FLASHLIGHT

      WELHISCO ALUMNI NEWSLETTER 

                                DECEMBER, 2007

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!


WELHISCO

Trojan Head designed by   Kermit Ruyle '47
 

Table of Contents

  • PAGE 2
      Vintage Photos

     
  • PAGE 3
       Alumni News
     
  • PAGE 4
      What am I Doing
      Printable Flashlight
     
  • PAGE 5
      Fun Things on Internet
     
  • PAGE 6
    Where is?
    Obits
     
  • PAGE 7
      Jokes
       Missing List
       Contact Us
  •  

     


    Merry Christmas!!


      Lets say "THANKS" in support of our troops
    Sponsered by Xerox

    It doesn't matter if you're for or against this war, our guys and gals in Iraq need to know we are behind them and are worried about their safety. Xerox has made it very simple for everyone to send a 'thank you' for all they are doing.

    You can choose the design and Xerox will send a Christmas card to a soldier who is currently serving in Iraq. You can not choose who receives it but it will go directly to a member of our armed service.  

    Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone from our alumni sent a card honoring our soldiers? It's FREE and only takes a second to do. Let's say Thanks
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Picture: A reminder of our 'White' Christmas 2005 Morning - Click picture to enlarge:
                                  
    Merry Christmas from the Flashlight staff!

    JACK SIDMON '50 WORKED 20+ YEARS WITH LEGENDARY TELEVISION SHOW HEE-HAW

    Jack Sidmon, class of 1950, started emailing Bob Haefner after Reunion 2006. They had been neighbors while growing up in Wellston. It'd been a long time and they had a lot of catching up to do.  After a whole bunch of emails and phone calls, Jack finally sent Bob one of his CDs, "It's Country Time", with twenty classic country and western songs.
         Jack wrote this inscription inside the cover: "I first heard country music when I was in high school. Occasionally a classmate, Joe Carpenter, was asked to play his guitar and sing on the public address system. I knew then that I would someday be a country singer.  I followed that dream and have been involved in country music since I was in my teens. Later in life I worked with Hee-Haw for twenty three years. I assisted the producer, and when needed, I would be filmed on the set.  I hope that this album will bring happy memories from the past and you will find it enjoyable. May God richly bless you as he has me."
         After hearing Jack's songs Bob and his wife June thought maybe some of their classmates and alumni might enjoy hearing Jack also. After a few phone calls and a little arm twisting Jack allowed Bob to take a song off the CD. Bob put a few pictures to the music creating this small video. The song Bob choose covers the passage of time since we were students at Wellston High. 
         It's the classic " Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes"  You will recognize many of the stars mentioned in the song. Video created by: Bob Haefner class of '49    Link to the Video click here

    Link to the Video click here

    Click photo for larger view


     

    FLASHLIGHT

          PAGE 2 

                                     DECEMBER 2007

    Vintage Photos From the Shoe Box!

    Send in YOUR School photos for From the Shoe Box!  Scan and email  or use US Postage ( If photos are to be returned, please include return US Mail postage)

    "This picture was taken in 1961 outside Ace Auto.  The little specks you see are snowflakes.  I believe the normally dressed guy was the President of the Chamber of Commerce.  There are two Santa's in the picture.  One of them wasn't using a pillow.  I'm the Santa in the back (left)  who had to use a pillow.  Dan Sedevic is the other Santa.  At the time the picture was taken, I believe Dan and I were the two biggest guys in the Class of 1962.  Back then, I was hitting the scales at about 185 lb.  I'm currently just under 170 lb. The picture was taken by Matson Photographers and I believe it was also used in the Wellston Journal, but am not positive.  Merry Christmas!"  Dave Eshe '62


    Dave Eshe '62


    Dan Sedevic '62

     


    From left to right:
    Clyde McFadden, Jerry Ross, Cliff Greeves, and Ken Huskey Class of '54

