Reminder: 70th Birthday Meeting Set for Saturday

Our first 70th Birthday Bash meeting will be held on Saturday, March 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Shaw Library in Clearfield. We are hoping for a large turnout, much as we had when planning our 50th-Year Reunion the past several years.

The 70th get-together will be on Saturday July 30, 2011, at a place to be determined.

We have in place people to handle the food, decorations, written communications, the blog, music, contact program, and, of course, the always dependable, ever-present gate keeper, Joyce Moody-Fletcher, without whom we couldn't begin to do this as well.

We are in need of someone to take charge of compiling the 70th booklet, a birthday gift(?), and the additional activities for Saturday a.m. or whenever. Also, let's think about breakfast at the Elk's club Sunday morning. That was nice the last time.

If you have an idea or choose to chair or be part of any committee, please contact me and I will direct you to the right person or persons.

- Judi Rolley White

Another Memorable Photo From Linda Smith Dale

This is from the Progress, I suppose 1942. I am the baby being held by my cousin Becky in the front row. My mother told me that the whole family rode the train down Third Street on Grandpa's final trip. Note the banners on the train. (Click on photo for a larger view.)

- Linda Smith Dale

Bonnie and Ed Powell Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Clearfield Area High School Class of 1959 marked another milestone this past week when Ed and Bonnie Henchbarger Powell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 11.

This photo was taken in 1968. Aren't they the handsome couple? Nice tan, Ed!

Bonnie and Ed were stalwarts in the planning for our 50th-year class reunion last year. We appreciate their loyalty to our class and its ongoing activities. Past 50 years together and still going strong!

70th Birthday Bash Meeting Set for March 27

Message from Judi Rolley White:

Our first 70th Birthday Bash meeting will be held on Saturday, March 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Shaw Library in Clearfield.

The 70th get-together will be on Saturday July 30, 2011, at a place to be determined. We do know that Sam and Sandy Lansberry once again have volunteered their home for a meet and greet the Friday evening of July 29th. Last year's event at the Lansberry country home was wonderful, and we thank them once again.

As many of you know, Tom O'Day is working on a plan to keep all of our class members in an informational loop. Thanks to you, Tom

We have in place people to handle the food, decorations, written communications, the blog, music, contact program, and, of course, the always dependable, ever present gate keeper, Joyce Moody-Fletcher, without whom we couldn't begin to do this as well.

We are in need of someone to take charge of compiling the 70th booklet, a birthday gift(?), and the additional activities for Saturday a.m. or whenever. Also, let's think about breakfast at the Elk's club Sunday morning. That was nice the last time.

If you have an idea or choose to chair or be part of any committee, please contact me and I will direct you to the right person or persons.

Please bring ideas for a gag gift or such. We can't offend those who don't handle reaching 70 easily, and we need something that will fit men and women. Bring your ideas with you or e-mail them to me to present to those in attendance. Let me know if I need to add anything special to the agenda.

Wouldn't it be nice if all of our class members who attended the reunion PLUS those who couldn't make it, would come to the 70th party! Our efforts to reach out and include everyone could do it. Let's give it our best shot!

Classmate David R. Boyce Passes Away

A recent note from Wilbur Shirey:

I'm sad to tell you that Dave Boyce passed away on Friday, February 19, 2010. He was on my call list as he lived in Harrisburg and we had a long talk.

In fact we talked until he said he had to quit because he was literally out of breath. He had emphasema and said last Spring that he would not be able to attend the reunion because of his health.

He was in the Navy for 30 years and had headed the Navy Recruiting Office in Clearfield. In fact he recruited Suzy and Karl's son into the Navy. I remember him as a character who was lots of fun to be around.

Obituary from the Harrisburg Patriot-News Website:

David R. Boyce 69, of Harrisburg, died Friday, February 19, 2010, at his home.

Mr. Boyce was born in Clearfield, Pa., and was the son of the late John P. and Mary C. Freeman Boyce. He was retired from the U.S. Navy, after 30 years of service. During his Naval career, he spent most of his time at sea. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a life member of the Clearfield V.F.W., Disabled American Veterans and the Robert H. Hoke American Legion, Post 272, of Linglestown.

Mr. Boyce was predeceased by his grandson, Charles David Biretz, who died in 2007.

