Bremen High School
Class of '62 Reunion Events & Activities
 
 

2014 Breaking News History...

December 24, 2014
Current News:
The Reunion Committee wishes all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and/or Happy Holidays.  The Year 2014 has had its "high spots" and "low spots".  Nevertheless, we move-on and be thankful for what we have -- especially when it comes to friends and family!  Let's make sure we keep those classmates who have hit some "low spots" in 2014 in our thoughts and/or prayers.
 
Following are some of the things you can expect on the website in 2015:
 
  1. Final results of the event survey -- and what we are planning for 2015.
     
  2. Suggestions that various classmates have made for future activities & events -- some serious, some "tongue in cheek", and some blatantly outrageous :-)
     
  3. Periodic updates of current or breaking news -- quarterly or on an "as needed" basis.
     
  4. Some special ideas for our 55th Reunion in 2017.
 
Finally, we thank all of you for your interest & support -- and encourage you to participate in our future events, if possible.
 
December 11, 2014
Recent News:
We just learned of the passing of Bob Thomas on December 9th -- after a long illness.  Let's take a few minutes out of our busy holiday schedules to keep Bob's wife Leslie and the rest of Bob's family in our thoughts and prayers.
 
Now more than ever, we treasure the fact that in spite of his progressing illness, Bob and Leslie came from Colorado Springs to attend the 50th Reunion.  It was great to see him one more time.
 
We have no details about the arrangements.  We'll keep you posted as we receive more information. 
 
November 20, 2014
Recent News:
If you haven't responded, please respond to the "2015 Survey".  
 
Current News:
To date, we have 30 survey responses (out of 169 requests) - thanks!
   

Continue

Website?

Update

Frequency?

Continue

Annual Event?

Yes

30 Monthly 1 Yes 24
No 0 Quarterly 14 No 6
    As Needed 15    
 
Event Venue? Event Month? 55th?
Granite City 15 Homecoming 11 Regular Event 15
Other 6 August 3 Special Event 15
    October 5    
    Other 3    
  NOTE: Not all respondents responded to all questions.
 
Some other classmate "stats" that may interest you:
 
MASTER LIST STATS: Darrell Jordan (with Sandie's help) not only continues to search for our "lost classmates", but also works hard to maintain the accuracy & completeness of our classmate's contact list.  Here's a summary of classmate statistics on our Master List:
  

Deceased (known)

72

Invited to 50th -- Responded

171

Invited to 50th -- Did Not Respond

108

Limited Contact Information (still searching)

42

No Contact Information (still searching)

57

Teachers (who have attended our events)

3

Guests (who have attended our event)

2
TOTAL ON OUR MASTER LIST 455
   Contacts with personal email addresses 169
   Contacts with classmates.com email addresses 33
   Contacts with alumniclass.com email addresses 2
TOTAL CONTACTS WITH ELECTRONIC ADDRESSES 204

NUMBER OF STATES REPRESENTED ON OUR LIST

 35

ATTENDED 50TH REUNION

136+

ATTENDED 2013 EVENT

42 

ATTENDED 2014 EVENT

19 

ATTENDED 2015 EVENT

tbd
 
WEBSITE STATS: Since March 2012, we have had more than 9,350 website visits  from people in eight different countries -- US, France, Germany, Russia, Portugal, Brazil, Italy, and Mexico -- of course, most were in the US!
 
November 1, 2014
Recent News:

Our new "Blog experiment" was a "total bust".  Oh well -- nothing ventured, nothing gained, but nothing lost!  Personally, I thought that the BLOG's interface was not "user friendly"... frankly,"it sucked"! 
 

However, we still need your feedback for 2015 planning, so let's do a survey again, which has worked well in the past!

 

Important -- we need your feedback on these important points!
 
    1. Should we continue our website updates? 
    2. If so, how often -- monthly, quarterly, or as needed?
    3. Should we continue our annual events 
    4. If so, when, what, and where?
    5. Should we do something special or different for our 55th Reunion -- i.e., for 2017?  Think positive!
 

Please "weigh-in" by completing the 2015 Planning Survey on the left... and let us know what you think -- your opinion counts!

 
October 5, 2014
Current News: See the new 2014 photo album and video submitted by Ken Nelson (Sue Vaughan's husband)!  Great pictures and a great video.  Thanks Ken!
 
Recent News:
The new "Blog"... So far, nobody has responded to the first "Blog" question, which is OK!  That's why we try new things -- and based on the responses we get -- we adapt.  Our other feedback approach has been "Surveys", which is fine.  The main point is that we want your feedback, regardless of how you choose to submit it. 
Important News:
As we approach 2015, there are some important issues we need to address -- please think about them and respond as you see fit:
    1. THE WEBSITE: The costs are minimal, but it does take a lot of time by a few dedicated contributors to support it .  However, time/cost is not the real issue.  The real issue (question) is:  Is the website meeting your interests, needs, and expectations?  If it is, we'll continue it in 2015 -- and thereafter.  If not, we won't 
    2. THE ANNUAL EVENT: There seem to be a continuing interest in the annual event, though this year's attendance was about half of last year's. 

