Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith
Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton
HAVE YOU
HEARD?
IT'S A ONCE IN
A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY
Did you ever live in Clarksburg, WV, and are now
relocated in the south? Want to possibly see some old friends or neighbors?
Come and join us for a picnic in Sarasota Fl
March 9 2019
10:30 am-4:00 pm
This opportunity will NEVER be offered again! I
promise, I just want to see everyone once more and this may be our last time
together.
And if you are planning on coming, please write and
tell me. I want to know how many are planning on coming. We look forward to
seeing you there.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com.
When emailing, please always include:
1. Your
Complete Name
2. Your
School's Name
3. Your Year If
and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
I know it is hard to tell what two more months might
bring but I want the picnic to be on your calendar so you won’t miss out by
having planned something else on that date! That way we have no excuse to miss
it! Right?
The picnic will be held at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota, Fl. (Click on their website link for more
information and the location of the park.) It is about ½ mile off or I-75. Very easy to find.
Each person or couple should bring a covered dish and their own drink. Meat
will be provided. Table covering, plates, cups, napkins and dinner wear will also
be provided.
Any questions?
When
emailing, please always include:
4. Your Complete Name
5. Your School's Name
6. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
From: Jay Sharp (WI 1959)
My
sister has reached the 90-year-old mark and thank God her mind is still sharp
and clear. In a telephone conversation with her the other day, she asked me if
I remembered the water fountain on Main Street.
Do you
remember the water fountain on Main Street?
Where
was it located?
How big
was it?
Was it
on the sidewalk or the middle of the street?
Write and share your memories to Roleta1@aol.com.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
LAZARUS
From: Nancy Swing (WI 1961)
Congratulations to Nancy Swing (WI 1961). Her book, Lazarus,
has indeed been published. She received a five Star Review from Readers’
Favorite.
Click here for more information on the review.
DESCRIBE THE STUDY HALL AT WI
Let’s pretend, I am a stranger to the school...
Where is the study hall? What does it look like? Who is in charge?
Describe your memories to me.
Write to Roleta1@aol.com and tell us what you know.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
Below
is a letter from Aretta Radcliffe, Jaranko. She graduated from WI in 1940 and is
approximately 96 years of age. Arreta is not feeling too well but she wrote to
the newsletter. She describes some memories of WI. Won’t you please support the
newsletter by writing to and share some of your memories with us? I am sure Arreta
will enjoy reading them. Your memories may be different although they are very similar.
Write and share your memories to Roleta1@aol.com.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
From: Arreta Radcliffe Jaranko (WI 1940)
I
remember the big Study Hall at WI, do you? I helped Miss Griffin in the library
when I was a senior. I liked doing that. When I was a Junior, I had Miss Taylor
for English. She encouraged us to read so she had lists of books for us to
borrow from the library and the more books you read, the better your grade I
looked forward to study hall. it would be full of very quiet students and I
would read. One day I was reading, I don't remember which book it was, but I
was so deep into it that I laughed out loud at a funny part. Wow, I realized
where I was and looked up at Miss Buzzard, the teacher there, but no one even
paid attention and she just smiled at me, knowing why I had laughed. Another
book I read was Pygmalion. I had a hard time with that one because of the
dialect. It was hard for me to make any sense of it. We had to give Miss Taylor
an oral summary of the books we said we had read. Don't know how I got by with
that one, but I did. One time I saw Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady"
and saw it was based on "Pygmalion"!!!
Thanks
to you and your sister and Bill for the Newsletter, my dear.
With
Love, Arreta
From: Roleta1@aol.com
In
August I asked for people who were blessed enough to have a book published to
please write and tell me about it. I heard from 6 people! I also recently asked
for people to write about what they had done with their life after high school,
I think I heard from 2 people.
I don’t know how to inspire you to write? Do you?
Write and tell me!
I don’t know how to inspire you to write? Do you?
Write and tell me!
Please... please... please write to Roleta1@aol.com.
And as always, please remember to include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)
I have
read John Jett's book, "My Life on Horner Run" a few times and every
time I read it, there is something that reminds me of growing up visiting my
grandparents in Cooks Mine and Hepzibah. It is a great book to explain to your
grandchildren "how it used to be". They chuckle at first but after
you get their attention by smacking them (just kidding) they do seem interested when you
explain just how it was growing up. John really had a lot of details about how
it was in the "Holler" with transportation in and around Pennsboro
during World War II. John said this was a good way to pass on the family
history at that time. John did a great job reflecting this.
I
encourage those interested to get John's book.
From:
Tim Corsini (WI 1951)
Joe Malone told me you were concerned about using the photo of Naomi and me in
the November Newsletter. Loved it!! Naomi was delighted to be a part of the
Newsletter. When Naomi and I lived in Florida (Naples), we went to a reunion at
her Miami Jackson High, class of 1955. Naomi and I have traded a lot of stories
about our early experiences. High school was right up there.
And we
are honored that you thought enough of our visit with Joe to publish the
picture. That visit was a highlight for me. I think that's what it's about.
From: Gloria Caruso
Shaffer (WI 1958)
Regarding the article on DIAGRAMMING
I
certainly remember Miss Taylor and our little notebook and the box of 8
crayons.
crayons.
In
reading the letters you received, I noticed no one mentioned the Burl Ives
records we had to listen to. Am I mistaken? Was it Miss Taylor or another
teacher that tortured us with old scratchy records. I can’t remember why we had
to listen to them.
I do agree
with everyone about the diagramming - I know the parts of speech.
