HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROL CAMERON ACKERSON!

Please join us today in celebrating Carol's birthday. Carol, we hope you enjoy a fabulous day with family and friends! Wish her a Happy Birthday!

Carol and her husband reside in Chattanooga, and we look forward to seeing them on June 4th.

Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

Birthday Train! All Aboard!

The '59er Birthday Train cleared snow off the tracks in Virginia to take on a new passenger:

Glenda Orrell Etchison, known to us as 'Sissy,' has joined our birthday passengers.

Glenda was born on December 26, 1941!

Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

Chattanooga Lunch Bunch and 70th Birthday Planners

Anne Johnson, Sandra King, Carolyn Darr, Vicki White,
Linda Chambers, Sandy Wright 

Barbara Dalton, Carolyn Massoud, Susie Crouch and Gaynell Smith

The Jan. 27 Chattanooga '59ers and 70th Birthday planning luncheon in Chattanooga. Next meeting at Vicki Daniel White's on February 3.

Third 70th Birthday Party Planning Meeting Minutes

CHS Class of ‘59

Third 70th Birthday Party Planning Meeting Minutes

From the January 27, 2011 meeting

Our third planning meeting was combined with the regular fourth Thursday “lunch bunch” at Taco Mamacita’s. The scheduled January 13 meeting was cancelled because of weather problems. Anne Johnson and Susie Turner Crouch chaired the meeting and attending were Sandra Belk King, Carolyn Tuley Darr, Vicki Daniel White, Linda Rogers Chambers, Sandra Wooten Wright, Gaynell Hixson Smith, Carolyn Thomas Massoud, and Barbara Dalton Warner.

Our group expressed great appreciation for the outstanding service and immense amount of work contributed by Sharon Barker Tunnell who, despite full-time work, has been responsible for the Birthday Train and the Monkey Survey. Many of our classmates have helped in so many ways both for the reunion and for the birthday party, but Sharon really deserves special recognition.

The Martin Davis House event planned for midday on June 4 will be featured on the blog as we move a bit closer to the big weekend. Committee members are Anne Johnson, Gloria Hudson Sutton, Carolyn Darr, Carolyn Massoud, Nancy Poole Klein, and Barbara Warner. This will be a rain or shine event from 10:00 a.m. (leaving The Chattanoogan) or 10:30 a.m. (arriving at the Davis House) until 1:00 p.m. which should allow plenty of time for preparation for the birthday party at 5:00 p.m.. The primary purpose of the event is another opportunity for visits with classmates at a relaxing, peaceful spot. We will need help with hostessing duties, carpooling plans, and possibly providing extra chairs. The box lunch is $10.

Susie reported on results of the survey to date; we have received 39 out of 167 surveys with very positive results. Many thanks to those who have responded to the survey, and we urge everyone else to respond in the very near future. Those present who worked on the reunion are certain that we will have many more as the June 4 weekend approaches. If anyone has questions, please contact Anne and/or Susie.

There are many opportunities for classmates to assist with all the events. Susie, as chair of our main event on Saturday evening, will need many helpers; she will keep us informed of ways to serve.

Our next big project will be invitations for the weekend. We will meet NEXT Thursday, February 3, at 5:15 p.m. at Vicki’s home to work on invitations. Vicki’s address is 672 East 17th Street, Chattanooga, 37408; her phone is 423-605-4919 and email is vicd42white@gmail.com. Bring a sandwich, and Vicki will have tea. Of course, we also usually bring other libations!!

       Respectfully submitted,

       Barbara D. Warner

You are invited ...

You are invited to a CHS Class of '59

Meet and Greet with lunch

June 4, 2011, 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

At the Martin-Davis House

58 Hog Jowl Road, Chickamauga, GA 30707

We will carpool from the Chattanoogan Hotel at 10:00 a.m.

Or you can meet us at the house at 10:30 a.m.!

Lunch: $10 per person. Your check is your reservation. 

