FLASHLIGHT 33rd Flashlight

FLASHLIGHT 33rd Flashlight:
WELHISCO NEWSLETTER	SEPTEMBER 2009

WELHISCO

Trojan Head designed by
Kermit Ruyle '47

Make checks payable
and mail to:

WHS Alumni
PO Box 774
O'Fallon, MO 63366

Reservations must be received by
Sept 18, 2009

Reunion 2009 Price List

Oct 2nd - Friday Mixer
St. Charles Convention Center
3 – 8:30 pm
Light Appetizers
Cost: $35.00 (pp*)

Oct 3rd - Saturday - Dinner/Dance
St. Charles Convention Center
6 – 7 pm
Cash Bar
7 – 11 pm
Dinner/Dance
Cost: $70.00 (pp*)

Oct 4th - Sunday Picnic
2200 Raymond Drive
11 – 4
Lunch
Cost: $30.00 (pp*)

(*per person)

Link to the

Reservation form

Click to see who's attending Reunion 2009.

FINAL DAY APPROACHING
SIGN UP FOR REUNION 2009

MONEY DUE BEFORE SEPTEMBER 18th

For the procrastinators who haven’t chosen which event they would like to attend, there now is a deadline to send in your money for either the Friday Mixer, Saturday night Dinner/Dance, Sunday’s Picnic or a combination of the three events. Keep in mind, the next time all the alumni will be gathered in one place will not happen again for another 3 years.

This year there will be an improved registration process. Welcoming bags will be set up the same way as last time, by class (alphabetical order) on tables. If alum’s are married, bags are under the husband’s class year and name. The bags will be broken down into two groups: those attending the Friday Mixer + any other event and then those attending Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully, this will help prevent long lines. Karin (Carter) Bristow '65 will have people available to help if you have a problem.

Inside the Welcoming bags will be your name tag(s). The name tag will show your picture, name, graduation year, the events you are attending and a green sticker honoring you for becoming a member and supporter of our newly formed WHS Alumni Club. We will be starting our third year in 2010.

For those attending Saturday night’s Dinner/Dance, a table number will be on your tag. Upon entering the Dining Room, just look for that number. Every effort has been made to seat people where they requested. This year (when the doors open) there should be less confusion finding a seat with and near classmates. It will be better organized.

The photographer has requested we insert order forms along with a pen so forms can be filled out and checks ready when it’s your turn. This will help Jim (the photographer) move a little quicker. We are going to assign a time for your class to have their picture taken. Please make sure you are ready and available with the form filled out when it’s your turn. Our goal is to have one class lined up ready to go while Jim is taking another groups picture. He has a lot of groups to take in a short time. Multi-class pictures will be taken where there are not many represented. You can work that out with your classmates. Times will be posted on tables.

A a Buzz Book will be in the bag for those attending the Dinner/Dance. We have a section in the back of the buzz book for comments from alumni on what they’ve done since the last reunion or since high school. If you are attending Reunion 2009 or not, you still can participate by sharing your story. It is a neat way to stay in touch with our friends and classmates and makes for fun reading. Also, thank the people who are wearing a Green sticker on their name tags. Without their support we would not be able to produce such a fine keepsake. Anyone who would like to purchase an additional Buzz Book will be able to do so after the reunion. Price's will be available after we find out how much it will cost to have it printed.

Seeing your classmates and friends will make this a very special night for you. See you at Reunion 2009!

Be sure to mail your check in before September 18th!

FLASHLIGHT

PAGE 2

SEPTEMBER 2009

JEFFERSON BARRACKS

End of South Broadway - St. Louis County

1702 acres were purchased in 1826 for $5.00. This is where Jefferson Barracks was established as the country’s first “Infantry School of Practice.” It served as a major military installation until 1946. Named in honor of former President Thomas Jefferson, the post played an important role in westward expansion. Jefferson Barracks served as a gathering point for troops and supplies bound for service in the Mexican War, Civil War, various Indian conflicts, Spanish-American War,

Philippine War, World War I and World War II. Jefferson Barracks also served as the first Army Air Corps basic training site. Stephan W. Kearny, Zachary Taylor, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant, William T. Sherman and Philip Sheridan were a few of the famous Americans to serve at Jefferson Barracks.

Like Elis Island, where huge transitions took place changing immigrants to citizens, Jefferson Barracks turned civilians into soldiers.

