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.
fun.
The
Beta Pi Blog is non-political. It
includes
pictures,
links,
Archives of previous issues, and other time-wasters.
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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).
Outstanding Pi Phi's Sally Hale and Kingsley Kaminer! (more on that, after this)
This year, more than others, the ATO House had an air of “pandemonium” about it . . .
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!
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.
"Hey everybody, I just beat Donkey Kong on my phone!"
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.
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?
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."
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!
KINGSLEY KAMINER. Kingsley is a Pi Phi, Vanderbilt 1976, with many friends amongst the ATO's.
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!
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2014, No.10, Archive: Dec. 2014
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2007, No.30, Archive: May, 2007
V TL,
Larry Simons
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.
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.
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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!
Herb Ladley and Pierce Hodnette
Kingsley, thank you so much for sharing these great pics, and it is so great to reconnect with you!
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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!
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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
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. 2014Beta 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?
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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.
Larry Simons
Beta Pi, 72
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