Wednesday, August 29, 2018

WHAT? YOU DON'T LIKE THE DOG FOOD?

     The Kornerman is trying to be honest. I really don't know what to think about the "hit" numbers received by the Korner. I know, we've been all through this before. All I know is that for a two-day period, right after the last edition was released, there were at least 600 views. The total for the last month is 5,171, which would seem to indicate some 1,200 hits per week. Hey, maybe that is right......about 600 or so each edition.
      Anyway, my intention when I started this revealing info was to moan about the lack of response to the poem I had highlighted in the last edition. Some 6 or 700 viewers, at least, and no response at all......everyone sitting on their? hands?
      I thought the poem was hilarious and would be enjoyed by many BUT, to each his own I guess.
      Reminds me of that old story about the huge effort put forth displaying a new dog food. The latest and greatest technology and advertising tools ever were used in promoting the product etc. etc.. But, when asked why sales had not improved after such a barrage of positive info, it was disclosed that the dogs "simply don't like the dog food." O.K., maybe the poem wasn't that great.
      P.S. I thought the recent remembrance of Betty Mae Harris would draw some response too. Not!! Guess it shows what I know.......or don't.
 K-----K
      A followup on a recent note from John Hinz, BHS-64. He wrote, "you and I share similar career perspectives. I, too, feel blessed about my career. My father, (known as Doc Hinz), spent the last 16 years of his career in Boone as a financial advisor for Investors Diversified Services (IDS). As a 10-year old, I worked for him, doing his filing, answering his phone when he was at client meetings, and, occasionally, going with him to sit in on client meetings. Fast forward to high school and I already knew what I wanted to do for a career. After graduating from Drake University, I accepted a position  in Minneapolis working for IDS. Fast forward again,and I am 5 1/2 months away from reaching my 50th anniversary with the same company, renamed Ameriprise Financial Services. Like you, in my career, I have made many good friends, hired and trained a number of people who have gone on to great success and I've loved every minute of it. I'm starting to wind down now, but will continue to work seasonally on a part-time basis. Like you, why quit doing what you love to do? Just take it a little slower. Like you, I feel very warm and fuzzy about my life, and growing up in Boone is a very big part of that experience."
K-----K
     Another memory from classmate Roma Achenbach, BHS-53. At our recent class reunion, she showed me an old Boone News Republican clipping about a neighborhood play presentation and garden party.
     According to the clipping and this was a major, two column story (Editor's note - my how local news coverage has changed). The North Greene Neighborhood Children staged the play, "The Doll Shop" at 1127 Greene Street.
     In great detail, the BNR story detailed that the theatre was a garage in the rear of the Ertz-Pepper home. The garage was all appropriately decorated and a Miss Elizabeth Ertz was credited with doing most of the directing of the production.
    The program started with some dolls fast asleep in a doll shop. The sleeping beauties eventually turned into living creatures and "each doll, in turn, sang or danced with little Tommy Pepper, the unquestioned hit of the show." Tommy later wowed the audience with his vocal rendition of "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy." Students of Betty Mae Harris performed in the second half of the show either via dance or song or both.
     Later, the garden party was given for the hard-working cast and you may remember the names of some of that cast.......Betty Pepper, Shirley Heitkamp, Joan Mary Pepper, Marilyn Parisho, Nancy Rae Morris, Janice Parisho, Carol and Roma Achenbach, Tommy Pepper, Barbara Bennett, Mary Lee Shadle and Lois Shadle.
     Editor's note: I remember Shirley Heitkamp, in later years, as a terrific singer with top notch Iowa dance bands. Nancy Rae Morris is my, the Kornerman's, cousin. She was a terrific dancer I recall AND her mother, Pat Morris, along with Mrs. Liddell? were longtime pianists for Betty Mae Harris.
     Also, its important to note that, yes, there was a charge for the show. However, at least half of the money collected was invested in war stamps. Some youngsters out there in Kornerville are probably wondering, "war stamps? what's that all about?"
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Donald Anderson, 90, Dayton. Boxholm HS-46. Farmed with his wife, Jean Carol Hanson Anderson, near Boxholm. Two daughters and one son survive. Another survivor is a sister, Doris Berglund, of Boone..........Sharil Dunn, 78, Ogden. OHS-57. Worked at ISU until retirement. Two sons, including Matthew of Ogden, survive........Hazel Graham, 79, Ames. Was a member of the Kate Shelley Doll Club...........Bernard (Butch) Judge, 76, Boone. BSH-60 and attended Boone Junior College. Was a Boone policeman and Iowa National Guardsman for a time. Worked as a cowboy at a Wyoming ranch for 10 years. Then, became a directional driller for several oil drilling companies. Married Jackie Parrish but they were later divorced. Married Rhonda Tharp and when she passed away in 2012, Butch moved back to Boone. A son, Jon, and two daughters, Kim and Kelly, survive as well as two sisters including Karen Anderson 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.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    