    Cliff Greeves was working at the Kroger store in the 8700 block of St. Charles Rock Road part time when this picture was taken. He drove a 1947 Studebaker then. His 'steady' girl at the time was Melva Hampton, who he is still in contact with.
    ___________________________________
    Bill Eggert '55 (pictured on the Right) sent in a picture of when he was stationed at Anderson AF Base, Guam, M.I, October '59. He was in the 54th Weather Recon Sq The Typhoon Hunters. To view Bills story again and see more of his pictures
    CLICK HERE


    Bill Eggert '55


    Class of 1965 taken at Reunion1989
      NEW FEATURES ON FLASHLIGHT WEBPAGE

    The class picture at the right was taken and sent in by Jerry Slatten '57 and his wife, Pat Miner '62. We have been posting pictures to the Website for everyone's enjoyment. There are pictures from Reunion 2003,  2006 and (2) from 1989 of the multi class reunions. It would be GREAT If we could post all class pictures for everyone to see. Check your shoe boxes to see what treasures you can find containing reunion pictures and email them to us. What a way to share memories........ REUNION PICTURES


     

     

     

      

    FLASHLIGHT

          PAGE 3 

                                     DECEMBER  2007


    Arline Martin '56
     


     

    Please sure to share your Flashlight with those who haven't access to the Internet
    Printable December Issue

    Alumnae & Alumni News and Comments:

    I can't believe what a fantastic job you're doing. Even though I was unable to attend the reunion because I was out of town, I am really enjoying reading about and seeing my old school mates. I was class mates with Lestine Neal and Mary Kay Parker. I loved seeing their pictures and reading their story. I had the chance to meet with Lestine at a past reunion and it was so nice visiting with her.
     
    My sister Phyllis, Carol Becker and Carol Mueller visit each other often reminiscing about our school days and old chums.
     
    I'm now living in Wildwood Mo. (St. Louis County). I became a widow three years ago. I had been married for 50 years to a wonderful man named Phil . Many of my high school friends may remember him because I was dating him while I was in school. I quit school after my sophomore year to marry him. I was lucky enough to meet a terrific guy last year and I am now engaged. Thanks for all your hard work. Arline Martin '56
    I have a great idea.  Why don't the alumni send their prom pictures in so you can be posted to the Internet? I have both of my Junior and Senior prom pictures. Don't you think it would be interesting to see how the people dressed. What do you think?

    Editor's note: YES, we think its a GREAT idea! Okay, alumni... start digging in that closet again. Let everyone see how you looked on prom night~~


    Ray

    Woodworth '53


    Click picture to enlarge

                 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

    Kathy Erwin and her husband Jim Samarzich celebrate their 42nd year of marriage on December 4th.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Kathy sends in the attached story which someone had sent to her with some money saving ideas while filling up your gas tank. Click to view Filling up your tank

    Rebecca says the email floating around about sending a Christmas card to a 'recovering' soldier is A HOAX!!  To send a card use the front page link in the Flashlight which is sponsored by Xerox. It's FREE, it's EASY, and it's TRUE. Click the link to read the message from Walter Reed:
     
      READ ABOUT THE HOAX
     
     


    Rebecca Allen '65

    "If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a haircut, forget it." Do you guys remember saying this? Here's a list of other things that were said back in 1955.  Click here to view~

     

     

    FLASHLIGHT

          PAGE 4

                                     DECEMBER,  2007

     

    WHAT AM I DOING NOW?

    We welcome contributions each month, send in your story, or perhaps a story about a favorite teacher or classmate that made a difference in your life who is no longer with us.  We will try to honor one selected short story of general interest each month. This months feature story: 
         This month we have TWO guest features!  
    The Rat Pack - 1965

    Yes, Wellston had their own 'Rat Pack'  A group of fun loving girl who have stayed together for almost 50 years. These girls STILL hang together.

    Read how they got started and what they've been up too since school.  Click  HERE

     

    Front row:  Left to Right
    Sharon Cain, Linda Waldrum, Sally Beebe, Louise Landsbury, Linda Pruski
    Top Row:  Left to Right
    Shirley Dawes, Sharon Zeltman, Mari Treadway, Audrey Pilkenton, Millie Blackwell
     

                         Click picture to enlarge

    ~~BONUS~~   

    Find out which ClassMate (pictured on right) who is returning as 'Snow Queen of St. Louis' on First night?  Click here  First Night Snow Queen
     

    The holiday's are here and parties will be starting soon. I found Ms. Claus's website full of  favorite desert recipes. There's cakes, pies, cookies, etc. If you're looking for something 'special' for a hostess gift or a 'home made' Christmas present visit her site. Enjoy the DESSERTS Shared by JoAnn Williams '60


     

    Here is a website we think you will want to keep!

