Class of 2004 grad serves in Ghana

By Ida Chipman
Pilot News Correspondent

PLYMOUTH —Jim Kubley, 26, son of Dr. Rod and Sue Kubley and a 2004 graduate of Plymouth High School, is home for a short visit following a 27 month stint with the Peace Corps.

Jim graduated from Bethel College in 2008 having majored in Economics and Business Administration.
He took some time off, volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club before receiving his nomination and invitation to join the Peace Corps.

Jim noted that this year is the 50th anniversary for the Peace Corps, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. The goals of the Corps are to provide technical assistance, to help people outside of the United States to understand U.S. culture and to help Americans understand the culture of other countries.

In 1952, a United States Senator called the volunteers, “missionaries of democracy.”
“There is no age limit to join,” he said. “Just as long as you are healthy.”

An 80-year-old woman was in his group, having joined when she was 78.

After 10 weeks of training in the Small Enterprise Division, in order to get an idea of what it is like in the Corps, Jim was assigned to Ghana, West Africa. The country is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and is zero degrees longitude and zero degrees latitude.

“It was the first time I had been out of North America,” he said, “and it was exciting and challenging at the same time.”

Most people in the city speak English and Jim had some training in the Fra language as well.
He lived 27 months in Nyariga, a small village. “There was no electricity and no running water,” he said. “I didn’t see any snakes,” he said,” but there were plenty of bugs.”

His diet contained a lot of rice (which he enjoyed) and a lot of beans ( which he didn’t.)

The main project in his village is basket weaving for a St. Louis company. Fifty weavers will make four to five thousand baskets a year to export.

“They are beautiful, colorful baskets,” Jim said, “some with leather handles. “My job primarily was in quality control.”

He recommends the area as a tourist attraction. “The beaches are outstanding and the people are friendly.”
He enjoyed hiking, repelling and taking field trips with groups.

Jim will be leaving soon to return to Africa as a RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) intern with Coca Cola.  He hopes it will lead to a permanent job. His experience in the country is a valuable asset to American countries who plan to expand into the area.

“I am glad that I made the decision to join the Corps,” he said. “It was a great experience and I am anxious to go back.”

Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Rock On for the Rockies

Plymouth gets high marks from the State of Indiana

The Plymouth Community School Corporation was named an A school today by the Indiana Department of Education.

The school corporation also passed Adequate Yearly Progress through No Child Left Behind legislation for the fourth year in a row.

Congratulations to the staff, student, and parents for their partnership in public education! Plymouth Schools are dedicated to doing Whatever it Takes to help students maximize the academic potential.

Results for individual schools will be released later this week.

Rocking on for the Rockies

PLYMOUTH - The fans were rocking and the Rockies were rolling in their home opener Friday night.
The Plymouth Alumni Association hosted "Rock On for the Rockies" at the team's home opener with special musical guest The Charles Dalton Band and WTCA - AM 1050 under the tent at the Rock. The band's lead singer is 1988 PHS grad and alumni association member, Chad Morlan, also a former Rockie.
Pre-game guests on WTCA included Plymouth Principal Jim Condon with Assistant Principal Ken Olson talking about Plymouth HIgh School's new tech option, the School of Inquiry, that will begin in 2012 as well as Mixed Martial Arts fighter and 2010 graduate Ricky MIller talking about his upcoming match at Coveleski Stadium Friday night.
Post-game comments featured Plymouth head football coach John Barron and Player of the Game quarterback Ike Kastner.
Plymouth came away a winner over Rochester by a final of 34-20.
See photos of the night by going to our Facebook sight.

PHS grad McKee gets much sought after assignment at ISP

GREENCASTLE, IN - Plymouth High School graduate and trooper from the Indiana State Police Post at Putnamville has been reassigned to the department’s coveted motor patrol section and will now be a common factor in deterring speeding and aggressive driving within the district.

