions. There is a newsletter of which you can subscribe to on the Foundation’s web page. If you sign up for the newsletter, you will get updates via email on its progress and plans! Check it out.
www.masseyfoundationtx.com

UPDATES

Allan Myers has sold his home in Ohio and has moved to assisted living. He said he absolutely loves it. He gets meals delivered to his room if he wants, he can go to the dining room, and there are all kinds of activities, outings, movie theater and more.

Aren’t these golden years great? I recently landed in the hospital with heart and respiratory failure. The congestive heart failure is progressing and continues to be a little worse and more difficult to return from each hospitalization. I had sinus and ear surgery two weeks ago, and the cardiologist thinks that precipitated the heart and respiratory failure. It doesn’t look like any further surgeries will be possible. I’m too high risk. This time it was a little over a year between hospitalizations.
Kay (Albright) Hofer

After three months of chemo, Jack Martin‘s CT scan revealed several areas of metastasis. The doctors are changing up his drug regimen and will recheck in another 3 months. Please keep Jack in your prayers.

Bob Easter is recovering from gall bladder surgery. I am told he is behaving himself by limiting his activities. To my knowledge he has not been out to the garden to work but I feel certain that is on his list before too long.

Others who need special prayers: Norma (Cissell) Smith, Lynette (Muchow) Baugh, David Peeples, Darrell Gill

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

6 – Erik Spencer
11 – Dorothy (Bryan) McCook
28 – Allan Myers

SHOW AND TELL

Our website guru, Elizabeth Bentley, likes to “play in the mud.” Translated: She is a potter.

Elizabeth has had pieces displayed at the State Fair of Texas (she has a drawerful of ribbons) and also pieces accepted into the juried show sponsored by the Creative Arts Center at the Mary Tomas gallery.

This year, one of Elizabeth’s pieces, “Uncommon Stones” was accepted into ART214, which was a citywide juried exhibition to celebrate art month in April. This was the first year that Dallas hosted this exhibition and there were over 700 entries. Only 192 were chosen for exhibition and displayed at 4 different venues in Dallas: the Bath House Cultural Center, the South Dallas Cultural Center, the Latino Cultural Center, and the Oak Cliff Cultural Center.

Elizabeth’s piece was on display at the Latino Cultural Center from April 12 – May 25. Pictured are her “Uncommon Stones”. Actually, these are not stones at all. They resemble geodes but instead are made of clay, glaze, stains and glass. “Uncommon Stones” is a perfect description for this work of art. Doesn’t it look like the real thing??? Congratulations, Elizabeth!!

To see what else Elizabeth does with the mud, check out her website: http://www.designwiz.com/

Update from Hawaii

Our graduate David Pettus and wife live on the big island of Hawaii. Here is a recent report from Dave (May 6th) regarding his well-being and the recent volcanic activity/earthquakes around his area:

“Aloha Jeanne …
Word is out that the Big Island has had a lot of earthquake activity (124 tremblers today so far) and volcanic eruptions. So… happy to report that all is good where we live. The activity is concentrated about 70 miles south of us. We did feel a couple of the larger shakes, but the intensity here was relatively mild. Not seeing any smoke or lava, except on TV. So far, so good!
Thanks for being in touch. Warm aloha to the classmates.”
In Gratefulness,
Dave

Waco Town Crier – May 2018

An adapted version of “The Town Crier” sent by Jeanne Harman on May 1, 2018.

58th Reunion

Attached is the updated registration form for our 58th reunion. Open the attachment, print the form, and mail to Malissa. Only 5 months away–October will be here before you know it. Be sure to let Malissa know how many people will be in attendance for each function.

For Hotel Reservations
HILTON WACO: 254-754-8484 The Hilton wants ‘explicit’ information so all of this must be given in order to receive the special rates:
Use the local Waco Hilton phone number (254 754-848) and not the 855 reservation number.
Tell the reservation people you want a room under Martha Tim Latta, WHS Class of 60, confirmation number #3429451071
Be sure to modify payment to your very own credit card number, making certain it reflects the credit card number of the individual using the room.
Group Rate cutoff date: September 24

HOTEL INDIGO WACO-BAYLOR: 254-754-7000 Click Here to make reservations for WHS Class of 60
or call the Indigo (254-754-7000)and give this information
code: WHS Class of 60.
Per: Wendy (Sales)
Group Rate cutoff date: September 18

Schedule for the Reunion

Tuesday Evening: The Phoenix Ballroom, 5:30 to 11:00 PM
6 PM to 8 PM heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, tea and coffee, cash bar

Wednesday morning: The Phoenix Ballroom, 9 to 11 AM
9 AM Coffee/tea, 9:30 to 11: AM Hot Breakfast/Brunch Buffet

Wednesday all afternoon in the Phoenix Ballroom: – visit with friends, renew acquaintances and “hang out” -coffee and tea available

Wednesday Evening: The Phoenix Ballroom, 5:30 to 11:00 PM
6 to 8 PM Dinner Buffet, tea and coffee, cash bar– then afterwards stay and visit until time to say “So Long” until we meet again.