Built in 1851 for the use of civilian workmen at the Ordnance Depot, the building was restored from original plans in the National Archives. Extensive archaeological excavations undertaken in the 1950s were valuable in providing clues for the fittings of the house which now appears as it did in the 1850s

It was built in 1851 to house four horses and two spring wagons used to haul the munitions produced at the St. Louis Arsenal to the various ordnance magazines in Jefferson Barracks. It is unique in that it has a front and back door so that both teams could pull in simultaneously.

First Successful Parachute Jump from an Airplane Takes Place at Jefferson Barracks March 1, 1912. Early in 1912, Thomas Benoist, the owner of an aviation school in Kinloch Park, St. Louis, decided to promote a parachute jump from an airplane, a feat thought either impossible or crazy. The guinea-pig was ‘Captain’ Albert Berry, son of a balloonist and himself a professional parachute jumper. Twice the attempt had to be delayed because of bad weather. Finally, on March 1, 1912, the aircraft, a Benoist ‘pusher’ biplane (so-called because the propellers face the rear) piloted by Anthony Jannus and carrying Berry, took off from Kinloch field and flew 18 miles to Jefferson Barracks, where the attempt was to be made. The parachute was carried in a galvanized-iron cone fixed to the undercarriage, its mouth facing the rear of the aircraft until just before the drop. From the mouth emerged two ropes connected to a trapeze bar, which had two leg loops at its end.

The plane, traveling at about 55 mph, soared at 1,500 feet. With the drop seconds away, Berry hinged down the metal cone, climbed down through the fuselage frame to the axle and put his legs through the loops. He tied a belt around his waist and then cut himself away, his weight drawing the parachute from the container. It was a perfect drop. The ‘experience,’ said Berry on landing, ‘confirms the feasibility of such descents. I dropped fully 500 feet before the parachute opened, and admit to feeling uneasy. But really, the greatest danger was to the pilot of the plane. Berry was referring to the fear that the sudden loss of weight would cause a loss of stability in the plane. Jannus said he felt no such loss. Benoit arrived at Jefferson Barracks too late to witness the jump as did Colonel Wood who had been waiting for the plane, but when it didn’t arrive, it was over 30 minutes late, he went inside his residence and came out when he heard the soldiers outside, but too late to see the jump.

View what our classmate, alumni, neighbor and country director, Charlie Dooley '65 along with others has to say about one of the most hidden gems in the St. Louis area.

Museum buildings are open from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm Wednesday through Sunday.

FLASHLIGHT
PAGE 3	SEPTEMBER 2009

Vintage Photos From the Shoe Box!

We'll post them online.

How do you store your pictures? Framing, scrap-booking or sticking them in shoeboxes? With the advent of digital photography, there are several options sharing the photos you love, making them last a good, long time: You can either: Email, scan or use US Postage (If photos are to be returned, please include return US Mail postage.)
Send in your shoebox photo's so they can be shared with everyone.

Pictures from the Shoe Box

1959 Don Taylor '61 & John McFall '60	50 YEARS LATER Don and Johnny may have been separated by miles for many years but their friendship since school remains strong. They met, laughed, and reminisced the old time at the same park they were at 50 years ago.	2009 Don Taylor '61 & John McFall '60
While Lestine (Neal) Grady '56 was in town recently visiting with Mary Kay (Parker) Morse '56 they went to Faust Park and visited the Butterfly House, the home of the Forest Park Highlands Carousel. As you can see from the photo they enjoyed riding the restored merry-go-round horses. When Lestine returned home she found a photo taken of them in Forest Park at about the same time of year when they were at the Highlands - it was 1949. Does anyone else remember the Carousel and know it has been preserved at Faust Park? Adults can ride for $1. What a trip back in time. Mary Kay (Parker) Morse '56
WAGNER SUMMER MEETING 8 Wellston grad's were at the annual Wagner summer meeting. Back row L-R: Rich Bowles '43, Joe Heenan '61, Tony Busalacchi '61, Harold Hanner '64 (strip shirt unknown) Bob Bennett '51, Loretta Hulahan '43 and JoAnn Williams '60. All enjoyed a great lunch while reminiscing over the 'good old days'.
GIRLS DAY OUT AT BALL GAME Three girls from the class of '60 enjoy a great day at the ballpark where one (Scottie) was able to catch one of Rick Ankiel's foul balls. L-R: JoAnn Williams, Carol Beeman and Janet Scott

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SEPTEMBER 2009

Alumnae & Alumni News and Comments:

