HHS CLASS 55 NEWSLETTER # 7 MARCH 2007
Hello folks. Do you think Spring is on the way? For us folks in the north it sure has been cold but it won’t be long and warm weather will be here to stay. Isn’t it funny that the older we get the less we like the cold. Remember how we use to be out sledding late in the evening and would be half froze when we came in. Well that’s enough of that!!!!!
The March luncheon was held on Thursday, March 1 and there were approximately 111 people attending. We had to add some places for seating – it is very important that you let either Millie or I know that you are coming so the room can be set for enough people. If you received a notice of the luncheon by e-mail please e-mail me back for a reservation. You will not be called if you are on the e-mail list!!! Only those that are on the mailing list will be called. The e-mail notice will be sent about 2 weeks before the luncheon or you can mark you calendars now – June 7, September 6, and December 6. This is advance notice so all you out-of-towners can plan to attend. It would be great to see you.
We had a great time and good food. We did not take up a collection this time as I have enough money to mail the March newsletter. I will share some pictures at the end of the newsletter.
News from the luncheon –
Darlene Weller is improving and hopes to make the next luncheon. So glad to hear this and looking forward to seeing her. If you would like to send her a note – the address is 31 Tudor Ct, Lutherville MD 21093.
Ron Weagley. Some of you are not aware of Ron’s illness, so I will share the info I received. While Alice and Ron were visiting family at Christmas he got very sick. He was admitted in St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore. He was diagnosed with GBS (Guillain Barre Syndrome). He lost his mobility (arms and legs). They stayed in the Baltimore area until he was able to go back home in Florida. He later went to rehab in the Baltimore area.
On January 28th, He was taken back to the hospital at U. of Md in the ICU unit and later transferred to the Respiratory ICU unit. He was getting some mobility back in his arms and legs.
February 23, I received this e-mail from Alice: ”Ron is doing well and is to be discharged from Kernan Rehab Hospital in Baltimore on Tuesday, February 27th. He is currently walking with a cane and seems to be gaining strength each day, so
our "roller coaster ride" is becoming smoother.
We are looking to return home in Florida on March 17th, where he will continue the process, hopefully to full recovery.
Our deepest appreciation to all our friends and classmates for the many cards, thoughts and prayers, which we know played an important part in Ron's recovery.
You are welcome to use this information for the newsletter, as I know first hand how valuable that communication has become for all.
Thank you again and our love to all, Alice”
This is great news and if you would like to have Ron’s Florida address it is: 306 Swallow Tail Lane, Sebastian Fl 32958.
That brings me to another question. I have had many requested for a list of classmates
e-mail addresses. I have not given them out because some have asked me not to. If you do not want your e-mail given out, please let me know and I will not pass it on. I send all the letters out as Blind Copies because of this. Please let me know if you do not want your e-mail given out to other classmates. Thanks
SURGERYS & ILLNESSES - During January to March.
Peggy Barnes Koontz had knee replacement surgery on January 17. I understand she is doing well. Carrie Lee Reel Breeden helped her with her exercises in the hospital. Can you imagine the giggles from that hospital room? Peggy’s address is 10659 Bower Avenue, Williamsport MD 21795.
Tom Long had prostate surgery recently and according to Joe Little, he is doing quite well. His address for cards is: 35 Whittier Heights, Hagerstown Md 21742.
Donald Sprankle has not been feeling to good lately. Send him a card and prayers. 18828 Preston Road, Hagerstown MD 21742
DEATHS:
Joan Harbaugh Forsyth died January 26, 2007. Here is a copy of her obit.
CLEAR SPRING - Joan Lorraine Forsyth, 69, of 14015 Dry Run Road, died Friday, Jan. 26, 2007, at her home.
She was a 1955 graduate of Hagerstown High School.
.She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Carl Wingert Forsyth of Clear Spring; one son, Christopher C. Forsyth of Clear Spring; one stepson, Mitch V. Forsyth of Havre, Mont.; one sister, Darlene Crandell of The Villages, Fla.; one brother, Nelson Harbaugh of Hagerstown; one granddaughter; two step granddaughters; and nieces and nephews.
The family request the omission of flowers. Memorial donations may be made to Virginia Avenue Church of God, 17306 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21740; or to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.
Richard (Dickie) Ringer died on December 17, 2006. After Wells Ridenour talked with his cousin, he e-mailed me and I called for info. Carrie Lee called his fiancé in Indiana and she said he died in December of lung cancer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those dear to him.
