Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2023, No.02 – Vinny Remembers 1978

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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.

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VINNY REMEMBERS 1978

I don’t exactly get writer’s block.  There is plenty that inspires me to write.  But when it comes to our Blog, sometimes I get a little stuck, and not just because the blog has limitations (no profanity, no politics).  In years past, I have gotten inspiration from things you guys have sent me.  But it seems like ever since the pandemic, it has dropped off somewhat. I can't help but wonder - is it our aging, our "who gives a sh*t" attitude, or what?  So sometimes I struggle with what to write about.  

This go-round, I want to feature the Class of 1978, but I'm a little stuck.  Although I was here in Nashville at the time (I moved here permanently in 1977 after getting out of the Army) I did not hang out much at the House. 

Then, I got this idea!  In 1978 my fellow Stooge Steven Vinny Starr was a 3^rd year Vanderbilt Law School Student who virtually lived at the House, playing cards, eating food, playing cards ... playing cards was Vinny’s livelihood, and he took pleasure in mercilessly taking money from unsuspecting undergrads.  

So I am thinking, Vinny was there, surely he has memories, so I lobbied him to submit something, and much to my surprise it did not take 2 months – which is Vinny’s usual laid-back-procrastinator style – but only 2 days!  To my utter amazement, Vinny delivered!!  

Here is what Vinny sent, in words and pictures:

THE PINBALL MEMOIRS, 1978

By Steven B. Starr

                          Laura and Ed (note that Ed has wisely extended only his forefinger)

""In the spring of 1978, May, it was my third (and last) year of law school and the famous class of 1978 graduation year.  

                                                                    Don & Ed

                                                        Don's opinion of Ed

Both Don Scott & I had big papers to write for graduation - my 3rd year law thesis and Don had some big paper to write for some class.  We decided to work on them in my apartment at Oxford Place on 21st Avenue.  Over several days of studying and writing, we descended into a not very scholarly daily routine.  

                                                            Don the Vampire

The routine started in the morning where Don & I would head to the ATO house for breakfast.  After breakfast and maybe a few games of pinball (Fireball - where a pledge named Jamie something famously said "You ought not get on a horse you can't ride!") we would head on over to the computer center for a few games of Star Trek on the new computer system.  After that it was time to head back to the House for lunch and maybe some more pinball.  

ABBOTT & COSTELLO meet JOHNNY CARSON

 Then back to Oxford House around 3pm for the afternoon viewing of an Abbott & Costello movie (on every afternoon during that week).  Then maybe a nap and then to the ATO House for dinner.  Only after dinner and around 8pm did we venture back to the Oxford House to actually do some studying and writing, which lasted for a couple of hours with maybe a Johnny Carson show for a break.  Then sleep around 2am to 7am then back to ATO for breakfast and it started all over again.  This was the routine for 3 or 4 days, amidst nervous tension on whether we were going to graduate from our respective educational schools.  But we did....

THE MILLIONAIRE’S REPOSE

In April of 1978, again senior year for class of 1978, Ed Oppenheimer -- awash in ill-gotten gains from his father's threshing machine business headquartered in Panama -- decided to throw a decadent party at the ATO house.  He christened it "The Millionaires Repose" and fortunately invited all of us non-millionaire ATO's to attend.  It was labeled "Semi-Formal" and held outside on the front lawn of the ATO house.  

Ed hired classy bartenders from somewhere, they set up a bar on the front walk of the ATO house, and if I remember correctly, only Mint Juleps were served.  In addition, a table was set up serving only oysters on the half shell with sauce, and I can report it is the only time I have ever consumed a raw oyster.  The other distinguishing aspect of The Millionaires Repose was the music played through loudspeakers; it was "The Girl From Ipanema" played over and over.  I can still taste raw oyster whenever I hear that song....

ATO Graduation 1978

VINNY THE CARD SHARK

I did play a lot of Gin Rummy during the law school years.  My toughest opponent was Chuck Wharton and my most profitable opponent was of course Kurt Wagner (RIP).  There was a memorable event where Don Scott and I played in the ATO dining room for almost 24 hours straight (stopping only for the occasional meal and beer).  I don't remember who was the victor in that event, but it was epic...

One other notable event at the ATO house, which I believe also occurred in 1978, though it could have been 1977, was the lunch visit to our house of a very distinguished guest.  Vanderbilt was hosting some Forum event around campus, with lots of distinguished guests and the guests were invited for lunch at various fraternities and sororities during the day.  Ignominiously, for the reprobate ATO's, our guest was none other than the last (so far) awarded five star General of the Army, Omar N. Bradley.  I remember him sitting at the center of the U-shaped dining room table setup, in his wheelchair, surveying the room.  God only knows what he thought, but I will say, the ATO's were on their very best behavior, as they could occasionally achieve. 

