Volum II                        ISSUE VI                           June 08
                                  Http://www.lehsmaroondevilsclassof58.com
         
                                        Written and published online by Rex Redmon from Greenville, SC  with   contributing notes and responses from Class of 58 Alumni.

Greetings Classmates,

     Ahhh... the excitement grows as we anticipate all roads and airways leading to Asheville to be filled with LEHS Class of 58 Alumni in just 3 short months on September 19^th and 20^th.  Please let me remind you again, if you have not already made your hotel reservations in Asheville, go to the class web site at http://www.lehsmaroondevilsclassof58.com and click on Asheville Hotel Accommodations.  There you will see a list of Asheville Hotels and Motels along with room prices.  Many of the Steering Committee members who live out of town are staying at the Renaissance Hotel where Saturday evening's event will be held. We will be available to answer any last minute questions you may have and we invite you to drop by, say hello, and have a coke or a glass of wine.

     Speaking of the Steering Committee, we gathered for our monthly meeting in Hendersonville at Kelsey's Restaurant Tuesday Evening, June 17^th.  The most important topic of discussion for the evening was the final reunion costs. What began in January as $38.00 per person for Friday evening and $52.00 per person for Saturday evening has been greatly reduced to $31.00 per person for Friday's event and $42.00 per person for Saturday's event. The final cost, which includes food, service charges, taxes, and misc. expenses is made possible by the generous donations of 65 classmates (to date) whose names will appear in the class directory that will be distributed at the reunion which also includes your personal Bios.  For every $200.00 received, we were able to reduce the price for each event by $1.00. As Class Treasurer and Accountant Extraordinaire, Ken Cooper has done an outstanding job with his reunion cost analysis and is to be greatly commended. The final cost per person, if one attends all reunion events, is only $85.00 per person which includes Saturday's catered box lunch at the school.  Classmates, that is a deal considering the venues in which we are holding the events. Ken is also meeting soon with our DJ, Vince Rutherford, and selecting music for our Saturday evening dance, If you have a special "starry eyed" request of music from the 50s, send that request to Ken at his e-mail address listed at the end of the newsletter.

     Suzanne Jacobs Gershen, chairperson of the school tour, reports all is in order for our Saturday morning school tour.  Suzanne met with the school administrators on Thursday, June 12^th, and finalized plans for the tour.  Our hosts and tour guides will be members of the Jr. Marine Corp ROTC Cadets. In addition, the cadets will provide a five member color guard for our opening ceremonies Saturday evening, as well as a vocalist who will lead us in singing our National Anthem. 

     The Food, Decorations, and Greeting/Registration Committees led by Jennie Lazenby Padgett, Elaine McPherson Cole/Jo Ann Chandley Elliott, and Patsy Farmer Jones/Jo Anne Dalton Vaughn, respectively, gave updated reports.  Jennie affirms all menus are now set in stone and contracts are signed by all parties to assure service and payment. Elaine and Jo Ann are busy acquiring materials for table decorations and will announce work days to assemble the decorations for late August and early September.  Patsy and Jo Anne have begun work making name tags for those classmates who have said they will attend the reunion. Once all the registration information is received by August 1, that project will swing into full gear and the two ladies will need help from their corp. of volunteers, plus some. 

     We are heading into the final home stretch with only 90 days before our big events. I'm happy to report, all the committees are doing a wonderful job, and everything is falling neatly into place.  The Steering Committee feels all classmates who attend the reunion events will be more than pleased with the results. 

Bio Information & Registration Forms

     Please let me remind you to send your personal Bio form to me, Rex Redmon, if you have not already done so.  The Bio information is part of our class directory which will be distributed to every classmate at the reunion or mailed to those classmates who do not attend the reunion.  Your spirit of cooperation is greatly appreciated with regard to this very important project.  Fill out your form today and get it in the mail, or send it as an attachment. Your classmates want to know what you have done with your life the past 50 years.  (As of June 18, if you have not mailed your Bio, you will receive a hard copy in the mail along with your reunion registrations forms.) 

