Character Education

     Thanks to several Korner viewers we have more complete information about a subject we broached in the last edition.
     The Kornerman had attempted to recall details of monthly school assemblies with a religious intent that were prevalent when I was in school in the early 50's and, probably, before and even after that time until its final demise.
     Larry Lindmark, BHS-63, explained, "during my time at Boone High School, when local ministers took turns coming to address the students, the assembly may have been called, "Character Education." It may have lasted 20-30 minutes and maybe once a month. Students were given the opportunity to "opt" out of the assembly. They may have had to sit in the Principal's office until the next class period. The ministers did read scripture and gave a short homily or sermon. We also had assemblies that were like travelogues to the Everglades, etc. It seemed like it was the same person (Editor's Note: Does the name Al Bell ring a "bell?") coming back several times to present them. The topic of one assembly was about the consumption of alcohol. I believe the presenter was a ventriloquist with his dummy. He made a play on words with the names of current beers. Such as Schlitz in your pockets or Hamm's in your freezer. There were a variety of beer names to work with back then. Different times. More recently, in the 80's when schools were trying to incorporate "sex education" from elementary up through high school, it caused quite a controversy."
     Curtis Dale Cox, BHS-63; Tony and Sandy Crandell, BHS-59; and my classmate, Roma Achenbach Hare, BHS-53, all verified the assemblies were "Character Education" assemblies. Curtis said, "I don't ever remember being allowed to miss one. That was in grade school at Franklin"  The Crandell's said, "they were sponsored by the Boone Ministerial Association" and Roma added, "I remember some musical numbers being part of the assemblies."
     We had also questioned that time when baccalaureate services were an important part of the graduation process. Don Cross, BHS-58, wrote, "your recollections regarding Baccalaureate are correct. It was usually held 2-3 days before the Graduation Ceremony to honor the graduates and it did have a religious orientation. I'm doubtful that such ceremonies are still observed other than at  specifically religiously-oriented institutions.......not likely in a public high school."
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     The Kornerman remembers when I was a very young guy (when was that?) that for a family Christmas get-together there were 80 people or more in attendance. But, in those days, most family members remained pretty close to the home base their entire lives. These days, travel is much easier and opportunities have expanded and family members are scattered hither and yon.There probably are exceptions........in fact I know of one.
     That Howard family is a dedicated group and they did come from hither and yon a while back for their annual family holiday get-together.......95 of them. They pretty much filled up the community building.
     One proud Howard dad, Don, told the Kornerman about son, Craig, BHS-79, who is doing marvelous mission work as Executive Director of Help Ministeries in Olathe, KS. If you're interested in more details, go to Google and call up Missions Southside, Olathe, KS. I remembered Craig as a great Toreador and college (ISU) baseball player who had an opportunity to sign with a major league team but turned it down to follow his current path. Don and Jo Ellen have every right to be proud.
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     Nice to receive holiday greetings from Mike Loehrer, BHS-64; Ann Onymous, ??: and Gary, BHS-53, and Delores, BHS-52, Grosnickle. Just happened to remember the time when I and my old buddy, Gros, were BOTH riding a single bicycle toward the McHose Park swimming pool when that thing actually broke right in two, scattering us both on the pavement. Too much weight I assume and that was 65 years and many less pounds ago.
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     Without much competition anymore, the old Kornerman feels very honored and obligated as one of you viewer's only real connection to your hometown roots. That's especially true to those of you who are quite a distance from "home."
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Timothy Pepper, 59, Remsen. Formerly of Boone. United-75. Raised on a farm near Boone. His parents were Bernard and Marjorie Pepper.  Worked his entire life in grain elevator type work in Boone, Sutherland, Woodbine, Remsen and finally, Dodge, NE. prior to retirement. Survivors include Juli Boyd Pepper, two daughters and a son........Helen Day, 85, Spokane, WA. Born in Boone. Parents were George and Mae Hagaman. Was part of a military family that traveled the world until retirement and settlement in Spokane in 1974. Two children and a brother, George Hagaman, survive. Burial is planned in Boone in 2017.
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