Today, as I begin to write this month's newsletter, it is 6:00 p.m., July 20, 2008.  Exactly 2 months from this time, those of us who are attending our 50^th Class Reunion will be filing into the ball room of the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville to begin another evening of reuniting with old friends, having fun, and "doing a little dance".  Registrations are going well with approximately 40% of those who committed to the reunion events through our telephone survey in late 07 have sent their registration forms and fees to Ken Cooper, our reunion treasurer. As usual, there are always procrastinators who will wait until the last minute, or decide to be fashionably late, and we certainly understand when this happens. The important thing is, send your registration.

     If you are still undecided about attending the Class of 58 50^th Reunion, sitting there straddle of the fence thinking; should I or shouldn't I? remember this!  We are all a little slow of foot, stiff with arthritis, carrying more pounds than we should be carrying, have a lot more wrinkles than we want, hair is white instead of gray, or perhaps are alone and do not want to attend without an escort-let me tell you, you do not have a monopoly on any of the above.  I can promise you this one fact; you are not going to see the same classmates you once knew in high school. We have all changed!!! My goodness, fifty years have passed. So get over it!  Take a leap of faith! Send in your registration form today and bring the person you are today to the reunion and see your classmates as they are today. You will be among common peers I can assure you!

     Mail your registration form along with your check to Ken. Your reunion steering committee still has a lot of last minute work to do as we wind down to our reunion dates and we need to move on to other more detailed fine tuning activities. Remember, the reunion dates are September 19th & 20th-this year!  If you delay, and send your registration forms to Ken after August 8, you will create additional work for the Greeting/Registration Committee who is meeting August 12^th to make name tags and organize meal tickets for the three meals we will enjoy at the reunion. This plea applies to your personal bio as well.  If you need special consideration, please contact Ken.

     August 8 will be the absolute cutoff date for sending your personal bios as well. Any Bios received after August 12 runs a great risk of not being included in the Class directory we will distribute at the reunion. Thanks to ninety-two of you whose bios I presently have in hand, we have been able to edit and rewrite those bios into a standard format, attached your senior photo, and they are now ready to be copied and published into book form. (I am using a photo from an earlier class if you did not have a senior photo).  If you want to be represented in the Class of 58 directory, I encourage you to please send your bio to me, Rex Redmon, today.  (Address at the end of this newsletter)  

     Many classmates have e-mailed or called and asked, "What in the world do you want me to write about my life"? First of all, if you answer all the questions on the bio form I can glean a lot from your life from your answers. With regard to your personal bio on page two of the form, you can either highlight you life by using a time line, which many classmates have submitted, and from which I am able to write your life story, or you can simply write several paragraphs as if you were telling your life story to another person.  Do not worry about not having been the greatest person in the world either. You have made it this far so let us know how and what you have done to get here. I will do the editing; you do the ground work for me.  

     One final reminder about what to wear to the reunion events.  Friday evening at the Country Club of Asheville, (Formerly Beaver Lake) you are to dress business casual. The CCA mandates a "No denim" policy on their premises regardless if you wear denim to work in your business office or not.  Saturday morning for the school tour, dress comfortably and wear comfortable walking shoes. The school does have an elevator so do not worry about climbing steps.  Saturday evening at the Renaissance Ballroom; gentlemen, the ladies want to "dress up", so it is coats and ties for the men regardless if you are with a lady  or not.  Ladies, dress accordingly.

                                     Steering Committee Meeting, July 22

     The Reunion Steering Committee met Tuesday, July 22^nd at Kelsey's Restaurant in Hendersonville for dinner and a business meeting.  In attendance were committee members, Sidney Mitchell, Jo Ann Chandley Elliott, Loretta Jarvis Sanders, Elaine McPherson Cole, Patsy Farmer Jones, Becky Denton Lawrence, Jo Anne Dalton Vaughn, Ken Cooper and Don Printz and his wife Debbie, plus Pippa Clark Dolen Class of 59 who has helped us locate missing classmates. Also in attendance after a long absence were B.L. Coleman and his wife Billie, who have been traveling the country since last fall in their mobile home; and first time guests, classmates Sally McCanless, June McNeely Huntley, Gary Roby, and also attending from the Class of 59, Bill Gardner, who has adopted the Class of 58 as his second class.  Regular committee members Morgan Pritchard, Anne Beckham Ewald and Jennie Lazenby Padgett and Suzanne Jacobs Gershen were unable to attend.

