Here’s hoping the words written by David Clayton-Thomas in 1968 hold meaning for the times we are living in 2020…
Category Archives: 50th Class Reunion
Happy Thanksgiving!
The months have come and gone yet fond memories live on…
Wishing You and Yours a
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sending warms wishes for a Thanksgiving Celebration
Filled with Happiness and Love…
https://animoto.com/play/3ACdyfVXwJkQP0baf1Yt5Q
Your Reunion Committee
Looking for our next “Spotlight” graduate!
We want to hear from! What have you been up to for fifty years? What personal experiences have you had that created wonderful memories? What special friends did you have in high school still with you today?
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or have achieved fame to be in our spotlight. We want to know anything about you that you’d like to share. Were you a fabulous:
- Mother
- Father
- Grandparent
- Sister
- Brother
- Teacher
- Minister
- Mechanic
- Realtor
- Technician
- Delivery Person
- Medical Worker
- Volunteer
- You get the idea!
Tell us about your family, retirement, your favorite book, song, hobby, pastime, best vacation…
We want to hear from you. We want to connect! To submit your information please send to Nancy at nanisss@verizon.net. In the subject line type “Spotlight.” Thanks!
Looking forward to hearing from you soon! 🙂
“Spotlight on Neverne Covington”
Okay – so we all needed a bit of downtime after our fabulous Class of 1969 50th Reunion. I hope you’re all rested up because it’s time to get back on track with getting to know each other. Obviously, not everyone got to visit with each other at the reunion so we’re devoting a new addition to our blog. “Spotlight” will give us a chance to find out what you’ve been up to for the past 50 years.
Special thanks to Neverne Covington for being our first “Spotlight Class of 1969 Graduate!” You’re going to love getting to know her and experiencing her special talents. Be sure to visit her website. Her work is amazing! Nancy
Spotlight on Neverne Covington…
Neverne Covington’s drawings, prints, paintings, and sculpture explore childhood, language, landscape, memory, and the Gothic south. Her work has been exhibited at the Tampa Museum of Art, the Brevard Museum of Art, The Florida Museum for Women Artists the State Capital, and various venues throughout Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
She recently returned from an artist residency at the VCCA Moulin a Nef in Auvillar, France. She has taught art at Ringling College of Art & Design, Eckerd College, and the International Academy of Design and Technology. She currently teaches at the Morean Art Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
She has illustrated the book, Helen Keller, Courage in the Dark for Random House, Soulmates for Penguin Putnam, two cookbooks for the Harvard Commons Press and 2 books of bible stories for Zondervan Publishing in addition to over 85 book covers for most of the major publishers.
Covington was born in Laurelton, New York, grew up in Florida, and attended City & Guilds College in London, England and graduated from Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
The work featured here is in an exhibit at the Morean Art Center 719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, Florida, opening July 11th 2019. The theme of the exhibit, “This is me” is self-portraiture and it is open to all members. Each artist was asked to title the work and to include one word which best describes themselves.
My title is a riff on the cult movie “The Three Faces of Eve.” My title is “The Many Faces of Neve.” It is 37″ X 13″ charcoal on paper. The word I used to describe myself is “Instinctive.”
Also, a funny thing I might add is that most viewers have my art in their refrigerators.
I did all of the painting on the Fresh Express salad packages and the fruit on Eddy’s Sherbet, and most of the botanicals on the Smith and Hawkin products at Target.
Neverne
Reflections on a football team after our 50th high school reunion – Michael Taylor
Sincere thanks to Michael Taylor for his second written contribution to our DHHS 50th Reunion Blog. His generously shared talent and the enthusiasm from others before and after our reunion has been testament to the continued success of our reunited classroom community.
