Dateline Rogers, AR - First things first, I wish to announce the birth of granddaughter Claire Carter Wade at 8:24pm on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. She is the daughter of Evelyn (our daughter) and Nick Wade. Claire weighed in at 7 lb., 5 oz. and was 20 inches tall. She is a "cute little thing" and precious in our sight. Claire is already teaching her mother a thing or two about patience. She caused Evelyn to endure an 18 hour labor that allowed Kathryn and me to get to Rogers from Washington, DC in time to be present at her birth. Patient and thoughtful. Two qualities I can admire in anyone, especially my granddaughter. Claire joins grandson Oliver Carlin (two and a half) in providing me good promise for our future. Did you hear the champagne cork hit the ceiling? I offer a toast to grandchildren everywhere.
Dateline Arkansas - Wooooooooooooooo Hounds, Fight 'em!!! Fall is in the air and football is in full tilt. What a weekend for football . . . our Hounds over Pocahontas 40-0 to move to 5-1 on the season. Razorbacks win at Auburn 25-22 to go to 3-2 with their first conference win of the year. ASU Red Wolves whipped Louisiana-Monroe 37-29 and now stand 4-2 on the season. Think I'll have another sip of champagne!
Dateline Orlando, FL - It has been about 90 days since I last had conversation with you all, but it seems like a lifetime ago. The world has been spinning pretty quickly around these parts. I missed the annual Newport Invitational Golf Tournament this year due to business in Orlando, Florida. While I really missed being with friends in Newport, I couldn't have gone to a better place to heal my heartache. On our first night in Orlando Kathryn and I met friend Dr. Charlie Young (who had recently moved there from New Orleans) for dinner at Tavern on the Lake. A really nice jazz combo was playing at the Tavern and the bass player was none other than Newport's own Ricky Richolson (NHS '75). We had a fabulous meal and listened to some great music. The next day Kathryn and I joined wonderful friend and NHS classmate Jerry "Pud" Wooldridge at Disneyworld for the day. Pud has to have the best job in the USA in serving as the City Manager of Disneyworld (that is not his official title, but it pretty much describes his day to day duties). We visited three different venues (Animal Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot) in a whirlwind tour and couldn't pass up being "Kid for a Day" in riding Expedition Everest, Mission to Mars, Test Track, and Finding Nemo. Thanks to Ricky and to Pud for making our Orlando visit a very memorable and fun one. And, yeah, I didn't allow work to interfere with my playtime. Gosh, I never let school interfere with play either. Oh, to be forever young!
Dateline Fayetteville, AR - On August 29, 2008 Rodney Brand (NHS '65) was formally inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor. Rodney was an All-American for the 1969 Hogs. All I can say about this honor . . . it's about time! Thinking of Rodney takes me back to the fall of 1970 when my good friend and littermate Mike Brand (Rodney's youngest brother) and I visited Fayetteville for our freshman orientation at the U of A prior to beginning classes. We stayed with Rodney, Bruce James, and Chuck Dicus at Bella Vista and received an early introduction to college life Rodney style. It is pretty difficult remembering the specifics of that experience. Such hangovers have lasting effects. Congratulations Rodney on this well deserved recognition. I know your family is very proud of you. They all told me so!!!
Dateline Jonesboro, AR - On September 20, 2008 friend and mentor Bill Fisher was recognized as Business Executive of the Year by the Arkansas State University College of Business. Like Rodney's honor, Bill's recognition is well deserved and overdue. Bill is married to Newport girl Anne Wilmans Fisher and currently is the Chief Executive Officer of Paragould Light, Water and Cable. In 1982 Bill was president of First State Bank in Newport and gave me the opportunity to return home to work under his leadership. Congratulations Bill on being named Business Executive of the Year by ASU. And thank you for lending a guiding hand to a young banker and for remaining a true friend.
Dateline Southern Pines, NC - Word has come that littermate and dear friend Mary Wynne Parker Perryman's bout with cancer is entering another round of chemotherapy treatments. She received the initial treatment in this series of six on September 18. The treatment cycle is one every four weeks. I trust you will continue to hold Mary Wynne and her family in your hearts.
Dateline Heaven - The following Newport and Jackson County faithful have answered Death's knock on the door in recent weeks . . . Melba Boston, mother of littermate Ann Boston. Laverne Howard, mother-in-law of littermate Mary Sullins Howard. Bob King, owner of the King of Clubs in Swifton and good friend of my father. Betty Jane McCartney Shirley (NHS '56), sister of friend and former co-worker Jimmy McCartney (NHS '65). Joey Stafford, brother of friend Penn Stafford. I know you will all join me in thought and prayer for the families of the departed.
Dateline 1958 - Fifty years ago my littermates and I entered the first grade. I walked into the classroom of Ms. Helen Shoffner at Walnut Street School in the fall of 1958 with a group of kids I now know as my best friends. Time and distance now separate us, but I can still "see" the smiles and hear the laughter. I will forever appreciate the nurturing attention of Ms. Helen. She held my hand and touched my heart. I thank you all for being my friend. Much love!!!
Dateline Today - Before I go I will quote the refrain from Paul Simon's "Father and Daughter" in honor of my new granddaughter Claire, her mother Evelyn, and my other daughters, Emily, Elizabeth and Lynli. And to grandson Oliver, you can listen in as well (we boys need to stick together).
I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Who loved his daughter more than I love you
Thank you Ms. Shoffner for teaching me that "one and one is two."
I'm Miles from Nowhere . . . guess I'll take my time.
joe
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