East High Class of ‘56

                   East High “Class of 56”

                NewsLink        

                                                           June, 2002 

 

 

 

 

 


 

NEW FACES IN THE CROWD

We held our semi-annual dinner get-together on Monday April 22, 2002 at the Okoboji Grill in Pleasant Hill. There were many familiar faces, and happily some new faces.  Hopefully, the new faces enjoyed themselves, and will spread the word to others.  The Pleasant Hill facility provided a nice atmosphere, room, and excellent service.  I feel we  will be returning here in the near future.  Maybe we will start alternating East side, West side, and see how that works.

  There were 42 individuals in attendance at this get-together. They were: Larry & Margaret Fogelson - Shirley (Grant) and Bud Robinette - Tom & Roberta (Elin) Abbot t -Bill & Norma (Treanor) Burke – Don & Arlene Spaw – Mary(Graeve) Ross – Stephen Larson – Ruth (Cook) & Jerry Haag – Linda (White) Towers – Nancy (Lund) Belluchi – Marla (Roberts) & John Paul – Jerry & Becky Smith – Yvonne (Miller) & Sonny Nauman – Phil & Barb (Lowe) Penn – Lyle & Judi Norman – Bill & Mary Lou (Carnal) Howard – Dale & Marlene (Roberts) Wheeler – Janeene (Miller) Carlisle – Norma (Breton)  & Wayne Girton – Joyce (Baker) & Dean Doyle – Kay (Edwards)  & Chico Alcantar – Shirley (Knight) Wagner – Romona (Hitchcock) & Gary Moore – Larry & Virginia (Jeffries) Phipps.

 

   The next dinner get-together will be Monday  September 30th at 6:30  PM. at Pagliai”s Pizza located at 5312 Merle Hay Rd. (about 1/4th of a  mile North of I-80 on the west side of Merle Hay Rd.)   We have been there before, and we have had requests to go back. It will be the same as always, Individual checks with the gratuity added.          

   The “call committee” members will contact Janeene Carlisle with their numbers by Wednesday Sept. 26th.

   Janeene’s phone number is #984-6030.
CALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

   The local area classmates owe a debt of gratitude to the call committee members.  Each of these individuals calls a list of names starting about 10 days to two weeks before the next dinner get-together. Then they call Janeene Carlisle with their approximate numbers, and Janeene calls me, and I call the restaurant on the Thursday before our dinner with the approximate totals. This gives the restaurant the opportunity to have the proper amount of help to serve us.

  The call committee members are:

Jerry O. Smith…………………………A-B

LaVae (Knoz) Willson……………….C-F

Donna (Aspengren) Yeager……….F-H

Norma (Treanor) Burke……………H-N

Ruth (Cook) Hagg…………………….N-S

Arlene Spaw…………………………….S-W

Janeene (Miller) Carlisle………….W-Z

  So when they call you, please say “thanks for calling”, even if you can’t attend this time.  It does not take much of an effort to give a pleasant greeting and response, so these volunteers will feel their efforts are appreciated. Nuff said.      

 

 MEMORY SPIRAL ALMOST DONE

                      (From the Des Moines Register)

  East High School students, faculty and alumni are putting the last pieces of their Memory Spiral project in place.

  The lawn has been landscaped, trees planted and concrete poured. Most of the 400 pavers that will fill in the large circular area of the Memory Spiral have been engraved.

   The space will serve as an outdoor classroom, neighborhood meeting area, and site for concerts and other events. The landscaping project will


include a time capsule and a wall detailing the schools history.

  The Memory Spiral features a concrete platform anchored by a large, disc shaped area that will be filled in with the engraved pavers in a spiral layout. Trees ring the site, which has a view of the Iowa State Capitol complex.

  The pavers, which sold for $50.00 to $200 each, netted about $60,000 for the  estimated $100,000 project.  Most of the pavers will bear the names of East High graduates.

