Issue 234

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

LAST CHANCE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS

COMING TO THE PICNIC?

NEED A MOTEL ROOM?

The Last Time Ever Clarksburg Reunion Picnic sponsored by Roleta Smith Meredith will be held at Twin Lakes Park on March 9, 2019 in Sarasota FL.

From I-75 take Exit 205 and go East on Clark Road toward Arcadia. The park is on the right side of Clark Road (a little less than a mile from the interstate). We are in the large pavilion.

Bring a covered dish, and your own drink. plates and table wear will be provided. We hope to again have WV hot dogs as the main dish. Some who come from out of town and stay in a hotel may bring fried chicken from Publix (for those who don't care for the hot dogs).

We usually start visiting around 11:00 and go until 4:00 (or whenever people decide to leave).

Please spread the word that you are coming and encourage others to contact me.

Please RSVP by last day of February.

I will never do another one.

If you need a hotel room:

Country Inn & Suites – Bradenton

(I-75 exit 217/State Road 70)

5610 Manor Hill Lane Bradenton, FL 34203

Hotel Contact: Jessica Dukes 
Phone: (941) 363-4000 Fax: (941) 363-4006 
Email: jdukescountryinnsuites@gmail.com

A few rooms have been set aside until February 26 2019 with special price of $119.00 per night for 1 king or 2 queen size beds.

USE GROUP CODE: 1903WVCLAR to make reservations.

Tell them you will be coming to the Clarksburg Reunion Picnic. Prices are set and are for Friday and Saturday night. This was arranged by Jim Alvaro. Thanks for the help!

I am taking reservations for the picnic now.

Any questions?

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.

DON’T TRY TO SURPRISE ME, PLEASE. 

I NEED TO KNOW THE COUNT OF THOSE ATTENDING IN ORDER TO PURCHASE SUPPLIES. 

THANK YOU.

NO TICKETS FOR THE QUILT WILL BE SOLD AT THE PICNIC

WE ARE JUST GOING TO VISIT AND ENJOY THE DAY

BACK HOME

Author Unknown

If I had the power to turn back the clock,

Go back to the house at the end of the block

The house that was HOME when I was a kid,

I know that I’d love it more now than I did.

If I could be back there at my mother’s knee,

And hear once again all the things she told me,

I’d listen as I never listened before,

For she knew so well just what life had in store.

And all the advice my dad used to give,

His voice I’ll remember as long as I live;

But it didn’t seem really important then;

What I’d give just to live it all over again.

And what I’d give for the chance I once had,

To do so much more for my mother and dad;

To give them more joy and a little less pain;

A little more sunshine – a little less rain.

But the years roll on and we cannot go back,

Whether we were born in a mansion or in a shack;

But we can start right now—in the hour that’s here,

To do something more for the ones we hold dear.

And since time in its flight is traveling so fast;

Let’s not spend it regretting that which is past;

But let’s make tomorrow a happier day

By doing our “good to others” - TODAY

From: Patty Terrill Stealey (WI 1959)

You did ask about first jobs. I worked at W T Grant on Main Street as a clerk when I was in high school. I worked for Bob Grimes at Clarksburg Finance Company during summers when I was in college. Working in there was interesting. Back then nothing was automated. Typing was done on a manual typewriter and advertising was put into envelopes and sealed with a wet sponge. Bob used to say that he retailed money. People got small loans using furniture or cars as collateral. I cannot remember the interest rate, but it was much higher than a bank loan. His daughter Ruthanne worked as a camp counselor.

Maybe you will get enough first jobs to at least have a list.

Marie Fiorenza Garten Glass (WI 1958) Geegeemarie@gmail.com

Sarah Julian Schneider (NDHS 1963) saranjs1@aol.com

Kimberly Ludwick Wildt (WI 1977) kwildt@sc.rr.com

Ken Queen (WI 1962) kequeen@icloud.com

CHANGE:

Cindy King Shaver (WI 1967) jjstooth8@yahoo.com to clkshaver69@gmail.com

Do you have a memory you would like to share, a comment regarding a previous post, a suggestion for a new topic, etc. etc. etc.?

PLEASE write to Roleta1@aol.com

And remember, 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.

We received several e-mails with condolences to the Alvaro family on the passing of Fred Alvaro who was liked by all. We will miss Freddie.

From: Jim Ashley (WI 1962)

I was very saddened to see the obituary for my friend, Barbara Wilmoth, in the January newsletter. I have always owed Barbara a huge debt of gratitude for pointing me to an employment opportunity at the IRS National Computer Center in Martinsburg, WV, where she worked. My entry level job there as a clerk in the tape library turned into a 32-year career with wonderful advancement opportunities and a great retirement life that would have been very different if not for her assistance.

I was also reminded of how much my family enjoyed the friendship of Barbara’s parents, Glen and Maxine. Maxine ran the Clay Street Market, right beside my home at 313 Clay Street. She always had a huge smile for everyone in the neighborhood and it gave me an immense feeling of freedom to be able to go into Maxine’s and put a bottle of RC Cola on my mom’s tab I also remember my summer Saturday mornings consisting of my mother handing me a 50 cent piece for my weekly allowance and taking it directly to Maxine to buy 50 baseball cards wrapped in those packets of deliciously smelling chewing gum.

There was a discussion recently on a Facebook page dedicated to Clarksburg history of all the neighborhood grocery stores. For me, the main ones from my time living on Hart Street were the one run by our family friend, Mrs. Huber, at the bottom of Duncan Avenue just before Winding Way and the store at the corner of Duff and Duncan where I stopped on my way home from Morgan School to see the butcher to get a bone as a treat for my dog. When I think of what made Clarksburg such a warm and wonderful place to grow up in, these little stores are always part of that nostalgia.

