Thursday, October 29, 2015

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2015, No.06 - Reunion Recap


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beta Pi:

 

 
 
 
IS  BETA PI BLOG WITHOUT ANY REDEEMING SOCIAL OR ARTISTIC MERIT?:  


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEA .   .   .   . or

 

NAY? 

Beta Pi Blog’s purpose: to bring ATO, Beta Pi Chapter Brothers and ATO Gal-Pals together.  The blog is not to be taken seriously - it is meant for fun. 

 The Beta Pi Blog is non-political.  It includes

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
pictures, links,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Archives of previous issues,

 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and other time-wasters.
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

 

*      *      *

2015 REUNION RECAP

The Class of 1975 Class Party.  This was special, as Church Lady used to say.  We had great ATO presence, Tison Keel, Jeff Overby, myself and Frank J. Biller.

 

 
 
 
 
 
It was a festive occasion, prior to arriving, we took bets whether WARE BUSH would, or would not wear a bow tie (as he has done at every other Reunion, and as he did on a daily basis as an undergraduate “preppy”.)  The odds were long that he would waiver.  And, as fate had it, he DID in fact wear the bow tie.

 

 

 

Our Pi Phi buddies were there in force, including my good friends BECKY DENIM (pictured here with Chi Omega ANN POLK SIMONS) and Becky Bruning Manyak.  These ladies are awesome, a force to be reckoned with.

 

 
The ATO Breakfast and Tailgate.  As we arrived, the Back Porch of the House was so PACKED with dancing ATO’s and tons of cute Co-eds dancing to throbbing Hip-hop music – so many in fact, I am surprised the Fire Marshall did not cite them for too many people on the deck.  Our ATO buddy, Active KEVIN GROLL was there to introduce us to the Worthy Master, who was literally so surrounded by beautiful dancing Co-eds that it was like approaching a rock star, it was that thick. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John Stein wrote an excellent letter to the Actives, which is reprinted here in its entirety:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


"Thompson,
 
Thank you for reaching out….nicely done.  But more importantly, congratulations on the fine progress the chapter has made.  You all have recovered nicely from the mistakes of a couple of years ago….thank you.   Pls. shoot me a mailing address so I can send along some cabbage for the good of the order…$250.   Naturally for cultural enrichment. Others may wish to follow suit…..
 
However, I do have  a few comments/questions.  In you newsletter there is a group photo of many in front of fireplace.   Everybody but one guy in middle is wearing khaki pants.  What is that all about ?..... you look like the KA’s or something.   And, what is the story on the one guy in dark pants?
 
Additionally , I congratulate you on the historical photo added to the newsletter….representing one of the fine years.  Nicely done.
 
Keep up all the good work.   jfs
John F. Stein
 

*      *      *


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Vanderbilt vs. Missouri Homecoming Game.  Buck Biller and Cheri, and Jeff Overby sat with us for every excruciating minute.  After the Game, my dear wife ANN POLK SIMONS summed it up perfectly:  “Despite our best efforts to the contrary, we won.”  It was a victory, sort of like emerging still alive from walking the gauntlet is a victory.  But, a win is a win, yes?
 
 
 
 





The 9th Annual ATO Dinner.  This year, we had perhaps fewer than in previous years, but this just meant we had more time to really get into great conversations.

 

Jeff Overby, Tison Keel, Mary & Frank Collins.


 
I think Frank and Mary have been to as many ATO Dinners as Buck and Vinny. Franko, you and lovely Mary are the best!

 

 

 
Buck Biller and Cheri were absolutely great!  I think Cheri was a super sport for sitting through the Game in the rain!

 

 
Here I am with the love of my life, Ann Polk Simons!  Thanks Ann, for handling the reservations with Cabana.

 

 

As always, J.D. STRICKLAND showed up, much like a stray dog that you feed, even though J.D. is not connected to the internet, has no e-mail address, and has never read the Beta-Pi-Blog, or read any other blog for that matter.  J.D.’s nonsensical tales were mesmerizing.

 

 
As you can tell by the look of unbelief on Jeff Overby’s face!

 

 
Buck Biller and Cheri with J.D.

 
 
 
Many fond memories were exchanged, including recollections of the various nick-names we gave to the food ALEX & LAURA WILSON prepared for us.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We raised a glass to departed brothers DAVID HOWE,
 
 
 
 
J. NEAL CRENSHAW, and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MILES WALSH.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMONG THE LIVING, we raised a glass to the great “LEAPIN” GENE YOUNG could not attend, but sent his best to all.