Friday, August 24, 2018

HOW ABOUT SOME CHUCKLES

     Dorothy Long Huffman, BHS-53, is our class facilitator and much more. She holds us together and does all, I mean all, the "behind the scenes" work that is necessary for keeping us "alive" as a group.
     At our recent reunion, Dorothy asked the Kornerman to read the mail received from those who were unable to attend our event. She also included a poem she wanted me to read. I breezed through the mail BUT.........the poem?.......that was something else.
     I've always felt composed and confident when speaking and probably approached this the same way. However, about halfway through the poem or less......I completely "lost it." Hiding was impossible. My attempt to finish up was a complete struggle. I honestly don't know if the attendees got more of a kick out of the poem or the fact I was such a bomb.
     Nobody seems to know the author.  I wish I could take credit for writing it.......it is so good, so apropos, so fitting for such an occasion.
     If you have a reunion coming or.......even some other kind of event that it would fit, I highly recommend you make a copy of this for possible use.
     Here it is:
     Every ten years, as summertime nears, an announcement arrives in the mail. A reunion is planned, it'll be really grand, make plans to attend without fail.
     I'll never forget the first time we met, we tried so hard to impress. We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars and wore our most elegant dress.
     It was quite an affair, the whole class was there. It was held at a fancy hotel. We wined and we dined and we acted refined and everyone thought it was swell.
     The men all conversed about who had been first to achieve great fortune and fame. Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses and how beautiful their children became.
     The homecoming queen, who once had been lean, now weighed in at one-ninety-six. The jocks who were there had all lost their hair and the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.
     No one had heard about the class nerd who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon. Or, poor little Jane who's always been plain, she married a shipping tycoon.
     The boy we'd decreed "most apt to succeed" was serving ten years in the pen. While the one voted "least" was now a priest. Just shows you can be wrong now and then.
     They awarded a prize to one of the guys who seemed to have aged the least. Another was given to the grad who had driven the farthest to attend the feast.
     They took a class picture, a curious mixture of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties. Tall, short or skinny, the style was the mini. You never saw so many thighs.
     At our next get-together, no one cared whether they impressed their classmates or not. The mood was  informal, a whole lot more normal. By this time, we'd all gone to pot.
     It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores. We ate hamburgers, cole slaw and beans. Then, most of us lay around in the shade in our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.
     By the fortieth year, it was abundantly clear we were definitely over the hill. Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed and be home in time for their pill.
     And now I can't wait as they've set the date. Our sixtieth is coming I'm told. It should be a ball, they've rented a hall at the Shady Rest Home for the old.
     Repairs have been made on my old hearing aid. My pacemaker's been  turned up on high. My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled and I've bought a new wig and glass eye.
     I'm feeling quite hearty, I'm ready to party. I'll dance until dawn's early light. It'll be lots of fun and I hope at least one other person can make it that night.
    P.S. I hope who you designate as the reader can "hold it together" much better than I.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Patricia Kane, 85, Seminole, FL. Spent most of her life in Boone prior to a move to Florida in 1992. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas Edward Kane. Two daughters and a son survive........Gerald Anderson, 88, Marshalltown. Born in Boone. BHS-48. U.S. Army vet. Taken as a prisoner of war in 1951 and later released. ISU grad. Worked for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids and Fisher Controls in Marshalltown. Two sisters and three brothers survive........Jerry Sande, 66, Boone. ISU grad. In recent years, Jerry moved to Boone and  resided with his partner, Leo Kriz. Survivors include a brother and sister, his former spouse and his partner, Leo..........Alice Fagen Giles, 85, Ogden. Born in Boone County. Married Raymond Vogler in 1953. They farmed near Pilot Mound until moving to Ogden. Raymond passed away in 1980 and Alice later married LeRoy Giles. That marriage ended in divorce. Alice worked for Ogden Manor, Evangelical Free Church Home, Dutch Oven, Casey's, Walmart and the Closet Exchange. A son, Dean Vogler, of Ogden and a daughter survive.........Karen Rasmussen, 78, 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.......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.



