I've been shopping for an old pickup to keep here at the business and finally found what I was looking for at a dealership in Columbus. The fellow who was in charge of putting the final paperwork together picked up on the Jinks name and as we talked I soon discovered that he is the son of Larry Horn and Shirley Gearhart, class of '59. Pat Horn, class of '63, is his uncle. Of course, that led to discussions of "do you know so and so." Although that was an enjoyable exchange, I was saddened to learn that Dean Landis passed away some time back. I did not know that. The last time I saw Dean was at my father's funeral. I'll always remember Dean's great big smile. It is a small world, indeed.
Jerry class of '61
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Visitors !
My Nephew, JD Walker, Oswego, tells me that he and a group of Young Christians will be coming to Silver Dollar City this weekend for the "Young Christians Day". I understand Penny Spore will be with them. Looking forward to seeing some "Hometown Folks" for a change.
Follow this link to see Silver Dollar City's website: http://www.silverdollarcity.com/
Later . . .
Follow this link to see Silver Dollar City's website: http://www.silverdollarcity.com/
Later . . .
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Silver Dollar City
March 18, 2010 is opening day for SDC. This is Silver Dollar Citys 50th Anniversary. Lots of good stuff going on out there this year. Everyday will be celebrating their 50th but the weekend of May 1st will be the "special" big event. Lots of things going on that I can't share, ya just need to be there. Come on out and join the "Celebration" . You've got a great past ahead of you! AND, while you're there, look us up. We'd enjoy visiting with ya.
On another note, the TV show "Undercover Boss" airing on Sunday evenings at 8:00 central will feature on March 28, none other than Joel Manby, the CEO of Herschend Family Enterprises (Silver Dollar Citys parent company) Tune in for that. It's gonna be good.
Later . . .
FaceBook Viruses
FaceBook seems to be getting a lot of viruses and hackers right now. My wife is still on and checks it daily (sometimes I secretly watch, I guess it's the FBaholic in me) and there are a lot of people complaining about being attacked by some thing they picked up by watching a youtube link or something that a friend wanted them to download. Farmville, a game on FB (which I never ever played) was hacked into by a guy that was banned from FB. Now he's back and attacking people that play Farmville. Don't know what's wrong with folks nowadays.
Later . . .
Later . . .
Facebookaholic?
I've been on Facebook a few times but, frankly, it has never appealled to me. I don't know why. I do seem to find myself on a computer quite a lot, so there is probably some level of addiction there.
Jerry Jinks, class of '61.
Jerry Jinks, class of '61.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
FaceBookaholic
There is a FaceBookaholic Page. It's on FaceBook. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Facebookaholics-/241341504632 Maybe you better check it out Jim.
Confessions of a FaceBookaholic
First of all, did you know, that the OHSAA has a FaceBook page. Yep, it's located at the following link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oswego-High-School-Alumni-Association/123161734164?ref=sgm
I know, it's a long link so just click on the link and it'll take you right to the page, then bookmark the page and you won't have to worry about that long link anymore. I know they would be more than happy to have you check in and leave a comment. Oh, and by the way, the Oswego Booster Club has a FaceBook page, you can find it here http://www.facebook.com/pages/OHS-INDIANS-BOOSTER-CLUB/120988087206 check them out also.
OK folks, here it is, I am a facebookaholic! There I said it. I was on fb every chance I got. Why I even have it on my BlackBerry and when I couldn't access fb on my laptop, I'd get on my 'Berry and spend hours going over and over the same stuff. Finally after I got attacked by over 50 trojan horse viruses and other malware, adware, etc AND found out I was sending out invitations and messages that weren't actually being sent by me, I deactivated my account. Boy, now that was tough. That was two days ago and I'm like a fish out of water. I can't compare it to drug addicition but I think it must come in a distant second. As far as I know there isn't an AA for facebookaholics. Are there others out there like me ? ? ? Maybe we could start a new organization, FBA ! Seriously, I wonder how long I'll last before I reactivate my account ? ? ?
Come to think of it, maybe I'm a computeraholic also. . .
Later . . . LOL
I know, it's a long link so just click on the link and it'll take you right to the page, then bookmark the page and you won't have to worry about that long link anymore. I know they would be more than happy to have you check in and leave a comment. Oh, and by the way, the Oswego Booster Club has a FaceBook page, you can find it here http://www.facebook.com/pages/OHS-INDIANS-BOOSTER-CLUB/120988087206 check them out also.
OK folks, here it is, I am a facebookaholic! There I said it. I was on fb every chance I got. Why I even have it on my BlackBerry and when I couldn't access fb on my laptop, I'd get on my 'Berry and spend hours going over and over the same stuff. Finally after I got attacked by over 50 trojan horse viruses and other malware, adware, etc AND found out I was sending out invitations and messages that weren't actually being sent by me, I deactivated my account. Boy, now that was tough. That was two days ago and I'm like a fish out of water. I can't compare it to drug addicition but I think it must come in a distant second. As far as I know there isn't an AA for facebookaholics. Are there others out there like me ? ? ? Maybe we could start a new organization, FBA ! Seriously, I wonder how long I'll last before I reactivate my account ? ? ?
Come to think of it, maybe I'm a computeraholic also. . .
Later . . . LOL
Sunday, March 14, 2010
"2010" Alumni Reunion Update
The 2010 Oswego Alumni Reunion will be held on Saturday, September 25th. Nikki (Overman) Lewis (OHS Alumni Chairperson) says "we will get to enjoy the OHS Homecoming and Oswegofest again this year"!!! "Everything is going to be held the same weekend"!Ok, folks, let's get our reunion info together and send it in to the Alumni Committee. We'll get it posted on the OHSAA web site( http://www.oswegoalumni.org/ ) and on this blog. You can reach Nikki Lewis at tyandnikki@embarqmail.com and myself at wilks@oswegoalumni.org
" . . .and now, a word from our sponsor"
Well, not really. But I would like to talk about Jinks Fruitcakes. I have be
en associated with Jinks Fruitcakes for about 47 years now(that would have made me 18yrs old then) simply by buying them and eating them. I LOVE fruitcake! I can't help it, I love the stuff. I remember going into the Jinks Bakery in Oswego way back in the 60s and ,oh the smell, anyway, fruitcakes were my thing. As a youngun', I couldn't affford to buy one but Gerald would sometimes give us a sample.
