Saturday, July 28, 2018

ONE DAY AT A TIME

     Please be patient with me. I'm still in a recovery period from last Saturday's big event.
     I, the Kornerman, do want to make this report.
     Because of YOUR generosity, on my behalf, their will be some big smiles forthcoming as checks are received at some wonderful local charities. I went to the bank yesterday, got some checks made up and mailed.
     The Boone Area Humane Society, the Boone Schools Foundation and the Boone High Booster Club will receive some pretty hefty assistance while the Ericson Public Library, the Iowa Arboretum and the Boone Hope Foundation will also benefit.
     I thank all of you for them.
K-----K
     We'll try to get back on a "normal" schedule Wednesday. In the meantime, I'm going to take another catch-up nap.
K-----K
     This death goes back to December but just received information.
     Dorothy von Gillern, 99, passed away in Urbandale, December 11, 2017.
     She was born in Boone, daughter of Anna and F.L. Goeppinger. BHS-35. ISU grad. She married Robert von Gillern in 1943. Three children, two boys and a girl, survive as do many Goeppinger and Herman  relatives from the Boone area.
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Robert Erickson, 94, Roanoke, VA. Formerly of Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-42. Coe College graduate. A retired United State Air Force veteran. Boone area survivor is a daughter, Julie Anne Lind, of Ogden........Barbara Jean Wilcox,82, Boone. BHS-54. Married Duane Wilcox in 1954. She worked at the Adobe and O'Brien's Lounge in Boone and she and Duane were campground hosts at two different sites. Boone area survivors include her husband, Duane, sons Don of Ogden and Dennis of Boone, daughters Debra Kruse of Madrid and Doreen Sawyer of Boone. A sister also survives.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. To email your stories/memories/comments.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