     Several classmates informed me his/her lives have been uneventful and not very newsworthy and wanted to know what to write. That is a fair statement and question, I responded. All we are asking you to do is to write the highlights of your life.  Not everyone has traveled the world or climbed Mt. Everest-I doubt anyone in our class has climbed Mt. Everest-but, each of us has accomplished certain things of which we are proud, or we have done things which are very important to us and stand out as lasting memories. So, if the events in your life are important to you, they are important to your classmates as well.

     Also, in addition to the posted registration forms on the web site, which will be posted Wednesday, June 18^th, you will receive a hard copy in the mail as well. We want to make sure ever classmate receives the reunion information and registration forms. The registration forms are to be returned between July 1 and July 31, and are to be returned to Ken Cooper at the address shown on the Sig. Line listed at the end of the newsletter.  True, you have until the end of July to mail your registration forms; yet, if you can send the forms along with your check, made payable to, The LEHS Class of 58 Reunion, to Ken promptly. He will greatly appreciate receiving the forms early.  

       While I am on the subject of registration forms, the Steering Committee voted to offer monetary assistance to any classmate who wants to attend at least one reunion event but who is financially unable to do so. Your request for financial assistance should be made only to Ken Cooper, our class treasurer as Ken will hold your request in the strictest of confidence. Ken will be the only member of the Steering Committee aware of such requests. The monetary assistance will cover one event of your choice-either Friday or Saturday evening.

Asheville High (Lee Edwards & Stephen's Lee) Alumni Center

            Charlene Tomlin, wife of classmate, Tom Tomlin, is a volunteer at Asheville High school. Charlene is presently working with the new Alumni Center at the school collecting memorabilia items from "back then" (the age of innocence) for display in the new Alumni Center. Charlene tells me any donated item would be greatly appreciated. Actually, the Alumni Center would like to have items from every year if possible. So folks, if you have an old school club letter sweater, or an "A" Jacket, a year book, a uniform jersey, or anything the Alumni Center could place in its archives for posterity, please contact Charlene or Tom Tomlin at Tomtomlin39@aol.com or call them at 828-254-9550.  This is a very worthy cause as this Alumni Center is established and built in honor of the many graduates of old Asheville High School, Lee H. Edwards High School and Stephen's Lee High School. The Class of 58 greatly needs to be one of the classes prominently represented.

            The new Alumni Center is located behind the main building of the campus. A grand opening is planned for later in the summer, hopefully in time for our school tour on the 20^th of September.        

Notes from Classmates

        Mary Kay Ricker Thompson, who lives in Frisco, Texas, sent me a warning on May 30^th. Mary Kay said, 

            Rex, thought you might be forewarned about those Texas people before the group gets to Asheville. We're counting down the days before the big event. The excitement and anticipation is really starting to roll. Thanks again to you and all the committees who have worked so diligently to make this reunion so special.

            Mary Kay's message was followed up with a message from another of the "Texas Fab Four" as they call themselves. Lynette Kelly Ames certainly has caught the "spirit of reunion" bug as well.  Paraphrased Lynette's message said,

            Hi Rex, My flight is booked; I arrive in Asheville on the 17^th and depart on the 29^th. I look forward to knocking about in God's Country again. I'm excited about the trip. Connecting with the "Fab Four" has demonstrated to me just how special this reunion will be for all who can be there. To think that we all ran in different groups at LEHS and have connected on the level we have is a blessing and possibly a harbinger of what lies ahead. Thanks for your diligence in this great endeavor as we hasten toward the big event. You and your team are doing an awesome job.

            Lynette also sent a love offering and is planning to assist the Decorating Committee set-up before each reunion event as we will only have 2 hours before each event to get that job completed. Yet, I do not want to leave her comments dangling. She comments on the connection she has made with Mary Kay Ricker, Betty Ann Ray and Mary Carolyn Hawkins, Saying, ...possibly a harbinger for what lies ahead.