When I joined the USAF, my folks would buy one at Christmas time and have it shipped overseas to me. For almost four years, I had a "whole" fruitcake to myself. WOW! Of course I always had to "share" it with others. Being "over there" it was always nice to get something from home and especially something edible.
Every year I buy a fruitcake, not always from Jinks, but wherever I'm at. Some are fair, some passable and some downright inedible. But, you know, none compare to the fruitcake that I'm used to, Jinks Fruitcakes. Man, I'm getting hungry just writing about this.
Anyhow, to sum this up, if you are a fruitcake afficianado, or not, you should at least try one of their fruitcakes. I don't think you'll be sorry, because, in my opinion you can't buy a better fruitcake than Jinks. http://www.traditionalfruitcake.com/
(This was an unpaid, unsolicited advertisement for Jinks Fruitcakes) Sorry Jerry, but I love your fruitcakes and you had to go and mention them in your post. It's all your fault.
en associated with Jinks Fruitcakes for about 47 years now(that would have made me 18yrs old then) simply by buying them and eating them. I LOVE fruitcake! I can't help it, I love the stuff. I remember going into the Jinks Bakery in Oswego way back in the 60s and ,oh the smell, anyway, fruitcakes were my thing. As a youngun', I couldn't affford to buy one but Gerald would sometimes give us a sample.When I joined the USAF, my folks would buy one at Christmas time and have it shipped overseas to me. For almost four years, I had a "whole" fruitcake to myself. WOW! Of course I always had to "share" it with others. Being "over there" it was always nice to get something from home and especially something edible.
Every year I buy a fruitcake, not always from Jinks, but wherever I'm at. Some are fair, some passable and some downright inedible. But, you know, none compare to the fruitcake that I'm used to, Jinks Fruitcakes. Man, I'm getting hungry just writing about this.
Anyhow, to sum this up, if you are a fruitcake afficianado, or not, you should at least try one of their fruitcakes. I don't think you'll be sorry, because, in my opinion you can't buy a better fruitcake than Jinks. http://www.traditionalfruitcake.com/
(This was an unpaid, unsolicited advertisement for Jinks Fruitcakes) Sorry Jerry, but I love your fruitcakes and you had to go and mention them in your post. It's all your fault.
Update on your "Editor"
Howdy ya'll,
We are back in Missouri. For the last two months or so we've been in Arizona and California. (warmer weather don't ya know). Silver Dollar City closed on December the 31st and we were outa here on January the 6th. If you would like to read about our journey, we created a daily blog and recorded all our adventures/misadventures on http://we3brvn.blogspot.com/ We had a real good time and really hated to leave Arizona's warm weather to come back to Missouri's cold rainy weather.
We are back in Missouri. For the last two months or so we've been in Arizona and California. (warmer weather don't ya know). Silver Dollar City closed on December the 31st and we were outa here on January the 6th. If you would like to read about our journey, we created a daily blog and recorded all our adventures/misadventures on http://we3brvn.blogspot.com/ We had a real good time and really hated to leave Arizona's warm weather to come back to Missouri's cold rainy weather.
On a sad note, while in California on Jan 21, I received a phone call and was informed that my Mother was not expected to make it through the night. At 11:00pm Jan 22, she went home to be with the Lord. For the next week I was in Oswego attending to some business that I would rather not have been doing. Going and coming to Oswego was an adventure in itself (see the blog).
All in all, our 2 month vacation was very good. We are now gearing up to return to work at Silver Dollar City on March the 18th. If ya'll are ever down this way, look us up. We'll be 'round the "city" somewhere. Ask anyone on the parking lot team where JW is and they'll most likely be able to point ya in the right direction.
Later . . .
"Spring Forward" ! DST
"Spring Forward", simply means to turn your clocks forward and hour. To some folks, that's a big deal. DST, Some hate it, some love it, some don't care one way or the other.For all you March Madness fans out there – don’t you dare forget to set your clocks forward an hour before going to bed on Saturday! You wouldn’t want to miss that important championship game now, would you? Same goes for all those out there that might have plans, appointments, or even church services today.
Forgetting Daylight Saving Time would ultimately mean being an hour LATE. You wouldn't want to be late for work on Monday would you? Jerry is right, daylight Ssving time is not recognized in Arizona, Hawaii, some counties in Indiana, as well as the US territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands. Individuals in these areas do not have to concern themselves with DST unless they have travel plans to areas recognizing the time shift.
The basic premise of Spring Forward is to conserve energy. There’s a lot of debate over whether or not the change still saves energy during modern days where everyone is plugged in 24/7. The most recent changes to Daylight Savings Time took place in 2007, when a law signed by George W. Bush in 2005 went into effect. This law extended DST.
Is DST always one hour ahead of normal time?
Today it is almost always one hour ahead, but throughout history there have been several variants on this, such as half adjustment (30 minutes) or double adjustment (two hours), and adjustments of 20 and 40 minutes have also been used. A two-hour adjustment was used in several countries during the 1940s and elsewhere at times. A half adjustment was sometimes used in New Zealand in the first half of the 20th century. Sometimes DST is used for a longer period than just the summer, as it was in the United States during World War II. From February 3, 1942 to September 30, 1945most of the United States had DST all year; it was called “War Time.”
(Almost all of the preceding information was gleaned from the internet.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the way, I have had some good response from some alumni about keeping the blog and also moving it to this location. We'll see how it works out. At least this blog isn't costing me anything but time.Later . . .
Hello and a couple of updates
Hey there all of you "feather heads." First, thanks to Jim for hanging in there with the OHS blog. It is a good idea and will be even better if we do our part by using it (Jerry says after not posting for the past couple of years).
Second, an update. As some of you may already know my mother Vi of Oswego bakery fame has returned to Oswego to live. She has an apartment at Westside Homes and is enjoying it a great deal. She has been talking about making a move for a while and the difficulty of this winter was the final deciding factor. My son, Jeff, is now living at the country place and will be using his carpentry skills to make a number of needed repairs and improvements. He will also be helping us with the seasonal fruitcake business. Cheryl and I can certainly use the help with that since it is becoming increasingly demanding. I will be here more during the non-fruitcake season than in past years, in fact, I am here now and will be around for the next month, or so.
