Greetings Class of '70 Littermates!
It's the good ole Summertime! WELCOME!I want to welcome some new (actually pretty old) faces to the Miles' Files distribution list for this edition. We often think of those who tried to guide us in the right direction during our youth. Granted some of those directions were a bit misguided, but their intentions were good. Anyway, I welcome former "teachers" Harvey Haley, Raymond Massey and Butch Duncan as well as the United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) leaders who chaperoned so many dances for us in the '60s, Phil McDonald, John & Rosanna Purdy, and David & Marion Hodges. For the benefit of those I just welcomed, the Miles' Files is a sporadic assembly of thoughts about days gone by in the lives of the Newport High School Class of 1970. While our memories are somewhat faded, our imagination is still in tact. The "old" stories get better each time they are told. Classmates, if you are harboring the email addresses of other former teachers, please make them known so I can include them is our "walks through life". There are now 55 classmates on the Miles' Files list.
SUMMERTIME BLUES!!!While many of us are still battling the Reunion Blues after having returned to our "adult routines" following the sensational 30th "get together", those infamous "Summertime Blues", written by Eddie Cochran & Jerry Capehart in 1958 (1st grade) and recorded by The Who in 1970 (senior year) for their "Live at Leeds" album] are upon us. Singin' "the Blues" is liberating. Singin' "the Blues" eases the pain. Singin' "the Blues" lifts the burden. So Sing!!!
I talked with Mary Wynne Parker Perryman yesterday and she asked that I share some news with you, our Class of '70 mates, our "littermates." Upon her return home from our 30th Reunion, Mary Wynne underwent a surgical procedure from which it was discovered that she has ovarian cancer. Some of you may already have an awareness of this situation. While your immediate reaction may be one of overwhelming sadness ("the Blues"), let me tell you that there is every reason to be extremely optimistic in this case. Mary Wynne is strong physically and spiritually. There are many instances where others have conquered this Cancer fellow, this "neighborhood bully." We can all help her win this personal battle with prayer and support through cards and letters. At this time please try to restrict your contact with Mary Wynne to cards instead of phone calls. She and her family need time for rest and relaxation together. She loves her cards and keeps them near her side for reading at her pleasure. You can write to her at:
Mary Wynne Perryman412 Edinboro DriveSouthern Pines, NC 28387
Mary Wynne is surrounded by loving family and loving friends. Please express your love through encouraging words and stories in cards and letters. She did tell me that she would enjoy phone calls after a few weeks. In addition, she is scheduled to begin chemotherapy within two weeks which will be quite a challenging time. I know her wonderful attitude and your prayerful support will bring her through this ordeal with complete cure.
"The Blues" ... music for the soul, songs that lift the spirit! Bob Margolin's final words in his song "Blues Lover" are: "... if blues is her sadness then blues music is her cure." And while "there ain't no cure for the Summertime Blues," there is a "cure" for the challenge facing Mary Wynne and that "cure" is love strengthened with prayer!!! Many of you know I have a little "gambling blood" in me and I'm bettin' on Mary Wynne! The Miles' Files will keep you all up to date on Mary Wynne's progress. In the meantime, go out and listen to some B. B. King!
DOG DAYS!Roll your windows down, turn up the radio and circle the Dog 'N Suds on a hot summer evening in your mind. We are standing on the threshold of August and it's damn hot outside. I "see" cheerleaders practicing routines in Remmel Park, I "see" band members polishing up and tuning up their horns (don't ask which horns, you naughty band majorettes), I "see" young 'Hounds' getting mentally prepared for two a days on August 15 by lounging at Budweiser Beach, I "see" kids headed for Mason's Bend, I "see" the same kids hangin' out at Shelby's, Sim's, Paul's, and Jack's Dairy Cup. It's summertime and the livin' is easy. Those "sights" passed through my mind today as Kathi and I enjoyed a five hour float trip on inner tubes down the Caddo River. Wish you were here!
NEWPORT SCENESI am one who likes change. The "ruts" in my life are not too deep. Change is good! However, when the changes impact your memory of things there is a certain forlorn feeling. In my last Miles' Files, I lamented some of the Newport landmarks that have disappeared, particularly all the high school hang outs that have been replaced by the fast food chain stores. The Strand and the Capitol Theatres. The old Harris Hospital and the old Newport Hospital. This week Betsy McCall wrote to tell me that a new post office is to be built where the Newport Hospital once stood downtown. What will become of the present day post office? I remember sitting on the steps of the post office and watching the "old" Hazel Hotel burn many years ago (early '60s). Another landmark that I miss.
NHS WEBSITE REGISTRATIONIn recent weeks, Billy Don Summers, David Sibley and Rick Wiggins have registered on the NHS website located at: www.nhsalumni.net. We now have 45 classmates registered on the site. A review of the graduating classes from 1960 through 1975 finds us with the second most registrants of the classes in that 15 year span. Only the Class of '64 with 53 registrants is outperforming us. You do not have to have an email address to register. Visit the site and then contact classmates who have not yet registered and shame them into signing up. We had the best turn out of any Class at our Reunion, so let's be the best on the internet as well.
CLASS TREASURYCherry Lou informs me that our money position now exceeds $1,000 in the bank. Just two weeks ago we only had $297 and some pennies. A big thank you to all who have contributed to the restoration of our coffers. I have challenged "all of us" to raise more than $2,000 in 2000 and I will continue to "HOUND" our entire Class until we reach that goal. We would like to "leave" a gift to the school with some permanence rather than the auditorium curtain we left when we "escaped Remmel Park" in the spring of 1970. I'm certain that curtain has found the rubbish pile by now.
CONTACTSOver the past couple of weeks I have heard from Gail Thaxton, Clay Wright, David Sibley, Ann Gardner, Paul Burton, Betsy McCall, Drew Stewart, Nancy Rhodes and, of course, the number one Schemer, the Wizard of Wonder, Cherry Lou Smith. Your memories make my stories better, so write often or I will just make stuff up. And it may be about you! Remember to contact Mary Wynne and to keep her in your daily thoughts and prayers. Write me for her email address. I'm still Miles from Nowhere, guess I'll take my time ...
Can you hear the laughter?
joe
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