Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2022, No.03 – McCarty Speaks!

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MIKE McCARTY SPEAKS!

 

There was an email thread a few months back, and someone suggested to MIKE McCARTY that he write a story.  Mike sent me this excellent story, entitled . . .

 

“A Short Story about Alex and the Resurrection of ATO Beta-Pi” . . .

“Our Rock and our Salvation”

In my recent email, I alluded to a story about Tillman and the bailout of ATO-Beta Pi.  I have heard a few renditions of this story by the few people who knew some of the facts and consistently these variations make it a story about Tillman, our food supplier at the time, or me.  None of these partial telling’s accurately capture the true nature of the incident which more appropriately is a story about Alex always our rock but in this case my salvation.

With total naiveite and lack of judgement I took on the role of treasurer of Beta Pi post our great 52 new member pledge class.  Our previous classes were fun and entertaining gentleman who collected members of many interesting characteristics, i.e., they threw spectacular parties.  However, fiscally responsible they were not - leaving us owing everyone from the University, the National, the vendors for parties and critically our supplier of food and other supplies.  The list was long and exceeded our ability to pay even a fraction of the total.  The University and the National were easy resolutions as were the smaller vendors.  We had at Alex’s suggestions modified how we collected money for serving meals, dues and other payments from members. 

Alex explained to me the existing honor system of signing chits as meals were consumed that didn’t match meals served and collections of these honor chits lagged even the “owed” amount.  Based on Alex’s count we were collecting less than 60% of what we were serving and that months later.  We changed to a semester pay in advance for food and dues and then actually had cash on hand.  It is this sudden rolling in the cash that inspired me to take on a very foolish attempt to deal with our biggest past due bill with Tillman that was well over $10k (more than $40k in today’s dollars).

Alex provided the fodder for my Tillman confrontation by discovering that Tillman was shorting us at least 20% every month on his deliveries and Alex suspected this had been going on for an extended time.  With this as ammunition I decided to visit Tillman at his warehouse down by the river docks a very seedy part of the old Nashville. I told Alex of my plan and he said, “you best not be going down there alone Tillman is a bad man.”  Alex signed on as my bodyguard and witness to the fraud by Tillman. Correctly, Alex felt our two self-interested witnessing to the Tillman shorting would not standup, so I recruited our old friend Dean K.C. Potter to witness a delivery and sign an affidavit. 

Documents and cash in hand, my bodyguard and I went downtown to see Mr. Tillman who expected us to be delivering payment in full of our more than $10k. Tillman took us into his office along with two very large and seedy dock workers and immediately demanded payment.  I then presented our evidence of his fraud and the relevant state statues that he had violated and that as a result we would not be paying off his past due bills. Things got very ugly quickly with Tillman spewing a string of expletives not appropriate for our blog and threatening both Alex’s and mine well-being with great bodily harm in detail.  

In a youth-versus-real-judgment moment I then informed Tillman I had recorded his speech detailing the harm he would do to us and our properties (my electric blue Chevy was his favorite damage estimate). With that pretty stupid move by me, Tillman told his dock worker to rough me up right there and take my recording device and any money.  This is where Alex - as my savior - stepped forward and with that serious stare and bulging ex-boxer biceps made it clear to Tillman’s boys that there would be a real price to be paid.

The stalemate caused by Alex stepping forward allowed me to present Tillman with our offer of payment today of two months of actual counted deliveries, and release from us from any past fraudulent deliveries, the tape of our conversation and the extinguishment of the remainder of all Beta Pi past due bills to Tillman with a promise to pay within 15 days all verified future deliveries.  

After once again calling me all imaginable college punk names and racially insulting Alex he took our two months of money that I had in cash, signed all the documents and made a few last threats to us and our property (one reason my Chevy was parked in the back yard for several months).  Alex cleared our way out with a few chest bumps, and we exited with the last of our Beta Pi debts resolved allowing parties and meals to continue at the ATO house.

Alex was, as always, my rock and my salvation as he was to us all at the ATO house. May God bless his soul and we should all thank him and Laura for making us better gentlemen.

