Beta-Pi-Blog: 2016

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.07 – HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

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

* * * *

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Just when my “Christmas Spirit” was a bit low – typically I feel a little winter time low every year around this time - I got a wonderful gift from JACK MUENCH! Jack sent me a beautiful, hand-painted Christmas Ornament – A “Commodore Santa.” It really did the trick, in terms of lifting my spirits. Jack had been planning this with Ann for a while, and he said this is a way of saying thank you for the work I do on the Blog. My pleasure! Jack, we have hung this on our tree, and what a wonderful way to remember you and my ATO Brothers every year at Christmas time.

As my way of saying Merry Christmas to all of you, here is a poem I have written especially for you, my dearest friends.

MY DEAR FRIEND

My dear friend, can I use that word?

Because, the word friend is used in
many ways. Best friend, neighborhood
friend, football friend, book club friend,
church friend, Facebook friend, Starbucks
friend, business friend, college friend,
you name it, all kinds of friends.

Should I say this? I have come to

believe there is a true friendship,
it is a form of love. The proof of that,
for me, is that I have a few friends
with whom I feel very close,
a kinship, a bond which some
have called “family of choice.”

My dear friend, when we met, all

those years ago, we were school boys,
school girls, and we became friends.
Wasn’t it was a vibrant world? And we shook
it up together, didn’t we? But we understood
things, the words we used, words like “friend” and
“love” - as 20 year-olds understand.

In our youth, we were “burning” with intensity,

we loved more, we did not love less. But just as,
at the foot of the mountain, one has no idea what is

at the top, we had no way of knowing, then, that our

friendship would last a lifetime. It is only now, looking

back, that we can see it, feel it, over our lifetime.

This is how much I love you, my dear friend.

Lawrence A. Simons

December 20, 2016

If you like poetry, check out my books, AVAILABLE ONLINE in Paperback – or download the Kindle E-book at Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Spirit-Stone-Lawrence-Simons/dp/0989716155/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419957595&sr=1-1&keywords=water%2C+wind%2C+spirit%2C+stone

* * * *

Here are a few of my favorite shots . . . and random comments . . .

With Ann and step-daughter Maggie

Bucko and Ann

Vinny

Greek, Vinny and Claude

Greatest of friends!

Becky and Muenchie

Two of the All-Time-Greats, Marlon and Buck

Becky and Becky and Karen

Gene, you are NOT boring, Art is just OLD!

Gotta say, the presence of Leapin' Gene makes all the difference

Franko, giving Matt the "Hypnotic Stare" - it appears to have worked. "On the count of three, you will awaken, and pay my Bar Tab . . ."

Tison and J.D., just like old times . . . thanks to J.D.'s "Grecian Formula 44"

"Damn it feels good to be a Gangsta"

Yeah, I could use a little "Grecian" except they don't make it for red hair

Dennis and Mathew

George and Jack

Leapin Gene and Bucko

Mystery Man (if he would have lifted his head, I'd have known who he is), Vinny, David Haines, Phibes

D. Price and Fam

This is the famed "Cool Hand Luke" shot Doctor Phibes and The Riz sent us. Yeah, baby!

This is how Vinny enjoys his leisure time (which is 24/7), he has his Limo Driver wheel him around, whilst he reads scholarly journals.

Ratso Rizzilious and Doctor Phibes

This was Doctor Phibes' Home Movies Premier, very entertaining!

Chris "The Greek" Regas and Jack "Muenchie" Muench!

The great Jeff Overby with Tison, and Mary Collins

Charlie "Ralph" McGibony and Fran Biller, pictured with the beautiful Alexander Wilson Memorial.

Clark Thomas . . . or Thomas Clark?

ABER!

The Heme, Vinny and Bucko . . . congratulating Mike Kirk, who actually worked out before our eyes.

Buck, Beth and Boss

D. Price and Tom "Love-Man" Lovinggood

* * * *

VANDERBILT IS BOWL BOUND, GO DORES!: We are headed to the INDEPENDENCE BOWL, to play N.C. State on December 26^th at 4:00 p.m. Woo Hoo! Here is the link:

https://www.vanderbilt.edu/bowl/

It will be exciting!! Vandy!!

* * *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers we have lost.