Of
course, I can remember clear back to Central Jr High and having to memorize prepositions.
I can still recite them, but cannot remember the name of the teacher. She gave
a test on them and we had to write them.
DECEMBER MYSTERY PEOPLE
FIRST MYSTERY
PEOPLE PICTURE
From James Fragale (WI 1958)
First Mystery Picture:
Front Row: James A. Fragale, next to probably Anthony Julian. Behind Anthony, maybe Bobbi (Barbara Johnson).
Don't know the rest. It could have been a skating rink night. Uncertain. Looking forward to other identifications.
Wishing you a wonderful Holiday.
From: Roleta Smith Meredith (Roleta1@aol.com)
My guesses are:
Front Row: Jim Fragale, Anthony Julian,
Second Row: Babette (Leslie) Holland Sullivan, Roleta Smith Meredith, Jim Martin, Bobbie Johnston, John Iaconis
Back Row: Mike Moore, Marty Ashland, Fred Alvaro.
SECOND MYSTERY PEOPLE PICTURE
EDITOR’S
NOTE: Apparently no one recognized any of these boys.
Anyone else have any guesses? Anyone remember where any of these pictures
were taken?
If you do, please write to Roleta1@aol.com.
When emailing, please always include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
JANUARY MYSTERY PICTURE
Pictured
above is a dance class picture. Do you recognize anyone?
Do you
know what school? What year was it taken?
Write
your guesses and any memories you might have to Roleta1@aol.com.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
GALETTES
From:
Tina Bohlman Romanus (WI 1964)
My father, Howard Bohlman of Northview, always made
the traditional Christmas cookie of Clarksburg, West Virginia called gallettes.
Using the old waffle iron that only made two at a time he would sit at the
kitchen table for hours patiently and lovingly making galettes.
They were extremely time and labor intensive. When I
moved to California, he would send me a huge box of them every Christmas. I
miss those cookies. The origin of the recipe is debatable. I was told the
recipe came from Belgian glassworker immigrants, who came to West Virginia to
work in the glass industry. Some people say these cookies are French. The term
galette has a looser definition that is tied to the French word galet, meaning
a smooth, flat pebble. Today, however, the term galette is used primarily
to refer to rather rustic, free-form pie-made with a single crust of pastry or
bread dough.
Belgian Iron Cookies were called gaulettes but somehow
that translated to galette. In Clarksburg, yet we spell it gallette. The French
gallette bears little resemblance to our cookies. Some recipes call them
Belgium French cookies as if Belgium is a city in France, not a separate country.
A similar confusion exists in West Virginia when some people inexplicably still
think West Virginia is not a state but the western part of Virginia. I can’t
tell you how many times over the years I say I’m from West Virginia and the
person I’m speaking with will say something like, “Oh yeah. I visited Richmond
once.” I digress.
These cookies are the most delicious cookies I’ve ever
eaten. It must be all that butter. I love them when they are about three days
old: great for dunking in coffee. I’d love your recipes for gallettes. I was
given a tip about making them. Always refrigerate the dough the night before
you cook on the iron.
Joyeux Noël, Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings, Happy
Chanukah and Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Festivus for the rest of us.
Please send your recipe(s) to Roleta1@aol.com.
I will publish them in the newsletter.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY FAMILY
PICTURE CONTEST
Do you take a family picture at Christmas/Winter
holiday when the family gets together? If so, a challenge has been made and a prize
will be given!
Joe Malone (WI 1952) has suggested that we run a
contest in the January newsletter. You send me your best family photo taken
this year during the Christmas/Winter Holiday.
You must tell us about the picture. Where was it taken
and the names of family members pictured.
You must sign your letter with your name, school from
which you did or would have graduated and the year of same.
The picture must arrive at my computer by February 20th.
* Joe, Roleta, Jalon and Bill will not be in the contest.
Joe will be the single and sole judge of who wins. It
is his game so it is his rules!
The
winner gets $200.00 worth of tickets for the 2019 WIN Scholarship Quilt raffle
in March.
Tickets will be in the winner’s name and will be paid for by Joe
Malone!
This
helps you and helps the scholarship too! Yeah! THANKS
Joe Malone!
EDITOR’S
NOTE:
FIRST ENTRY
Bill and
Margaret Peters with children and their spouses. Christmas 2018
CHANGE:
Willard (Bud) Wheelock (WIHS 1960) changed to monvalleyrr@gmail.com
DELETE:
Bill Fowler (WI 1959) and Rebecca Ann 'Becky' Stalnaker Fowler (WI 1960) wfowler12@cfl.rr.com
This
email will be removed from our list as it is no longer working. If you can get in touch
with these people, tell them that if they want the newsletter to please contact
me at Roleta1@aol.com.
IT IS A SMALL WORLD
From:
Jim Ashley (WI 1962)
In the
category of “small world” associations, Sally Pulice’s letter in the December
issue noted that she and two of her classmates had become speech pathologists
and mentioned another friend, Joe Stemple, as a member of the faculty at the
University of Kentucky. My older son’s true love, Hanna Prince, is a speech pathologist
at the UK Medical Center and I asked her if she knew the name. Her response, “He
is a huge researcher here at UK on the academic/outpatient side. A lot of my
coworkers worked with him on their PhDs as well”. My son is moving to Lexington
to join Hanna, so I’ve alerted him and Hanna to casually say, “We hear you’re
from Clarksburg” if they ever have the chance to meet Dr. Stemple.