Master Trooper Chip McKee, a 16-year veteran of the Indiana State Police, was selected for this position by General Headquarters personnel and sent to the Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycle Training Program in Ontario, Canada. Upon his successful completion of the two week school in May of this year, McKee was awarded his 2011 Harley-Davidson Patrol Motorcycle adorned with the Indiana State Police logo and equipment. McKee now patrols the six county Putnamville District which includes the counties of Parke, Vermillion, Vigo, Clay, Putnam, and Sullivan.

In this new capacity, McKee will be targeting driving behaviors that contribute to vehicle crashes, raise awareness to motorcycle safety, conduct VIP escorts and military escorts, participate in local parades, and  assist with public information programs on motorcycle safety within the district. He will also be assigned to various traffic safety details at large events around the state of Indiana.

The Indiana State Police issued Harley-Davidson or Indian motorcycles to the first troopers in 1933. Cars were introduced in 1939. The department now has 25 troopers assigned to the motor patrol section and they all ride Harley-Davidson cycles.

McKee is a Marshall County native and a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. He also served his country in the United States Army from 1982 until 1993 where attained the rank of Captain of Infantry. After his appointment to the ISP in 1995, he was initially assigned to the Lowell District where he served as a trooper and later as a gaming detective in the Gaming Division. McKee transferred to the former Terre Haute District in 2006 and patrolled Vigo County until his new assignment in motor patrol.

Chip and his wife Sue reside in rural Vigo County.

Menominee Principal continues to develop leadership skills

(l-r) Teachers Hillary Hopple and Geoff Scarberry with Principal Michael Dunn sign along with fourth graders from Menominee School. The teachers and students participated in the rededication of the Chief Menominee statue.  They sang and signed to ‘Holding the Hoop’ under the direction of Michele Schricker.

PLYMOUTH—Michael Dunn, principal of Menominee School, credits his participation in Leadership Marshall County with much of his success. He admits a friend recommended it since he was new to Plymouth, moving here from the LaPorte area in 2008.

“I was totally unaware of the wonderful opportunities our community has to offer. LMC doesn’t open doors for people, but rather opens our eyes. It is from that perspective that I have been able to see my vision of my organization grow as well as help to develop a vision for future leaders within our county,” he commented as part of Class XIII. “It was the best thing I could have ever done being in the leadership role.”

Because of LMC, he concedes he has been able to be a positive change in the community. He has gotten involved with the Marshall County Neighborhood Center, where he now serves as Vice-President of the board as well as being the recently appointed co-chair of the LMC Board.

“As I further my own education in obtaining my superintendent's license and eventual doctorate, LMC is helping me to move forward in building those credentials,” he said.

He has been pursuing educational degrees at Indiana Wesleyan University’s School of Education, recently completing their Educational Specialist Degree Program. He hopes to continue in January to complete a doctorate in organizational leadership. The program “affords an opportunity to lead and be a facilitator of change in major institutions from corporations to universities,” he explained.

Leadership Marshall County is a nine-month program designed to educate future leaders of Marshall County. This program was designed to identify, motivate, and develop community leaders through education and skills development, involving sessions taught by currently established leaders in Marshall County government, agriculture, education, economic development, arts, tourism, health and human services and criminal justice.

Dunn found the health and human services session most intriguing where participants were afforded an opportunity to learn about local community services and “all the things we can provide to others”.

Individuals interested in attending Leadership Marshall County may contact the Marshall County Community Foundation office at 574-935-5159 or visit the website atwww.marshallcountylmc.org for an application.

PHS students helping the community

On Thursday final plans for two community support events were finalized at PHS. The first, a Blood Drive to support the American Red Cross sponsored by PHS Social Studies Teacher Laura Kruyer will take place on Friday, August 26 in the Multi-Purpose room at PHS. Students over the age of 16, who have prior parental consent, will be able to give blood to help support the Plymouth Community. Currently all available donation slots have been filled by the students of PHS. For more information on the American Red Cross and student blood drives please visit the American Red Cross Website. Please visit the blog on Friday, August 26 for updates on the Blood Drive.