And to the one and only STEVEN VINNY STARR, who could not attend due to his wedding anniversary - who sent his best to all,

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And, we raised a glass to MATTHEW J. HART who also could not attend, but sent his most sincere best wishes, as only Matt can do, and fully in character as


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“The Abominable Dr. Phibes’.  Matt, thanks for the surprise, and we look forward to seeing you in 2019!

 


*      *      *

POETRY CORNER


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Water, Wind, Spirit, Stone” – Parnassus Book Event – May 12, 2015

My Parnassus Book Event May 12, 2015, was a huge success, Vinny Starr was in attendance!  Check out the Video!  Here it is . . .

“Water, Wind, Spirit, Stone” – Parnassus Book Event – May 12, 2015 - VIDEO
 

 

My book is Available at Amazon.com 


 
*      *      *     *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers we have lost.  In case you did not get the news.

 
DAVID HOWE, died 11/30/2006.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.68, Archive: December, 2006.   

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May, 2007


MILES WALSH, died 07/2013.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2013, No.05, Comments Section (over 50 comments), Archive: Aug.2013

 
J. NEAL CRENSHAW, died 11/12/2014.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.08, Archive: Nov. 2014

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014

 
If you have never explored the “Archives” in this Blog – it is toward the top of the latest “blog issue”, on the right.  You access it by clicking on the Month and Year, and it will drop down with choices.  For example, if you click on December, 2006, it will drop down and list all issues that were published that month.  If you want Issue No. 68, you click on that, and it takes you to that issue.  You can then post a comment to that issue.  It’s never too late to post a comment, right? 

*      *      *

HERE'S HOW to “JOIN THIS SITE”: All you need to do is JOIN "GOOGLE +" -- click ACCEPT to invitations or click on "JOIN" GOOGLE + FOLLOWERS.

*      *      *

HOW TO POST, OR  READ COMMENTS: Just click the button - Comments - below.

 
BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS:   As of October 29, 2015, there are 37 Blog Website Members; there are 117 ATO’s on the blog list, plus 17 ATO Gal-Pals.  And, there are 6 Brothers who do not have e-mail. 

 
VTL,

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2015, No.05 – Reunion Lineup


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beta Pi:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IS  BETA PI BLOG WITHOUT ANY REDEEMING SOCIAL OR ARTISTIC MERIT?:  
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
YEA .   .   .   . or

NAY? 

Beta Pi Blog’s purpose: to bring ATO, Beta Pi Chapter Brothers and ATO Gal-Pals together.  The blog is not to be taken seriously - it is meant for
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
fun. 





 
 
 
 
The Beta Pi Blog is non-political. 
 
It includes

pictures,
links,
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Archives of previous issues,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

and other time-wasters.

To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

*      *      *


2015 REUNION UPDATE

 
 
 
 
I reached out to many Beta Pi’s and Beta Pi Gal-pals, to get a feel for who might be attending our upcoming 2015 Reunion, which is the 40th Class Reunion of my Class of 1975. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The response was outstanding, we have a strong core group.  Many Greats, and some beautiful Pi Phi’s led by Becky Bruning Manyak, are confirmed for attendance!  Here is the lineup of ATO’s and ATO Gal-pals:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FRANK J. “BUCK” BILLER:  abso-frickin-lutely!”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FRANK & MARY COLLINS:  yes! Mary for sure. Maybe Frankie but that is TBD.   Clare will be away.  Hannah is working in DC now.  Looking forward to it as always.”  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BECKY DENHAM:    Yes.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JEFF OVERBY:  From the All-Time Great ATO who brought
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heaven Lee to Dinner at the ATO House, an Event which will live in Infamy . . .     

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It would be great to get caught up you and Buck. I miss all of our pledge class. Lots of great news to share! Jeff”


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TISON “TOO TALL” KEEL:     In but in but in!  One person.”

BECKY BRUNING MANYAK:     "Hi Larry-- Will be traveling with other gal pals but absolutely will come by to say Hello to the Tics!!  So far Karen Degerberg, Becky Denham, Betty Ingle, Ellen Tozer and Linda Watts have committed...working on Katie Herrington!!  Becky”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LARRY “BOZO” SIMONS:  Ann and I will be there.