A TREMENDOUS DAY

     Where do we begin? So much to relate and fear that, somehow, we will miss mentioning someone or something that should be mentioned. Will do the best I can using a fuzzy 83-year old recall.
     Mo Kelley Day was fantastic. Beautiful weather and more participants than expected. I mean after all, we had great weather on a weekend day with the Boone County Fair underway and, of course, this is a time for reunions of high school classes and families and weddings and various other attractions.
     Needless to say, the Kornerman and Jo were "blown away" by the tremendous show of support.
     And, it just wasn't the hands-on support.........we received cards and letters and emails and calls from all corners of this country. Mayor John Slight told me he couldn't believe the number of calls he had received in past weeks from all areas of the U.S. regarding the event
     In addition to the many Booneites and other Iowans, John and Linda Hinz, Steve Shaler and Larry Lindmark came from Minnesota, Joe Fontanini from St. Louis, Ronnie Nunn from Arizona, Jim Jewett from California and Jodi Wilhelm Fagerland who lives in Hawaii. Let me make it clear......I won't claim they all came strictly for my event. Some were probably in the area for various other reasons.
     I took a quick look at out-of-staters we have heard from. Nebraska, California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, Kentucky, Utah, Idaho, Florida, Washington, Arizona, Texas, Ohio and South Carolina representatives have sent best wishes.
     Wife Jo was the recipient of a beautiful flower arrangement and both she and I were decorated with boutonnieres. Mike Loehrer provided special Mo Kelley Day pins for everyone to wear. In a bright red, Mo Kelley Day, July 21, 2018, was inscribed on them.
     Mike Sundall acted as M.C. for a short program. He praised the committee that put the event together. Mayor Slight proclaimed Mo Kelley day and also presented me with a beautiful.....its not a plaque.......I don't know what to call it......its glass and the name and date etc. are inscribed.....its just beautiful.
     Two old KWBG compadres spoke briefly. Mike Pace, the Iowa Realty television spokesman who was, for many years, the M.C. for the nationwide Powerball drawings, and Larry Kelley had some remarks about their radio history with the Kornerman and Marty Dannatt gave an update on the event's financial situation.
     I want to mention a couple things that were "extra special." Iowa icon Gary Thompson was in attendance. He and Dan Gable are probably two of Iowa's most famous athletes. Gary led the Roland Rockets basketball team to three state tournament appearances, 1951-53, with a second place finish to highly powered Davenport, 50-40, in '51 to fourth place finishes the other two years. AND THAT WAS IN A ONE-CLASS TOURNAMENT. Then, at Iowa State, he became a first team All-American in both baseball and basketball. In one of the most famous athletic stories in Iowa sports history, he outscored 7-1 Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain and led the Cyclones to an upset of the top-ranked Jayhawks at the old ISU Armory. The Kornerman always chuckles when thinking about the 7,000 seat armory and the fact that probably 100,000 ISU fans have always insisted they were "at that famous game."
     Anyway, even in later years, Gary was famous as a longtime college basketball analyst on all the major TV networks. He worked with all the famous network announcers......Enberg, Musberger, etc. etc.
     Gary and I are both 83 and he's had some health issues but came over from Ames and his visit excited everyone in attendance.
     Then too, Marty Dannatt read a letter from the radio/tv voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Gary Dolphin, that brought tears to these old eyes. His tribute was so special. I also received a very nice note from Jim Goodrich. Remember Jim, the old United Community basketball star who set a new state scoring record during his high school career? He now serves the Athletes in Action group in Iowa City. He leads the University of Iowa athletic teams in prayer and also is available for any counselling any Hawkeye athletes desire.
     Marty said that three beautiful mongrammed benches with "A Tribute to Mo Kelley" engraved on them had been purchased and paid for and there was over $3,500 donated monies still available.
     The Kornerman will be deciding in the days to come which local charities will receive portions of that money. I can tell you immediately that the Boone County Humane Society will be on that list as I honor my dog, Holly, that we lost a few months ago. We're also thinking about the Boone School Foundation and the Boone Booster Club as possible recipients. When we make the actual donations we will give you viewers/contributors a full accounting. By the way, we would accept any suggestions you may have for the distribution of that excess money.
     Regarding the benches. After the event, at a very beautiful, renovated Cedar Pointe Country Club, we went to Memorial Park to get our first view of the benches. One is already there and we may place another there. We are actually trying to get a handle on where to put the other one or two benches. There are some favored places that have a policy that doesn't allow such placement and the Kornerman completely understands that. It could open up a real "can of worms" and many other similar requests could follow.
     The Kornerman concluded the program with some brief remarks. I've had the honor of speaking at some great events before some huge crowds and, with microphone in hand, have always felt very poised and confident. This was different.....a lot different. I don't feel like I did an excellent job but I tried my best to honor wife Jo for her support and thank all those who had any part in this recognition.
     Special thanks to Mike Loehrer, Tom Peterson and the event committee.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Shari Ann Gillespie, 80, Boone. She married Archie Gillespie in 1963 and the couple moved to Boone in 1973 to operate an auto dealership. That was sold in 1999 and the couple retired. Shari began service to the community as a new member of the city council in 1997 and continued that service for 18 years. Two sisters and a brother survive.........John Dolph, 77, Ogden Home. He worked in several Iowa communities. Survivors include his wife, Ann Luna, of Texas and a daughter, Tamath Luna, of Ogden. Other children surviving are Jennifer, Mike and Danella..........Harvey Thompson, 97, Ames. Began serving the ISU faculty in 1950. After living in town, Harvey and his wife, Alice, moved to a farm southeast of Ames in 1974 to raise quarter horses. In 1994, they moved to a retirement home in Ames. Wife, Alice, is a survivor as well as a daughter, Bonnie Snovelle, of Boone. A second daughter also survives.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments......kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.


    
    
    