EDWARD G. “TED” STEPHANY, died January 20, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.01, Archive: Jan. 2016

J. NEAL CRENSHAW, died November 12, 2014.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.08, Archive: Nov. 2014
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014

MILES WALSH, died in July, 2013.

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

DAVID HOWE, died November 30, 2006.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.68, Archive: December, 2006.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May, 2007

KURT WAGNER, died in July, 2002.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.02, Archive: Jan. 2016

ALEXANDER WILSON, died in 1977.

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 December 21, 2016, there are 37 Blog Website Members; there are 118 ATO’s on the blog list, plus 19 ATO Gal-Pals. And, there are 6 Brothers who do not have e-mail.

VTL,

Larry Simons
Beta Pi, 72

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, 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

* * * *

REUNION RECAP

Sometimes, these events can feel “robotic” – but not the Class of 1976 Class Party. We had a blast, in part because 1976 is Ann’s graduating year, and she reconnected with several friends, including Sally Hale (with whom she has Pediatric Oncology in common) - and some mighty and mysterious ATO’s were there, not to mention new faces (more on that, after this).

Ann Polk Simons, Frank Collins, Frank Biller, Mary Collins

Mary Collins, Charly and Jan McGibbony

Yes, Franko was beginning to get a "buzz" on. :-)

"We - - - are the Campions - my Friends! - - - and We'll - - - keep on fight-ing til the end. . ."

"Ok, Franko . . . Franko, Earth to Franko . . . let's try to keep it focused, shall we?"

A Divinder sighting! We love Divinder! Rugged Individualism personified.

Outstanding Pi Phi's Sally Hale and Kingsley Kaminer! (more on that, after this)

ATO HOUSE ALUMNI RECEPTION.

This year, more than others, the ATO House had an air of “pandemonium” about it . . .

"Yes! We have no banannas . . ."

The ATO Active Lads were joyous . . . to see . . . more beer (we brought them a case - for those 21 and older, of course).

The Tunes were not as they were in days-of-yore . . . this was strictly loud Hip-Hop! And we loved it!

School spirit was high! A good vibe was in the air.

Lt. Col. Charly McGibbony pointed out to me that the Actives "had the American Flag up backwards" (not intentionally, I'm sure). I said, "Sir, should I order them to cease and desist the Hip-Hop, until they correct the egregious desecration?" Charly said "I would have been keel-hauled for that, and I wasn't even in the Navy."

"Ground Control to Major Tom"

This is my favorite picture!

Charley, Buck - David McDonald, Class of 79 - and Bozino

VANDY TAILGATE PARTY. Every year, exact same food, but exactly delicious – bar-b-que, slaw, beans, cookies, beverages, yummmm!

Mary Collins, Leapin' Gene Young, Buck Biller

Jan McGibbony and Franko

Larry and Ann Polk Simons

VANDERBILT vs. TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY:

As you may have heard, TSU was such a good adversary, there is talk about playing them more often. Their Band is top notch, and they have great spirit. Great game, very exciting! Big win for the Dores, 34 to 17!

THE ANNUAL ATO COCKTAIL PARTY & DINNER OPTIONAL EVENT:

This year, it was small but mighty.

Hip-Hop Charly!

Jan and Mary

Bucko and Jan

"Hey everybody, I just beat Donkey Kong on my phone!"

Ann and Leapin' Gene

And, late as usual, J.D. showed up . . . right as we were folding.

Clark Thomas made a rare appearance, with his camera, and as you know Clark is a superb professional photographer.

You know what Clark, I am no pro, and I have a cheesie "point and shoot" camera - but this is a damn good shot, yes? I mean, check out the "Big Bamboo."

Two "Old Timers" - J.D. and Bucko! We heard J.D. owns Stock in Grecian Formula 44.

CLARK THOMAS, Ultimate Mystery Man

As I was saying . . . Clark joined us for a few beverages, one thing led to another, and Clark actually took time to impart words, it was awesome. He related his story to us, and we were honored to listen. Here it is . . .