From Our Graduates

“Speaking of Chip and Joanna Gaines, my Grandparents’ home premiered on March 20 “Pakistan Comes to Waco“– you can watch it on HGTV Fixer Upper. The farm and original house was built by the McLennan Family in 1880. It was enlarged and the farm was featured in a farm and home magazine after my grandfather bought it. It was the first to have electricity and my grandfather owned the first car dealership in McGregor. The house was in our family for 100 years and our family is so excited it has a chance to be loved as we loved it for the next hundred years. I have been invited for a tour with some of my cousins soon. My Dad was born in this house in 1916 and I lived in it on 2 different periods in my early childhood.”
– Gwen (Ewing) Hodges

“I enjoyed hearing about Malissa’s (Starnes) Baugh granddaughter, Marlie. I watched a couple of videos about her on youtube.com. Also found a special video on Malissa and hubby. Very nice.”
Tommie Ruth (Blair) Toler

“Nothing new here in Nebraska—we are hoping Spring arrives soon, but since snow is forecast for Easter Sunday, I’m not sure when that happens. I continue to search out antiques and collectibles for my ever-so-small antique business, and love the hunt. My main focus centers on antique dolls, but I love other antiques/collectible/vintage items also. Wishing all a blessed Easter.”
Clara Sue (Griffis) Arnsdorff

Updates

Bob Easter recently had gallbladder surgery after a week of some pretty rough attacks. He is currently at home recuperating. For those of you who have had gallbladder attacks, you know how painful it can be. Get well soon, Bob, but do not go back to work in the garden too quickly. Remember, our bodies do not mend as quickly as when we were younger.

May Birthdays

2- Terrell Reagan
5- Carol Leskin Allen
11- Carol Adams Scarborough
13- Tom Kittlitz
14- Tom Chambless
15- Darrell Gill
23- Janene Loftis Jett
26- Kay Albright Hofer

Show and Tell

Tim (Lasseter) Latta’s talent is that of Designer.

Tim said fwhen she was about 10 years old, she started drawing house plans and decided at an early age that she wanted to be an architect. Because of that, when she was in WHS she signed up for mechanical drawing and was the only girl in the class. She said she did not have the math aptitude for architecture so at the guidance of her father, she received a BBA in Human Resources.

In the beginning, Tim had several career changes but while living in Dallas, she and her hubby had the opportunity to purchase several rental properties. She took on the task of remodeling these properties. That just whet her appetite and after several years of much extra education in the field of design, she qualified for membership in the American Society of Interior Designers.

Tim has been perfecting her talent and been in business since 1988. She said she has clients who became friends and friends who became clients. Most of her expertise is in residential (specializing in kitchen and bathroom designs as well as the maximization of small spaces); however, she is currently designing a restaurant in Denton, Texas. Tim has won different awards, has been published in magazines, and always seeks the best in contractors, workroom, and vendors for her clients. She said one of these days she might retire but because of her love and enjoyment of what she does, retirement is not yet on her drawing board.
Take a look at her website: www.tldesigngroup.com Very pretty indeed!

I could surely use some work and remodeling in my home….I wonder if she gives a special rate to her friends? Haha.

Here are some examples of Tim’s talents:

Pictures

In the January issue of the Town Crier, a picture was posted of several of us at a dance—Fishpond or someplace where we used to dance. There was a fellow standing over to the right of the picture looking at the dancers on the dance floor. That fellow was Chris Ruebeck Wonder if he was thinking about “cutting in” on someone? Remember those days of cutting in? He does look as though he is in thought as to whether or not he should make the move. Okay, Chris…..what were you thinking? That was only about 60 years ago—surely you can remember! Haha.

Also Identified: This girl has been identified as Ellen Conaway. She was in the class picture at North Junior High School (featured in January issue of Crier)

Tommye Ruth (Blair) Toler ran across her WHS class ring and had it repaired. How many of you are still in possession of your class ring?
Pat Payne is at it again! As you know, Pat and Patty (his wife) live in Naples, Florida at Wyndemere, a golfing community. Naples happens to be the Pickleball Capital of America and recently hosted the 2018 US Open Pickleball Championships. Over 2,000 competitors from 47 states and 17 countries flocked to Naples to vie for titles. Pat Payne and his partner, Chip Bachman also from Wyndemere, won first place (Gold Medal) in the 75+ (3.0 skill level) age bracket and the Silver Medal in the 75+ age open. Two others from the Wyndemere community won the gold in the 65+ (3.5 skill level) age bracket.

What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two, three, or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net.

Pictured left are the Wyndemere winners—L-r Chip Bachman (whose grandfather was head football coach for A&M in 1904), Pat Payne, Scoot Dimon and Jerry Sloan. You just don’t find Pat too far away from A&M connections! This is what I call “enjoying retirement”—and Congratulations!