We have gotten emails saying some alumni don't want to attend Reunion 2009 because 'they were not happy with assigned tables. They said they didn't care for some of their classmates when in school and didn't want to be forced to sit with them now' The ONLY assigned seating is for Saturday night's Dinner. If there is someone special you would like to sit with let us know. Each table sits 10 people. We have to make sure there's enough tables for each class which is why the assigned seating. There is a list posted online of whose is coming and to which event. It is kept updated daily or when a new reservation comes in. Those who attended Reunion 2006 will remember the stampede to find a table when the doors opened. Alumni were concerned about finding a seat - NOT where their friends and classmates were sitting. Everyone is coming to see classmates and friends. We've all aged since school. Yes, even you! The seating will ensure you will see your classmates from the era. Everyone spans 7 years.- 3 years before and 3 years after we graduated. That's a lot of people to see! Our goal is to make it easier to see them. After Dinner you can move around and sit where ever you would like. All Classes will be close to each other for easy conversation and being able to find one another. This is supposed to help.... not tick anyone off.
I wanted to let everyone know I won't be able to attend Reunion 2009 this year. My husband has been in poor health since January. He's had several operations and is now on oxygen. I have been pretty busy though. We had a Cole family reunion at Fort Zumwalt Park August 2nd with about 110 family members showing up. It was great. All my Sisters and Brothers were there except the one who passed away in 2001. Hopefully, God willing, I'll see everyone at Reunion 2012! Marie (Cole) Fletcher '52
Our son Tim, offered us as an anniversary present - the opportunity to go sky diving. He probably thought we would pass. Attached are photos of my wife Marji and I doing our dive. Not bad for eighty year olds. If Pres. Bush can do it so can we. It was one of the greatest things we have ever done. The freefall part was the best. It felt like we were floating not falling. This was just one of the things on our "bucket list". (click sky diving picture to view more) Art Morris '48
We do enjoy all the news and information the Alumni Association sends us, especially the monthly FLASHLIGHT. It brings back lots of memories. Thanks for all your hard work. Sorry we are unable to attend Reunion 2009. Bob Brooks '49 "The fool who traveled is better off than the wise man who stayed home.'' -Rashi, a 11th century scholar
Remember us? We’re your little sisters! Growing up on Lenox, we were always together, Mary Beth Keller (L), Judy Hagan (C), and Sharon Denton (R). High School and life sent us in different directions, but over the years we would bump into one or the other and catch up a bit, always intending to get together. We had two more girls in our group, Loetta Price (back), and Kay Manley (not shown). Recently, Mary Beth, Judy and Sharon all got together after many years of bumping into each other. It was so good to sit down and spend time with each other, catching up on where life has taken us. We met at Denny’s, and stayed until after midnight. We plan to get together more often and hope to get all five of us together at once. We know it will be a lot of fun. At our first get together it was Mary Beth (Keller), Loetta (Price), Kay (Manley), and Judy (Hagan). Sharon (Denton) wasn’t able to join us. Pictured in the bottom photo (all grown up and together again) Judy Hagan (L), Mary Beth Keller (C), and Sharon Denton (R) Judy Hagan '71
YEARBOOKS Our year books library is almost complete thanks to Billy Hydar '64 who bequeathed his '63, and '64 year books to our alumni club plus we were able to purchase the '67, '68, and '69 books from Ebay. Ray Morse '56 is letting us use his '56 book until someone donates that year. We thank all those who have donated their books for future reunions.	Flashlights are now mailed to current Association members without Internet Access. Need a hard copy?

FLASHLIGHT
PAGE 5	SEPTEMBER 2009

Alumni News Continued

(Thomas) Roger Noon '62
Former Sports Writer for the Flashlight:
Proposal Redux

Those who may have graduated from a College, University or some kind of specialized school are undoubtedly familiar with the Alumni letters that follow. They are usually some kind of encouragement to give toward some endowment, scholarship fund or special need the institution might have. If you have given to some charity, that charity will place you on their mailing list and ask you to give, again and again and again!

This poses an unusual situation for my wife and self. I graduated from 3 institutions of higher learning (2 Universities and 1 Seminary), so the matter of contributing in that category is 3 times the usual rate. So, add to it the charities we support and the regular Sunday offerings at Church, we have to pick and choose what we will contribute to and support very carefully. Some will receive our attention and others may be set aside for the future.

We have seen a lot of notice to the notion of “giving back to the community”. Celebrities, pro athletes and business people want to show thanks to the communities which nurtured their hopes and dreams. They want to help nurture those hopes and dreams of others as well. All of them agree it’s a good feeling to do so and well worth the time and effort. And the effect on the boys and girls as well as the community is a renewed sense of respect and worth.