From
Roleta Smith Meredith (Roleta1@aol.com)
One of
my SMALL WORLD stories: Bill and I moved into a new condo in Ohio in May, 2018.
Soon after moving in, a man living in another new condo across the street came
over to our driveway and was talking to Bill. I walked outside and Bill called
me over to meet Mark Heater. I said - just joking, “Oh, I bet you are my
cousin.” He said that wasn’t possible as his family was from a small town in
central West Virginia. I told him mine was too. He said they were from Summit,
WV. Bill told him that he must mean Sutton as there isn’t a Summit, WV. Mark
agreed it was Sutton. I told him that Sutton was the county seat of Braxton
County and that was where my family was from.
I asked
him what high school his parents graduated from and he said they graduated from
a high school that they call WI. Which he thought was a funny name. I told him
that WI stood for Washington Irving and that is where I went to school.
They
were older but he was really surprised when I asked him if he would like to see
his parent’s graduation pictures. He just couldn’t understand why I would know
about his parent’s. He called his wife over and we went in to our condo and I
called up the WI Newsletter on my laptop and went to the HISTORY section, chose
the YEARBOOKS and found his father and then his mother. They were amazed.
This
was thanks to TIM CORK! I just knew he was a relative but did not know that he
was such a close relative. My daughter has done our genealogy and told me Mark
is my 5th cousin. It is a “small world”. We didn’t know each other
even existed but now we are neighbors!
EDITOR’S
NOTE: Do you have a “It’s a SMALL WORLD story?”
Write
and share it with us. Write to Roleta1@aol.com.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT
From:
Barbara Charles
Counter pane block (above) - Finally
found a pattern that I could use with the pieces of fabric and made it today!
From: Mary
Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)
I have
completed my block for the 2019 WI quilt (above) and sent it to Sue Moats. The December
issue of the Newsletter is fantastic!
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas
with your family.
PURCHASE YOUR QUILT TICKETS TODAY
THIS IS THE ONLY MONEY RAISER WE HAVE FOR
THE WASHINGTON IRVING
NEWSLETTER SCHOLARSHIP
THIS SCHOLARSHIP HELPS A GRADUATE FROM
R.C. BYRD HS WITH COLLEGE EXPENSES
THIS IS OUR 13TH QUILT
If you
are interested in helping us with the funding of the Washington Irving
Newsletter Scholarship and paying it forward to a student graduating from R.C
Byrd High School, won’t you please buy your tickets today?
Time is
running out.
We have
raised less than $3,500.00 so far. This is
the lowest response we have had in years.
Tickets cost 6 for $5.00, 12 for $10.00, and 24 tickets for
$20.00
and on and on and on.
Here’s how to get your tickets for the quilt drawing:
Make check payable to Roleta G. Meredith c/0 WIN Scholarship
Mail your check to Roleta Meredith
3201
Charles MacDonald Dr.
Sarasota,
FL 34240
Be sure to include your name, school and year of graduation
in the envelope.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE
SCHOLARSHIP
The following is a list of people we received checks from in December. Tickets have been made
out in the following names:
Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)
Thank you, Jim for your continued support of the newsletter
over the last 19-1/2 years. Jim actually was a huge support of mine when things
got tough for me, Jim always came through.
John Teter (WI 1961)
Thank you for your continued support of the scholarship and
for your continued interest in the newsletter.
Babe Bisping Cushman (WI 1956) and husband Stu.
Thank you for all of the help for the scholarship.
Dorothy Hughes Shaffer (WI 1952).
Thank you for your gift to the WIN Scholarship.
DECEMBER LETTER FROM
THE 2018 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
From: Haley Thomas (R.C. Byrd HS 2018)
WIN SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
It has
been a busy month! Finals went well! I enjoyed my first semester. Really glad
it is Christmas break though, it has been a busy semester.
I am so
excited to see what second semester has in store for me!
Talk to
you soon,
Haley
FEED SACKS
From:
Sandy Zickefoose Lindke (WI 1956)
My
mother made play cloths, blouses, dish towels, pillow cases and even some of my
school clothes from feed sacks that relatives gave her. Those items never did
wear out but the printed patterns would fade away with many washings and the sun.
The material was sturdy and sometimes scratchy.
From:
Sandy Squires Beverly (WI 1956)
Lived
with Grandparents out in the country near Good Hope, no idea why.
Grandma
had chickens, hogs and a cow, therefore feed sacks.
Uncle
Dick Sommerville worked at West End Feed and gave her any that had burst open,
so on an old tread sewing machine she made dresses by gaslight. I have a
picture from 1942 in one she made me and smocked it on the top. Most were solid
colors. I have given our oldest daughter one she made.
Also
used some to make hand-made quilts of which I have two. One had tag dated 1929.
Amazing
the colors are still bright as to my knowledge have never been washed or
cleaned.
From: Roleta1@aol.com
My family never had farm animals or any animal that
would cause us to buy feed in feed sacks. However, some way or the other, my
mother always had some. I wore feed sack dresses a lot until I was about 8
years of age. I didn’t mind wearing them at home, as play clothes, but I hated
to wear them to school.
Sports Editor: Bill Meredith
(Monongah HS 1957)
billmere@aol.com
please email our Sports editor with your comments, questions and especially your memories
IS LOYALTY TO YOUR TEAM OLD
FASHIONED?
HERE IS A LINK to an excellent article at BlueGoldNews.com covering the
decisions of two WVU players to skip their team's bowl game.
From:
Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)
OMG Bill, I don't know where I've been. I just got a
Christmas card from John Harrison (12/14) congratulating me for winning the
contest for the WV Football team final record.