The second event will take place on September 22 at 6:00 PM at the Kindt Soccer Complex. That night PHS will take on the LaVille Lancers in a Breast Cancer Awareness game. Students from the Operation Leadership Club, under the direction of Guidance Counselor Stacy Scheetz, are teaming up with Oliver Ford to raise money for The Nancy Jaynes Memorial Scholarship Fund that is given each year to a Plymouth student that does community service for Breast Cancer Awareness. During the week prior to the game, Operation Leadership students will be selling Breast Cancer Awareness merchandise, pink feather hair extensions, and tickets for the bake goods raffle to be held at the game. PHS Varsity players will be wearing Pink Jerseys donated by Oliver Ford during the game. Pictured are Jessica Oliver and Jennifer Houin from Oliver Ford and the President of Operation Leadership who is also aPHS Senior Soccer Player. For more information about Oliver Ford's involvement in Breast Cancer Awareness click here.

PHS grad gets first hand look at China

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

WEST LAFAYETTE — When Doug Booth returned to Purdue University this week to begin his junior year, he had a new appreciation for his country.

Booth, a Plymouth High School graduate, spent two weeks this summer in Hong Kong and China. He was one of 20 applicants accepted for the trip that is sponsored by the Purdue Entrepreneur Program. All in all, there were some 50-60 applicants vying for the honor.

He is majoring in Business Management with a concentration on management information systems.
He learned first hand how other countries view the United States. Booth said a professor at the university in China where he studied explained his belief that the Chinese philosophy in business is different from the American way of looking at things. Booth said the said the instructor said Americans are more individualistic and do things for themselves or their families while the Chinese concentrate on doing things for the betterment of the group and work 14 hours six days per week.

Booth said he toured 12 to 15 different companies and had the opportunity to attend conferences with the businesses.

“I would go back as a businessman, but not as a tourist,” he said.

To fully experience the Chinese way of life, Booth said he ate the food native to the country, but admitted he did go for a burger at the Hard Rock Café.

He said walking along the shopping center area in the main streets reminded him of a Hollywood movie set, but other areas caused some anxiety.

“When you turned down an alley where street vendors worked, you got all kinds of looks,” he said, adding he had been warned to wear his backpack in front for safety reasons. “We live in luxurious dorms at Purdue. It was a shock to get ready in a bathroom that was 5-feet by 3-feet with the shower, toilet and sink.”

He was equally as astonished at the housing in Hong Kong.

He said, “They all live in apartments that are three to five feet from the highway.”

Booth’s family was pleased that there was internet communication which allowed Doug to email them on a regular basis.

Doug’s father, Bob Booth, said a trip out of the country opens kid’s eyes to different cultures. He said, “It was a tremendous experience for him, but I’m happy to have him home. China is on the exact opposite of the United States on the globe. That’s a long ways away. But I have all the confidence in the world in Purdue."

Booth was an honor student at PHS and was able to start Purdue with 21 credits. He said, “PHS prepared me for college quite well.”

He was also selected as freshman for the Purdue Marching Band and has advanced to being named a section leader for this school year. He was also chosen to receive one of two Tom Miller All American Band Scholarships.

“Being in the band and practicing with the marching band means that free time is very limited,” he said.

Bob Booth said he was not surprised that Doug has been so successful. Doug works in the family business, Plymouth Rock Golf Course, each summer. The proud dad said, “I see first had his work ethic and patterns. Purdue sees that in him too.”

Doug’s mother, Sandy Dodson, said, “You definitely have to be worried about your son leaving our country. But the opportunity outweighed the fears."

She too said it was reassuring to get emails from Doug. Dodson pointed out that Doug had traveled on a cruise outside of the United States and had traveled to several states with the BPA (Business Professionals of America) Club while he was in high school. She said, “He learned how to handle himself.”