Wednesday, August 22, 2018

CLASS REUNION MUSINGS

     My class, BHS-53, has concluded another reunion and we're being optimistic. It was unanimous that we plan another reunion for 2020, two years ahead. Some classes "close down" any reunion talk after 65 years. We didn't do that, we just bypassed the more usual five-year advance and accepted a more reasonable, shortened plan.
     We were just short of 30 participants both Friday and Saturday nights and everybody seemed to be genuine in their positive appraisal of the events. That was a big plus because we had some participants who came quite some distance, Roma Achenbach from the Washington D.C. area, Don Taylor and wife from Colorado, Gary Weston from Las Vegas, Rosemary Humm and husband from Connecticut, Sharon Richmond Stark from Texas and both Marlyn Wiemer and Myron Stolte of the Minneapolis area.
     Roma was accompanied by one of her daughters, a Florida resident. Roma said, "I just wanted her to experience some of my past experiences growing up in Boone." We're happy to report the daughter seemed genuinely thrilled for the opportunity......"loved it."
     By association, Roma is as close to a national celebrity as anyone in our class. For 36 years, Jim Lehrer was one of the nation's outstanding news anchors. He guided the popular PBS News Hour, which was available late afternoons our time. He also was the moderator for a presidential debate in 2012. Roma has been one of Lehrer's top aides for most of those years. In fact, even in his retirement from the News Hour, Lehrer still relies on Roma's assistance. "I'm able to work a couple days a week at my choosing and even though I haven't really seen him in, perhaps, five years, when I come to work, he has lots of chores lined up that he wants me to take care of. And we do communicate by phone or email."
     The late Gwen Ifill, another highly thought of News Hour regular, was a close friend of Roma's.
     While here, Roma wanted to revive as many memories as possible. She told how she went to 718 1/2 Story street and "looked up at the familiar, steep, dark, stairway leading to the second floor," which was home base for the Betty Mae Harris School of Dance. "Such memories," she said.
     Any of us being in this area in the 40's, 50's etc. are familiar with Betty Mae Harris, whether we "put on the Ritz" or not. She was definitely a Boone icon, never to be forgotten by her clan and others. She only taught dance in Perry for 40 years and Boone for 42 years..
     She appeared in silent movies, was one of the original Zeigfeld Follies girls and a professional singer who sang at the Chicago World's Fair prior to beginning her teaching career.
     You may recall Betty Mae had what I would describe as a "perfect" husband for her. Lloyd Wells was a staid, mustachioed insurance man who also was a talented musician. Betty Mae was always extra resplendent in appearance. Together, the two were simply "Hollywood."
K-----K
    Oh my! That was the late Dick Enberg's well known and famous "call" during his Hall of Fame sports announcing career.
    Oh my! The memories were flowing as the Kornerman followed the wonderful run of the Grandview Little League team as they captured the imagination of all of Iowa during the LL tournament series. Monday, it came to an end when the metro east siders suffered their second World Series loss in the double elimination tourney in Williamsport, PA..
     I'm sure I wasn't the only Booneite experiencing vivid recall. In 1962, the Kornerman was the manager and Mel Murken my assistant as a group of 13, 14, 15 year old sluggers represented Boone and Iowa in the eight-team Babe Ruth World Series in Bridgeton, NJ.
     It started with a district championship at Memorial Park, followed by a state championship at Hampton and a regional title in Wellington, KS. That tourney brought seven or eight state champions together to battle for world series qualification and one of the memories that stand out.......the local bank in Wellington showed 113 degrees when we pulled. Then, we were housed in  some kind of barracks that were pretty well shut up for the summer. Was it hot and humid......oh my.
     I remember Charley Lind had an important home run in the state title game and there were several heroes in the regional contest headed by Jack Mustapha who carried a heavy pitching load. St. Joe, MO. was the victim in the championship game.
     That was it. After a grind of several "must win" games in a short period of time,  followed by a long bus trip to New Jersey, the Boone teenagers had run out of gas. We lost both games in the World Series.
     Its still a thrill to think about and it was wonderful to see some of those '62 ruthers at my recent event. Many others, from all over the U.S., were heard from. Every one of those squadmembers went on to exceptional athletic careers and became productive citizens. Makes this old guy proud to think I was a small part of their "younger days."
     Here were those squadmembers: Jack Mustapha, Ted Hora, Marty Rinehart, Jim Hitsman, Mike Culver, Les Hohanshelt, John Hendricks, Jerry Hamil, Charley Lind, Jim Smelcer, R.D. Boschulte, Steve Crandall, Mike Harris, Sandy Mahood and Don Riker.
K-----K
     For your calendar: Loren Frazier, BHS-58, informs that the classes of  58' will be having their 60 year reunion in October. On the 2nd, the Eckstein's, George and Becky, will host a reception at their home. A dinner will be held at the Tic Toc on the 3rd, and on the 4th, there will be a banquet at the new Boulders Inn and Suites.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Thomas Winger Sr., 38, Boone. Construction worker. Survived by five children including Thomas Winger Jr. of Ames and Katrina, Keaton and Brody Winger all of Boone. His mother and step-father also survive as do three brothers including Obidiah and Joshua Myers of Boone. Six step-siblings survive and also an uncle, Donald Weber, 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.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    
    
    
     
    

     
     