     Topics of discussion included the fact we are still receiving donations from very generous classmates whose bigheartedness and spirit of giving to their class the steering committee certainly appreciates. Also steering committee moderator, Rex Redmon, reported that four class memorabilia boards for viewing nostalgic photos, newspaper articles and other information about the Class of 58 are completed and will be on display at the reunion events. With regard to Saturday evening's reunion program, Rex requested suggestions from the steering committee what they might want included in the program.  Responses are forthcoming. Other old business was discussed including bio responses that continue to arrive daily according to Rex.

     Committee reports followed and Treasurer Ken Cooper gave an update on the number of classmates who have mailed their registration forms. Like the bios, Ken receives registration forms daily and we are optimistic we will have a large number of classmates attending our reunion events. Ken also reported he is meeting with the DJ soon to select music for the dinner/dance Saturday evening.  In addition, Rex and Ken are meeting with the representatives of the reunion venues, probably on August 14, to finalize plans for the reunion and to begin last minute fine tuning.  

     Rex reported in Suzanne's stead that all is going as planned for the school tour. We will be broken down into small groups and the Marine JRROTC will lead us on our tour of the school followed by a catered box lunch and leisure time to browse the new Alumni Center on our own after lunch.

             Rex also reported for Jennie Lazenby Padgett, our Food Committee Chairperson, all is in order for the food items we have selected and serving arrangements for Saturday's sandwich selection and Saturday evening's dinner table service is complete and handed over to the Registration/Greeting Committee for disbursement.  

     Jo Ann Chandley Elliott and Elaine McPherson Cole who co-chair the decorations committee reported they have scheduled a work day for September 6^th and 13^th to assemble decorations.  All volunteers who signed up for the decorating committee project are asked to contact Jo Ann at (828) 667-4146 (joaelliott@charter.net) and Elaine at (828) 274-5193 (Emcpher994@aol.com) for exact meeting time and details.

     The Registration/Greeting Committee Co-Chairs, Patsy Farmer Jones and Jo Anne Dalton Vaughn also announced a work day for August 12, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hendersonville Country Club to put together name tags and prepare food ticket envelopes.  All volunteers who signed up for this committee are asked to contact Patsy at (828) 692-5805 (pfarmerjones@hotmail.com) or Jo Anne at (864) 292-9888 (E-mail N/A). The ladies announce all meal tickets, reunion programs, directories and other misc. material will be given out at registration each evening. For those who are only attending the school tour arrangements will be made to include your distributions on Saturday morning at the school tour.  A catered lunch, compliments of Patsy and Jo Anne, for those attending the work day will be served.  

     Gary Roby is looking into the possibility of having some media coverage for our reunion events. Gary is to contact both the Asheville Citizen Times as well as WLOS TV.    

      Rex, Ken and Sidney will meet in Greenville sometime in August to finalize plans for Saturday's Dinner/Dance program. The program will not exceed 45 minutes. We are not planning to bore you with long drawn out speeches.

     I am most happy to report all plans for our 50^th Class Reunion are neatly falling into place. We have responsible and enthusiastic classmates who are full of school spirit in place in key positions and we are getting very positive results from all committees as a result. Every committee member is to be congratulated for a job well done. The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for August 19^th, 6:00 p.m., at Kelsey's Restaurant in Hendersonville.  