I am really getting old. I thought I had read the
Dec. newsletter. I am now reading it. I'm really excited about winning. When I
do receive the gift, I will gladly send my picture with it. (see below) Hell, I may take a
picture of my whole family with it. (Yea, trying to get them together all at
one time would be a task). Man, I am really excited.
I enjoy the sports section. I may ride up to Lake
Burton, just about 1 hour from my house and get a picture of Saban's 12-million-dollar
home. Show what a Monongah Po Boy can do when he has determination and of
course some great football players.
Again, thank you Bill, and of course your roommate
and her sister for a wonderful newsletter as usual.
Have a great holiday.
Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful whole
family.
IT PAYS TO PARTICIPATE
I'm
really going to enjoy the soft blanket and the 'eer cap. I just wished I would
have won these by predicting an undefeated season. These are nice gifts you
picked out. I'll get many hours of "recliner sleep" with the blanket
around me.
I wish
you and Roleta a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hopefully you
can spend it with family.
DO YOU LIKE HORSES?
What’s
3.5 times the size of Central Park, has more rings than Saturn and is green and
awesome all over?
Check
out this link for an article on the new World Equestrian Center coming to Ocala, Florida in 2019.
Thanks
to Marolyn Tustin Jett (WI 1956) for sending me the link.
R C Byrd Basketball
R W Throwback Uniforms
On
February 12 2019 at 7:30 PM, the R C Byrd basketball team will be wearing the
red and grey of Roosevelt Wilson High School for their home game against East
Fairmont. If you are interested in purchasing R W apparel to wear to the game
or any other time, click on this link.
Good
luck to Coach Bill Bennett and his Eagles for a great season.
READER SURVEY
As the
football season winds down and the basketball season picks up steam, I wondered
how our readers felt about an item concerning Will Grier that has been in the
news lately. Also, after a less than spectacular start by the WVU basketball
team, I wanted their opinion on this team's future.
So, I
asked several of those who have recently responded to surveys about sports.
Question
1: Do you
approve of Will Grier's decision not to play in the 2018 Camping World Bowl?
Question
2: In your
opinion, will the WVU men's basketball team be selected to play in the 2019
NCAA Basketball Tournament?
The
interesting answers I received are shown below.
From: Bob Swiger (WI 1961)
Question 1: Yes, college
football is big business and the best players are a commodity. The Bowl game is
just another money maker. Grier can’t afford to endanger his career by playing
in a game that doesn’t matter.
Question 2: Yes!! Going out on a limb, but if anyone can do it, it
would be Coach Huggins.
From: Gary Wamsley (WI 1960)
Question 1: Yes
Question 2: No
From: Bryan McIntyre (WI 1965)
Question 1: Yes. After my initial negative reaction, reading lots
of thoughtful comments about Grier protecting his future changed my mind.
Question 2: Yes. Being most likely the 3rd or 4th best team in the
Big 12 I am thinking a 12 seed. By the way, being an Ohio State grad I am
loving the Mountaineers-Buckeyes playing each other in 2019-20.
From: John Teter (WI 1961)
Question 1: My answer is NO. Football is a TEAM SPORT, and he was
a big part of the TEAM EFFORT.
Question 2: My answer is YES. And, it would be nice to see them in
the FINAL FOUR.
From: Rich Newbrough (BHS 1955)
Question 1: No, I don’t agree. He is forsaking the team. It was
the last chance for the TEAM to show everyone how good they really were.
Question 2: No, I don’t follow basketball
very much, but I think there is not the caliber of players they have had in the
past.
From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)
Good
questions Bill.
(This
should get a variety of responses. Can't wait to read them)
Question 1: If I put myself in Will Grier's position, I would do
the same as he did. Now, let me explain a little further. If WV was selected to
play in the 4 team Championship series, I would play. Reasons to play: I
would not want to let my team down that played so hard to get us a national
championship. Also, if we played and won, the chances of winning the Heisman
and David Sills winning the Belitnikoff Award would be much greater. I would
hate to think of going down with a career ending injury playing in the Camping
World Bowl. By all means, I am not putting down the Camping World Bowl. There
are two really good teams playing. Also, better to go to a bowl game than not.
A reward for playing hard. I'm sure Grier has some type of insurance covering
him for injuries. It is going to disappoint a lot of people, especially in
Florida, who were looking forward to seeing both Grier and Sills in action and
those traveling from WV. I'll be pulling just as hard for them against Syracuse
as I would in a championship game.
Question 2: I've watched the Mountaineers play a few games this
year and was not impressed at all. It looked like "Hugs" hasn't been
too impressed either. Personally, I do not think WV will be selected to play in
the NCAA basketball tournament. If they play like I saw them play, in the few games
I saw, it would be embarrassing. They have much too many turnovers. They do not
look like they are giving their all. They can't say they left it all out there
on the court, because they cannot hold a lead. To me, they look like me, OUT OF
SHAPE. Like the football team, I am behind the basketball team 100%
From: John Harrison (WI 1956)
Question 1: Bill I would love to see Will play in the bowl game,
but by the same token, I would hate for the young man to be hurt in a game that
means nothing. If we were playing for the national title, I think he should
play. Think about the last couple of bowl games, we lost and I doubt most people
could even recall Utah--Syracuse or whomever. Some would say he owes it to the
fans. As far as I am concerned, he has paid me in full.