Booth said upon returning to his home, landing in Chicago was extra special. He said, “The first thing I saw was the American flag under the clouds.”
Story reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Plymouth Alumni Association Rocking On for the Rockies

PLYMOUTH  - Fans will help the Rockies "Rock On" at the team's home opener on Friday night.

The Plymouth Alumni Association will host WTCA's pre and post game shows under the tent at the Rock on Friday with a little help from special musical guest The Charles Dalton Band. The party starts at 5:15 p.m. before Plymouth takes on Rochester in their first home football game of the new season.

"Plymouth High School and Plymouth Alumni Association are joining forces in the first of a series of pre and post game events including live radio shows with members of the PHS coaching staff and music by the rock n roll band The Charles Dalton Band" featuring Chad Morlan, one of PHS own," said Dean Colvin, PAA Board Member and one of the organizers of the event. "This is a great opportunity for all who support our academic and athletic graduates to meet rekindle friendships, associations and experiences we had as PHS students."

Morlan is a Plymouth Grad, a member of the Plymouth Alumni Association and lead vocalist of The Charles Dalton Band. The experienced group with Jeff Shepherd on lead guitar and vocals, Adam Guy on drums and vocals, Scotty Rocker on bass and vocals play modern and classic rock with influences from the 70's, 80's and 90's. The band has a wealth of experience, and a never ending set list of playing what people want to hear.

The Band will be "Rocking On" as WTCA-AM 1050's Tony Ross hosts his pre and post game shows on the station featuring Plymouth Head Coach John Barron, the Rockie "Player of the Game" and much more including a special Alumni Association feature.

The Plymouth Athletic Booster Club will be grilling for the fans enjoyment and the Music Boosters have a great selection of concessions for every taste.

The idea is to bring together those interested in Plymouth schools to keep them strong and celebrate the Plymouth experience.

"Universities and colleges have long seen the benefit of bringing the most valued resources of their work together in furtherance of the institution," said Colvin. "There are countless reasons why the core of our educational foundation should be taking advantage of the same opportunities. The Plymouth Alumni Association offers the perfect means by which to foster and environment to bring those resources together."

Find out more about The Charles Dalton Band by searching them on Facebook.  

In addition to the musical entertainment for the night, the alumni association will be featuring local mixed martial arts fighter Ricky AKA “Mr. Snuggles” Miller on WTCA. Miller, undefeated in his professional career thus far, will be fighting again Sept. 2 at Coveleski Stadium. Miller, the 2010 PHS graduate and son of Rick and Barb Miller both PHS grads, plans to be on air at 5:45 p.m. 

For more information, visit the Plymouth Alumni Association at http:/plymouthalumniblogspot.com or on Facebook: Search for Plymouth Alumni Association, or follow @plymouthalumni on Twitter.

PHS grad Crump receives Lilly grant

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Next May, Pastor Brett Crump will be taking four months off from his duties as senior pastor at New Palestine Bible Church.

Crump is one of only 19 ministers in Indiana to receive the 2011 Lilly Endowment clergy renewal grant. The grant awards up to $50,000 to ministers to enable them to take time off, travel, and rest.

Crump said that applying for the grant was "a pretty involved process." He first heard about the program through members of his congregation last winter, and decided to apply in March. Toward the end of June, he received notification that he had been one of the 19 selected.

Crump already has most of his time off planned. He and his wife, Joanna, will use the first week to celebrate their anniversary. Then Crump plans to take his family on a tour of Europe, visiting key places in the history of the church. They will stay in Europe for three weeks, before Crump will depart alone to Israel. There, he will meet a missionary friend of his and they will plan to visit Biblical and historical sites. Before his sabbatical ends, Crump will visit his hometown of Plymouth and reconnect with family and old friends.