Reflections on a football team after our 50th high school reunion
by Michael Taylor
The DHHS football team, 10-0-1 in the fall of 1968, relied on a double split end/ double-wing halfback formation with a fullback directly behind the quarterback. The QB, Randy Shively (or Don Neel), would set the offensive line with his first sound, start one of the wingbacks (often Don Neel) in motion on the second sound, and have the ball hiked by the center (usually Michael Sykes) on the third or fourth sound. He would pivot with the ball as he read the defense and choose to toss the ball to the motion back, hand off to the fullback (usually Don Dixon or Mark Hobbs) up the middle, run the ball himself, or pass to either split end (typically Riley Erwin or Lyn Dreger) or a halfback. The offensive line, anchored by guards Dave Burns and Skip Culver and tackle Ray Horner, created lanes for the running backs or gave the QB a few seconds to find a receiver. The inventive offense created by Head Coach Frank Goddard with input from Larry Cameron averaged 316 yards a game, which set records locally for a 48-minute high school football game. The defense, fortified in the middle by linebacker Don Dixon, only gave up an average of 8 points and 159 yards a game. Larry Whiteside and Mark Hobbs moved in and out at linebacker while Randy MacGinnis and Mike Taylor played defensive ends. The middle of the defensive line, manned by Dale (Hall) Kersey and Ray Horner, was spelled by John Womer and Andy Charles at nose tackle. Jimmy Macfarlane and Tim Condron played at end and defensive back, while Don Neel, Randy Shively, and Lyn Dreger rarely left the field because they were playing defensive backs. Dixon, Dreger, Shively, and Neel spent the most time during the season playing both offense and defense, but Don Dixon put the most minutes on the field over the eleven games. Of course, there were strong efforts from the juniors and the sophomores on the team. This simple reflection is calling to mind the members of the class of 1969.
Our coaches, Elmer Vogelsang, Elmer Aldridge, Larry Cameron, Gus Stergeos, and Paul Wallace, made us work hard at becoming a team from the August two-a-day or even three-a-day practices in the Florida sun and sandspurs. Our trainer, James McCracken, tried to keep us patched together after we were injured.
Those of us attending the fiftieth reunion missed not being able to reconnect with Larry Whiteside and Ray Horner, who did not attend. We did reflect on the teammates who have passed away: Randy McGinnis, Skip Culver, and Mark Hobbs.
After looking through online copies of the Evening Independent, I came away with a few details from moments during the season.
9/21/68 Seminole 7-7
Don Neel pass to Lyn Dreger for TD (Dreger kicked extra point)
9/28/68 Clearwater 27-20
Shively runs for 2 and passes for one/Dixon runs one
10/5/68 Bishop Barry 46-7 Everyone got to play.
10/12/68 Boca Ciega 32-0
Shively was 16 of 22 for 271 yards and 3TDs and ran for a TD. Dreger catches TD and intercepts pass to stop scoring drive.
10/20/69 Manatee 26-14
Hurricane delay, so the game is played on Saturday
11/1/68 Largo 13-7
Don Neel complete 9 of 14 passes to set up Don Dixon’s winning score in the 4th quarter after Randy leaves the game injured
11/8/68 Dunedin 47-7
Shively is 17 of 36 for 291 yards and 6 TDs and at this point in the season is 84 for 150 for 1326 yards and 10 TDs. Randy MacGinnis kicks an extra point.
11/15/68 St. Petersburg 21-12
Don Neel runs 7 times for 40 yards, catches 4 passes for 101 yards and scores 3 TDs. Dixon carries 11 times for 55 yards and makes 5 unassisted tackles.
11/23/68 Gibbs 21-6
Dixon makes 10 unassisted tackles and Shively runs for two scores.
11/27/68 Northeast 34-7
Mark Hobbs scores on a draw play. Randy throws for 234 yards and two TDs. The defense stops two strong running backs and plays a superior game to finish the season undefeated.
Randy Shively passed for 1,861 yards completing 113 of 206 passes for 14 touchdowns and scored 9 TDs running the ball.
Erwin caught 27 passes for 309 yards (1 TD and kicked 1 extra point)
Neel caught 32 passes for 607 yards, ran 72 times for 353 yards and a 4.9 yard per carry average. He passed 42 times, completing 24for 306 yards. He scored 8 TDs.
Dreger caught 38 passes for 473 yards to lead the conference. He scored 6 TDs and kicked 14 extra points.
Dixon scored 4 TDs.
MacGinnis kicked 3 extra points.
Taylor recorded a 2 point safety.
12/7/68 Bishop Moore (Orlando Bowl) 34-20
Riley Erwin scored twice. Mark Hobbs scored on a one-yard run. Don Neel scored on a flea-flicker from Erwin. Lyn Dreger scored on an 18-yard pass.
You Can Always Come Home…
What a weekend! The 50th Reunion happened! It was great to rekindle friendships from our Dixie Hollins Class of 1969 and make new friends meeting family members and significant others. Though it took months to plan the reunion, the weekend seemed to fly! With so many traveling from around the nation to join us, Jason Mraz’s “93 Million Miles” lyrics are a “must” to share – even for those choosing to remain close to their St. Petersburg roots. Be sure to click “full screen” when viewing – you just might see yourself!
