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 timewasters.
To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com
I ADMIT IT, I WAS WRONG
I once said that the destruction of Carmichael Towers, and the construction of Tower Von Zeppo, was bad in the extreme - the "Zeppo-calypse." This was meant somewhat humorously, but also a bit seriously.
I was wrong. The massive demolition on West End Avenue and construction of the new tower was nothing compared to the construction mess happening on campus now. All entrance roads into campus are closed, except to the hospital, and the Stadium is partially demolished.
To get in to the Stadium for the Homecoming Game, we were ushered in to a poorly ventilated mile-long tunnel that stretched through Memorial Gym. It literally took 15 minutes to get through the tunnel, a tunnel in which way too many of us were packed liked sardines. Extreme crowding, too many people - squeezed in to a very tight space. Many were complaining, but that is another story not worth telling.
But fear not . . . they have given us a Motto to ease the suffering: "DARE TO GROW." Wow!
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2023 REUNION!
Reunion was awesome, and we had deeply meaningful connections with the ATO's.
Frank Biller, Steve Starr, Ann Polk Simons and I had our traditional Dinner at Jimmy Kelly’s.
We visited Alex & Laura’s graves, present were MARK REED, FRANK BILLER, STEVEN STARR, LARRY SIMONS and GEORGE JOE.
It was a beautiful Autumn day, we remembered Alex & Laura, and then remembered all of the others deceased. George Joe honored me by asking me to read a Letter written by Claude Cody’s son, Carr. I later told George that we all aspire to raise our children grow up to be better than we are, that Claude set a high bar, and Claude raised Carr to be a good and thoughtful man, and that showed in his letter. We were all ver impressed. Here is the letter, printed with Carr’s permission.
Good afternoon Vanderbilt
ATO Class of 1973,
He also spoke highly not just of his friends, but his role as fraternity treasurer during his time. I think that this was pivotal in shaping his career in portfolio management in two ways. One, he always loved giving advice to anyone who would listen. And two, he was always very competitive with himself in making return on investment. As his son, I lost many an argument trying to convince him that my proposed money uses were worthwhile. And though an allowance would have been nice; I think I agree with his choices now for the most part.
I learned even then that my dad had a way with words. One fateful encounter was an incident of great vandalism committed against the rival SAE house. Dad insisted proudly that when interrogated by Dean Potter that he "could guarantee none of his brothers threw a brick through the window." Pause. In my dad's telling, a year later Dean Potter told my dad that he realized that he meant in his turn of phrase that He broke the window and he let it go out of begrudging admiration. True or false, I always want to imagine this story must have happened just like so.
It wasn't always easy being the son of an older father. There was a lot of distance between our experiences, formative and otherwise. There was so much I didn't know because so much transpired in the 42 years between his birth and mine. No matter how many times I thought I had felt something uniquely unfair, my Dad didn't seem to believe that anything was all that different between us. But the one thing he never failed to do was listen, no matter the time that was available. And share his thoughts. On days recently, starting my new job as a middle school vice principal, I think often about how much I miss being able to call and talk to him regularly.
It seemed that no matter how much time passed, he was always excited and picked up the phone. If not, it would be followed up soon or responded
with a two minute voicemail. In our family, we love sharing these thoughtful and polite attempts to explain how sad he was to miss our calls. To hear from me like it was the highlight
of his day. I hope he did this for you as well.
He cared so much for so many of you. Other than his children, many of you through the blog and other sources were those he cared for the most.
15 years ago I attended my Dad's 35th reunion and met many of you. To this point, most of the adults I saw my dad with were business partners, Boy Scout leaders and family. But with you he was always relaxed, smiling, and laughing. I always remember when he took me to the first bar and first fraternity house I ever walked inside just so I could see and experience this piece of him that you occupied.
My dad always had strong words to live by; to be a strong example for my siblings, to value honesty and integrity in all situations. That much was expected of me, and that he and my mother loved me so much. At times it could be tough for me, every child struggles to fit the notion of what they think their parents want. But from the endless photo albums from scouts, sports and trips, my Dad was there in every step and every season. He saw me compete, learn, grow and later on coach and teach my students in the ways I was taught.
