CELEBRITIES

     The Kornerman is still thinking of celebrities who may have graced our community at one time or another. How about Holly Dunn, Ricky Van Shelton and Martina McBride? All are country singers and may (or may not) have appeared at the Boone County Fair?
     Speaking of local celebrities, Bruce Jenner, a great U.S. athlete who won the decathlon at an Olympic games so many years ago, was a student at Graceland College in Lamoni in that same era in case you had forgotten. In recent years, he's been in the national news for various "other" reasons. I'm also reminded that Garth Brooks, while a student at Oklahoma State University, was a competitor at the Drake Relays.
     This could go on and on.........various celebrities with Iowa connections and many of them are highlighted in the Iowa Hall of Pride in Des Moines, which is something all of you should see if you haven't already. It's more amazing than you could possibly imagine and one trip may not "do" it.
     Celebrity talk should also include my classmate, teammate and friend, Willy, who is quite the "man about town" in San Diego. The 1953 BHS grad is a writer, a blogger and his work has found it's way to a Diego publication called Blog Diego.
     Willy sent me a copy of one of his latest rants and, as usual, what he has to say/write is very provocative.
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     Marilyn Long wrote, "I have been catching up with your blog this winter. You really do a good job. When I was in high school, about 1948, the P.E. classes would teach us to bowl at the bowling alley on Seventh Street, upstairs over the liquor store. We walked from the high school. I think you mentioned that it was owned by Karl Knodle and Cleo Johnston. Cleo managed it. We set our own pins. That would never happen today! Liability, work laws etc. The teacher assigned us this duty. I don't remember if the teacher was Jan Harken Welin or not. She taught P.E. when I was in school. This was really a great thing. It taught us a lifetime sport and it brought business to the bowling alley. It's too bad Boone will be without a bowling alley. Bowling can be a great family activity. If my knees were having a good day, I could probably still do that. Unfortunately, bowling alleys have gone the same direction as swimming pools. My grandson had his 14th birthday party at Perfect Games in Ames. They had a package deal. Bowling, pizza, a private room, soft drinks and a little money to play the games. Of course, the kids brought some of their own money so they could play more games. By chance, Paul Rhodes, the Iowa State football coach, came in with some recruits and he signed some autographs. It was a great party for the age."
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     It appears to the Kornerman that the NBA (National Basketball Association), college basketball and even high school and grade school etc. basketball all have a major problem........DIRTY FLOORS.
     At least, all these athletes are continually using their bare hands to wipe off the bottom of their shoes. I'm sure you've seen it. They come in the game and wipe their shoes, go to the free throw line and wipe their shoes and even while just standing, wipe their shoes. It's seems to be a real problem.
     What could be the reason other than dirty floors? Some kind of tradition or a signal of some kind or what? Who can provide the Kornerman with an answer? I've wanted to ask a current player about this but haven't had an opportunity. Maybe you have a basketball grandchild that could provide an answer.
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     Boone Area Deaths: Jane Pepper, 80, Des Moines. Formerly of Boone. BSH-52. Worked a lifetime as a nurse prior to retirement in 1988. Boone area survivors include brothers Bud and Bill of Ames and Gene of  Boone and sister Katie Jordan of Boone.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 710 Aldrich, Boone, Iowa 50036-4703. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/support.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.