"I believe (the trip) will do several things," said Crump. "It will provide some rejuvenation, I'll have time to gain more insights into the history of the church (and) be able to draw from that in a more experiential way."

Crump said that he believes his congregation will benefit from his sabbatical when he is able to provide more specific illustrations for his sermons based on actually seeing Biblical places. He is also looking forward to using his time off reflecting and thinking about his personal journey with Christ and the future of his church.

"(The trip) is not just meant to be a vacation, it's meant to be a renewal," said Crump.
Crump graduated from Plymouth High School in 1988 and has pastored at New Palestine Bible Church for nine years. His parents still reside in Plymouth. Lilly Endowment has been giving clergy renewal grants for 13 years and has awarded 382 total grants in Indiana since the program began.

Application information for the 2012 program will be available on their website, www.indianaclergyrenewal.org by early September.
Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

One to one, computers to students at Plymouth High School

By Carol Anders
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH - The first day of school on august 17 may have seemed like Christmas to many of the Plymouth High School students. Every student was given a MacBook laptop computer to use at school and at home for the entire 2011-2012 school year.

All in all, some 1,300 computers were passed out to students and staff. Faculty members had received theirs prior to the opening day of school and had received specific training on the many ways they can be used to enhance learning.

For the majority of the their classes, students will no longer have to carry hardback books, but rather will be able to access information from the entire texts that are loaded into the computers. Students will also be able to access information provided by individual teachers, such as homework assignments, through special applications loaded on the computers.

Superintendent Daniel Tyree is pleased with the addition of the computers as learning tools. He said, “Technology for our kids is the great equalizer.” He said, “Every student has access to the same information as the student next to them.”

Tyree said many students have not had the opportunity to travel, go to museums out of the area or state, or other similar experiences. He said, “Through the computers, they can visit any place in the world.”

On Wednesday, students used their SRT (Student Resource Time) to pick up a computer and power cord from the rows and rows of computers in the library. In order to keep track of the computers, each student had to present their school identification that has a bar code built in. Each computer also has a separate bar code for identification.

Story reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Country Auto teams with Plymouth Athletic Boosters

PLYMOUTH - The Athletic Boosters along with Country Auto are out to help teams at PHS, Lincoln and Riverside with a first time fundraiser.

Fans of all Plymouth School's teams are invited to the East parking lot of the high school on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the Country Auto Dodge Drive for Your School sponsored by the Plymouth Athletic Booster Club. 

Only one test drive per family.  The driver needs to bring a valid drivers license.  There is absolutely no purchase necessary.  Each driver will be asked to fill out a one minute survey after the test drive. Each test drive will raise $20.00 for the Athletic Booster Club to help with the athletic programs at Riverside, Lincoln Junior High and Plymouth High School.

On Saturday, Plymouth High School will also be hosting an 8-team JV Volleyball Tournament at 9:00 am, a JV football game against Bremen at 10:00 am, and JV & Varsity girls soccer with Logansport at 11:00 am. 

This is the first test drive promotion by Country Auto.