      That said -- there was no shortage of fun for those who attended  -- and there were many who just couldn't make it due to prior commitments, distance, etc. (at least 12).  So, the questions for future annual events are as follows:

      Should we continue them?

      Should we keep the same venue or change it?  For example,
       
      • Some have suggested a different type of event -- e.g., a cruise!
         
      • Some have suggested to always schedule it on Homecoming weekend , as we did this year. 
         
      • Some have suggested a special type of event on our 55th year (perhaps a cruise) -- and then every 5 years thereafter.
         

The main point is that there are no "right" or "wrong" answers to these questions.  The best answers are the ones that meet the needs and interests of most of our classmates.  That's why we need your feedback.

 

Please "weigh-in" and let us know!

 

September 22, 2014 

Current News -- A new website feature! 

Who said you can't teach old dogs new tricks? :-) 
We are "piloting" a new communications feature called a "BLOG" (to the left).  Unlike the surveys we do from time-to-time, a BLOG allows you to respond to reunion topics publicly so your thoughts & ideas can be shared and/or debated with other classmates.  We'll give it a try -- and if it catches on, we'll keep it.  Otherwise, we'll send it to the dustbin of history! 

 
Recent News -- the 2014 Event!
It's not downhill after 30"! 

Neither cold nor wind, nor rain, nor mud, nor motorcycle gangs could dampen our energy and enthusiasm.  The legacy continues, but each year's "adventure" is truly unique! 

 

On the left you will find four (4) sections highlighting the 2104 Event -- check them out!  As you will see, these events are not just some boring dinners, but rather a weekend of various fun-filled activities to rekindle and renew old memories & friendships where you have the ability to participate at whatever level you desire.
 
September 16, 2014
Current News -- the 2014 Event!
To the left you will find the "2014 EVENT OVERVIEW", which is the second in what will be a series of updates for the 2014 Event (e.g., more picture to come).  For now, we wanted to give you an overview of the weekend's activities to encourage you to participate in future events.  As you will see, these events are not just some boring dinners, but rather a weekend of various activities to rekindle and renew old memories and friendships with the ability to participate at whatever level you desire.

 
Recent News -- the 2014 Event!
Anyone who says that "it's all downhill after 30", hasn't met the Class of '62!  Neither cold nor wind, nor rain, nor mud, nor motorcycle gangs could dampen our energy and enthusiasm.  The legacy continues, but each year's "adventure" is truly unique! 

Over the next few weeks I will collecting photos, videos, and impressions from the various attendees and posting them to the website.  In the meantime, following are some previews of "things to come".  As always, I will send you an email as we post additional information to the website.
 
September 8, 2014
Current news:
In the stretch!  Five (5) days and counting!

Thanks for the recent updates -- "walk-ins" are welcome!

 

 2014 Event Count 

 RSVP 

Attending 

 Yes 

18

25

 Maybe 

6

7

 Regrets 

35

0

TOTAL 

59

32


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 7, 2014

Recent news:

Great news for the Class of '62!  It's official!

Dennis Day will be inducted into the Bremen Hall of Fame on September 12, 2014!  There will be several events on Friday to celebrate Denny's induction.   Come join the fun!  Details below...

 

Current news:
In the stretch!  Six (6) days and counting!

Thanks for the recent updates -- and remember, we welcome all "walk-ins"!

 

 2014 Event Count 

 RSVP 

Attending 

 Yes 

17

23

 Maybe 

6

7

 Regrets 

35

0

TOTAL 

58

30



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the game plan for the weekend -- "the total experience":

 

    1. FRIDAY: Denny Day's Hall of Fame Induction:  
      • Pep Assembly @ Bremen 2:00 PM
      • Homecoming Parade @ 3:30 PM (meet at Raday Lodge)
         
         
    2. FRIDAY: Meet for pizza at Bartolini's at 5:30 PM before the game.  All are welcome! 
       
    3. FRIDAY: Homecoming Game @ 7:00 PM -- entrance for the Class of '62 will be free -- compliments of the Athletic Department, Dr. Dave Kibelkis, and Paul Rybarczyk!
       
    4. FRIDAY: There will be an alumni tent set up in the South end-zone and we will be displaying our Class of '62 banner!  Be sure to drop by if you attend!
       
    5. SATURDAY: Our Granite City dinner is at 5:00 PM with 23 to 30 attending.  However, all "walk-ins" are welcome!
       
    6. SATURDAY: Finally, after our Saturday dinner at Granite City, some of us plan to congregate at a local Orland Park pub near Granite City --  The Irish Patriot! 