 

Thanks Mike!  Great story!  I'd wager a guess that many, if not most of the brothers were not aware of all this.  We hope to see you in 2023, your 50th.

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GAL-PAL: INTERRUPTED

 

I received a nice note from our beautiful and esteemed Gal-Pal KINGSLEY McCLEOD KAMINER.  

Kingsley sent me an historic artifact from the infamous “Vanderbilt Debutante Society” which was the brain-child of MILES WALSH. 

 

"Hope the recent reunion was fun. While searching through boxes for high school memorabilia (helping plan my 50th reunion - oh my) I came across this. Remember when Miles had these parties? Best, Kingsley

Yes, I remember it - at least some of it - well, I went to that party, it was awesome!  Kingsley, thanks so much for sending us this treasure, we missed seeing you at Reunion!!

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AND THE AWARD FOR BEST COSTUME GOES TO . . . . .

Speaking of Miles, it is well known that MILES WALSH certainly put on the best parties. 

I have only a few pictures of Miles, this one is from "Columbia Tales."  That is Chris Regas on the left, me, Miles and Kay.

Not sure if it was the first or second annual Vanderbilt Debutante Society Party, but I was there at one or both costume parties.

I only have one memory of the “VD Society” Party, and it is forever burned into my mind.  If there was an Award for Best Costume it went to JOEL KADARAUCH, who designed his own costume, which was unforgettable.  Once seen, it could not be unseen.  There is no known picture of the costume.

Joel’s costume can best be described as creative.  

He had a large burlap sack hanging from his neck, with 2 basket balls in it.  Use your imagination.

And Joel wore a cylindrical-shaped shaft that rose above his head (made from paper mache), with a hole cut out for his face, which - oddly - made him look a little bit like Gumby.  

But this was no kiddie-show.

Joel announced he was dressed as . . .

ITCHY “THE HUMAN CRANKSHAFT”.

Hilarious!

Joel, we miss you, and hope to see you someday.

 

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REUNION RECAP 

I want to thank our honored Point Men, TISON KEEL, FRANK COLLINS, and GEORGE FORD for helping to rally everyone.  We had an excellent turnout!  

On Friday, at the last minute I got a text message from George that he would not be there, he had mistakenly put it down on his calendar for the wrong weekend.  I told George no worries, that I would give everyone his best regards.  We missed seeing you George!

 

Trip to visit Alex & Laura’s Graves

So this is us, gathering at the House for the Trip.

 

                                    Vinny Starr, Buck Biller, Leapin' Gene Young

                                            Buck, me and Leapin' Gene

              Me, Frank Collins, Tison Keel, Buck, Ken "Harpo" Linden Steve Starr, Gene Young

Doug "Dub" Martin, Vinny, Tison, me, Leapin', Harpo, Bucko, Charly "Ralph" McGibbony

It is a long drive, it takes a half hour (if traffic is light) to make it up to the National Cemetary, but we made it.  I nearly ran off the road once because Buck started going on about this or that prurient fixation, I had to tell him to can it.

For the visit this year, we added a new tradition.  After we reminisced about Alex & Laura, we had “A Reading of The Names” of all of our deceased Brothers.  I read the first name from the list, and then all who wished to speak did so. Then the list was passed to the next brother, who read the next name, and so forth.  As you know, there are 13 deceased brothers, so this went on for a while.  It was really very meaningful for me, and several of our guys commented favorably. We definitely plan to do this every year.

Some sacred things were said, some comical, they will not be repeated here.  Come next year and join us, participate.

                                    Mary Collins, Doug Martin, Frank Biller

                            Gene Young, Frank & Mary Collins, Doug Martin

                                                    Harpo, Leapin, Marty

                                                    Tison & Harpo

                                                Harpo, waxing eloquent

Frank Collins captured this beautiful picture, of a deer resting under the tree near Alex's grave.

Tison led us all in the ATO Prayer.  What an outstanding group of guys, I am so proud to be part of this brotherhood.  