Send check to Anne Johnson, 1413 Cinderella Rd., Lookout Mt. GA 30750

Driving Directions from Chattanoogan Hotel:

1. Turn right on Broad St. heading south toward Lookout Mt.

2. Turn left at TN-17 S Broad St.,(toward Rock City).
Continue to follow TN-17S about 5 min. Pass Incline. 

3. Slight right at S. Elmo Ave., (do not go up the mountain) enter GA. About 3 min.

4. Continue onto GA-193 S about 29 min.

5. Turn right at Hog Jowl Rd., destination on the right

CHS Birthday Event Interest Survey

CHS BIRTHDAY EVENT

INTEREST SURVEY

Dear Friends,

An interest survey has been sent individually to 59er e-mail recipients. Every effort has been made to reach you at accurate e-mail addresses. We realize we may have missed you, or the survey may have gone to your spam box.

The survey is a safe one, and in no way does it obligate you. An invitation will be extended

at a later date.

Thanks to all of you who have responded. Your responses help us to finalize plans for this amazing event: a joint celebration of our 70th birthday!

If you did not receive the survey, please e-mail Sharon: sharontunnell@gmail.com.

We will see that you receive the 4 survey questions.

BIRTHDAY WHISTLE STOP

The CHS 59er Birthday Train stopped in Hixson to take on Richard Burhman.

His birthday is very soon: February 5, 2011!

Our sympathy to Barbara Beason Plank in the loss of her husband, Jack Plank

ROSSVILLE Jack Wesley Plank, 70, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer.

A native of North Georgia and a 1958 graduate of Chattanooga High School, Jack was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a wonderful friend to all. 

He was a longtime member of Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ, where he and his wife Barbara were married 52 years ago.

He was employed with U.S. Pipe and Foundry in Chattanooga, for many years as a superintendant of maintenance; he previously worked for Vestal Manufacturing, in Sweetwater, Tenn.; Vulcan Engineering in Helena, Ala., and Union Foundry in Anniston, Ala. Jack retired from Lodge Manufacturing Co. in South Pittsburg, Tenn., as vice president of special projects after years of employment. 

He was a minister of the Gospel at Chattanooga Valley Church of Christ. Jack showed love for his country by honorably serving in the United States Navy aboard the USS Ranger and in the Navy Reserve. He continued his support of the military throughout his life.

He was an avid Tennessee Volunteer fan and loved playing golf with friends and family. He was a great listener and always had encouraging words of wisdom to all who were fortunate to know him. 

He was a member of the American Foundry Society (AFS), Tennessee Chapter and obtained his certificate in maintenance management from the University of Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Dempsey "JD" Plank; and his mother, Mildred "Mickey" Plank.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Beason Plank; two daughters, Pamela (Gary) Gibson, of Cohutta, Ga., and Jackie Fones (Roger Saylors) of Hixson; son, Wesley D. (Debbie) Plank, of Chesapeake, Va.; sister, Shirley (Jeff) Tingle, of Rossville; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday in the South Crest Chapel with Minister C.G. Griffith officiating.

Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with his grandsons and nephews serving as Honorary Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation, Hospice of Chattanooga, or University Oncology and Hematology Associates, 979 E. Third St. #A0550, Chattanooga, TN 37403-2136.

The family would like to give a special "thanks" to Hospice of Chattanooga for their loving care of Jack.

The family will receive friends from 11-1 p.m. Wednesday at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home & Crematory, Rossville.

Barbara Beason Plank

We are saddened to learn of the death of Jack Plank on Sunday, January 23, 2011, in Rossville, GA.

Jack (CHS CLass of 1958) and our clasmate Barbara have been married for 52 years. Our hearts are with her and her family today.

Obituary will be posted, as it appeared in Chattanooga News Free Press today.

Services Today:

Visitation: 11:00-1:00 EST at South Crest Chapel, Lane Funeral Home, Rossville.
Funeral Service: 1:00 EST at South Crest Chapel, Lane Funeral Home, Rossville.
Interment following at Chattanooga National Cemetary.





Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

Thinking of Dan Anderson on His Birthday Today!

U.S. Army

We are grateful to Dan for his friendship as our classmate through the years. Many have great memories of his humor and kindness. With his guidance and leadership, memories of a number of reunions of our class have been made. We love you, Dan!

We appreciate Carolyn Anderson (Carolyn Grant, CHS Class of 1960) joining us in wishing Dan a good day on his birthday today. She has shared a photo of them together and reports that they enjoyed family gathering together this past weekend to celebrate his 70th.

Carolyn expresses appreciation to those classmates who visit Dan. We hope Carolyn and Dan have a wonderful day together.

We are grateful to Dan for his friendship as our classmate through the years. Many have great memories of his humor and kindness. With his guidance and leadership, memories of a number of reunions of our class have been made. We love you, Dan!

Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

70th Birthday Party Invitation

STAY ON TRACK WITH YOUR CLASSMATES

Hello fellow Chattanooga High School classmates of 1959. Whether we can believe it or not, we are, or soon will be, 70 years young. Classmates who attended the 50threunion had such a great time that it was decided we should wait no longer than two years to do it again. So, the idea of the birthday bash was formed. We hope YOU will make plans to be there!

The CHS birthday train officially pulls into the station for THE MAIN EVENT at the Bessie Smith Hall, downtown Chattanooga on June 4th 2011, 5:00 PM! We can BYOB, but there will be wine, a catered meal, and a professional DJ and sound system so we can dance. You can attend this main event for $25.00/person made to CHS; mailed to Susie Crouch, 1134 Dartmouth Street, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Questions:crouchst@yahoo.com; 423-443-6889

For those who can’t get enough visiting done at one event, the committee offers the following optional events to make it a party weekend of celebration. For an optional event, the additional cost is shown.

Optional event - Friday, June 3, 5:00: Meet at the Chattanoogan Hotel where we will have a party “warm up” in a hotel Suite hosted by Bill Cross and wine provided by David Pearce, aka Arthur Wilbanks. From there, classmates may want to have dinner in small groups at one of the restaurants downtown. No cost or reservation needed for “warm up” party. Pay as you go at restaurant.

Optional event -Saturday, June 4, 10:30-1:00: Box Lunch in Chickamauga: The 1850 Martin-Davis House is the setting for an unhurried time for visiting and conversing with only a bird song as background music. There will be a tour of the home which is filled with antiques, a CHS memorabilia display, and a catered box lunch. $10.00 per person. (Checks to Anne Johnson, 1413 Cinderella Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750). Questions: Anne-Johnson@comcast.net; 706-820-4462

Optional event - Sunday Brunch, 11:15, at the Chattanoogan Hotel.$18.95 per person,(brunch can also be checked out online - Broad Street Grille Sunday Brunch) Reply to Susie Crouch – yes if attending: crouchst@yahoo.com.

Our Party Hotel: The Chattanoogan Hotel is close to the Bessie Smith Hall and downtown restaurants. Check it out at www.thechattanooganhotel.com. With 10 reservations, we get a special rate of $139 per night. Information to use when making reservations will be out soon.

Classmates help Anne celebrate her birthday

L to R: Carolyn Thomas Massoud, Carolyn Tuley Darr, Anne Johnson, Lloyd
Stanley, Susie Turner Crouch and Linda Rhoden McKinney

Party now and party later--We can't wait until June 4th to celebrate! Classmates gather to help Anne celebrate her birthday with a gourmet and beer pairing dinner at Moccasin Bend Brewing Co. Chris Hunt, Anne's son is an owner and lead brewer there. All pictured plan to be at the birthday bash in June!

Invitation to CHS '59ers Birthday Bash

Hello classmates,

Plans are underway to celebrate our 70th birthday in style!

The BIG BIRTHDAY BASH IS:

Saturday evening, 5:00, Downtown, Bessie Smith Hall, Gathering, Happy hour, Dinner, Dancing and Birthday Cake.