Know we were thrilled to have you all back home!
https://animoto.com/play/zR5dS1HomJgym5McKM30TA
Special thanks to the Reunion Committee and all who worked so hard to make this a successful event. Also, special thanks to fellow graduate Mike Giles for donating his time and talent to provide music for us on Friday evening!
Keep checking in. There’s lots more to come!
My photos are limited so please be sure to submit any reunion photos you can to me at nanisss@verizon.net so I can get them posted.
Thanks! Nancy
Fifty Years Later…
Two nights of gathering and one more to go! There’s still lots to catch up on! Not enough time to share much now before tonight’s event, but will share one of the highlights of our Friday night event!! Look for more to come!
Please send your pictures and videos to nanisss@verizon.net to add to our blog. Be sure to add “Dixie Pics” in the subject line. Thanks so much!
Special thanks to Theresa Paterson for sharing this video on facebook!
Bon Jovi – Reunion
Searching for just the right song to share on the eve of our 50th Reunion, I ran across “Reunion” by Bon Jovi. I’d never heard it but fell in love with the heartfelt meaning behind it…
Oh! Sorry! You’d rather see Bon Jovi perform it? Here you go! Enjoy!
See you at the Reunion!!
Mimosas & Masterpieces: Brunch at The Dali Sunday, Jun. 09, 11am–2pm
The weekend is almost here and with it – our long awaited 50th Class Reunion. As indicated, the Dali Museum, a few blocks from the Hilton has docent tours every half hour on Saturday, June 8th. I just received the June Dali Newsletter offering some interesting events.
In case the Dali is not on your list for Saturday, you might want to consider it as a nice way to round out your weekend by making a few more memories before heading home with…
Mimosas & Masterpieces: Brunch at The Dali
Sunday, Jun. 09, from 11am–2pm
Click on the link below for more information on what should be a relaxing brunch by the bay…
https://thedali.org/event/mimosas-masterpieces-brunch-th-edali-2017-11-26/2019-06-09/
Please note – The above is not a committee planned event but one you may be interested in doing on your own or with a few “reacquainted” old friends.
Baby Boomers, Crashing the 50th Reunion? What to expect…
So – we should all know the Golden Girls – not that I’m putting anyone in this category! Here is a humorous look at what to expect when well intentioned non-schoolmates crash a Baby Boomer class reunion party! Enjoy!
DHHS Class of 1969 50th Reunion Good News!
YES! Florida is a very hot place in June!
YES! Your reunion committee has taken that into consideration for our Friday night event.
YES! The GOOD NEWS is that we are being moved inside instead of staying outside by the pool. (Of course you can visit poolside if you wish!)
YES! Cooler heads have prevailed!
DHHS 50th Class Reunion Saturday Off-Site Events and Additional Weekend Experiences
Saturday Off-site Events:
Golf
The Vinoy Golf Club – www.vinoyclub.com/golf
600 Snell Isle Blvd. NE
Tee times for our group start at 11:08 AM on Saturday. Proper golf attire (collared shirt-no jeans) is required. You must sign up in advance if you want to play. Email me at fyacko@verizon.net. The price will be between $40-50 for 18 holes. Driving range, putting green and chipping area are included. Club and shoe rentals are available.
Museum Tours
James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art – www.thejamesmuseum.org
150 Central Avenue
A 10:00 AM Saturday morning docent led tour is scheduled. You must sign up in advance if you want to join the group. Email me at fyacko@verizon.net. The price is $10 for this 45 minute tour of Native American art.
Museum of Fine Art – www.mfastpete.org
255 Beach Drive, NE
A 2:00 PM Saturday afternoon docent led tour is scheduled. You must sign up in advance if you want to join the group. Email me at fyacko@verizon.net. The price is $15 and we can hop on the free Looper Trolley for transportation.
Dali Museum – www.thedali.org
1 Dali Blvd
The Dali has docent led tours every 30 minutes. The price is $22 and the museum is less than 5 blocks away. We will have a sign up at registration if you want to join us for this magical tour.
Other Things to do while at the Reunion –
Friday night is First Friday St. Pete – www.firstfridaystpete.com
It is a fun evening of live music, vendors and restaurants. It is held on Central Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Get a real taste of downtown St. Petersburg. Check it out before or after our poolside gathering, it runs from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
The Looper Trolley – www.LooperTrolley.com
Maybe you would like to ride around the downtown area and see all the changes and what you might want to do later. Ride the FREE Looper Trolley. The Hilton is a scheduled stop and the trolley stops there every 15 minutes.
