Jefferson Township Alumni and School Leaders Break Ground for Monument

"Where's the Bronco?" seemed to be the only unanswered question at the Jefferson Township Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Alumni sponsored Monument and Brick Garden at newly named Alumni Corner.  This event on Saturday November 14th, at the corner of Union and Dayton-Farmersville Roads was another step in unifying the "Bronco Nation" of the "Old School" and the "New School" (now referred to as the "Old Golds" and the "New Blues", aligning with the school colors of Gold and Blue).  Alumni from 1948, '59, '61, '62, '65, '66, '73, '75, '76, '84 attended

The Monument, Brick and Scholarship Committee members led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by prayer and a moment of silence from Rex Hunn '61.

Pat Jonas, MD '64 was master of ceremonies, introducing each of the speakers and songs.  He also is "The Brick Man", in charge of the brick and paver program that will surround the monument.  He introduced several of the bricks and the person that is being honored with each brick, such at Mildred Baker Kilheffer- class of 1932- our oldest living graduate.

The Alumni Association President, Joy Weaver, from the Jefferson Township High School Class of 1948 spoke of her father, Russell Wolf- Class of 1925 and his baseball prowess, including pitching a double header to win a national championship for a local team.  She also reflected on Superintendent Adam Becker and "the good old days".

Superintendent Dr Richard Gates enthusiastically endorsed the purpose of the monument, brick and scholarship projects, reflecting on the strong Board of Education suport he received for the projects. He had been surprised by all the alumni concerns about what would happen to the "old building" before it was finally torn down, and pleased to have the Alumni Association connect up with the "new school " and solidify the history of the lineage of Jefferson Township Schools.  Mr. Orr, from the Board, added his thanks to the alumni for the message this project gives to the "Jefferson Story".

Mike Jonas '62 the contractor for the Monument and Brick Project gave an overview of the 8 x 5 x 12 foot structure that will have some of the bricks from the "Old School" in it and be surrounded by a concrete slab with Bronco Bricks on the slab.  Preliminary drawings were reviewed with those present and on the Facebook announcement for the groundbreaking ceremony.  "Where's the Bronco?", came the question from the a class member of 1984.  We have thought about it and discussed the possibility of a bronco on the monument, but didn't add it- yet.

We should be working on the final design of the monument in January and February 2016.  The Bronco should make it into the design.  It just seems like the Bronco thing to do.  And it's an important symbol of what it means to be from Jefferson.

Gary Bailey '64 spoke about the meaning of the monument.  "Why have a monument?"  He asked and answered.  It will hold the memories and remind us forever of what we stand for and where we came from.  The friends, the teachers, the lessons, the staff, the cafeteria workers, the bus drivers and even the swings on the playground have left lasting memories.  Gary pointed to a tree that he felt challenged to touch with his feet when he was swinging as high as he could.  Another Jefferson search for excellence in a long line of searches.
Love had a lot to do with Gary's message.  Gary noted that, "The love we felt for Jefferson continues beyond buildings."  The monument and brick program will assure us of another way to tell the stories and connect to the Jefferson Legacy.  We haven't lost the dream or the meaning of our Jefferson experiences.

The Board of Education members joined Dr. Gates and Alumni President Joy Weaver in applying blue and gold shovels to the earth where the monument will be constructed.  It looked like fun.

Tracey Tripp Edwards '76 then presented ideas about "Why have a Brick Garden?"  She had a large list of possibilities, many of which were represented in the Bronco Brick display at the ceremony. "Tracey Tripp Edwards, 1976 Class President, JT Fiscal Officer" constitute the three lines on her Bronco Brick.  Other Bronco Bricks honor relatives, teachers, leaders, veterans, and the list goes on.

Sam Dodson '64 and Rickey Poole '64 next described the Jefferson Township Alumni Scholarship Program which Sam set up with the Dayton Foundation.  We can get matching funds of $9000 if we have $16,000 by December first.  Rickey stated that he'd like to see the fund get to $100,000.  Alumni and other members and fans of the Bronco Nation can donate online at the Dayton Foundation site is they wish.

Rickey provided a special "Jefferson Reflection" about his life in Carver Village, his mother and the meaning of his Jefferson experience.  He got a full scholarship to the University of Wisconsin for track and came back to teach at Jefferson.  His story is inspiring as is his commitment to the scholarship program for Jefferson students.