From: Betty Latstetter Burke (WI 1958)

Regarding mystery picture in the December and then the January newsletter.

I remember a few of them...

Front Row: Don't know

Second Row: Ross Marano, Jim White, Barry Mazza

Back Row: Jim Hall

Did want to say something about the great band concerts under the leadership of Henry Mayer. Part of the band was included in the National Boy Scout Orchestra. They played Tommy Dorsey arrangements of "Song of India' and "Opus One' with trumpet solos by Ernie Bastin and Karl Kyle. They were terrific.

One concert included a performance by the A Capella Choir led by Marjorie Faris. They too were superb. I recall their singing "Soon I Will Be Done with the Troubles of the World."

Thank you so much for putting the newsletter together, Roleta. It is a source of joy to us all!

From: Eann T. Hodges (WI 1971)

I read with interest the article on “Gallettes” in January’s newsletter.  I, too, have eaten many gallettes in my lifetime and I continue to do so today.  I have fond memories of my grandmother making not one, but several batches of gallettes every Christmas season, one of her annual traditions which I have kept alive for nearly 30 years since her death.   My grandmother’s cookies have been around the world!  When I could not be home for Christmas, my mother would send a container of gallettes to me wherever I was posted during my career with the U.S. federal government:  Washington, D.C., Argentina, New York City, Denmark and now Canada (Ottawa) where I have lived for the past 33 years.  The dough is basic:  flour, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla.  The cookies are made with lots of love and, in particular, lots of patience!  Over the years I have modified the recipe by increasing the amount of vanilla (from the original recipe) and adding ground cinnamon.  My recipe makes at least 8 dozen cookies; however, you can easily cut it in half!  As previously mentioned, the dough must be made the day before, kept in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours and then made into small balls and baked on a waffle iron (one or two at a time, depending on the size of the iron you have).  

I have my grandmother’s home-made iron (see photos including a few cookies on the side!).  My waffle iron is made to cook on an open fire or on top of a gas stove.  However, it can be used on an electric stove, which I had done until recently.  I have not been able to use my waffle iron the past two years as we now have a glass top stove in our new home!  So, I had to revert to a commercial electric waffle maker.  This just does not have the same traditional sentiment passed down to me, the memories of my grandmother diligently baking her cookies over a gas stove.  My husband and I make the cookies every December and we share them with friends and professional colleagues.  They always ask for more!

My grandmother’s original recipe for:

“French Cookies – Gallettes”

(the title of her recipe)

6 large eggs

1 lb. butter

2 cups white sugar

2 cups brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla
5-1/2 cups flour

Separate eggs, beat egg whites until stiff, set aside; beat yolks lightly with fork.

Cream well, in large bowl, one-pound butter; add 2 cups white sugar, cream well.  Add 2 cups brown sugar, cream well.

Add egg yolks and 1 tablespoon vanilla and cream well.

Add ½ cup flour at a time, creaming mixture well between each addition, until 2 cups have been added.

Add ½ of beaten egg whites, cream well.

Add ½ cup flour at a time, creaming mixture well between each addition, until 2 cups have been added.

Add remaining ½ of beaten egg whites, cream well.

Add remaining 1-1/2 cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, creaming well between each addition.

Cover batter and store in refrigerator overnight (stiff dough).

Bake 1-1/2 minutes in waffle iron using 1 tablespoon batter for each cookie.

Makes about 8 dozen.

THE 2019 WIN SCHOLARSHIP QUILT

‘VISIONS OF WEST VIRGINIA’

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE PICNIC

The first quilt made by the WIN Scholarship quilters and headed up by Sue Selby Moats was in 2006. My thanks to Sue and all the ladies who have made squares for the quilts for the last 13 years. This is the only money maker we have ever had. Otherwise we would just have to depend on your generosity.

Above is a picture of the quilt square made by Verna Workman George (RW 1957).

This square will be incorporated into the 2019 WIN Scholarship Quilt.

It is a copy of an ink drawings by Tina Richmond. This is West Virginia Whitetail Deer.  The drawings were originally part of the WV Mountain Quilt Quest a few years ago.

Verna said it is an honor to be invited to join the WIN Quilters in making the fundraiser quilt this year.

Above is a picture of the quilt square made by Carol Cady.

Carol writes: “I don’t know a name for it but the fabrics that Sue sent to me to work with inspired it. I like the way it looks so I hope that it fits in with the rest.”

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?

Tickets cost 6 for $5.00, 12 for $10.00, and 24 tickets for $20.00 and so on and so on and so on.

Feeling generous?  Want to HELP a student in Clarksburg with their college expenses? You can send money or purchase tickets by doing the following:

Write me a note saying you wish to HELP and you want tickets made out in your name.

THEN make checks payable to:

Roleta G. Meredith c/0 WIN Scholarship

THEN mail your check to:

Roleta Meredith

3201 Charles MacDonald Drive

Sarasota FL 34240

AND DON'T FORGET to be sure to include your name, school and year of graduation in the envelope with the check.

THANKS TO THOSE WHO GAVE THIS MONTH TO 

THE WIN SCHOLARSHIP

David Saucer (WI 1951) Thank you so much for caring about education.

Sandra Beverly Thank you for the support for the scholarship.

SUBJECTS FOR THE MARCH NEWSLETTER

Write and Help Us make the March Newsletter an interesting one!

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.