Al Davis – A teacher that a lot of you will remember passed away on January 10, 2007.
Also, Dottie Hopkins Forbes lost her father on March 10th. Her address is 1181 Wayne Avenue, Hagerstown MD 21742-3045.
NOTES – I have received several notes since the last newsletter was sent out and I would like to share with you.
Wanda Kaetzel Zimmerman –“Thank you for your newsletter. I was really happy to receive it – I wanted to attend the 50th reunion but was unable to. I graduated from Nurses training in 1958 – retired in 1995. Had 3 children, 6 grandchildren. Lost my husband of 42 years in December 1999. Have traveled quite a bit – Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Figi, Japan and Africa. Can’t wait to attend (hopefully) your next get-together in March. Wanda” - Sorry you could not make the March luncheon. Sure would like to see you at the June or September luncheon.
Gloria Rohrer Smith –
“Just a note from Frostproof FL to let you know how much I appreciated the newsletter. We hope to be up that way in June for the luncheon. We’ll be coming up for our oldest grandson’s graduation. It will be nice to see everyone. It’s been a while. Gloria Rohrer Smith PS It really isn’t always frostproof – just most of the time.” Sure was good to hear from you. I did not realize that so many of our classmates are living in Florida.
Shirley & Sherman Perry – “Thanks you for the hard work for the Class of ’55 . Sherman & I moved to Winter Springs, Fl and have arranged to attend the High School Class Reunion here in Longwood FL at the end of January. Sorry we came to MD too late for your luncheon. We had come for Christmas with the children and grandchildren in the Westminster area. We will be married 51 years next week. They said it wouldn’t last. Thinking about coming back north to a retirement community. Been looking around. Health is becoming a problem. Give our love to all and keep the letter coming. Sincerely, Shirley ’54 and Sherman Perry ‘55” Sure would be nice to see you guys. I don’t think I have seen Sherman since graduation.
Glenda Churchey – Received a nice note from Glenda with a donation toward the expense of sending out the newsletter. Thanks Glenda. With the help of donations I received and the collection from the December luncheon, I was able to send out December and March newsletters.
E-MAILS RECEIVED. Sara Ann Stahl Bentley. “Greetings from Redding, CA: What a nice surprise to receive newsletter #6. I was in MD visiting my sister and attended our 50th reunion. It was wonderful seeing all the classmates. I have lived here in Redding since the early 70's. Had one son and two daughters, one daughter passed away a year ago. Also have four grandsons. Have been a widow for two and a half years. I do lots of volunteer work, am in a book club, do lots of gardening and yard work, and travel. A 14 day trip to Alaska is the next little jaunt in June 07. Was so glad to receive the newsletter. Such a great way to keep in touch. Hope to hear from some of you soon”.
Mary Grimes Dahbura “If it is any consolation, the temperature here in Naples, Florida today is 55. I have heard that it is very cold in Hagerstown so I will take this cold spell here. When will there be a new newsletter from Hagerstown High coming. I sure have enjoyed all of the others. I will be back in Hagerstown in May and hope that I will be able to get to another luncheon. You surely do a great job in keeping us informed of class members. Wish someone had thought of that sooner. We need to have a class reunion here in Florida. I am sure there must be a lot of snow birds from Hagerstown '55 here. Hope to hear from you soon.”
Jessie Mauk – “Just a line to say hello and let you know all is well out here in California. Many thanks for the wonderful job you are doing, trying to keep everyone informed. I am sure a lot of us remember Mr. Al Davis, the boys gym teacher at H H S. I just read that he passed away on Wed. the 10th of this month. I sure do think of the old hometown and the good old days of H H S. Hope all of you are well and have a great NEW YEAR. Hope to see some of you this summer.” If you are planning to return to MD this summer hope you can make our luncheon. I know everyone would like to see ya.
Hugh Snively –“I really appreciate the addresses and the service you are providing. I tell many of my friends about our high school class and how we are actively staying in touch. To a person, they have never heard of another example such as this and theyjust marvel at it. Most thengo silent for a momentwith a wistful expression. One knows they just took a short trip down their own memory lane. Thanks again for all your efforts.” I gave Hugh some e-mail addresses. Isn’t it wonderful that we can get in contact with some of our classmates that we haven’t seen in years? That is why I enjoy doing this newsletter so much.
