It is with a sad heart that I must inform you that The RAMS is closing it's doors and will be blocked tonight Friday, August 20, 2010, at midnight PST.

The company that currently hosts the site has changed its policies and will now be charging for the use of it's hosting platform.

The objective of The RAMS has always been to provide a fun opportunity for past graduates of Mt. Vernon Township High School, residents of the King City and all of Southern Illinois to connect with people from their home town and was never meant to be a profit center. But, at the same time, it wasn't meant to operate at a loss either. ;-)

Personally, I have made a number of new friends and had the pleasure to re-connect with numerous people from the ol' days.

It has made me happy to hear about all the triumphs and trials that so many I knew years ago have gone through and overcome, just as one might have expected of RAMS. And, at the same time, it had saddened me to learn of the passing of so many of my former classmates and friends.

So many of them passed before their time.

I especially want to thank all of you who took time out of your day to offer your condolences at the time of my father's passing.

Please feel free to connect with me on Facebook at facebook.com/warrenveach or by e-mail at warrenveach@gmail.com or by phone at 972-979-4665.

Although I can't divulge any members personal information, should you need to contact one of our former members, I will try to arrange a connection for you with their permission.

Thanks again to all my new and old friends alike.
Warren

P.S. I will be looking to bring back The RAMS on a new and improved platform soon, and I'll be sure to invite all of y'all to the opening when it happens!

Les Lannom-Former Official Bagpiper for the Los Angeles Chapter of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society & Former Pipe Major for the City of Glendale Pipe Band

Les' first instrument was the accordion. After several years of playing this under rated instrument he found another musical calling. The trumpet. Such was his proficiency with the trumpet that he earned the John Phillips Souza award.

He is currently working on a small collection of old folk tunes and hopes to have a CD of these classics in the near future.

Les had always been a fan of old Irish, Scotish and English music, and, at the ripe old age of 38, he bought his first set of Bagpipes.

Les is available throughout the Southern Illinois area and surrounding counties.

Phone: 818-694-8194
Website: http://www.hibernicopiper.com/
E-Mail: les@hibernicopiper.com
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Musically Speaking ... Sunday Nights @ 6 pm on 102.1 WIBV

Musically Speaking is the only terrestrial and internet radio program that is devoted to the music of Southern Illinois artists and bands. Here you will find all genres of music. From Country to Metal. From Folk to Gospel. Musically Speaking is dedicated to Southern Illinois music. And those who make it.

Visit their site regularly and hear previous programs by simply clicking on their individual link.

Be sure to visit: musicallyspeaking.mvn.net
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FarmForever.com - THE on-line home of the midwest's GREATEST boogie band!

Farm was formed in Southern Illinois in 1970.

The members were Mike Young, Del Herbert, Roger Greenwalt, Gary Gordon, Jim Elwyn and Steve Evanchik. Young, Herbert and Greenwalt were all from Mt. Vernon. Gordon and Elwyn were from Sparta. Evanchik was from Christopher.

The music of Farm has been heard on various radio stations throughout the years.

KSHE-95 in St. Louis designated the Farm album as a "KSHE Classic." Parts of Farm recordings have been used in radio commercials over the years as well.

Be sure to visit: http://www.farmforever.com

We are just about finished with the construction and ready to open our doors. We offer just under 8,000 square feet of open floor plan. We have a fully stocked bar, private rooms, full kitchen with an executive chef on staff that can prepare any type of cuisine. We also have two 150" projection screens and projectors available for your use. The best thing is that we are currently offering the use of our facility for free. All we ask is that you buy any food and beverages through us. We also have a full PA sound system and can help with arranging any bands or DJs. Feel free to call Chris (618-364-2465) with and questions and bookings. We are located in downtown Mt. Vernon at 224 S. 10th Street. We have invested a lot on money into the renovations to give the space an upscale 1920's. Feel free to ask for photos.


Chris Campo
the Tavern on 10th

The Class of 75 will be having their 35th class reunion on Sept 10 & 11, 2010.

Please mark your calendar now!! We hope to see you at the reunion. We are in to process of finding classmates. You will be getting more of the details in the near future.
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Do you know of an upcoming reunion?

If so, let me know and we can post the info here on The RAMS.

Mt. Vernon Township H.S.'s website can be found at http://www.mvths.org/.

Here's to reconnecting with old friends!

Have a GREAT day,
Warren

P.S. Be sure to tell your friends about The RAMS!