Since this is the first day of Daylight Saving Time, I looked up a couple of facts to share. It was none other than Benjamin Franklin who first proposed "shifting daylight". DST always begins on the second Sunday in March and reverts on the first Sunday in November. Hawaii does not observe DST nor does Arizona, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, which does, even in Arizona. I'm guessing that causes a bit of confusion. Although originally encacted primarily as an energy savings move various studies suggest just the opposite, mostly because of the wide spread use of air conditioning during the past 40 years. To learn more check out the following website.
http://www.webexhibits.org//daylightsavings/nodes.html
Jerry, class of '61
Second, an update. As some of you may already know my mother Vi of Oswego bakery fame has returned to Oswego to live. She has an apartment at Westside Homes and is enjoying it a great deal. She has been talking about making a move for a while and the difficulty of this winter was the final deciding factor. My son, Jeff, is now living at the country place and will be using his carpentry skills to make a number of needed repairs and improvements. He will also be helping us with the seasonal fruitcake business. Cheryl and I can certainly use the help with that since it is becoming increasingly demanding. I will be here more during the non-fruitcake season than in past years, in fact, I am here now and will be around for the next month, or so.
Since this is the first day of Daylight Saving Time, I looked up a couple of facts to share. It was none other than Benjamin Franklin who first proposed "shifting daylight". DST always begins on the second Sunday in March and reverts on the first Sunday in November. Hawaii does not observe DST nor does Arizona, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, which does, even in Arizona. I'm guessing that causes a bit of confusion. Although originally encacted primarily as an energy savings move various studies suggest just the opposite, mostly because of the wide spread use of air conditioning during the past 40 years. To learn more check out the following website.
http://www.webexhibits.org//daylightsavings/nodes.html
Jerry, class of '61
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Welcome to the "NEW" OHSAA Blog site
Welcome. There were so many spammers and whatnot on the former blog that we felt we had to do something.
So, here we are. The current members were all sent an email inviting them to join the new blog. Any of you can join simply by registering and having a Google account (that simply means, use your own personal email address but register through Google. You can then post to this blog. By the way, anyone can read this blog, you don't have to be a member to do that. BUT, we would sure like to have as many OHS bloggers as we can get. Get on here and share your thoughts, happenings, events, etc. We would love to have you. All blogs from the former site have been transferred so you can keep up with everything that has been posted. Welcome . . .
Important Information
March 7, 2010 by Jim Wilks.
Greetings current OHSAA Blog users,
Recently there have been a rash of spammers adding themselves to this blog by simply registering as a new member. To protect our Alumni Blog and your information, I have suspended any “New” users. If you want to be added as a member of the blog, you will have to send an email to me (including your “real” name, a valid e-mail address and be an OHS Alumni or spouse thereof). After verification of the info sent by you, the alumni, you will be added as a new member. I regret having to do this but do want to protect you, the member. I am currently looking at various other blog systems. As a current member, you can still add entries to this blog and I encourage you to do so.
This blog came into existence in December of 2006 and has since only received 28 entries (including this entry). So, the question I would pose to you, the Alumni member, should we continue with this blog or switch to something else, such as a FaceBook type thing. Current members, let me know your feelings by either posting something on this blog or by email.
Respectfully
Jim Wilks Class of ‘62 wilks@oswegoalumni.org
Greetings current OHSAA Blog users,
Recently there have been a rash of spammers adding themselves to this blog by simply registering as a new member. To protect our Alumni Blog and your information, I have suspended any “New” users. If you want to be added as a member of the blog, you will have to send an email to me (including your “real” name, a valid e-mail address and be an OHS Alumni or spouse thereof). After verification of the info sent by you, the alumni, you will be added as a new member. I regret having to do this but do want to protect you, the member. I am currently looking at various other blog systems. As a current member, you can still add entries to this blog and I encourage you to do so.
This blog came into existence in December of 2006 and has since only received 28 entries (including this entry). So, the question I would pose to you, the Alumni member, should we continue with this blog or switch to something else, such as a FaceBook type thing. Current members, let me know your feelings by either posting something on this blog or by email.
Respectfully
Jim Wilks Class of ‘62 wilks@oswegoalumni.org
2009 Alumni Reunion Update
October 13, 2009 by Jim Wilks.
The 2009 Alumni Reunion is now a part of OHS history. If you weren’t there, you missed a terrific time. Click on the following link for an article by Nikki (Overman) Lewis, chairperson of the OHS Alumni Committee. http://www.oswegoalumni.org/2009alumnireunion.html
Don’t forget, we’re also on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oswego-High-School-Alumni-Association/123161734164?ref=mf
Talk later
Jim - Class of ‘62
“Go Indians”
The 2009 Alumni Reunion is now a part of OHS history. If you weren’t there, you missed a terrific time. Click on the following link for an article by Nikki (Overman) Lewis, chairperson of the OHS Alumni Committee. http://www.oswegoalumni.org/2009alumnireunion.html
Don’t forget, we’re also on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oswego-High-School-Alumni-Association/123161734164?ref=mf
Talk later
Jim - Class of ‘62
“Go Indians”
Hey, We’re all over the place ! ! !
August 30, 2009 by Jim Wilks.
Not only are we on the web @ http://www.oswegoalumni.org/ but OHS is also on Facebook at the following address, bookmark it: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oswego-High-School-Alumni-Association/123161734164?ref=mf AND the OHS Indians Booster Club has their own website at http://www.indiansbooster.wikispaces.com/ and also on facebook at the following address: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=107022507926&ref=mf .
See you on September 26th at the reunion
Jim Wilks - Class of ‘62
Not only are we on the web @ http://www.oswegoalumni.org/ but OHS is also on Facebook at the following address, bookmark it: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oswego-High-School-Alumni-Association/123161734164?ref=mf AND the OHS Indians Booster Club has their own website at http://www.indiansbooster.wikispaces.com/ and also on facebook at the following address: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=107022507926&ref=mf .
See you on September 26th at the reunion
Jim Wilks - Class of ‘62
OHSAA Website Update
July 8, 2009 by Jim Wilks.
