Category Archives: Life Experience

Baby Boomers, Growing Up Floridian, Life Experience, Memories, Uncategorized

Drive-In Theaters – Then and Now

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Many of us can recall a time when we watched a movie from the back seat of our parents car in the 50’s and 60’s. Some may even recall the allure of the drive-in theater in the late 60’s and early 70’s as a dating “rite of passage” as we came of age. That said, it’s interesting to note that the first drive-in theater was open for moviegoers on this day in 1933 in the city of Camden, New Jersey. Florida would see its first drive-in theater in 1938 in Miami. At their inception, drive-in theaters were touted as entertainment for the whole family from the comfort of the family car.

Who doesn’t remember the family piling into the car and paying the one-dollar admission to enter? Kids loved the concession stand trips for hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, and drinks. I wonder if our parents were ever lucky enough to see most of the movie after taking us on the countless treks to the restroom after eating and drinking all those goodies.

Feeling nostalgic about now? Remembering the Mustang and the 28th St. Drive-Ins? Nothing good to watch on TV? For a wonderful trip down memory lane take some to view the following…

Sadly, drive-in theaters began their slow demise in the mid to late 60’s. The Mustang Drive-In Theater opened in 1966 and showed movies until 1990, eventually being demolished in 2001 to make way for a Publix Market and a Lowes. The 28th St. Drive-In which opened in 1951, was the longest standing drive-in closing in 2000, creating space for Lealman Intermediate School.

There is however, a bit of good news on the horizon. Drive-Ins may be making a comeback. The sad news is we’ll never be able to see the one dollar for carload ticket price again. Today, the mention of drive-in theaters may bring a look of dismay on a grandchild’s face, but I’d trade video streaming for a trip to the drive-in with my Mom and Dad any day.

Have a drive-in memory to share? Would love to hear from you.

For more information on the future of St. Petersburg drive-ins visit https://stpeterising.com/home/2021/3/8/drive-in-movie-theater-is-coming-soon-to-st-pete

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1969 Class Reunion, Aging during Covid-19, Baby Boomers, Baby Boomers and Covid-19, Dixie Hollins High School Class of 1969 50th Class Reunion, Dixie M. Hollins Class of 1969, Growing older, Life Experience, Memories, Wisdom

Remembering “Then” During Covid-19

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We couldn’t have know when we gathered in June 2019 for our 50th Class Reunion how dramatically our lives would be changed in the coming year. We also could not have comprehended the significance of rekindling friendships that began so long ago.

So – here we are – a bit more than a year after, as some states see the second wave of Covid-19 and others, as expressed by Dr. Anthony Fauci “Still knee-deep in the first wave of Covid-19.”

How are you doing? How are you coping with this new reality? Are you finding creative ways to fill your days? Have your adult children called on you to teach your grandchildren? What about charity work? Have you been instrumental in helping others in some way?  Most importantly, how have you taken care of yourself?

We want to hear from you. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Whatever you’re experiencing, we’re here to listen, share, and offer suggestions if we can. Know that our rekindled friendships offer you solidarity in these turbulent waters.

We are in this together. Stay safe. Be well…

 

 

 

1969 Billboard Music HIts, 1969 Class Reunion, 50th Class Reunion, Baby Boomers, Life Experience, Memories

Spinning Wheel – Blood Sweat & Tears #27 on the 1969 Billboard Chart

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Here’s hoping the words written by David Clayton-Thomas in 1968 hold meaning for the times we are living in 2020…

1969 Class Reunion, 50th Class Reunion, Baby Boomers, Dixie M. Hollins Class of 1969, Growing Up Floridian, Life Experience, Spotlight

Looking for our next “Spotlight” graduate!

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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!  🙂

Baby Boomers, DHHS Dads Class of 1969, Dixie M. Hollins Class of 1969, Father's Day, Life Experience, Thank you Dad!

Happy Father’s Day!

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Happy Father’s Day to all the Dixie Dad’s with us and passed.   Happy Father’s Day to dads everywhere!  Special thanks to Gary L. French for sharing his proudest moments!

“Here are photos of two of my happiest and proudest moments – older daughter (Maureen) graduating from medical school and younger daughter (Diane) receiving her promotion to Coast Guard Lieutenant JG, along with my ex-wife (Debbie), who deserves a lot of credit for both events.”              Gary
     

Look for more reunion pictures to follow soon!

1969 Class Reunion, 50th Class Reunion, Baby Boomers, DHHS 50th Reunion Activities, DHHS 50th Reunion Information, DHHS 50th Reunion Weekend Experiences, Life Experience, Memories, Reunion, Uncategorized

You Can Always Come Home…

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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!

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

1969 Class Reunion, Baby Boomers, Dixie M. Hollins Class of 1969, Growing older, Life Experience, Memories

“Be True to Your School”…

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“Be True to your School” – the Beach Boys

Watching a Beach Boys cover band last week brought this almost forgotten song to mind and fond moments to remember from Dixie Hollins High School back in 1969.  We were definitely true to our school!  We’re still looking for memories to share from our high school days or memories from your high school days which brought you to who you are today.  Were you a great parent?  Top chef?  Successful writer?  Teacher, minister, business person?  How did you contribute to others in the last fifty years?  How did high school influence your thinking, actions, and goals achieved?  Whether simple or grand – every achievement is worth the share!  You are appreciated!

1969 Class Reunion, 50th Class Reunion, Baby Boomers, Growing older, Life Experience, Reflection on Aging, Wisdom

TEN THINGS I LEARNED ON THE WAY TO GROWING OLDER — DrJoyFinder

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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