What better way to round out a Bronco Day than to sing the Fight Song and the Alma Mater led by Joy Weaver and pep members Tracey Edwards and one youngster from the class of 1984.
School Board Member Rev. Cuttino Dargan offered the closing prayer and we mingled to round out a Great Bronco Day.

See more and order your Bronco Brinks at www.polarengraving.com/JeffersonTownshipAlumniAssociation

Board Members Present at the Groundbreaking November 14

Mrs. Johnnie Kimberlin
jkimberlin@jeffersontwp.k12.oh.us
Elected: 1990

• Board President
• Education Committee
• Human Resources Committee

Term Expires: 2017

Rev. Cuttino Dargan 
cdargan@jeffersontwp.k12.oh.us 
Elected: 2008

• Board Parliamentarian
• Finance Committee
• Facilities Committee

Term Expires: 2017

Mr. Emmett C. Orr 
eoor@jeffersontwp.k12.oh.us
Elected: 2010

• Board Legislative Liaison
• Finance Committee
• Community Relations Committee

Term Expires: 2017

Mr. C.V. Mitchell, III
cvmitchell@jeffersontwp.k12.oh.us
Elected: 2009

• Board Member
• Education Committee
• Facilities Committee

Term Expires: 2015

Jefferson Bronco Memorial Coming

The Jefferson School Board has approved construction of a memorial on the site of the "old school" building.  This will honor the people and processes involved in the history of Jefferson in the era of that building and help to "Tell the Jefferson Story".  It will include a brick and paver component which allows honoring of individual Broncos or groups with something like an alumni grotto.  A couple of memorial benches may be included depending on design and funding.


(Lest we count poorly, the "new school" building is now older than the "old school" building when it was vacated.  It may soon merit a memorial as discussions about its demise are already happening.  Broadening the thought, one might ponder a two component monument honoring persons and phenomena from 1928-present.  Many students, faculty and staff had experiences in both buildings.  Even a three sided monument may appeal to some.)

OK, back to reality.  A committee was appointed by the Alumni Association President, Joy Weaver to design and build the memorial/monument.  Rex Hunn is leading the committee with Gary Bailey, Gil Parrish and Bill Osborne.  A finance committee is to coordinate the funding.  Sam Dodson, Rick Poole and Pat Jonas currently staff that committee.  We recently met with Dr. Gates to discuss the project.  The class of 1964 proposed the project and raised $565 to start it.   Other Bronco Alumni are needed to get it done.  Dr. Gates is excited about the project and the possibility of a scholarship aspect of the project.  He even said,"I'll carry the bricks with you." 



This project offers the opportunity to develop a financial plan that will enable Broncos to contribute to it or similar projects as well as memorial/scholarship funds for students or the school.  We hope to include an opportunity to contribute to the "old school" monument or a scholarship fund with online and snail mail invitations to alumni functions.

This year there is the Annual Alumni banquet the fourth Friday in June (26th) with several class parties on June 27th and also a Mega Reunion later in the summer from July 31- Aug 2 which has happened every three years since 2005.  Organizers for each of these events will have an opportunity to connect alumni and other invitees to the fund raising process and to each other.

This alumni funding strategy may help to unite "old" and "new" school alumni to help students and the school and reaffirm the pride of The Bronco Nation as we tell "The Jefferson Story".  A Facebook page is coming to allow continuing online connections about the project and alumni endeavors.

The Class of 1964: Poem or Song in progress

We've come a long way, and hoping for more
We're the Class of Sixty-Four
With memories many and a few regrets
We pray to God: Forgive our debts

As we forgive our debtors (and those that trespass against us)

Grandchildren, time- shares, mortgage and pain
Trying to hang on to our ageing brain
We know the stories needed to tell
We still find the words and do it well

Look up, Watch out, Hang on
Love 'em while you can
The Class of 64 has been to Vietnam
Look down, Give hugs and Smiles
and Prayers to God within
The Class of 64 will love Him still, again

We're losing our members and sad for the loss
We hope that their stories are still carried on
By those who were touched by their Truth
And their love, sixty-four fading, but memories are long

More, and more corrections and changes later as input from the Class of 64 provides more stories, insight , love and prayer.  I'd say this is about fifty percent tolerable with fifty percent to go, just like the Class of 64!