 

August 21, 2014

Current news:

Great news for the Class of '62!  It's official!

 

Dennis Day will be inducted into the Bremen Hall of Fame on September 12, 2014!  While the following schedule is still tentative, there will be several events on Friday to celebrate Denny's induction: 

 

    1. School Assembly/Pep Rally -- Bremen from 2:00 - 3:00 PM
    2. Homecoming Parade -- meet at Raday Lodge at about 3:30 PM
    3. Introduction of inductees at the Homecoming Game

 

  Come join the fun!  Stay tuned for more details

 

23 days and counting!

Thanks for the recent updates -- and remember, we welcome all "walk-ins"!

 

 2014 Event Count 

 RSVP 

Attending 

 Yes 

17

23

 Maybe 

8

9

 Regrets 

33

0

TOTAL 

58

32

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Here's our game plan for the weekend -- "the total experience":
 

    1. FRIDAY: Denny Day's Hall of Fame Induction -- activities on Friday afternoon.  Help us celebrate!
    2. FRIDAY: Meet for pizza at Bartolini's at 5:30 PM before the game.  All are welcome! 
    3. FRIDAY: Homecoming Game -- entrance for the Class of '62 will be free -- compliments of the Athletic Department, Dr. Dave Kibelkis, and Paul Rybarczyk!
    4. FRIDAY: There will be an alumni tent set up in the South end-zone and we will be displaying our Class of '62 banner!  Be sure to drop by if you attend!
    5. SATURDAY: There is one other activity "in the works" for Saturday afternoon -- before Granite City -- so stay tuned!
    6. SATURDAY: Our Granite City dinner is at 5:00 PM with 24 to 32 attending.  However, all "walk-ins" are welcome!
    7. SATURDAY: Finally, after our Saturday dinner at Granite City, some of us plan to congregate at a local Orland Park pub near Granite City --  The Irish Patriot!
 
As it was last year, all participation in these events is entirely optional -- and you only pay for what you decide to do -- i.e., eat drink or be merry!

 

August 13, 2014 
Current news:
One month left -- and counting!
First, a big thanks to all of you who have given us an update so we can finalize our plans!
 

 2014 Event Count 

 RSVP 

Attending 

 Yes 

18

23

 Maybe 

8

10

 Regrets 

32

0

TOTAL 

58

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Second, we would appreciate an update from those who are listed as "maybe".  That said -- "maybe" is still an OK response since we will provide for and welcome all "walk-ins"!
 
Third, here's the game plan for the weekend -- "the total experience":
 
    1. NEWS FLASH: We have another Classmate who has been nominated to the Bremen Hall of Fame.  If accepted, there will be a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday afternoon at the school -- followed by the traditional Homecoming Parade.  Some of us will attend this event if our Classmate is inducted.  Stay tuned for more information on this.
    2. Prior to the Homecoming Game on Friday @ 7:00 PM, some of us will meet for pizza at Bartolini's at 5:30 PM .  All are welcome!  Send me a "Stay in Touch" note if you plan to attend.
    3. Entrance to the game will be "complementary" -- a big thanks to Dave Kebelkis, Bremen's Principal!
    4. There will be an alumni tent setup in the South end-zone -- and we will be displaying our Class of '62 banner!  Be sure to drop by if you attend!
    5. There is one other activity "in the works" for Saturday afternoon -- before Granite City -- so stay tuned!
    6. Our Granite City dinner is at 5:00 PM with 23 to 33 attending.  However, all "walk-ins" are welcome!
    7. Finally, after our Saturday dinner at Granite City some of us plan to congregate at a local Orland Park pub near Granite City --  The Irish Patriot!
 
As it was last year, all participation in these events is entirely optional -- and you only pay for what you decide to do -- i.e., eat drink or be merry!

 

August 1, 2014
Current News:
Our 2014 Event is near - "YIKES" - how time flies! 

Remember, it's never too late to "sign-up" or "just show-up"...

 

 2014 Event Count 

 RSVP 

Attending 

 Yes 

18

22

 Maybe 

13

16

 Regrets 

26

0

TOTAL 

57

38

 

 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRIPLE THE FUN! Several attendees are planning to attend the Homecoming Game on Friday night -- so join us.  Also, some of us are planning to meet for pizza at Bartolini's before the game so "stand-by" for more details.
 
FYI: The Class of '64 is having their 50th reunion dinner at Bartolini's on Saturday -- and they may attend the game on Friday.  I have already contacted their reunion coordinator and there's a good chance we may run into them at some point over the weekend.
 
A Special Request -- and a New Website Feature
Jerry Wahlert asked if we had any pictures from prior reunions.  Well, the answer was "yes" -- for both the 30th and 40th Reunions.  For the 40th Reunion, we presented a slide-show at the 50th Reunion (at Bartolini's) that contained several picture from the 40th Reunion.  For the 30th Reunion, there was a VHS video tape of the event.  However, that tape had limited distribution and was not in a format conducive to general distribution.
 