The OHSAA website has been updated to include the Class of 2009. Check out the following link: http://www.oswegoalumni.org/co09.html Welcome “new” alumni.
The OHSAA website has been updated to include the Class of 2009. Check out the following link: http://www.oswegoalumni.org/co09.html Welcome “new” alumni.
‘09 Alumni Reunion Update
June 4, 2009 by Jim Wilks.
Greetings Fellow Alumni,
We need your help! We need to know who is scheduling a reunion for their class. The class years celebrating a reunion are listed on the OHSAA website www.oswegoalumni.org Please click on this link: http://www.oswegoalumni.org/reunion%20info.html to check out the lastest info. We need your input. Let’s have a great reunion this year.
See you then
Jim Wilks
Class of ‘62
Greetings Fellow Alumni,
We need your help! We need to know who is scheduling a reunion for their class. The class years celebrating a reunion are listed on the OHSAA website www.oswegoalumni.org Please click on this link: http://www.oswegoalumni.org/reunion%20info.html to check out the lastest info. We need your input. Let’s have a great reunion this year.
See you then
Jim Wilks
Class of ‘62
Reunion 2009
April 5, 2009 by Jim Wilks.
Rumor has it that the 2009 OHS Reunion will be held on September 26. Stand by for updates.
Alumni updates wil soon be posted on the alumni website www.oswegoalumni.org
Jim Wilks
Class of ‘62
Rumor has it that the 2009 OHS Reunion will be held on September 26. Stand by for updates.
Alumni updates wil soon be posted on the alumni website www.oswegoalumni.org
Jim Wilks
Class of ‘62
“HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL”
December 22, 2008 by Jim Wilks.
From my family to yours - May you all have a Blessed New Year.
Jim Wilks - Class of ‘62
From my family to yours - May you all have a Blessed New Year.
Jim Wilks - Class of ‘62
2008 Reunion Update
October 10, 2008 by Jim Wilks.
The 2008 Alumni Reunion is now a part of history. Read all about it at the attached link. http://www.oswegoalumni.org/2008alumnireunion.html If you were unable to attend (as I was), we’ll see you next year. Keep on bloggin’. Remember to hit your browsers “back” buttom to come back to the Blog page.
Jim Wilks
Class of ‘62
The 2008 Alumni Reunion is now a part of history. Read all about it at the attached link. http://www.oswegoalumni.org/2008alumnireunion.html If you were unable to attend (as I was), we’ll see you next year. Keep on bloggin’. Remember to hit your browsers “back” buttom to come back to the Blog page.
Jim Wilks
Class of ‘62
Back in town…
September 18, 2008 by wwjdradtech.
This is a great idea and a great website. Roger and I recently moved back to Oswego after being away for 25 years. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned to appreciate the slower pace of a small town. You can e-mail us anytime. We’re in the directory now.
Kelly
Class of ‘82
This is a great idea and a great website. Roger and I recently moved back to Oswego after being away for 25 years. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned to appreciate the slower pace of a small town. You can e-mail us anytime. We’re in the directory now.
Kelly
Class of ‘82
Class of 1993
August 25, 2008 by nikki.
We are working on our class reunion and need contact information on the following people: Amy Thomas, David Muhr, and Raymond Spencer. If anyone has contact information on these people please contact me at 620-795-2715.
Thank You, Nikki Lewis (Overman) 1993
We are working on our class reunion and need contact information on the following people: Amy Thomas, David Muhr, and Raymond Spencer. If anyone has contact information on these people please contact me at 620-795-2715.
Thank You, Nikki Lewis (Overman) 1993
Updated Reunion Info
August 10, 2008 by Jim Wilks.
By now most of you should have received your “invite” to the 2008 Reunion.
I have added a page to the website concerning the reunion. Please check it out at the following link: http://www.oswegoalumni.org/2008Reunioninfo.html This years Alumni Reunion is being held in conjunction with Oswegofest. As my South Lousiana Cajun friends would say “Laissez les bons temps rouler” or “Let the good times roll”. Nikki Lewis and the rest of the Alumni Committee have really worked hard on this years reunion and I’d just like to say, “Thanks”. See ya in September
Jim W.
Class of “62
By now most of you should have received your “invite” to the 2008 Reunion.
I have added a page to the website concerning the reunion. Please check it out at the following link: http://www.oswegoalumni.org/2008Reunioninfo.html This years Alumni Reunion is being held in conjunction with Oswegofest. As my South Lousiana Cajun friends would say “Laissez les bons temps rouler” or “Let the good times roll”. Nikki Lewis and the rest of the Alumni Committee have really worked hard on this years reunion and I’d just like to say, “Thanks”. See ya in September
Jim W.
Class of “62
WOW..
August 8, 2008 by Tom Bringle.
..talk about a day late….. I just got the alumni letter and found this. This is great. Will see about speading the word.
..talk about a day late….. I just got the alumni letter and found this. This is great. Will see about speading the word.
50th Reunion
June 14, 2008 by Jim Wilks.
The Class of 1958 will hold their 50th reunion this year on Sept. 27th at the Oswegofest. If you were in that class, please contact your classmates and pass the word. More info later.
Jim Wilks - 1962
The Class of 1958 will hold their 50th reunion this year on Sept. 27th at the Oswegofest. If you were in that class, please contact your classmates and pass the word. More info later.
Jim Wilks - 1962
Class Reunions ? ?
April 22, 2008 by Jim Wilks.
I am getting a few e-mails from different classes wanting information about upcoming reunions. Anyone with information about the 10, 20, 30, 40, and up reunions, please drop me an e-mail at wilks@oswegoalumni.org. and I’ll get them added to the OHSAA Web site.
Jim
I am getting a few e-mails from different classes wanting information about upcoming reunions. Anyone with information about the 10, 20, 30, 40, and up reunions, please drop me an e-mail at wilks@oswegoalumni.org. and I’ll get them added to the OHSAA Web site.
Jim
An “Update” on your Editor
April 22, 2008 by Jim Wilks.