Mr. Boyce is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Boyce; two daughters, Sandra Lee Weibley of Carlisle and Rebecca Lynn Biretz of Duncannon; one son, David Allan Boyce of Maryland; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Margaret Jean Porter of Clearfield, Carol L. Dixon and Mary Lou Tayler, both of N.Y.; five brothers, John W. Boyce, Kenneth M. Boyce, Robert Boyce, Rodney D. Boyce, all of Clearfield, Pa., and Randy Boyce of N.Y.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, February 25, at the Hoover Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Harrisburg, with the Rev. Vernon Bosserman, officiating. Burial was in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

Great Display & Photos on the Bison Statue

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Tom O'Day calls our attention to an impressive, in-depth display featuring many color photos and clippings from The Progress on the history of the Golden Bison statue which stands on the site of the "Old High School" along the river in downtown Clearfield.

The Golden Bison statue is a gift of the Class of '62.

The display is featured on the Clearfield Reunions website, conceived, designed and directed by by Paul Dietzel ('64). Great job, Paul!

Click on the web address below and enjoy the fun.

http://www.clearfieldreunions.com/BisonWall.html

Jim Walther Checks In

Dennis: Great to hear from you!

I have had a very busy life since I left Clearfield--but I still remember how great it was to grow up in Clearfield. Recently I was talking with a member of our United Way Steering committee about the opportunity to explore the mountains and streams around Clearfield.

Since I departed Clearfield I have completed a 21 year career in the US Army and a 25year career with the University of Texas at Arlington. I am married, have four daughters and 11 grandkids--that all live outside of Texas.

I wanted something to keep me off the streets when I retired from the University, so I started a foundation that is the propenent for Americas Promise in Arlington Texas. I am still working 60 hour weeks --but no paycheck. I could use some guidance.

How are you doing? I know you have been active in keeping our CHS class informed and saw your name come up a couple of times. BTW: Jerriann Jury Nielson, my cousin, just found me on Facebook. ...Also Amos Hixon who lives in Keller --about 20 miles from here--came on my Facebook.

Look forward to your reply, Jim.

Editor's Note - Jim sure is looking great, isn't he? Wonderful to hear from him after all these years.

A Magical Christmas Moment

This picture was taken when Christmas was 'magical' to me and Mom and Dad were like 'movie stars' in my eyes.

My mother's name was Dorothy and my dad's George. (He went by Geo.) They were going to the Dimeling Hotel for a Christmas Ball. Maybe the Charity Ball or the Junior Board of Trade. It must have been around 1950 but there is no date on the picture.

The newspapers on the foot stool were The Progress and The Harrisburg Evening News. We received both newspapers each day.

I just love to look at old photos and enjoy the wonderful memories of Christmas as a child.

Merry Christmas and May God bless each and every one of you and your families.

- Linda Smith Dale

Snoopy's Christmas Watch

My memory is a like a brick wall. Battered a bit now and then but strong and mostly intact. The mortar is in great shape. Still holding the pieces together. But some of the bricks are missing. Just gone. And no warning. Random open areas where the bricks used to be. No pattern at all. The memories that remain are clear and accurate. The ones missing are not going to return. Not ever. Frustrating.

I was eleven. I suppose most eleven year olds nowadays want a cell phone for Christmas. That is, if they don’t already have one. A great feature is a clock that is accurate and illuminates. Very handy indeed.

We didn’t have cell phones when I was eleven. Most of us were still astonished by this miracle called “TV.” Some of us were lucky enough to have one, complete with the ever-present red, blue, green and brown film over the screen that made ours a deluxe model.

My wish list that year was short. Very short. In fact, I wanted just one item. A watch! I knew that the chances were slim. My usual gifts were a doll from Santa, flannel pj’s from my grandparents, and a stocking…small by todays standards…filled with tangerines and nuts. And I knew that watches were more expensive than tangerines and nuts.

I don’t recall how the tree got to our house. Did Daddy tie it to the top of the Willys? That brick is gone. Completely. However, my memory is clear as a bell about the placement of the tree in our family room. Always in a corner because it wouldn’t “stand up.” Leaned it against the wall in a corner between two windows. Wire was wrapped around the trunk and anchored on each side to eye screws placed in the frames of the windows.

The tree trimming, complete with “modern” bubble lights, was a family event. Well, mostly. My mother provided the finishing touch with careful placement of about a million icicles. After that, we could just look, not touch.

Back to the watch. For the first time ever, and with courage that was not at all characteristic of me, I snooped. I just had to know if I was getting the watch I so very much wanted. And I found it! Tucked under a stack of lesser gifts in my parents closet. On the right side. On the floor. Clear memory.

That Christmas is one I’ll never forget. I’m sure of it. And it was the worst ever. I don’t think my parents knew that I snooped. But I can still feel the false surprise I showed when I opened that long golden box. I’m not sure of the lesson learned that Christmas. I’ll leave that to folks who like to analyze that kind of stuff. But I still have that watch. Like me, it’s not quite as shiny or stylish as it once was. And, although it still functions, it sometimes has trouble keeping up……..just like me.

