Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Fifty-Eight Years of Getting Together

TVHS Class of 1964 Fifty-Eighth Class Reunion

Front, Seated left to right:

Mary (Shiflett) Wamsley, Patricia (McCauley) Ware, Judy (Ware) See

Back, Standing left to right:

Denny Ware, Dick Judy, Linda (Scott) Magyar, David Matthew, Peggy (Simmons) Church, Chris Ritter, Glen Rader, Reuben Currence, Tom Zirkle, Gary Channell, George Coussoule, Fred Ware, Jr., Larry See, Danny McCloud, John Sutton

After a long absence, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the Tygarts Valley High School Class of 1964 was together again, August 20, at CJ Maggies. Greeted with tables arranged in an easy conversational style and adorned with bouquets and napkins in the familiar red and white school colors, class members, with their friends and guests, celebrated fifty-eight years of “getting together”.

Before dining, the class was led in prayer by Pastor Glen Rader. Pastor Rader also held the memorial service for class members who have passed away. Two class members who have passed since the last reunion were added to the memorial list. The class sends condolences and their wish for many comforting memories to each family.

Classmate Dairel Arbogast passed away in Ohio, April 7, 2021. Having already lost his wife, Betty, whom he had married in 1982, he left behind a son and two daughters, as well as a grandson and a granddaughter.

With his family at his side, Classmate Denny Gibson passed away at the Good Samaritan of Barbour County, July 12, 2021. He had resided in Mill Creek.

After the meal, a 50/50 drawing was won by Mrs. Reuben (Marvella Cutright) Currence. Mrs. Larry (Judy Ware) See and Mrs. Gary (Carolyn Corley) Channell, then, conducted a lively drawing for several splendid fruit baskets prepared by Crazy Harry’s. Winners were: Larry See, Danny McCloud, and John Sutton.

At the end of the rambunctious games, Fred L. Ware, Jr. began a brief business meeting by requesting a report from the treasurer. Gary Channell, always fastidious with his record keeping, informed the class of their financial standing. Ware continued by reminding the class of their approaching sixtieth graduation anniversary. He asked the class to come to the fifty-ninth get-together with ideas for how to celebrate. George Coussoule and David Matthew offered some early suggestions for the class to ponder.

After the class meeting, drawings were made for door prizes. The big winner, having his name drawn three times, was George Coussoule. Coussoule won a gift bag full of fall items, a bottle of homemade vanilla and three loaves of homemade quick breads. Other winners of the quick breads were Charles Church, Janet (Kittle) McCloud and Linda (Scott) Magyar. (Magyar and her son, Steve, will be bringing a special guest with them to the next reunion.)

As the afternoon was ending, Fred L. Ware, Jr., representing the class, gave a special grandparents survival bag to George and Sue Coussoule for being the class’s most recent grandparents. The Coussoule family has welcomed a beautiful new granddaughter.

Ware presented to Mr. and Mrs. Larry (Judy Ware) See a newlywed survival bag as the newest class members to marry. Included in the bag was a “Larry’s To Do List” dry erase board. To the amusement of the class, Mr. See attempted to tuck Mrs. See’s “To Do” list markers into his pocket. Mr. and Mrs. See were voted “most dependable” in their senior year of high school.

With nostalgic lingering, anxious to share more time together, for many there was a reluctance to depart. Several class members reminisced with Sharon (Cutright) Channell, guest of Pastor Glen Rader, about her mother, now deceased for many years. On many hot, summer days, several barefoot, neighborhood kids followed close behind her as she led them to cool off, and just splash around, in the local swimming hole. Prancing, not so carefully, down the tar patched road, bursting tar bubbles with their toes, they scurried to keep her pace. Nearing the swimming hole, she stepped quickly ahead as the youngsters made memories of dodging cow patties, some long dried and some very fresh, on the grassy path they trod to the cooling water of the pool. Finding a place to sit on the little beach, she probably watched, horrified, as two goofy girls, having the fear of drowning in their silly heads, tipped back and forth, in an old innertube, struggling to stay upright. Maybe, deep in her own thoughts of things left undone at home, she didn’t notice the lone wader slipping away on solitary ventures to find rock fossils in the shallow stream that fed the pool. Good days. Good memories. Good lady.

Regulars at the get togethers were happy to welcome Denny Ware, John Sutton and Sharon (Fincham) Bonnet to the afternoon event. “Good Lord willing, and the creek don’t rise”, the hope is to see them, again, next year. As always, the Class of ’64 welcomes all friends and former classmates to their annual reunions. If, all those years ago, circumstances took you away before that final graduation night walk across the stage, plan to come, next year, and share your memories of those long-ago days spent with your friends “up the valley”.

Planned and organized by Mrs. Gary (Carolyn Corley) Channel, the afternoon get-together was a wonderful time of catching up and reminiscence. Grateful thanks and appreciation from the class to Channel and her hardworking crew for the pleasant and welcoming atmosphere that was created for those who attended.

