Group of ‘Old F.A.R.T.S.’ give to Christmas Happiness
Published 12:00 am Friday, December 19, 2014
- Illustration by Mark Brincefield, for the Salisbury Post.
Every Thursday morning for the last 20 years, a group of old F.A.R.T.S. have been gathering at local restaurants for breakfast to talk sports and shoot the breeze. The men, who number in the 10 to 15 range, are all a part of the Old Friends and Retired Teacher Society, an informal group of retired coaches and former teachers.
The group generously tip their waitresses and waiters around the holidays, but have recently relocated to a new restaurant and don’t know them that well yet, said member Dale Basinger. So the guys decided to give their money to the Christmas Happiness Fund.
The Old F.A.R.T.S. donated in honor of six members of the group who’ve died over the years — Dick Williams, Marion “Chub” Richards, Don Stout, Frank “Dutch”Meyer, Bill Peeler and Ralph Thomas.
Phil Harbinson was one of those instrumental in coming up with the name of the group. The men began eating at Shoney’s until the restaurant closed and then moved to City View Restaurant, but it closed. The group most recently was eating at Farmhouse until it closed earlier this year and have now moved to Wink’s Barbecue.
“We often meet to have a joke or two, said Basinger. “We generally enjoy the fellowship with each other. We, of course, talk a lot about sports and athletics.”
Donations to the Christmas Happiness Fund come from people in the community who earmark their gift in memory or honor of someone. Donations are brought to the Salisbury Post during business hours. The money is then given to the Salvation Army of Rowan County to distribute to eligible families.
In memory of W.L. and Pauline Morgan, M.H. and Mildred Bell by Gary and Ann Bell $25
In honor of our Grandchildren Hunter, Harrison, Laney, Rachel and Regan by Mamaw and Papaw Bell $25
In memory of Dick Williams, “Chub” Richards, Don Stout, “Dutch”Meyer, Bill Peeler, and Ralph Thomas by Old Friends and Retired Teacher Society (Old F.A.R.T.S.) $100
In honor of T, TH 3:50 Bodyvivers $25
In honor of Dr. Hilda Bailey by Becky Auten $100
In memory of Clayton, Jim and Viola Morris $100
In memory of Baby Greg and in honor of Grandchildren, Katie, Ben, Will, Cal, J.T., Heather and Ashlynn $200
Anonymous $200
In honor of Debbie Suggs by Salisbury Christian Women’s Club $50
In memory of my late husband, Steven Lee Douglas. His birthday is Dec 19., by Racine P. Douglas $25
In honor of Faye Hollar by Kevin H. Hollar $50
In memory of Roy Crowe by Faynell Crowe and children $50
In loving memory of Millard Seamon and in honor of Stella, Marie, Ethel and Gladys by Dot Seamon $25
In memory of Mary Sloop and in honor of Dr. Norman Sloop by John and Patsy Parnell $25
In honor of Rosemary and Karl Kinard by John and Patsy Parnell $25
In loving memory of Rudy Butler by Bo Butler $100
In loving memory of Betty and Guy Poplin by Bo Butler $100
In honor of my daughter, Elizabeth West and my grandchildren, Spencer and Davis West by Bo Butler $100
In honor of my sister, Cherry Lockert by Bo Butler $100
In memory of Mr. “Ran”Turner and “Buck” Hurley and in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hurley, Jeff and Mrs. Mary Ellen Turner by Andy K. & Family $100
Women of the Moose Spencer # 1197 $25
In loving memory of Harold Barrier by Jennie Barrier $25
Total $1,575
Running Total $44,664.06
Contributions to Christmas Happiness may be delivered to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mailed to Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, N.C. 28145-4639.
Please make checks payable to Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you want your donation listed. Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.
