FELÍZ NAVIDAD

Y PRÓSPERO AÑO NUEVO VOL. 50 DECEMBER 2016 NO. 4 CONTENTS President’s Message...... 1 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE Office Manager/Secretary’s Message...... 2 COMMITTEE FOR 2016-2018 Editor’s Corner...... 2 MR. MIKE COFFEY October Puzzle Answers...... 2 President September - Party on the Causeway pictures ...... 3 (813) 494-5007 October - South Picnic...... 5 November - Space Coast Picnic...... 6 MRS. SHIRLEY AVERY 1st Vice President Membership News...... 8 (813) 230-9052 Carnavalito 2017...... 9 Directions for Carnavalito, UF Smathers Library and PCS Picnic...... 10 MRS. KELLY PARTHENAIS 2017 Joint PCS, Friends of PC Museum and UF Meeting/Luncheon...... 11 2nd Vice President Annual Reunion Luncheon 2017...... 12 (727) 892-9994 Annual Reunion Cultural Seminar 2017...... 12 MS. KATHY MALIN Annual Reunion Scooter Rental Information 2017...... 13 Director Annual Reunion Pool Party with Shorty and Slim 2017...... 13 (904) 923-6039 Legislative Report, New Board Member, Synopsis of Executive Board Minutes...... 14 Your Reporter Says: MR. PATRICK SMITH Director ...... 15 La/...... 22 ...... 26 (813) 385-6708 FL Central...... 16 Midwest...... 23 ...... 27 FL Pensacola...... 17 ...... 24 ...... 29 MS. BRITTNEY WILDER FL Tampa...... 18 Northwest...... 25 Director (352) 566-7121 The Night Before Christmas...... 30 Congratulations...... 31 MR. RAYMOND HUSUM Weddings...... 32 Director-At-Large With Deep Sorrow...... 33 (864) 357-6220 The Twelve Days of Christmas on the Isthmus...... 35 Letters to the Editor...... 36 MR. TOM WILDER Past President Friends of the Canal Museum...... 38 (352) 566-7121 Announcements...... 40 Advertisements...... 42 MS. NOREEN HANSON Membership Application Form...... 49 Treasurer Panama Canal Society Merchandise Form...... 50, 52 (813) 777-2931 Associate Membership Application Form...... 51

MR. JAMES J. O’DONNELL Legislative Representative Cover: Boy in Montuno participates in the Parade of One Thousand Polleras in Las (727) 894-2478 Tablas, Panama. Photograph by Stuart G.R. Warner W.

MR. JAMES BEATTIE Sergeant-at-Arms THE SOCIETY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY 571-263-1559 SEASON ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 MR. RICHARD GRIMISON AND REOPEN ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017. Chaplain (321) 452-6246 DATES TO REMEMBER MR. LEE BENTLEY Bylaws Chairperson Feb 17-19 PCS Carnavalito, Double Tree Cocoa Beach Oceanside, 2080, N Atlantic (813) 831-4114 Ave, Cocoa Beach, Fla. 32931. Contact Richard Grimison at (321) 452- 6246 or [email protected] or call Bob and Frances Morrissey at (321) MR. BILL MCLAUGHLIN 639-9092. See page 9. Historian (352) 726-8804 Apr 1 PCS General Membership, Friends of Panama Canal Museum and UF Smathers Museum Collection Meeting/Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Contact MRS. CHERYL WILLIAMS Secretary/Office Manager Kathy Malin at (904) 923-6039. See page 11. (813) 949-6699 (Office) Apr 29 Space Coast Bunco XII, at the Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, MS. JACQUE (CROWELL) VOWELL Fla. Additional details will be published in the March Canal Record. Editor (386) 451-4779 (evenings) May 6 Oklahoma PCS Meeting at Norman, Okla. Contact Laura (Burns) Redemann at (918) 605-2334 or email [email protected]. MR. CHRIS WILDER Web Master Jul 5-9 Panama Canal Society Annual Reunion, Marriott World Center, (352) 207-6755 Orlando, Fla. Visit http://www.pancanalsociety.org/ to view yellow pages and register online or call (813) 949-6699. Panama Canal Society, Inc. (A Not-For-Profit Organization)

“To preserve American Ideals and Canal Zone Friendships” 19001 Sunlake Blvd., Lutz, Fla. 33558

The Canal Record (ISSN 0528-0001) is published quarterly in March, June, October, and December Periodicals postage paid at Largo, Florida, and additional entry for March, June, October and December issues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Canal Record, 19001 Sunlake Blvd., Lutz, Fla. 33558 The membership fee is $40.00 annually. The Annual Directory is published once a year. Panama Canal Society, Inc., reserves the right to refuse to print anything derogatory or of a controversial nature, including any advertising not in the best interests of the Panama Canal Society, whose sole aim is to Preserve American Ideals and Canal Zone Friendships. Single copies for sale at $7.00 each (postage is included) to members only. All photographs and correspondence sent to the Panama Canal Society, Inc., will become the property of the Society and will be retained in the Society files and archives. Panama Canal Society, Inc., assumes no responsibility for advertisements placed in the Canal Record.

Office phone: (813) 949-6699 Hours: Closed Monday, Tuesday thru Thursday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, 1:00-4:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web site: http://www.pancanalsociety.org/

PRESIDENT’S Meeting there on April 1st. I hope you will make plans to attend. MESSAGE As I hope you are all aware, we are in the process of building a new database that will modernize our technology Seasons Greetings Members! I and allow us to better serve our membership. I use the term hope you are enjoying all this season has “we” loosely, as James Beattie (BHS ’92), has dedicated to offer along with good times with HUNDREDS of volunteer hours to making this project a real- friends and family. ity. James and our wonderful Office Manager, Cheryl I recently attended the South Williams, have been working diligently to prepare this tech- Florida Picnic in Coconut Creek, and I Mike Coffey nology for 2017 membership renewals and reunion registra- was very impressed with how this event tion. Testing of the new system should be completed by is growing. A big THANK YOU to Scott Parker for once December 1st, and we are expected to be “LIVE” once again being the driving force in pulling this event together, reunion registration opens. Thank you, James and Cheryl! and also for all the great food. Scotty cooked up wontons, Our new database will allow us to improve how we serve fried yucca, patacones, cariminolas, and much more. I count- and communicate with our membership. As we make this ed three different arroz con pollo dishes as members brought important transition, and to improve the overall efficiency in in a tremendous buffet that was enjoyed by all. There was our office, the board recently decided to hire Betty LeDoux lots of great food, beverages, and laughs enjoyed by all. My in a part-time support role. Betty has served our Society in thanks to Scotty and everyone that came together to make this many roles, including being the President (four years), and is a great event. intimately familiar with the ongoing management of the I am happy to announce that, based on member requests office. We are very excited to have Betty in this role and and feedback, the board approved sponsorship of one of the know that she will help make this a smooth transition. Betty display cases to be housed in the Panama Canal Corridor will continue in her role as our Hotel Reservations Gallery in the Panama Canal Museum at the University of Chairperson, and I expect this new role will only enhance our Florida. This sponsorship will allow the museum to better hotel booking experience. display the Panama Canal Collection and make it more inter- In closing, I want to thank you all for your membership active for visitors. At this time there remains only one more and for supporting our Society. From my family to yours, I case for sponsorship, so get your friends or classmates togeth- wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New er to take part in contributing to this permanent legacy! The Year! entire Corridor Gallery is expected to be open in April 2017, quite possibly at the same time as our Annual Membership Mike Coffey, President IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE, CONSIDER GIVING A PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP!

1 OFFICE MANAGER / I would like to welcome Vicki Sizemore (BHS’70) as the area reporter in Panama to the Canal Record family. Welcome SECRETARY’S aboard! Society members submitting news can contact Vicki MESSAGE at (011) 507-315-0806 or [email protected]. I would like to thank Laura Kosik, Ed Ohman and It has been a wonderful year here Cheryl Williams and Rae Donaldson for submitting pictures at the Panama Canal Society Office. from the September Causeway party. Noreen Hanson did a We are looking forward to 2017 when fantastic job as chairman for the event! A big THANK YOU we will be celebrating the Panama goes to Jody Davies, Nancy Van Siclen, Cheryl Williams Canal Society’s 85th anniversary! We and Rae Donaldson for their help with proofing the Canal have many events scheduled for 2017 Record. I appreciated each of you so much! Please remember the area reporters are in place to help Cheryl Williams and if you are in the Florida area, we invite you to join us. you to share your news and photos in the Canal Record. You I wish each and every one of you a wonderful holiday sea- can find a listing for all the area reporters at the top of the son and good health and happiness throughout the New Year. “Your Reporters Says” page. Call them - you’ll be glad you If you are looking for the perfect gift for your special some- did! If you are unsure whom to use for your area reporter, call one, the gift of Panama Canal Society Membership is a won- me and I will have an area reporter contact you. derful solution! The deadlines for the Record for 2017 are listed on the inside back cover of each issue. My apologies to Kelly Dues renewals are as follows: Fenton for an error on her phone number on her ad in the *Renewing current MEMBERSHIP is $40.00 October issue. Please support our advertisers! *Renewing current ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP is $50.00 As always, if I can help you in any way, I am only one *Renewing an EXPIRED MEMBERSHIP is $50.00 phone call, or email away. Happy Holidays to you all! See *Renewing an EXPIRED ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP is $60.00 you at Carnavalito in February 2017! The answers for the *GOVERNOR’S CLUB (Five-year Membership) is $200.00 October Puzzle is listed below. New Memberships DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING *NEW MEMBERSHIP is $50.00 (one-time $10.00 fee) ADS, ARTICLES, NEWS OR PHOTOS FOR EACH *NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP is $60.00 (one-time CANAL RECORD $10.00 fee) MARCH 2017 Canal Record - Deadline January 7, 2017 JUNE 2017 Canal Record - Deadline April 1, 2017 ALERT: This year if you are renewing your membership OCTOBER 2017 Canal Record - Deadline August 5, 2017 with a foreign address you must add the additional $35.00 DECEMBER 2017 Canal Record - Deadline October 7, 2017 foreign postage fee for each year you renewing. Jacque (Crowell) Vowell, Editor Evenings: (386) 451-4779 THE SOCIETY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED Email: [email protected] FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 AND REOPEN ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017.

Cheryl Williams, Secretary (813) 949-6699 Email: [email protected]

EDITOR’S CORNER

The Area Reporters and I wish the membership an adventuresome, exciting, and healthy 2017! We want to thank you each of you for sending in your articles and pic- Jacque (Crowell) tures to publish in the Canal Vowell Record. 2 SEPTEMBER - PARTY ON THE CAUSEWAY!

Margaret Kurst and Sheri (Alexaitis) Kimball

Rae Donaldson, Tina (Cartotto) Ressa, and Darleen (Woodruff) Hunt.

Randy Rios, Brenda Furlong and Rupert Turner

Lori and John Disharoon, Jerry Ridge and Rebecca Ridge Seymour.

Jacque Vowell and Eddie Overstreet

Leni Stokes and Nancy Smith SueAnn Ballain, ? , Ann McAvoy, and Mary Geraci

Chris Welch and Linda Smith Badger Susie Burke and Jeannine Carlin Miller. 3 SEPTEMBER - PARTY ON THE CAUSEWAY!

Carol Tyson and Walter Herrera Linda Smith Badger, Scott Parker and Jeannine Carlin Miller.

Joan (Ridge) McCoy and Dusti Ridge

Joe and Darleen Hunt

Mike Smith, Debbie Smith and Ralph Furlong Pat Williams, Tom Hanna and Elaine Vestal Lewis

Joanne (Hunt) Armstrong, Kelly Hunt and Darleen Hunt Mike Young and Frank Anderson 4 OCTOBER - SOUTH FLORIDA PANAZONIAN PICNIC

L-R: Mike Coffey, Noreen Hanson, Kenny Morris, Cheryl Williams.

Red Pattison and Jean Medinger

Bebe (Nehring) DeNike and Jiame Rheberg

Tom Pattison, Mike Young, Bebe (Nehring) DeNike, Linda Pattison.

Noreen Hanson and Bebe (Nehring) DeNike

Glorie (Burgoon) Wright, Jean Medinger, Kathleen Kim Hetrick, Scott Parker and Cheri (Cofer) Askew Pattison. 5 NOVEMBER - SPACE COAST PICNIC

Front: Fran Morrissey, Tom Grimison, Dusti Ridge, Janice Scott, Mary Coffey, Shawn Coffey, Wanda Ewall, Pam Reid. Second row: Mike Coffey, William Grimison, Rae Donaldson, Joanie (Ridge) McCoy. Third row: Bob Morrissey, Sue and Terry Deakins, Jacque Vowell, Cody Hollowell, Samanatha Grimison, Richard Grimison, Christina (Grimison) Volonnio, Diana (Huff) Grimison, Peggy Huff, Kelly Jeffries, Bebe (Nehring) DeNike, Mary Claire Pascavage , Shirley Avery, Michael Paul Rivera, David Rivera. Back row: Bill Benny, Robert Forsythe, Doug Crook, Earl McMillin, Kathy Malin, Matt Grimison, Dave Wachtell, Dennis Huff, Dawn (Sutherland) Jones, David McArthur, Sherri and Jim Bradley, Ruth (McArthur) Coffman, Connie and Tom Stoakley.

Wanda Ewell, Pam (Scott) and Jim Reid, Peggy (Hale) and Dennis Huff. Richard Grimison and Mike Coffey

Terry and Sue Deakins Earl and Nancy McMillin 6 NOVEMBER - SPACE COAST PICNIC

Robert Forsythe and Edna Wilkinson

Mary Coffey, Shawn and Mike Coffey

L-R: Christina (Grimison) Volonnio, Tom Grimison, Richard and Dianna Gimison and Samantha Grimison.