Question 2: Regarding the basketball question, no NCAA run this
year. If you don't have the horses, you cannot pull the load. But it reminds of
the time I umpired my son's baseball game and his buddies said I didn't know a
ball from a strike. He told them it was my first game and that I would get
better. He looked at me and near to tears asked, "You will get better
won't you Dad?" Huggin's team will get better, but it won't be this year.
Thanks for asking.
From: Bud Collins (WI 1955)
Question 1: Bill, I hate to see him go but the money he would lose
if he gets hurt would be a lot.
I realize
that he would take out an insurance policy to help if he did get hurt. But it
would not be close to what he would earn playing in the NFL. I think he will go
pretty high in the draft. I also think he doesn't like the coach and wants to
just get out.
Question 2: The basketball team will get in, even though I can't
get a handle yet on this team. I think Huggins will get them playing as a team.
He doesn't have the best talent, but I always believe in Huggins and he will
get it done. So, to both questions I am giving you a yes.
From: Jim Hovey (WI 1962)
Question 1: In the past, I thought players who skipped bowls were
selfish. I’m now realizing more and more that the games usually mean nothing.
Fewer and fewer exciting match ups necessitated by conference commitments make
the bowl season duller every year. This year, WVU could have been matched with
Pitt, Penn State or even Kentucky. Then, I might have been upset if Will didn’t
play. But Syracuse? I don’t blame him for not risking an NFL career for a
meaningless game.
Question 2: No. Too young.
From: Jim Smith (VHS 1962)
Question 1: Yes. Minor bowl and family to worry about.
Question 2: No. Will be fortunate to make NIT
From: Ken Matheny (WI 1973)
Question 1: No, I don't approve of Will's decision not to play in
the bowl game. I understand his reasoning and I wish him well in the NFL. But I
think that fulfilling one's commitments matters more than self-interest. Will's
commitment to his team is a moral obligation that he should have fulfilled. I
don't want to sound judgmental, but ideals are important. Loyalty to your
teammates is an ideal that matters a lot, and ultimately. it's fidelity to our
ideals that makes life meaningful.
Question 2: No, I think this year's team is an NIT team. There is
a lot of talent on this year's team, but there are also a lot of newcomers.
They haven't come together as a team yet, and that's understandable, because
they haven't played together very much. But, no worries, Huggs will have them
back in the NCAA tournament next year. We fans just have to be patient.
From: Stu Cashman (La Salle HS, Niagara Falls NY
1956)
Question 1: NO! I do not agree with Grier's decision.
He has
to shoulder blame for the fumbles in the Oklahoma game which resulted in two
touchdowns for them and the team's loss. He owes the team his best effort in
the bowl game in order to get a bowl win. Remember, a few years back, Syracuse
beat us in the Pinstripe Bowl when we were the favorite. Can we beat them this
year without Grier? I don't think so. Grier played himself out of contention
for a Heisman and All-American honors too, I believe. He should play for the
teams benefit, at least. I understand his reasoning, injury risk when you
expect to be a high NFL selection, but he should play.
Further,
concerning football, I was surprised that I heard no comments from "the
group" about two obvious coaching mistakes in the last two games. Against
Oklahoma State, the decision to go for it on 4th and short, deep in their red
zone, which failed, and not take the chip shot field goal, was the game
difference, in my view. Everything being equal we would have won by a point. Same
thing in the Oklahoma game, went for it on 4th and short instead of taking
field goal which would have resulted in a tie in regulation, if everything
played out as it did. Stupid coaching decision, in my view. Coaching 101: come
away with something when you are in that situation!! Especially if your short
yardage running game has no bruising fullback threat.
Question 2: From what I have seen of the team, NO, I don't think
they should be in the final 64.
They
have looked like a bunch of undisciplined high school players, with little knowledge
of how to play as a team. Poor shooting, poor passing resulting in turnovers,
lack of defense and they don't move without the ball. Their three-point
shooting is abysmal. Other than that, they look pretty good!!!!
Interested
to hear your reaction to my comments.
From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957 & Double WVU Alum)
Question 1: Yes, he gave the WVU football program a real lift and
delivered. He's the third all-time passer and did it in 1 1/2 seasons. I feel
he gave us all he had. And he knows personally what a serious football injury
can do. Sporting World Bowl, hummer. Go Jack Allison, let's see what he can do.
Question 2: Not this year. Huggs is the man, but things just don't
line up right this season.
From: Bernie Cohen (WI 1956)
Question 1: No Grier is a spoiled brat. Also, acting that way
doesn't make him look that good.
Question 2: Will the WVU basketball team make the NCAA? I don't
think so!
From: Don Sager (WI 1956 & WVU 1964)
Question 1: YES, I APPROVE OF HIS DECISION. Ten to fifteen years
ago, I would have been very disappointed in his decision and felt he was “disloyal”.
Now with FB players coming out after their Junior year and basketball players
going one and done, it is sort of a moot point. If our FB DEFENSE had been able
to hold teams under 50 points, Will would have won the Heisman hands down.
Question 2: NO. Maybe it’s unfair to have a knee-jerk reaction
after watching the Rhode Island game, BUT I do NOT believe that this year’s
squad will improve enough to get in the Dance. If so, A MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!
From: Terry Shorr (WI-Elkins 1958)
Question 1: Will Grier's decision is disappointing to all, yet I
appreciate his position as complicated. The risk of injury issue is tenuous in
that injury can occur on any play, even without violent contact - witness his
season ending injury in 2017. The "importance" of the Camping World
Bowl exists because there are now 40 bowls (And I believe also because of the
awkward sounding titles they now have attached; Marshall's is the Bad Boy
Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, named the worst sounding of the 40 by some pundits.