Coach Bob Gregg at 81: Hanging Out with Jefferson Football Alums

"I never thought that YOU guys would get old!" Coach Gregg exclaimed after a few hours hanging out with Jefferson football alumni.  It was a Bronco evening featuring Jefferson Bronco stories back into the late 1950's, including Coach Jim Lee and Bob Landis.  Coach Gregg had some stories from before his rise to the head coach job in 1960.  Lee Cole, Jefferson class of 1960 played center for Coach Landis, served in the Army then came back as a "walk-on" assistant for Coach Gregg in the late 1960's until coach Gregg left in 1973 or so to pick up the Centerville job, which he had for 27 years..  He added some colorful facts about many Bronco players and situations from that era.

“Football is the single best educational tool a school system has to offer a young man preparing to face today’s world. It teaches values and instills characteristics that are so important and necessary as they continue their education and enter into their adult lives. Hard work, discipline, mental toughness, self-confidence and sharp competitive instincts are the qualities vital to a full and successful life. They are old, but have never been more important than they are today. These qualities serve our men well. Their many life success stories are a proven fact!”

Bob Gregg (Circa 1975)
Teacher, Coach, and Man

Tom Thomas was host for the gathering at his farm on Chicken Bristle Road north of Farmersville.  His "Man Barn" included impressive arrays of Deer heads, stuffed fish, animal pelts and some MASSIVE African animal heads from his many safaris.  A few restaurant booths, a juke box and commercial food preparation area combined with restaurant sized freezer/refrigerator loaded with man beverages (beer) were added features of Tom's barn.  The men's room was "behind the barn" or in the farm house.  OK, maleness abounded.

Coaching was a major subject of conversation.  Why did you do this or that?  Why didn't we get water? Why did we get the salt tablets?  Do you remember when we ran this play or that play in this or that game?
Coach Gregg had all the answers, a lot of which were about toughness, focus, readiness, fitness, principles and WINNING.  How do you develop a winning team?  How do you get a community to agree with your development strategy?

Several players became coaches including Tom Keating who came back as a Jefferson assistant, Steve Bryant and Larry Noffsinger who became Defensive coach at Centerville for Coach Gregg for 27 or so years.  (I coached intramural football at West Point, winning the battalion championship my senior year, by the way.  I confess I was cut from the football team and got in the West Point Glee Club after losing twenty pounds in the famous "Beast Barracks" my first two months at the Academy)  All three "real coaches" were at the party with more stories.

Delbert Behnken and Jim Conley shared in the story telling as did Marilyn Thomas, Tom's wife.  Two others left before I got their names (sorry, guys).

Coach Gregg is 81 and he has a great memory for his players and game situations.  He reflected on a one win season in the mid 1960's with a story of how it wasn't until the third game of the season that they got off a punt successfully, and that was returned for a touchdown.  On one punt, the punter had signaled the center to snap the ball, then noticed that his socks were around his ankles according to Coach Gregg.  "Well, you know how you can't punt unless your socks are pulled up, so he bent over to pull up his socks and the ball went over his head."

He had a sense of humor about setbacks but used each as a serious learning opportunity at the time of the occurrence.  He is proud of his players.  Also pleased at the results he got through teaching and coaching them.

A couple years later, they only had 13 players, but went 8-2. A couple years after that the win streak started and coach Vince Shelby continued it after Coach Gregg left.  Quarterbacks in those 1965-1970 times included (the late) Tom Maxwell and Steve Bryant.

Coach Gregg looked at three Jefferson Year Books, opened to the football team.  After five seconds of perusing each team photo, he started to tell stories.  He even remembered the managers, "Gillies- I haven't thought of him for a while".

"Where is Eddie Bennett now?  I thought Donnie Smith might be here."  Teddy Castleberry, Donald Castleberry, several Ogletrees were mentioned.  Mike Maxwell, Arby Powell and the Dixie Game, Two different victories over Trotwood were discussed.  In 1962 Dan Maxwell scored the wining touchdown on a busted play (I threw a block and Dan stepped on my left hand on the way by, leaving me a scar and resulting in my first ever visit to an emergency room a few hours later for the huge hematoma that ensued).  Tom Hartzell took a pitch from Tom Maxwell, rolled to the left and threw a pass back to Tom for the winning score in his senior year for the victory over the Rams.

