...and some things never change

I had already decided to blog about Major Dan Miller - when the Billings Gazette did this article on his 50 years in Billings radio.

My Saturday mornings are sweeter when I have the chance to listen to his program - whether I am driving, or working on projects (read cleaning) at home, life is better with this deejay and his music. Here are just a few of the many long-term Miller-isms that I can recall, most of which end with his well known chuckle:

His introduction: "This is Major Daniel George Bonogofsky, Peckinpah, Mergenthaler, (etc.) Miller"

His words and phrases: copacetic

His singing: "Good morning to you, it's 7:32..."

What are your memories of the man and his musical radio program?

The Search

In May, along with my graduation, I reminisced about the Search. The retreat I attended was held just before graduation, which brought a poignancy to the connections and fellowship that began so late in my high school life. Here is a picture of those who attended the spring Search at Billings Central in 1970.Time spent in the chapel - quiet; a time to pray; and just to look at the cross. “The cross which is the object of faith, is also, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the cause of it. Sit down and watch the dying Saviour till faith springs up spontaneously in your heart. There is no place like Calvary for creating confidence. The air of that sacred hill brings health to trembling faith.”

- C. H. Spurgeon, All of Grace (Chicago, Ill.: The Moody Press, n.d.), 75.

Leftover Biscuits

A couple of years ago, I had the chance to reconnect between class reunions with my friend, Jim Sticka.

It was early November, and I was planning a trip to see my daughter in Flathead Valley. I knew Jim, his wife Robin, and sons had moved up there years ago.

So, I googled his name on the internet...actually hoping I would learn more about his wood crafting. Ya gotta love Google (and I do:) The first thing for Jim Sticka was the website for "Leftover Biscuits," the bluegrass band that Jim plays with. Yes, that is Jim in the tan shirt and hat playing the acoustic guitar.

Well, I showed up for their annual concert in Hot Springs, MT at the Symes Hotel, and was knocked over by their winsome performance and musicianship. At that time, Jim mentioned just a couple of classmates names, who he saw and spoke with at his concerts. I apologize for not spreading this wonderful news sooner....let me know if you'd like to meet for one of his spring, summer or fall concerts - I need another dose.

The old and the new

Some of you might be thinking that our next class reunion is looming nearer --- hopefully with great expectations of gathering together and renewing friendships - at least that's been my experience at each class reunion I've attended.

My thought today, and that I will post regularly on until the reunion, is what changes or updates have occurred in classmates lives -- and in the Billings community over the past 10 years that might be of interest.

Since I have been a resident again of Billings for the past 24 years, there are some community changes that have been met with WOO HOOs!!!!! and others -- not so much.
One of the former is the transition from Cobb Field to Dehler Stadium. Here is a Billings Gazette story about one fan's experience on the final game at Cobb Field. This article talks about the local, generous businessman who has financially supported the change, and who will be the new person honored with the name change. Finally, this is one of the latest updates for the first game planned in the new partk. I've added my own current pictures to give you a perspective of the change...



This last picture r-e-a-l-l-y boggles my mind, because I count myself as one of the legions of young people who volunteered to change the scoreboard at Cobb Field for many a game - great memories of time with my friends...So, it's your turn now to weigh in - whether you were an athlete, fan, volunteer or employee, let's hear your take on this change.

Graduation 1970

So, spring and graduation brings thoughts of the past...it's that simple. When I hear of the huge numbers of graduates (and the long hours at Metra graduations,) I think of the wonderfully small group and commencement we had --- ONE valedictorian and ONE salutatorian (don't get me started on the 12!!! valedictorians from West High for 2008 :)

Anyway, sweet memories include hugs and tears from classmates and family. I'm embarrassed to say that I don't recall who our speaker(s)? were, or much of the process. I will honestly admit I was really looking forward to the after graduation kegger, which (don't laugh) was my first kegger.

I would like to hear what your memories are of that day. Do you have any stories that you'd like to share with the rest of the class?