  The school’s alumni association donated money to the project last year, a move that helped move the project toward completion.

  “The Memory Spiral is really dedicated to those who came before us” Linda Saddoris, the schools National Honor Society director said, adding that the site also will serve the students of the future.

 

Note:  Your reunion committee voted and purchased a 6” x 12” paver  in the project last year which is to read “The class of 1956”.

 

STILL BUSY TEACHING,CENSUS, ETC.

  Many thanks for all that you and others have done to plan and set up our 45th Class reunion. As you can guess , since I missed the registration, I was not able to attend because I had just returned from 10 days in Brazil at a professional conference, where I gave a paper. There was just too much to catch up on and also get to the reunion.

  I plan to teach at Illinois State University , do research, and provide data from the 2000 U.S. Census for two more years before retiring. I have many things I want to finish in the next two years, but look forward to a much more relaxed pace after that. Perhaps the 50th reunion will be a possibility.

  My greetings and best wishes to all the East High classmates on our reunion .

  I was glad to see my twin brother Ray recently contributed to the NewsLink, and I wanted to do the same. I enjoy receiving it and staying in touch with my former High School Classmates.

Roy C. Treadway

 

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST FRAUD

   Received the following information on protecting yourself against fraud in case your wallet is lost or stolen from Mary Lou (Katzman) Goodman.

She thought it was worth sharing with those who do not have a computer. I agree.

  1. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.

Here is some critical information to limit the damage in case something like this happens to you.

  2. Cancel your credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call.

  3. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen.

  4. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS#. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

  The numbers are:

 

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

 

Experian (formerly TRW) : 1-888-397-3742

 

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

 

Also call Social Security Administration (fraud line) : 1-800-269-0271

 

   The main thing is to make records of your wallet contents, keep them in a safe place, then call all


the numbers and notify them if something happens.

  It might take some time and patience to do this, but the alternative could be much worse.

There were several horror stories of things  that happened to people who did not know to do this.

  Thanks Mary Lou, this is some good information.

 

HARD TO GO HOME AGAIN

  Larry, I remember you well, although in my memory you look much younger than in the pictures as seen in the NewsLink publications. I suggest that the editor has never really liked you. Of course mirrors on the wall are probably a bad idea after the age of 25. They are living evidence that shit does happen.

  I very much appreciated the NL edition of Dec. of 2001. The comments and pictures brought back many happy memories, probably some of the happiest for all of us. I can fully imagine the wealth of the conversations as people relived those tiny moments between classes, in line for the 25 cent lunches in the cafeteria, or just listening to a teacher who we have long ago forgiven for misusing our valuable time. As it turns out, they did make a contribution to what we all have become. For that, we can forgive them. Right??

  Pilar and I remain in Seville, Spain. We get back to the US every chance we get. We keep talking about a trip to Alaska or Patagonia, but due to grandchildren in CT. we just seem to retrace our tracks. It has been a long time since returning to Des Moines. As many of your reader know, it is hard to go home after many years because home is no longer there. It is in our hearts and memory. It is that reality from the heart that make your meeting and gatherings such wonderful affairs. There are few pleasures greater than talking to somebody about something they understand perfectly: the years just before 1956.

  I am sending a check to help with the NewLink. I look forward to it.  With all my best wishes for all.

Jerry Johnson

 

(Jerry, I could try to use my influence with the editor, but unfortunately I do not have any influence with the camera. I still think you should start making plans for the 50th. You owe yourself a little stroll down memory lane every 50 years or so.)

 

DON’T WANT TO COME HOME AGAIN

Please take me off all further list of EHS56, papers, etc. While I had some fun going through high school, I don’t care to take part in any future get togethers. I wasn’t close to anybody enough to really have an interest. I’m not rejecting your group, I just have other interest that take all my time. I felt like a complete stranger at the last one I went to 15 years ago. My decision is final. We have a wonderful time with our family and friends here in Texas, and at the Marina on the Gulf Coast. When not deep sea fishing we’re playing golf in Mansfield, and I’m not going to miss one minute of it.