                                             Request from Sally McCanless

    Sally McCanless is interested in gathering the single female classmates who live in the Asheville area for socializing, reminiscing, and offering support to one another.  She has already contacted and met with some classmates. If you are interested in gathering with former single female classmates contact Sally at (828) 277-1518 or e-mail her at Sallys_alley@live.com.

                                              Request from Dick Angel to play Golf

     Dick Angel wants to play golf!!! He is looking for classmates who are interesting in playing golf Friday morning, September 19, the morning of our Friday evening reunion event. Dick and Mickey Hoyle, Class of 57, are in the process of organizing a Captain's Choice golf match at one of the local golf courses, hopefully at the Country Club of Asheville (formerly Beaver Lake Golf Course). If you want to play, contact Dick by-again August 12. You may reach Dick at (336) 474-6600 or by e-mailing him at dickangel@northstate.net if you have interest in playing golf while in Asheville celebrating our 50^th class reunion.   

                                             Notes and Hellos from Classmates

     My wife Margaret and I were in Mobile, Alabama, the week of June 29^th through July 7^th to visit friends who were celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary. We were also there in April of 2006, partially for a visit and also to assist with disaster relief in Bayou Le Batre.  However, during this trip we also took a side trip to New Orleans as I had never visited that fair city by the river.  N.O. is an interesting place to say the least.  If I were younger-say in my twenties-I would have loved Bourbon Street.  Now, at my age, I would not step a foot out of my car to walk the street. 

     One of the highlights of our visit to Mobile was a visit with classmate, Sandra Jones Lee, who lives in a lovely condominium not far from our friend's house. We visited with Sandra Saturday morning, July 5^th, and drank delicious coffee and ate tasty sweet rolls while we chatted and reminisced about our days at Lee Edwards.  Sandra had just returned from a ten day vacation to France and we spent time talking about her trip as both my wife and I had previously visited France. Sandra was inquisitive about the reunion plans, about classmates with whom I have communicated-which is about everyone-and who was going to attend the reunion.  Sandra sends greetings to all who remember her and she is going to attend the reunion. As a matter of fact, she and Sarita Krickhan DeRamus are driving up from Alabama together.  Sandra sent along some funds to help with reunion expenses which we greatly appreciate. 

     Margaret and I also wanted to visit with Dot Miller Stevens who lives twenty miles outside Mobile in Foley, AL. However, Dot was out of town over the 4^th of July weekend. I did visit with an old Army friend whom I had not seen since 1961. That was a very special reunion for the two us.  We were a member of our Battalion's I.G. team in Boeblingen, Germany.

     Steve Jarrett sends greetings along with regrets that he cannot attend the reunion events.  Larry Ingle has tried diligently--short of beating him-to get Steve to attend. However, he has prior commitments. Yet, in the spirit of cooperation and with love for his graduating class, Steve also sent a love offering. What a great attitude!

     I can always count on hearing from Betty Anne Ray Richardson from Weatherford, Texas. What a "live wire" Betty Anne is. Her last e-mail was a page long and she is planning to assist the Registration and Greeting Committee dispense with their chores at the reunion. We welcome her assistance. She says in closing, Thanks again for all you and the committee has done to make this possible". Betty Anne was one of the first classmates to register and she is staying at the Renaissance for the weekend.

     Sandy Setzer Rau of Carlsbad, CA sends greetings. She says, I always enjoy this (newsletter) SOOOOOOOO much.  Sandra writes frequently offering encouragement, and inquiring about the health of various classmates who I have mentioned from time to time with heath concerns.  As a matter of fact, many of you have expressed appreciation in knowing about the ills and health concerns of our classmates. We certainly have a caring and prayerful group of classmates.

                                    Classmate Ron Rice shares memories of LEHS

     First I apologize to Ron, because he wrote to me two months ago with the following information and I had to wait to find the appropriate time and space to get his memories  in the newsletter. Sorry Ron.

     Ron says, I was a very poor student because I was a day dreamer and had little interest in the classroom. I had 2 report cards; one for my parents (that I filled out) with B's and C's, and the real one with all D's which I kept and signed and then returned to the teachers. I felt all I had to do was pass, which I barely did.