Connie and Tom Stoakley

THE SOCIETY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016

AND REOPEN ON Class BHS‘83 - Front: Shirley Avery, Mary Claire THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017. Pascavage, Ruth McArthur Coffman, Dawn Sutherland Jones, David Rivera. Back: Jim Bradley, David McArthur. 7 MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Greetings to all Members,

I would like to start this letter by thanking everyone who has renewed their membership and helped to encourage oth- ers to join the Society this year. For the second time in five years, we have seen a small increase in our membership renew- al. Earlier this year, we saw and experienced a significant drop in membership due to many members waiting until just before the reunion to renew their membership. The Society depends upon annual dues to maintain our staff, our office and the printing and postage of the Canal Record. We are encouraging everyone to renew your membership before the dead- line of December 31, 2016. The Society can only exist as long as we have members paying their dues. This year we changed things up at the reunion as far as the dances and other activities, but from the Executive Board’s perspective, we think overall everything went very well. We had a great turnout for the golf tournament, we combined both dances on Friday night and saw a lot more people there dancing the night away, and as always, the pool party was great! We had a great turnout at our Annual Membership meeting! The Annual meeting gives you a firsthand view of what is going on with the Society, who is on the Board, and most important, an opportunity to voice your opinion and new ideas to the Board and the membership. The general membership meetings are listed with dates, locations and times in the Canal Record under “Dates to Remember.” We also changed our venue from Ricks on River to the Bay Shore Hotel on the bay at the causeway. The turnout was good, the crowd was diverse, and the night was beautiful. I received feed- back that several people did not show because they were thrown off by the possibility of having to book a room. Hotel rooms were made available for those members who wanted to stay and enjoy the evening. I feel this was a significant step and place for us to build on for future events to bring more people from the St. Petersburg area involved. The only thing lacking - we could have used some good music. Although I was not able to attend the PanaZonian Picnic in Coconut Creek, Fla., I understand we had a Chris Welch, Jim Parthenais, Ann McAvoy and fabulous turnout. This event gave us an opportunity to pitch new Mary Geraci partying on the Causeway. membership and renewals to a new demographic. We also have our annual Space Coast picnic on November 5th and are hoping to achieve the same results. Our Christmas Luncheon will be held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club on December 10th, and I hope to see you there. Don’t forget to join us to celebrate Carnavalito on February 17-19 at the Doubletree. See page 9 for more information. Wonderful new things are happening and taking place in the Panama Canal Museum at the University of Florida! The Board recently approved the purchase of a new display case to house some of our hidden treasures. The new display cases will bring life to all of our other pieces being exhibited in the museum. On April 1, 2017, the corridor in the museum will be open to present the new display cases and exhibit many of the Panama and Zonian items for all to enjoy. Please join us for the second joint meeting and luncheon of the Society, Friends of the Museum and U.F. on April 1st. See page 8 in this issue for more information. The easiest way to keep your membership current (and not to worry about deadlines) would be to join the Governor’s Club. This year we saw a significant increase of new Governor members. The Governor’s Club is a five-year membership that costs the same annually as a regular membership, but you only need to write one check every five years. You can pay $40 for one year, or $200 for five years. In joining the Club, you receive a special gift from the Society, and you will only be invoiced once every five years to renew your membership. We started the Club in 2010, and it has been steadily grow- ing. This is an excellent way to ensure you have NO MORE LATE FEES!!! Together we can keep our Society going for many years to come! All the information needed to renew or join the Society can be found in the back pages of each issue of the Canal Record or by logging on to our current website at www.pancanalsociety.org. Join the Panama Canal Society on and LinkedIN!

Patrick Smith, Chairperson Membership Committee CARNAVALITO - FEBRUARY 17-19, 2017 SEE PAGE 9 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

8 CARNAVALITO ‑ FEBRUARY 17‑19, 2017

THE SPACE COAST GROUP WILL HOST THEIR LEGENDARY PRE‑CARNAVALITO PARTY ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017 STARTING AT 4:00 P.M. BEER, WINE, SODA AND FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED UNTIL IT RUNS OUT. PLEASE BRING A DISH TO SHARE.

DINNER/DANCE: Spend the weekend with friends and neighbors to cel- ebrate Carnavalito at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront. On February 18, 2017, everyone is invited to an evening of fun, food, and dancing. Frances (Lindh) Morrissey (BHS’62), who played at the Continental Hotel in Panama and, through the years, was influenced by Lucho, and his style, will provide the music. Dinner/dance registration will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Ball Room. A cash bar will begin at 6:00 p.m., with a short meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. followed by dinner and danc- ing.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Standard room rate is $146.00 plus tax per night. Most rooms at the hotel in Cocoa Beach feature Atlantic Ocean views, private balconies, microwaves, refrigerators, complimentary WiFi. To make reservations, you must call the DoubleTree by Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront directly at (321) 783-9222. The hotel is located at 2080 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida, 32931. Identify yourself as “Panama Canal Society”. Parking is complimentary for our guests. See page 7 for map and directions.

REMEMBER, rooms are limited so make your reservations early. The hotel cutoff date will be JANUARY 17, 2017 at our special rate. Check-In: 4:00 p.m. - Check-Out: 12:00 p.m.

COST: $40.00 inclusive per person which includes a plated dinner and entertainment. Dinner consists of: Garden Green Salad (Shredded Carrots, Spinach, Sliced Radishes, Seedless Cucumbers and Tomatoes with Balsamic Vinaigrette or Ranch); Choice of one entree: Petite Medallions of Beef with Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions in Red Wine DemiGlaze. Broiled Teriyaki Chicken Breast topped with Pineapple Salsa and Sesame Glaze. Vegetarian Option is Roasted Vegetables and Pasta topped with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables in a Red Pepper Sauce; and Dessert ( Style Cheesecake topped with Berry Compote). All entrees will be served with Chef Selection of Starch and Seasonal Vegetable or Breadbaskets and Butter, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea and Water.

THE DEADLINE TO SEND IN YOUR CARNAVALITO REGISTRATION FORM IS FEBRUARY 10, 2017 TO: PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC., 19001 SUNLAKE BLVD., LUTZ, FLA. 33558

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact Richard Grimison at (321) 452-6246 or [email protected] or Bob and Frances Morrissey at (321) 639-9092.

PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY celebrates CARNAVALITO 2017 REGISTRATION FORM DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 10, 2017

MEMBER NAME ______TELEPHONE NUMBER ______

PLEASE MAKE ______RESERVATIONS AT $40.00 PER PERSON TOTAL ENCLOSED $ ______

PLEASE INDICATE MEAL PREFERENCE(S): Petite Broiled NAMES OF GUESTS (Please Print) Medallions of Teriyaki Vegetarian Beef Chicken Breast Option 1. ______

2. ______

3. ______

4. ______

Make checks payable to Panama Canal Society, Inc. and mail to: PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC., 19001 SUNLAKE BLVD., LUTZ, FLA. 33558 9 CARNAVALITO - DoubleTree by Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront From Orlando Airport: Beachline Expressway (SR 528) East approx. 45 miles. Beachline turns south near Port Canaveral and becomes A1A. Take A1A south about 5 miles. Hotel will be on the left. From the South: Take I-95 to Exit #201 (SR 520). Head East approx. 15 miles to A1A (North Atlantic Ave.) Cocoa Beach. Turn right on A1A South approx. 1 mile. Hotel will be on the left. From the North: I-95 to Exit #205, The Beachline Expressway (SR 528), then East approx. 15 miles. Beachline becomes A1A (North Atlantic Ave.), then South 5 miles. Hotel will be on the left.

Directions - UF SMATHERS LIBRARY To reach Smathers Library, use the Gainesville exit for Newberry/University and turn right (East) toward the University. You will be at about 70th Street on Newberry Road. As you drive east, at about 55th Street you will pass a large green overhead sign for 8th Avenue (left lanes) and Newberry or University (right lanes). Stay in the right lanes. Just before 34th Street, the lanes divide and you need to stay on Newberry (left lane). At 34th Street, Newberry becomes University Avenue. As you continue east, you will pass the stadium on your right (about 20th Street). There is a light at 17th Street (left side) and Buckman (University side).

There is a large brick sign in front of Library West (1545 University Ave.) saying George A Smathers Libraries, University of Florida. Smathers Library does not face University Avenue but is at the end of the colonnade that connects Library West and Smathers Library. Parking is free on Saturday.

SAVE THE DATE - Space Coast Bunco XII, a fund raiser for the Panama Canal Museum at the University of Florida, will be held on April 29, 2017, at the Veterans Memorial Center on Merritt Island, Fla. Additional details will be published in the March issue of the Canal Record.

10 UF SMATHERS MUSEUM LUNCHEON - APRIL 1, 2017

Join us for our second combined Panama Canal Society General Membership, Friends of the Panama Canal Museum and UF Smathers Museum Collection Meeting and Luncheon on April 1, 2017 in the Smathers Library, located at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla. Social time begins at 11:30 a.m. The Luncheon and General Membership meeting will start at 12:00 p.m. Cost of the luncheon is $27.00 per person. A Buffet will be provided consisting of Arroz con Pollo, Johnny Mazetti, Baked Plantains, Green Beans, Salad, and Dessert. Beverages include tea, coffee, and water. There will be a brief PCS general membership meeting followed by a special presentation from the U.F. Museum. The luncheon will be served at the Smathers Library in room 100. Make your reservation early! Maximum seats available 100. Free parking is available on Saturday at U.F. DEADLINE for reservations and/or refunds is March 23, 2017.

For more information - contact Kathy Malin at (904) 923-6039.

The new PANAMA CANAL GALLERY opens April 1st!

PCS General Membership, Friends of the Panama Canal Museum and UF Smathers Museum Collection Meeting and Luncheon - April 1, 2017

Member Name: ______Telephone Number:______Please make ______reservation(s) at $27.00 per person. Total $ enclosed ______.

DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS AND/OR REFUNDS IS MARCH 23, 2017

Names of guests (Please print) 1. ______4. ______

2. ______5. ______

3. ______6. ______For Special Seating requests: ______

Please make checks payable to the PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC. Mail to: Panama Canal Society, Inc., 19001 Sunlake Blvd., Lutz, Fla. 33558

11 PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY 2017 REUNION

ANNUAL LUNCHEON JULY 8, 2017

The Panama Canal Society is honored to have Mr. William Friar as our guest speaker at the 2017 Panama Canal Society Reunion Annual Luncheon in Orlando, Fla. Bill grew up near the banks of the Panama Canal. Though an American citizen, Bill has lived most of his life overseas. Besides Panama, he has called Denmark, , and the United Kingdom home, and he spends as much time as possible traveling around the world.

He has written three Panama-related books: the guidebook Moon Handbooks: Panama (now in its fourth edition); an ecotourist guide, Adventures in Nature: Panama; and a photo-essay book, Portrait of the Panama Canal (a new edition of the Portrait book is coming out at the end of 2016 will include all new photos, including the third locks project from start to finish. He also writes about England, San Francisco, and various bits of South America. Mr. William Friar Bill began his writing career as a stringer for the metro desk of The New York Times, where he found that covering stabbings, shootings, blizzards, and hockey parades was surprisingly good training for travel writing. He has also worked as a rock-music critic, technology-news editor, human biology instructor, writing coach, fundraiser for a medical foundation and a university, software-manual author, and reporter for three daily newspa- pers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Bill’s work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Republic, Neuen Zürcher Zeitung, San Jose Mercury News, Orange County Register, Houston Chronicle, Budget Travel, and other publications.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University, Bill also holds a Stanford MA in English and American literature and an MS in journalism from Columbia University. He lives in the UK with his wife, Karen.

2017 ANNUAL REUNION CULTURAL SEMINAR

"Panama’s Folkloric Dance Culture: Origins of the Dances and Music"

The Panama Canal Society is honored to have the Panama Dance Group Sentimiento Panameno as our guest speakers at the 2017 PCS Reunion Cultural Seminar on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Grand Ballroom 8.

The Panama Dance Group Sentimiento Panama has had a wonderful relationship with the Panama Canal Society for many years performing at our reunions and functions and has offered to give our members the inside look of the origins and history behind Panama’s Folkloric Dances and the music behind the dances. In 2016, you learned about the polleras and other costumes of Panama’s Folk Culture and now you can learn about the different dances and music.

The origins and meaning behind folkloric dances from various regions including: Diablos, Diablos Sucios (Los Santos), Diablos de Espejos (Colon), Diablos de Chorrera (La Chorrera), Los Santos, Colon, Darien, Murgas, and Tunas. The origin and evolution of the folkloric music and the musical instruments: The Accordion, Tambor Repicador/Pujado, La Caja and Violin.

12 FLORIDA MOBILITY RENTALS

Website: WWW.FLORIDAMOBILITYRENTALS.COM Phone number: (321) 558-7039

The price list for scooter rentals from 1 through 7 days for the reunion is list- ed below. The rentals are more cost effective the longer the rental period. A 10% discount has been applied to each order for our members. There is a minimum rental charge on each scooter, this covers the person for up to 3 days, and is the same price for 1, 2 or 3 days. After 7 days, all further days drop down to $10 per day, less discount and with tax will be $9.59 per day. All optional extras will have a 10% discount also.

The optional extras are: 1. Optional accidental damage insurance - $29.95 for the whole rental. 2. Add a Cane Holder, Walker Holder, Crutch Holder, 02 Cylinder Holder, or an Extra Basket for the back of the scooter - $15 each for ZONIE SAYS the whole whole rental and each scooter can take only one extra option. “RENT YOUR SCOOTER EARLY!” 3. Sun Canopies, these are limited and are on a first come first served basis - $25 for the whole rental.

PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY IS PLEASED TO PRESENT

AT THE 9TH ANNUAL POOL PARTY ON SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2017 FROM 1P.M. ‘TIL 5P.M.

YOU MUST BE A CURRENT PCS MEMBER, MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE REUNION AND PRESENT YOUR REUNION NAME BADGE AND PHOTO ID TO OBTAIN THE PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY POOL PARTY WRIST BAND TO PARTICIPATE

YOU MUST WEAR THE WRISTBAND TO TAKE PART IN THE POOL PARTY!

COME AND JOIN US POOLSIDE FOR A FUN FILLED AFTERNOON WITH SHORTY&SLIM!