Dick Frakes

 

NOW FOR SOME GOOD NEWS

  Received a email from Deanna (Wheatly) Peterson.  She has just received news from her Oncology Doctor on June the 3rd. He released and told her that she didn’t need to keep going for her 6 month checkups anymore.  The Doctor told her that her regular Doctor would let him know if any problems resurface.  (As most of you will remember, Deanna had cancer)  No problems, no more appointments. It was good news and Deanna says she is celebrating. Deanna says “Thanks for all the prayers”, they really helped.

(Hooray Deanna, that is great news. News worth sharing with everyone. It does reaffirm ones belief once in a while)

 

NEW BODY PARTS

   Janeene (Miller) Carlisle informed me that she and Linda (White) Towers went to the annual alumni meeting at East. They saw Bill Foster there. Also, in attendance was former teacher Mrs. Hammer who was 100 years old. Janeene said she  spoke right up, and stood up. No Janeene, I do not want to think about the fact that in just 36 more years that will be us.

   Janeene’s husband Larry has just had a knee replacement on his Right knee. Says he is doing well, and if everything goes OK, he will have the Left one done in about 6 weeks.

   Larry was a member of the Lincoln Air Force Base judo team when he was in the Service.  He said his knees took a pretty good beating with having to rely on quick moves and leverage. His knee cartilage was pretty well shot. He has relied on a viscous sinovial fluid injections (a gel) for the past 4 years.

(Good luck Larry, hope the left knee  goes as well as the right )


 

 

ARTISTS CONCEPTION OF THE EAST HIGH RENOVATION PROJECT

 

 

 

 


 INVEST IN THE FUTURE

   The renovation project will be an $18 million dollar Improvement plan funded by the One-cent Sales Tax revenue. It will consist of an Academic Wing Renovation, Activity Wing Renovation, Connector Building Addition, Northeast Addition and Site Work.   

   Included are 13 New Learning Centers, Air Conditioning, & Window Replacement, New Science Wing, Technology Upgrades, Reconfigured Department Areas, Improved Safety Features, Improved Handicap Accessibility/Elevator Installation.

   $5 Million Invest in the Future Plan funded privately and directed by the East High School Alumni Foundation will include the Activity Center, Music and Performing Arts, 1912 Building/Auditorium, Industrial Technology.

Questions can be emailed to :

william.watson@dmps.k12.ia.us

 

SENIORITY PREVAILS

   I’ve enjoyed reading about the reunion in the NewsLink, and seeing the pictures on the website. Sorry I was unable to attend the 45th  reunion, but I missed it by only one week, because I was in Des Moines attending my husband’s 50th from North High! I guess seniority took precedence.

Keep up the good work.

Nancy (Harris) Robinson

 

OTHER COMMENTS

   Dear Shirley, I really do enjoy reading about and seeing photos of former classmates, and I want to do my part in helping it to continue.

   I hope one day I will be in DSM for one of the alumni events. It would be fun to see all of you and I’ll try my best.     Nan Bishop

   Dear Shirley,  I so enjoy the newsletter. Thanks for all you do to keep us in touch. It means more and more each year.

Carol (Graney) DeChant

 

Hi Shirley,  sorry I’m so late in getting this to you. “Out of sight, out of Mind” I guess. I was sorry to hear about Kay (Johnson) Inman having to go on dialysis. She looked really good at the breakfast reunion. Sure hope and pray that things are going better.

  Keep up the good work. I really enjoy the letter. Was good talking to you at the breakfast. Where has the time gone. Seems like only yesterday.