Times:
Friday 7:00 AM – Midnight
Saturday 8:00 AM – Midnight
Sunday 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
There are many other museums and things to do: Coast Bike sharing, Segway tours, Pub Pedal Trips, shopping at the many boutiques and unique stores, finding a seafood or Irish pub for lunch. Enjoy yourself.
Stand Tall for DHHS…
Only a few days remaining before the big event – our 50th Class Reunion! There was a song we used to sing – I’m wondering who remembers the melody? Also wondering if you remember who Mister HBL was?
Get those vocal chords in shape! You may want to do some singing at the reunion! See you soon!
TEN THINGS I LEARNED ON THE WAY TO GROWING OLDER — DrJoyFinder
One of my favorite words is “perspective.” Why? Because it’s yieldable to the many different views we take on for the same subject over years on our journey to maturity. My perspective – armed with research, knowledge of current trends (real news trends – not fake), and the opinion of others, has opened my mind to diverse points of view that I might not have found so easy to accept when I was younger. In my morning reading, I ran across this little gem and thought you might enjoy it too. Thank you Dr. Joy Finder!
As always, if you find anything you think might benefit the group feel free to send it in. We want to hear from you! Looking forward to seeing you soon! Nancy
LIFE MOVES AT A FAST PACE It’s tempting to pursue life with such breathless haste that you risk missing all the good stuff there is to enjoy. And here’s the thing, most of the good stuff is free. It doesn’t cost you to enjoy it. So, as you journey through the years, take the time […]
via TEN THINGS I LEARNED ON THE WAY TO GROWING OLDER — DrJoyFinder
Military Review – Information Please…
The following is a request from Fran regarding military experience. In addition to completing the questionnaire, feel free to add information in a reply to this post. Thank you for your service to country! You are appreciated!
Good Morning…thanks for registering for the reunion. We look forward to seeing you in 2 short weeks.
The Reunion Committee would like to honor the veterans from our class who have served our country.
If you have served in the military, please take a moment and answer the questions below and return this email to me.
1. Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
2. Military Branch: ___________________________________________________________________________
3. Years of Service: __________________________________________________________________________
4. Rank: ___________________________________________________________________________________
5. Service Awards, Medals, etc.: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Most significant, memorable or unusual station: __________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you,
Fran Yacko, Reunion Committee
The Baby Boomers – One Moment in Time
As we draw closer to our reunion, it’s a good time to refresh our memories of one moment in time synonymous with 1969. The Baby Boomers – The Woodstock Generation. Were you there? What did you think when it happened? What do you think about it now? Add a comment. Leave a reply. Thanks!
National Teacher Appreciation Week 2019
It’s been almost fifty years since our graduation from Dixie Hollins High School and we certainly have some catching up to do.
Over the years we’ve gone into different vocations. Many of us became teachers or worked closely with students of all ages. Those who didn’t may have fond memories of a teacher who inspired you to enter your chosen field.
National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6th through May 10th, 2019. Do you have a fond teachable moment or a favorite teacher memory you’d like to share? If so, click on “reply” to share. We’d love to hear it!
That said, here’s special appreciation to all teachers past and present – especially those who realize(d) the true meaning of education as espoused by Sydney Smith…
THE REAL OBJECT OF EDUCATION
Rite of Passage
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Rite of Passage as a ritual, event, or experience that marks or constitutes a major milestone or change in a person’s life.
Our graduation in 1969 was a major rite of passage. We were leaving a community we finally and hopefully had found a sense of belonging to and venturing to new communities as yet unknown – the workforce, military, vocational school, college…
We were the fortunate ones – attending high school when memories were less fleeting, longer lasting, and more enjoyable to make. With no limitless technology to distract us, we focused on each other, what we sought to accomplish, and making memories.
We gather soon to once again reminisce and relive the memories we made in high school. We’ll remember those no longer with us and those unable to attend.
It’s been fifty years.
New memories remain to be made.
Here’s to seeing you soon.
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market…
Whether you still live in Pinellas County or plan on joining us from another state, a leisurely stroll at St. Petersburg’s Saturday Morning Market may be for you. It’s a very brief walk from the St. Petersburg Hilton and if driving – there are plenty of parking garages nearby.
The market is touted as the largest once a week fresh market in the Southeast U.S. and draws more than 10,000 customers a week!
Market hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In Memoriam…
As we develop our Dixie Hollins Class of 1969 Blog, we will be adding items to keep you apprised of all that has happened in the fifty years since we walked the halls of Dixie together. We have added and are working on a memorial section in the right column of your blog page to remember those no longer with us.
Thank you.
Dixie Hollins High School Class of 1969 