Saturday, July 21, 2018

THE DAY IS HERE

     FINALLY!! Yes, the day is finally here and please, don't think I'm not appreciative of every single part of it. But, you know, all good/great things must come to an end and it is definitely time to bring this to its very grateful conclusion and a return to a more normal existence.
     Thanks again to everyone who has had a part in this event, from the organizers, to those who will, in some way, in person or otherwise, show their love and/or respect.
     The Kornerman knows that some out-of-towners have arrived but, as mentioned in the last edition, there are many from "outside" our city limits or even "inside" that are unable to attend, due to distance or other obligations.
     I have continued to receive, from  some of those folks, wonderful messages that are greatly appreciated.
     Last time, I mentioned a nice note from Julie Berg Fitzpatrick, BHS-67, but I didn't know where she was located. I've found out since that she lives in the state of Washington. We've also now heard from Steve Hilts, BHS-62, who I think may be in Missouri; Max, BHS-46, and Larry (Lefty) Moore, BHS-52, from California; Ron Hopkins, BSH-59, from Washington state and Gene Keys, BHS-61, and his wife, Karen Helms Danforth Keys, BHS-62, from Colorado.
     Dick Musser, BHS-64, called from Minneapolis and plans to "come home" during Pufferbilly. He reported that John Hinz, BHS-64, and his wife, Linda, were enroute from Minnesota to Boone for the Mo Kelley Day festivities.
K-----K
     RAGBRAI will be coming through Boonetown on Tuesday and Roger McCoy, BHS-61, and gang would love to see you.
     Here's the skinny......as emailed to the Korner by Roger from his home base of Morrison, CO., "please join us in Boone Tuesday for a cold beverage on a hot day during RAGBRAI. I'll be with my bike team on South Story Street. Bike team name: Le Lanterne Rouge (big black bus). Time: 11 a.m. to  2 p.m.. Look forward to seeing all my 1961 classmates and friends."
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Norma Swain Smith, 86, Johnston. Born in Boone. OHS-52. Married Jim Smith, BHS-52, in 1956. The couple had four children, two boys and two girls, who survive. Jim is also a survivor and a Boone area survivor is a sister-in-law, JoAnne Krug of Boone.........Pat Wilhelm Trulin, 74, Nevada. Born in Boone. BHS-62. Married Larry Trulin, BHS-62, in 1962. Pat worked for the Nevada schools for 34 years. Her husband, Larry, along with two sons, a daughter and five sisters survive........Jo Dee Riordan, 56, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-80. For 36 years, she was an administrative assistant for three counties in the Human Services office. Boone area survivors include two brothers, Mike and Jerry, two sisters, including Cindy Waters, and a companion, Randy Olsen, all of Boone........Linda Greenwald, 68, Port Charlotte, FL. Her parents were Raymond and Vivian Good of Boone. United-68. An ISU grad, she was a special education teacher in Clinton for some time. Survivors include her husband, Roger,and three sons. A Boone area survivor is a brother, Douglas Good of Boone.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

HOPE TO SEE YOU SATURDAY

     The time is drawing near.  Mo Kelley day is Saturday, July 21, 2018.
     The Kornerman has received limited details. However, putting small pieces of info together, here's what I can disclose.
     There will be a gathering of friends and relatives from 3 to 5 p.m. at the newly renovated Cedar Pointe club. Those who have seen the "new" Cedar Pointe are lavish in their praise.
     Cake will be provided, the Mayor and two or three others will share some thoughts with strict instructions to "keep it short."
     At about 5 p.m., those interested will be invited to take a trip to Memorial Park where we will get our first look at some monogrammed benches that pay tribute to the Kornerman's sixty plus years of, mostly media and youth baseball, service to the community.
     I understand three benches have been purchased and paid for with one already at Memorial Park. I'm told there is excess money that has been donated for this project and local charities, of my choosing, will be the beneficiary. We will provide information on that later.
     The Kornerman will be surprised and pleased if 50 people, on what is predicted to be a nice July weekend day, appear for this event.......knowing full well that many folks we've heard from are very supportive but live a distance or face conflicts that won't allow them to attend in person.
     Needless to say, the Kornerman is extremely flattered and pleased that this event, in my honor, has drawn the interest received. I'm very thankful.
K-----K
     This early part of the week has started producing some email support that is even more personal than similar items that I have shared in the past but, on this occasion, I think I'll just do some acknowledgements, minus any of the flowery details.
     Most of those received thus far are from folks who won't be able to share time here Saturday.
     Vern Modeland, BHS-50, wrote from mizzou; Richard Longworth, BHS-53, from Chicago; John Kueck, BHS-61, from Minneapolis; Larry Paulsen, BHS-61, from California and Julie Berg Fitzpatrick, BHS-67, from ??.
     I thank them all for their very special comments.
K-----K
     An added feature of the Saturday event is the fact that closely following will be the 50th class reunion........classes of 1968.
     That group will be meeting at Cedar Pointe shortly after our event concludes there.
     Friday night, they meet at the Adobe for a pizza party, there will be golf and a tour of the high school Saturday morning/early afternoon and the main event will commence at 6 p.m. Saturday night.
K-----K
     Jo and I enjoyed the Boone Municipal Band Concert portion of the Boone Municipal Band Festival Saturday.
     We were especially please to hear some good news from long time Festival spokesperson Jim Harken, BHS-91.
     Jim has been battling some health issues, information that he shared with the audience, and he had just received the very good news, word that his latest MRI revealed he was "clear."
     He looked a bit thin after three surgery's and chemo treatment but still had that voice and confidence. It was wonderful to see and hear.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Shirley Morrison, 73, Ogden. Formerly of Boone.........Dale Maynard,77, Malden, MO. Formerly of Boone. Born in Boone. Married Mary Jane Mishler in 1957. Worked for a tube company and later, was plant supervisor for National Steel Company. Survivors include his wife, two sons and two daughters. Boone area survivors include his brother, Glen Maynard of Ogden and two sisters, including Alberta Grabau of Boone.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
     