Saturday, August 18, 2018

THOSE 53ers, WILD AND ROWDY

     Back at it this morn after an outing last evening with that "wild and crazy" BHS class of '53.
     We had the beginning of our 65th reunion at a very crowded Adobe Lounge where the pizza was delicious.
     So happens, in one room, there was a bigger number than ours helping Heidi Crouse Kokemiller, BHS-80, celebrate her retirement from being a glue that kept the Boone County Courthouse together for the last 33 years. Congratulations Heidi.
     In that same room, our class had a nice turnout of some 25 or so........some from a distance. Colorado, Washington D.C., Minnesota, Nevada and Connecticut were represented.
     The fun continues tonight (Saturday) at the Colorado Grill.
K-----K
     The Kornerman loves Boone AND loves anything good about Iowa.
     When it comes to sports, I like them all.......Hawkeyes, Cyclones, Bulldogs, Panthers, DMACC, Luther, Buena Vista.......all of them.
     One thing I don't like.....I mean I really don't like it when in-state schools face off against each other. Simple reason......I don't want either rivals to lose, whoever they are.
     At Hickory Park in Ames recently, I made a mistake I guess. I had a shirt on with a Hawkeye emblem showing. I noticed a gentleman nearby all decked out in Cyclone garb.
    Eventually, he came over to me and said, "don't you know that anyone who comes in here wearing Hawkeye apparel gets food that's three days old?" But then he added, "its still pretty good though."
    Its a good rivalry I guess and for sane folks, it develops a lot of good fun.
    But, I just don't like it and its just a few weeks away......again.
K-----K
    We posted some good memories from Mike Ahlstrom, BHS-61, last time. Here are some more.
     Mike wrote, "I remember when I was in high school, I worked at Fergies (Harold Ferguson's) neighborhood grocery for 35 cents an hour after school and weekends, whenever sports didn't interfere. Then a head hunter came along and hired me away from Fergie for 50 cents an hour. That was your dad, Clint. I loved working at your folk's store. I treasure memories of your parents who were wonderful people. Then, when I was at Boone Junior College, I came down to the Boone News Republican after the Friday night games. Coaches would call in details of their games and I'd write the stories about those games. I was so proud to be working for you. Lots of trail dust and adventures in the meantime, but being a small part of honoring you will be something I'll never forget."
K-----K
     John Hinz, BHS-64, wrote, "I really liked your recent trip through your long sports career. What a great way to make a living. I'm still feeling warm and fuzzy inside thinking about Mo Kelley Day. What a great celebration!"
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Joe Geyman, 74, Crossville, TN. Born in Boone. BHS-62. Navy vet. Worked a lifetime for Xerox in Michigan before retiring in Tennessee. His wife, daughter and her sons survive. Boone area survivor is a sister, Jane Elsberry, of Boone.......Erben Elsner, 79, Harrison Twp..Born in Boone. Marine vet. Was a truck driver, 27 years of it working for Fareway. He married Jan Easton in 1958. Boone area survivors include his wife, a son, Dave, two daughters, Renee Williams and Kristen Kokemiller, a sister, Anita, and three brothers, Albert, Robert and Raymond all of Boone. Also surviving are daughters, Laura Maach of Grand Junction, Robin Martin of Minnesota and Penny Davis of Ames.
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.
     

   

