Greetings Littermates & assorted Old Hounds,
If dogs run free, why not meAcross the swamp of time?My mind weaves a symphonyAnd tapestry of rhymeOh, winds which rush my tale to theeSo it may flow and beTo each his own, it's all unknownIf dogs run free.
Bob Dylan's "If Dogs Run Free" was released in the fall of 1970 on his "New Morning" album as the Newport High School litter of 1970 was cutting new paths on the map of life. The Miles' Files were initiated to create interest in the 30th Reunion of the Class of '70 and to bring those "littermates" back together in body and spirit. The pleasure of one another's company might not be realized and our individual stories might not be known if the dogs were left to "run free." The emotional response to our magical 30th Reunion in June, 2000 remains high. Hopefully these Miles' Files will continue to lead many wayward Greyhounds back to the "kennel" to reminisce and share tales of past and present.
This Thanksgiving weekend was a most appropriate time to return to "the kennel" in Remmel Park and wander the streets where we "cut our teeth" as young pups. My wife, Kathi, and I returned to Newport to visit my mother (for both Thanksgiving and her birthday). During lunch Thursday at the Country Club I saw several "old" friends including Gail Thaxton and her grand baby. Many other families were gathered together to express their thanks for God's blessings and, I am certain, to remember Thanksgiving Day football games between the Hounds and Batesville.
This year Batesville was not in town on Turkey Day, but the Hounds were preparing to take the field against Greenwood in the state playoffs Friday night. These Hounds of 2000 had already disposed of Arkadelphia 46-26 and avenged an earlier season loss to Searcy by beating the Lions 30-13. The Hounds' dreams of a state championship were drowned in the midst of a driving rain. Kathi and I listened on the radio as the frisky Hounds stumbled through the mud and mire of Greyhound Field (we were returning to Arkadelphia just as the game was beginning). The Greenwood Bulldogs prevailed 30-0 and will meet Hope for the state championship next week.
The Newport tradition is one to be admired. A tremendous crowd was gathered at Greyhound Field in support of these young Hounds despite the inclement weather. Prior to the game, Cherry Lou Smith orchestrated a Turkey Day gathering of 1970 "pups" at Faye Ruble's (John & Tammy Brownd's establishment) in Diaz. The catfish was delish. Eighteen classmates were able to "get together" and rehash some sweet memories and silly happenings. Three who were not able to attend the Big Shebang in June were at the Turkey Day Treat this weekend - Brenda Talley, Scott Baker and Gary Slayton set the stage for a few hours of laughter before we broke up to head for the ball game. It is my understanding that several of these "old dogs" were going to reconvene following the game at a local watering trough. You know you just have to keep these "dogs" watered or they lose their story telling strength. I'm looking forward to hearing about what "took place" following my departure.
Others joining in the fun were Cherry Lou Smith, Margaret Ann Gillihan, Kristine Artymowski, Jamie Hopkins, Becky Cathey, John Brownd (and wife Tammy), Clay Wright (and wife Suzy), Mike Brand (and wife Kay), Edward Beard, Marion Mullins, Michael Willhite, Mickey Doyle, Rickey Harris, Bobby Joe Forrester and yours truly (with wife, Kathi). We shared memories of class room shenanigans from days gone by with Scott B. and Micheal W. reliving some funny happenings in the rooms of Mrs. Lena Baker, Mrs. Irene Artymowski, and Mrs. Ima Jean Paige (just to name a few). Coach Duncan's and Coach Massey's classes were remembered as well, but in a much more "serious" tone (he said while laughing out loud!!!). Brenda brought us a tale from the present as she told on herself about an "experience" at a car wash. Totally hilarious and only she can tell it for you to get the real impact of the story.
Bobby Joe looks good (Wow, I can't believe I said that) and assured us that he is continuing to follow the will of his doctor. Keep it up, BJ! Speaking of looking good ... upon my return to the keyboard, I had a message from Grady Perryman (Mary Wynne's husband) updating me (and many others) about Mary Wynne's progress through chemotherapy. While Mary Wynne certainly is experiencing some very uncomfortable times, she is maintaining the fight with her tenacious will. She is scheduled to visit with her gynecologist oncologist next week and could be facing additional chemo treatments. With more tough decisions on the horizon for Mary Wynne and her family, I know you all will hold her close in your prayers. She has indicated she feels a special closeness to her classmates during the Sunday evening "thought time" we have been sharing as a class.
Back to the "dog" theme of this Miles' Files, Kathi and I took my mother to see "102 Dalmatians" Thursday afternoon. When you take your mother to movies these days, you can't be too careful. Anyway, it was an entertaining flick. (I love anything and everything that makes me laugh.) I've shared this story before, but I was reminded of seeing the original "101 Dalmatians" at the Strand theatre in 1961 with my pals, Donny Appleton and Glenn Gay. Mrs. Evans (Glenn's aunt) decided to give a pound puppy away at the show for good public relations. She asked Donny, Glenn, and me to come to the stage and draw ticket stubs to select winners of prizes like dog food, a leash, and, of course, the grand prize, a new puppy from the pound. Well, to make a short story longer, Donny gets to draw the stub for the grand prize and he pulls my ticket stub. Not expecting to win anything, especially since I was standing on the stage, I don't respond to the winning number being announced. Mrs. Evans makes a big deal out of making sure everyone checks their respective tickets for the winning number because she wants to get rid of this little mutt from the pound. In the end, I discover myself to be the winner and following the movie, I proudly march this little dog home. Of course, we already have a dog and a bunch of cats, and my mother wants no part of another dog. I eventually find Spats (he had two black feet) a home with Sandra Laufer. Another good dog story with a happy ending!
As I bring my mind back to the present, I find myself married to a real animal lover (she married me, didn't she?). Kathi simply can't turn her back on a dog (no more comments about me). She had (and we still have) a standard Schnauzer when we married. Tipper is six years old now. Early in the summer this year, we agreed to adopt an 11 year old miniature Schnauzer, Roxanne, who had belonged to a deceased friend of ours. Then just two months ago, we were fostering a three month old black labrador puppy for the local Humane Society and Kathi fell in love with him. We just formally adopted Bob who is now five months old and a bundle of rambunctious energy. While we have no children living with us, life is certainly not boring with this trio showering us with "puppy love." I believe we all share a form of "puppy love" with the spirit of Newport and the schools we attended there.
On Friday afternoon, Kathi and I drove around Newport on a dreary and rainy day. Each street, each old building, each now vacant lot, has its own unique memory for me. I'm sure each of you have Newport icons etched in your heart and in your minds with your own special recollections attached. Feel free to share those with the readers of the Miles' Files as you now "run free" through life. "True love needs no company. It can cure the soul, it can make it whole, If dogs run free." (Bob Dylan, 1970).
I hope all of you enjoyed a most Happy Thanksgiving Day with family and friends. I know I did! Thoughts of you were with me as I made my way along the streets of Newport Thursday and Friday circling favorite gathering spots and passing houses where you all once lived. Write soon.
Until time brings us back together, I remain Miles from Nowhere ...
joe
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