As written on the 2022 class bookmark passed out at the event, “One of the best feelings in the world is knowing that your presence and absence both mean something to somebody”. If you were there, we were so very glad you came. Thank you for coming. If you could not be there, we wish you could have been and hope to see you next year. Add a note to your calendar for August, 2023.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

TVHS Class of 1964 55-Year Reunion

Richard Judy, David Matthew, Danny McCloud, Gary Channell, Frank Channell, Fred Ware, Chris Ritter, George Coussoule

On August 17, a lovely day in the valley, the Tygarts Valley High School Class of 1964 gathered at Camp Pioneer 4-H Camp to celebrate fifty-five years since their graduation. The Camp Pioneer staff, with their accommodating nature, made it a pleasant occasion for all who attended.

Tom Zirkle, usually seated at the back of the class during his school days, drove in from Pennsylvania to share the day with classmates. Driving many miles from his home in Kansas, Chris Ritter was welcomed by longtime friends. The friends of Peggy (Simmons) Church were glad she made the trip from North Carolina with her husband, Dale, one more time.

Rev. Glen Rader, informal class parson, traveled to the reunion from Ohio with his wife Glenna. Linda (Scott) Magyar, also from Ohio, adjusted her seat, donned her sunglasses and relaxed as her son, Steve, drove the many miles from the lakes to the valley. When Steve drives in next year, the class is hoping his mother will ride along with him. Mary Ellen (Ice) Guzy, a frequent participant in class events, drove in from Tennessee with a jar of her homemade chow-chow.

Other members of the class of 1964 were much closer to home. Attending the reunion, from the Valley or nearby, were Delbert Salisbury and friend Linda Fink, Windsor Heights; Frank Channell, Westover; Fred and Patricia (McCauley) Ware, Morgantown; Charles and Mary (Shiflett) Wamsley, Elkins; Gary and Carolyn (Corley) Channell, Elkins; David Matthew, Elkins; Charles Church and friend Linda Ferguson, Elkins; Judy (Ware) Primavero, Coalton; Richard Judy, Beverly; Danny and Janet (Kittle) McCloud, East Dailey; Reuben and Marvella (Cutright) Currence, Huttonsville; Robert and Edna Mae (Stalnaker) Tacy, Huttonsville; and George and Sue Coussoule, Valley Head.

The Class of 1964 was happy to welcome Darlene Hight, a surprise visitor from Ohio, to their 55-year celebration. A member of the TVHS Class of 1966 who had lived in Monterville, she and former school bus buddy, Chris Ritter, had formed a lasting friendship, years ago, on the long bus ride down the valley to Tygarts Valley High School.

After much mingling and conversation, Rev. Rader gave the blessing and read the names of deceased classmates. Since graduating in 1964, twenty-one members, almost a third of the class, have passed away.

As they chatted and enjoyed old stories, the class feasted on a meal prepared by the Camp Pioneer staff. On the buffet table was a grand meal of tossed lettuce salad, baked steak and chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, rolls and tea and lemonade. Cheesecakes with tasty choices of blueberry or cherry topping were provided for dessert.

Prepared for the class by the Walmart bakery, a 55-year celebration cake decorated with the school colors, red and white, took center-stage on the snack table. Triggering more temptation for those with a sweet tooth, were peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies baked by the Camp Pioneer cooks. A sampler platter of peanut butter fudge, prepared by Delbert Salisbury and Linda Fink also wooed the coterie of friends.

Following the meal, Fred Ware, Jr. opened the business meeting by leading a moment of silence in remembrance of those class members who had passed away since the class met in August, 2018.

In September, 2018 the Class of 1964 lost Diane (Bennett) Blizzard. Diane had a voice for singing and was a member of the gospel group, The King’s Kids, which also included her husband, Allan, her sister, Sondra and Sondra’s husband, Bob. Finding enjoyment in painting, Diane’s artwork was gifted to friends and sold across the United States.

Passing away in October of 2018, Sharon (Shreve) Armstrong, with her husband Allen, had attended all the Class of 1964 get-togethers. She took great pleasure in rhyming words, and wrote many heartfelt poems - sometimes humorous, sometimes serious - for her family and friends.

For her son she wrote:

I thank You Lord, O Friend of mine
For giving me this child of Thine
Help me to rear him in Your will
And all Your love in him instill.

About her sister she wrote:

She takes the toys from the kids
She socks them in the nose
She pulls their hair and kicks their feet
Takes scissors to their clothes.

But at bedtime she’s an angel
While the Lord her soul doth keep
But as soon as she wakes up
She starts again, the little creep.

Ettie Wegman Grey raised a family and lived all her life in the valley. She did beautiful hand crochet, and brought some of her pieces to be auctioned at the class of 1964’s 50th class reunion. Ettie passed away in March, 2019.