            Symptoms Checker
    And another site you may enjoy looking at is:
    The People's Pharmacy  

    Be sure to save it to your favorites for future use.
    sent in by Bruce Liebsch '62

    Wagner Electric Christmas Party Dec 13th!

    Wagner employees are a little older now - well, okay, a whole LOT older, but they STILL meet twice a year. Once in August then again at the Christmas Party at St. Rita's. Their children bring them now since many no longer drive. At the August get together there was a man who had just turned 99!! If you or your parents ever worked at Wagner you are invited also! Call Jerry Blankenship 636-463-2128 or Grace Williams 636-978-9330 for details. Lunch will be served. 

    982


    Wagner Electric Picnic - 1982

    Did you are your parent work for Wagner Electric? You're invited to the annual Christmas Party Dec 13th.
     


    Merry Christmas


     
    Click Photos to enlarge


                    
    Mark Baker      Wanda Potts '47 (Mother)


    Luciano Pavarotti

     

    We not only have interesting alumni,
    their children are too!!

     

     Mark Baker, son of Wanda Potts '47 sung with Pavarotti

    A veteran of more than twenty different productions at the Metropolitan Opera since making his debut in 1986, Oklahoma-born tenor Mark Baker who appears regularly in Chicago, San Francisco and the Dallas Opera. His extensive European credits include the Netherlands Opera, Catania, Italy; the Bastille in Paris; the Berlin Staatsoper as well as in Spoleto, Italy, Berlin and Thessaloniki, Greece. In South America he has performed in Santiago, Chile, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is associated with such eminent conductors as James Levine, Daniel Barenboim, Marek Janowsky, Edo de Waart, John Nelson and Donald Runnicles. He often appears in concert in such works as Messiah, Missa Solemnis and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Mark Baker made his debut with the Saint Louis Symphony Nov 14, 2003. 

    Mark, who lives in West Melbourne, performed frequently with Luciano Pavarotti, opera's biggest superstar of the late 20th century, at the Met before Luciano's death.
     
      

    FLASHLIGHT

          PAGE 5

                                     DECEMBER  2007

    FUN THINGS FOUND ON THE INTERNET


    Wellston Street Car

           

    Wellston Theater

    Bob Haefner, '49 sends in this remarkable video. He thinks there's a possibility this could be a new "Olympic" sport someday.

    Be patient; she contemplates for a bit, but you'll see why. It's well worth the wait!"
                       view

    ----------------------------------------------------------
                Click on the words: 'Jacquie Lawson'
    When  you reach the link click an ink bottle and watch what happens!  Sent in by Doretta Atkins '61

                            Remember When?
     Remember when we had ugly gym uniforms? Or when it took 5 minutes for the TV to warm up? This will take you back to the 50s quickly ~~ Remember When
    -------------------------------------------------------------
    Then check out your zip code for some interesting facts on your neighborhood!!

                          Check my zip

                Sent in by Dave Esche '62

    FALSE RUMOR ABOUT CELL PHONES

    Don't believe any e-mail, even from someone you know, that claims you have to join some registry to avoid being assaulted by telemarketing calls because of some new cell phone database.