Another memory that has had a life-long impression on me occurred some years later when I was a student nurse at St Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Tucson, AZ. The hospital was founded in 1880. Although the front of the building was renovated, the back was in such poor repair that it was off-limits to patients and visitors. Student nurses were required to use the entrance as well as the ancient elevator at the back of the building. It was so scary and unreliable that even the nuns were afraid to ride in it! I am so grateful that a memory from that creaky cage all those years ago has stayed with me. It was the beginning of the holiday season. A flyer taped to the elevator announced a Xmas Arts and Crafts Fair. Someone had drawn an arrow to the word Xmas and wrote “Who took Christ out of Christmas?”

I wish each of you a joyful holiday season and a new year richly blessed with love, good health, and a full load of bricks.

- Sandi Howland Archer

Giving Thanks…..

By Sandi Howland Archer

I do most of my thinking in the middle of the night. Too often I find myself wide awake at about 2 a.m. and that’s when the random thoughts bounce around. I know, I know…there are pills for that. But I rather like having that peaceful time to process what might be otherwise lost in the hustle and bustle of a busy day. And so it was again last night. Wide awake and thinking about all that I have to be genuinely thankful for. No surprise that my thoughts quickly brought me back to my childhood in Clearfield.

Brutally cold mornings in an old house with no insulation. Heated with coal that was delivered by Ryan Bros Coal Company thru a shoot directly into the coal bin. The flue ran through the bathroom (not 1¾ baths!) that was most definitely the coziest spot in the house. Always thankful for my turn.

For the most part, we were respectful to our teachers. Didn’t really have much choice if we had any smarts at all. Disregard for authority would result in a well placed paddle at school followed by a whooping at home. I’m thankful for an early lesson that has made it easy for me to show respect for others. Always. Even when it’s not the easy route.

We didn’t have a list of rules taped to the fridge at home. Ours were implied and we took them seriously. After our homework and chores were finished, we were allowed to play outside. Had to be home for dinner or by dark, whichever came first. Played in the woods behind the playground. Skated in the middle of Daisy Street. Swam in the “six-footer.” I’m thankful for a time long gone when children felt safe.

We weren’t the first folks in town to get a TV. In about 1950 or 52 my family had our house shingled. Supposed to look like red brick. Failed miserably. I don’t recall the name of the hardware store where the shingles were purchased but I do recall that we were given one raffle ticket for each dollar spent. The grand prize was a television.

I recall vividly sitting at the kitchen table with the rest of the family filling out the stubs of all those tickets. I also recall that when the big day came for the drawing, we went to the hardware store and I pulled the winning ticket from a bathtub filled nearly to the top. My sister, Carole, has an equally vivid memory of her pulling the winner. Life changed after that small, snowy TV came into our home. Am I thankful that we finally got a television? Not a chance! I’m most thankful for the wonderful conversations, the fun of playing pick-up-sticks, and the joy of solving a Nancy Drew mystery that were never the same after the monster came into our home.

Goldie. She…or he?...was my first pet. I learned to feed her just the right amount of flaked food. Quickly learned, with some help from my mother, that it’s not OK to clean the fish bowl with the same sponge used for cleaning pots and pans. Thankful that I learned how to love a pet until the very end. Buried her in a pink and white plastic box that once contained a Christmas gift (wallet) for my mother. Buried her under the bush with the huge white flowers. Used popsicle sticks for a cross. 1311 Daisy Street.

Our society has become a transient one. “The grass is greener…” has most definitely hooked us as we move about looking for the perfect house, perfect job, perfect mate, etc. Certainly makes it challenging to maintain friendships as some of us chase that elusive pasture. I’m so very, very thankful for the childhood friends who never gave up on me. I love the flood of warm memories each time I open an email from Bea, Merlyn, Mary, Anna Marie, Rosalie, etc., etc., etc.

This year has been filled with numerous reminders of how very blessed I am. Being able to attend the 50th class reunion is high on my list. That wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional skills of the emergency responders when I had a stroke. I’m thankful for their immediate response and treatment. I’m thankful for my loving family who will gather for a feast next week followed by board games and hanging Christmas lights (the guys don’t know about hanging the lights). I’m thankful for the continued opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the seriously mentally ill. I’m most thankful for finding Lexxi when I lost her in the Denver airport…. but that’s another story!