Lincoln enlisting parents in technology

By Rusty Nixon
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs

PLYMOUTH - The one to one computer program at Plymouth's Lincoln Junior High had a successful beginning a year ago, and along with all the lessons it taught it also pointed out something to administrators.
"We had a parents focus group in January and one of the things that kept surfacing was the comment that 'my kids know more about the computer than I do,'" said Lincoln Principal Dan Funston. "Parents also had a concern that their kids were using the computers properly. The kids would tell their parents that they weren't doing anything they shouldn't but their parents wanted more than a letter home outlining it, they wanted to hear it from the horses mouth.
"Honestly there was a lot to manage with the program last year in its first year and we should have done more to inform the parents. That's what we're doing now. It's a partnership and keeping parents engaged with what's going on is essential to what we want to achieve."
A step in enlisting parents in the process is a series of information sessions that are being held at the junior high. Amy Gerard has made the move from Riverside to Lincoln to head up the program, and Funston gives her high marks.
"Amy coming over here from Riverside has really made a big difference," he said. "She's put this whole thing together. I give her all the credit."
Sessions started at 8 a.m. on Thursday with a later session at 6 p.m. They continue on Friday at noon and on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The one to one computer program will enter it's second year at Lincoln with Plymouth High School starting their program this year. Riverside is slated to be the next Plymouth school to have one to one computers.
"Last year it was a little bit of a novelty for us," said Funston. "This year the novelty has worn off and we'll be more focused on using the computers for reading, writing and math - the things that they are supposed to be used for."
While Funston says that students were very good and taking care of their computers, they have a little more incentive to do so this time around.
"The kids did well last year," said Funston. "This year the policy is a little different it will be $50 for the first time their computer breaks and $100 after that. It's pretty much the same as our policy with text books."

Class of 1986 Reunion Video

Class of 1976 Reunion video

Traditional end to first Alumni Week

PLYMOUTH - Fun and fellowship on the links brought a traditional end to Plymouth's first Alumni Week sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association.
A week long celebration of the Plymouth community and the schools that are a big part of it saw several "Old Timers" sports contests, community events that included volleyball in Centennial Park and a Family Game Night at Mancino's brought together hundreds of Plymouth graduates and their families.
At week's end the traditional "Big Red Opens" brought hundreds more together once again. The Ladies Open on Thursday raised money for the women's athletic programs at Plymouth High School. Friday it was the men's turn with the 21st annual Art Thomas Big Red Open. Both events were hosted by the Plymouth Country Club.
Golfers from all over the country and literally all over the world made the trip back to Plymouth for the annual events.
A key member of the Plymouth state basketball champions of 1982 and the Trester Award winner for that year - Phil Wendel - made the trip back from Beirut, Lebanon for the men's golf event. Wendel is a teacher at an American school in the country.
The PAA is a non-profit organization that works to connect and inform Plymouth graduates. All funds collected by the organization go to support extra and co-curricular programs at the Plymouth schools such as art, music, theatre and sports.
For more information, visit the Alumni Association at http:/plymouthalumniblogspot.com or find it on Facebook: Search for Plymouth Alumni Association, or follow @plymouthalumni on Twitter.

Ford awards Plymouth over $11,000

By Lydia Beers
Pilot News Staff Writer

PLYMOUTH — Last May, Plymouth music teacher Bryan Ames and broadcasting teachers Dave McKenzie and Phil Scott and their students teamed up to enter Ford Motor Company’s Drive One 4 UR School student video contest.

The video, produced by Plymouth High School broadcasting students Austin Craft, Derrick Lee, Sam Compton, Sarah Gouker, and Sean Hatfield, as well as 16 Lincoln Junior High School students, won first place in the region, making it one of five winning videos in the entire U.S. In the video, Plymouth students interview members of the community about their experience test driving Ford vehicles. The video also includes a “commercial” showing a father giving his son keys to a new Ford Mustang.

“How the students portrayed the cars was whimsical, which was really fun,” said John Oliver, general manager of Oliver Ford. “It showed things we would remember from our childhood.”

The students ended the video with student “news anchors” wishing the viewing audience “a lifetime of memorable moments.”

Oliver Ford held a press conference Thursday to recognize the student’s achievement, as well as present the Plymouth Music Boosters with a check for the money raised during the Drive One 4 UR School event in May. Held in the Plymouth High School parking lot, participants had to opportunity to test drive Ford vehicles. Ford committed to give $20 each time one of their cars was taken on a test drive.

“Almost the maximum number of test drives was achieved, which was awesome,” said Oliver. “The point was just to have people drive a Ford for the first time. There’s no pressure to buy—ever.”