Saturday, July 14, 2018

ANOTHER KELLEY CHECKS IN

     The Kornerman enjoyed a lengthy email from Jarrod Kelley (no relation) who calls Alexandria, MN home. He wrote, "anytime I mention to someone I'm from Boone Iowa and they realize my last name is Kelley, the first question usually is "are you related to Mo Kelley." I guess, even if not by blood, by Boone's water. Ha."
     Actually, Jarrod's time in Boone was limited. "I was born in Boone in 1972. We lived outside of Stratford until my folks were divorced when I was about six. We moved to Boone and I lived there until the fourth quarter of my sophomore year when we moved to Ankeny, from where I graduated in 1991."
     There's another Boone connection coming.
     He wrote, "I loved growing up in Boone and playing all sports, especially baseball. I remember the exceptional Boone Little League program. I also remember finishing runnerup in 1988 in Babe Ruth state baseball competition to Cedar Rapids under the direction of Kevin Pearson. I, essentially, missed out on playing for BHS, BUT, guess who became my varsity coach at Ankeny once I moved there? That's right, Mel Murken, BHS-59, whom you mentioned in a recent column. I was such an immature kid back then, not realizing just how good of coaching I had. I missed out on some coaching from former Boone coach Rick Davis, BHS-66, but I became an all-conference player under Murken's direction in the Central Iowa Metro League (CIML). I'm not sure I ever even knew coach Murken was from Boone."
     Jarrod, a UNI grad, was the Sports Editor at the Oelwein Daily Register for a year, prior to moving into the magazine editor/photographer role for a publisher in Minneapolis. "I now reside in Alexandria with my wife, Michelle, and three kids. I own by own communications company that caters to businesses in the off-road industry offering PR, media relations and consulting. I've also started coaching some baseball at the high school and legion levels."
     He concluded, "thanks for your great blog and an informative way to catch up with the news from my former stomping grounds where I probably put 4,000 miles on my mo-ped driving to Babe Ruth games."
K-----K
     There will be music in the air today (Sat) as the 27th annual Iowa Municipal Band Festival hosts seven other bands at the Herman Park Pavilion.
     Here's the lineup: 11 a.m.  Marshalltown Municipal Band; 12 noon - Tri County Community Band (New Liberty); 1 p.m. Burlington Municipal Band; 2 p.m. Bob Gaston Casi New Horizons Band (Quad Cities); 3 p.m. Ames Municipal Band; 4 p.m. Bettendorf Park Band; 5 p.m. Heart of Iowa Senior Band (Ames); 6 p.m. Boone Municipal Band.
     See the fantastic reputation this event has earned. Bands from quite a distance.......Burlington, Bettendorf and Quad Cities......wanting to be involved.
     This Festival is great for the community.
K-----K
     Here we go again......
     This week, the new owners of McDonald's in Boone, were in town to further inspect their facility here and talk to employees.
     It is reported that they "fully realize the condition of the current facility and the need for improvements and the plan is for a new building to be constructed on the northernmost side of the current lot. The current building, meantime, will, reportedly, remain in operation during the "new" construction next spring so "the employees will retain their jobs during the transition.""
     Hold your breath. Seems like we've heard something like this before.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Jean Peterson, Bradenton, FL. Formerly of Boone.They moved to Boone to farm with husband Raymond's parents. Jean worked for the Census Bureau. The couple moved to Florida in 1983. Two daughters survive.........Norman Lycke, 86, Oswego, IL. Born in Boone. BHS-50. Navy vet. Earned a degree from the State University of Iowa. Worked for a pharmaceutical company from 1972-1997. His wife, Carleta, and five children survive. Boone area survivor is a sister-in-law, Vy Lycke, of Boone.......Lafe Wirtz, 83. Born in Pilot Mound. His wife, Catherine Harvey, preceded him in death........Lela Grems, 85, Urbandale. Formerly of Boone. She and her husband, Marvin, lived in Boone, even after the couple were divorced. She was a housekeeper. A daughter, two sisters and a brother survive.......Dr. Paul Winans Jr., 84, Lee's Summit, MO. BHS-51. Was a high school teacher and college professor. Army vet. Survivors include his wife, Gwen, and four children........David Mataya, 76, Madrid. Marine vet. Firestone employee for 30 years. Retired in 1996. David is survived by a daughter, Angie, son, Matt of Madrid, two sisters including Marcia Pickell of Boone, and three brothers including Eddie Mataya of Madrid.........Dean Olson, 83, Largo, FL. Formerly of Dayton. Worked at Jensen Dairy and Hormel's before owning and operating Olson Construction. Was a Hall of Fame fast pitch softball pitcher, mainly for the Boxholm Swedes. His wife, Joyce, and two daughters survive as do two sisters and three brothers. Two of the brothers, Gene and Bob, reside in Boone.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    
 