I was flattered that Coach Gregg relayed a story about me.  "Covington had this quarterback who was very good and known for calling a lot of his own plays.  Well, Einstein here (he pointed at me) was playing linebacker and figured out his signals by the third play and shifted our defense to respond to the audibles.  We shut them down and won."  I pointed out what a great game Eddie Bennett had that night.  I had one of my best blocking nights as center in that game.  (I really liked the Covington Fight Song and felt pretty good that night, as I recall).

Coach Gregg enjoyed the party.  He reveled in the discussions of Jefferson Football players and coaching. He also enjoyed talking about his grandchildren.  He expressed a desire to meet with more of the Jefferson Sports family that he had coached.  He had made a mental list of some Broncos he wanted to see, most of whom weren't at this event.  He would be open do meet with more of his "old Broncos" in the future.

The size of the group worked out quite well as far as how many interactions, stories and reflections occurred.  Most of the comments are not in this blog post.  Coach Gregg had enough energy to engage everyone there about their own experiences as a Bronco.  Each guy experienced the event differently and would reflect differently.  I hope they all have a blog.

I posted photos on Facebook (A. Patrick Jonas) and will include many of them in this post.

Teaching lessons to athletes was a big focus of Coach Gregg and many of his comments at the gathering.  He knew what he was doing and why.  It worked.  It helped student-athletes to learn about sports and life.  He had a distinctive style and attitude about teaching and coaching.  He hasn't changed a bit in his beliefs and attitudes.  He was our coach.  We are still influenced by our experiences with Coach Gregg.  Thanks, Coach.

Jefferson Alumni Banquet: 50 Years

The Jefferson Alumni Banquet is always special for me.  Joy Weaver's memory of decades worth of names of alumni is worth the price of the meal.  Wow.  She is impressive.  And such a valuable cog in the alumni wheel.
Fifty years: The Class of 1964 have been out of High School 50 years.  Wow.  Lots of memories.  Even more forgotten than remembered, especially about our twelve years of schooling.
The Next Fifty years:  Just started.
Onward, Broncos!

We Prayed So Well Together

            By Pat Jonas

Our grieving hearts connected through God’s Word and there was peace.

We shared with many others of redemption and release.

The Bible told the story, we taught it as we could.

The Holy Spirit blessed it, God told us it was good.                

We prayed so well together, our hearts could speak as one

To celebrate God’s blessings, our work had just begun.

We shared The Word with others, the Spirit filled our hearts

We prayed for them in Jesus name, then God would do His part.

It was so amazing, the bond that sealed our love

Our hearts aligned together, from within and from above.

Though one of us got cancer, our ministry stayed strong,

With a farewell kiss and a knowing smile- too soon- he was gone.

Jesus gave the Comforter to guide us through the Word,

To show the path and spread the news that love would bond with good.

Our empty hearts have found Him.  Now we praise His name.

The Holy Spirit led the way.  For you He’ll do the same.

Direct Family Medicine: My Response to Medical Chaos

In my medical practice, I've shifted gears to survive and respond to a societal need.  It's outlined below.

Family Health Connections, Inc.   Beavercreek  427-7540

New Patients:  No Insurance Needed

Now offering Direct Family Medicine to New Patients

Neighborly Family Medical Care:  Dr Rebecca Cherry, Dr A. Patrick Jonas

            Respecting our Patients and Protecting them from Avoidable Care

            Acute Problems, Chronic Diseases, Prevention, Physicals

            Traditional After Hours On Call Physician Coverage

  

Families ONLY (entire households)

NOT INSURANCE

Family Fees:

Enrollment                Monthly        Visit

1 Adult           $80                             60                   20      

2 Adults         $150                          120                 20

1 A, 1 Child   $140                          100                 20

1 A, 2 C          $190                          140                 20

2 A, 1 C          $205                          160                 20

2 A, 2 C          $250                          200                 20

2 A, 3 C          $295                          240                 20

2 A, 4 C          $340                          280                 20

Infant (Child less than 2)- add $20 to family w/child enrollment, $10 to monthly

For Example:  2A, 1 Infant equals $215, $130, $20 for enrollment, monthly and visit fees

This may be of interest to someone you know. Peace to all.

Pat