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

FINALLY, SOME STORIES AND MEMORIES

     Mike Ahlstrom, BHS-61, responded to a "Thank Note" I had sent him for his participation in my day. Mike wrote, "I don't know how you find the time to do all the things you do, including the note you sent me. When I was 12, in 1955, I think that was the first year of Little League in Boone, playing down at McHose Park for the Elks Club Cardinals. To us kids, it was big league all the way. Here's a memory, something that struck me as extraordinary. Shortly before mom passed away, I was talking to her on the phone and suddenly, she said, "I wonder if that time you hit five doubles in one Little League game is a record?" We'd never talked about sports events of 50 years ago in, maybe, 49 years. I guess the people all over Boone still remember baseball in Boone that far back, kids and parents both. And, you were there all the way. Making memories for us that last forever."
     There's more from Mike that we'll save for the next edition.
     P.S. Here's a good time to say to all those who participated in my day, somehow or another,......in person, cards, emails, whatever......that I hope by now you have received my "thanks." I've attempted to send notes to all of you (hundreds) and it took some time and, in some cases, lots of stamps but that task  is now completed, unless I missed you. If so, I apologize. Please accept this belated "thank you."
K-----K
     Curtis Dale Cox, BHS-63, opened the Kornerman's eyes. Sure, everyone knows about Kate Shelley and her exploits but, I didn't know a song had been written about her.
     Curtis wrote, "there was a group from the Ames area called "Homespun Harmony" that played and sang that song. We were friends of that group and they gave the words to the song to my wife so she could play it when she was with the Old Timers band. It was written by a man from Minneapolis. My wife still gets her accordion out and plays it every so often. The Old Timer's band is history, but my wife plays at nursing homes when they call. Keep up the great reporting. I, like so many others, enjoy your stories about our great town."
     The Kornerman says, "Curtis sent a copy of the song lyrics which closely portray Kate's adventure. Very interesting.
K-----K
     Kelley, BHS-67, and Marci McMullan enjoyed my day. Kelley wrote, "we truly appreciated the celebration. It brought back many wonderful memories seeing my teammates and reminiscing our stories. Also, thank you for mentioning in a recent Korner about our Korean War Conference and our father's remains. It was an incredible experience for Dan and I and we are encouraged his remains will be returned home. It is an extensive process, which may take years, but we are grateful and hopeful."
K-----K
     The mighty Toreador class of 1953, the Kornerman's class, has a reunion scheduled for this coming weekend. It will start with a Friday night gabfest at the Adobe Lounge. Saturday evening the group will meet at Colorado Grill.
     That brings to mind......:Pufferbilly Days. They are scheduled for September 7-9 in case you were unaware.
K-----K
     This might be a little confusing. As long as I can remember, I, the Kornerman has listed the popular Jerry Manriquez web site as.......http://boonesacheart/manriquez. net......with no problems.
     However, I've been told, it should be........http://boonesacheart.manriquez.net. Note the difference......./ or .     between heart and manriquez.
     I did a test run and either one works for me.
     I don't know if there are certain areas where just one of those prevails.
     Anyway, as far as I know.......you should be able to obtain Jerry's website with one address or the other or both regardless of where you live.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Lois Ruth Schroeder Larsen, 93, Ames. Born in Boone. BHS-42. Also attended Boone Junior College. Worked in Florida and at Yellowstone National Park. Married Einar Larsen in 1950 and they moved to Newton where Einar worked at Maytag. In 1987, in retirement, the couple moved to Florida. They returned to Ames in 2006. Einar and four children survive.........Hazel Houge, 101, Ames. She married E.Jean Houge and they lived on a farm near Boone. Hazel was widowed at age 38 and when her husband died, the family moved to Ames. Hazel worked at ISU, retiring from the library catalog department. Five children survive.........Earl Herrick, 79, Boone. Survivors include his wife, Linda, three girls and one boy. Linda, son, Michael, and daughter, Amy, are Boone survivors........Esther Rossman,  92, Boone. Completed her education at Grand View, Drake and ISU. While she was a teacher, her husband,  Calvin, was a Lutheran pastor. They served several Iowa communities until retirement in Boone. Calvin passed away in 1998. Four children and a sister, Ellen Nielsen, of Boone survive........Kathryn Judy Conway, 80,  New York. Formerly of Boone. BSH-55. She graduated from Clarke College in  1959 and worked for a time as an artist for Hallmark in Kansas City. Joined the Peace Corps in 1961 stationed in the Philipines. In 1963, she moved back to the U.S. and worked in Milwaukee. Eventually, she worked in Ecuador,  Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Three 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.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
     