 
 
 
 
 
 
J.D. STRICKLAND:  Alas, J.D. is perhaps the only Vanderbilt grad who does not own a computer, and who swears off the internet, and for those reasons believes e-mail is “evil” – J.D. told me he is philosophically opposed to the internet.  Yet, J.D. is very resourceful, and somehow, with his land-line and newspaper, J.D. keeps up – and he always shows up.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“LEAPIN” GENE YOUNG:  "Will try.  I get back from a trip late Friday.  If I can recover in time, I will.  Regards, Gene"











*      *      *

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL, HOPE ON THE HORIZON?

As we watched the Vanderbilt - Ole Miss Game, there were glimmers of hope.  With Ole Miss holding only a single digit lead early in the 4th Quarter, a Commodore victory seemed . . . slightly possible.  After all,  the Dores were playing better, they looked better . . . and then Ole Miss surged ahead, capitalizing on our failure to score on a big interception.  I tried to get Frank Biller to weigh in, but the Old Buck-a-roo must have been busy.

The headline in the Tennessean was a reminder of the mindset (or maybe nightmare) we used to have, after so many losing seasons, "Vanderbilt's Loss to Ole Miss Shows Its Getting Better."  Yeah, right, let's hope.  Here is the link:

http://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/columnist/dave-ammenheuser/2015/09/27/vanderbilt-ole-miss-loss-ammenheuser/72801800/

We can hope our Commodores will be new and improved by the Homecoming Game.  Hoping for a victory!

 
*      *      *

ANNUAL ATO DINNER

Our Annual ATO Dinner has gotten better each year since we first did it in 2006.  Pictured above - from last year - are (l-r) Mary & Frank "Marty" Collins, Chris "The Greek" Regas, John "Boss" Stein and Marc "Rizzillious" Darling.  So good to be with these Greats.
 
We have a great venue, close to campus – Cabana.  Hope to see you there.

What:             Annual ATO Dinner

Where: at Cabana, 1910 Belcourt Ave., Nashville, TN 327212

When: October 24th, 8:00 pm / or immediately after the Vandy Homecoming Game. 

*      *      *
 

JOHN “BOSS” STEIN IN THE NEWS!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
John Stein was recognized recently in a Vanderbilt publication, “Vanderbilt Reporter”  for his civic involvement with Vanderbilt. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Very nice article.  Congratulations John! 




 
 
 
Here is the link:


 
*      *      *

POETRY CORNER

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Water, Wind, Spirit, Stone” – Parnassus Book Event – May 12, 2015

Here is the Video from my Parnassus Book Event May 12, 2015, which was a huge success, and also very special because Vinny showed up.  Friends don't get any better than Vinny. Here it is . . .

“Water, Wind, Spirit, Stone” – Parnassus Book Event – May 12, 2015 - VIDEO

 

My book is Available at Amazon.com.   Here is the link 


*      *      *     *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers we have lost.  In case you did not get the news.

DAVID HOWE, died 11/30/2006.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.68, Archive: December, 2006.   

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May, 2007

 
MILES WALSH, died 07/2013.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2013, No.05, Comments Section (over 50 comments), Archive: Aug.2013

 
J. NEAL CRENSHAW, died 11/12/2014.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.08, Archive: Nov. 2014

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014

 
If you have never explored the “Archives” in this Blog – it is toward the top of the latest “blog issue”, on the right.  You access it by clicking on the Month and Year, and it will drop down with choices.  For example, if you click on December, 2006, it will drop down and list all issues that were published that month.  If you want Issue No. 68, you click on that, and it takes you to that issue.  You can then post a comment to that issue.  It’s never too late to post a comment, right? 

*      *      *

HERE'S HOW to “JOIN THIS SITE”: All you need to do is JOIN "GOOGLE +" -- click ACCEPT to invitations or click on "JOIN" GOOGLE + FOLLOWERS.

*      *      *

HOW TO POST, OR  READ COMMENTS: Just click the button - Comments - below.

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS:   As of September 30, 2015, there are 37 Blog Website Members; there are 117 ATO’s on the blog list, plus 17 ATO Gal-Pals.  And, there are 6 Brothers who do not have e-mail. 

 
VTL,

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Larry Simons
Beta Pi, 72