            A harbinger? A portent? Or, even an indication? of what reuniting should be?  I want to pass along to the class at large-something for each of you to seriously consider.  When your Steering Committee first met in December of 06, we adopted a theme for our 50^th Class Reunion. That theme is one simple, but decidedly essential word; Inclusiveness!!!  The Steering Committee has taken an oath to be all inclusive with all classmates during our class reunion.  We have promised to be good ambassadors to everyone who attends our reunion events. While reuniting with those special classmates with whom we were closest, we promise also to look beyond our select groups and include all former classmates as special friends. We challenge you, the LEHS Class of 58, to also step beyond your threshold of comfort, beyond your circle of friends, and get to know those classmates whom you did not know as well in high school when we all gathered in our particular rotundas.  Did you know we have at least ten published authors in our class?  Do you know how many PhDs we have in the class-not counting the MDs?  Remember, the word is Inclusiveness!!! 

            Classmate Mel Thrash, who now lives in San Mateo, CA, sent a nice card along with a offering of financial assistance for the reunion cause.  Mel says, Thank you for your leadership in the fiftieth reunion. The newsletter is terrific-so good to have fond memories revived. I'm eager to see you all in September. Mel. (Isn't it great? Regardless of where we live "You all" goes with us and remains part of our life.)

            Former LEHS Business English teacher, Dr. Julia Capps, has accepted our invitation to attend the Reunion for Saturday evening's festivities. You will remember, 1958 was Julia's first year teaching, and guess who had a crush on her? We mailed 14 invitations to former LEHS teachers and Julia is the first to respond.  

            Richard "Dick" Higgins, who lives way out in Leeds, Utah, sent warm regards along with his financial support.  Dick says he is looking forward to attending the reunion and is most appreciate of the hard work of the Steering Committee.  Classmate Larry Ingle, who lives in Venice, FL will be in Utah soon and is planning to visit with Dick. Classmates are reuniting everywhere!

            I had a long phone conversation plus a nice card from Louise Scarborough Bessinger who, along with her classmate husband, Marshall Bessinger, live in Charlotte, NC., where a host of classmates live.  Louise and I reminisced about common acquaintances in Asheville and Charlotte.  Her card reads, We enjoy all the newsletters and are looking foreword to the reunion, Thanks to you and Ken Cooper for all the two of you and the entire Steering Committee are doing to make the reunion happen. She and Marshall sent a donation to help with expenses.

            Sweet Pat McGee whom I remember so fondly from high school wrote a very nice card. 

Dear Rex,

            I want to thank you specifically as well as acknowledge the others on the Reunion Committee for the time, energy and enthusiasm it has taken to bring the Class of 58 together again.

The newsletter has been unfailing optimistic in tone even when the information conveyed is sometimes sad and poignant. You have reached across the years to jog our memories and our hearts. Thank You. See you in September, Pat McGee.

            (There you have it folks, responses like Pat's continues to make this project all worth while).

            My dear distant Redmon cousin, who lives in East Flat Rock near Hendersonville, NC, Becky Denton Lawrence, is continuing to recover nicely after shoulder surgery and thanks everyone for their prayers.  Becky is a member of the Steering Committee and will work with Pat Farmer Jones and Jo Ann Dalton Vaughn with Registration and Greeting at the reunion.

Becky Atkinson Aydlette, who lives in Jacksonville, FL., and who along with Bette Wilson McClain in Charlotte kept me informed of Judy Henderson Smith's progress as she struggled with cancer also sent a donation with a nice card. Becky writes,              

Rex, How exciting September is going to be!  The thoughts of seeing everyone, giving hugs and hearing about everyone's last fifty years will be the highlight of each day. I do not know what I will do when the newsletter stops--They mean so much. Give everyone my love-can't wait to see each and everyone. Love Becky Atkinson.