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

HE'S OUTSTANDING ALSO

     We were in a musical mood for the last edition and that brought a response from Andy Anderson, BHS-62, who wrote, "thanks for your Korner. It is great to hear of the happenings in and around Boone. You mentioned music. Devon Hollingsworth graduated from United Community in 1967?. I don't know any details, except he is an accomplished organist. I think he is connected with a large church in Chicago. He grew up on a farm NE of Boone. Maybe someone can provide some details. I have a CD containing his beautiful music. I look forward to the activities of July 21. Best regards."
     The Kornerman reminds that I was listing former BHS grads who had performed well musically. However, I'm happy to receive a memory of Devon. I do recall some of his background and, as you said, he was a very accomplished musician. And, there are probably others, perhaps other BHS grads, or other area graduates, who have performed well in the music arena.
K-----K
     Max Moore, BHS-46, sent some material that should be repeated and we will.
     It is some life thoughts of an 89-year old lady who decided she wanted to get a college education.
     She became instant friends, with, and a celebrity among, her many younger fellow students.
     So popular, she was asked to speak at the school's football banquet. She intended to use some 3 x 5 cards to guide her presentation but dropped them on the floor. Frustrated and embarrassed she simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for lent and this whiskey is killing me. I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."
     Here were some of her "off the cuff" comments: We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.
     You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are actually dead and don't even know it. There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.
     Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather, for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.
     Remember growing older is mandatory. Growing up is optional. We make a living by  what we get. We make a life by what we give. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you  to it, he will bring you through it.
K-----K
     RONALD REAGAN: Both politicians and diapers need to be changed often and for the same reason.
     BOB HOPE: On turning 100. I don't feel old. In fact, I don't feel anything until noon. Then, its time for a nap.
     WILL ROGERS: There are some men running governments who shouldn't be allowed to play with matches.
K-----K
     M.K. Mowrer, BHS-56, wrote, "Sue Casserly Hinman passed away July 6 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. She was 77 and a member of the class of 1958. She is survived by her three children and two sisters, Alice Murken, BHS-54, of California and Mary Mowrer of Cedar Rapids.
     Gretchen Otis, BHS-52, reported the death of Paul Winans, BHS-51.
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Donald Snider, 90, Boone. Two sons survive, including Paul Snider of Madrid. Also surviving is a brother, Jim Snider, of Boone and two sisters........Mike Sawyer, 59, Boone. BHS-77. Worked at Boone County Tire and then for Boone County. Boone area survivors include his wife, Doreen, three sons, including Nicholas of Boone, his mother, Charlotte Sawyer, of Boone, three brothers, including Tom of Boone and his parents-in-law, Barb and Duane Wilcox of Boone....Jody Smith, 45, Boone. BHS-92. Attended DMACC. Worked for CDS and ISU. Boone area survivors include a son, Adam Coy, of Boone, and a daughter, Alisyn Smith, of Boone, her parents, Patsy and Larry Smith of Boone, and two brothers, including Richard of Boone........James Smith, 45, Boone. Attended BHS. Worked for Bill Carpenter Construction and then for Jensen Builders of Fort Dodge. Boone area survivors include a daughter, Alisyn Smith, of Boone, stepson Adam Coy, of Boone  and his in-laws, Patsy and Larry Smith, of Boone. Also surviving are two brothers, including Jason Vanderen of Boone and two sisters, including April Vanderen of Boone........Doral Mullins, 89, Ogden. Military vet. Married Marolyn and they moved to Ogden in 1980. He retired from the Ogden school system in  1994. Boone area survivors include his wife, Marolyn, of Ogden, six children, including Abdel-Halim and Brenda Mullins of Ogden and Tim Mullins of Boone. A brother and a sister, Maxine Hager, of Ogden also survive..........Judy Short, 76, Hedrick, IA. OHS-59. Was born in rural Ogden to Earl and Francis Harrington. Married Ronald Short and the couple had four children. Ronald and two brothers, Francis and Doug, survive.........Kathy Shannon, 59, Madrid. Earned degrees from ISU and Drake and worked at the State Forest Nursery from 1977-96. Was a site manager at Camp Sacajawea. Her wife, mother, brother and four sisters survive.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
     