The one day event raised $5,060 for the Music Boosters, with an additional $1,210 added for Ford Focus test drives (an additional $10 per test drive). The high school broadcasting department also received $6,060 for their winning video (a $5,060 match from Ford Motor Company as well as an additional $1,000 because the students mentioned Ford Focus safety features).

Dan Tyree, superintendent of Plymouth schools, said that the money will be used to expand the department’s equipment.

“I’m sure I had a great big smile on my face,” said Tyree, about when he learned that the video had taken first place. “I knew this was going to really benefit our kids.”

Tyree said that the video was a collaborative effort of some of the top students in broadcasting class.

“Test scores don’t measure everything about a school,” said Tyree. “It’s the application of those skills. This video is a testament to those skills.”

Scott said that he feels the students benefit from taking classroom lessons into the real world.

“We can do book work all day long, but when you can tie in those real world applications…that just makes it all the better,” said Scott.

“I thought (the video) was remarkable, and obviously Ford did too.”

The video can be viewed on www.youtube.com by searching for PHS TV commercial.

Reprinted by permission of The Pilot News

Batte of the decades in volleyball

By

Maggie Nixon, Managing Editor Pilot News

PLYMOUTH — It was a battle of the ages Wednesday night, as graduates of the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s got together at Lincoln Junior High School to compete and have a little fun for the “Old Timers” volleyball game – another event in a week-long celebration of Plymouth Community Schools Alumni Association Alumni Week.

While at times a full field of the particular decade wasn’t available to play, the 1990s came out victorious when paired up against the others, along with a little help from the younger generation to round out a full team.

Players taking a look at the floor once again were: Megan Barron (2011), Jackie (Frid) Eveland (1987), Janis(Jeffirs) Holiday (1986), Shana Greenlee (2006), Andrea (Bunton) Schoof (2001), Bev Wojcik (1983), Sandy Johnson-Tartol (1988), Monica Parkhurst (1988), Michelle (Liesberger) Wolf (1997), Lyzz Smith (2009), Jodi (Hilliard) Eveland (1993), Stephanie (Durnil) Redman (1992), Aly Neidlinger (2006), Lesley (Blackburn) Langfeldt (2001), Stacy Brown (2001).

While Smith is at Indiana Wesleyan playing on a basketball scholarship, her days as a hitter for PHS haven’t waned. She, Greenlee, Langfeldt and Wojcik found it easy to pick up their hitting ways once again, while Barron, (Jodi) Eveland and Holiday were nearly perfect setting up the second hit for their teammates. Consistent serves by several of the others – along with some all-star digs – made the night of fun entertaining for those in the crowd, too.

Following the indoor competition, the community was invited to a night of sand volleyball at Centennial Park. While the intent was for at least a game of glow ball or so, the city’s surrounding lights didn’t allow enough darkness for a successful effort. However, several of the park’s league players continued to free play while some adults and their children played with the glow body paint and made the best of it.

Earlier in the week, a family game night was held at Mancino’s. Games of dice, cards and chess/checkers were played, along with participants enjoying pizza made by the Alumni Association’s sponsor.

Saturday ends the week-long celebration when the class of 1986 meets at the Brass Rail and 1976 meets at The Office.

For more information, visit the Alumni Association at http:/plymouthalumniblogspot.com or find it on Facebook: Search for Plymouth Alumni Association, or follow @plymouthalumni on Twitter.

Old Timers celebrate Plymouth basketball

PLYMOUTH - Representatives from the past and from around the country came back to Plymouth on Thursday night to celebrate a common thread, basketball.

Brothers Jason and Jeremy Renz, Chad Clinton joined teammates from the recent past Ricky Davis, Houston Hodges, Sam Faulstich, Korey Bucher Houston Hodges and Sam Faulstich  in taking on some "old timers" led by Jody Birk, Brian Trump, Andy Huff, Jim Klingerman, Mike Large Seth Gilmer and Clinton's brother Ryan (not that much of an old timer). The younger players ran away with the contest but other than shooting skills the older guys hadn't lost a whole lot.