Saturday, August 11, 2018

SORRY, YOU'LL HAVE TO PUT UP WITH ME

     I've received no memories, no stories, no comments since Wednesday's edition from you out there in Kornerland so I'm going to personally bore you this time. Its all your fault.
     I surely have mentioned briefly some of the things I'm going to bore you with but this time I'm going "all out."
     A granddaughter has been visiting and I wanted to show her that, at one time, I really did have a job. So, I dug into the the archives and showed her some things I've been proud of.
     First off, for 30 years as an employee of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, one of my duties was to be a spokesperson for that organization. Part of that responsibility was to represent the association when dealing with the media.
     So, at all of our state championship events....football, wrestling, basketball, baseball, track etc.........I did any microphone work that was required and it was usually on statewide television. It was not on the local channel's......5, 8, 13 etc.......but was on the public television channels because they do cover the entire state.
     I did lots of halftime presentations, including Hall of Fame introductions and also made comments and presented trophies to the teams at the completion of the contests.
     In my 30 years, on behalf of the IHSAA, I personally honored many more individual Iowans than all the state's governors or anyone else combined.
     All states have an organization like the IHSAA and Iowa Girls High School Union which govern high school athletic, music and drama events. Each of those state organizations combine to form the National Federation of High School Associations.
     For eight consecutive years, in the 1980's, I was fortunate to be asked to be the Master of Ceremonies at the National Federation summer meeting Hall of Fame banquet which was held at various U.S. cities.
     The National Federation Hall of Fame has a main objective of honoring outstanding High School athletes, coaches etc. However, many of those standouts do go on to become collegiate and  even professional celebrities.
     With those M.C. duties, I had an opportunity to meet with and, eventually, describe the accomplishments of these super athletic heroes. They all  seemed to appreciate my recitation of their outstanding achievements and even favored me with pictures with them and autographs from them.
     Just to give you an idea, following are some of the super athletes I met with.
     Arnold Palmer,  One of the best golfers ever. Four time Masters winner.
     Johnny Bench, One of the best baseball catchers ever. Hall of Famer.
     Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers quarterback, Super Bowl MVP twice.
     Tom Landry, Third winningest NFL coach, his Dallas teams won two Super Bowls.
     John Wooden, His UCLA basketball team won 10 NCAA titles, including seven straight.
     Pat Summerall, One of the top TV sports announcers of all time.
     Len Dawson, Quarterback spent 19 seasons in the NFL, including time with the KC Chiefs.
     Ralph Miller, Coached collegiate basketball 38 years, including time at Iowa City.
     Paul Hornung, Star gridder at Notre Dame and then Green Bay. NFL MVP twice.
     Crazy Legs Hirsch, Star gridder at Michigan and for the Los Angeles Rams.
     Lynette Woodard, At Kansas, became the most prolific scorer in women's college basketball.
     Nolan Cromwell, Starred at Kansas and as a defensive back for the L.A.Rams.
     Rafer Johnson, In 1960, won the Olympic decathlon event.
     Don Kessenger, 13 year major leaguer, 11 with the Cubs. Six time all-star.
     Ron Waller, Started NFL career by becoming all-pro as a rookie.
     Joe Ferguson, Was quarterback at Arkansas and then with the Buffalo Bills.
     Chandra Cheeseborough, Two Olympic gold medal winner as a sprinter.
     Jim Taylor, Star nine-year NFL running back with Green Bay. On three title teams.
     Kim Mulkey, Played on Olympic championship team. A top ladies cage coach now at Baylor.
     Cliff Hagen, Two-time All American cager at Kentucky. All-pro six times in the NBA.
     Randy Matson, Won shot put gold in the 1968 Olympics. Set a world record.
     Billy Mills, Distance runner who won Olympic gold in 1964. Set world record in six-mile run.
     Cheryl Miller, Top cager at USC. Top scorer for U.S. Olympic team that won 1984 gold.
     Jerry Lucas, Led top Ohio State cage teams in the 60's. Played for three NBA teams.
     Milt Campbell, Won decathlon gold in the 1956 Olympics.
     Bob Mathias, Was a two-time Olympic decathlon champion, 1948 and 1952.
     Bronko Nagurski, First inductee in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
     Bart Conner, A gymnast, Conner was the first to win gold in every level of competition.
    P.S.  In those eight years, of course, there were many other athletes/coaches who were honored for high school achievements alone.
     Sorry you had to endure all this but none of you viewers offered anything in recent days.
K-----K
     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Gregory Wells, 50, West Des Moines. Boone area survivor is a step brother, Gary Mickle, of Boone........Bill Roberts, 79,Washington, IA. BHS-57. Worked for Fareway for 42 years. Retired in 2001 as meat department manager in Washington. He married Myra Nelson in 1960 in Boone. His wife and daughters 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.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

    
    

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

HE'S AT IT AGAIN

    Former Toreador, Pete Kostelnick, BHS-2005, son of Charles and Clair Kostelnick of Boone, is "on the road" again in the midst of a new challenge.
    The Kornerman assumes that most Booneites are aware of Pete's previous accomplishments BUT let's review a couple of them anyway.
     In 2016, this high energy runner etched his way into the Guinness world record book by posting the fastest time ever in a 42-day trip from San Francisco to New York City. Boone, his hometown, was part of the route.
     He averaged 72 miles of running per day and his effort shattered the previous record, established in 1980.
     Pete has also posted the fastest time ever for the Badwater 135, which is termed "one of the hardest endurance races in the world." Both the heat of Death Valley and the cold of mountainous areas pose challenges enroute.
     Guess what? He wants more.
     Here's the latest: Pete's feet across America got started in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska August 1. He'll cover 5,300 miles from there to Key West FL. while pushing a stroller full of his supplies. Its called a self-supported run.
     Day eight in his journey was just completed. He traveled 48.6 miles from Glennallen, AK to Chistochina, AK. That brings his grand total to 439.8 miles.
     By the way, a group of motorcyclists started a long journey in June from the opposite direction. They're traveling from Key West, FL. to Alaska.
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     The Kornerman and others had a great meeting with Jerry Manriquez, BSH-57, Monday.
     Jerry and his wife, Joanna Lacey Manriquez, were home for a family reunion.
     The group enjoyed lots of remembering. Oh yes, that famous Manriquez pizza doled out of the Manriquez home at 17th and Carroll was part of the conversation. They provided some of Boone's very first pizza and Jerry recalled how his parents made a sample plate and took it to Fareway for possible distribution. In a rare mistake, the Fareway folks apparently didn't think pizza had much of a future. They turned the offer down. Manriquez pizza was a favorite for years, not only "out of the back door" but also in some bars etc. around town.
     Jerry and Joanna are longtime California residents and, in retirement, Jerry works feverishly to update his massive blog of Boone material. One of the main facets of his vast work is a listing of members of numerous BHS and BSH classes. Now, he's even adding similar material from United Community.
    He can be contacted.....http://boonesacheart/manriquez.net. You'll be amazed at all the Boone area material he has accumulated.
     P.S. You might recall that the last trip he made to Iowa was not very pleasant......at least the trip home. Somewhere on an interstate in mid-Oklahoma, their motor home caught fire and the entire vehicle and all contents were destroyed. They were just happy to escape with their lives.
     To add to the turmoil, the nearest town was many miles away and it took hours to receive any aid.
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     The Kornerman hopes all of you out in cyber land will receive this. Have been fighting a computer battle the last few days......alternately......internet connected.......not connected. Makes it rather difficult to put something together when the internet is up and down every few minutes.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Velma Jenkins, 92, rural Boone. Was a registered nurse who worked at the Boone County Hospital. She retired her license at 70 years of age. Velma married Walter Jenkins in 1951 and they farmed for six years north of Woodward prior to farming the Jenkins property west of Boone starting in 1957.  Boone area survivors are a daughter, Marlene Haberer, of Ogden and a son, Walt Jenkins Jr. of Boone. Another daughter also survives...........Jay Clausen, 65, Boxholm. Born in Boone. Grand HS-71. He married Jo Ann Dunkelberger in 1974. Worked for Landus Coop for 30 years prior to retirement in 2017. He also did some farming in the Boxholm and Pilot Mound areas. A son, daughter, sister and brother survive........Claryce (Janice) Hendershott Tilley, 78,  Boone. Married Roger Tilley in1958. Worked at Walmart in Boone until retiring in 2012. Boone area survivors are a son, Larry, and a daughter, Lisa, both of Boone. Another son also survives.......Sue Ellen Ballard, 78, Indianola. She served in several administrative positions including time with the U.S.D.A.'s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Boone County.
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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........kelleyskorner1@gmail.com
    
