John Linxwiler

A front-page story in today's Journal-Register announces that John Linxwiler is retiring after 24 years as executive director of the Springfield Park District.

That's John on the left, taken at a Reunion party in 2003, and if anyone has a better picture of him, please send it to me? He's remarkably well-preserved, which just goes to show you what a life in parks and recreation brings.

John has worked for the District for 36 years, supervising operations in over 40 parks, 4 golf courses, and 16 miles of bike trails. The total acreage is 2,800 and his annual budget is $20 million.

He's done a great job over a long tenure, and Springfield was lucky to have him as a hard-working and responsible employee. Congratulations, John, and best wishes for a happy, carefree retirement.

Snow Day

I just took this picture, looking west from my house in central New Jersey. The Blizzard of 2006 has dumped two feet on New York City, and here in NJ we have over 20 inches.

On the '58 web site, you may go to the Directory, click "Search by ZIP," and then "Where We Live." That creates a map showing our homes. While many are still in the Midwest, some of you folks have gone South or West, far from the snowbelt.

Personally, I love snow. In a few hours I'll be out shoveling, but right now it's good to watch the flakes drift down, sip hot tea, and listen to Les Paul play "Moonglow." Arizona and Florida, look what you're missing!

Passing

The class extends its sympathy to John Yarbrough, whose mother died on February 3.

Amber D. Yarbrough-Staff, 95, Decatur, IL passed away at 4:30 A.M., Friday, February 3, 2006 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 6, 2006 at Dawson & Wikoff , West Wood Street Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Ramsey, IL. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be submitted to the family via email to http://www.dawson-wikoff.com/

Amber was born in Fayette County, IL on November 13, 1910, the daughter of John Franklin and Ida (Hill) McCaslin. She was a member of Prairie Street First Baptist Church, Decatur, IL. Surviving are; daughter Barbara Burrus of Decatur, IL; son John Yarbrough of DesPeres, MO; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and three sisters. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at http://www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp

Published in the Decatur Herald & Review on 2/4/2006.

On the Road Again

Janet Beardsley Johnson and Pat Flamm Crowner got together in October for lots of happy reminiscing. Janet and her husband, David, travel often in their RV, and as I write they are soon departing for Redondo Beach, CA, to visit Janet's brother. She also hopes to get in touch with Solons in the Golden State, so stay close to your phones.

While visiting with Pat and David Crowner, the Johnsons celebrated Swedish heritage, since both Davids hail from that hardy stock. Note the Swedish flag flying proudly in the shot above. At last count, the two couples have nine or ten grandchildren, and they enjoy retirement by sailing and road-tripping to their hearts' delight.

Janet urges everyone to contribute ideas for our grand 50th Reunion in 2008. Make comments below, or write to Keith Schnepp or Judy Vicars Van Hagen.