(Author's Note: If I continue to receive class news, perhaps the newsletter can continue.)

For those classmates who are perhaps unaware, Judy Henderson Smith passed away on May 15, after a long and hard struggle against cancer. A visitation was held in Asheville at the Anders Rice Funeral Home on Thursday, May 22.  My wife, Margaret and I, attended the visitation as representatives of the Class of 58. Judy's faithful and loyal friend, classmate Beverly Griffin Fish, was with the family at the visitation as they greeted Judy's friends and family who paid their last respects. Many former students from LEHS classes of 56, 57, 59, and 60 also attended the visitation.  While we were there we did reunite with 58 Classmate Barbara Marsh Morton. 

Jennie Lazenby Padgett, a member of the Steering Committee and who is responsible for the Reunion Food Committee remembers Judy fondly. Jennie writes,

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Judy Henderson. I remember her very well from Hall Fletcher Jr. High. She was a very friendly and outgoing person. I especially remember some great conversations we had when we took the bus from Lee Edwards to downtown Pritchard Park and then got a transfer pass to the West Asheville bus to get home. She was a funny girl.  

Your sentiments for Judy were too numerous to print and I'm sure Jennie expresses the responses of most of the class of 58.

   Bette Wilson McClain's fondest memories of LEHS follow.  She writes,

There are so many memories of LEHS-here are a few!  Dancing in the basement of the Civic Center after games, Signing year books on the front steps, Riding in a convertible in the Homecoming Parade, Forgetting the combination to my locker, Listening to Mrs. Wolfe read Shakespeare,  Cheerios Club, House parties and Sleep-overs, Checking the drag at Babe's, Buck's and Wink's, Decorating for Sock Hops, Junior-Senior Prom and Graduation Dance, Lunch time in the cafeteria, Socializing in the rotunda, Saddle Oxfords, Bobbie Socks and school picture day.

Larry Ingle has vivid memories of some events at LEHS too. He writes,

Some things I remember about Lee Edwards. As sophomores, we males dare not go out front at lunch time lest our pants become flags for the flag pole.[1] Hip guys wore leather boots, leather jackets and jeans. (James Dean era). Styles soon changed and crew neck sweaters, khaki pants and stylish shirts were hip. Drag racing in the school parking lot between my 57 Chevy and Don Israel's 57 T-Bird. I dusted him and he never got over it. Again, I want to say, Thank You for the outstanding job everyone has done to date to make the reunion a huge success. Regards, Larry 

Helen McCraken, who still resides in Asheville sent a nice note along with financial help for our reunion activities. Helen writes,

Dear Rex, Thank you for getting the 50^th class reunion together. I know it is no small task. You and the reunion committee are doing a superb job. I'm enjoying your monthly newsletter. It is no doubt creating a lot of enthusiasm. Looking forward to the big event.   Sincerely,  Helen

This past Monday, June 16^th, was a special day for your editor. Not only did I receive three phone calls from classmates with whom I have previously corresponded who were either giving me LEHS information or were asking questions about our class reunion, but I received three e-mails from classmates with whom I have yet to correspond. Those e-mails follow. The first e-mail is from Pat Brookshire Reinhardt

Good afternoon Rex.  This is a voice from the past. Please enlighten me on how I can register for the Friday night get together. My daughter will also be with me since she will be doing the driving. I would love to do the whole weekend but I'm afraid I could not get around the school. If my daughter wanted to join the crowd on Saturday at the school, is that possible?   I am asking just in case. See you guys in September.  Pat Brookshire Reinhardt

I answered all of Pat's questions in the positive. Several more e-mails followed her first e-mail as we attended the schools of Grace, David Millard and LEHS and we spent some time "catching up".  We recently found Pat who lives in Lawrenceville, GA. Don Printz, Morgan Pritchard and Anne Beckham Ewald have corresponded with her since we located her. The next e-mail is from Allan White's daughter, Natalie Mizell.