     I guess I remember the most dramatic happenings at LEHS like the night on a double date with myself and (name withheld) and another couple (names also withheld) we all went to a football game, then had a few drinks and found our way up to "The Deuce of Diamonds" night club on Beaucatcher Mountain.  Our dates hated us for taking them to that particular nightclub because we were lucky to get out of the place alive. Later years, there was an animal house type movie that featured the same scenario.

     I think David Rickman and Kent Lominac were my best friends but Ronnie Henderson and I seemed to try to always get into trouble. One night at a basketball game--As I remember the situation--I had become proficient at making a cheery bomb--rope time release type. As Ronnie was guarding I set the bomb in the stairwell between the boy's and girl's gym and lit it. (The cherry bombs were supposed explode one after the other-nothing life threatening, but quite loud). On my way out of the stairwell, Ronnie was blocking Taylor Huskins (Dean of Boys when we were in the 10^th grade) from getting to me. We both made a run for it and scattered. The bomb never went off so I guess Huskins stopped it. We never heard a word from him. I can't believe we did not get expelled. I have always been one of the luckiest people in the world. 

     I do remember the bomb that blew up the science lab of Asheville Country Day School-across the hill from the LEHS. The actual bomb making started at my Boy Scout Troop in Kenilworth and moved to the lab at Country Day. Terry Moore lost an arm and an eye and was sitting in a corner reading a MAD magazine when the bomb exploded. The four boys standing over the bomb were not hurt-or so I heard. When it blew up I was sitting in a classroom that had a window facing that school. The explosion almost blew our windows out. I knew instantly what had happened. I was headed for trouble but did not know it.

     I think I was picked in school `most likely to go to jail'. Through my fifty years of managing to stay alive I can remember five distinct times I should have died-mostly in automobile accidents since high school. I do believe in Angels, in the after-life, and in a Superior Being, even though I have always been a person of pure natural and physical science. 

     I remember another funny story about Ronnie and Keith Anders. When the carnival came to Asheville, they offered $100.00 to any 2 guys who could make an orangutan touch the floor in a box car in a tent with the cars sides cut out that had bars to keep the monkey in and the crowd out. The show costs 25 cents to see. Ronnie and Kith accepted the challenge and wearing WWII leather football helmets without a face guard, they stalked the big monkey to the far end of the cage where it went into a rage and beat on the wall with its fists.  Ronnie mimicked it and did the same thing. Then I heard a big clunk as Ronnie hit the floor, and knew they were in trouble. Mr. Orangutan leaped on Ronnie's head, then wrapped its lower legs around his neck, picked him up somehow with his butt in Ronnie's face, and carried him using his long arms the length of the boxcar as the other challenger was crawling underneath for his life trying to find the nearest exit. Mr. O kicked them both out the door slamming it down on the dirt floor. Ronnie and Keith never tried that stunt again.

     Believe it or not, I could never work for anyone. I did teach school for nine years (chemistry and physics) and coached football (all very successful teams) but got fired 6 times.  I just could not do it their way.  But, I have always been one of the luckiest people in the world. Sterling, my 17 years old actress daughter will be going to the University of Central Florida to study business and film school. I am looking forward to that.  (You will read more about Ron's personal life and about his actress daughter, Sterling, in his personal Bio which is included with the rest of the Class of 58 Bios.       

                                                 Do you remember when?