13 LEGISLATIVE REPORT Talk among members of of-living must be reviewed, along with all federal retiree Congress and Labor leaders is benefits. Social Security will go bankrupt if action is not about the National Debt. It now taken now. Society members, I urge you to find out what stands over $17 trillion and grow- your congressional representative is doing towards protect- ing. Several Congressional ing your present benefits. Representatives are speaking out Some interesting facts that may be of interest; Retirees on ways to reduce spending. are classified as middle-class, and they represent 49.1% of Federal employee’s benefits will the total retirees. The lower group consisted of 32%. The be high on the list to be reviewed. upper group which represents 18.9%. More than a dozen Congressional Labor unions are of the opinion that the middle class is Representatives are suggesting slowly sinking to the lowest earning group. Between 2009 James J. O’Donnell reducing benefits, and others are and 2014, the upper class gained the most. They grew by for increasing benefits. The cost of the federal retirement 8.1% while the middle class shrunk by 3.5% into the lowest system and the expansion of Medicaid are two of the income working class. The rich are getting richer, and the biggest worries. middle class is not doing as well. The lower class grew a One particular Florida Senator has a plan to raise retire- modest 1.1%. The unions view themselves as losing ground ment age which would amount to a cut for the future Social as far as pay is concerned. Security recipients, and he supported budgets that included Write to your Congressional representative and ask a reduction in future Medicare spending. The Senator him or her what is their plan to protect federal employ- believes that this Social Security change would not affect ees. current employees. The term Grandfathering is used to pro- James J. O’Donnell, Legislative Representative tect existing employees. The Senator believes that a cost-

WELCOME THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.

My name is James Beattie and I’m honored to be serving as the Sergeant of Arms on the Society Board. I was born in Savannah, GA in 1974 and moved to the Canal Zone in 1975. My father, Preston Beattie, was a dentist and my mother, Susan Beattie, worked for the DODDS school system. I have a sister, Sarah, who is exactly three years younger than me. I spent most of my childhood growing up on Ancon hill where the best mangos can be found. Some of my fondest memories consist of play- ing sports, dry season, the Causeway, fishing, and the deep-rooted friendships that could only be established in a place like the Canal Zone.

I graduated from Balboa High School in 1992, attended PCC college for one year, and went on to study statistics at North Carolina State University. Following college, I moved to the , DC area where I resided for nearly 15 years. My career has focused primarily on data analysis, appli- James Beattie cation development, and computer programming.

I’ve been married to Katherine Williams Beattie (BHS ’97) since 2008. We have two boys, Bryce (age 7) and Blake (age 6). We’ve called the Tampa, Fla. area home for the past 5 years. I’m a proud Zonian and looking forward to preserving the roots and traditions of the Canal Zone for many years to come.

Synopsis of Minutes (Executive Board Meetings / IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR General Membership Meeting THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE, CONSIDER PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY GIVING A PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES MEMBERSHIP! September 17, 2016 Bay Harbor Hotel, Tampa Fla. 336047 LET US KNOW IT’S A GIFT AND WE Actions taken: WILL SEND THE RECIPIENT A CARD * Approved the approve the August 20, 2016 minutes LETTING THEM KNOW YOU HAVE Executive Board minutes. GIFTED THEM A PANAMA CANAL * Approved expenditures from August 21 - September 16. SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP FOR 2017!

14 YOUR REPORTER SAYS

ARIZONA FLORIDA Space Coast NORTHWEST Diane French (623) 546-8624 Janice Scott (321) 783-4316 Jim & Clover Duffus (541) 490-1682 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ARKANSAS FLORIDA Tallahassee OKLAHOMA Lynn Harp (479) 271-8055 Skip Rowley (850) 422-2151 Laura Burns Redemann (918) 605-2334 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

CALIFORNIA FLORIDA Tampa Bay Area PANAMA Joanie Ridge McCoy (916) 759-5962 Laura Kosik (727) 906-7015 Vicki Sizemore (011) 507-315-0806 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

EUROPE SOUTH CAROLINA MaryLou Pascavage (49) (0) 170-965-2556 Carol (Tyson) Call (678) 910-8548 George Garcia (864) 801-2072 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

FLORIDA Central / MISSISSIPPI TEXAS Debby Beall Bandy (386) 334-8773 Patt Foster Roberson (225) 774-7761 Linda Morris (972) 398-9744 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

FLORIDA Emerald Coast MIDWEST Edwin Armbruster (850) 897-1330 Estela Hammond (630) 355-1011 Rick Howe (856) 905-9260 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

FLORIDA Pensacola NORTH CAROLINA Barbara Vose-Kulig (850) 474-6341 Patricia Hunt (828) 696-3995 [email protected] [email protected] CALIFORNIA We had a great time and wanted to thank all of the PCS staff and volunteers for putting on such a fun Zonian party! Dusti’s From our home to yours, here’s birthday celebration was very special as she has Stage 4 ovar- wishing our entire Zonian/Panamanian ian cancer, which she has been courageously battling for six family across the world a very Merry years. She is determined to make it to her daughter and fam- Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and ily’s home in Columbus, for Christmas! Adventurous 2017!!! Dusti was elated when she saw the amazingly beautiful After attending the PCS reunion white Mola cake with guava made by Cheryl (Allen) in Orlando this past summer, I sure Williams (BHS’75). The cake was delicious! We even Joanie (Ridge) didn’t think I would be back in Florida so shared with the hotel staff. Thank you, Cheryl! McCoy soon after that. In September, my twin brother, Jerry Ridge (BHS’74), sister, Rebecca (Ridge) Seymour (BHS’73) and cousins, Tina (Cartotto) Ressa (BHS’68) and Steve Cartotto (BHS’70) flew to Tampa to attend the Causeway Party at the Bay Harbor Hotel in Tampa, Fla. We wanted to celebrate my sister, Dusti Ridge, 65th birthday among our Zonian family and friends.

Dusti Ridge blowing out her candles on the mola cake!

After spending several days in Tampa with family and many friends, the Ridges drove up to Gainesville and Archer so Dusti could visit a long time friend of hers. Then, it was off to Sunset Beach on Treasure Island for a couple of relaxing Tina (Cartotto) Ressa, Rebecca (Ridge) Seymour, Joanie days on the beach. Dusti told me it was one of the best vaca- (Ridge) McCoy, Steve Cartotto, Dusti Ridge, Jerry Ridge. tions she could remember. 15 While in Tampa, my dear friend and classmate, Carol FLORIDA (Tyson) Call (BHS’75) and I had a wonderful visit with another classmate, Mary Jo (Yennie) Cillian at Caddy’s on CENTRAL FLORIDA the Beach, also on Treasure Island in nearby St. Pete.

If the adage, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” is true, I must be having a ball! The pace at which the mornings arrive is astounding. But, it reminds me that I am having fun, and that my future is surely shorter than my past. I’m not maudlin, just observant, being made fully aware Debby Beall Bandy that the Romans had it right with their adage, “Tempus fugit.” Before 2008, long before, I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish in my life. In January of 2008, my list, and likely yours, earned a name – Bucket List. That phrase was actually coined by the screenplay writer for the movie, so before then, I just called mine “my life list.” I wish I had been as creative as he was. But since the phrase has entered our zeitgeist, near- Mary Jo (Yennie) Cillian, Joanie (Ridge) McCoy and ly all of us admit to having a bucket list of our own. Carol (Tyson) Call. I mention this because two items have been crossed off mine since last I filled this space in the Record. In March, I On the way back to Dusti’s home in Lauderdale Lakes, we went to Cuba and in August I flew in an aerobatic plane. That enjoyed lunch and a wonderful visit with our cousin, leaves only one aviation-related item remaining – to soar in a Maureen (Carey) Domenech (BHS’73) at her home in glider. Why the hell would I want to fly in an aircraft without Riverton. We got to meet her daughter-in-law, Amy, and two an engine? Because I can, and God willing, I will. I want to of her handsome grandsons, Taylor and Jonah. fly in silence, so either I go deaf or I soar. I opt for the latter. How’s your list looking? If you don’t have one, start one. The satisfaction achieved by doing something you’ve always dreamed of doing is exhilarating. It doesn’t need to be life- threatening, daring or expensive. The only qualification to be on your list is that it be something you want to do in your life. Period.

Joanie McCoy, Rebecca Seymour, Maureen Domenech, Dusti Ridge.

I hope to get news from California Zonians for our next Aerobatic plane flight issue. You can send articles and photos to me anytime throughout the year for future issues. If any of our Zonian family is in Northern California visiting, please call me! I As your reporter, I am challenged every quarter to recount would love to meet with you, even if we’ve never met. your comings, goings, visitors, news, etc. But alas, I never hear from any one, except our editor mentioned later. Are you Joanie (Ridge) McCoy, Reporter out there? Does anyone read this space? If you are reading (916) 759-5962 this, put it on your bucket list to contact me ONCE with your Email: [email protected] news. That’s an easy one. As a writer, I can fill the space with my own musings, observations, travels, daring-do’s but that is REMEMBER TO RENEW YOUR not my purpose as your reporter. Won’t you help me fulfill 2017 MEMBERSHIP DUES my purpose? Soon after Reunion 2016, there was a gathering at the BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2016. Jacksonville home of Martha Duncan (BHS’71), to cele- 16 brate (yet again) the nuptials of Pablo Prieto’s (BHS’69) son, PENSACOLA Kristian Prieto and his bride, Jen. Martha prepared a fabu- lous paella and sangria flowed. The guest list was ample We’re in Fall and hoping to get which included many Panazonies and the age range was three into Winter soon. Even in the Fall, (Pablo’s grandson, Reben) to 98 (Silvia de Duncan, Martha’s the heat is sometimes unbearable. mom)! I dare not try to list guests for fear of omitting some- It’s so much easier just to stay home one, but the Duncan and Prieto clans were there and that’s a in the air-conditioning. Winter will party, without the rest of us. It was wonderful to see Pablos’s not come too soon for us!! mom, the gracious Mrs. Prieto again. It was a great party and Took all three grandchildren and the paella was worth the wait. (If you were there, you know their parents out to eat to celebrate to what I refer.) As always, Martha was an amazing hostess. the kids’ birthdays to Bjs (our new Barbara M. (Hall) Our Record editor, Jacque Crowell Vowell (BHS’70) and favorite place for family gatherings) Vose-Kulig Faye Weisser (BHS'’70) traveled to Virginia to spend a long – we, of course, had a fabulous time stuffing ourselves with weekend with classmate Christine Kervin (BHS’70). She delicious food! reports that while there, they hired a fabulous (designated?) Have been on the phone a lot with Kevin and Jo in El driver who was very patient and accommodating with three Volcan! They love the life and wouldn’t think of ever leaving women telling him where they wanted to go. Jacque also Panama. Kev is doing lots of building, but had to put it all on attended the Causeway party in Tampa with Rae Donaldson, hold during the rainy season, but will resume building again where she saw Tina and Steve Cartotto and their cousins, real soon. Hoping to get the whole family together to take a Dusty and Joanie Ridge. She reports that in fact, there was a trip to visit them shortly. gaggle of Ridges celebrating Dusty’s birthday. Society office In May, Barbara (Egolf) Dedeaux joined her brother and manager, Cheryl Williams, created a white mola cake for the sister-in-law, George and Bobbi (William) Egolf, and nieces, occasion. Jacque also got to spend time with Rupert Turner Debbie (Egolf) Lane and Katherine Egolf, on a transatlantic and Brenda Furlong. Jacque recently shared drinks and cruise that took them to some wonderful ports where they ceviche with her sister Pam Crowell (BHS’71) at Don were able to see some of the countrysides of each country. Peppers in Ormond Beach. “Great ceviche!” she writes. They went to Honfleur, a picturesque coastal town which has Thanks for the restaurant recommendation, Jacque. inspired such French painters as Boudin and Monet. At the end of their trip, they spent three nights in , tour- ing the city by bus, boat, and train. They went on the Hop On/Hop Off train. Much to their surprise, the “train” was more like a kiddy car than the PRR we all remember! As you can tell, they all had a great time.

Christine (Kervin) Tirpak, Jacque (Crowell) and Faye Weisser.

So, add “write Deb with my news” to your bucket list because I’d love to be able to fulfill my purpose as your reporter. By the way, I plan to soar before the year is out.

Debby Beall Bandy, Reporter Barbara (Egolf) Dedeaux, George and Bobbi (William) (386) 334-8773 Egolf, Debbie (Egolf) Lane and Katherine Egolf. Email: [email protected] In June, my computer totally crashed! No internet what- soever!! Thank God my grandson Jonathan (JT), and THE SOCIETY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED Grandpa Keith always was up on the latest technology. JT FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON ON came over and set me up with a new computer Keith had just purchased before he passed away and had me back on-line in THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2016 record time. Thank goodness for my computer geeks! Love AND REOPEN ON them bunches! THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2017. Darla, Rob, and JT took a quick trip to Louisiana to take clothes and furnishings to the flood victims in Shane’s JC 17 Penney area which were donated by families in Pensacola. I have collected a few emails from several of you, and Some of his employees lost totally everything – one family many of you had a great summer! Some of you traveled, some lost everything for the second time in one year! Grandma of you had gatherings, some of you met old friends, and some always sends homemade goodies to Shane for his employees, of you made new ones. so I did lots of baking, and they took it with them, along with A group of old Zonian friends had a wonderful dinner at a a check to buy things for the many children left homeless. It’s local restaurant called Bon Apetit in Dunedin, Fla. Jim and going to be a long recovery time for all of them. Everyone’s Marie Morris, Will and Sally Nickisher, Pat and Cheryl prayers are needed! Williams, Diane Morris, Kenny Morris, Darlene and Joe In August, Katherine and George Egolf came to Pensacola Hunt. Kelly (Morris) Fenton enjoyed the dinner with close for a visit with Barbara (Egolf) Dedeaux, while George’s family and friends. wife, Bobbi, was on a trip to Panama. While here we went out to lunch at the New Yorker Deli (delicious homemade food). The atmosphere, food, and company were great. Afterward, I spent some time at Barbara’s visiting and talking about the good old days and just life in general. What else do Zonians talk about when they get together except for the “good old days”!? I don’t do as much baking as before, but since I didn’t give them any Mary Jane cookies at the Reunion, I baked them a batch to take home! Had dinner at Darla’s one evening and it poured down rain (right on the barbecue grill)!! Luckily the pork steaks had already been cooked, and we were able to eat them, but the burgers were a total loss!! We still had an enjoyable evening – Darla has such a comfy and inviting home. L-R: Diane Morris, Sally and Will Nickisher, Jim and In September I was happily surprised with a call from Bev Marie Morris, Joe Hunt, Kenny Morris and Darlene and Skip Rowley. They were spending time at their time- Hunt. share and were heading my way. I was so excited to see them – it had been a long time (Reunion 2015). We sat and talked for about three hours about everything under the sun. It was nostalgic reminiscing about the days living across the street from each other in Corozal. We also talked a little about Keith and cried a few tears. I owe a lot to Bev and Skip because they have always been there for me. They’ve been to every big family gathering we’ve had here. They are family and are so important in my life – their girls even call me “Mom.” Hope to take a trip to visit them soon. If not, we’ll hook up at the next Reunion. We’re still all missing Keith bunches. They say with “time” it will heal, but right now it’s very hard to believe. As of now, we are all planning on attending the 2017 Reunion. It will be a much-needed vacation for all of us. If you have any news for my next article, no matter how Jim and Marie Morris small, please call, e-mail or send me snail mail. Hasta Luego!