    Most telemarketing to cell phones has always been illegal under the federal law. Chairman Majoras says, "The 'urban legend' is completely FALSE!"
    Appeared in the St. Louis Post Dispatch 11/9/2007

    What area did (or do) YOU want to retire too? Here is a list of benefits from some different states. 
    Where to Retire:

     


     

      

    FLASHLIGHT

          PAGE 6

    DECEMBER  2007

     
    Where in the World is Clifton Gregery? (Class of '59)
    Check out the link taking you to the missing alumni list in your class. They may not even know they are missing!!  If there’s someone on the list whom you might know the whereabouts of (dead or alive) please email us the information or have them contact us. As you will see there’s only a few classes who have a lot missing. Most classes had someone who took the initiative to keep their class list current. This is not an easy task to undertake but does make it easier for the reunion committee.   Check all the classes. There might be someone’s brother, sister, aunt, uncle, parents or even neighbors on the list. The list spans 30 years. MISSING ALUMN

    Classmates Remembered
     
    Theresa O'Connor '63 wrote a beautiful poem dedicated to and remembering our departed alumnus.  To Read.

    Obit

    Memorial
    Our Wellston Trojan
    Classmates Remembered List
    Click here
    Rest in Peace



    John Fishbeck '69 passed 10/24/07
    Obit and Guest Book

     


    Ron White '67 passed 11/13/2007
    Guest Book unavailable


    Ray Esche '55 passed 11/15/07
    Obit and Guest Book

     

    Condolences to: JoAnn Williams '60 in the death of her father-in-law, John Gladyzeswski 11/12/07 Guest Book
     


    Click to enlarge Photos


    Missouri Botanical Gardens often called Shaw's Garden after Henry Shaw who had given the land for Tower Grove Park

     This scene was taken in autumn at The Japanese Garden . This is the largest Japanese Garden outside of Japan where every year a birthday party is held celebrating the old man whose body lies buried there in front of his home in Tower Grove.

    For those who no longer live in the St. Louis, or haven't visited the Botanical Garden in a while, look at what you are missing!

    For help on your gardening questions visit the botanical HERE  Learn how to become a Master Gardener - St. Louis style!
     


     

      
      

    FLASHLIGHT

          PAGE  6

                                     DECEMBER   2007


    Editors
    Sandy Gibbons(’57)
    Bill Voos (’48)
    JoAnn Williams (’60)

    WELLSTON HIGH SCHOOL
    Welhisco Alumni
    P.O. Box 774
    O'Fallon, MO 63366

    Phone  636-978-5771
    Fax 636-696-4693
    E-mail
    WelhiscoAlumni@aol.com

    Interesting Info.

     

     

     

    FUNNIES FOUND ON THE INTERNET

    Jimmy received a parrot for Christmas. The parrot was fully grown, with a very bad attitude and worse vocabulary.

    Every other word was an expletive; those that weren't expletives were, to say the least, rude. Jimmy tried to change the bird's attitude by constantly saying polite words, playing soft music... anything he could think of. Nothing worked.

    He yelled at the bird, and the bird got worse. He shook the bird, and the bird got madder and more rude.

    Finally, in a moment of desperation, Jimmy put the parrot in the freezer. For a few moments he heard the bird swearing, squawking, kicking and screaming and then, suddenly, there was absolute quiet.

    Jimmy was frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird, and quickly opened the freezer door.

    The parrot calmly stepped out onto Jimmy's extended arm and said, "I'm sorry that I offended you with my language and my actions, and I ask your forgiveness. I will endeavor to correct my behavior".

    Jimmy was astounded at the changes in the bird's attitude and was about to ask what had changed him, when the parrot continued, "May I ask what the Chicken did?"

       A man appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.**

      "Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asked.**

      "Well, I can think of one thing," the man offered. "On a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota , I came upon a gang of bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, But they wouldn't listen.

       So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him in the face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, "Now, back off, or I'll kick the sh$t out of all of you!"

      St. Peter was impressed. "When did this happen?" he asked*

      " Couple of minutes ago."*
    An elderly couple were on a cruise and it was really stormy. They were standing on the back of the boat watching the moon when a wave came up and washed the old woman overboard. They searched for days and couldn't find her, so the captain sent the old man back to shore with the promise that he would notify him as soon as they found something.
     
    Three weeks went by and finally the old man got a fax from the boat. It read: "Sir, sorry to inform you, we found your wife dead at the bottom of the ocean. We hauled her up to the deck and attached to her butt was an oyster and in it was a pearl worth $50,000. Please Advice."
     
    The old man faxed back: "Send me the pearl and re-bait the trap."

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