Gasparilla was a mythical Pirate and Bad Boy's HQ is in Arkansas), the College
Football Playoffs have marginalized the rest, even the New Year's Day games,
and the 80 teams, other than the final four, just seem to run together. Some of
us recall when we could see a maximum of six or so bowls and a couple of those
would overlap on television.
Added
to the displeasure is Grier's acceptance, along with three other Mountaineers,
to play in the Senior Bowl, where he could also sustain an injury, though some
say the players don't hit as hard, given their professional futures.
Yet
Will Grier has undoubtedly given us some great memories in his (almost) two
full seasons, for which I'm grateful. Just today (12/17) rumors circulate that
others may join Grier and Yodne Cajuste in opting out. If so, each absence will
make a victory that much more difficult.
I've
come to accept it for what it is, and to look forward to WVU beating Syracuse
like a bass drum, with Jack Allison and whoever else shows up. WVU 27 Syracuse
24.
Question 2: Will WVU be selected for the 2019 NCAA Tournament? No!
They may not qualify for the NIT, given their current performances.
I
watched them practice for two hours in September and came away thinking I
hadn't recalled a Mountaineer team with as much depth and athleticism, and thus
expected something close to the media's prediction of a top 15-20 team. Lately,
50 teams are getting poll votes, but WVU has none. There are no All-Americans
on the roster, but there are talented players. Other teams have talented
players, thus it requires chemistry and heroic effort to score victories. I
believe Bob Huggins will find ways to amp up their effort, particularly on
defense, which showed a pulse last week vs. Pitt.
Let's Gooooooo,
MOUNTAINEERS!!
From: Ted Wolfe (WI 1974)
Question 1: Do I approve of Will Grier's decision? I can
understand why he did it and I guess, for him, it makes sense. He came here to
play and prove himself to the pros. He has done that and another game won't
change that. Once his personal goals were met and the only team goal left (win
the bowl game) was of no advantage to him, so why stay. He had already jumped
from one team to come here.
Question 2: Do I think the men's basketball team will be picked
for the NCAA tournament? No. Why? The Rhode Island game and the Jacksonville
State game are two pretty good signs that this season won't go too well.
Huggins might get them to make a late season run and get in that way, but I
can't see it happening.
From: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)
Question 1: No, I do not agree with Grier's decision, but it took
an old military man to convince me to change my mind. I made the statement that
if it were my son, I'd advise him to take the money and run. However, my friend,
who is an ex-army officer, lectured me on what it means in life to be part of a
team. He reminded me that in some situations, taking the money is not the way
to go. Since I have long complained about big money ruining college sports, I
had to agree with him.
Do I
think less of Grier for what he did? Not as a football player. However, deep
down, I'd like to have seen him finish what he started. Be THE MAN and lead the
Mountaineers to victory one more time. This bowl game could have been the
highlight of his college football career. Unfortunately, now we'll never know,
will we?
Question 2: No. After watching the WVU basketball team stumble
through their first few games, I cannot see Coach Huggins or anyone else
converting this team into one worthy of an NCAA Tournament invitation.
I don't
have the time or space to tell you what I think is wrong with this team, but I
would like to remind you of something that happened last May. All we hear about
from the TV announcers and writers is how much the Mountaineers miss Jevon
Carter and Daxter Miles. This point becomes more evident with each game.
However, in the June edition of the W I Newsletter, I wrote about another
player who was not returning to play for Coach Huggins this year. His name was
Teddy Allen, aka Teddy Buckets. I mentioned at the time that I would miss
seeing him play at WVU and that perhaps so would the team. Oh, how they could
use him now!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
You
have read above how several readers answered the two questions. Do you have an
opinion you would like to share with us? If so, please send it to me at: billmere@aol.com.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
Thanks
to all of those who took the time to participate in the survey. I'll try to do
something similar for a future edition.
FEBRUARY SPORTS SURVEY
Please
answer the following survey questions.
Include
a few sentences explaining your answer(s).
Question
1: Are you
sorry to see Dana Holgorsen leave as the football coach at West Virginia
University?
Question
2: Did
WVU hire the right person (Neal Brown) to replace Holgorsen and are you excited
to see how the team performs under the new coach?
Send
your answers and comments to Bill at billmere@aol.com.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
SPORTS EMAILS
To Bill:
At the
Myrtle Beach tournament, I told Jay Jacobs that I'd recently had lunch with one
of his old two-handed set shot nemeses, WI's Bucky Tustin (and Bob Westbrook).
I said Bucky told me he could shoot better than Jay. Jay laughed and said,
"Lots of guys could shoot better than me." At that Tony Caridi laughed.
FYI.
When Pat Beilein was setting WVU's career three pointers made record, the
Mountaineers were in a tournament in Orlando. Before the trip Jay and Pat
agreed to have a 3-point shootout in Orlando. Many, including Kevin Kinder of
Blue and Gold News, predicted Beilein would trounce Jay. I differed, having remembered
Jacobs and his deadly set shots. Jay beat Beilein.
The
only way that event could have been better was if Bucky Tustin had taken part
and beat both of them!
Merry
Christmas to you and Roleta.
Terry
Shorr (WI-Elkins 1958)
Reply to Terry:
I remember
Jay when he played for Morgantown HS and then at WVU. He was small, but always
played hard. I don't doubt that Bucky could still hold his own against Jay or
anyone else who played at that time. Thanks for the stories. We're always
looking for items like that, particularly when they are about people who played
back in the day.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
To Bill: (through Roleta)
Thanks to all who sent in the info (for the article
about Frank Loria). It is always a hard time around Nov. 14. I have been to Va.