     Do you remember when-all the girls had ugly gym uniforms-when it took five minutes for the TV to warm up=--when nearly everyone's Mom was at home when the kids got home from school-when nobody owned a purebred dog-when a quarter was a decent allowance-when you would reach into a muddy gutter for a penny-when your Mom wore nylons that came in two pieces-when all the male teachers wore neckties and female teachers had their hair combed every day and wore high heels-when you got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped; for free, and you got trading stamps-when laundry detergent had free glasses, dishes or towels hidden in the box-when the school kept kids back when they failed-when you laid on your back in the grass looking at images in the clouds-when a 57 Chevy was everyone's dream car-when you played baseball without adult help-when being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited you at home-wax shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside-what a double dog dare is-when coke machines dispensed glass bottles-blackjack, clove and teaberry chewing gum-when milk was delivered to your house in bottles with a cardboard stopper-newsreels before the movie-what about P.F. Fliers or white, high top Spalding's-telephone numbers with a word prefix (Alpine 21751)-Peashooters-Howdy Dowdy-Hi-Fi's and 45 rpm records-78 RPM records-Green Stamps-mimeograph paper-Fort Apache play set-eeny meeny miney moe-Race issue was on who could run the fastest-catching fireflies in a jar occupied an entire evening-the worse thing you caught from the opposite sex was cooties-having a weapon in school meant carrying a sling shot to school-when all boys carried a Barlow pocket knife-when Saturday morning cartoons weren't 30 minute commercials for action figures-baseball cards in the spokes of your bicycle-taking drugs meat taking a chewable orange coated aspirin? And, do you remember Nancy Drew, the Hardy boys, Laurel and Hardy, the Lone Ranger, Alley Oop, Mutt and Jeff, The Shadow knows, Nellie Belle, Roy and Dale, Trigger and Buttermilk, Gene and Champ, Hula Hoops, hanging out at the local pool, Kool-Aid powered with sugar?  If you remember most of these, then you lived!!!!!!

     Announcements and other things of interest we learned at the Steering Committee meeting Tuesday evening

     As of this writing of Maroon & Black Threads, we have received positive confirmation from two former LEHS teachers who will attend our Saturday evening reunion event.  Both English teacher, Julia Capps, and Physics teacher/Dean of Boys, Don Jones have confirmed they will attend our Saturday evening activities. Mr. & Mrs. McNeal will have to wait to closer to the reunion event to confirm because of health reasons.  We mailed 14 invitations to those teachers who we could locate and unfortunately most of those teachers are either in ill health or have prior commitments.

     Per many classmate requests, we will offer LEHS souvenirs at the reunion with a photo of the school on each souvenir.  The souvenirs will be offered exclusively by "A Stitch in Time" both Friday and Saturday nights and will include such things as mouse pads, coffee cups, "T" shirt, Christmas ornaments, badges and selections of jewelry.

     We are looking for two qualified people for two important small jobs during the opening ceremonies at Saturday's Dinner/Dance.  First, we need soloists who will lead us in singing the school song Saturday evening.  I know there is a classmate, male or female, who is attending the reunion and who has the ability to stay on key and will boldly step forward to take on this responsibility.  Also, we are looking for a minister type who will offer an invocation during the opening ceremonies. Classmate Steve Brown is unable to attend the reunion events and would have been a perfect candidate for this responsibility. Please contact Rex.

     I hope everyone who is attending the reunion from out of town have made your hotel/motel reservations. If not, check out the list of hotels/motels on the website or you might want to give the following website a try; ashevilleconnections.com.

     Speaking of websites, Classmate Lynette Kelly Ames asks you to check out the following website and look at the monster/mysterious sea creature her grandchildren found on the beach on the west coast of Florida.  It is a monster and it has not yet been identified. It did make the local news on the West Coast of Florida.  http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080626/video01/806260846/1661

     Another website sent to me by Elaine McPherson Cole of Asheville is Informationplease:1940.  This site will give you interesting facts about 1940, the year the majority of us were born.

     Thanks to everyone who have sent donations to offset extra reunion expenses. We feel we have put all the donations to good use for the benefit of our class at large. Our donation list includes 76 classmates who have made generous contributions.  Your names will be listed in the class directory and Bio publication.   

     And when you think about, or eat, Ham and Eggs-Do you realize it is a day's work for a chicken, and a lifetime commitment for a pig?   (Compliments of Elaine McPherson Cole).

Blessings to each of you...Rex

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