Barbara M. (Hall) Vose-Kulig, Reporter (850) 474-6341 Email: [email protected]

TAMPA BAY AREA

The Holidays are here, Fall is here, Winter is here: all depends on where you live. In the Bay area, we are experiencing a beautiful Holiday season! We have had some heat waves over the last eight months or so, so glad that the Holidays are here. Laura Kosik Pat and Cheryl Williams 18 Mike Drennan (BHS’55) is so proud of his beautiful daughter Keity (Drennan) Mendieta Britton! She is a Panamanian-American model and the winner of the Señorita Panama 2016 and will compete in 2016. The 65th installation of the Miss Universe pageant will be held in , on January 30, 2017. Keity is a graduate of the High School at the American College in . Mike was in the BHS’55 yearbook Hall of Fame as the Best Looking senior. It must be in the genes!

Will and Sally Nickisher

Keity (Drennan) Mendieta Britton, Señorita Panama 2016

Diane Homa took a Bike & Barge trip with Walt Hardenstine (not from CZ) this June. The barge went up the Maas River in the Netherlands and down the Rhine River in Germany. They biked about 140 miles during the six-day trip. They visited Brussels and Bruges in before the bike trip. They had a great time traveling in Europe. Darlene and Joe Hunt

Lisa Oxley is still living in Santa Fe, New . She loves this beautiful area of the Southwest and all of the places to explore. She has even explored a cave full of her favorite animals: bats!

Walt Hardenstine and Diane Homa

On Sunday, August 28, 2106, the Smith family celebrated Margot and Hubert Jordan’s granddaughter, Anna’s, 16th birthday. In attendance was her dad Mike and Debbie Smith, and daughter Amy Jo, Anna’s mom Donna (Date) Smith, and grandmother Loretta Date and great-grandson Isahia, Nancy (Smith) and Patrick Lincoln and son Malcolm, Patrick and Cherish Smith and son Keegan. A fantastic buffet of pizza, lasagna, and potato salad was enjoyed by all along Lisa Oxley with a birthday cookie cake made by Grandma Margot. Anna 19 got lots of birthday gifts and will be enjoying all of them in the months to come.

Marge Scheiwe, Kay Miller and Martha Hoskins

Brenda Furlong celebrated a wonderful birthday on September 24th with family and friends. Those that came by were her son Ralph and Brenda Furlong, Alice Furlong, JB Boise, Dawn (Sutherland) Jones, and Jimmy and Selena Clingan.

Anna Smith

Cheryl Williams wanted us to think of Kay Miller while she celebrated her 99th birthday on August 27 with friends and a ten-day visit from her daughters, Marge Scheiwe and Martha Hoskins. Among other surprises she received was a bouquet of 99 flowers. Kay retired in 1969 from the Panama Canal Personnel Bureau. She currently lives in Sun City L-R: Amparo Paul, Nitza Sada, Russell La Fuente, Brenda Center, Florida, and keeps busy with a variety of activities. Furlong, Isabella Riviezzo, Dalys Benninghoff, and Kay is a long-time member of the Panama Canal Society and Ronald Benninghoff. enjoys sharing stories of her life in the Canal Zone, which started at the age of 18 when she moved there from to live with her aunt and uncle.

Granddaughters Isabella and Angelica with Brenda Furlong (center.)

John Disharoon (BHS’68), and his longtime friend and associate Ray Mull are the only two statisticians who have Kay Miller worked all 41 years of Tampa Bay Buccaneer football. John 20 is an NFL official statistician, and Ray is the captain of the team Stat. crew. This picture was taken in John’s office at the Raymond James Stadium. During this time the duo has met a plethora of National Football legends and commentators such as Howard Cosell, John Maddon, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Namath and even the nefarious character known as OJ Simpson. While holding official credentials, they were also allowed to enter team locker rooms at the conclusion of all games. While there they met many Hall of Fame players like Walter Payton, Joe , Dan Marino, Jerry Rice, Barry Sanders, Marcus Allen, Jerome Bettis, Brett Favre, Kenny “the Snake” Stabler and of course, Lee Roy Selmon, to name just a few. In addition, both men have worked two Super Bowls in Tampa and numerous college Bowl Games.

Suzanne (Dolan), Elvin Smith, Wayne and Stephanie (Arrowood) Feazell, Randy Rios and Laura Kosik. Panama Canal Society had a “Party on the Causeway” event on September 17th, held on the Courtney Campbell Causeway at the Bay Harbor Hotel. Noreen Hanson did a wonderful job putting it all together! Mike Coffey presented a raffle or two or three. Drawings were for an Al Sprague painting, PCS prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. There were lots of food and drinks to create new memories with old friends! See Ray Mull and John Disharoon Causeway pictures in front of this issue. We had a small gathering at the Howard Johnson’s hotel for the St Pete Bash. It was great to connect and reconnect September was a full month! Between Joann Angelini’s with new and old friends! Spend some time on the beach and house warming party, PCS Causeway event, and the St Pete spend some time in the pool. Some people flew in or drove in Bash we are exhausted! Joann resides in North Port and invit- from out-of-state; others came from all over Florida. Richard ed a few people to her beautiful new home. McArthur and his fiancé, Linda, Donna (Date) Smith, Joann is the daughter of Detective William Angelini and Lizette (Rodriguez) Garcia, Cori Morris, Mike Tuttle, Martha (Willies) Steiner. Her father was a CZ police officer. Patrick and Cherish Smith, Raul Quintero, David Wright, Both Martha and Joann were born in Gorgas Hospital. Joann’s Marian Tiblier, Ellie Coats, Vince Vidaurri, John Morris, grandfather was one of the men who operated on huge cranes Diane Blackford, Debbie (Montalvo) Weatherton, that lifted things off of ships. Joann graduate in 1980 from Guillermo Payne, Luis Payne, Dawn (Sutherland) Jones, BHS and shortly after embarked on a long career in the Army John and Martha (Bell) Corrigan, Laurie O’Connor, Nita National Guard 777. The service would call her troop Orvis, Larry Smith, Patrick and Lori Bonk, Dean and “Engineers.” She served all over Iraq during our hard times in Carrie (Gibson) Brewer, Tom and Lynn (Clarihew) Guido, 2003 and 2004. She is now retired and moved to North Port, Kathy (Clarihew) Anderson, Tom Anderson, Mary Fla. in 2014 with her Mom. We are so proud of your service Geraci, Leif Solien, Tito Montalvo, Freddy Martiz, to our great Nation! On September 4th, she had a housewarm- Kathleen Phillips, Sara Mae Meadows, Kirt Greene, Tom ing party and invited a few Zonians to this great event! Those and Valerie (Meadows) Scoleri, Derek Reyes, Dave Smith, that attended were Suzanne (Dolan), Elvin Smith, Wayne Angie Summerfield, Misty Forsythe, John Reardon, and and Stephanie (Arrowood) Feazell, Randy Rios and myself. Larry Solien. I have always said that Zonians are a dying breed. I am so IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE, CONSIDER GIVING A PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP! LET US KNOW IT’S A GIFT AND WE WILL SEND THE RECIPIENT A CARD LETTING THEM KNOW YOU HAVE GIFTED THEM A PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY

21 grateful for the Canal Record as a forum for us to keep in touch and locate old friends and make new ones. If you want to let everyone know what you did or where you are, or an event you attended for your and family and friends, email me!

Laura Kosik, Reporter (727) 906-7015 Email: [email protected]

LOUISIANA/MISSISSIPPI

All’s quiet in Mississippi these days while in Louisiana St. Pete Bash many folks are recovering from the August flood, having lost their homes and vehicles. Streets were lined with huge piles of insulation, sheet-rock, fur- niture, clothing and every manner of household furnishings. To see stacks of church pews beside a ruined church organ was unsettling. The water that soaked everything was dark, slimy and Patt Foster smelled putrid. Clouds of black flies Roberson buzzed everywhere. The landfill and car lots are overwhelmed taking more than they can hold. Everyone is working with FEMA and insurers to return to a normal life. Assistance has been forthcoming from a variety of sources including the AmeriCorps, Disaster Survivor St. Pete Bash Assistance, National Flood Insurance Program, Small Business Administration, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, among others. It will take time, but spirits are high and American flags fly on many damaged homes. On a happy note, BHS’52 classmate Joan Gibson Conover out in San Diego was kind enough to let me know that Zoe Ann Karst Nalepa (BHS’51) is living in Zachary, less than 10 miles away from me. This is exciting news because, unlike Florida where so many Zonians retired, they are a rare find here. So I was delighted to make contact and visit with Zoe at her lovely apartment in a retirement commu- nity. Her sister, Shirley, was our BHS’52 classmate. Patt Foster Roberson, Reporter

St. Pete Bash

Patt Roberson and Zoe Ann Karst Nalepa

(225) 774-7761 Email: [email protected]

St. Pete Bash 22 MIDWEST

Greetings from the Midwest, where it is sad to see the summer end and get ready for the cooler days ahead. In August, I heard news from the group. I will say it is always fun to hear about their adven- tures and activities. This is what Maria Vincent wrote: “Hola! The Estela (Aguirre) Lawrence, Kansas contingent hon- Hammond ored Carolyn (Curtis) Everett (BHS’56) with a Despedida lunch. She and husband, Grover, will be moving to Tucson to be near their astronomer son, Mark. Fortunately, she will be back and forth through Lawrence. Helen (Tilley) Martin (BHS’55) continues to make inno- vative “honest: pots. She traveled to Italy in July, while Maria (Girard) Vincent (BHS’57) went in June. They agree that Assisi was their favorite tour location and had the best gelato. Pilgrimages to Panama are a must, but Portugal and Spain (L-R): Susilyn (Jackson) Manion, Estela (Aguirre) beckon. Helen will soon launch grandson #6 off to college. Hammond, Karen (Thompson) Meador, Priscilla This summer Georgiana (Hale) Torres (BHS’52) made a (Landrum) Reed, Carmen Carrasquillo, Alice (O’Neal) 4000-mile marathon trip to Key West, long on her bucket list. Groves. Maria has been talking up her 60th reunion in Orlando with classmates and her brother, Johnny Girard, who will cele- There is something to be said about getting together with brate his 55th. She hopes to meet some of our Mid-Western high school friends and the feeling of our younger days. We members in Orlando in 2017.” easily caught up with each other’s lives, since some of us had not seen each other since high school days. We played cards, laughed and created new memories. We also posed for a pic- ture over by Sue’s back yard pool in youthful poses acting like cheerleaders.

(L-R): Carolyn (Curtis) Everett, Georgiana (Halle) Torres, Maria (Girard) Vincent, and Helen (Tilley) Martin.