    
    

Saturday, July 7, 2018

FIREWORKS REVIEW

     Its quite obvious that the new, much more liberal, fireworks regulations in Iowa have had quite an impact on our July 4th celebration.
    For the past many years, the city has been relied on to provide the excitement of the 4th via a big fireworks display at the Boone Speedway. The format for many was to attend the Boone Municipal Band's patriotic concert at the Herman Park pavilion after a VFW supper of the traditional burgers and brats at that site. Then, at the conclusion of the concert, the hunt for a good spot to view the city/speedway fireworks.
     Jo and I missed the concert but settled into chairs in the front of our home for a view of the city fireworks south and a bit west of our location. However, we were surprised to learn that fireworks were EVERYWHERE........every direction we looked. It seemed like every neighborhood had their own "works" and they were good ones. While the city waited a bit longer for a darker atmosphere for their display, neighborhood fireworks started early and continued late. It was great and quite a surprise.
     Perhaps the city fathers will have to reassess the value of spending money on fireworks at the speedway?
K-----K
     Its been a rough week with the death of a young lady at the east edge of town via a rollover auto mishap, the deaths of a young Boone couple in an auto accident in Missouri and the crash of a Fareway truck that, thankfully, resulted in no injuries but lots of damage to it and the vehicle it rammed into.
     Sarah Cook, 36, of Ankeny, a BHS 2000 graduate, was killed in the single car accident at the east edge of town. She received a degree in Nursing from DMACC and worked as an RN at Lakeview Surgery Center in West Des Moines. Boone area survivors include her children, son Roben, and daughter, Devyn, as well as her parents, John and Jerri Grush of Boone, and two sisters.
     Jody and James Smith of Boone, both 45 years of age, were killed in a collision in Central Missouri on Interstate 70.
     In Iowa, on Interstate 35 near Huxley, a truck had stalled on the left side of the road and was hit hard by a Fareway truck. There was lots of damage to both vehicles but no injuries.
K-----K
     Max, BHS-46, and Larry Moore, BHS-52, sent a great picture this week from their California homes. Both looked great and we were especially impressed by the tie worn by lefty (Larry). It was a bright red adorned by a huge, vertical BHS.
     Those guys are still strong Toreadors after all these years.
K-----K
     Another reminder.....Mo Kelley Day is coming, Saturday, July 21. Look forward to seeing you 3 to 5 p.m. at the newly renovated Cedar Pointe Golf Club. Everyone who's seen "new" clubhouse  say it is gorgeous beyond belief.
     Then, at about 5 p.m., we're going to wander up to Memorial Park to get our first look at some monogrammed park benches on display there in the Kornerman's honor. I understand a similar bench has also been installed at Goeppinger Field.
     Anyway, the Kornerman would love to see "everybody." It would be embarrassing if nobody showed up.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Estella Mae Henry, 96, Camino, CA. Estella was born in Boone............Gene Hyler, 80, Polk City. He is survived by two sons including Roger Hyler of Madrid.........Sam Clauson, 70, Stratford. Formerly of Boone. BHS-66. Married Susan Jones  in 1973. Sam worked at Duffy's Appliance for 35 years, then at ISU until retirement in 2012. Boone area survivors include his wife, Susan, a daughter, SaLynn Lemke of Johnston, and sons, Scott and Greg, of Boone........Mike Sawyer, 59, Boone........Tammy Horness, 47, Story City/Ames. Boone area survivor is a brother, Robert Horness, of Boone. Another brother and her mother also survive.
K-----K
     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/ SUPPORT........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    

     
      