     
     


     
   

Saturday, August 4, 2018

QUIET TIME

     Things are quiet. No news to report from any Kornerites. Still resting up after the big event.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Martin (Mert) Ewals, 89, Pilot Mound. Survivors include two sons, two daughters, two step-sons and a sister........Delma (Jeanne) Lord, 84, Washington state. BHS-51. Her parents were Edyth and Domonic Comito. A brother and daughter survive.......Velma Jenkins,  92, rural Boone........Donald Camp, 83, Boone. Born in Boone. U.S. Army vet. Worked as a farm hand, in construction and as a carpet installer. Survivors include his wife, Marlene, two boys, Don Jr. and Rodney, and a daughter, Melanie.......Judith Elliott, 73, Stanhope. She enjoyed showing horses. Boone area survivors include daughters, Karen Chitty and Pam Millard, of Boone and Pat Angstrom of Stratford as well as two sons and a daughter of Stanhope.........Monte Westrum, 61, rural Boone. Born in Boone. Stratford HS-74. Worked in construction and founded Quick Utility Services. His parents, Noel and Wilma Westrum of Stratford survive. Other survivors include a brother, Troy, of Stratford and two sisters..........Peter Longworth, 53, Toronto, CA. An acclaimed concert pianist. The son of Mr and Mrs. Richard (BHS-53) Longworth.
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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......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
    