Back in May, I got together with high school (BHS’72) friends in San Antonio, Texas. Susilyn Jackson Manion was our gracious host and planned a weekend at her house with some sightseeing around San Antonio. We walked around the San Antonio Riverwalk and saw a small canal lock system that was built with influence from the Panama Canal. There was a picture of the Miraflores Locks with reference to it being one of the largest and best-known lock systems. Here is a picture of all of us in front of the Brooklyn Avenue Canal in San Antonio, Texas. REGISTER EARLY FOR THE REUNION! DRAWING WILL BE HELD ON Sitting: Karen (Thompson) Meador, Priscilla (Landrum) FEBRUARY 18, 2017 AT CARNAVALITO. Reed, Estela (Aguirre) Hammond. Standing: Susilyn (Jackson) Manion, Carmen Carasquilla. 23 In July, I went to the PCS reunion with my husband. Young Willy Nowotny visited -- (dare I say) Old Willy Although it was not a class reunion year for me, it is always and Wilma-- for a week the end of April. They had a nice good to see friends. I met with classmates, and we started our time together and even managed a tour of the new Sierra plans for our BHS’72 45-year reunion. We are already look- Brewery where they sampled all the beers!!! Willy ing forward to having a great time. Included is a picture of then flew to to join his wife Ana in celebrating her one of our gatherings in the lobby. granddaughter's birthday. Then it was back to San Jose where he prepared for back surgery the middle of May. The surgery went well and Willy recuperated at home. The entire family is hopeful this will be the last surgery. Willy and Wilma flew to San Jose, CA in June to “babysit” during his recuperation while Ana attended a business meeting. They spent two weeks enjoying the lovely California weather. No other travel plans as of now but they keep looking!! In March over Easter vacation, my daughters Lisa and Laurie, along with my new granddaughter-in-law to be, Kayla, drove me to Florida to visit the Hunt side of our fam- ily. We spent three days with Lou, saw Jan and Norm Watkins, Natalie and Leanne, Wayne and Dawn and their three lively boys, and Fred Watkins. From there we drove to Orlando and went to Disney World for the day--one of my favorite places I might add. When we started home the next day--a little later than we planned, well actually, a lot later, we (L-R): William Bright, Kathy O’Brien, Howard Reed, ran into heavy rain and couldn’t get a hotel room. We ended Priscilla (Landrum) Reed, William Hutchins, Estela up spending the night in the car - at a rest stop - with about (Aguirre) Hammond, Marty (Stanley) Collett. 150 other carloads of people who couldn’t find a room!!! Quite an experience! It is always nice to hear from any Midwestern members. Jim and Diane Bradley were in Panama for the opening Send me any news, greetings or photos in the Midwestern of the new locks and got their usual VIP treatment. They states. I will be glad to include it in the future issues. opted, however, to view the initial ship transit from the upstairs of the Balboa Yacht club and on the TV from their Estela (Aguirre) Hammond, Reporter room at the Country Inn. Much easier than standing along (630) 355-1011 side two thousand other attendees. Jim’s sister Marian went Email: [email protected] on the trip with them. They attended the reunion in Orlando and visited with young Jim and Sherri, whose daughter Candace graduated from high school in Jacksonville, Fla. in June. Getting “up there,” guys, when the grands start graduat- NORTH CAROLINA ing and/or getting married! “K” and Bob Rodgers headed west in July to visit daugh- Well, here we are again at the ter Lori in the California wine country where she manages a end of another year. It is amazing winery with an MBA in winemaking. I didn’t know there was just how fast time does seem to fly such a degree. I thought you just had to have strong legs to the older we get -- or is that only stomp all those grapes! Just kidding -- that is amazing. I “when we’re having fun!” Unless should have asked Kay to bring a bottle back for our you received this issue on Christmas party. They also planned to visit with Bob’s son December 1st, it is too late for you and from there headed to Texas to see Darren and the four to call and reserve a spot at our grands. annual Christmas party at My two nieces Cheryl Dunning Lowery and Lynn Pat Hunt O’Charley’s on December 5th. The Dunning Harp drove from to visit in June. Lynn rest of you will have to read about it in the March issue. I’m include most of the details in her October column. The only sure we had a ball.Wilma Nowotny and Jean Stone, our new other thing I will mention is that the trip might have had a lit- party coordinators, are busy finalizing plans for a spectacular tle to do with the fact that I had a birthday in June---a BIG get-together. I understand Jean picked up several Panama Birthday! I received a lot of cards, and I really do mean “a trinkets for the occasion ,while enjoying a summer trip “back lot!” Thank you to everyone who remembered my special home.” We encourage everyone to attend and celebrate our day. I love every one of you. Panama days! There will be a special segment, titled, Other visitors to our Hendersonville area were Llori and “Remembering Panama” – you won’t want to miss that. Jay Gibson, who have a beautiful cottage on a small lake - or Email Wilma: [email protected], or call her: 828- a big pond - I’m not sure which! Her Mom, Jo Kent, and 696-3906 to make your reservation! Be sure she has your con- Aunt Beth Trout were with them. It was a short visit, but we tact info, while you are at it. did manage to get together. They were headed to and another “house on the lake.” 24 I need to backtrack just a bit to August when I attended the NORTHWEST funeral for Jane Holgerson's husband Milt. I had seen her sister Joan across the room and went over to talk to her. There Tom and Carmen (Valencia) was a gorgeous young woman sitting next to her talking to Matthews (CHS’65) had a busy someone else, and she turned toward Joan and said: “Excuse summer this year. While entertain- me, Aunt Joan.” When I asked her whose daughter she was, ing Carl Slattery from Florida they she said “I’m Kara - Carol and Henry Twohy’s daughter. went fishing on the Columbia and She was in my children’s choir at Sacred Heart Chapel when caught several nice salmon during I was the organist there. She was probably five years old at the month of August. In September, the time. When I retired, they had a party for me at their Clover and Jim Duffus they then boarded a cruise ship to house. They were such a beautiful family. Carol and Henry where they toured Denali are both gone now. Kara is living in Florida, and her brother National Park as well as a number of ports of call. HB is in Panama. I have such good memories of those days. At the end of September Hendersonville’s Hispanic com- munity celebrated a “Latin Festival” in our downtown area- the first of it’s kind. Vicki Howe and Jane Thompson checked it out and ran into Kathi Wanio down there. So decked out in their Mola shirts and carrying a little Panama flag, the three of them checked out the sites. Several people came up to them asking them if they were from Panama and they told them about our lives there. Kathi talked to everyone in Spanish - I’m not sure about the other two. They enjoyed empanadas and other native goodies. And speaking of empanadas, Jim and Diane Bradley made 90 of them using fresh tomatoes from their garden. I have yet to see one of them. Hmm! I am surprised they had time to make them; they are usually too busy traveling around the world. If I'm not mistaken their last trip was a cruise around Cape Horn. I think they and Malcolm and Jean Stone are trying to rack up the most miles traveled in their retirement years. As of now, I believe that it’s a dead heat. Our family celebrated a wonderful get-together here in Lake Lure at the wedding of my grandson Zachary Trinca to Kayla Gossett in September (see weddings). My sister-in- law Louise Hunt, niece Janet Hunt Watkins, nephew Joe and Darlene (Woodruff) Hunt flew up from Florida for the occa- sion. My son John also flew in from Virginia, by himself I might add, leaving his six and two year olds at home. He slept most of the weekend, but did manage to attend the ceremony and the reception, which was a grand affair. Laurie and Sam Trinca have been spending their time relaxing on their boat Carl Slattery and Tom Matthews out on the coast since the event. They aren’t relaxing com- pletely - they are trying to get the boat ready to sell. Any of you avid Zonian fishermen might want to check that out. They say they have caught quite a few fish from it! I just heard from the grapevine that Bob and Mindy Dollar were in Asheville in late September visiting friends and they made a visit to the Sierra Nevada Brewery. They loved it. The grapevine source was my daughter Laurie, and she told them I lived here. They replied, “Can we move in with her?” Bob and Mindy live near Annapolis. He and Sam, Laurie’s husband, were motorcycle rider friends in Panama. Well, I guess that's it for this time. Start sending me your news and events etc. for the March issue. My deadline will be the beginning of January. How I’d love to be in Panama for Carmen and Tom Matthews the start of “Dry Season.” Till next time.

Pat Hunt, Reporter Jim and Clover Duffus, Reporter 828-696-3995 (541) 490-1682 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 25 OKLAHOMA wife Lisa, and new granddaughter Lily Aurora who was born in July 2016. John and Madeleine visited Washington, D.C. Greetings from Oklahoma! and the impressive sites and museums. The highlight of their At the end of August 2016, the Keller family: Bill, Teresa, D.C. trip was their visit to the White House. John and Kimberly, Ellie and Evelyn went to Branson, Mo., and visit- Madeleine continued up the East Coast, as long as the weather ed Silver Dollar City. They also did some shopping, dining, permitted. and saw a few shows. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed getting away from home for a few days. Ellie and Evelyn were baptized at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in August 2016, in Woodward, Okla. Catherine (Hoyle) and Terry Coleman and Catherine’s sister Virginia (Hoyle) Lankarge are the Godparents of the girls, and they also lived in the Canal Zone. The three Godparents and Bill and Teresa met at church in Woodward in the mid-1980s after Catherine saw a CZ tag on the front of Bill and Teresa’s car. Small world!

Madeleine and John Raffler

In August 2016, Mike and Laura Redemann celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a two-week trip to Bill Keller at Silver Dollar City Alaska. They first took a five-night land tour and then a John and Madeleine Raffler have become quite the trav- seven-night Inside Passage cruise. They never tired of seeing elers in their RV since they retired. They spent two months in the mountains, trees, and wildlife, and they highly recom- Florida at the beginning of the year, enjoying the beautiful RV mend a visit to our 49th state. camps and stuffing themselves with the delicious Latin cui- Scott Burns, along with sister Laura (Burns) Redemann sine at every chance. They attended the PCS Carnavalito, and her husband Mike, attended several annual Tulsa events meeting a lot of nice people and having a great time. They in September. The three attended the Greek Festival and met up with their good friend Rupert Turner who lives in enjoyed watching the traditional Greek dancing and listening Tampa. The three went to lunch at Teresitas Cuban to live music from The Greek Tycoons, a duo from Ohio. In Restaurant, and after the delicious meal, Rupert gave John the same weekend, Scott volunteered at the SCOTFEST in and Madeleine the royal tour of beautiful Tampa. John and Tulsa, pouring countless cups of beer. Mike and Laura met up Madeleine also attended the Annual Reunion and took along with him in the afternoon, and they enjoyed listening to the granddaughters Reina and Sophie. John says they had a blast, Celtic music bands that came from around the U.S. and as usual. In September, John and Madeleine camped at Ft. . Belvoir, Va., in their RV, so they could visit son Eric Raffler, Scott also attended Woofstock in Jenks, Okla. This worthy event brought together over 40 animal rescues and shelters 26 with a goal of over 100 dog adoptions. He also joined the SOUTH CAROLINA Scottish Club of Tulsa Annual Pub Crawl, stopping at four different pubs in Tulsa, while being chauffeured around in an Greetings from South Carolina! air-conditioned, chartered bus. Scott again supported Bowling Yours truly attended the PCS for Rhinos, a national fundraising bowl-a-thon. This fun event reunion in July and was so busy with also had a silent auction and drawings. Great cause! his 55th Class Reunion, I hardly had time to say hello to other society members…sorry. Our 55th Class Reunion (BHS’61) was sparsely attended, but all of us had a great George Garcia time. We had a pleasant surprise when some classmates who would have graduated with us, but left the Canal Zone before 1961, asked to attend, and they did. The names marked with an asterisk were members of the committee for the Reunion.

Scott Burns (L-R) Front row: Edith Pierce Allen, Beatrice “Betty” Deming Jensen, John Eberenz, George Garcia*, Maria In October, our Oklahoma gang came together for a pic- “Merci” Izquierdo Whitaker, Diane McKenna Marsh*. nic and business meeting at the home of Paulino and Julia Secord row: Lynn “Mimi” Stratford Collins, Marion Allande in Tulsa, Okla. As usual, the company and food were Bradley Linkh, John Deming, Rose Mary Monzon enjoyed by all. We look forward to meeting again on the first Rindfusz, William “Bill” Arnold*, Rita Ann Jones Saturday in May 2017, in the Norman, Okla. area. Please con- Fenwick*. Third row: Zoraida “Toy” Lugo Barnard, tact this reporter for details. Beverly Bowman Wood, Elaine Herring Mason, Richard “Dick” Hern, Steve Beaudry, Ralph Edmundson. Fourth Laura (Burns) Redemann, Reporter row: William “Bill” Browder, John Kolenda, Leonard (918) 605-2334 “Len” Wilson*, Gary Anderson, Jacqueline “Jackie” Email: [email protected] Ashton Wagner, Bonnie Bell Howle. Fifth row: Katherine “Kathie” Egolf, Woodrow “Woody” French, Betsy Dykes Leitzes, Fred Snyder, Walter “Walt” Brown. Sixth row: IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GIFT Dorothy “Dody” Moses Brassey, Dalys Deanna “Didi” FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE, CON- Bremer Corrigan. Not pictured: Robert Duncan Brown, SIDER GIVING A PANAMA CANAL our Class President. SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP! On to South Carolina News: Hearty congratulations are in order in the upstate of South Carolina!! LET US KNOW IT’S A GIFT AND WE Ann Merlino Richardson (CZJC) nee Batcheldor sent WILL SEND THE RECIPIENT A CARD me the following news about her brother, Dr. George “Bud” LETTING THEM KNOW YOU HAVE Batcheldor (BHS’60) and her grandchildren. GIFTED THEM A First, George “Bud” and wife Ellen Camp Batcheldor PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY from Taylors, S.C., celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 3, 2016, at the Trading Post MEMBERSHIP FOR 2017! restaurant in Greer, S.C.

27 Here they are cutting their anniversary cake. Most of the Maj. Steve Merlino (deceased) who was Professor of family was in attendance for this glorious occasion. Plus the Military Science at Cristobal High School (1962 – 1966) and event was also a “rehearsal dinner” for the wedding of their Ann Batcheldor (CZJC’58) Merlino Richardson’s grand- daughter, Elizabeth. daughter, Ashleigh Merlino graduated from The Florida State University, cum laude, in May of this year. Their grand- son, Steven Merlino, graduated from Georgia State University in 2015. Ashleigh is employed at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and Steven is employed at a company in , Ga.

George “Bud” and Ellen Camp Batcheldor celebrating their 50th Anniversary.

Elizabeth Slade Batcheldor was married to Jason Victoria on September 4, 2016. The wedding was held at the Lindsey Plantation in Taylors, South Carolina with a recep- tion following the ceremony.

Ashleigh Merlino and Steven Merlino

Jason and Elizabeth Victoria

Ashleigh Merlino and Ann Batcheldor Merlino Richardson.

Well, now that I’ve reported from the great State of South Carolina, I hope that the news will continue into 2017! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or as we say in Panama - Felíz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo!

George Garcia, Reporter George “Bud” Batcheldor and his daughter, Elizabeth (864) 801-2072 dancing at the wedding. Email: [email protected] 28 TEXAS Bill and Dorothy also had a chance to visit sister Penny Lotterhos who was recovering from surgery in Keller, Texas. Never would you believe that Fall has arrived in North Texas – the lawns are bright Crayola green, trees are in bloom and the tempera- ture is still in the high 80s. “Big Tex” the giant icon familiar to the Texas State Fair is in place and waving his welcome to all. This Linda Reimann year’s attractions include” the Morris prancing Budweiser’s Clydesdales, a Steer Butter sculpture, and the award-winning Fair Food Captain Bill Catron and Penny Lotterhos “Fried Jell-O.” We are enjoying an unusual Autumn Harvest with “pumpkin patches” everywhere, as well as pumpkin flavored, Celebrations: bread, pastries, ice cream and for the gourmet foodie Honey Mark and Dena Cicero celebrated their 30th wedding roasted pumpkin ravioli. We’re loving it! anniversary at the LA Hacienda in Lewisville, Texas. Erica Traveling Texans: and Brian Cicero surprised them along with three grandkids An email was received from Michael Barnaby Rudge and friends. Meanwhile in Florida, dad Joe Cicero was being Kleefkens (BHS’61 and CHS’61) and wife Liz who attended feted at his 80th birthday celebration. See Congratulations the annual reunion in Florida for the first time. He made a section. memorable “road trip” recording with photos and interesting The backyard “paradise” of Colin and Karen Creel in events. He visited sisters, Marcy Fox, Patricia Nellis and Plano was “da place” to party this summer. The menu was to Barbara and countless cousins along the way. Michael lived die for; carne en pallito, shrimp and grouper ceviche, arroz in Harlingen, Texas and Monterrey, Mexico and would love to con pollo, and empanadas. All enjoyed the Panamanian Rum hear from old friends. Contact this reporter for information. Abuelo and local Rum Grander. Charlie Reece and Joanna Simonsson spent September in Panama and Costa Rica. They saw many old friends. Bruce and Sandy Sanders spent two weeks on a land tour of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary in September. Learning about the history of the countries was quite an awakening, especially the era during the German Reich and communist regimes atrocities. They enjoyed the beautifully preserved cities of and where castles, medieval architecture are still in remarkable condition. Sandy reports that her new knees held up during the walking tours throughout the cities. The couple celebrated a romantic Back row: Keith Cotton, Joann Simonsson, Mark Cicero, birthday in Slovakia for Bruce. John Sousa, Charlie Reiss, Bob O’Connor, Lee Morton, Bill (BHS’64) and Dorothy (Harper) (CHS’67) Catron Ricardo Palma and Eddy Lehman. Front row: Luann of Ft. Lauderdale attended their BHS’64 Reunion in San Swisher, Jody de St. Germain, Bliss Connerton, Colin Antonio, Texas. Classmates gathered at a Riverwalk Hotel to Creel, Brendon Hiett, and Robert Soukup. Curtis Newton celebrate their 70th birthdays. They enjoyed a golf tourna- missed the photo op. ment and a Dinner/Dance and the camaraderie of friendship. Memories are made of this! Jo Ann Morton entertains with style – with Jack’s help, of course. At a recent “gourmet” dinner Lew French shows his appreciation in photo.