Write and tell us where your family shopped for groceries in Clarksburg when you were in high school there.

Were there stores in your neighborhood?

Did you mother shop at them?

Do you remember the name or location of any?

Did your family own a store in Clarksburg? What was the name of it?

I think this will be a very interesting section if you will write.

Also, I would love to read your memories of Miss Holland, WI teacher.

Write to me about your typing teacher. 

I don’t think they teach typing in schools now? Is that correct? 

Nobody uses a typewriter. People teach themselves how to type on a computer or with their thumbs on an iPhone. I can not use my thumbs to do it, can you?

IT IS A SMALL WORLD

From: John Teter (WI 1961)

I have had three "small world" ventures over the past several years.

A few years ago, when I was having one of my "local WI dinners" here in Northern Virginia, Elizabeth SWIGER Layton and her husband (who still live in Clarksburg) were in attendance. After dinner, Elizabeth asked me if she could follow me back to where her cousin lived in Annandale. Of course, I said yes, and she made a left to go to her cousin's house once we got into Annandale, and I went on home. Several months later, a man moved into the house across the street from me. At some point he introduced himself to me as BILL PETERS (not the one featured in the January edition of the newsletter) and stated that he was from Clarksburg, West Virginia and graduated from R-W. Several months after that, I saw my classmate (Elizabeth SWIGER Layton) visiting the man, so I went out to talk to her to find out why she knew him. THEY WERE COUSINS, and the night that Elizabeth followed me back to Annandale after our dinner, it was his house that she was going to.

Another experience: My wife and I go to craft shows in November and December, and one that we frequent every year is at a church in Annandale, right up the street from where we live. Several years ago, when we were at the craft show, we ran into Karen PLEASANT Booker who graduated with me from WI in 1961. She was there with her mother, who it was nice to meet. Several months after that, my wife and I had dinner with Karen and her mother. AND THEN, lo and behold, my wife and I went to that same craft show this past November and (you probably guessed it) we ran into Karen and her mother again.

Barbara WILMOTH Falkenstine (who unfortunately just passed away) has been one of my regular attendees at my "local WI dinners" at various locations here. Barbara lived in Leesburg, Va. and the last time that we had our local WI dinner, she was in attendance via riding in from Leesburg with Bob Swiger. A few months ago, I had taken my wife over to have a test done at an office building in Fairfax, Va. As we were walking out of the office building, I heard some lady say "Well, Hello Mr. Teter". YES, it was Barbara. I did not recognize her at first, because of the fact that she worked at the hospital in Leesburg and lived in Leesburg, and I was just not expecting to see her in Fairfax, Va.

Note from Editor:

Do you have a Small World experience?

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.

THE JANUARY MYSTERY PICTURE

From: Jim Sims (Morgan School & WI 1963)

I think the picture is of Mr. Louie and a dance class from about 1953.

I believe that the top row three from the left was a McDonald and in the second row third from the left was his brother. I might be in the top row all the way to the left.

THE FEBRUARY MYSTERY PICTURE

Recognize the picture above?  If so, please write and tell us a little bit about it… what’s your memories?

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.

Only correct guesses will be published.

Write and tell us as much as you can about this building and include a memory, if possible.

DESCRIBE THE STUDY HALL AT WI

From: Mary Sue Clark Spahr (WI 1956)

The girls' study hall was on the third floor in the back of the building, on the left side as you face the front of the school. It connected with the library. The boys' study hall was in the same location on the right side of the building. There were approximately 60 desks in the room, but the room was rarely full. My only memory of attending study hall includes Miss Nutter as the monitor sitting at a desk in the front center of the room. Therefore, it served my best interest and self-defense to become a library assistant during that time slot. Who needed to be belittled or abused for fifty minutes a day or watch it happening to someone else? I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a library assistant and when we weren't busy, I could sit at a table in the library and work on my homework without fear of looking at anyone the wrong way. Most of the time I was in high school I didn't have study halls as I recall. I had other things to do like lab assistant, library or such, all of which were a whole lot more fun.

From: John Campbell (WI 1959)

Here is a small item from Study Hall(?) at WI in 1956, 57 eras. In mid to late afternoon one day the sound of The Road Runner, the BEEP-BEEP then the HHHummmm started at the front of one row then the HHHummm went down the aisle toward the back of the room and then back up the next, etc. Students(?) watched the phantom Road Runner and carried the HHHuuumm back and forth in the aisles. Clay B. Hite was up on the front platform, watching patiently as this entertaining episode finally died down; I don’t remember him saying anything, I think he just turned and walked away.

From: Dave Kulina (WI 1961)

Your January 2019 newsletter included a section about study hall at WI. My freshman year (1957-58) I had study hall the last period before dismissal. I will never forget the day in study hall that a well-dressed guy sitting next to me pulled out a 38 cal. “stub-nose special” revolver from his jacket pocket and showed it to me. He wore a suit and said that he wanted to be a police officer. He claimed that he was a senior. I thought he was strange and tried to avoid him after that but never said anything to the authorities. I think Mr. Limpert aka (Lurch) was the study hall monitor at the time. Also, I will never forget the time Mr. Limpert “strong armed” a student while escorting him out of the building. Those were the days. How I miss them.

Note from Editor:

WOW! That was an experience! Never have heard of a story like that happening at WI!

From: Marcia Young Fletcher (WI 1964)

I was in 5th period Study Hall on November 20, 1963. Shortly before the bell rang a teacher entered and announced that President Kennedy had been shot. I was numb as I walked to my last class of the day, Mr. Spatafore's Senior English.