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

     In the last edition, the Kornerman speculated that it was a Boone native who we hear on the radio and TV serving as a spokesman for the Iowa Games.
     That has now been verified because we have heard from that spokesman.
     Cory Kennedy, BHS-2000, wrote, "my great uncle, Bill Kennedy, brought to my attention that you had mentioned my name in your Kelley's Korner on June 30. Thank you for that. I have been at the Iowa Games now for nearly 12 years. I will celebrate my 12-year anniversary in September of this year. I'm sure you can relate, but it is awesome coming to a job that you love every day. I remember back when I was in college and did an internship with the Iowa Games. I knew it would be a great place for me. After getting my Master's degree at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, I was fortunate enough to move back to Iowa and get this job. Hope all is well with you."
     I, the Kornerman replied that I was very happy he found his "dream" job and indicated it must be interesting also to work with former Hawkeye All-American quarterback, Chuck Long, the Executive Director of the Iowa Games.
K-----K
     Not much news during this holiday period so I turned to music. I did some scanning on YouTube and happened to come across some work by Michael Bolton. He wrote and sang, himself, his one big hit song that I'm familiar with and its a terrific piece.
     There are many, many renditions I found, usually via duets. One I pulled up featured Jennifer Nettles and someone I wasn't familiar with, JRome. What a terrific song and version. I haven't been able to get it out of my head for days.
     Oh, I almost forgot to mention the song......"How am I suppose to live without you?" Surely you remember that.Written in 1983,  it didn't come to the forefront until 1989.
     The more I hear from Jennifer Nettles, the more I think she is the best pop singer of this day.
     P.S. I also came across that magnificent rendition of the National Anthem by Whitney Houston which may never be topped. She performed it in 1991 at the start of the Super Bowl game in Tampa.
I had to listen to that one, especially at this time of year when we're celebrating this great country of ours.
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     Along that same patriotic line, I'm going to do a bit of promoting.
     We have a very young Optimist Club in Boone and as a fundraiser, they have a project I think is very worthy. Jo and I have "signed up."
     For $35 per year, the club will display a flag at our home on five holidays: Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
     The flags will be set by club members at dawn each of those days and taken down at dusk. Its a 3'x5' nylon flag flown from a 10' pole. They are placed in a permanent grommet set in your yard. You can purchase this service for yourself or as a gift for a friend or family. All of the proceeds help the Optimist Club of Boone support Boone's youth and families.
     Our flag will be flying today (7-4) if you'd like to take a look.
     For more info, an address to contact is 714 Fifth Street or you can call....641-485-1040 or 641-870-0190.
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     FROM THE ARCHIVES:
     In 1997, I, the Kornerman, was the Publications Director at the Iowa High School Athletic Association. In my spare time,? I wrote a series of articles for the Boone News Republican about Boone High School graduates who were very successful in various areas.......music, sports, government etc.
     As long as we've been talking music, the following is one of those articles recalling successful BHS musicians. Please keep in mind, even though many things have changed in the 20 plus years since, I'm reprinting the story exactly as it appeared "back then." Here we go!
     Two outstanding Boone High School graduates with musical ties are Kenneth Bloomquist, a 1949 alumnus, and Ruth Jane Mauck, a 1939 grad.
     Bloomquist was quite a renowned band musician, and he parlayed his own talents into the teaching of others. In addition to being an important member of music departments, he led the marching bands at the University of Kansas and at Michigan State University.
     Mauck was an assistant professor of voice at what is now the University of Northern Iowa. She had extensive training, including work at the famed Julliard School of Music, New York. She also appeared in several Broadway operas.
     Boone High's music department has always been held in high regard. Konrad Scholl was known as one of the state's outstanding orchestra directors. Many of his units were invited to perform at events all over the midwest.
     Then, there was the Rose Bowl band. On January 1, 1963, the 92-member Toreador marching band culminated months of preparation and fund-raising by appearing in the Rose Parade. The director was Gordon McLean.
     Mary Ellen "M'el" Dowd, BHS-51, is probably the school's number one entertainment grad. She appeared in Broadway productions of "Camelot" and "Sweet Bird of Youth," among others. Her co-stars on stage included Tyrone Power, Celeste Holm and Basic Rathbone. M'el also appeared in movies with Henry Fonda and Bing Crosby and was cast in several television shows."
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Rose Abbey, 91, Boone. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Bruce. Boone area survivors include a daughter, Sharon, and son, Robert, as well as two brothers and a sister.
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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments/SUPPORT.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.