Bruce and Sandy Sanders Jack and Jo Ann Morton and Lew French 29 The Morton’s recently spent a weekend in Oklahoma at Joanna Simonsson has continued to improve after replace- Winstar – the world’s largest Casino - with visiting brother, ment knee surgery. She is not looking forward to the pending Donald Morton. They enjoyed “comp” rooms and meals. operation of the other knee but is resigned. What a deal. They even won a bit – so they say!! Our country has endured a tediously long and vicious pre- election period. Let us hope our country will unite after the Convalescing: election. Penny Lotterhos is back home after the robotic mitral Merry Christmas to all. Hasta next time. valve, and tricuspid valve repair was performed at Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas. Husband Joe has proven to be an Linda Reimann Morris, Reporter excellent nurse, as well as their daughter, Karen, and grand- girls. Penny is already walking two miles a day. Email: [email protected]

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS By Anonymous

’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the casa, Not a creature was stirring. ¡Caramba! ¿Qué Pasa? The stockings are hanging con mucho cuidado In hopes that St. Nick will feel obligado To leave a few cosas aquí and alli For Chico and Chica (and somthing for me). Los niños are snuggled all safe in sus camas, With some in vestidos, y some in pajamas. Their little cabazas are full of good things; They’re all esperando lo que Santa brings! But Santa esta at the J Street saloon, Muy borracho since mid‐afternoon! So Mama is waiting beside the ventana When Santa arrives en manera extrana Lit up like fuego (¡Que goma manana!) She’ll send him to coma con un heaby “right” Merry Christmas a todos y a todos, good night!

30 CONGRATULATIONS MORRIS’ 57TH ANNIVERSARY REBHAN DAUGHTERS GRADUATE!

Bob and Linda Morris recently celebrated their 57th Cookie Rebhan-Smith (BHS’82) daughters, Gabriella Wedding Anniversary in Plano, Texas. They were married at Rebhan and Alexa Rebhan, graduated from college this year. Sacred Heart Church in Ancon, Canal Zone and the reception They are the granddaughters of Don and Joan McKeon. was held at the Tivoli Hotel on August 22, 1959. Gabi received her Masters degree in Art from New York University and Alexa received a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Houston.

Bob and Linda Morris

Gabi Rebhan, Master of Art, NYU

CICERO’S CELEBRATE 30 YEARS!

Mark and Dena Cicero’s 30th anniversary dinner at La Hacienda In Lewisville, Texas.

Alexa Rebhan, Bachelor of Psychology, University of Bliss Connerton, Mark and Dena and Colin Creel Houston. 31 WEDDINGS BONNEL - MCALEER

Katherine McAleer (BHS’98) and Max Bonnel of Freyus, , and Sevilla, Spain, were married in Sevilla on Saturday, July 2, 2016. Katie and Max welcomed family and friends from all over the globe at a Friday evening “brindis” along the beautiful Guadalvivir River. Saturday’s wedding took place at the Iglesia San Esteban and followed by a recep- tion at La Casa de Pilatos, both in Sevilla’s historic quarter. The couple is now residing in Bogota, , where they work for the United Nations in Humanitarian Assistance Affairs. Katie is the daughter of Edward McAleer and Nancy Boyd McAleer (BHS’70). Max is the son of Johannes Bonnel and Maria Vega Bonnel.

Nancy Boyd McAleer, Marcie Collins Priesler, Diane Boyd and Robert Boyd.

TRINCA - GOSSETT

Zachary Joseph Trinca and Kayla Michelle Gossett were married on September 10, 2016, in a beautiful mountain setting in Lake Lure, N.C. The reception was held at the 1927 Inn at Lake Lure (site of the Dirty Dancing movie). Zach is the son of Sam and Laurie (Hunt), Trinca. Kayla is the daughter of Steve and Tyra . Zach is the grandson of the late John (Jack) Hunt and Patricia Dunning Hunt. Justin Trinca, the brother of the groom, served as best man for the ceremony. Zonian family attending from out of town were Terri Hunt Rhodes and Brian Zweifel and children Michael Watkins and Jennifer Watkins Surface; Lisa Hunt Johnson and husband William; Jon Hunt; Vicki Dunning Howe and granddaughter Kaitlyn Runion; Louise Katherine and Max Bonnel Hunt, Joe and Darlene Hunt and Janet Watkins. A fun weekend was had by all and lots of love and laughter shared. Zach and Kayla reside in Matthews, N.C.

L-R: Nancy Boyd McAleer, Darnell Will Lopez, Dana Pohl, Ann Medinger Stillman, Maria Boyd. Kayla and Zachary Trinca 32 WITH DEEP SORROW

Obituary submissions are only accepted from family members. We will accept online Funeral obituaries or newspaper obit- uaries if family submissions are not received by the Canal Record deadlines. Obituary pictures may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Panama Canal Society office. Emailed pictures must be submitted in a jpeg

Virgil “Skeeter” George Camby, ued that ministry at Sacred Heart Church in Mathis, Texas, 73, of St. Petersburg, Fla. passed away where she also served as a member of the CCD planning com- September 26, 2016. He is survived by mittee. Most recently, she volunteered close to 1,000 hours at his loving wife, Shirley; four sons; and the front desk of Doctor’s Regional Hospital in Corpus six grandchildren. He was born in the Christi. Cristi was active in arts and crafts for many years. Panama Canal Zone and served on the Her many skills included cake decorating, catering, sewing, Board of the Panama Canal Society. He pattern drafting, Over the course of her life, she also enjoyed was former CEO of Aquatech of volleyball, square dancing, and bowling. She belonged to sev- Florida and served in the Air Force. eral bowling leagues. She and husband Lou were excellent ______dancers, winning a dance marathon in their youth. She was preceded in death by an infant brother, parents Captain Julius Grigore, Jr., 1922 – 2016. We pay respect Clarence Hans Teller and LaQuita Joyce (Marcy) Teller and to the memory and legacy of a dear friend and the prime moti- twin Granddaughters Linnea Maurae Zapata and Lillian vator of the founding in 1986 of the Panama Historical Megan Zapata. Cristi is survived by her husband, Lou Eric Society. Hilzinger; two brothers, Merle Marc Teller and Dr. David A 1946 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Crockett Teller; two daughters, LaQuita Marca Hilzinger and Julius was a retired US Navy Reserve Captain as well as the Lea Maurae Watson; and two granddaughters. Assistant Chief of the Panama Canal Company’s Industrial ______Division. He was a well-known and popular Isthmian resident and a devoted, loving husband to Doris Jean and father to son Dorothy Jane McCauley, 97, Gitch and daughter Wren. died on October 11, 2016. Jane was Julius began collecting coins when he was eight and, over born on May 24, 1919 to Dorothy the span of many decades, relished sharing his historical find- Grace and Russell G. Bonham, and ings on a variety of historical topics. He was a frequent con- was the first baby born in St. tributor to coin and historical publications in Panama, the Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, Ind. and other latitudes. The satisfaction he derived The oldest of four sisters, she was from embracing the challenges of historical research and then raised in Mulberry, Ind., until she publishing the results culminated in his leaving a rich legacy reached the age of twelve. In the for others to continue appreciating. midst of the Great Depression, her ______family returned to their hometown of Terre Haute, Ind. She attended Sara Cristi Joyce (Teller) Hilzinger Scott Junior High School, Wiley High School, and graduated passed away on July 6, 2016. Cristi from State Teachers College in 1941. Jane taught was born in Aransas Pass on January high school in Redman, Ill. for two years before marrying her 13, 1952, to the late Clarence and high school sweetheart, Norbert McCauley, in the Panama LaQuita Teller. Her family also lived Canal Zone in 1943. During WWII, she worked for the U.S. in Port Aransas and Ingleside. They Navy. Following the war and her husband's death in 1966, moved briefly to Florida before mov- Jane continued raising her four children while teaching in the ing to the Canal Zone in the Republic Panama Canal Zone schools. Valuing higher education, it was of Panama. While in Panama, she met a source of personal pride that she was able to provide for her future husband, Lou Eric their college educations. Hilzinger, in the small town of After her retirement in 1982, Jane returned to Indiana and Gamboa. In August of 1969, she married Lou. They spent the lived in Speedway for eight years. There she volunteered at next 19 years raising their two daughters, while making life- the Indiana University Hospital and was active in the long friends and enjoying the Panama vibrant culture and Salvation Army Senior Center. Jane took up residence in the abundance of natural beauty. former home of her grandparents, Donn M. and Mary Grace The Hilzinger family moved just outside of Mathis, Texas Roberts, located in the Farrington Grove neighborhood of in 1988. In 2009, they moved to Corpus Terre Haute, Ind. For the 20 years that she lived there, Jane Christi, Texas where she lived until her death. Cristi volun- was a member of the Women's Department Club, the Fort teered in many capacities over her lifetime, She started out as Harrison Chapter of the DAR and the Presbyterian Church. a Shamrock at Spohn Hospital when she was in junior high As a genealogy enthusiast who took great pride in her family's school. While in the Canal Zone she became a Red Cross case role in Indiana history, Jane could trace her roots to before the worker. As a lifelong Catholic, she served as a lay Eucharistic Revolutionary War. minister at St. Mary’s Church in Balboa, Panama and contin- In 2009, she moved to Hendricks County to be closer to

33 her family. There she became active with the Hendricks Becky role modeled doing the right thing and being a good County Senior Center. She was a kindhearted woman who person. Her purpose in life was helping others – she provided always saw the best in everyone. Jane brought joy to the lives in-home care for elderly family members and supported a of everyone she met and will be sorely missed. wide range of charities. She enjoyed playing (and winning) She was proceeded in death by her husband, Norbert H. at Canasta, traveling, and spoiling the kids and grandkids. McCauley. She is survived by her younger sister, Mary She is preceded in death by her husband, Captain William Hogge; and her four children, Michael (Peggy) McCauley, Kenton Morgan, and her parents, Thelma and Robert Watts. Dennis McCauley, Sheila (Tom) Marshall and Marjorie She is deeply missed by her surviving daughters, Allison (Harold) Ochstein; seven grandchildren; and nine great- Morgan Estape and Leslie Morgan Gross, two grandchildren, grandchildren. her extended family, friends, and patients. ______

Narcisa “Nancy” V. Mokray, 91, Cecil Howard Taylor, 92, passed away on September 30, of Panama City, Rep. of Panama, 2016 at Serenity House in Dublin, Ga. He was born on passed away on November 23, 2015, at December 23, 1923 in Electra, Texas to Charlie and Maxa Paitilla Hospital, Panama. She was (Mauldin) Taylor. He was one of six children. After gradua- born on the Island of Taboga. She tion from Paschal High School in Fort Worth, Texas, Cecil received a scholarship to Escuela Santa worked in local retail positions before entering the military. Familia in Panama City; and then Cecil became a navigator on a B-26 in the Army Air Corps received another scholarship to La during World War II. He flew 62 missions over Germany out Normal de , for her of an airfield in England. He was proud, yet humble, about his “Majestio” degree in teaching. Once service years. Following WWII, Cecil began a 33 year-long graduated, she taught classes in the interior of Panama. In career with the Federal Aviation Administration in the south- those days, transportation to the schools was on horseback. east region where he rose to the position of Sector Manager. Horseback riding was not her thing. Once she got a job as a His tenure with FAA included many moves around the sale person at Bazard Frances, she left teaching. On a blind Southeastern United States, and also included four years in date, she met Arthur M. Mokray who she later married. She the Panama, Canal Zone. Living in the Canal Zone was one transferred to an accountant position for Crawford Agency on of the highlights of his life. Cecil was a member of a Baptist J Street & 4th July Avenue. Being bi-lingual, she took the job Church in every place he lived. He spent many years teaching as Manager/Sales of Westinghouse products with PENSA Sunday School and singing in the choir. Cecil had a strong until she retired in 1987. In her spare time, she supported her belief in charity for others which led him to contribute his husband, Arthur, with his batea business; helping in batea time and efforts to several endeavors. He was a Freemason for classes and painting them to be sold. It was a hobby they over 60 years. He was also an active member of Lions Club enjoyed doing. Her husband of 29 years passed away on International in every place he lived. During his years as a February 1, 1979. She continued the batea business with her Lion, he held many positions, including President. Cecil was sister Chave until her daughter Deborah transferred to USA. a regular contributor to the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch near She is survived by two children, Arthur M. Mokray, Jr. of Palatka, Fla. and to the Wounded Warrior Project. Cecil was Panama City, Panama, and Deborah Mokray Lee of very active for most of his life. He loved, tennis, swimming, Dunnellon, Fla.; sister Isabel (Chave) Vasquez Ricord of billiards, and golf. He was an avid golfer, and was very proud North Ridgeville, Ohio, and two favorite nieces Maribel of three “hole in ones” over his lifetime. Cecil was also a Edwards of North Ridgeville, Ohio, and Alina Wesley of world traveler. He vacationed in numerous countries on every Warrensburg, Mo., and many cousins, nieces, and nephews in continent except for Antarctica. Panama as well as USA. Her family tree of Vasquez-Ricord Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, all brothers is huge. and sisters, his first wife (Blanche Windsor Taylor) and last ______wife (Johnnie Faye Raffield Taylor). Cecil is survived by his four children, David Taylor (Paula) of Lake Mary, Fla.; Rebecca (Becky) Morgan, 78, of Johnny Tarpley (Jennifer) of Dublin, Ga.; Wendy Spivey Fairhope passed away on Sept. 8, (Chuck) of Oakland, Ark.; and Janet Ramsey (Patrick) of 2016. Dallas, Ga.; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchil- Becky was a registered nurse, who dren; one great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews. loved her job working with and for ______patients at the Baldwin County Mental Health Center. She was a Captain James Bayard Wallace, kind, caring and giving person who 94, of Kennebunk, “crossed always put others first. She helped the bar” peacefully on October 14, children and women at risk and got 2016, surrounded by his family. Jim them the support they needed. Till was born in Rochester, N.Y. on the day she died, she received calls from past patients looking March 28, 1922, the middle son of for a sympathetic ear with whom to share their successes and Spencer Miller Wallace and Caroline troubles. Bayard Clark. Jim is predeceased by 34 his loving wife, Inga “Sue” Prier Wallace; two brothers, with friends from all over the world. In their sons’ eyes, Jim William Wingate Wallace and Spencer Miller Wallace, Jr.; and Sue provided some of the most amazing learning experi- and sister, Dr. Joan Man Wallace. ences parents could ever give their children. In 1940, Jim graduated from Kennebunk High School and In 1984, Jim and Sue retired from the Canal and returned went on to graduate from King’s Point Merchant Marine stateside to Jim’s childhood home in Kennebunk, Maine. Academy in 1944 before putting out to sea for the War Upon returning, Jim taught “Advanced Shiphandling” at the Shipping Administration. He served aboard numerous Liberty Maritime Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies near ships, running wartime supplies through the Atlantic and Baltimore Harbor, Md. Over the next 30 years, Jim took Pacific Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. Between 1944 and exceptional care of Sue as she faced numerous health chal- 1956 he completed 30 voyages for the Black Diamond lenges, and they lived out their lives in their home along the Steamship Corp. and Victory Carriers, Inc. Jim earned his banks of the Kennebunk River. Jim was a 3rd Degree Mason, Masters License in 1948 and, as Captain, took command of a Shriner, and a member of Siebert Lodge, of the former his first vessel (SS Midland Victory) the same year. In Canal Zone in Panama. Jim enjoyed golf, woodworking, and December of 1957, Jim moved to the Panama Canal Zone and Red Sox baseball and made his last journey to Fenway Park started his 26-year career as a Panama Canal Pilot. One of the this spring. Jim is survived by his sons, Kirk William Wallace highlights of his career was being featured in a February 1978 (Karen) and their son, Ian James Wallace of Orlando, Fla., National Geographic article with the caption “Veteran of and Keith Alan Wallace (Jeri) of Kennebunk, Maine. more than 2000 canal passages; Wallace belongs to an elite ______group of 200 pilots who guide all ships going through the waterway.” Gail (Allen) Will, 62, passed away on July 1, 2016. She Shortly upon arriving in Panama, a chance meeting on a is survived by husband Carl Will; her children: Kelly golf course led Jim to meet and marry Ms. Inga “Sue” Prier (Randy) Wagoner, Angela Mitchell and Paul (Nicole) Will; of Colon, Panama. There they raised their two sons, Kirk and her sister Christi; and six grandchildren. Keith. Life in Panama was an extraordinary adventure filled ______THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS ON THE ISTHMUS s