From: Betty Latstetter Burke (WI 1958)

There were two study halls (boys and girls, one on each side of the library. These were large rooms and held a number of students. The supervising teacher sat at a desk on a platform overlooking the students. My last year the teacher was Mrs. Thelma Howard. She kept things pretty quiet and you could actually get some work done.

Sharon Lough Pettrey Price sat in front of me. She had a delightful personality, and during some rough periods for me that year was a bright spot win my day.

From: Roleta1@aol.com

Others have described the location. I know that the girl’s study hall and the library seemed huge to me. They probably weren’t though. I would have guessed that it seated about 60 to 70 for each class. In the front a teacher sat at a desk on a raised platform to oversee the group. I don’t remember assigned seating but it seems the freshmen, sophomore, junior and the senior’s sort of sat separated from each other by choice. There were high windows on the left side and the rear of the room. I think each student had at least one study hall per day, I really never got much accomplished in study hall, but I remained in the study hall at least throughout my first two years. It was very noisy and I was very distracted so I really never studied but went to the library every chance I go-usually we could at least write notes to one another there. It seems that even in the library we were separated from the boys. I found other things to do my last couple of years to replace my time in study hall. I was a student phys-ed assistant for Mrs. Alessi and then another study hall period I decided to take a sewing class from Miss Jarvis, my senior year. I was in with freshmen and sophomore girls but I already knew how to sew and made a lot of my own clothing; therefore, she taught me other things as I finished our assigned projects too quickly. I made a different skirt and blouse than the under classmates. I helped make the curtains for the sewing room. She taught me how to make bound button holes (which I have forgotten), how to make a lapel so that it laid down, and many other things. I think I was an interesting challenge to her and believe me she met the challenge with interesting things for me to learn all without taking any of her attention away from the classmates. I really respected Miss Jarvis and Mrs. Alessi for their efforts.

Note from Editor:

WHAT ARE YOU MEMORIES OF STUDY HALL?

ALL OF YOU HAD TO GO TO STUDY HALL AT ONE TIME 
OR THE OTHER.

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.

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

(Monongah HS 1957)

billmere@aol.com

please email our Sports editor with your comments, questions and especially your memories

KELLY MILLER HIGH SCHOOL

West Virginia State Basketball Champions

From: Mike Snyder (WI 1957)

I recently uncovered two interesting articles in the 1983 Summer issue of Goldenseal, the state folklife magazine; one with a strong Clarksburg tie. How many of us know about the West Virginia Athletic Union which conducted annual state basketball tournaments for the state's black schools from 1925 to 1957? The black weekly Pittsburgh Courier was widely read in the state and noted the 24 state schools which gathered for the playoffs at the tiny West Virginia State College gym in 1925, referring to the event as “the first of its kind staged in West Virginia among Negro schools, and one of the first ever held in any Negro school in the country.”

BLACK LEADERS NAMES

These schools were located in towns from Bluefield to Wheeling, most bearing the names of noted black leaders as was Kelly Miller's. Lodging and food were big considerations in those days of segregation and during the season and opposing teams would stay in the homes of the host team. For that first tournament all of the players stayed on army cots in the WV State gym. Lincoln of Wheeling won that first championship. The southern schools, such as Kimball of McDowell County, won the majority of the playoffs in the early years of the Union. During the second decade from 1935 to 1944 the power in the tournament was Clarksburg's Kelly Miller. It won five championships in that period, three in a row from 1942 to 1944. The visiting players stayed in the homes of local black families. During this time the tournament site was rotated between Institute, Charleston, Bluefield and in Clarksburg, where the games were played in the Carmichael Auditorium.

THE CLARKSBURG INFLUENCE

The success of Kelly Miller was due in large part to their Coach Mark Cardwell. The author of the Goldenseal article C. Robert Barnett wrote: “Cardwell was also a recruiter and cited two kids from Columbus and Pittsburgh...and (then) find someone related to them in the area.” During Cardwell's 20 years at KM his teams had a record of 307-46, and he went on to coach at West Virginia State where he remained until he died in 1964. His basketball teams there had a 288-168 record.

INTEGRATION

In the fall of 1956, the Kelly Miller students were transferred to Washington Irving High School. I was a senior and recalled the move went very quietly and smoothly. The KM school building has the best architecture among the then five Clarksburg high schools. It's now the county board of education office, I believe. I was the head football manager that year and remember the late Ernie Hollyfield '57 and a younger scatback named Gene Marshall. He and I became buddies because we both loved R&B music so much. Our mutual favorite was Let the Good Times Roll by Shirley and Lee. Their school had a very strong legacy and a quality academic faculty with two of their teachers coming to WI.

FEBRUARY SPORTS SURVEY

In last month's newsletter, we asked readers to answer two questions:

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?

The following are the replies we received:

From: Terry Shorr (WI/Elkins 1958)

Wow. Great, timely questions, Bill.

It's interesting that both Holgorsen and Brown played as college wide receivers under the same head coach, Hal Mumme, recognized as the godfather of the Air Raid offense - DH at Iowa Wesleyan and NB at Kentucky.

1. Initially I was sorry to hear of Holgorsen's leaving. If for no other reason, I didn't look forward to spending another two years learning how to correctly spell the head coach's name. He gave us some great games, some won, some lost (I'll quickly trade a couple of those heart breakers for that epic 70-33 Orange Bowl massacre of Clemson.) I wish him well.

2. Seemingly each hour I learn more about Neal Brown and feel more and more that WVU has hit the Powerball with his hire.