In whatever decade we graduated, we “owe” Wellston a lot. The “Flashlight Newsletter” demonstrates that time and again. It nurtured our hopes and dreams. We are what we are because of a community, a teacher, or someone at the time who encouraged us.

Now it’s time to “give back” and help nurture the hopes and dreams of other boys and girls of Wellston. The financial need is always great for college and special vocational schools. Is it possible we could help one or more of them realize their dreams with a modest scholarship in the name of WHS Alumni? And for this, you don’t need to be some big celebrity, just an interested and concerned person. But you could make a big difference if many of you pool your help toward the cause.

If you would make a contribution to a WHS Alumni Scholarship Fund, it could make all the difference to someone you never met but helped just the same. Can’t you imagine the smile on their face and encouragement it gives to be a recipient of such an award!

You won’t be hassled by constant mailings asking to contribute. Just use the mailing address of the Flashlight and mark it Alumni Scholarship Fund. Or make a donation when you register for those promised materials over the Reunion weekend. The donation is whatever your heart leads you to give, that’s all! You should receive a receipt as well. If you don’t, I will make sure you get one.

We will leave it up to the Alumni Board as to where to place the monies in the meanwhile and the when to distributing it when available. But wouldn’t it be great to have their picture and response in the Flashlight on the occasion when it happens! T. Roger Noon ‘62

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SEPTEMBER 2009

Functional Foods

Mari Treadway '65

If you eat fruits and vegetables, you are already consuming “functional food” in its simplest, natural form.

Foods that go beyond meeting our basic nutritional needs are “functional foods.” In fact, you already may be consuming them: “Fruit and vegetables are functional food in its simplest form and many are rich in active compounds,” says Kathy Isoldi, RD, a dietitian with the Comprehensive Weight Control Program at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Functional foods also can include those that have been modified through fortification, enrichment or enhancement, since a whole range of foods, such as enriched cereals, now has added vitamins, fiber and more.

Extra health benefits.

“Functional food fulfill two purposes rather than one, says Isoldi. “They contain extra ingredients that are physiologically active and extend that food’s benefits beyond its nutritional value.” The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has recently come out in favor of these foods when consumed as part of a varied diet.

The ADA’s official stance on functional foods, published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, describes them as “providing additional health benefits that may reduce disease risk and/or promote optional health.” This includes conventional foods as well as those that have been “modified” (i.e., fortified, enriched or enhanced).

What the ADA describes as “conventional functional foods” are really unmodified whole foods, says Isoldi. “For example, tomatoes contain lycopene, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer; kale contains lutein, which may benefit eye health and lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration; and broccoli contains sulforaphane, which may protect against cancer.”

As to functional foods that have been modified, it’s highly likely that some have found their way into your shopping cart without our giving them much thought. “Many consumers purchase folate-enriched breads and cereals, vitamin-D enriched milk, and spreads that are boosted with omega-3 fatty acids as everyday staples,” Isoldi says.

Health claims don’t always stand up.

In many instances, it’s clear that the added ingredients in fortified foods can and do benefit our health. However, there’s no universally accepted definition for functional foods in the U.S., and Isoldi says, “This means you need to choose wisely in order to avoid falling for products that aren’t as healthy as their marketing claims would have you believe.”

“There may be little or no data saying that we need these ingredients,” says Isoldi. “Also, people may expect too much from them. For example, some yogurts are marketed as helping to lower cholesterol, and while they may be beneficial to people whose cholesterol levels are slightly raised, there is potential for people with high cholesterol to rely on them in lieu of much-needed medication.”

There is much evidence to suggest that consumers are unable to differentiate between the various types of health claims, and that the claims may even distract consumers from checking the overall content of some functional foods. “some fortified cereals are high in sugar,” says Isoldi. And we need to be careful even with foods that seem healthful-for example, if you’re drinking fortified fruit juices to boost your vitamin D or calcium intake, they could potentially add an extra 500 calories to our daily diet.” In addition, you can save money by passing up the expensive, modified functional good and buying simple (and much cheaper) whole foods, such as apples, instead.

The bottom line? “Don’t assume all functional foods are healthy,” Isoldi says. “As far as you can, stick to unadulterated, natural functional foods and consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.”

What you can do….

· Don’t assume that functional foods are “miracle foods” or cures.

· Carefully read food labels for high levels of sugar or salt.

· Avoid foods fortified with hers, which don’t have to undergo safety tests and may interfere with medications.

· Learn to spot qualified health claims, which tend to be more general-for example, “promotes heart health” is a qualified claim that may not be based on much scientific evidence as “may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

· Read labels for chemicals added to fortify and modify your foods and avoid these goods.