Hello Rex, My name is Natalie Mizell, Allan White's daughter. My Dad has been talking about the reunion for a while, but I don't think he has made any arrangements yet. I've gone to the website to get details. I think he would like for me and my sister, Dasha, to come, but I was not sure if that was what others are doing. Could you let me know the details about that?  Thanks, Natalie Mitzell.    

Again, all questions were answered in the affirmative and I look forward to seeing my distant cousins from Beaverdam in September.

Another e-mail from Sandra Jones Lee who lives in Mobile, Alabama, says,

Rex, I'm off to France this week, so I won't get info about registering for reunion until July 1^st. I sent this A.M. a check and my bio information. Planning to ride with Sarita Kricken DeRamus. I just could not get excited until my doctors said I could travel. Thank you for all your hard work. Sincerely, Sandra  

Classmates, the exciting factor in these three e-mails is the fact that we have three new commitments to attend our class reunion.  The spirit grows and grows. My wife, Margaret, and I, are going to be in Mobile from July 1^st to July 7^th and hope to get together with Sandra while we are there visiting friends.

One final e-mail-and I've saved it for last because of its sentiments. Larry Ingle writes again,

Rex, Just wanted to let you know the outcome of the e-mails with Richard (Dick) Higgins prior to our trip out west. We flew into Las Vegas and rented a car and later drove on to St. George, UT to spend the night. Dick and his wife, Nancy, had invited us to their house for dinner that night. They live in Leeds which is only 10 miles from St. George. We had a wonderful time with them visiting and catching up. I had not seen or spoken to Dick in 50 years. If it had not been for your last newsletter in which you mentioned Dick living in Leeds, this visit would never have happened. Thank you for all you have done to provide the information regarding all of our classmates. This is a wonderful service and allows everyone who has the interest to reestablish old friendships. I hope we can maintain the web site and have annual or semi-annual newsletters after the reunion. I am sure most would be glad to contribute to the cost. Again, thanks to you and the committee for making all this possible.  Larry.

Folks, it is notes like these that makes my efforts worthwhile and inspire me to do more. If I have news from the Class of 58 after the reunion, we will definitely stay in touch in the future via the newsletter.

It is time to wind the party down this month. But again, I want to thank those of you who write enthusiastic notes, those who generously send donations and those of you who take a moment to call on the phone.  I assure you, it is your fervent attitude and your wholehearted support that gives not only me, as I write the monthly newsletter and moderate the Steering Committee, but inspires the entire Steering Committee whose devotion and commitment to bring you a memorable 50^th class reunion, motivates us to make the reunion events as worthwhile as possible.

I have the great privilege to work with some wonderful classmates who make up the Steering Committee.  Not only have they been more than generous with their money, time, and talents, but each member of the Steering Committee is equally blessed with a heavy dose of school spirit which in my opinion is a spiritual gift. We work together for the benefit of all concerned. I must say, I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to work with each of them.  Their desire to do a job well done is to be greatly commended.  Ours is a common bond for a common cause!

I will end this month's newsletter with a humorous reunion story sent to me by classmate, Dick Angel, who lives in Thomasville, NC. Thanks Dick for sending the following story about a former "Class of 58 girlfriend."  Dick says,

            My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion back in 83 and I kept staring at a drunken woman swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

            My Wife asks, "Do you know her?"

            "Yes," I sighed.  "She's my old girlfriend. I understand she started drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since.

"My God!" says my wife. "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"

The subject here is, one's point of view!  Dick also informed me he remembers McDonalds came to Asheville either in 1956 or 57.  

Regards,   Rex

[1] Author's comment: I remember Charlie Beaman hiding behind the auditorium, minus his jeans that waved from the flag pole. He waited until the bell rang before retrieving them. My jeans were jerked to my ankles by some seniors at Pritchard Park.