Rapidly, we're learning more of Neal Brown's personality and resume. He is much more like Don Nehlen than Holgorsen or Rich Rodriguez, and that's comforting. His track record in improving his teams' performances is encouraging. His knocking off LSU AND Nebraska in their home stadiums is eyebrow raising.

Brown seems to follow Nick Saban's philosophy of following firmly established procedures with consistency, as well as Dabo Swinney's for having fun while maintaining high standards.

I'm ready and looking forward to the 2019 season.

(Not to exclude basketball, I believe Huggins will turn this team around to face the brunt of the Big 12 schedule, with Derek Culver as the catalyst. We may have to settle for the NIT, but that gives us a chance to win it and maybe get the team some championship shirts that correctly spell WEST VIRGINIA.)

Let's Gooooooo, MOUNTAINEERS!!

From: Ken Matheny (WI 1973)

Hello, I'm responding to your questions in the January newsletter.

1. No, I am not sorry to see Dana leave because I think it was inevitable that we were going to part ways very soon. I think he did fairly well as head coach at WVU, and I acknowledge that the Big 12 is a much tougher conference than the Big East. However, there are serious issues regarding the quarterback position and a very tough schedule in 2019. I think it is likely that if Dana had stayed, he would have been fired after the 2019 season, because we will be lucky to win 6 games. I think he knew that. There is no doubt he has a brilliant football mind, but he's too inconsistent. There have been too many head-scratching losses, odd play-calling, and poor clock management. I think he will do well at Houston in a lesser conference. Actually, the coaching change worked out well for both Dana and WVU. He got a good contract at Houston and his leaving saved WVU millions of dollars, which they would have had to pay to fire him after next season.

2. I'm very excited about the new coaching choice. I think almost everyone agrees that Lyons hit a home run by hiring Neal Brown. Fans will have to be patient, though, because we are losing a lot of talent. Don't expect 8 wins in 2019. However, I think we will see a more physical style of football. Dana's teams have been talented, but soft. I think that under Coach Brown we are going to be more physical and that opposing teams will not look forward to playing us because we are going to rock them and sock them for 60 minutes.

There are probably few people who enjoy researching old sports news and scores more than I do. I especially like information on high school sports in my home state. I recently discovered a website that is like a dream come true for me. On the site, I basically found the history of high school football in West Virginia. Listed are the scores for the majority of high school football games ever played in our state over the years.

In 1948, Washington Irving defeated Parkersburg, 20-9. In 1952, Victory outscored WI, 20-12 and in 1974, RW beat Bridgeport, 20-7. Now, you can settle any disagreement about how badly your school beat your arch rival or any other school in any given year.

For those of you who enjoy reminiscing about your team "back in the day", go to fourseasonsfootball.com and click on "WV Schools". Both current and most former schools are listed. Enjoy.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Following are a few things I think about, while wishing Javon Carter had one more year at WVU.

Why hasn't some Division 1 school hired Clarksburg native, Jim Crutchfield as their coach? Before leaving West Liberty two years ago, he had a 359-61 record as their basketball coach from 2004-17. Now, in his second season coaching at Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, he has turned that program around, going 17-10 last year and improving to 14-1 so far this season. Incidentally, his team is currently averaging over 102 points per game.

Thanks to Mike Snyder, WI 1957, for his contributions to the Newsletter. Mike also pointed out to me that for great coverage of WVU sports, you should check out bluegoldnews.com.

So far, Neal Brown, the new Mountaineer football coach has made all of the right moves. He has really hit the ground running in his new job. Austin Kendall transferring into the program from Oklahoma certainly sparked renewed interest in next year's team. Not many schools will have two four-star quarterbacks competing for the starting position. Let's hope the momentum continues through the February signing date and into spring practice.

I saw a glimmer of hope for the basketball Mountaineers during the win over Kansas, but that was just a tease. As of this date, Sags Konate is still not playing and there has been no official comment as to if or when he might return. Let's face it, without him in the lineup, Huggins has very little star power available. Upperclassmen have been mostly inconsistent, except for Beetle Bolden, when he is not injured. At this point, I still see the season being difficult to salvage. We may have to be satisfied with a few conference wins and chalk it up to a learning experience for the young team. Hopefully, the good ones will stay with the team and we could see some junior college transfers heading to Morgantown before next season.

Ryan Matthews working at the Princeton vs Duke Men’s Basketball game in December at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

THE NEXT COACH K?

  

Meet Ryan Matthews. 

Ryan is the grandson of Marolyn Tustin Jett (WI 1956) and John Jett, who grew up in Pennsboro, WV. His parents are Marolyn and John’s daughter, Lori and her husband, Tom Matthews.

Ryan graduated from the University of New England, where he played basketball for three years. He received his degree in Sports Management with a Minor in Athletic Coaching.

Since he was 10 years old, Ryan has wanted to be a Division 1 basketball coach. He is off to a great start, currently working as the Video Coordinator for the Princeton University Men’s Basketball Team, under Head Coach Mitch Henderson. So far this season, the Tigers have a 9-5 record and are in first place in the Ivy League. One of their wins was a 67-66 upset of then #17 Arizona State, coached by former Duke player, Bobby Hurley.

Congratulations to Ryan on his accomplishments. It appears that playing good basketball is a family trait, so the next step would be for a great coach to emerge. Here’s hoping he continues to work hard and realizes his dream.

Remember, YOU are the Newsletter, so please send your stories, pictures, comments or questions about sports to 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

From: Linda Purnell (WI 1967)

I see many boys I graduated with in 1967 - so this must be 1966 - 1967

I see Paul Wyckoff, Michael Lambiotte, to name 2 - I would have to get my yearbook out - to remember names of others - but many familiar.