    Donna (Mattis) Wright

      

(Donna, according to an email from Deanna (Wheatly) Peterson in February, Kay is doing okay, she is on dialysis during the night now)                                                                                                                                                    

 

NEWSLINK CONTRIBUTORS

   The following is the latest contributors to support the NewsLink:

Nancy Bishop – Carol (Graney) DeChant – Tom Fjelde – Sharon (Burris) Howze – Jerry Johnson – Harold Olsen – Nancy (Harris) Robinson – Doris (Rasmussen) Richards – Mevelyn (Wooderson) Richardson – Sharon (Whitehead) Stillwell – Roy Tredway – Marlene (Roberts) Wheeler – Donna (Mattis) Wright

   Thank you one and all. It is because of you we can continue to mail the NewsLink to everyone.

 

Mail your contributions to:

Shirley Robinette

812- E.- 22nd Ct.

Des Moines, Iowa    50317

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mail items for the NewsLink to:

Larry Fogelson

3121 – Twana Dr.

Des Moines, IA   50310

  

or email to:

 

chieffog@mchsi.com

 

IN MEMORIAM

    Hazel (Harmon) Crocker

    Norman Long

They are gone, but not forgotten.

 

A TRIBUTE

   So sorry to hear about Hazel. Hazel and I became friends when my family moved to DSM in 1948. She lived right across the street from my dad’s Animal Hospital on e. University. I remember when she and Dean eloped. She was so much fun, and had that unforgettable smile. She will greatly be missed by all who knew her. This may explain why she was not at the 45th reunion which was a whole lot of fun .

Ruth Ann (Collins) Pierick

 

ACCESS TO WEBSITE

  You may access Tom Lettington’s website for the “Class of 56” by going to: www.ehs56.org

   There was a rather unpleasant event that took place recently where one of our classmates sent Tom a threatening email for having received a virus, supposedly from this website.  Most rational people would realize that a virus can be attached from many different sources.

    I would only have to assume that the individual was having a very very bad hair day or something.  Please people, Tom has volunteered his resources and talent to set this up for us, and should not be subjected to this kind of treatment.  We all owe him a debt of gratitude.

 THANKS TOM.

 

LIST OF THE LOST

Sharon (Crawford) Allsteadt     Bill McGriff

Charles Baker                     Barbara (Byerly) Monahan

Lola Baker                            Jeanne (Clark) Moore

Susan (Beebe) Bane           Nancy Morrow

Karen (Anderson) Barton                Norma (Allison)Moslander

Edward James Brown Jr. John Nelson

Shirley Brown                    Bill Orris

George Butler                      Rhoda (Smith) Parks

Sandra Carter                    Donald Patton

Carl Christiansen              Gail (Black)Polson

DeWayne F. Clark             Charles Price

Helen Cooper                       Donna(Yargas)Quirk

William Downey                Jeanne(Sacco)Randleman

Donald J Dugan                  Wilma Richards

William E. Fleming           Margaret(Chapman)Roe

Robert L Freeborn              Lucille(Belzer)Ryan

Robert L Graham                    Jolene(Wichersheim)Shadley

John Hall                             Jack Slattery

Jean K. Hamilton              Betty Smith

Edward L Harvey              Max K. Smith

Marilyn Jackson                Opal Tomlinson

James Jesser                        Harvey Thompson

Joanne(Bosshardt)Jergens              Ruth(Jeanine)Turner

Jim Jordan                          Lynn Van Sickle

Barbara(Batty)Kimley    Anita Ward

Gary Lewis                          Judy (Ridgeway)Watson

Gene Lewis                           Tom F White

Frances(Tulley)Malloy    Frances Knotts Wright

Thomas P Mason                Janet Wright

Ralph Marshall

Sandra(Parsons)Mathys

 

If anyone knows of the disposition of any of the above, please let us know.

 

My apologies for the appearance of this newsletter. I just got a new PC, and the program in it is Windows XP.

I am that old dog trying to learn a new trick. Hopefully, I will master it a little better before the next newsletter.

The Editor

 

Everyone have a nice summer.