Tech and spent time with (Frank) Beamer, who showed me all of the things that
are displayed for my brother. I was just at the Hall of Fame in Atlanta, and
saw all of the electronic pictures of Frank. Very interesting. Anyone who goes
to Atlanta should go and see it and see how they have used electronics for all
of the players.
Erma Loria Uhle (WI 1959)
To Bill:
For
those who do not recognize the person with Sonja, we met him at a concert we
attended here in Buford. He is Morton Anderson, Class of 2017, Pro Football
Hall of Fame. He played many years with New Orleans and the Atlanta Falcons.
Morton scored over 2,000 points. He made 565 field goals out of 709 attempts.
Also, 849 extra points out of 859 attempts. He made seven pro bowls and was
named to the all-decade team in the 80s and 90s. He was a nice guy to talk
with.
Jim
Alvaro (WI 1956) & Sonja Grossa Alvaro (Bridgeport HS 1958)
Reply to Jim:
When I
first looked at the picture, I thought you had really changed since I last saw
you. Then, I realized that the guy was too well preserved to have frequented
Billy's Meadowbrook and other "educational institutions" in the good
old days. Seriously, he was a great kicker and I'm sure you and Sonja enjoyed
meeting him. Thanks for sharing.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
To Bill:
You may
recall the vitriol aimed at Bob Huggins by former Sports Illustrated writer,
Rick Reilly, in 2010. I Googled and found at least one other attack on Huggs by
Reilly in 2006. The later hit piece implied that Huggs graduated no one and
cared nothing about academics, rather focusing on wins. Once upon a time I was
a fan of Rick Reilly. No more.
Several
ironies include that Huggins was an Academic All-American at WVU, and that as
Reilly was writing in 2010, THREE of his WVU players (Joe Mazzulla, Cam
Thoroughman, and Jonnie West) had graduated and were pursuing master’s degrees.
The
current WVU Basketball Media Guide states:
"41
of the last 42 senior members of the WVU Men's Basketball Team have graduated
on time or early since 2005." Also: "WVU has ranked among the top 10
percent of all basketball teams five times since 2010 in the NCAA Division I
Academic Progress Rate (APR), including a perfect four-year score of
1,000 in 2016, 2017 and 2018."
Take that,
Rick Reilly.
Terry
Shorr (WI-Elkins 1958)
Reply to Terry:
This is
really interesting data. For many years, when he was at Cincinnati, the media
pictured Huggins as a coach who recruited thugs, who seldom went to class or
graduated. This has slowed down since he arrived in Morgantown, but it is good
to see the facts published for all to see. Thanks for sending.
Bill (billmere@aol.com)
Some
random thoughts about sports as we enter the new year.
Regardless
of your feelings about Dana Holgorsen, I think he made the correct decision,
when he left WVU. (See survey elsewhere in the newsletter) It is my feeling
that he would have been let go at the end of next season, anyhow. By leaving
now, he avoided getting fired and signed a long-term contract with Houston, in
which much of the money is apparently guaranteed. What's not to like about
that? Plus, 7 or 8 wins seemed to be his ceiling. The Big 12 is a very
competitive conference, particularly as long as Oklahoma and Texas are members.
Maybe, we should get used to not winning a conference title. Unfortunately, we
are Mountaineer fans and as such, we keep wishing for the moon. Perhaps
someday, we'll find it.
Congratulations
to Marshall and Coach Doc Holiday for another good season. BTY, Marshall is
12-3 all time in bowl games, while Doc is 6-0 in bowls as the head coach at
Marshall.
Based
on what I've seen so far, I would not be surprised if there were several
players transferring out of the Mountaineer basketball program, either during
or after this season. There is a total lack of chemistry on this team and Coach
Huggins has a tough task ahead of him trying to salvage a winning season.
Finally,
since I do not currently live in north central West Virginia, I miss a lot of
the local sports news. Perhaps someone can explain to me why Logan Holgorsen,
the son of the former WVU coach, is apparently now enrolling at Houston. Is
this correct? First, I read that the former quarterback at Morgantown and
University High Schools had accepted a scholarship to a school in Texas (North
Texas ???). Then, he had changed his mind and would attend Bowling Green State
U. in Ohio. Maybe his father invited him to walk on at Houston. If so, good
luck with that.
As
always, we need to hear from YOU!
Send
your thoughts, questions and comments about sports to me at: billmere@aol.com.
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
JANUARY SPORTS MYSTERY PICTURE
I am going
to give you a hint! The picture above is of a WI track team.
Please
tell me, when was the picture taken? Can you identify any of those pictured?
Thank
you for your help.
Write
to: Roleta1@aol.com
When emailing, please always
include:
1. Your Complete Name
2. Your School's Name
3. Your Year If and/or When You Graduated
Thank you.
FRED ALVARO
(WI 1959)
Fred
died January 5 2019 at 1:00 pm. Bill and I received a call at about 5:00 pm. Private
services for the family were held. An obituary will appear in the WI Newsletter
as soon as I receive it. Our sympathy to the family.
PATRICIA ANN SPROUT NEWBROUGH
The Newbrough family sadly announces the passing of our
brave and beautiful matriarch on December 5, 2018 after a brief but courageous
battle with cancer. Pat died at home wrapped in the arms of her loving family.