From: Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

That has to be around 1967. I recognize the coaches. Coach Bill "Fuzzy" Moore, Coach Alphonse Castillana, and Coach Joe Marra. Also, my brother Larry Alvaro is second row from bottom, 3rd from right.

From: Greg Merrill (WI 1966)

The track team picture was taken on the front steps of WI during the spring of 1966. The front row are all seniors that graduated that year, second row are Jrs., etc. 
I will start on the front row, left to right:

Scott Palmer, Steven London, Larry Hovey, Pete Bowie, Jim Combs, Tim Waroblak, Greg Merrill, Frank Aliveto and Brian Thornley. 
On the second row in the middle are some of the Juniors that year, Chuck Wilson, Larry Alvaro. 
On the back row is Coach Moore (head track coach) along with Coach Castellano and Coach Marra. 
We broke the school record that year in the 4x440 relay at a track meet in Elkins.

From: Debbie Sayre Stoikowitz (WI 1969)

This picture must have been taken in 1965-1967.

I know lots of people in this picture. I had a crush on so many of these guys.

1st row: 3rd from left is Larry Hovey, 4th from left is Pete Bowey

2nd row: 4th from left is Michael Lambiotte, 5th from left is Larry Alvaro

3rd row: 3rd from left is Joe Oliveto, 5th from left is Kevin Merchant, 6th from left is George Maxwell

4th row: 1st position is Bob Ross, 2nd position is Reed Waters, 3rd position is Randy Mc Coy, Last position is Bud Henderson

Back row in the middle is Coach Castalanna.

I look forward to your response!

Thank you Roleta! This was fun. Loved seeing these young guys again. So handsome! Wow!

From: Chuck Wilson (WI 1967)

The Mystery Picture is that of the 1966 WI Track Team, taken on the front steps of the high school.

Some of the Seniors on the Front Row, Jim Combs, Pete Bowie, Tim Waroblak, Larry Hovey, Frank Olivito, Brian Thorniley, Steve London. Second Row, Myself - Chuck Wilson, Mike Lambiotte, Larry Alvaro, Paul Wycoff, Andy Moore, Marc Wiseman. 
Third Row, Mike M., Kevin Merchant, Steve Nutt, Tinsley Stewart.

Back Row, Coach Bill Moore, Coach Al Castalanta & Coach Joe Marra

AND THE CORRECT ANSWERS ARE...

MISS GLYDE BAILEY

AND AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF

HER SENIOR ENGLISH CLASS

From: John E. Stealey III (WI 1959; WVU 1963, 1965, & 1970)

Students at Washington Irving High School during the 1950s and other decades were fortunate to have benefited from dedicated yet quite different English teachers. In my case, I had Miss Josephine Swiger (freshman year), Miss Emily (sophomore and junior), and Miss Bailey. It was obvious that for all, teaching was their life. Having spent my life in the academy as a student and college and university professor, I naturally recollect past teachers and assess their influence and importance. Also, realization that my appraisal of positive intellectual effect might correspond with that of other students and might encourage those with similar experience to sharpen my (our) memory prompts these reminiscences.

Miss Bailey, who taught at WI from 1926 to 1964, quietly and effectively instructed thousands. Her classroom embraced diverse aspects of the English language from writing to dissection of literary classics. She obviously went beyond what was required to supervise composition of the yearbook. More importantly to me and undoubtedly to others, she assigned vocabulary words (about ten per week?) to students to learn their meanings and compose them in a literate sentence that she reviewed. I recall her admonition, really of encouragement, that if we went to college or university that many of the words would reappear on various standard examinations and in our reading. And, I found the advice to be absolutely correct, almost clairvoyant. I have often wondered about the sources of her useful and extensive vocabulary list.

While an undergraduate at West Virginia University and preparatory to entering graduate school, I took many tests, including national ones, where Miss Bailey’s words surfaced and instantly reminded me of her contribution. A graduation requirement in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Commerce (and perhaps other colleges) required passage of an English grammar and word-meaning test in the senior year. The test was a relatively elementary exercise, but it tripped the progress of some.

From the hazy past, I recall at least two specific words from Miss Bailey’s extensive exercises: anathema and prescience. Perhaps the infinitive form of the words, imply and infer, also appeared. It may be that the words became so mentally engrained that the process has shrouded my recollection of origin.

Other WI students who enjoyed the privilege of Miss Bailey’s instruction might recall the vocabulary exercises, their positive influence, and specific words. Serendipitous possession of class notes with the words by others might be too much to expect from more than a half century past.

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 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 20^th.

* 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! 

................................................................

From: Penny Christie Johnson (WI 1960)

Pictured above are Penny Christie Johnson (WI 1960); Hope Smith, her granddaughter, age 18; and Emil Johnson, her husband (Elkins HS 1958).

From: Bill Peters

Pictured above are Bill and Margaret Peters with their children and their spouses.

From: Toni (Sprouse) Erchak (Victory 1957)

Amazing that you were able to produce a newsletter this month!

Here is my favorite Xmas 2018 photo (above). You did not specify the photo had to be of people. My Russian Blue (mix) cat, Fia, thought we bought a tree just for her. She totally ruined the first tree by mashing down all the branches, so we bought a stronger, denser tree, which she climbed a couple times. She does make a beautiful decoration!

Note from Editor:

Thanks for your comments. We will see what the judge says about your picture. I am totally out of this, just trying to get the $200.00 from Joe Malone for the WI Newsletter Scholarship!

