Beta-Pi-Blog

Sunday, September 10, 2023

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

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

If you want the back story to this Revealing Adventure, ask Dick Stoner

pictures, links, Archives of previous issues, and other timewasters.

To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

* * *

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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!!

* * *

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^t^h, 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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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 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

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2023, No. 01 – 2023 Point Men

Kingsley Kaminer sent me this

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 timewasters.

To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

* * *

A RARE PICTURE

So, our wonderful Gal-Pal KINGSLEY KAMINER sent me this picture – of All Time Great Gal-Pal BECKY DENHAM. . . surrounded by all the young dudes!

Kingsley, thank you so much for sending me this awesome picture!

And Becky, what a great memory, you are the best! Much love to you both.

There are so many things that come to mind in this picture – so many things I decided not to write. I rely instead on my mother’s advice “If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything.” Somebody call the Florist!

Pictured to Becky's left is my Columbus, Ohio buddy RICK “BOO BOO” ZISKA! What a great guy…whose legacy was tarnished only by an exceedingly drunk FRANK BILLER - who hypnotized him into painting the E’s and their dates decked out in formal attire. Ah...the abilty to lead men to greatness... Rick, I say that from experience, Buck has had me in a state of continual hypnosis since we met in 1972.

And the one-and-only JACK “MUENCHIE” MUENCH, Southern wordsmith extraordinaire. Elbow proudly in the air!

My hat is off to my friend HERB LADLEY, who coached me in The Fight against my greatest best friend BUCK BILLER. Herb I remember you as always kind, always a gentleman, always generous with a smile - even though surrounded by raving heathens. I hope we will see you again soon! Love you bro.

And the great BOB “SMOOTY” SMOOT, of Yellow Car fame. I can still picture Bob, out-of-control, at the wheel of the Yellow Car!

I am realizing that in every great memory I have of

PIERCE “WIMP” HODNETTE, including our Clarksdale BYOG bash, Pierce always has a twinkle in his eye, which tells on his huge spirit. I love that about you Pierce, and miss you my friend.

GREATS, ONE AND ALL!

* * *

PRESENTING THE 2023 POINT MEN

We have two Classes of our guys converging on Vanderbilt Reunion this Fall, Class of 1973 (for their 50^th Reunion) and Class of 1978 (for their 45^th Reunion)!

JOHN STEIN has agreed to be POINT MAN, CLASS OF 73. There are “known greats” (guys on our radar) and unknown greats (guys who have evaded our radar). Here are the known greats, who might attend, if Boss persuades them: George Abernathy, Rob Anderson, Tim Cusack, George Joe, Mike McCarty, Mark Reed, Lance Reising and George Tomlinson. A truly stellar group of guys.

DICK STONER has agreed to be POINT MAN, CLASS OF 78. The known greats from this tribe include: Bob Balaka, Don Engleman, D.R. Flower, Jimmy Grissett, Chip Heartfield, Ed Oppenheimer, James Qualls, Don Scott and Sean Walsh. If Dick can light a fire under these guys, we hope to see them. I had the privilege of meeting these guys in 1977-1978, after my Army stint, I moved to Nashville in June 1977. And since Vinny Starr was still in Law School at Vanderbilt, I hung out with him at the ATO House, where I met these wonderful guys…and I also met Ed Oppenheimer, a man in a class all his own.

HERE IS OUR 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, and we have a new tradition started last year –

“Reading of the Names” – we pass 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 until all names are read. I had several guys tell me afterwards that this was very meaningful to them.

Friday evening – Class Parties, possibly followed by Big Tent All Class Bash (in 2022 VU cancelled the Big Tent Party, which sucked).

Saturday, November 4^t^h, 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.

As you may know, the Cabana, where we held our event for several years, went out of business. I am in consultations with John Stein, and we are looking at several restaurants in the area, for our new venue. Our priority is that it be close to campus, reasonably priced, good food and a bar.

* * *

BLOG ALL-POINTS-BULLETIN

GEORGE JOE wrote to inquire if anyone had heard from the following guys: Jim Fish, Hugh Hamilton, David McMillan and Dennis Fite. These guys are not on our radar.

George, thanks for alerting us to these guys. I hope we find them before your big 5-0.

IF ANYONE HAS A PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL FOR THESE GUYS, PLEASE send it to me, at lawrence.a.simons53@gmail.com.

I will make sure they get added to our roster.

* * *

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.