Last year (2007) Wanda and I took a well deserved cruise to Alaska (I highly recommend this for everyone). Upon returning to the lower 48, we decided to have a little more fun as well as earn a little travelin’ money, so we went to work for (SDC) Silver Dollar City in Branson, SW Missouri. Wanda hired on as a park auditor and I as a ride operator. After a few weeks as a ride operator, I unfortunately hyper-extended my right knee. The doctor said I needed to be in a position where I got more and a different type of exercise. I then moved to the parking lot in SDC where I parked buses and valet cars. We both liked the atmosphere and people of SDC so much that we committed to come back again in 2008. We did and haven’t regretted it yet. Wanda still works as a park auditor and I am in the parking lot, still!! I now operate trams, trollys and buses as well as park buses and VIP cars. If any of you ever consider working an “extra” job, Silver Dollar City & it’s subsidaries (Showboat Branson Belle, Celebration City, White Water & Ride the Ducks) would be an excellent choice. Click on the link and check them out http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/
Y’all ever get down to Branson and the “City” look us up. We’ll be more than happy to visit with ya.
Jim & Wanda
Last year (2007) Wanda and I took a well deserved cruise to Alaska (I highly recommend this for everyone). Upon returning to the lower 48, we decided to have a little more fun as well as earn a little travelin’ money, so we went to work for (SDC) Silver Dollar City in Branson, SW Missouri. Wanda hired on as a park auditor and I as a ride operator. After a few weeks as a ride operator, I unfortunately hyper-extended my right knee. The doctor said I needed to be in a position where I got more and a different type of exercise. I then moved to the parking lot in SDC where I parked buses and valet cars. We both liked the atmosphere and people of SDC so much that we committed to come back again in 2008. We did and haven’t regretted it yet. Wanda still works as a park auditor and I am in the parking lot, still!! I now operate trams, trollys and buses as well as park buses and VIP cars. If any of you ever consider working an “extra” job, Silver Dollar City & it’s subsidaries (Showboat Branson Belle, Celebration City, White Water & Ride the Ducks) would be an excellent choice. Click on the link and check them out http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/
Y’all ever get down to Branson and the “City” look us up. We’ll be more than happy to visit with ya.
Jim & Wanda
Update to “Rumor”
November 6, 2007 by Jim Wilks.
It is no longer a rumor about the Alumni Reunion date change. It is confirmed! The date for the 2008 OHS Alumni Reunion and Banquet will be held on September 27, 2008 (the last Saturday in September each year). This will coincide with Oswegofest each year.
So, make plans for this event and we’ll see you there.
Questions, comments??
Jim - 1962
It is no longer a rumor about the Alumni Reunion date change. It is confirmed! The date for the 2008 OHS Alumni Reunion and Banquet will be held on September 27, 2008 (the last Saturday in September each year). This will coincide with Oswegofest each year.
So, make plans for this event and we’ll see you there.
Questions, comments??
Jim - 1962
Reunion 2008 Rumors
November 4, 2007 by Jim Wilks.
There are rumors that the 2008 OHS Annual reunion has changed dates from June to September. I am in the process of verifying this rumor. Will advise when verified.
Jim - OHS 1962
There are rumors that the 2008 OHS Annual reunion has changed dates from June to September. I am in the process of verifying this rumor. Will advise when verified.
Jim - OHS 1962
A Quiet Bunch
July 27, 2007 by Jerry Jinks.
I see that there has been nearly 3500 logons to the Alumni website but only a handful of postings. The Oswego Alumni are sure a quiet group.
Jerry Jinks
I see that there has been nearly 3500 logons to the Alumni website but only a handful of postings. The Oswego Alumni are sure a quiet group.
Jerry Jinks
Class of ‘61 Reunion
July 20, 2007 by Jerry Jinks.
The class of 1961 held its second reunion on Saturday, July 14. We met at the Best Western motel in Parsons. Several of us met for dinner the night before with the “official reunion” starting at 3:00 the next afternoon. A sizable number of the class attended including classmates who now live in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, as well as Kansas.
Another visual record of the event will be compiled and we could really use any photos you might have from high school days. Digital copies will be best but if you want to send the photos to me by mail I will scan them and return them to you. Send them to:
Jerry Jinks
1910 Deer Cove Ct.
Normal, IL 61761
The class of 1961 held its second reunion on Saturday, July 14. We met at the Best Western motel in Parsons. Several of us met for dinner the night before with the “official reunion” starting at 3:00 the next afternoon. A sizable number of the class attended including classmates who now live in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, as well as Kansas.
Another visual record of the event will be compiled and we could really use any photos you might have from high school days. Digital copies will be best but if you want to send the photos to me by mail I will scan them and return them to you. Send them to:
Jerry Jinks
1910 Deer Cove Ct.
Normal, IL 61761
“Technologically Challenged - Me ??”
July 8, 2007 by Jim Wilks.
I can well relate to Jerry’s comments about being “Technologically Challenged”. I never thought I was untill the day came when I knew I was! Working for the Union Pacific Railroad back in the “80’s, we (the UPRR) had the latest and greatest in computer techology. Always keeping pace with the business world, the mighty UPRR was constantly upgrading their computer systems. It was really nice as all the programming was already setup for you. If you wanted to write a letter, you simply accessed the “letter symbol” on your screen (much later I learned it was called an “icon”). If you wanted to save all your work for later use you just pushed the save button and the computer saved it to your screen. (boy we’re talking old stuff now, green screen and all)
After a few years of this type of computer use, I figured I could use a computer at home. My lovely, precious wife went to Radio Shack and bought us a TRS80 II Color Computer with 64k Ram. Yep, that’s right, it was a COCO 2. As I recall, it used cartridges and didn’t even have a floppy drive. Well, needless to say, I wasn’t the computer guy I thought I was & through complete frustration, the COCO 2 lasted only a short time.
A little later, in 1987, we bought a Hewlett Packard 8086 with 640k of Ram (we’re blazing now) and a 20 mb hard drive with a printer for the amazing price of $2000.00. The guy at the store said, and I quote “You’ll never fill up this hard drive”. Even today, I laugh everytime I think about what he said.