It's been more than 20 months since he passed. I have thought often about his sayings, stories and lessons in these days. I lament that I can no longer call him up and talk for hours about everything under the sun. But he is still with me and all of you.
For my family and for your brotherhood. Remember the tall tales and big laughs, and the fun times. The crazy memories, and even the small moments that he spoke to you like time never passed. If you keep these stories alive, he can never be missed. His birthday was Wednesday, and my wife and I honor it by watching Casablanca. I worried that after years of hearing about it's greatness from my Dad that it would fall short of my expectations. And yet like many of my Dad's tales, it never disappoints.
Raise a glass to Claude Carr Cody by, one of you who always knew when to laugh, how to spin a yarn and never how to be anything other than himself. May you remember him this weekend. And when you share his fantastic stories, remember to never let truth get in the way!
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Friday evening were Class
Parties, which we did not attend. One 1973
Grad, who shall remain nameless, told me that at the Class Party “there were a lot of walkers.” Well, we sort of expect that at our age, yes?
Vanderbilt decided not to have the traditional “All Class Party”. You remember the great party under a big tent, with a superb live band, dancing, and excellent finger food and beverages. For me, it was the best part of Reunion. I asked my wise old friend Frank Biller… “Buck, why do you suppose they cancelled what had been the best party of Reunion Weekend?” Buck replied in one word: “Money.” And what do you suppose they gave us instead . . . ?
BLOCK PARTY!
Instead of the All Class Party with dancing and live music, Vanderbilt has given us
“Block Party”… a Friday afternoon celebration, with a DJ instead of a band, and . . . . Food Trucks. You pay $35 for a ticket, you get all you can eat micro-portions from various worthless Food Trucks, beverages, and you get to sit on the Alumni Lawn (because only a few tiny tables were set up), and best of all you get to listen to the superb selections of music played by the DJ. He didn't play much Hip Hop (which I love), instead he played what can only be called "New Age Electro Dung" music. I mean . . . WOW! We have Block Party now. . . who needs All Class Party? I was raised this way, I can't resist complaining.
I was suspicious about "Block Party", so I did not purchase a ticket, I have tried the Food Trucks before, and the music the DJ was playing was pathetic, but I will register my opinion: as I stood outside the fenced off area and observed it, I will say it was lame.
Buck and Larry with Aber
We ran into GEORGE ABERNATHY and GEORGE TOMLINSON at the Tailgate.
Buck, Heme, Aber, Vinny & Larry
ROTIER’S had a booth, it absolutely made my day, Cheeseburger on French Bread!!!
ANNUAL ATO DINNER
Our Annual ATO Dinner was held at Amerigo. It was a small but mighty turn out, JOHN & BETH STEIN, LARRY & ANN SIMONS, FRANK BILLER and STEVE STARR.
MIKE McCARTY - who had said he might attend - sent me a very nice email saying he could not attend, as we were all aware – it was all over the news – Mike was serving as an Expert Witness for the State of New York on Wednesday, in a very high profile civil fraud trial (perhaps the highest profile fraud trial in history) and his testimony went into Friday, which knocked out his Reunion attendance. Mike, we are all very, very proud of you, you are the best of us.
JOHN STEIN introduced me to a Beta Pi ATO from Class of 1998, ED SCHULTZ, of Hawaii. John introduced us via email, so I haven’t actually met Ed. John tells me Ed is connected to many guys from that era. Infusion of new blood, yes? Step aside geezers, make way for the next generation . . .Class of 98. Welcome, Ed.
I am listing your email,
eschultz@hawaiianhostgroup.com , there are two of our Brothers, Frank “Buck”
Biller fbiller1@msn.com , and Ken “Harpo” Linden ken.linden1@gmail.com , who spent many years in
Hawaii. I am not responsible if any of
their bad habits rub off on you, is my disclaimer.
John, thanks for introducing me to Ed Schultz, and thanks again for making our Annual Dinner a success.
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Last blog we started a new feature, the brain child of MATT HART. Here are two more installments of MATT HART’s “Phibes Philms”… this time Matt has provided captions. Enjoy.