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

LOOKING AHEAD

     A couple notes received this week give hope that some interesting information about Booneites will be forthcoming in the Korner.
     Linda Boyd Bravard, BHS-61, emailed, "Kelly McMullan's father died in the Korean War and his remains are still in Korea. Kelly, BHS-67, and his brother, Dan, BHS-68, are on a mission to bring him back  to the U.S..They have filled out the tons of paperwork needed and are attending a conference in Washington D.C. this month that, hopefully, will help them with their endeavor. With the new relationship President Trump has with North Korea, they are hopeful. I asked Kelly if he wanted to keep this quiet or if he'd be open to sharing it with you and others. He said he thought the whole thing is "pretty cool" and he'd be willing to share."
     The Kornerman says that is "cool" and we, also, are hopeful that these guys persistence eventually pays dividends.
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     Then, too, there's news about distance (very distance) runner Pete Kostelnick, BHS-2005. Pete's mom, Clare Kostelnick, emailed, "Here's an update on our "Can't stop running" son, Pete. Guinness World Record did officially recognize him recently as the fastest cross-country by foot record holder. Pete now starts his Kenai Peninsula, Alaska to Key West Florida adventure today (Wednesday). He hopes to average 50 miles a day. He will have live tracking so anyone interested in following him can go to this site........www.petesfeetaa.com. He once told me, "Don't worry so much about me mom, just be happy for me." So, I try to be happy, pray a lot, and find a little comfort in knowing that he has bear spray packed in that stroller that he will be pushing across the Yukon."
     The Kornerman says, "so, thanks to a couple Korner viewers, you have a pair of interesting stories about Booneites that may never see print in our BOONE paper. Sad!
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     This community was hit hard last week when a true Boone "people person" and leader passed away. Shari Gillespie was 79 and her funeral was Tuesday (yesterday).
     The Kornerman wrote a feature story for the BNR about Shari several years ago and, in tribute, I'm going to repeat that story in the Korner today. Remember, this will be shown "as was." We're not doing any updating. Hope you enjoy recalling it.
     GILLESPIE ENJOYS CITY COUNCIL WORK, Someday Mayor?
     The city of Boone has never had a female mayor, and for the record, there won't be one for at least two more years.
     Current mayor George Maybee and challenger Eddie Mondt are the only candidates for that position in the November election.
     To go a step further, the list of female city council members from the past is also a short one.
     Joan Grant broke that mold in the early1980's and was followed by Deb Barr and Dixie Howell later in that decade.
     These days, Shari Gillespie is the lone council lady, and guess what? She might......might eventually take a crack at that long-standing mayor void.
     Now, wait a minute. Don't get the idea she is jumping up and down with enthusiastic anticipation of such a prospect. No, it's just that she quietly states that it's not completely out of the question. "I guess I might wonder if I'm tough enough," she says.
     "Still," she continues, "if the proper situation prevailed, I might give it some consideration."
      Shari really does enjoy serving the people in her present position as the Second Ward representative. And, the fact that she is even in a position to do that and serve as mayor pro tem is shocking to her.
     "In what seemed like a split second, I went from a simple task like mowing the lawn in retirement to dealing with city expenditures that were in the $10 million range," she explained. "I had no idea such a thing was going to happen, especially in view of the fact I had no previous experience or even real previous interest in city government."
     Here's what happened. Bob Flynn had just resigned his Second Ward responsibility at mid-term, and Mayor Maybee and the council needed a replacement. Seeing his  neighbor out mowing the lawn one day, Maybee asked Ms. Gillespie if she'd consider the position. She considered favorably, filled out the two years of the Flynn term and then won a full four-year term on her own.
     As time has passed, and she adds, with "lots of help from very  patient and respectful fellow members, " this conscientious lady has worked hard to grow into the job of being a good contributor. "There's tons of material to read, and I read it. Then too, I believe in the hands-on approach. I'm just required to be on the policy and administrative committee, but I try to attend all the various committee meetings to keep up with all facets of the work," she explained.
     She went on, "I also like to keep in personal contact with the various department heads, and I feel attendance at outside meetings, such as the plan and zoning committee meetings and the league of cities meetings, are valuable and provide good insights."
     Shari does get phone calls from constituents, and many are from women. "That's encouraging. I'm happy to know that there are women interested in their city government, and I'd like to see more women get involved," she commented. She admits some of the callers are a bit upset, but she adds, "Many times they have a right to be upset and I'm happy to check out their complaint."
     Cities are constantly facing decisions that involve huge sums of taxpayers money, and as Shari indicated, "Sometimes the answers aren't very easy." She cited the ongoing question of an additional overpass. "It costs four million to build a new one and four million to repair the one we have, and, in all reality, to even think of either one may be cost prohibitive," she said.
     She's proud of some of the projects that have been completed, like the water plant and the new bike trail, the development of the new business park and the purchase of the new rescue vehicle. She said, "We are all concerned about our taxes, but we also expect good services like clean water and modern rescue equipment."
     Shari spent some early years in New Providence, graduated from Hudson High School, was a bookkeeper for an auto parts store in Waterloo and moved with her husband, Archie, to Boone in 1973 so Archie could open up an auto dealership here.
     She loves to golf early in the morning, enjoys playing the piano on occasion and the company of her dog, Jo-Jo. She's also involved in the United Way organization and the YMCA board.
     Shari was "personality plus" and a wonderful contributor to our community. She will be/is already missed.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Amy Steinkamp, 48, Lake City. Amy's mother is Priscilla Chinstedt Thomsen, BHS-58..........F.W. (Bill) Beckwith, 91, Boone. BHS-44. Worked every facet of the family business, Fareway Grocery, including eventual posts as President and CEO. Retired in  2010. Boone area survivors include his wife, Jodie, two daughters, Dr. Mary Kristine, BHS-65, and Dr. Paula Sue, BHS-76, as well as a son, Paul James, BHS-67........Monte Westrum, 62..........Charlene Ulrick, 88, Boxholm. Born south of Beaver in Boone County. Attended Beaver school until moving southwest of Boxholm. Then, attended Boxholm school. Married Cleo (Bill) Ulrick in 1948. They farmed northwest of Boxholm for 15 years and then moved to a farm southwest of Boxholm in 1965. Boone area survivor is a daughter, Cleanne Lindholm, of Ogden. Another daughter and a sister also survive.
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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 our stories/memories/comments........kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.