Sailor put on pedestal at Farragut

Thu., May 17, 2007

Herb Huseland Correspondent

Dozens of people showed up at Farragut State Park for back-to-back ceremonies on Saturday. Dedication of the park’s newest and finest campground, Gilmore, led the parade. Speakers were state Rep. George C. Sayler; Steve Klatt, Region I board member; and Bob Meinen, Parks Department director, and it was hosted by Randall Butt, park manager.

Following the cutting of the ribbon, the crowd was invited to attend the dedication of the WWII bronze bust depicting a sailor. Delivery of this artwork was delayed over two hours, as visitors devoured a large cake provided for the occasion.

Many Navy veterans were in attendance, some in uniform. Several octogenarian-plus sailors and their spouses were entertained by the impromptu ukulele concert by Spokesman-Review photographer Jesse Tinsley. Tinsley is Hawaiian on one side of the family and sang several native songs. This was fitting, since most of the veterans served in the Pacific.

Finally, the artist/sculptor, Dave Clemons, arrived with a trailer, the statue and a grin. Park personnel struggled for a few moments with a large forklift, wrestling the bust into place on its pedestal.

On a more somber note, leading citizen Larry Jacobson’s memorial service was held the same day with a turnout of more than 200 friends and relatives, at the Bayview Community Center. He left us early at age 64. He is survived by his wife, Penny.

Born to be mild

Bayview’s answer to Sturgess is about to occur.

Every year for the past 24 years or so, a loosely knit group calling themselves “The Annuals” descend upon Bayview for just one purpose – partying. What started out a collection of young men those many years ago now are mostly middle-aged, excepting that the second generation is attending. This last bastion of “males only” is Friday and Saturday.

These guys don’t show up on bikes but with tents, motor homes and the like at Farragut State Park. Generally headquartered at the Captain’s Wheel, this group will kick off the season. Live music featuring Night Hawk, a rock and country group, will take place at the Wheel on Friday and Saturday nights.

25 years of bliss

Frank and Sheila Bixenstein celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a huge bouquet of roses and dinner at the Button Hook on May 4.

Ladies flip lids on hat day

Terry’s Café hosted the annual hat day on May 4. This is the one day each year that the ladies of Bayview trot out their (ahem) finest. The funniest hat award was won by Terry Shepherd and the most original by Verne Burkett. Nancy West walked off with the prettiest.

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