She was born in Lumberport, West Virginia and grew up in nearby Nutter Fort.
Pat was pre-deceased by her parents, Leonard & Marjorie
Sprout and her sister Marilyn. Her brother Dick Sprout and his wife Becky live
in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Pat was employed at Budd Canada for 27 years and
co-founded the Scarlet Feathers chapter of the Red Hats Society. She was a
devoted member of Saint Francis Church and enjoyed socializing and laughing
with friends and family and exercising at the fitness club.
Pat leaves behind a large family. Her beloved husband Rich,
with whom she was married for 59 years, sons Greg (Karen) and Scott (Maureen).
Pat was a loving Nana to her 8 grandchildren: Ashley, Alexandra, Simon,
Zachary, Caolan, Liam, Paige and Daire.
Our family would like to thank all of our friends,
relatives and neighbors who helped brighten Pat's final days by sharing good
food, fond memories and providing many gestures of love and goodwill. A special
thank you to daughter-in-law Karen for her round the clock care and affection
during Pat's illness. Also thank you to Grand River Hospital nurses, Dr. Leung
and Penny, WWLHIN and CarePartners, caring nurse Donna and Dr. Tan.
At Pat's request, there will be no visitation or funeral. A
private cremation has already taken place and a memorial reception may be
arranged at a later date.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Pat's memorial.
“Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for
one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot.”
BARBARA ANN WILMOTH FALKENSTINE
Barbara
Ann Falkenstine (nee Wilmoth) died of pancreatic cancer on Saturday, December
29, 2018 at her home in Leesburg, Virginia.
She was
the only child born to Maxine and Glen Wilmoth on October 2, 1943 in Clarksburg,
WV and her elbow was broken as she was being delivered. The doctor put her
arm in a cast causing the bones to grow together leaving her without a working elbow.
While she never learned to swim, ride a bike or play any sports she didn’t let
it stop her from holding a book (or a credit card).
Barbara
graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1961. After attending one year
of college at West Virginia University, she took off for the Jersey Shore. She
lived there for the summer while working at a jewelry store (this would kick
off a lifelong love of all things sparkly, as well as, a hatred of sand).
She
then tackled secretarial school and found herself working for the U.S.
Government. That was where she met Milford “Harvey” Falkenstine. The couple
married and settled in Alexandria, VA, both working at the Pentagon. They had
one daughter (Valerie Falkenstine Hollis) and left the big city for Sterling,
Virginia. While living in Sterling, Barbara wanted to go back to work part-time
but could not find a childcare option that worked for the family. So, she
started her own daycare co-op in what had been a barn. By the time the money
was raised, the building renovated, the teachers hired and the students signed
up, Valerie was old enough to go to pre-school and never even attended the
“school” her mom had built. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Leesburg.
In
Leesburg, Barbara worked at different medical facilities, but ultimately landed
in a pediatricians’ office and stayed there for many years. The past 15 years she
worked at Loudoun Medical Group where she made many good friends and maintained
an overflowing snack drawer that could feed the entire office if necessary.
In
addition to volunteering and fighting cancer (colon and endometrial before the
pancreatic), she spent copious amounts of time on her two great passions-reading
and shopping. She found a way to combine them (and her volunteering) by joining
the board of the Loudoun Library Foundation. While at their annual sale, buying
books of course, she criticized how some of the books were being displayed. The
gal managing the table told her that if she thought she could do a better job,
she was welcome to it. The rest, as they say, is history.
Barbara
collected friends as easily has she collected shoes. Young and old, male and
female, everyone who met her was attracted to her spirit, gregariousness, and
feistiness. And she found something interesting, genuine and of worthwhile in
everyone she met. Barbara liked to have fun and was nearly always smiling or
laughing.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Several of her classmates wrote to say
what a fun lady Barbara was and how much they will miss her at the reunions.
One said when reading her obit she could see Barbara in the words. Thanks for
writing.
JOAN CAROL PLUM MERRINER
(WI 1964)
Joan Carol Plum Merriner, 72, of Jane Lew, passed away
on Friday, January 4, 2019. She was born November 28, 1946, in Clarksburg,
daughter of the late John Carl and Vivian Jean VanHorn Plum.
She graduated from Washington Irving High School. Her
most precious thing was her grandson, Ian. She loved her dogs and cats and
going to the beach with her family. She was member of Harmony United Methodist
Church.
Joan was a hard worker and started her career at Stathers
& Cantrall, then was an executive secretary with Hope Gas, now Dominion
Energy, where she retired with over 30 years of service. She was currently
working at Plantation Inn/Days Inn in Jane Lew.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gerald Edward
“Jake” Merriner, whom she married on March 15, 1968; one daughter, Amy McKee,
and husband Mike, Weston; one grandson, Ian McKee; three sisters, Dietra “Dee”
Westfall and husband Roger, Scott Depot, Linda Daugherty and husband Roger,
Good Hope, Karen Wilson and husband Blaine, Hedgesville; nieces and nephews,
John Westfall, Stephanie Hill and husband Chris and their children, Payton,
Braydon and Camden, Kathryn Kurtzman and husband Josh and her son, Collin, Todd
Strang, all of Clarksburg; one stepdaughter, Shelley Matheny, and husband Ron,
of Clarksburg; one stepson, John Merriner, and wife Penny, Winchester,
Virginia; and five stepgreat-grandchildren, Michael Joe, Clarissa, Rita, Mary
Catherine and Eugena Rose.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death
by one son, Gerald Edward Merriner II, and one stepdaughter, Regina A. Seamon.