An abundance of love and blessings to you and yours,

Sandi

Chairman Herb Maney reports on Oct. 31 Class of '59 reunion committee meeting

- Photos by Karl Nagle

From left, Bonnie Powell, Herb Maney, Joanne Magnuson

In attendance:

Chairman Herb Maney

Joyce Moody Fletcher
Joyce Amon Michaels
Bonnie Henchbarger Powell and Ed Powell

Sue and Karl Nagle
Wil and Karen Shirey
Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson
Joanne Shimel Magnuson
Linda Smith Dale
Judi Rolley White
Tom O’Day
Sam Lansberry
Chuck Nelson

The meeting was opened by the Chair with the first order of business being an open forum on the "Fabulous Fifty Reunion " and comments were passed about by everyone in attendance relating to the good comments all persons had received from other classmates, their partners, and even people not associated with the class who had heard of the reunion and its success.

The consensus was that this was the "Reunion of Reunions."

The Chair formally thanked all members for their splendid efforts and cooperation in making this the great "Reunion of Reunions" and conceded that this was the best committee, in terms of cooperation and work completed to the end, that he had ever worked with throughout his career.

The treasurer, Joyce Moody Fletcher, supplied a copy of her final cost analysis report showing a cost for the reunion of $5,136.25, not including the many supplies and functions supplied by classmates and committee members out of their own pockets and concerned generosity. The treasury balance is now $3,617.21 and is in the checking account at Northwest Bank in Curwensville, PA.

(Note from Suzy Nagle: "I have a note on my own copy of the report that $3000.00 - $3500.00 was/were received as "donations", without which we would now have a very small balance - probably not enough even to pay postage for future mailings.")

A discussion was made of the funds and what to do with the balance. It was unanimously decided to let the funds in the checking account at the bank for further use by the committee with Joyce Fletcher agreeing to remain on as treasurer and statistician, a fact agreed to by all. Joyce will order additional checks from a discount supplier as the bank wanted $25.00 for 200 checks and the supplier will be much cheaper. There are only 5 checks left from the ones supplied by the bank when the account was opened.

A 70th birthday party plan was discussed with the result that future discussion and meetings will further pursue that endeavor and if that takes place, a discussion and plans for a 55th reunion will follow. Judi Rolley White will chair the event. Suzy Nagle volunteered to help with composition/make-up of future newsletters, mailings, etc., for the 70th birthday party/parties - basically to try to emulate the super job that Wil Shirey did for the 65th Birthday Bash and the "reunion of reunions."

Tom O'Day then introduced a plan, including spreadsheets, he has developed for regionalization of the nation into segments with the classmates residing in each region listed within that region and a coordinator person chosen to act as a liaison between the main body of classmates, the Clearfield region, and all other regions, thus making contact and communication much easier and faster.

This might also continue to perpetuate the "friendly bond" created by the Fabulous 50 Reunion by giving persons, who live near each other, a reason to communicate and possibly meet to continue the bond. An example of which would be a 70th birthday party centrally located in each region which would eliminate costly travel for classmates to come to Clearfield for the party. They can have a party in their own region and communicate with the Clearfield region for continuation of the bond. The spreadsheet needs correction on addresses, etc. so Judi White and Peggy Jo Knepp Thompson will work with Tom to make those corrections and revisions.

Joyce advised that Linda Dale Smith will enter all names into the "Golden Bison" registry and we will become members of that group receiving our first invitation some time next spring.

Discussion for a 55th reunion included the possibility that our class participate in the "Golden Bison" main event dinner so to preclude all the planning and work necessary to have our own dinner meeting. We would then be free to plan Friday and Saturday/Sunday fun events for the benefit of all without being tied to finding a suitable hall, caterer, etc. etc. for a main event dinner.

Karl and Sue Nagle informed the group that the price for the three high quality photos Karl made would be $15.00 for the set. Sales were lively!!

Karl also took photos of the meeting, in his usual professional and inclusive style, and will supply them to Denny for the blog.

The time really flew by and it was 4:00 P.M., time for dismissal until next time. No date was set for a next meeting because of the winter weather and change of chair.

All in all, it was another great meeting with Chuck Nelson stating he is really sorry he didn't get involved earlier because he now sees what he missed by not being in attendance at all the meetings. A climactic comment for our reunion committee!

- Merlyn (Herb) Maney

Suzy's notes on the meeting

Suzy Nagle and Chuck Nelson

It's my understanding that Judi and Iwere volunteering only for the 70th Birthday Bash, which was a definite "GO"; and that we'd be meeting again in the spring to decide on holding further all-inclusive five-year reunions, having regional get-togethers (as Tom O'Day has proposed) or merging with the Golden Bisons. Or all of the above. Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Chuck Nelson handed out some copies of the book 1959: The Year Everything Changed by Fred Kaplan, which was published by Chuck's son's company. Those of us who got a copy are to share with someone who didn't, or wasn't at the meeting - I'm to give mine to Joyce Undercofler.

