Beta-Pi-Blog: 2019

Friday, December 6, 2019

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2019, No.07 – The Aber Archive

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

* * *

One of our most appreciated – yet unappreciated – brothers is brother GEORGE ABERNATHY . . . Appreciated for his unrivaled athletic abilities . . .

. . . yet unappreciated for his abilities as a photography enthusiast and archivist.

Exactly. . .who knew?

Let me give you a prime example. Years back, even before the Blog began, Aber sent me, by U.S. Mail, a packet of pictures he took of the infamous “ATO FIGHT NIGHT” starring virtually all of us. I post one picture as an example.

Dean K.C. Potter being shown to a front row seat by Referee Doug Campbell, T. Parr and The Boss

Aber had - and has - a real sense of "capturing the moment." To be a chronicler, you must love and appreciate others, which is a virtue. Most of us back then, myself included - were so busy soaking in the revelry that we had little interest in being the observer, the chronicler . . . except for Aber. Were it not for Aber, the event would have gone un-chronicled. I featured Aber's ATO FIGHT NIGHT photos in a few blogs over the years, you will find them in Blog Archives, Vol. 2008, No.09 (February 2008).

So let me take this opportunity to say thank you, Aber, for taking pictures of us, and sharing them. We love you, bro!

Aber is at it again! A few weeks ago he sent me an email, with seven of his pictures attached, and he has entitled this Aber installment . . . drum roll, if you please . . .

BETA PI STUDS & DATES

By George Abernathy

“Larry, look what I found in Aber’s archives taken by my trusty Kodak box camera. More to come! . . . and you probably remember the years of theses ‘pretty’ pictures. I’m looking for more! Your comments are acceptable for these lucky tics and dates. Aber.”

Man with Ascot . . . Pierce Hodnette.

“Wimp’s all alone. Can’t remember whether he was lucky that night- she probably ran away when she saw the outfit!”

Cory “Stubbs” Clark, dressed as Gen. George Patton...telling his date

“The Nazis are the enemy. Wade into them. Spill their blood. Shoot them in the belly.”

“That’s Melissa Brown Paty with Stubbs”

George “The Heme” Tomlinson & mystery date.
Heme, perhaps she was turning away from that awful cigar?

Travis Parr & Rena “The Steak” Dabne.
We are guessing that Rena made Travis put on that hat BEFORE she kissed him! What a hoot!

Jeff Perout & mystery date; with Chad “Wazz” Weiss & mystery date . . .
bring you "Cuddle-Fest" . . . and why not?

Bob “Smooty” Smoot & Ellen Cobb . . .
It was Ellen's beautiful dress and platinum blonde hair . . .
that inspired the song "Blinded by the Light."

Frank “Buck” Biller & mystery date; with Larry Simons & Sally Tucker . . . I was having a ton of fun, with my best friend Buck, and beautiful Sally!

Finally, Aber sent me this picture of . . .

IGOR (as portrayed by Marty Feldman, as portrayed by Frank Collins)

and his date The Bride of Frankenstein

Editorial Note to Heme, Jeff, Chad and Buck: please help us out with the names of your dates, if you please.

Aber, thanks again for sharing these outstanding pics with us! "We who are about to die Salute you!"

* * *

HOMETOWN GIRL RETURNS TO NASHVILLE

Some of you may know, my friend SALLY TUCKER JASPER is a Nashville native, who moved away and is now living in Salem, Oregon. Well, Sally sent me a text several weeks ago, indicating she and a few of her girlfriends were planning a Nashville Trip to visit with her sister, and would I and my wife ANN POLK SIMONS join them for whatever.

Ann was unable to attend, but she was very gracious to allow me to go.

Sally decided spur of the moment for the group of us to go to Station Inn, where the Tim O’Brien Band was playing. I congratulated Sally on this choice of live music, because – for those of you unfamiliar, Tim O’Brien is renowned as one of the best Bluegrass and Roots musicians on the planet. He is an awesome mandolinist, and plays everything else amazingly, and his songwriting abilities are legendary. We had a great time, the music was so good, and it was so great to be with my dear friend Sally and her nice friends. . . somehow we forgot to take pictures. Suffice to say, Sally is as lovely as ever! She tells me that she is planning to come to our Class of 75 Reunion next year, which will be our 45th! Thanks to Sally for the fun visit, and looking forward to seeing you next October! And thanks to my beautiful wife Ann for being so gracious to let me participate. I am blessed to have such wonderful women in my life.

* * *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers and Sisters we have lost.

ANTHONY GUY MIRANDA, died June 18, 2019.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2019, No.04. Archive: 2019

Obituary:

http://www.brinsfieldfuneral.com/obituary/anthony-guy-miranda

MARK McGANN, died December 10, 2018.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2018, No.07. Archive: Dec. 2018

BECKY BRUNING MANYAK, died October 19, 2017.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.07. Archive: Sept. 2017

Obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=rebecca-manyak&pid=187110606

ROB BLANKENHORN, died December, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, (See Comment by Dick Stoner). Archive: Sept. 2017

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: Dec. 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 April 9, 1977.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.25, Lowenstein Essay Contest. Archive: Aug. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.33, Honoring Alex and Laura. Archive: Sept. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.45, Tale-o-Pig-Roast. Archive: Sept. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2006, No.50, Winner Essay Contest. Archive: Oct. 2006
Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, Alexander Wilson. Archive: Sept. 2017

Alex and Laura are buried at the Nashville National Cemetery. The cemetery is at 1420 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115. Alex and Laura are at Section KK, Site 794.