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Class Parties

Friday night used to be Class Parties, followed by a Big Tent Bash with live music, food and adult beverages.  Guess what got the axe?  This year Vanderbilt cancelled the Big Tent Band Party.  I asked why and was told that it was cancelled because there were 3 Classes attending, the number of attendees made it prohibitive.  Whatever.  

So Friday night, at The Class Party for 75/76/77.  We had fun, and lots of ATO's showed up.  Someone remarked that - other than the ATO's - the event was not very well attended.  But our group of ATO’s was there in force.

 

Frank and Mary Collins

                                                          Art Landry and me

                                                        Vinny and Jeanne Landry

                                                Me with Van Sayler and Gene Young

                                            Ann Polk Simons and Jan McGibbony

Larry Simons, Art Landry, Ken Linden, Doug Martin, Frank Biller, Steve Starr, Van Sayler, Charly McGibbony.  Back row, Tison Keel, Frank Collins and Gene Young.

I have to comment here . . . focus on just the 4 faces, Vinny,  Marty, Van and Charly.  

MOUNT RUSHMORE!  Am I right?

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Tailgate

This year's Tailgate was different. I went expecting the really good food they have had in the past, served up cafeteria style, you get in line and fill up your plate.  Vanderbilt must have had a Focus Group - I am sure - that debated, and then nixed that tried and true food plan.  

Instead, there were these Carnival-style Vending Trucks - you know, the kind that sell frozen Dippin Dots at the County Fair - and you had to get in a separate line for each food item, a separate line for each indivual thing, and you were given a micro portion of food on a tiny plate. Still hungry? Get back in line.  

Anyway, the great thing about Tailgate is the people. . . 

                                Frank captured Jan and Charly McGibbony and Mary Collins

                                A selfie - Frank and Mary Collins at the ATO House Tailgate

Frank captured this shot of the ATO House . . . notice in the background . . . TOWER VON ZEPPO!

Frank, thank you for sending pictures!

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Homecoming Game

I am grateful that Buck contributes articles from time to time.  Buck is our sports-writer guy, so I had asked him to do a write-up – what we call “The Biller Sports Page." But maybe he has “writer’s block” because I received ... nada.  But then, the Game was nada.  It was a slaughter at the hands of Ole Miss, and the Ole Miss fans (who attended in huge numbers) had a field day.

The Homecoming Game was difficult to watch, we started out strong, but after the 1^st Quarter, Ole Miss began scoring, and kept scoring, and kept scoring . . . you could tell our boys were becoming demoralized.  It was reminiscent of the games back in the day, when so many of us left at half-time.

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ATO Cocktail Party & Dinner at Cabana

Our annual event was well attended!  The Cabana recently changed ownership, and is now "Cabana-Taps".  It is not what it used to be, when Ann's friend Craig owned it.  There was a concensus that next year we will find a new venue.

A good time was had by all, and Tison led us in the ATO Prayer.

 

                                            Buck and Leapin'

We even had a surprise guest appearance of JOHN STEIN!  I was boxed in at the table and missed getting a picture of John, so we are using John's PR photo.  John, thanks for dropping in, so great to see you.  Next year is your big 5-0!

                                                                        John Stein

 

                                 Jan McGibbony, Frank & Mary Collins, Ann Simons

                                     Frank Biller, Gene Young, Doug Martin, Art Landry

                                    Jeanne Landry & Kathy Martin

                                            Van & Jane Sayler.  

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KEEPING TABS: 

Here is a reminder of the brothers and sisters we have lost.

CLAUDE CARR CODY, IV, died February 8, 2022.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol. 2022, No. 01

Obituary:  

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/claude-cody-obituary?id=32988710

 

DAVID W. HAINES, JR., died January 17, 2021.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2021, No.01

 

ROBERT LOUIS CROSSLEY, JR., died October 24, 2019.

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2021, No.03.

Obituary:   https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/knoxnews/name/robert-crossley-obituary?pid=194272149

 

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.

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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? 

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

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BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS:   As of October 30, 2022, there are 132 ATO’s on the blog email list, including 13 Brothers whose e-mail address is unknown, plus 19 ATO Gal-Pals.

VTL,

Larry Simons

Beta Pi, 72