Well, being an avid UPRR computer user and thinking I knew all about computers, I quickly found out just how ignorant I really was, and “technologically challenged”, yea, I was. You see, the UPRR computers were on a mainframe with everything already setup on them so anyone could come in and write a letter or a file of some sort. I was using just one of their many “dumb terminals” (all tied to the main frame) If you could figure out how to type, you could use their computers, it was that simple. (remember, this was all before windows was introduced). When I tried to use my new “top of the line” Home PC, was I in for an awakening. I knew how to start the thing (push, where it said power) and that was the extent of my home computer knowledge. (we’re talking early windows V3.1)where there were no icons, you started programs by going to the c:/ prompt and typing a name for the program. Yes, I tried reading the book, boooorrring, and confusing, to say the least. I had a “friend” at work that was truly a “computer guru”, and I would ask him every day how to do different things on my computer and all he would say was “Read the book”. After several times of hearing the same thing from him, I quickly learned to stop asking him. My wife happened to work for Farm Credit in Wichita and they had just switched to the windows based computers. So when she learned at work, she came home and showed me. From there it was all uphill, trial and error, lots of miscalculations, unintended deletions and more computer crashes than I care to remember. I remember saying to my wife one night, after a particularly trying evening of trying to do what we thought we wanted to do on the computer and then learning that I had just deleted an entire days work, “why are we punishing ourselves, we bought this @$#%$@^$ thing to help us and it’s only making me mad”.
After much trial and error, in 1995, my wife and I started a home based business, www.SBRco.com , that relies heavily on the computer. We do things now that 15 years ago we didn’t even know existed. Graphic design, photo restoration, desktop publishing, E-business, website design and publishing, “blogs” and the list goes on & on & on.
“Technologically Challenged - Me ??”, sometimes, I still feel as if I am, like when I started this “Blog site”. But I got over it!!! Just like Jerry said in his post, I’m still a long long way from being called a computer guru, but I’m working on it.
Jerry is absolutely right. Anyone can learn to use the computer. And in a relatively short time. So if you know of someone who has ”thought about it” but never tried it, have them “think about it again” and this time take that first step. It’ll open up a whole “ ’nother world”.
Over the years, if there is only one thing I have learned, it’s that the computer is only as smart as the person hitting the keys. Need help ??? There’s no such thing as a dumb question. The only “dumb” thing would be not to ask that question in the first place.
Happy Computin’ and Keep on Blogging!
Jim Wilks - Class of 1962
I can well relate to Jerry’s comments about being “Technologically Challenged”. I never thought I was untill the day came when I knew I was! Working for the Union Pacific Railroad back in the “80’s, we (the UPRR) had the latest and greatest in computer techology. Always keeping pace with the business world, the mighty UPRR was constantly upgrading their computer systems. It was really nice as all the programming was already setup for you. If you wanted to write a letter, you simply accessed the “letter symbol” on your screen (much later I learned it was called an “icon”). If you wanted to save all your work for later use you just pushed the save button and the computer saved it to your screen. (boy we’re talking old stuff now, green screen and all)
After a few years of this type of computer use, I figured I could use a computer at home. My lovely, precious wife went to Radio Shack and bought us a TRS80 II Color Computer with 64k Ram. Yep, that’s right, it was a COCO 2. As I recall, it used cartridges and didn’t even have a floppy drive. Well, needless to say, I wasn’t the computer guy I thought I was & through complete frustration, the COCO 2 lasted only a short time.
A little later, in 1987, we bought a Hewlett Packard 8086 with 640k of Ram (we’re blazing now) and a 20 mb hard drive with a printer for the amazing price of $2000.00. The guy at the store said, and I quote “You’ll never fill up this hard drive”. Even today, I laugh everytime I think about what he said.
Well, being an avid UPRR computer user and thinking I knew all about computers, I quickly found out just how ignorant I really was, and “technologically challenged”, yea, I was. You see, the UPRR computers were on a mainframe with everything already setup on them so anyone could come in and write a letter or a file of some sort. I was using just one of their many “dumb terminals” (all tied to the main frame) If you could figure out how to type, you could use their computers, it was that simple. (remember, this was all before windows was introduced). When I tried to use my new “top of the line” Home PC, was I in for an awakening. I knew how to start the thing (push, where it said power) and that was the extent of my home computer knowledge. (we’re talking early windows V3.1)where there were no icons, you started programs by going to the c:/ prompt and typing a name for the program. Yes, I tried reading the book, boooorrring, and confusing, to say the least. I had a “friend” at work that was truly a “computer guru”, and I would ask him every day how to do different things on my computer and all he would say was “Read the book”. After several times of hearing the same thing from him, I quickly learned to stop asking him. My wife happened to work for Farm Credit in Wichita and they had just switched to the windows based computers. So when she learned at work, she came home and showed me. From there it was all uphill, trial and error, lots of miscalculations, unintended deletions and more computer crashes than I care to remember. I remember saying to my wife one night, after a particularly trying evening of trying to do what we thought we wanted to do on the computer and then learning that I had just deleted an entire days work, “why are we punishing ourselves, we bought this @$#%$@^$ thing to help us and it’s only making me mad”.
After much trial and error, in 1995, my wife and I started a home based business, www.SBRco.com , that relies heavily on the computer. We do things now that 15 years ago we didn’t even know existed. Graphic design, photo restoration, desktop publishing, E-business, website design and publishing, “blogs” and the list goes on & on & on.
“Technologically Challenged - Me ??”, sometimes, I still feel as if I am, like when I started this “Blog site”. But I got over it!!! Just like Jerry said in his post, I’m still a long long way from being called a computer guru, but I’m working on it.
Jerry is absolutely right. Anyone can learn to use the computer. And in a relatively short time. So if you know of someone who has ”thought about it” but never tried it, have them “think about it again” and this time take that first step. It’ll open up a whole “ ’nother world”.
Over the years, if there is only one thing I have learned, it’s that the computer is only as smart as the person hitting the keys. Need help ??? There’s no such thing as a dumb question. The only “dumb” thing would be not to ask that question in the first place.
Happy Computin’ and Keep on Blogging!
Jim Wilks - Class of 1962
“It’s all my fault.”
July 7, 2007 by Jerry Jinks.
I just read Jim’s “About the Editor” posting and discovered that the OHS Alumni Association Blog is all my fault. Well, I have been accused of worst things and probably will be again.