By the way, in 19.5 years I have never missed one issue of the newsletter. NEVER! I take a lot of pride in that statement.

From: Martha Rice (WI 1956)

I am sending a photo (above) taken with my son, Matt, his partner, Jason, and my grandson, Blake. We always have a great time together.

From: Lucy Ropp Hornor (WI 1954)

Paul and I visited our son Will and his wife, Renee Rabanal Hornor, in NC during the holidays.

This picture (above) was taken at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte.

L to R: Paul Hornor (WI 1953), Renee Rabanal Hornor (WI 1984) and me.

From: Linda Allen Andersen (WI 1969)

The picture (above) was taken at our home in Jordan Minnesota. Our family doesn’t get together very often since our 3 sons live in 3 different states. Eric is the oldest and lives in Arkansas with his wife Tina and 4 kids, Savanna, Skyler, Annabelle and Colton. Our middle son is Scott and he and his wife Tiffany live in Wyoming with sons, Garrett and Jordan. Our youngest son Christopher lives in Washington. We have only all been together two different years and that was in 2016 and 2018.

It’s really wild and crazy during the week they’re all here but we have a great time.

From: Jim Strider (WI 1955)

This is a picture (above) of our family at Christmas this year. The picture was taken in our Arkansas home.

Back row: Ben Strider; Logan Slusser; Jordan Boothe; Hank Strider; Jim Strider; Hayden Strider.

Middle row: Laura Strider; Hannah Strider Slusser; Lauren Strider Boothe; Lorri Strider; Kate Strider Carlisile; Cole Carlisile.

Front row: Jim Strider; great grandson, Graham Boothe; Jo Strider

The picture was taken Christmas Eve at my son, Ben Strider’s house.

From: Larry Martino (WI 1959)

This would be my Family Photo Entry (above). It was taken in my parent’s home in Clarksburg, WV, which my brother bought when my father died. We as a family have this dinner each Christmas Eve. This has been a family tradition which dates back to when I was a young boy, over 70 years.

Pictured are: From me being the oldest to Braden, on his mother’s lap, being the youngest. The rest include my Brothers, Lou and Frank and my Sister ,Mary and our children and their spouses and grandchildren. 
This was our Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner of the Seven Fishes. It is always a great evening and getting bigger each year. If you need additional information, please let me know.

FRED ALVARO

(WI 1959)

Fred Alvaro died peacefully at the age of 77 on Saturday, January 5, 2019 in The Villages, Florida. Born in Clarksburg, West Virginia to a second-generation Italian family, Fred excelled in athletics and academics. He and his two brothers, Jim and Larry, grew up under the watchful eyes of their parents, Fred and Mary Conch Alvaro. He graduated from pharmacy school at West Virginia University and married Karen Sue Poe, of Bridgeport, West Virginia. They moved to Columbus, Ohio where they started their own family with the addition of their son, Chad Keflin Alvaro. Fred thrived in a new career in oil and gas investment, and then, later, as a small business owner with Karen. They followed their son to Florida, where they retired and resided in The Villages until Fred’s passing. Fred is survived by his wife, Karen, his brothers, Jim and Larry, his sister-in-law, Sheila Green, his son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Annie Alvaro, and two grandchildren, Keflin Thomas Alvaro, age 7, and Julia Anne Alvaro, age 5. He was honest, kind, and most of all, loved, and will be missed.

LEAH VERONA BURNSIDE

(WI 1950)

Leah Verona Burnside, 86, of Kincheloe passed away gently into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, January 6, 2019, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of NCF at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon.

On May 31, 1932 Leah blessed the lives of her parents, Thomas Wilfred and Edna Hazel Drepperd Hardy, when she was born in Miami, FL.

Leah treasured her time spent with her two daughters: Karen Hayhurst and husband, Jay, of Jane Lew, and Dawna Mussad and husband, Emir, Fairfax, VA; five grandchildren: Stacey and Aaron Hayhurst, Sarah Weaver and husband, Michael, and Isaiah and Nevaeh Hayhurst; one great grandchild on-the-way, Elijah Owen Weaver; her caregiver and close friend, Stephanie Gower and husband, Joe, of Buckhannon; sister-in-law, Corinne Hardy of Wesley Chapel, FL; nephews, Mark Hardy and wife, Stephanie, of Tampa, FL and Kurt Hardy and wife, Melissa, of Wesley Chapel, FL; great-nieces: Reganne and Peighton Hardy; great-nephews: William and Jackson Hardy; and several nieces and nephews that were close to her heart.

Her parents, two brothers: Thomas and Cecil “Mark” Hardy; her dear friend and Chihuahua, Lefty; previous husband and friend, Gene Burnside; and brother and sister-in-law, Junior and Joan Lough preceded Leah in death.

After graduating from Washington Irving High School, Leah worked for People’s Life Insurance. Once she was married, Leah became a mother who dedicated her life to caring for her family and farm. She was a member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church and though she didn’t want to leave her family, Leah was looking forward to going home.

Leah’s request for cremation has been honored and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, located at Cr-35 / Kincheloe Run in Kinchelo on April 6, 2019.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.

ROBERT GRAEBER

Robert Edward Graeber went into the comforting arms of the Lord January 9^th, 2019 at Encompass Health Rehabilitation, Bridgeport, WV. He was born June 1, 1930 in Charleston, WV to the late Dorothy Cobun Graeber and Edward Charles Graeber.

On April 24^,1950, Bob married the love of his life, Marlene Kline and they would have celebrated 69 years of cherished memories with family and friends.