On Wednesday, August 14, the week of their 55th Reunion, the Class of 1964 lost another classmate, Sheryl “Cookie” Hawkins Birdsinger. Though she lived in “the great state of Texas”, Cookie never lost her love for the hills of West Virginia. She was never happier than when she could come home to the valley. Her best-loved flower was the daisy, and the last bouquet she received from her friends back home was an arrangement of daisies with her favorite bird, the red cardinal, nestled among the petals.

Continuing the business meeting, Ware called for the annual treasurer’s report from Gary Channell. Channell assured the class that after all the bills were paid, they would have an acceptable amount of cash in the bank.

To support Channell in his efforts to keep the coffers full, the popular class auction was held. With Ware as auctioneer, several items were put on the block. Judy (Ware) Primavero took home Mary Ellen (Ice) Guzy’s homemade chow chow. Guzy rode home with a tray of Primavero’s pina colada zucchini bread and banana bars. She also found room for a centerpiece made by Frank Channell’s wife, Linda. Channell, himself, had a winning bid for Primavero’s baked goods. He also had successful bids on two primitive pieces of wall décor. Though he felt no additional artwork was needed in his home, he was happy to contribute to the cause and gave with a cheerful heart.

Two forty-eight-star flags that had flown at Tygarts Valley High School, during the school’s early years, were brought to the auction by Reuben and Marvella (Cutright) Currence. The most interesting and nostalgic items in the auction, the flags found a new home in North Carolina with Peggy (Simmons) Church. Not so fortunate when bidding on a large, blue, hand blown glass birdfeeder donated to the auction by Gary and Carolyn (Corley) Channell, Church was outbid by Patricia (McCauley) Ware.

Appearing again, the peanut butter fudge made by Delbert Salisbury and Linda Fink was much sought after during the auction. One three-pound platter of the popular fudge was taken home by Gary Channell and his wife, Carolyn. A second platter became a win for Primavero, and the last platter was snatched by George and Sue Coussoule. Rounding out the auction, a fruit basket from Crazy Harry’s, donated by Danny and Janet (Kittle) McCloud, was carried away by Mary (Shiflett) Wamsley.

Further increasing the class treasury, and led each year by Primavero, was the fifty/fifty drawing. Generous winners, Delbert Salisbury and Janet (Kittle) McCloud donated their winnings back to the class. Treasurer Channell then busied himself in the counting house.

Salisbury became a winner for the second time when he walked away with the much-anticipated door prize which was prepared for the class by Crazy Harry’s. A bushel, chipwood basket crammed full with fruit and other specialty items, the Salisbury car might have been scraping asphalt as it proceeded from the valley toward the Ohio River.

Completing the class business, Ware asked for volunteers or suggestions to plan the location of their 56th get-together. As the Camp Pioneer staff had been especially gracious throughout the day, and had prepared a plentiful, delicious meal, the decision was made to return to Camp Pioneer August 15, 2020.

Departing for their homes in the valley or to homes much farther away, class members took with them specially made 55-year bookmarks and goody bags that included munchies for their trips back home.

From a grateful TVHS Class of 1964, warm appreciation is accorded David Matthew and Richard Judy for their efforts in planning a memorable 55-year reunion.


Delbert Salisbury, Winner of Door Prize

Fred Ware, Auctioneer

Reuben and Marvella Currence, Donators of 48-star Flags

Charles and Mary Wamsley, Winners of Fruit Basket Auction

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Glen, Bob, Pat, Linda, Frank, George, Danny, Gary, Tom, Fred, Judy, Reuben, Mary, Delbert, Charles, Mary Ellen, Dick, Chris, David, Peggy

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

TVHS
CLASS OF 1964
55TH CLASS REUNION



Announcing the
TVHS Class of 1964
55th Class Reunion

Hey, you remember those guys?
I remember those guys.


Hey!
An AUCTION!!!
Bring one or more items
Old, New, Handmade, Baked, Grown…
Whatever you have!
 
I’m in for that! Yeah!


DOOR PRIZE
50/50 DRAWING

That’s what it says, huh? Cool!


Camp Pioneer 4-H Camp
Kings Run Road, Beverly, WV
There will be signs to follow!
August 17, 2019
4:00 PM
$13.00 per person

I’m thinking about it.
You thinking about it?


Please Respond By:
JULY 31, 2019
And Make Checks Payable To:
TVHS Class of 1964
c/o Gary Channell
2006 Ward Road
Elkins, WV 26241

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!


Menu
Salad, Rolls
Baked Chicken, Baked Steak
Mashed Potatoes, Gravy
Green Beans
Dessert
Well, yeah! Yum!


Come on. Gotta be there!
How far’s that from Liverpool, you say?



The Beatles
I Want to Hold Your Hand