Saturday, May 28, 2016

Back to Naming the BHS Gym

       First, we have comments from the East Coast and the West Coast. 
       One of the Korner's "top of the line" supporters, Rick Houser, BHS-63, wrote from Fairfax, VA., "even though Kate Shelley is famous and a deserving person, what effect did she have on the outcome of the students and their careers? Sure, we have a number of individuals who have done quite well after graduation. The question is, "how did they manage to do so much.?" In my opinion, it was because of our system, our teachers, mentors and civic leaders. Maybe this sounds crazy but I think "Welcome to the System," home of the Toreadors and Toreadorettes. This is a way of honoring all that have contributed, to all that have walked and graced the halls of our city and school."
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     Max Moore, BHS-46, spoke out from sunny California, "after reading about Hap Moran on the internet, I don't think there is another candidate even close. Maybe Bucky O'Connor Arena might appeal to some or maybe 1932 state champion coach Bud Fisher would be in the mix. Kate Shelley is a candidate, but connection problems to the gymnasium are not there. Keep up the good work Mo, you are providing much interest and connections for all alumni of good old Toreador land."
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     Dorothy Barrow Clifton, BHS-48, from right here in good old Boonetown, has some thoughts. She wrote, "Kate Shelley was a hero but, to me, that doesn't warrant the gym being named after her. I also  think the Toreadors should be left Toreadors. What is this Dors business anyway? As long as I'm on my "high horse," I am disgusted every time I drive by the high school. It is a beautiful building but when I see all the different patches of colored brick, in a lot of different areas, I wonder why they aren't all the same color? I know we're lucky to have such a nice building but I always hated that they took out the park (Blair Park) and the fountain there. I guess all these complaints just show my age and pettiness. We're lucky with what we have but sometimes change is not the best solution. Thanks to you, you have given us Boone folks so many good memories from Mrs Fox's popcorn stand and theatres and businesses plus many student activities and accolades through the years. You have been so faithful going through records and treating us to so much of the past that we have forgotten. It has been most enjoyable and I'm not the only one that looks forward to your Korner."
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A Few Brief News and Notes: (1) Boy, the old Kornerman hadn't heard "Toreadorettes" for many years. Sounded pretty darn good. Much better than Dors. (2) Needless to say (but Dorothy didn't), Dorothy Clifton's late husband, Bob (Pinky) Clifton, has to be mentioned when you're talking about any possible candidates for naming the gym after. He was one of the best basketballers this community has ever had. (3) Ron Sorber, BHS-60, has an interesting candidate to mention. How about Dr. Jack Murphy? In case you've forgotten, he was the prime "mover," the "pusher," the mastermind behind obtaining that current BHS/swim pool/music area addition that we've been so proud of for so many years. He was a tireless worker on the project and pushed all the right buttons (or voters) to get that project accomplished. The Kornerman was proud to be his publicity man for the effort. (4) Linda Boyd Bravard, BHS-61, and her husband, Jerry Bravard, sent an interesting email this week. They apparently had a family bet regarding the recent state coed track and field meet. While in attendance, they noted comments by the meet announcer and one of them insisted that was the old Kornerman "back at  work" while the other said, "No," he's probably napping back home." Just kidding on that last half/sentence. Anyway, I had to straighten them out.........No, I it was not me announcing at the state meet and yes, maybe I was napping at that time. I'm sorry that one of my good friends had to lose the bet. (5) Saw Shirley Lett for a minute this week. She's been visiting from the Villages in Florida. Shirley was very musicially active during her time in Boone. She still has relatives here and in other Iowa communities and we asked if she ever planned to return "home" permanently. She said many family members have urged a return but she isn't "quite ready." But, she didn't rule a return to Boone out. (6) And that reminds me.......you know how the Kornerman is always pushing for out-of-staters to "return home" to (Boone.....or at least Iowa) where you belong. Many, many folks are......according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The third fastest growing city in the entire U.S.A. is Ankeny, Iowa, which has shown a population increase of 6.5 percent from July, 2014 (53,299) to July, 2015 (56,764). Number one is Georgetown, TX at a 7.8 percent increase and number two is New Braunfels, TX. at 6.6 percent. You out-of-staters, follow the crowds........here, back home. Its where you belong.
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     Boone Connected Deaths: Alice Brice Bechtel Lowe, 78, Ames. Formerly of Boone. BSH-55. Worked in the banking industry from 1955-93 when she retired. Boone area survivors include a daughter, Jana Bechtel Taylor, of Ames, a sister, Patricia Brice, of Des Moines and brothers, Ed Brice of Boone, Bob Brice of Des Moines and two others............Coleen Hansen, 86, Tampa, FL. Formerly of Boone.........Pete Lester, 57, Ames. Formerly of Perry. Perry HS-77. Worked for United Parcel Service. Boone area survivor is his wife, Holly, of Ames..........Mary Riker, 61, Litchfield, MN. Formerly of Boone. Moved to Boone in 1980 and worked at Iowa State in kitchen management. In 1992, moved to Pine River, MN. Boone area survivor is a daughter,Theresa Angle, of Boone...............
Ron Driskill, 69, Madrid. Viet Nam vet. Worked at Des Moines Flying Service. Was named Cor Pac Service Administrator of the Midwest Region. Worked at Elliott Beechcraft in Omaha and as an inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration. Boone area survivors include his wife, Carla, and a daughter, Dana Heldenbrand, both of Madrid.
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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.

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