Judi also wants us to let other classes and/or "fifties" groups know that she/we have "props" and decorations that can be borrowed/lent (for a fee???).

- Suzy Nagle

Sam Lansberry...What a guy!

Wil Shirey and Sam Lansberry

The only thing I recall that is missing from both Suzy's and Herbie's notes is that, on his way out the door, Sam offered a repeat performance with an ice breaker the next time the class meets. He's doing it because the bank has grown to love his wife and he has beer and wine left over from this year. What a guy!!! I checked with Karen and she agrees he did say words to that effect. And if he didn't, let's all say he did! We can remind him at the Christmas Party at the Nagles in North Myrtle Beach.

Ho! Ho! Ho! See ya'll at the Nagles!!!!

- Wil and Karen Shirey

Suzy recalls Sam's offer

I, too, remember Sam's offer, as well as his "threat". Believe me, I check the "Personals" in the Indiana Gazette on a daily basis.

Actually, the Christmas Party sounds like a great idea. Unfortunately, we won't be in North Myrtle Beach, but rather, in Surfside Beach, which once may very well have been called "South Myrtle Beach", for all we know. We don't usually get much company there in December - it's not until February, when everybody's sick of snow, that we run a "hot-sheet" establishment. So, y'all come! Ya heah? We can provide bed space and linens for eight. BYOB!

- Suzy Nagle

Sam agrees...

I did say that, except "I promise to furnish a fresh supply of beer and wine" as the old will be gone. Looking forward to it and I hope everybody, plus more, returns.

- Sam Lansberry

Additional note from Tom O'Day

We will decide after the last committee meeting for the 70th birthday bash if we will have a 55th-year class reunion or have a mini function before each Golden Bison reunion.

- Tom O'Day

You realize it's your 50th reunion when...

(Click to enlarge.)

...it's time to get up off the grass.

- Photo by Tyler Erickson

High-Quality Class Photos Will Be Available at Oct. 31 Meeting

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Hey, y'all!

Hope to see most or all of you (all of y'all???) next Saturday - barring any further snowstorms. The meeting will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Shaw Library in Clearfield.

Karl has made up 5 sets of his reunion photos-one 8x10 copy of the "blog pic", plus two 5x7 shots of the two halves of us while we were assembling (in which some, but not all, of the unseen classmates from the big pic are visible).

Sorry he couldn't "see" everyone - remember he was wearing flat shoes and standing on the ground! (Unlike the gorgeously attired, high-heeled "official" photographer with the difficult to operate new camera on the very high UL-approved aluminum ladder who could “see” everyone but for some reason could not deliver the photo.)

Karl's photos were printed with new ink cartridges on high-quality photo paper; so, they should last awhile - at least 'til our 55th. We'll have to decide at the meeting what the cost will be. Karl will make the photos available to all who request them.

Hope to see everyone at Saturday's meeting.

PAX,

- Suzy Nagle

Next Meeting October 31 at Shaw Library

Dear Classmates,

Our next class meeting will be held on Saturday,
October 31st, from 1-4 p.m. at the Shaw Public
Library in Clearfield.

Since the Penn State game is away that weekend,
traffic should not be a problem.

I'm letting you know waaaayyyy in advance; so,
please go check your planners and calendars
right away and reserve that date to attend.

If anyone has anything they want discussed,
please give Herb a "heads up" - his e-mail is:
pcmaker@gotmc.net

This will be the "last meeting" of our 50th committee
for this year only because of our anticipated
winter weather; however, we need to discuss any
future event(s), our checkbook balance and who is
willing to be our chairperson for the 55th reunion.

See you in October!

- Joyce Moody Fletcher

Sad News From Keith Knepp

Hi everybody,

Sorry, but this news is not good at all.

First of all, I've had an e-mail from Herb Maney saying
that he had contacted Keith Knepp and asked about
Keith's brother-in-law, Fred King. Keith's wife, Sue, and
Fred are/were sister and brother.

Unfortunately, Keith said that Fred had passed away
recently week in Florida. He had serious health concerns
and took ill in Florida while visiting his daughter.

If anybody wants to send a sympathy card, Fred's wife is

Barbara King
653 W. Kitchen Dr.
Port Neches, TX 77651


Also, on Weds., Sept. 23rd, "Chip" Lawhead lost his
mother, Dora.

Chip's address is:

Gary K. Lawhead
720 Elm Ave.
Clearfield, PA 16830

I'll be sending sympathy cards to both families
from our class.

Thanks,

- Joyce Moody Fletcher