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...pico feo in a mango tree ...seven golden frogs

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...two crocodiles ...eight boa constrictors

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me One the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...three kinkajous ...nine armadillos

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...four screaming buzzards ...ten green iguanas

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to ... five coconuts me ...eleven traipsing tapirs On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ...six gato solos On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 35 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ZONIAN GOLFERS TRAVEL ing. We all suffered from flashbacks to the fetid rainy season Zonian golf courses of our youth: Brazos, Gamboa, and TO AND LAND IN Summit. Mike Gettle claims the mosquitoes go away when it THE ZIKA HOT ZONE! freezes…how about a DDT fogging truck? But, I digress... This year’s umpteenth (the actual number is hotly debat- ed, but it is about 24 years) annual Balboa Invitational Golf The Balboa Invitational Golf Classic is famous for Classic was held in Grandville, Michigan. Over the years we encountering and overcoming challenging weather such as have played in Houston, Austin, Dallas, the Columbia River extended droughts, freakish cold fronts, and hurricanes. Al Gorge, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Tucson, Boulder, Santa Fe, Gore once tried to sign us up for a reality TV show on global Charleston and San Diego. This is a traveling Zonian road warming, but we turned him down. Ray and Jon Kelly show of golfers, non-golfers, and friends. Grandville is argued against it, noting that we are all huge fans of SUVs, known for being “Grand,” but not ostentatious…hence the large pickup trucks, and powerful air-conditioning systems “Ville” to provide a little balance. Mid-September in and should not sacrifice our core values for fleeting fame. Michigan brings on visions of brisk mornings, colorful fall This year’s local hosts were Mike and Cathy Gettle. They foliage with daytime highs in the mid-60s. Perhaps fields were gracious. They were super organized. They were cre- filled with ripening pumpkins with this year’s local hosts ative. They were generous with their time. They probably making homemade maple syrup in the backyard in a large vat wished they had rented an old barn, as the white carpeting in with a wooden paddle. Yes, we had a picture in our minds. their house needed a steam cleaning when the last golfer left the house! It was a tremendous hosting job. Great food (loved the Latin Night selections), and a well-produced video loop of the Canal Zone and Panama was running on the TV in the fin- ished basement. My Yelp review did have to ding the Gettles for not having a live band like last year’s host, Chuck Ruth, but musicologist Ed Davis brought the classics from the 60s and 70s and we were more than good! Mike and Cathy per- formed a great dance routine to the song, Fever, so the live entertainment requirement was met. I would be remiss if I did not mention that Alexis Paige traveled from to help the Gettles with their host- ing duties every step of the way. I still remember Alexis win- ning many, many academic awards on Senior Awards Day at Balboa High School in 1973. She had focus, brains and work ethic…all things many of us were lacking in high school, Front row: Jim Fish, Charlie Cantrell, Ron Bowman (all which may explain why our names were not called! BHS’73). Second row: Jim Huffman (CHS’74) and his The desserts were prepared by Nancy Trimble-Kern, wife, Joan. who drove over from Kalamazoo. (Her husband, Jim Kern, is a scratch golfer, so he won’t be invited back!) Absolutely unbelievable stuff. Cookies intricately decorated to look exactly like San Blas molas. Pure art. Don’t eat it; frame it and hang it on the wall in your house! Other cookies were decorated to look like a golf green, with a sand trap, water hazard, flagstick, and ball. (For Russ Stevens’ cookies, the ball should always be in the sand trap or the water hazard. I say that with the utmost respect, as I heard that, for some rea- son, the Glen Eagle Golf Course had renamed the creek in front of the 18th green, Stevens’ Creek!) She also made a large bowl of homemade caramels…they were indescribably delicious. We were encouraged to take home the leftover desserts, so I stuffed my pockets, but I had to fight off Debbie Plucker who was absolutely shameless in her caramel frenzy. Russ Stevens (BHS’71), Ray Kelly (BHS’73), John Kelly Friday night’s cookout at the outdoor grill/hot tub/pool (HS’74) and Jim Duffus (BHS’73) area of our official golf event hotel was a fun event on a nice breezy evening. While all of the golf courses and the Gettle The Michigan we encountered was very different from Estate were within 10 minutes of our central hotel, the cook- our expectations…maybe we were thinking northern Maine! out was one minute from my hotel room, so the convenience Michigan was green and lush; not a leaf showed any intention score was off the chart. It was Boatdrink Night with Ed Davis of calling it quits for the year. It was overcast. It rained off and coming out of semi-retirement to mix his legendary on. It was hot and muggy. The local mosquitoes were swarm- Boatdrinks. 36 Notably missing in action this year were Steve and means your meals and drinks are included. The fascinating Christy Patchett and John and Gail Givens. They were all Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza are nearby, the beach pre-occupied with the upcoming marriage of Kelly Givens. and pool are right there and, best of all, enjoy your favorite Rumor had it that Steve and John were chained to a table cold beverage under a shady bohio. My dermatologist would making countless table decorations and party favors for the approve of that shady bohio thing. You would have to stay at wedding reception. We expect them to be back in action at the resort that we select, as the all-inclusive format does not next year’s golf event…unless John’s other daughter gets allow for non-guests to visit without assessing them an exor- married. Chuck Ruth has still not fully recovered from the bitant charge. Your “B” badge from your local Canal Zone auto accident that prevented him from playing last year in pool will not get you access to the resort. Austin when he hosted the event. We will have more information in a few weeks. Frank Marc Malavasic and Jim Fish in the same foursome Lee (BHS’75) has taken all of his employees down there means that every shot requires a constant and energized dis- before and has been assigned the thankless task of coming up cussion. The trash talking got so intense that Jim Duffus had with a workable plan for our golf event. In the meantime, to crank up the volume on Shorty & Slim to drown them out. please consider blocking out the second half of October 2017 Clover Duffus fired up the Duffus Empanada Emporium and to join us wherever we end up going. came through with dozens of much-appreciated empanadas… not the handiest thing to haul halfway across the country! The Commissioner (aka Glenn Seeley) Charlie “Big Smoke” Cantrell selected a most excellent “Double Wood” Balvenie Scotch for our daily happy hours. Most of the world’s problems were resolved over Balvenie and potato chips at the Commissioner’s luxurious deluxe 2016 ANNUAL suite. It helped to get my Daily Threat Assessment directly from Ken Gerhart who works at the Defense Intelligence REPORT ON Agency. EYEGLASS Ron Bowman took a short break from his non-stop golf- COLLECTION ing vacation across America to join us for a golf warm-up before heading to the Ryder Cup. 24th Anniversary Ed Malin has the best electronic range finder money can buy. If you ask nicely, he might give you a yardage reading to It’s Christmas time so we the pin. You might be surprised to learn that this is not very shop for gifts to give friends and family. And a few extra, just useful information for most of the golfers in our group, as no in case. How about doing something especially rewarding for one really knows where their shot is going. But Dottie Malin a complete stranger? All it costs is the postage. has taught us a few pre-game stretching exercises that are Here’s the suggestion -- Wrap up your old eyeglasses hid- amazingly effective. Always concerned about an untimely den away in closets and drawers. Send them to this reporter injury on the tee box, we listen carefully to whatever Dottie and give the gift of sight to a grateful person in a Third World has to say. country. Medical missionaries head south every year with Jim and Joan Huffman both retired this year and are cleaned and graded eyeglasses. The person who gets your planning to sell their home near Seattle and move close to glasses may have walked for days to get to the clinic. Your Clover and Jim Duffus. Four people ready to share hosting glasses are no longer of any use to you, yet they could be a duties at the beautiful Columbia River Gorge puts that loca- priceless gift to a person you will never meet.. tion back in serious contention for next year’s event. During 2016 you donated 44 pairs of glasses many in This event started off with four guys golfing 36 holes, cases. This brings our total to 3,083 since the project began in having a few adult beverages, grilling steaks, playing poker 1992. Donors should give themselves a big hug for their late at night while eating Doritos out of a bag, bragging about thoughtfulness and generosity as we inch toward the next imaginary exploits in high school and then getting up early milestone – a one-year Panama Canal Society membership and doing it all over again for three days. It has evolved over renewal when we reach 4,000. the years. Wives are now encouraged to join us. Wives are Thank you so very much for your continued support of encouraged to play golf, and they do. Local Zonians, neigh- this project. Do please keep those glasses and T-shirts coming bors, and their spouses are encouraged to join us, as well. We to your Louisiana-Mississippi reporter: now play 18 holes a day; we fret about bad backs and dietary About the T-shirts – Clean, no holes, no stains, they go to restrictions. This year’s Eureka moment was when someone the Gonzales Seafarers Center for free distribution to mer- said, “You know, we don’t have to golf every single day!” chant marines from around the world. These T-shirts make That forced the executive committee into an emergency good cushioning material for the eyeglasses too. closed-door session to contemplate next year’s event. While details are sketchy and prices may force you to Patt Foster Roberson declare your home a parsonage to avoid burdensome income 2801 Allen Court and property taxes, here is what we are considering for next Baker, La. 70714-2253 year: An all-inclusive resort hotel in the Mayan Riviera (Cancun) with an adjacent or onsite golf course. All-inclusive 37 38 39 ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTACT MINI-REUNION COORDINATOR - [email protected]

2017 BHS Class of 1967 Balboa High School class of DoDDS 1967 will hold their 50th class reunion Friday, July 7, 2017 at PANAMA and the Marriott World Center in CANAL ZONE Orlando, Fla. In conjunction SCHOOLS with the Panama Canal Society Reunion from July 5 ‐ 9, 2017. REUNION Contact for further information:

Make your plans now to be at the 2017 Panama Canal Zoe Bierman McGraw Society Reunion. More details will follow as 2017 [email protected] Reunion time gets closer. Merri Bandy Lewis [email protected] BHS Class of 52! CHS CLASS OF 1967 2017 will be 65 years since we 50th Reunion graduated from BHS. It is our hope we will have people who would like a July 5- 9, 2017 last hurrah! Contact us ASAP. Cristobal High School Tigers, Classmates from ‘50 thru ‘55 are welcomed as well! Class of 1967 reunion committee, has begun their planning for their Judy Coulthard Curtis Long Gus Mellander “50th” Class PING DING! The reunion will take place in [email protected] [email protected] conjunction with the 2017 Panama Canal Society Reunion to be held at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Fla. If you need more information or would like to BHS Class of 1962 “volunteer”, please contact: Leo Paulson [email protected] Come and celebrate our 55th Marianne Field Hockin [email protected] Class Reunion at the 2017 Panama Canal Society Annual Join our class facebook page: Reunion from July 5‐9 at the Cristobal High School-Class of 1967 Orlando Marriott World Center.