Last year the class of ‘61 held its first reunion and I put up a message board on my business website to post reunion planning updates as well as other tidbits of information as they came to mind. The response to it was pretty good and I was asked to do it again in support of this year’s get together. The only problem, of course, is that those who don’t use computers can’t access the information. But, I don’t know any way around that for those who just won’t go to the trouble to learn to use the technology. I’m a long ways from being a technology guru but I’ve been using computers since before there was an Internet and frankly I don’t have a lot of patience with those who tell me that they can’t learn to use one. As I’ve commented to a couple of my OHS luddite classmates, “Give me 20 minutes and I’ll have you not only posting emails and searching the Internet but using techno-speak, as well.” So far, no takers.
Believe me, computers are easier to learn now than they used to be. In the mid-1980’s, my colleagues and I received a federal grant to set up a communications network among teachers in response to geographic isolation. We were working in Montana so there was plenty of geographic isolation to respond to. At that time, the entire population of Montana, the fourth largest state, was about 750,000 people. Teachers from all over the state brought their Apple II-e computers (a condition of participation was that the school had to provide them with one) to our institute where we equipped them with the Promethus modem (there’s a dinosaur for you) and plugged them into telephone jacks.
It was a real mess. There were power cords and telephone cables running all over the place. We had splitters plugged into splitters. The university physical plant and facilities guys were convinced that we would set fire to the place and the university attorney was sure someone would trip and sue the institution. We had convinced the state department of education to set up a computer to work as a server and promptly overloaded it leading to more negotiations with the state department to add more capability. The phone lines were also overloading so busy signals were the most common response to an access request. There were no experts to advise us so yours truly learned a heck of a lot including that when it comes to computers the best expert just might be some kid with a passion for the technology. I hired three of them to work with the project and it was a lot of fun watching an 18 year old being so patient with 50 year old teacher. But in spite of all of the frustrations we thought we were just this side of Star Trek. And, given the times, I guess we were.
So, thanks, Jim for blaming the OHS blog on me. It reminded me of one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career so I am happy to take the blame.
Keep on keeping on.
Jerry Jinks
I just read Jim’s “About the Editor” posting and discovered that the OHS Alumni Association Blog is all my fault. Well, I have been accused of worst things and probably will be again.
Last year the class of ‘61 held its first reunion and I put up a message board on my business website to post reunion planning updates as well as other tidbits of information as they came to mind. The response to it was pretty good and I was asked to do it again in support of this year’s get together. The only problem, of course, is that those who don’t use computers can’t access the information. But, I don’t know any way around that for those who just won’t go to the trouble to learn to use the technology. I’m a long ways from being a technology guru but I’ve been using computers since before there was an Internet and frankly I don’t have a lot of patience with those who tell me that they can’t learn to use one. As I’ve commented to a couple of my OHS luddite classmates, “Give me 20 minutes and I’ll have you not only posting emails and searching the Internet but using techno-speak, as well.” So far, no takers.
Believe me, computers are easier to learn now than they used to be. In the mid-1980’s, my colleagues and I received a federal grant to set up a communications network among teachers in response to geographic isolation. We were working in Montana so there was plenty of geographic isolation to respond to. At that time, the entire population of Montana, the fourth largest state, was about 750,000 people. Teachers from all over the state brought their Apple II-e computers (a condition of participation was that the school had to provide them with one) to our institute where we equipped them with the Promethus modem (there’s a dinosaur for you) and plugged them into telephone jacks.
It was a real mess. There were power cords and telephone cables running all over the place. We had splitters plugged into splitters. The university physical plant and facilities guys were convinced that we would set fire to the place and the university attorney was sure someone would trip and sue the institution. We had convinced the state department of education to set up a computer to work as a server and promptly overloaded it leading to more negotiations with the state department to add more capability. The phone lines were also overloading so busy signals were the most common response to an access request. There were no experts to advise us so yours truly learned a heck of a lot including that when it comes to computers the best expert just might be some kid with a passion for the technology. I hired three of them to work with the project and it was a lot of fun watching an 18 year old being so patient with 50 year old teacher. But in spite of all of the frustrations we thought we were just this side of Star Trek. And, given the times, I guess we were.
So, thanks, Jim for blaming the OHS blog on me. It reminded me of one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career so I am happy to take the blame.
Keep on keeping on.
Jerry Jinks
Reunion ‘07 Update
June 5, 2007 by Jim Wilks.
Reunion ‘07 has come and gone, for the most part. Attendance was down this year, 75 as compared with 165 last year. This is understandable considering the price of gas. Or was there another reason? I personally know how hard your Alumni committee works to make this happen each year, and I for one, appreciate their efforts. On another note, those of us that did attend had a wonderful time. We renewed old acquaintances, reminisced and enjoyed an excellent meal. The Class 0f ‘52, ‘62 and ‘77 held individual reunions and had a great time.
For some, reunion time is not over yet. The Class of ‘61 is having their reunion in July at Parsons. Also the Class of ‘72 is having a reunion June 15 - 17 in Oswego. Read all about these at the following link http://www.oswegoalumni.org/updates.html then get out and GO!
For me (1962), I’m looking forward to 2012 and our 50th reunion.
Take Care and I’ll see you down the road
Jim Wilks
Reunion ‘07 has come and gone, for the most part. Attendance was down this year, 75 as compared with 165 last year. This is understandable considering the price of gas. Or was there another reason? I personally know how hard your Alumni committee works to make this happen each year, and I for one, appreciate their efforts. On another note, those of us that did attend had a wonderful time. We renewed old acquaintances, reminisced and enjoyed an excellent meal. The Class 0f ‘52, ‘62 and ‘77 held individual reunions and had a great time.
For some, reunion time is not over yet. The Class of ‘61 is having their reunion in July at Parsons. Also the Class of ‘72 is having a reunion June 15 - 17 in Oswego. Read all about these at the following link http://www.oswegoalumni.org/updates.html then get out and GO!
For me (1962), I’m looking forward to 2012 and our 50th reunion.
Take Care and I’ll see you down the road
Jim Wilks
Reunion Time
April 14, 2007 by Jim Wilks.