Sandy Gelow Ames –“Yesterday, January 27th, My husband and I along with Doris and Dave Sanders attended the Third Annual Florida Gathering of Hagerstown High School grads. There were 114 people in attendance ranging from HS Class of 1949 to 1965. That includes NHH and SHH. Those representing the class of 1955 besides Doris and myself were: Barbara Morrison Deneen, Sherman Perry, Wells Ridenour and Bonnie Sowers Lizer. Dave Sanders' class of 1954 had 15 grads in attendance. The class of 1953 that started this annual reunion has the largest representation with 24 attending and the class of 1956 came in third with 11. I think the class of 1955 needs a larger representation next year. After all, aren’t we the brightest and the best of all the classes that graduated from HHS? The food was great and the entire weekend is filled with activities that you can participate in if you so desire. When information is released for next year, I will pass it on to you.”
Wells Ridenour – “There was a HHS Florida reunion in Longwood, FL. A great time was had by all. Fri. was a golf outing, a cruise on Lake Dora, and in the evening a
dinner. Sat. was a get together from 10:30 to 4:00PM. There were 114 in
attendance from classes from 1949-1965.
Members from 1955: Sandy Gelow Ames -Trenton, Mich
Doris Lynch Sanders - Melbourne, FL
Barbara Morrison Deneen - Palm Coast, FL
Sherman Perry - Winters Springs, FL
Wells Ridenour - Boonsboro, MD
Bonnie Sowers Lizer - Indialatic, FL”
This is a copy of the picture that was in the Daily-Mail. Scanning took away some effect.
Front Row – Bonnie Sowers Lizer, Doris Lynch Sanders, Sandy Gelow Ames . Barbara Morrison Deneen
Back Row – Wells Ridenour and Sherman Perry
I am sending out 226 copies of this newsletter (a little shorter version) to all those who still use snail mail. Lets hear from some of you about where you are, what you have been doing for the last 50 years. It sure is nice to catch up with our classmates after such a long time. Just send them to me .
On February 10, 2007 Mr. Al Davis passed away. In remembrance of him, I would like to pass this picture along. .
Row 1, Irene Huyett, Margaret Frey, Peggy Brown, JoAnn Smith, Suzanne Marken, Helen Cowden, Charlotte Cantner
Row 2, John Palkovitz, JoAnn Armstrong, Herb Sprecher, Mr Al Davis, Joanne Mullendore, Bruce Moats, Bobbi Snyder, Tom Johnson
Row 3, Bob Martin, Marion Brandenburg, Ronald Jackson, Carrie Lee Reel, Bob Mann, Delores Glosser, John Young, Tom Stenger
Row 4, Larry Sanders, Earl Ridenour, Joe Little, Richard Wolf, Dave Duffey, Wilson O'connell, Lanny McCardell
Row 5, Ken Brining, John Erb, Bob Yancy, Don Snook
Ok folks, I am trying something new. Thanks to my genius of a grandson, I am including some picture from the luncheon in this newsletter. If this works, I may try it again. I guess we are never to old to learn new things. Hope you enjoy these and know some of these peop
Picturs from the March luncheon. It looks like Twigg and Yancy got in most of the pictures, you might know!!!!
The greeters – Millie and Norma Art Class – Fred Kail – Mr. Roberts Gary Rumbaugh
The Chow lineWe’re waiting on food!!!!
The girls in the cornerFeeding our faces
Twigg’s table – with YancyLee & Louise Snyder & Yancy
This is something we don’t like to talk about but the Reunion Committee would like to know of any deaths and if possible to send a copy of the obituary. There is money set aside for donations to charities in the name of deceased classmates. We don’t want to slight anyone but we need your help in getting us the information. You can e-mail the info to me and I will pass it on to Nelson Turner (who is keeping these records) or send it to Jean Douty Oberholzer, 302 Radcliffe Ave, Hagerstown, Md 21740.
The next luncheon will be held on June 7th, 2007 at the Mountain Gate Restaurant in Waynesboro PA. Mark your calendar now! Will send out more later. Remember, if you get an e-mail – send your reservation by e-mail, you will not be called by phone. Thanks.
Hope you have a very enjoyable Spring and a Happy Easter.
Petie Klipp Ausherman
4117 Leitersburg Road
Wayneboro PA 17268
717-762-7805
PS: Latest e-mail. - Our first great grandchild, Morgan Grace, weighing 5 lbs 10 oz,was born Friday, March 9th. Her proud parents are our granddaughter, Katie, and her husband, David. My Mom, who just turned 90,liveshere in Indy too and it was wonderful to see her rocking Morgan. We are truly blessed. Pat Pearson Greene Greats are just great!!!