Please contact: BHS Class of 1972 Karen Schmidt Deming 45th Class Reunion [email protected] Our 45th class reunion will be held in conjunction with the 2017 Panama Canal Society Annual Reunion in CHS CLASS OF 1962 Orlando, Florida. 55TH REUNION Thursday, July 6 - Reception/Dinner/Dance Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8 - Hospitality Suite Cristobal High School Class of Registration: 1962 is planning for their 55th EventBrite at https://balboa1972-45th.eventbrite.com reunion in conjunction with the Facebook page: Balboa High School Class of ‘72 Panama Canal Society Reunion at the Marriott World Center from July 5 to 9, 2017. Contact: Please call or e-mail me for more information and vol- Estela Aguirre Hammond [email protected] unteer for one of the planning committees. Priscilla Landrum Reed [email protected] (404) 455-0925 Marcus (Marc) French Evelyn Foster Dishong [email protected] [email protected] 816-478-1034 Terry Stanley Truett [email protected] 40 ANNOUNCEMENTS CHS Class of 1972 CHS Class of 1982 45th Class Reunion Plans are underway for our 35th July 7, 2017 – July 9, 2017 Class reunion in conjunction FACEBOOK page with the 2017 Panama Canal CHS72 / 45th Reunion 2017 Society Annual Reunion in Orlando, Fla. from July 6‐9, Contact: 2017. Susie Goembel Bowers [email protected] Check out our class Facebook Page for further details. We will have more info later in the year, but we want to make sure that everyone has the dates on their calendar. For more information: If you aren’t connected to us on FaceBook, reach out. If Patti Rice [email protected] you aren’t on FaceBook, send me your email address. Kathi Overstreet [email protected]

BHS Class of 1977 40th Class Reunion BHS Class of ‘92 July 6‐9, 2017 25 Year Class Reunion Our 40th Class Reunion will be held in conjunction with the Purchase Tickets, Event Details 2017 Panama Canal Society on Facebook: OPERATION Annual Reunion in Orlando, Fla. JUST BeCAUSE**25 Year Reunion BHS Class of ‘92 Look to our Facebook page for more information ‐ Balboa High School Class of 77 Contact: Ryan Underwood [email protected] For those who want to visit Panama with classmates there may be a few opportunities available. See FB for more information. Military brats and others who left BHS OF 1970 before graduation are welcome to attend. 65th Birthday Party! Class reunion coordinator at the PCS Reunion: Bonnie J. Abellera Planning has started for a class Social Security party to be held in 2017 in conjunction BHS CLASS OF 1982 with the Annual Panama Canal Society Reunion in Orlando, July 5 - 9, 2017 Fla. Also in the works - birth- Plans are underway for our 35th day celebration in the Spring of class reunion celebration, to be 2017 - in Las Vegas, Nev. held in conjunction with the We are in the process of Panama Canal Society Reunion at locating 1970 classmates from the World Marriott in Orlando, Fla. BHS. Help us spread the word! Classmates and friends can find us on Facebook: SAVE THE DATE AND MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US! ‘82 – THAT’S WHO! Balboa High School Class of 1970 (Keep in touch)

We are planning on having a large hospitality suite avail- For more information contact: able where we can gather as a class on Friday and Audrey (Stewart) Carlson Saturday. More information and details coming soon. [email protected] Make sure we have your contact info.

Leon Bonk [email protected] Mayra Linares Seitz [email protected] BHS 1987 Make sure to check on Facebook at our page for more CONTACT MINI-REUNION information and registration for our class reunion. Contact Information: COORDINATOR Ralph Furlong [email protected] [email protected] Rory Summers [email protected] 41 2016 ADVERTISEMENT RATES Advertising rates approved at the October 17, 2007, Executive Board Meeting are listed below. The increase in advertising rates was necessary due to an increase in the U.S. Postal mailing rates, which encompasses a charge for each ad shown in the Canal Record. Commercial Rates are for those who are either non-members of The Panama Canal Society, Inc., or those who are members but are placing an ad for an established business firm, who want to advertise in the Canal Record. All ads are subject to Executive Board approval. All ads submitted must be camera-ready. The Canal Record will not compose, design or size any commercial ads submitted. All graphics must be submitted in JPG or TIF format at 300 DPI to [email protected]. All checks or money orders must be payable on U.S. banks to the Panama Canal Society, Inc. Send all ads and checks or money orders to: PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC., 19001 SUNLAKE BLVD., LUTZ, FLORIDA 33558 Advertisement Size Commercial Non-Commercial Full Page: 7" wide x 10" high $347.00 $247.00 Half Page: 7" wide x 5" high $174.00 $124.00 1/4 Page: 3 1/2" wide x 5" high $87.00 $62.00 1/5 Page: 7" wide x 2" high $69.00 $49.00 1/10 Page: 3 1/2" wide x 2" high $35.00 $25.00 (Business Card Size) 1/20 Page: 3 1/2" wide x 1" high $18.00 $10.00 (1/2 Business Card) DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ADS, ARTICLES, NEWS OR PHOTOS FOR EACH CANAL RECORD: MARCH 2017 Canal Record - Deadline January 7, 2017 JUNE 2017 Canal Record - Deadline April 1, 2017 OCTOBER 2017 Canal Record - Deadline August 5, 2017 DECEMBER 2017 Canal Record - Deadline October 7, 2017

SAVE THE MULE

Fundraising is underway for complete restoration and refurbishment of this rare locomotive located at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Va. In the early 1970s, former Canal Zone resident J. E. Dorn Thomas (Gatun, CHS’49) located this Panama Mule in a scrapyard in Schenectady, N.Y. He raised funds to move the locomotive to Roanoke, Va. where it has been on display since 1974 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Refurbished upon its arrival at the museum, it is Original 1914 Panama Canal Zone Electric Towing now time for another clean-up and restoration. The Locomotive. family and friends of Dorn Thomas are again raising funds for this worthwhile project to protect this rare piece of Panama Canal Zone history for the next genera- tions. Donations specially marked for the “Save the Mule Fund” can be sent to:

Virginia Museum of Transportation 303 Norfolk Ave SW Roanoke, Virginia 24016

You can visit the museum’s webpage (go to the Panama Canal Mule page) at www.vmt.org to make a dona- tion or call the museum at (540) 342-5670. For more information: Contact Jed Thomas at 804-595-1031 or [email protected]. A challenge is given to every graduating class from BHS and CHS to reach out to their classmates to help raise funds for this worthy cause.

Sponsored by the generosity of Jerry Coffin and the CHS class of 1973

42 43 Mola T‑shirts and apparel symbolizing the spirit and culture we grew up with in

Home of the “Phonie Zonie” T‑shirts

World’s best hot pepper jelly “Sweet Heat” made with Aji Chombo from Panama

To order your Panama “Sweet Heat” email [email protected] or call 813‑494‑5007.

44 45 WANTED:

Words and phrases with definitions for the Canal Zone 1903-1999 dictionary. We are working on a two- year project for the Panama Canal Museum.

We want to contribute something unique to the Panama Canal Society and the Panama Canal Museum to help CANAL ZONE preserve Canal Zone history. This short, simple diction- STAMP ary is our contribution. COLLECTING The challenge is to present the most common definition or understanding of words and phrases used by Zonians Started as a non-profit organization in 1952, the Canal between 1950 and 1960 - that time holds special memo- Zone Study Group has 750 members worldwide. Check ries for us - even allowing for a few years before and after out www.czsg.org for much more CZ stamp information. the decade. For a free digital copy of our color quarterly newsletter Text sample from the Cocoli Dictionary: send an email to David Zemer at SOSAHILL@HOT- Amador Beach - small Army beach; at Fort Amador near MAIL.COM and put "free CZP" in the subject field. Or, the Causeway, swimmers protected by shark net. to become a member send a check for only $8/year to: CZSG, PO Box 281, Bolton, MA 01740 Contact Carl Berg for more info about this important and exciting writing project. The Cocoli Dictionary will help improve your knowledge of the Canal, the Zone and Panama!

Submit by mail to Carl N. Berg at 5925 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, Az 85283; by email [email protected]; or by phone (480) 345-1810.

46 “REAL LIFE IS MESSY, REAL ESTATE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE!” Keller Williams Reality St. Petersburg 111 2nd Ave. NE, Suite 400 KELLY FENTON / 727.418.0706 / [email protected] St Petersburg, FL 33701

WWW.HOWLERMONKEYSAUCE.COM

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AND ORDER YOUR HOT SAUCE TODAY!

WE APPRECIATE ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT! THANKS, CONAN HERRING AND TOM ELLIS.

47 48 PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 19001 Sunlake Blvd. Lutz, Fla. 33558 PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY QUESTIONS? Call (813) 949-6699

NAME:______Last Name First Name M.I. MAILING ADDRESS: ______Street and/ or P.O. Box # City State Zip Code PHONE: (_____) ______EMAIL: ______

If you DO NOT want your contact information published for distribution to other PCS Members, check this box. Did any of your contact information change from previous application?: YES NO

SPOUSE NAME: ______Last and/or Maiden Name First Name M.I. PHONE: (_____) ______EMAIL: ______

WOULD YOU CONSIDER BECOMING A PCS VOLUNTEER?

Eligibility for Membership: ONLY REQUIRED FOR 1st time Applicant OR Renewing Inactive Member

MEMBER: (Select and complete all that apply.) SPOUSE: (Select and complete all that apply.)

Descendent of: Descendent of: Full Name(s) ______Full Name(s) ______

Employee - If Retired: year retired ______Employee - If Retired: year retired ______CZ Government/PC Company/Commission CZ Government/PC Company/Commission US Military Service US Military Service US Government Civilian US Government Civilian Contractor supporting US Government Agencies Contractor supporting US Government Agencies Shipping Agent Shipping Agent Dependent of: Dependent of: Full Name(s) ______Full Name(s) ______Attended and/or Graduated US Government School(s) Attended and/or Graduated US Government School(s) School: ______Class of ______School: ______Class of ______

Please SELECT payment type for appropriate membership - Applicants must be 18 years old or older.

$ 40 Renewal Membership for CURRENT Members when PAID BEFORE January 31st of current year.

$ 50 Renewal for Inactive Membership includes $ 10 admin fee if NOT paid before January 31st of current year.

$ 50 1st time Applicant includes $ 10 admin fee (Member and/or Spouse and Children under 18.)

$200 Governors Club Membership - 5 year Membership includes special benefits and gift package from the Society.

TOTAL Amount $ ______

PAYMENT TYPE:

Check # ______(Make payable to Panama Canal Society, Inc.If check is NOT made on a US Bank, make payment by money order.)

Money Order # ______(Make payable to Panama Canal Society, Inc.)

Master Card / Visa Credit Card Only ______Exp: ______(For Member mail-in ONLY.)

Thank you for supporting the Panama Canal Society!

49 PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC 19001 Sunlake Blvd., Lutz, Fla. 33558 (813) 949-6699 Society License Plate: $5.00 (Tax & postage included) Society License Plate Frame: $5.00 (Tax & postage included) Canal Record: $7.00 each (Postage included) Society Decal: $2.00 (Tax & postage included)

Mailing Address of Purchaser:

Name______

Address ______

City ______State ______Zip Code ______

Society License Plate: $5.00 (Tax & postage included)

Qty. License Plates _____

Society License Plate Frame: $5.00 (Tax & postage included)

Qty. License Plate Frames _____

Canal Record: $7.00 (Postage included)

Qty. Canal Record _____ Date of Issue ______

Society Decal: $2.00 (Tax & postage included) Qty. Decals _____

50 PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC. ANNUAL ASSOCIATE 19001 Sunlake Blvd. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Lutz, Fla. 33558 PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY QUESTIONS? 813-949-6699 NAME OF ASSOCIATE MEMBER: ______Last Name First Name M.I.

MAILING ADDRESS: ______Street and/ or P.O. Box # City State Zip Code

PHONE: (_____) ______EMAIL: ______

If you DO NOT want your contact information published for distribution to other PCS Members, check this box. DID ANY OF YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS APPLICATION?: YES NO ASSOCIATE MEMBER SPOUSE NAME: ______

PHONE: (_____) ______EMAIL: ______

WOULD YOU CONSIDER BECOMING A PCS VOLUNTEER?

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP (THIS INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WHEN COMPLETING APPLICATION.)

SPONSORED BY: ______(Full Name of current PCS Member)

ADDRESS: ______(Address of sponsoring PCS member) PHONE NUMBER: (____) ______(Phone # of sponsoring PCS member)

Please SELECT payment type for appropriate membership APPLICANTS MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD OR OLDER.

$ 50 Renewal Membership for CURRENT Associate Members when PAID BEFORE January 31st of current year.

$ 60 Renewal for Inactive Membership includes $ 10 admin fee if NOT paid before January 31st of current year.

$ 60 1st time Applicant includes $ 10 admin fee (Member and/or Spouse and Children under 18.)

$250 Governors Club Membership - 5 year Membership includes special benefits and gift package from the Society.

TOTAL Amount $ ______

PAYMENT TYPE

Check # ______(Make payable to Panama Canal Society, Inc.If check is NOT made on a US Bank, make payment by money order.)

Money Order # ______(Make payable to Panama Canal Society, Inc.)

Master Card / Visa Credit Card Only ______Exp: ______

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY! 51 PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC 19001 Sunlake Blvd., Lutz, Fla. 33558 813-949-6699 MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM Society License Plate: $5.00 (Tax & postage included) Society License Plate Frame: $5.00 (Tax & postage included) Canal Record: $7.00 each (Postage included) Society Decal: $2.00 (Tax & postage included) Mailing Address of Purchaser:

Name______

Address ______

City ______State ______Zip Code ______

Society License Plate: $5.00 (Tax & postage included)

Qty. License Plates _____

Society License Plate Frame: $5.00 (Tax & postage included)

Qty. License Plate Frames _____

Canal Record: $7.00 (Postage included)

Qty. Canal Record _____ Date of Issue ______

Society Decal: $2.00 (Tax & postage included)

Qty. Decals _____

52 PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC.

19001 SUNLAKE BLVD. LUTZ, FLORIDA 33558 813-949-6699

Office Email: [email protected]

Editor Email: [email protected]

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DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING ADS, ARTICLES, NEWS OR PHOTOS FOR EACH CANAL RECORD

MARCH 2017 Canal Record - Deadline January 7, 2017

JUNE 2017 Canal Record - Deadline April 1, 2017

OCTOBER 2017 Canal Record - Deadline August 5, 2017

DECEMBER 2017 Canal Record - Deadline October 7, 2017

FUTURE ANNUAL REUNION DATES

JULY 5, 2017 - JULY 9, 2017 - Marriott World Center JUNE 27, 2018 - JULY 1, 2018 - Marriott World Center JULY 3, 2019 - JULY 7, 2019 - Marriott World Center PANAMA CANAL SOCIETY, INC (ISSN 0528-0001) Periodical Postage 19001 Sunlake Blvd. Lutz, Fla. 33558 PAID at the Largo and at additional mailing offices

POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to the Canal Record, 19001 Sunlake Blvd., Lutz, Fla. 33558