Well, the letters for the Class of 62/63 are out and you should have them by now. I really hope that you will consider coming to the reunion this year. You know, we’re not getting any younger and anything can happen at any time. Since the last time we met, 2003, the class of ‘62 has lost two members. Let’s all try our best to make it this year. I have updated the website to urge everyone to attend. check out the update page http://www.oswegoalumni.org/updates.html
Hopefully we’ll see all of you in a month or so in Oswego. Be sure to send your reply to Barbara Goodnight. And, if you just find it impossible to attend this year, send a letter about yourself to Barbara and let us share it with your classmates.
I’ve already got some committments from some of the classmates from out of state, that they’ll be there. And all the ones living in or near Oswego (you know who you are) I expect to see you for sure.
Looking forward to June 2nd and a great reunion,
Jim Wilks - Class of ‘62
Well, the letters for the Class of 62/63 are out and you should have them by now. I really hope that you will consider coming to the reunion this year. You know, we’re not getting any younger and anything can happen at any time. Since the last time we met, 2003, the class of ‘62 has lost two members. Let’s all try our best to make it this year. I have updated the website to urge everyone to attend. check out the update page http://www.oswegoalumni.org/updates.html
Hopefully we’ll see all of you in a month or so in Oswego. Be sure to send your reply to Barbara Goodnight. And, if you just find it impossible to attend this year, send a letter about yourself to Barbara and let us share it with your classmates.
I’ve already got some committments from some of the classmates from out of state, that they’ll be there. And all the ones living in or near Oswego (you know who you are) I expect to see you for sure.
Looking forward to June 2nd and a great reunion,
Jim Wilks - Class of ‘62
March 28, 2007 by Graywolf.
Hey, everyone. It’s nice to see something going on at OHS. Jim, the site looks great, nice job. Now that I have found the blog I will be sure to check it out to see what is going on. I am looking forward to the reunion this year. It will be my first. See you there.
Gary Setters
Gary Setters
Reunion ‘07 and . . .
February 4, 2007 by Jim Wilks.
Hi Everybody. Well, 2006 is history and the New Year is upon us. It’s not too early to start thinking about the reunion in June. Have you got all your class contacts handy and making plans?
Speaking now, to the Class of ‘62, it’s our 45th reunion this year. We have a room at the Community building reserved and are looking into caterer’s for our reunion. (Thanks to Barbara Goodnight). I think the Class of ‘63 is going to join us again this year but will let you know for sure. There are a few addresses I don’t have but hope to get and they are, Barbara (Crawford) Reeves, Sharon (Lindsey) Robinson, Eva (Scott) Lacey. If anyone out there has any info that they would share, please e-mail me at wilks@oswegoalumni.org. I will be getting letters out to all in the next month or so.
We are receiving quite a few new registrants for the “blog” but so far, very few blogs. It is an easy thing to do. Try it and get a dialouge started with your fellow classmates.
The website www.oswegoalumni.org is pretty much completed now with a few minor exceptions. Have sure had a lot of comments on and about it. I have been considering opening up the oswego alumni web site to include class websites. Any ideas on this?
Enough of my ramblings, better stop for now.
Jim
Hi Everybody. Well, 2006 is history and the New Year is upon us. It’s not too early to start thinking about the reunion in June. Have you got all your class contacts handy and making plans?
Speaking now, to the Class of ‘62, it’s our 45th reunion this year. We have a room at the Community building reserved and are looking into caterer’s for our reunion. (Thanks to Barbara Goodnight). I think the Class of ‘63 is going to join us again this year but will let you know for sure. There are a few addresses I don’t have but hope to get and they are, Barbara (Crawford) Reeves, Sharon (Lindsey) Robinson, Eva (Scott) Lacey. If anyone out there has any info that they would share, please e-mail me at wilks@oswegoalumni.org. I will be getting letters out to all in the next month or so.
We are receiving quite a few new registrants for the “blog” but so far, very few blogs. It is an easy thing to do. Try it and get a dialouge started with your fellow classmates.
The website www.oswegoalumni.org is pretty much completed now with a few minor exceptions. Have sure had a lot of comments on and about it. I have been considering opening up the oswego alumni web site to include class websites. Any ideas on this?
Enough of my ramblings, better stop for now.
Jim
Passwords and Other Stuff
December 13, 2006 by Jerry Jinks.
I’m glad to see this opportunity to communicate with ex-OHSers although I was about to take the Webmaster to task for making the password system so complicated. Then I noticed that there is a link allowing me to change my password whenever I wish. Sorry, Jim, for my evil thoughts.
Some of you probably know that the class of 1961 held their first ever reunion last June with an excellent turnout. Since then many have remarked that we should organize another one very soon because everyone agreed that there just wasn’t enough time to spend with each other. Cheryl, are you listening?
I know it isn’t politically correct to wish someone “Merry Christmas” anymore. Well, to hell with that! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
Jerry Jinks
I’m glad to see this opportunity to communicate with ex-OHSers although I was about to take the Webmaster to task for making the password system so complicated. Then I noticed that there is a link allowing me to change my password whenever I wish. Sorry, Jim, for my evil thoughts.
Some of you probably know that the class of 1961 held their first ever reunion last June with an excellent turnout. Since then many have remarked that we should organize another one very soon because everyone agreed that there just wasn’t enough time to spend with each other. Cheryl, are you listening?
I know it isn’t politically correct to wish someone “Merry Christmas” anymore. Well, to hell with that! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
Jerry Jinks
Welcome OHS Alumni
December 6, 2006 by Jim Wilks.
We are proud to introduce this new “blog” for the Oswego Alumni Association’s website. Anyone can use this blog for just about anything (let’s keep it clean). To use the blog, simply follow the instructions that you received in the email sent to you. You must have a google account (you can still use your own personal email address). Any problems, email me at wilks@oswegoalumni.org
Happy Blogging
Jim W. Wilks - ‘62
We are proud to introduce this new “blog” for the Oswego Alumni Association’s website. Anyone can use this blog for just about anything (let’s keep it clean). To use the blog, simply follow the instructions that you received in the email sent to you. You must have a google account (you can still use your own personal email address). Any problems, email me at wilks@oswegoalumni.org
Happy Blogging
Jim W. Wilks - ‘62
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