Susie Crouch is the contact. crouchst@yahoo.com

Since this is not a reunion but once we are on your calendar, and in Chattanooga, we want to see as much of you as possible! We are in the process of selecting a downtown "party hotel". It would be fun to stay in the same location and see each other casually around the hotel.

Please put us on the calendar for a weekend of reconnection and celebration!

"Pay as you go events" include:

Friday evening informal gathering

Saturday morning, 10:30, Tour/box lunch at 1850 home

Sunday, Brunch, downtown

Watch the blog for further details to be announced soon. Complete plans and announcements will be in January, our birthday year!

Till then, stay healthy, and know we look forward to being with you again. The party continues!

Nothing finer than a '59er!

Anne Johnson

January 27 Lunch Bunch

Our CHS Lunch Bunch will resume our regular fourth Thursday lunches next week on the 27th of January. Hope to see you all at Taco Mamacita's at noon. I know we have had lunch there once but had a request from one of our classmates. Please bring ideas for new restaurants that we would all enjoy in the coming months.

Since our planning meeting for the 70th Birthday Bash was canceled due to the snow, Anne will hold a short meeting immediately after our meal. Please plan to stay if possible. Plans are really shaping up and excitement is in the air.

See you Thursday!

LINDA Rogers Chambers

Whistle Stop in Marietta! All Aboard!

113 CHS59ers welcomed our newest passenger, as

the birthday train stopped in Marietta, Ga.

BILL WALDREP ~ APRIL 6

Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

Whistle Stop in Knoxville! All Aboard!

The CHS 59er Birthday Train made a whistle stop in Knoxville and took on a new passenger:

Nancy Gordon Griffith ~ October 26.

Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

It's Lina Wagoner Kibler's Birthday!

Let's celebrate Lina's birthday! Lina and her husband live in Douglasville, GA.

We hope to have you join us in Chattanooga on June 4th. Happy Birthday, Lina!

Pre-Vues- CHS

Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

Happy Birthday to Eunice McCormick Tenant!

Sending the best of birthday wishes to our friend and classmate Eunice today, January 19!

Happy Birthday to you! Please plan to be with us in Chattanooga on June 4.

We can celebrate together!

Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

Barbara Beason Plank had a Birthday!

Many thanks to Linda Rogers Chambers for letting us know that Barbara celebrated her birthday on January 15. Happy Birthday, Barbara!

Barbara and Jack Plank reside in Rossville, GA. We hope you will join us as we celebrate on June 4!

Submitted by Sharon Tunnell

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAN BARGER!

Happy Birthday to our friend and classmate, Dean Barger! Dean and Anne live in Memphis and enjoy family events with their children and grandchildren.

Dean, we hope to see you and Anne in Chattanooga to celebrate all our birthdays on June 4.

Submitted by Sharon Barker Tunnell

MARY HELEN McDARIS MERTZ- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Please join us in celebrating with Mary Helen today on her birthday ~ January 18.

Mary Helen lived for many years in Murfreesboro, TN. She recently moved to Illinois to live near her daughter. Mary Helen was an active participant in the CHS 59er Nashville Connection, and her presence is missed at their luncheons.

Mary Helen, we hope you will join us in celebration on June 4, in Chattanooga!

Submitted by Sharon Barker Tunnell

KEEPING ON TRACK- ALL ABOARD!

The CHS 59er Birthday Train is moving along, picking up passengers:

Barbara Beason Plank~ Rossville, GA ~ January 15

Sandra Wooten Wright ~ Chattanooga~ March 16

George Derryberry~ Signal Mtn. ~ April 5

Dottie Eldridge Jacobs ~ Henderson, NC ~ August 28

Sandra Belk King ~ Chattanooga~ October 6

Carolyn Gash Shumate ~ Marietta, GA ~ October 21

Submitted by Sharon Barker Tunnell

All Aboard on Track Going South!

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Gene Bennett February 19

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James Schaeffer-December 27

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Submitted by Sharon Barker Tunnell