· Go for foods with ingredients listed that you recognize.

Yours in Good Health, Mary Treadway

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SEPTEMBER 2009

Brenda Good '57

Where in the World is Brenda Good?
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 that you know the whereabouts of (dead or alive) please email us the information, or have them contact us. As you see there are only a few classes with people missing. Most classes have someone who takes the initiative to keep their class list current. While this is not an easy task to undertake, it does make the job easier for the Reunion Committee. Check all the classes, because someone’s brother, sister, aunt, uncle, parents or even neighbor, might be on the "Missing List". The list spans a period of over 30 years. MISSING ALUMN

Classmates Remembered

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

Obit

Memorial
Our Wellston Trojan
Classmates Remembered List

Rest in Peace

Mariam Ashenbremer '44
8/8/09
Myelofibrosis
Guest Book

Les Wiest '52
7/11/07
Obit Notice

Sharkey Sittner '48
COPD
8/15/09
Guest Book

New Buzz Books are being printed.

Have you moved?
Has your zip code changed?
Your area code or prefix or telephone?

Please keep us informed of any changes so we can update our database.

Condolences to: Kathy (April) Young '64 in the passing of her son, Kevin 7/26/09 - Heart Attack Guest Book Tom '58 and JoAnn (Voepel) '56 April in the passing of their nephew, Kevin Guest Book Dave '60 and Judy (McIntosch) '60 April in the passing of their nephew, Kevin. Guest Book Barbara (Sittner) Merriman '51 in the passing of her brother, Edgar '48 Guest Book
Mariam (Ashenbremer) Snell '44: Mariam married Billy Snell '44 on January 6, 1944. Many of us bought fuel, had our cars serviced or were employed by the Snell Shell located on the corner of Lucas Hunt Road and St. Charles Rock Road. Mariam and Billy were the owner's.
Remember these guys? The Diamonds	We are so lucky to have been born in the era we were where we had and could enjoy true music from the 40's, 50’s and 60's. This group had several hit records that will bring back many memories. click the 'click here' icon to see them 'then and now'. Click --> HERE to hear excerpts from some of their other songs. Be sure to turn up your speakers and enjoy!
Have you lost your class ring? Maybe someone found it or you can report it missing! Check out this website: Missing Ring
Another nostalgic tour EXTINCT ST. LOUIS ATTRACTIONS Take a trip down memory lane at some of the sites we once visited that are now long gone. The postcards are just awesome of some of the places we all once hung out at!

FLASHLIGHT

PAGE 8

SEPTEMBER 2009

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

President
Mary Kay (Parker) Morse '56

Sec/Treasurer
Jim Shaw '45

Trustees
Joe Hunter '54
JoAnn (Williams) Croce '60
Larry Turner '60
Phyllis (Crouch) Russum '62
Donna Hagan '68

Buzz Book
Pat (Miner) Slatton '62

ClassMates Remembered
Carol (Beeman) Hathaway '60

Mailing Database
Tom Manley '67

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

Phone 636-978-9330

E-mail
[email protected]

If you have any questions, comments, or special request let us know.

A man went into confession one day. "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned," said the man.

"What have you done?" asked the priest.

"I housed a refugee during the second world war."

"That is not a sin," replied the priest.

"You don't understand," replied the man. "I made him pay rent."

To which the priest replied, "Well, that wasn't very charitable, but I wouldn't say it's a sin."

"Then, Father, may I ask your opinion of something?"

"Of course," said the priest.

"Should I tell him the war is over?"

****************************************************

Grammatical Mishaps:

- The burglar was about 30 years old, white, 5' 10," with wavy hair weighing about 150 pounds.

- The family lawyer will read the will tomorrow at the residence of Mr. Hannon, who died June 19 to accommodate his relatives.

- Mrs. Shirley Baxter, who went deer hunting with her husband, is very proud that she was able to shoot a fine buck as well as her husband.

- Organ donations from the living reached a record high last year, outnumbering donors who are dead for the first time.

- The dog was hungry and made the mistake of nipping a 2-year-old that was trying to force feed it in his ear.

- We spent most of our time sitting on the back porch watching the cows playing Scrabble and reading.

- Hunting can also be dangerous, as in the case of pygmies hunting elephants armed only with spears.

Bio's must be received before September 18th to appear in the back of Reunion 2009 Buzz Book. If you attend or not, send in your story so you can be part of this festive affair. Let your classmates know what you've been up too!

Trojan Head designed by Kermit Ruyle '47

Trojan Head designed by
Kermit Ruyle '47