When Clark came to Vanderbilt, Chancellor Heard hired him to be a roving photographer – full time - to take pictures of everything Vanderbilt, students, faculty, magnolia trees, whatever and whenever Vanderbilt needed a photographer. The deal Chancellor Heard offered him was this, Vanderbilt would allow Clark to have to have his Studio on Campus, provide photographic supplies, film, everything but the cameras. And, Clark was also free to use it for his free-lance work – all of this while being a student. Chancellor Heard made the deal on one condition – that Clark promise to graduate. Which Clark did. Many of the pictures you see in Yearbooks and Vanderbilt publications were taken by Clark. At some point, Clark’s photography became so lucrative that he decided to stop being a student. What was the point? Clark went to Chancellor Heard's office, and when he told the Chancellor of this, Chancellor Heard asked him simply “What does your father think of this?” Clark’s father, fortunately, was supportive. Clark had convinced his Dad he was earning as much as a first year Doctor. It worked.

So, if some of you wondered – during our tenure at Vanderbilt – why Clark was so rarely at the House, a.k.a. a “mystery man” – well now you know. He was busy building his career as a professional photographer. Clark, thank you for all of the wonderful pictures over the years. You are the best. We are honored that you are an ATO.

Clark stood high atop a bar stool, and took these superb pictures of us. It looks like we are "bathed in heavenly light" - yes?

We kept with tradition and closed with the ATO Prayer. Good times.

* * *

KINGSLEY KAMINER RECONNECTS

This is the reason we do the Blog, to reconnect with friends-of-yore. I was standing around at the Class of 76 Class Party, when a woman came up to me. At first, I didn’t recognize her. “I recognize you. I was at the Fight” she said, with a twinkle in her eye! I said, “The Fight? Awesome, I know you, but help me out with your name.” She introduced herself, and said “I used to date Chris Regas.” Wow, The Greek! Then I remembered, Kingsley! Very cool! And, Kingsley said that later, she dated Lee Hall. And, as if that wasn't cool enough, Kingsley came equipped with PICTURES OF DAYS OF YORE! Jackpot!! Here they are, PREPARE TO BE AMAZED!

The Greek and Kingsley! Check out the Squirt Guns. A couple of gun-slingers!

Sally Hale and Kingsley Kaminer! With Pierce Hodnette, acting as the penultimate "cross-eyed-child picker" (Deliverance reference) Does Pierce look well lit, or what?

Muenchie and Schmeat with "The Bevy" - Becky Denim, Kingsley Kaminer, Muenchie, Schmeat, Karen Degerberg, Sally Hale! Muenchie definitely looks "in the zone."

Herb Ladley and Pierce Hodnette

Thomas McCown and Pierce

A fuzzy shot of Fotch. Fotch was making a "blue jeans fashion statement" three decades ahead of his time.

This one is amazing! When Kingsley showed me this - group photo at Fotch's Wedding in Bolivar, Tennessee, I realized - and remembered I was standing right next to her, and Lee Hall, with Vinny Starr. Check out John Stein's "perfect" hair and "Magnum P.I. 'Stache", and the grin on Thomas McCown. D. Price. George Welborne. Cheeks. T.Parr. Andrew Baird, and other greats.

Kingsley, thank you so much for sharing these great pics, and it is so great to reconnect with you!

* * *

BETA PI BLOG WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS:

KINGSLEY KAMINER. Kingsley is a Pi Phi, Vanderbilt 1976, with many friends amongst the ATO's.

SALLY HALE. Sally is a Pi Phi,Vanderbilt 1976, with many friends amongst the ATO's. She is friends with Ann Polk Simons. Sally used to date Jack Muench!

DAVID McDONALD is an ATO, Beta Pi, Vanderbilt Class of 1979. David told us he knows George "M-Link" Ford (but who would admit to that?) - Marlon, Lurch, and other greats!

* * *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers we have lost.

EDWARD G. “TED” STEPHANY, died January 20, 2016.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.01, Archive: Jan. 2016

J. NEAL CRENSHAW, died November 12, 2014.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.08, Archive: Nov. 2014
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014

MILES WALSH, died in July, 2013.

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

DAVID HOWE, died November 30, 2006.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.68, Archive: December, 2006.
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May, 2007

KURT WAGNER, died in July, 2002.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2016, No.02, Archive: Jan. 2016

ALEXANDER WILSON, died in 1977.

* * *

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 23, 2016, there are 37 Blog Website Members; there are 118 ATO’s on the blog list, plus 19 ATO Gal-Pals. And, there are 6 Brothers who do not have e-mail.

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72