Welcome Back to the Real World

     The holidays are over (finally) and a return to more normalcy is anticipated.
     The Kornerman was looking forward to the first big event of the new year and it was a huge success.
     Tuesday, at the Lucky Pig restaurant in Ogden a ROMEO lunch and lots of talk was enjoyed by a record 42 attendees. ROMEO, that stands for "Retired Old Men Eating Out."
     A majority of those attending were from western Boone County........the Ogden, Boxholm, Pilot Mound area, although there were some Booneites there as well as two or three from out-of-state. The memories, many involving the "old" days as athletes at their respective schools were flowing. Several former members of the famous Boxholm Swedes softball team were on hand.
     There were many Muench's, lots of Swanson's, Peterson's and Erickson's on hand. The Register's former Iowa Boy, Chuck Offenberger, came over from Cooper, Boone's Rick Wulkow, retired Executive Director of the Iowa Boys High School Athletic Association, and Keith Kerkhoff, the CEO of Templeton Rye were there.
     Forget my 30 years at the Iowa High School Athletic Association. For 20 other years, I was involved in writing sports for the Boone News Republican or announcing sports events for KWBG radio and in surveying the room yesterday, I would estimate I had written about or had spoken about the athletic achievements (?) of over 90-percent of the guys in attendance. Alright, so maybe some of my descriptions of their play was overhyped. Nevertheless, it was exciting for me to see so many of these older but familiar faces, many of whom I hadn't been in contact with for years.
     The food was great and I was very impressed with how quickly the numerous orders (there were other customers there as well) were processed and the food delivered. The entire event was terrific.
K-----K
     The Kornerman has been invited to a monthly Des Moines meeting of radio personnel, working and retired. I think they call themselves the "telephonies" or something like that. Former KWBG star Larry Kelley, BHS-64, has attended and has urged me to do so. I'll give that some thought.
K-----K
     Speaking of radio, the Des Moines Radio Group is comprised of several Des Moines stations and it just so happens that at least four former Boone residents work there. It was noted the other day that Michael Hope, BHS-78, has celebrated his second anniversary as a member of the sales staff, Mike Pace has a show a couple times a week on the air, I still hear Mary Shaler Day's (BHS-61) voice on the air occasionally and I think KWBG alum Mark McDowell also works there in the sales department.
K-----K
     The Kornerman really appreciated a holiday greeting from former Booneite Jack Kelly, BHS-58, who sent a nice card and a wonderful show of support for the Korner from his home in Locust Grove, VA. Jack wrote, "you column provides me with many fond memories of places and people in Boone. Please keep up your good work."
     The Kornerman says, "we certainly intend too, especially with the help we receive from viewers like you who support our effort."
K-----K
     Boone Connected Deaths: Ruth Helm, 93, Loveland, CO, former Boone resident. Worked at Bourns in Ames and was a volunteer at the Boone County Hospital. Three daughters, Kay Sanders, Karen Keys and Lavonne Christensen as well as a son, Mel, survive.............David Andrew, 55, Boone. Worked at Cyclone Car Stereo, ALMACO in Ames and the Clapper Corporation in Ankeny. His son and mother survive as well as several siblings..........Frank Blakley, Bevington, IA. Boone area survivor is a sister, Ramona Crabtree of Madrid.........Michael Lowman, 52, Boone. Railroad employee. Boone area survivors include a son, Ryan Lowman of Boone and a daughter, Katie Lowman of Ogden..........Delores Laidley Erickson, 85, Littleton, CO. BHS-48. Former Boone resident. Her parents were Mildred and Harold Laidley. Delores and her husband, Bud, moved to Littleton in 1959. Her husband is among the survivors..........Robert Bornholt, 60, Stratford.............
Dennis Carlson, 70, Atkins. Services were in Ogden. Parents were Morris and Laura Carlson. OHS-64. Worked 35 years with IES Industries and Alliant Energy. Boone area survivor is a sister, Barbara Miller of Boone..........Virgil Williams, 96, Madrid. Formerly of Boone. Luther High. Longtime railroad employee and famous horseshoe pitcher. Boone area survivors include a son, Jonathan of Woodward...........Etta Phipps, 88, Boone. Pilot Mound High-45. Worked at Merit Baking and Alco. Boone area survivors include a son, Phil Phipps of Stanhope and a daughter, Ann Lyness of Boone...........Helen Crim Bergman, 103, Ames. Born on a farm near Ridgeport and grew up on a farm south of Stratford. Stratford High-30. Was a teacher.
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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.