* * *

THE ARCHIVES

To explore the “Archives” in this Blog – go to 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, a list will drop down listing all issues that were published that month. Click on an issue, and you can then post a comment to that issue. It’s never too late to post a comment, right?

* * *

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

* * *

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of December 6, 2019, there are 132 ATO’s on the blog email list, including 13 Brothers whose e-mail address is unknown, plus 18 ATO Gal-Pals.

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2019, No.06 – EXTRA! The Claude Cody Report- Schwim Jam!

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

* * *

So, a few months back, my friend CLAUDE CODY called me, he said the Swimmers (all Vanderbilt Swimmers) were planning a Reunion, and he needed contact info on a few ATO Swimmers, as he was planning to rally our ATO Swimmers to attend. I was only too glad to assist. I also spoke with my friend JEFF PEROUT, who said he was planning on attending the Swimmer's Reunion.

ABER

At first, I had assumed the Swimmer’s Reunion would be similar to the Football Player’s Reunion which has been held simultaneous with the Vanderbilt Homecoming/Reunion.

That always worked out well for us, because we have several ATO Football Greats in our ranks – we were able to enjoy seeing our Football guys, and they were able to attend their own Football activities, and everyone was happy.

THE HEME

I later learned my assumption was incorrect, that the Swimmers Reunion had been planned for the weekend before Homecoming. So, I asked Claude to be sure to photograph our ATO Swimmers, and send pictures along with his take on the event.

Back in the day, ATO had several Swimmers, and somehow (gee, I wonder how?) the ATO Swimmers got nick-named “Schwim-bags.” We were all amused by this. I know my friend Jeff Perout was!

JEFF PEROUT

So, as Beta-Pi-Blog presents Claude’s Report, the event is being nick-named with a name that fits in historical context . . . SCHWIM-JAM. . . attended by the Schwim-bags. . .So, without further To-do, Beta-Pi-Blog brings you. . .

EXTRA: THE CLAUDE CODY REPORT- “SCHWIM-JAM”

By Claude Cody

As you know there was a Vanderbilt Swim Team Reunion on October 11-12. Swimmers from the late 60’s to the early 90’s attended. The get together was to honor the Coach, John Smith, who never had a losing season at Vanderbilt. Since several ATO’s were swimmers, I have forwarded several pictures. It was great seeing the guys again and reliving several questionable activities.

From the Reunion Dinner, 10/11:

On the left, Lee Hall, and on the right, Boss Stein

Left to Right: Beth Stein, John Stein, Chad Weiss, Wendy Weiss

On the left, John Stein, on the right, Claude Cody

More pictures from the Reunion Dinner.

On the left, Chad Weiss, and center, Coach John Smith

On the left, George Welborn, and center Lee Hall

On the left, George Welborn, center Ken Linden, right, John Stein, far right, Claude Cody

The last group of pictures from Saturday, 10/12

All the swimmers with Coach Smith

At the game George Welborn, Ken Linden, and Lee Hall

Dinner with swimmers from the 60's and 70's

TO CLAUDE: Looks like you guys had a great time, and Schwim-Jam was a huge success! Thanks for sharing your pics and commentary with all of us non-Schwim-bags. Excellent job my friend.

* * *

THE LEE HALL FACE

The only other comment that comes to my mind, after seeing Lee Hall's face for the first time in 45 years...incredible. . . is it really him, or is it Maybeline? At first, I wasn't certain of my "feelings". . .then, it hit me. . .it reminds me exactly how I felt - back in the day - when I saw that Lee Hall face, way back when, every time I saw that Lee Hall face. . . an irresistable urge bubbled up within me, and bubbles up to this day, no other way to say it, an urge to SMACK it . . . .kidding. ILAMATOB.

* * *

FROM GEORGE WELBORN

“Hi Larry,

Yes it is still the best email address for me. Sorry I could not make it to the ATO dinner but I had another engagement that weekend. However I was in town the weekend before for a Vandy Swimmer reunion and saw a number of the ATO swimmers including Chad Weiss, John Stein, Lee Hall, Claude Cody, and Ken Linden (aka Harpo). It was the first time we had all gotten together since the late eighties. Great seeing all those guys again. We were hoping Perout would be there but unfortunately he had to cancel at the last minute. Take care and thanks for hosting your blog. You do a great job with it.

George Welborn”

TO GEORGE: George great to hear from you! Claude and Jeff told me about Schwim-Jam, and Claude sent me pics…Missed seeing you at Reunion, Larry.

* * *

KEEPING TABS:

Here is a reminder of the Brothers and Sisters we have lost.

ANTHONY GUY MIRANDA, died June 18, 2019.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2019, No.04. Archive: ___ 2019

Obituary:

http://www.brinsfieldfuneral.com/obituary/anthony-guy-miranda

MARK McGANN, died December 10, 2018.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2018, No.07. Archive: Dec. 2018

BECKY BRUNING MANYAK, died October 19, 2017.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.07. Archive: Sept. 2017

Obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=rebecca-manyak&pid=187110606

ROB BLANKENHORN, died December, 2016.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2017, No.05, (See Comment by Dick Stoner). Archive: Sept. 2017

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: Dec. 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 April 9, 1977.

Alex and Laura are buried at the Nashville National Cemetery. The cemetery is at 1420 Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN 37115. Alex and Laura are at Section KK, Site 794.

* * *

THE ARCHIVES

* * *

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

* * *

BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of October 31, 2019, there are 132 ATO’s on the blog email list, including 13 Brothers whose e-mail address is unknown, plus 18 ATO Gal-Pals.

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72