He is survived by his sons, R. Allen Graeber, Concord, NC and Mark D. Graeber and his wife, Susie, Bridgeport and daughter-in-law, Lynnette Graeber, Vienna, WV. He was the proud grandfather to Brian Graeber and his wife Julia, Chicago, IL, Paul Graeber, Clarksburg, WV, Todd Graeber and his wife Tiffany, Concord, NC, Tyler Graeber, Charlotte, NC, Brittany and her husband Derek Stewart, New London, NC, Fallon and her husband Chris Gillum, Gainesville, VA, Meagan Graeber, Parkersburg, WV and Steven Brent Graeber, Gainesville, VA, his sister and brother-in-law, Edith and William May, Palm Coast, FL and nephews Thomas Hawley, Lorton, VA, William and Carol Hawley, Norcross, GA and Daniel(Heather) May, Palm Coast, FL and great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Steven Edward Graeber, his sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Bill Hawley, and his mother and father-in-law, Harold and Ruth Kline.

Bob graduated from WI High School where he played basketball for the Hilltoppers. In their younger years, Marlene and Bob spent many evenings playing bridge with their longtime friends.

He was most proud of his job as a heavy glass cutter when he worked at Pittsburgh Plate, Rolland and Adamston Glass Companies. He later worked for Republic Steel Coal Company before moving to Naples, FL where he was close to his father, Ed, and sister, Doris and her husband Bill. Marlene and Bob returned to WV to be closer to their sons and grandchildren so they could follow the grandchildren with their activities and sports. After their return, Bob had worked at Kroger as a bagger and Maplewood as a van driver, jobs where enjoyed seeing all the people

In his later years, Bob treasured the visits with his many great grandchildren, Addison, Kenley, Ella, Maggie, Beckett and Barrett Graeber, Rachel, Gavin, Ethan, Wesley and Bradley Stewart, Paiton and Mackson Gillum, Xavier, Jayce and Jordan Graeber. 

Bob attended the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church when health permitted.

The family requests donations be made in Bob’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

LINDA MOORE PRITCHARD

(WI 1958)

Linda died on January 14, 2019. Married to Randy Pritchard, also WI 1958.

No other information was received.

VINCENT MERENDINO

 (NDHS 1964)

Vincent Merendino, age 72, died suddenly on November 21, 2018 in San Diego, CA. Vinny was born and lived in Clarksburg, WV where he graduated from Notre Dame High School. He then earned a BS in Biology from Fairmont State University and then attended WVU School of Dentistry for four years. After deciding that dentistry was not to be his career goal he resigned.

Vinny moved to San Diego, CA where he pursued his longtime interest in coin collecting becoming a successful dealer in the rare coins business. He also enjoyed buying and selling WW ll memorabilia on his computer.

He was a daily communicant at St. Michaels Church in San Diego, where he and his wife, Gina Lara, were members for many years. Vinny had a charming personality, an easy infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Gina Lara, his two sisters, Mary Clare Merendino-Kane (Joseph) of NJ and Margaret Jean Zirrolli of NC; three nephews, Joseph Kane of VA, Anthony Zirrolli, Michael Zirrolli of MD and two nieces, Mary Kane-Malone, and Catherine Kane both from NJ.

Interment was at Floral Hills on Zacks Run in Mt. Claire, WV.

JOHN WAYNE OLDAKER

John Wayne Oldaker, Jr., 43, of Stonewood, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. He was born in Clarksburg on January 9, 1976, a son of John W. Oldaker, Sr. and Kathleen (Fazzolari) Oldaker, who survive in Clarksburg.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Erin Kristen Lambert Oldaker and their children, Braeden Wesley Oldaker and Kyla Grace Nieta Oldaker of Shinnston; his sister Karri Anne Oldaker and his nephew Brycen Samuel Oldaker, all of Bridgeport. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins; mother-in-law, Nieta Howard and her husband Dennis; and his wife’s grandfather, Albert Muto all of Fairmont.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law Reverend Stanley Lambert. Also, his wife’s grandmother, Alberta Muto.

John was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, and was currently working at the FBI as a Legal Instrument Examiner. He loved assisting others through emergency services, joining the Harrison County Emergency Squad at age 16. He was currently working as a paramedic with Anmoore Fire Department and was Assistant Chief at Mt. Clare Fire Department.

He took great joy in watching his son, Braeden, run track for Bridgeport High School and his daughter, Kyla, play soccer for Bridgeport Middle School. He enjoyed golfing and bowling, and followed WVU sports and Notre Dame football.

Interment was at Sunset Memorial Park.

JUDITH HEABERLIN LEMASTERS

(WI 1956)

Judith G. Lemasters, 80 of North East, MD, died Tuesday, January 22, 2019 in the Abbey Manor Assisted Living, Elkton, MD.

Born in Fayetteville, WV, on October 10, 1938, she was the daughter of the late James C. and Nell (Shanklin) Heaberlin.

She was a Traveling Receptionist, employed by W.L. Gore and a beauty consultant for Mary K Cosmetics. Judith was a member of St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, a life member of the NERYC and enjoyed gardening.

Survived by her husband: Lawrence H. Lemasters, daughter: Pamela Clarke of Bear, DE and son: Jeffrey Douglas of Denver, CO; sisters: Jane Rakestraw of Hockessin, DE and Jan Heaberlin of Towson, MD, brother: James Heaberlin of Ft. Collins, CO; 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Abbey Manor, Amedisys Hospice and especially Dr. David Gar-El and staff for all the compassionate care shown our family. 

Memorial service were Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, 315 S. Main St., North East, MD 21901.