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 May 4, 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

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Beta Pi Blog, Vol.2022, No.04 – End of an Era

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 timewasters.

To get there, go to web address: http://beta-pi-blog.blogspot.com

* * *

END OF AN ERA

I’ve had a difficult time with this. Rotier’s Restaurant was not just any restaurant. You could get a burger and a beer anywhere. Rotiers was a place where you were made to feel "at home" - and not because of the atmosphere or decor. It was Rotier, and Mrs. Rotier, and Emmie, Margaret and Charlie, and Vinny's favorite waitress Erline. They made us feel at home. It was very special to me, as I know it was to you. Special during Vanderbilt, but also after.

My dad George Simons was down for a visit, Vinny and I took him to Rotier's.

In the years following Graduation, every so often Ann and I went to Rotier’s for lunch, and sometimes dinner, and it was always good to see Mrs. Rotier, Margaret, and Charlie. When Rotier’s closed several months ago, it was sad.

But last week I was driving on Elliston Place, and I noticed demolition had begun. It felt surreal.

But look on the bright side, right? With Rotier’s gone, it reveals the special character of Tower Von Zeppo! At least until the developers erect some new monstrosity. I have heard rumours of a giant high rise. What better place for a new steel & glass POS than right across the street from Centennial Park, and Vanderbilt?

The food at Rotier's was always excellent, there was no better cheese burger! Rotier's signature "Cheeseburger on French Bread." Mrs. Rotier made you feel like you were at home away from home. She always had a smile and kind words.

Then there were the Pinball Machines, and these were not your typical Pinball Games with flippers, bells and whistles. No, these machines dared you to rack up "points" - a combined total of which were displayed on a counter. You could wager more quarters on a game for better odds of lining up the colors. I remember playing Money Pins with Buck and Vinny, drinking beer. Vinny was obsessed with the Pins, and Buck was obsessed with the Beer. Rotier paid a nickle per point on the Pins (and at that time gambling was illegal in Tennessee). Vinny was, and still is Pins Master.

Rotier’s was on Elliston Place, and right behind it - on West End - was Emma’s Flowers, all gone.

I remember Rotier used to sit on his stool and work the Cash Register. There were no tickets, it was honor system, when you went to pay Rotier would say "What'd you have?" And he'd ring it up, on his Cash Register, the old kind with a bell. He trusted us.

With Rotier's torn down, it revealed on the wall of the adjacent building, a sign – from long ago – “Beer”. How much beer was consumed at Rotier's over the decades? No way to tell.

After hours, in the Campus area, you could buy Beer-to-go at Mickey's Pizza Plus, out of the back door; and from Rotier's, out of the front door. Rotier made no secret of it.

Here is where the entrance to Rotier’s used to be.

And here is the historic Parking Meter that Buck tripped over as he stumbled out of Rotier’s, drunk, carrying beer-to-go on the infamous Beer Run that landed him in Metro Jail for Public Drunkeness. The Cops were laying in wait. It was - in essence - like a "Speed Trap" - but it was a "drunk trap" - the Cops lay in wait for some unsuspecting Vandy Student, drunk out of his mind, to stumble out the front door of Rotier's. As fate had it, Buck stumbled out, collided with the Parking Meter, and BAM!!, Buck was placed under arrest. After he was shown his cell in Metro Jail - along with the other "usual suspects" - Buck used his one complimentary phone call to phone the ATO House, and Claude Cody answered. All for one, one for all. (See Beta Pi Blog, Vol. 2022, No. 01 – Claude Cody Tribute).

A recommendation has been made to the Tick-a-lor Historical Society to designate this Parking Meter as a Historic Monument, in honor of Rotier's,

and in honor of All-Time Great Frank J. "Buck" Biller.

For those of you experiencing the 5 stages of grief - as I am - over the loss of Rotier’s, Beta Pi Blog will be offering free Zoom Grief Counseling, with Dr. Vinny Boombatz Starr, PhD. (Doctor of Pins History).

* * *

OTHER THAN THAT

I had the pleasure recently of attending a Vanderbilt Basketball Game with Buck, it was big fun! The Dores clobbered Morehead State 76 - 43. As we were leaving, none other than JOHN “BOSS” STEIN appeared. Great to see Buck and Boss!

Query: How the heck does Boss look younger than Buck? Go figure?

* * *

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.

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

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BETA PI BLOG ROSTER STATS: As of December 7, 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