Mercedes Benz

Wow, what a trip down memory lane! The Flintstones were a favorite in our family, not just because it was a great cartoon, but my uncle was the chief cartoonist/story editor for most of those episodes in the 1960's. My Mom's childhood friend, Jean van der Pyl, was the original voice of Wilma and Pebbles. She died a number of years back.

No, Belle. The Michael I was thinking of was Michael Washington.

Ron Hurst was the lead singer. He and Michael (can't remember last name) were in the band and both in the 14th Corps. May have been another member in that corps as well. Last I heard Ron was a Limb coordinator, but that's going back 15 years or more.

I think he's the real deal, meaning, I think he really has a heart for God.

I remember hearing the whole thing about VPW knowing BG and Oral and the way I heard it they divided due to their views on the trinity.

She was in the 15th corps I believe. She has a brother named Mario and a sister named Geralyn, who I also think were in the corps. They were originally from Texas. Last I heard (circa 1988) she was living in Mexico and working for the Country Coordinator, Edgar Ibarra.

I remember hearing that the guy who "invented" the game Dungeons and Dragons was a PFAL grad. The story I heard was that he invented it before he got into the Word and sold all rights for $25k.

There were a bunch of chorus dancers from NY who TWI called "Broadway stars." I knew several of them and believe down deep they were embarassed by it - especially in front of those of us from NY who knew better. This was all during the horrific Athlete's era.

One person who actually DID star on Broadway was Gloria Zaglool, who became Gloria Olivier. She was the original "Rizzo" in the musical "Grease." I believe she could be heard singing on the soundtrack album at one time. She was in an earlier Corps (8th or so?). But they never made a big deal of her credentials - maybe she wasn't kissing the right ring.

There was some female tennis pro who also took the class and was listed on some TWI promotional materials. I can't remember her name, she was pretty young as I recall, but Pat Lynn was always flying off to be by her side and help her fend off the "evil lesbians" on the pro tour.

A lovely lady. So sorry....

While visiting Kansas on business about 7 or 8 years ago, I met a young sales rep who mentioned he'd gone to the university in Emporia. I almost fell over when he told me that Playboy magazine had voted the campus the #1 party campus in America one year. He also told me about the rampant drug problems there and the area of town where you could hear the crack viles crunching under your feet as you walked the streets.

I was stunned at this info. I was there in the early 80's and Emporia was as much of a hick town as one could find - at least in my opinion. I couldn't believe a place could change so much so quickly, but I guess this is the unfortunate trend in many places.

He also mentioned The Way. He said the former campus was turned into high priced housing, a retirement home and office space. He said a lot of the people there were actually sorry when The Way left because they took such good care of the property and it was such a pretty campus.

That's all that cheap Way Corp labor for you! They could "afford" to have the same spot raked 4 times a day so nary a leaf would deface the lawn for longer than a few minutes. They used to make those of us on the grounds crew hand pick worms off the trees. And lets not forget sweeping the sidewalks and the Circle Drive - with brooms!

Sure, the place looked great.

I've been gone since the late 80's, but the underground rumor in my day was that Donna had "been of the other persuasion" prior to her getting in The Way.

VPW set her up with Craig - they did not seek each other out. Perhaps this was to solidify her "healing."

I met him on his interim year. He was a very loving man. So sorry to hear this. Wasn't he married and living in Las Vegas?

Ted,

Thank so much for the CD! I have so enjoyed listening to it. Today, my almost 6 year-old and I were driving along singing .."there are many roads, that lead to Chicago..." and having a blast.

THANKS AGAIN!!!

Cat Rivera! What a great guy. He was there for me one really tough day and I'll never forget him for it. Last I heard he was back living in Buffalo - but that was a while ago.

While visiting my parents a couple of months ago, I decided to look through whatever junk I still had there from years past and see what I could purge. In addition to a whole load of very ugly 80's attire (what were we all thinking?)I found 2 WOW Vet shirts. I decided to throw one in the blossoming Good Will pile, thinking that some soul in Guatamala or elsewhere might not mind wearing it. I kept the other one and added it to my "Way box."

A few days later I saw one on Ebay with the bidding already up to $30. This stuff appreciated better than some of my stocks.

"My Life's Dream" and "Give Christ a Try" are at the top of the list. Thanks, Cliff.

Also - there was a great little album floating around circa the late 70's -early 80's. I think the album or the band was called "Selah". Anybody remember it? It had some really great tunes on it.

dmiller wrote:

"I miss the fine fellowship I had with many wonderful folks hundreds of miles away from HQ.

Once was a time we were a family, and yes -- I miss that."

I echo your words completely. I was "in" in the old days (late 70's to late 80's) before the complete reign of terror of LCM. The local fellowships were on their own, especially in the early days, with little to no HQ interference, and some wonderful people were in those fellowships who just wanted to help those of us who were a little lost. They never asked for my money and they never tried to make me a Way machine. They didn't care what classes I took or not. For many of them, it really was more about God.

I am a little blown away by the information that Bob may be dead. At one time, I was very close friends with both Bob and Pam. I spoke with Pam about 3-4 years ago after she remarried and she asked me if I had heard from Bob recently. I told her the last time I had heard from him had been about 3 years earlier, but I'd heard from a mutual friend that he was living in the Boston area. And yes, that his life had taken a "different direction." But I never heard that he was dead!! And at that time, Pam certainly didn't think he was. As a matter of fact, Pam and I were emailing each other up until a couple of years ago and she never shared that info with me. Are you certain about when you spoke with her? In my mind, until I hear for certain otherwise, he's alive.

As for Pam, I am trying to get back in touch with her myself. I have an address for her but I don't know if it's current. I won't post any more info on her here because I know she would prefer I didn't, but if you want to email me privately I'll tell you what I can.

Pam is one of my favorite people in the world and the only person I'd want near me if I was ever sick. She is a nurse extraodinaire. Bob was a dear friend once upon a time and we loved to listen to music together. He's a computer wiz and I'm surprized he isn't on this forum. (Or is he?) Bob, if you're out there, put an end to this "Paul is dead" routine and say hello!!!

I am so sad to read this. I kew Deb on staff and she was a sweetie. I also knew Kenny in the Corps and he was a gentle, quiet guy. For these people to have become what was described above is just heartbreaking. I only thank God I got the hell out.

I heard she was with Vince Finnegan in Albany, NY. This is old info, but perhaps someone there could help you find her.

Loved her sense of humor. Dry as a bone.

They were divorced over 10 years ago. Pam is happily remarried and living in CA. Don't know where Bob is. Last I head it was Boston or thereabouts. And it was a DeLorean - beautiful car.

Carolina was in the 15th Corps. She was originally from Texas. Last I heard she was going to live in Mexico after graduation. She had a sister (Geralyn, I think) and a brother who were all in the WC. Anybody know where she is?

I was in the 14th WC. Also spent a year on staff. That was enough for me.

Every day I thank God for the great life I have today. I don't even have to pretend to like country western music.