Sean Smith won a preliminary three point shoot out but had some hard time holding off another old timer - Greg Renz who hit nine three pointers in his preliminary shooting round.

Gilmer came from South Carolina for the week and on Sunday also competed as part of the Old Timers Baseball game at Bill Nixon Field.

The game was held at Lincoln Jr. High as part of a celebration of Alumni Week by the Plymouth Alumni Association.

The PAA is a non-profit organization that works to connect and inform Plymouth graduates. All funds collected by the organization go to support extra and co-curricular programs at the Plymouth schools such as art, music, theatre and sports.

Reunions for the classes of 1976 at The Office and 1986 at the Brass Rail will be on the agenda for Saturday night.

Different eras shine in Old Timer's contest at Bill Nixon Field

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth's first "Alumni Week" started off with a home run as players from nearly every era of Plymouth Baseball gathered at Bill Nixon Field in Plymouth for an Old Timer's Game sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association.

The seventies teams that began Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Nixon's career at Plymouth were well represented. The very first Plymouth Player to play in the annual North/South All Star Classic was Center Fielder Tom Jung from the class of 1976 was in attendance on Sunday to see the talent that has come after him.

Jung not only played in that All Star Classic, he was it's MVP. He currently resides in Texas and makes the yearly trip to Plymouth to visit friends and play in the Art Thomas Open which will take place later this week.

Greg Renz and Jeff Badell of the class of 1976 were in attendance as was 1978 standout shortstop Ed Kelso who is the head coach of the PHS Softball program.

Plymouth's newest All Star had a family reunion of sorts with 2011 North team member Damon Howe playing in the game with his father Dave a member of Nixon's 1986 team.

The 90's made their presence known in the game with 1997 grad Dan Winkle making those in attendance question if maybe he was played out of position for his four year career at Plymouth. An all NLC catcher in his playing days, Winkle showed he had great range in the outfield and even turned in solid work at second base.

A senior on the 1992 final eight team Seth Gilmer set the tone for the game with a sparkling back handed play at second in the games first inning.

The Tony Plothow era was in full force with Landon Lauber (2002), Josh Dietz and Chris Hostetler (2003), Cody Bucher and Jay Badell (2009), Kevin Garrity and Damon Allen (2010) along with Howe.

The game was the first in a week long series of events designed to celebrate the Plymouth Community and the Plymouth Schools.

Tuesday night is Family Game Night at Mancino's beginning at 6 p.m. Bring the family and your favorite board games, grab some pizza and enjoy an evening of family fun.

Wednesday August 3 is a night long celebration of volleyball. Beginning at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Jr. High will be Alumni game number two of the week. This is shaping up to be a battle of the 80's stars versus the 90's. . If you want to play contact Janis Holiday at 574-936-1858, 574-780-2725 or email jmholiday@embarqmail.com.

Later on Wednesday night Make sure to stick around for community Night Volleyball in the sand at Centennial Park sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association and the Plymouth Park Department.

Still like to shoot hoops? If you played high school basketball at Plymouth come show your stuff August 4 at Lincoln Jr. High in our Old Timers Basketball game starting at 7p.m. To play contact Jody Birk at jodyheatherbirk@yahoo.com, search Jody Birk on Facebook or call 574-952-4444.

The PAA is a non-profit organization that works to connect and inform Plymouth graduates. All funds collected by the organization go to support extra and co-curricular programs at the Plymouth schools such as art, music, theatre and sports. The annual Ladies Big Red Open takes place during the day Thursday, Aug. 4 raising money for the women's athletics programs at PHS, and the Art Thomas Big Red Open has its 21st outing Friday, Aug. 5 to support the PHS athletic department.

There will be an all-class social at Swan Lake Friday, Aug. 5. Reunions for the classes of 1976 at The Office and 1986 at the Brass Rail will be on the agenda for Saturday night.