PHIBES PHILMS
by Matthew J. Hart
VOL. 2 – Class of 74
Matthew Hart (Dr Phibes) with L.P. Hodnette III (Pierce,W,Wimp).This was outside Hemingway Hall on the way to Easter Sunday Mass, our one and only church visit in college. We were new ATO’s, one of 52 pledges that year.
Marc C. Darling (BIGGEE Rat, The Rat). Marc was also a Hemingway Hall guy. He stayed at VU for 2 years and finished up at U of Florida. He broke his leg playing intramural soccer just before shipwreck but came to the party anyway and broke it again in the pool. He then stayed away from the mayhem wearing only a flimsy robe while sitting on a makeshift throne on the stage…an epic performance.
Andrew Baird. A true athlete and scholar. Andrew was and still is a genuine Southern Gentleman. One of the great things about our pledge class was that we had such a fantastic mix of Southerners, Yankees, Jocks, Stoners, Straights. When we arrived for Sophomore year all of the older guys we had met bailed out and we outnumbered the juniors and seniors that were left. We would meet some of the Oldies at whale’s tails games but I don’t think there were any seniors at the ATO house that year.
Douglas Campbell (Fotch). When we first signed up, Cheeks Reed and Mike (Cleve) McCarty told us raise some money to fix up the front yard. So Doug and I organized a slave auction (1970’s version) at the Women’s Dorm. The idea was an ATO pledge would do whatever the top bidder wanted for 2 hours. When hardly anyone showed up Doug started calling around from the phone in the coat closet.., “Hey Herb, this is Doug Campbell from your pledge class at ATO. Why don’t you Fotch on Down to the ATO house for the Slave Auction?”. You can’t make this stuff up. The top bid at Branscomb was for Marc Darling, triple any other bid- that was about right.
Robert Smoot (Smooty, Smoot-Man). Smooty is one of the most even keel guys I’ve ever met. He just kept on plane, always there, never any drama. He looked like he was straight from Rolling Stone magazine but he was always a joy to be around.
VOL. 3 – Pledge Class
Here is the Class of 75 hard at work doing the lawn refurbishment project that the Class of 74 never got around to.
Frank (Buck) Biller and Earl Stover are featured in this sequence.
I had nothing to do with Rush, Cheeks Reed was in charge. These were all good
guys again with a great mix of athletes (Arms Aylward and Leapin’ Gene Young)
and n’er do wells.
These guys loved Whale’s Tales. Lucky for all of us The Three Stooges were formed which has become its own Dynasty. Larry (Bozo) Simons has done a fantastic job with this Blog, no doubt about it. I don’t know how Steve Starr (Vinny) got mixed up with these two hooligans but it somehow worked!
Bob (Arms) Aylward was a walk on to the VU basketball team and played on this very good team for 2 years. His junior year he broke his hand and retired. He had a big cast on his right forearm but was willing to play on the Intramural volleyball team for ATO. When he swung that cast and spiked the ball it was like a thunderbolt. We played against the hated Sigma Chi's and their chief douchebag, Scott Shaw, was incensed that we beat their frat-boy a*ses. He appealed to the IM Board that Arms shouldn’t be allowed to play because of that cast. If anyone else had brought the case they might have won the appeal but everyone hated Shaw so our victory stood.
Gene Young hit a softball in an intramural game in a night game against the Phi Kap's that I’ll never forget. When he hit it there was a puff of smoke/dust that just lingered over home plate while the ball rocketed over the outfielders. Neither of them moved as the ball launched into the darkness. We all just looked at one another in disbelief.
Next to Gene is George Welborne, class of 74. George was a swimmer and really looked forward to dinners after swim practice. D. Price was the house manager and once served hot dogs for lunch and bratwurst (pony p*ckers) for dinner. All of the swimmers, even George, were really p*ssed. They thought I had something to do with it so they mounted a pony p*cker on my car’s antenna. It remained there for months until it finally disintegrated.
Frank’s hair was always something.
For some reason he went to a stylist in the Springtime. It was not a good look for him and didn’t last.
I wish I had taken movies at The Fight but no such luck on that one.
Lots more to come , including Heaven Lee!
Thanks Matt, for the excellent Philms and hilarious yet historical Commentaries!
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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 December 9, 2023, 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