Here are some other random pics Vinny sent:

        Don Scott's Wedding (just before this shot, Vinny told Ed his Bird Finger would be amputated if...)

             Ed and Anne Oppenheimer (only Ed would pose with his wife, and flip the Bird...classy)

                           Sharp-Dressed-Man Ed, with Harpo, Chester & Ralph in Black Tie

                                                    Buck & Ed

                                                    James Qualls with Burt Reynolds, and Ed

                                    Halloween Tales (second from left, Ed dressed as "Mr. Pouty")

                                        Dick Stoner, Chip Heartfield & Ezekiel V. Floose

Thanks to Vinny for this excellent epic tale, and wonderful pics.

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UPDATES FROM THE 2023 POINT MEN

So, we are roughly 60 days away… I hope you are listening…

 

JOHN STEIN, ILLUSTRIOUS POINT MAN, CLASS OF 73.  

John has reached out to the known greats of 73, and I am awaiting an update from John. . . this is how it went. . .

John tells me "...will shake the tree again..."

And a few days later . . . John reports: 

"In are George "Aber" Abernathy, Mike McCarty and Mark "Cheeks" Reed and George Joe." 

Awesome!!

                                                                                        George Joe

                                            The Face that Wrecked a Thousand Ships!

                                                            

Cheek-Un!

Mike McCarty, Winner- Best Dressed Man on the Planet!

As always, we are hoping to see Rob Anderson, Tim Cusack, Lance Reising and George "The Heme" Tomlinson. An event without The Heme is like a day without sunshine.

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DICK STONER, HIGHLY DECORATED POINT MAN, CLASS OF 78.  

Dick - The Human Work Horse - has been covered up with work, and is planning to reach out to his guys.  Here is how it went. . .

"Larry I'm covered up, I will get to it. . ."  - and, just in the nick of time . . .

Dick reports: that Stoner, James Qualls and SeanWalsh are confirmed to attend.

BOO-YAH!

Stoner

                         Qualls

Sean Walsh

Although the 78 boys have attended Reunions, in my memory they have never attended one of our ATO Reunion Cocktail Party & Dinner Events.  

One Reunion several years back, Qualls was in Nashville, and we saw him at the Big Tent Bash. He had. . . exactly . . .three words to say.  Qualls my Brother, we can arrange for you to have ChatGPT at the Bash, no worries! 

To the 78 guys:  your presence is requested at our Dinner Party Event.  

Looking forward to seeing Bob Balaka, Don "Funky" Engleman, D.R. Flower, Jimmy Grissett, Chip Heartfield, Ed Oppenheimer, and Don Scott.

Thanks to Dick Stoner and John Stein for helping out.  Bro's . . . the real work is ahead of us!!

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HERE IS OUR ATO REUNION AGENDA:

As is our tradition, the ATO events are being planned as follows: 

Friday afternoon, November 3^rd, 1:30 p.m. – meet at the House, we will caravan to visit Alex & Laura’s Graves.  We will remember Alex & Laura. This event was the brain child of Claude Cody, and he attended the very first one, which as fate would have it was shortly before he died.  I had several guys tell me afterwards that this was very, very meaningful to them. And we have added a new tradition started a few years back – “Reading of the Names” – we pass around a list of the names of all of our Brothers passed away, and each guy reads a name, and everyone has opportunity to speak about that Brother, then the list is passed, and so on.  Dudes, this is a deeply meaningful ceremony, be there.

Friday evening – Class Parties followed by Big Tent All Clash Bash.  God knows what Vanderbilt has planned, last year they canned the Big Tent Bash (reportedly because three-years-worth of Classes were in attendance - too many people?) which I thought was a bad call.

Saturday morning:  VU Brunch.  Prior to the pandemic, this used to be great food, served Caffeteria-style, one line, fill up your plate, another line for beverage - end of task - with tables where you could sit, eat, and talk.  Last year (again because of 3-years-worth of Classes) VU had these cheesy "Food Trucks" where you had to stand in long lines for each truck, and they dished out tiny portions...on tiny plates.  It took standing in 3 food truck lines to get a minimal-subsistence-amount of food, and ...wait for it...then YET ANOTHER line for a beverage.  It was a tiny experience.  (I can picture some Board Room style meeting where Vanderbilt Alumni Office LIFERS dreamed up this food-truck nightmare).  This time, before I purchase Tailgate Tickets, I plan to ask what the food plan is...politely, I promise to be on my best behavior.

Saturday, November 4^th, Homecoming Game.

Saturday evening following the Game – ATO Cocktail Party & Dinner.

Date:  November 4, 2023

Time:  approximately 7:00 pm, depending on Game time.

Place:  TO BE ANNOUNCED. 

 If you hadn't heard, Cabanna went under.  We are looking for a new venue, at several restaurants in the area.  Our priority is that it be close to campus, reasonably priced, good food and a bar.

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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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BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS:   As of September 10, 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