Leaving no question or challenge unanswered, Sandie (Stephens) Jordan tracked down a copy of the video tape that Lee Riegler had -- and Jerry offered to convert it to a digital format.  Therefore, I have added a new section to the website -- "Past Reunions Remembered"  -- where you can download and view these slides and video on your local computer.  A big thanks to Sandie, Lee, and Jerry for making this happen!
 

July 12, 2014

Current News:

Here is the latest tally -- keep the responses coming:

 2014 Event Count 

 RSVP 

Attending 

 Yes 

18

22

 Maybe 

12

15

 Regrets 

25

0

TOTAL 

55

37

 
 

 

DOUBLE THE FUN! Several attendees are planning to attend the Homecoming Game on Friday night -- so join us.
 
July 4, 2014
Current News:

Normally, I confine website updates to once a month.  However, there are some important items to discuss that warrant another update.

Our "Reaching Out” Program: We are all at a point in our lives where we should cherish today, not knowing what tomorrow will bring.  Over the past year, too many of our classmates and their families have gone though some difficult times.  While we can’t change what life will bring, we can certainly do what we can to support those that have needs.

 

Recently, I received an email from Leslie Thomas (Bob’s wife).  His illness has reached a point where he requires full-time, professional care.  Having gone through a similar family situation myself, I know how hard this is.  Leslie gave me permission to reach out to Bob’s classmates and ask them for their "thoughts & prayers" during this difficult time. 

 

Those of you who attended the 50-Year Reunion will remember that Bob and Leslie attended, though Bob was not 100%.  To me, that was an act of courage and determination consistent with how Bob represented us on the basketball court.  Let’s cheer for Bob as we did back then!

If any of you want to contact Leslie or Bob directly, send me a "Stay in Touch” form (on the left) and I will send you their contact information since our privacy policy is never to publish contact information on the website.

I also want to mention that Sandie (Stephens) Jordan, Sue (Vaughan) Nelson , and Pat (Anderson) Rogers have been privately reaching out to other classmates who need some "cheers & support" in their times of need. Thanks ladies!

Our 2014 EventHere is the latest response update -- keep the responses coming!


 

 2014 Event Count 

 RSVP 

Attending 

 Yes 

18

22

 Maybe 

10

12

 Regrets 

17

0

TOTAL 

45

34

 
 

DOUBLE THE FUN! Several attendees are planning to attend theHomecoming Game on Friday night -- so join us.

June 19, 2014 Recent news:
 
Mary Lou (Daly) Pisone has been working with Granite City to make sure we have a sufficient space to accommodate our entire group in one contiguous area.  This is why we would appreciate your responses to our "2014 Event Survey" (on the left) ASAP -- even if you're not sure you can make it.  So please take a minute to reply -- "Yes", "No", or "Maybe". 
 
Thanks to what I learned from Mrs. Hemphill in Math Class, I have developed a 4th degree polynomial equation that can accurately predict attendance based solely on your responses.  OK -- maybe that's a stretch, but the more info we have the better we can plan!  Thanks!
 
Current news:
Following is a summary of the responses to date:
 

 2014 Event Count 

 RSVP 

 Attending 

 Yes 

18

22

 Maybe 

7

8

 Regrets 

6

0

TOTAL 

31

30

 
Checkout the"2014 Look Who's Coming" list (on the left).
 
A NEW FEATURE!  Need a place to stay?  If so, you better "act now" since some hotels in the area are already fully booked for that weekend.  If you are an "out-of-towner" or a "local like me" who would like to party late and stay nearby -- now is the time to act!  We have negotiated a block of rooms at a discounted rate.. HOWEVER, you have book early to get them.  Even if there is only the slightest possibility of you attending -- we suggest that you book now!  Why?  There is no risk in booking early since you can cancel your reservation without penalty up until the day of arrival.
 
For those of you who don't like our option, we have listed two alternate hotels in the area that still have rooms, but they have no room or rate guarantees, so you're on your own.  Checkout "Where to Stay" (on the left) for more details.
 
PS: Remember, this is Homecoming weekend, so come-in on Friday and attend the game too!  History suggests that we'll find a friendly nearby pub to meet at after the game.
 
June 2, 2014
Response update:
 

2014 Event Count

RSVP

Attending

 Yes  

17

20

 Maybe 

7

8

 Regrets 

5

0

TOTAL

29

28

 
 
May 29,2014
Recent news:
Checkout a "Tribute to Betty" (on the left) for some memorial service pictures taken by Sue (Vaughan) and Ken Nelson, who attended the memorial service.  Sue and Ken also stopped by to visit Rich Youngberg on their way back to Indianapolis.  Both of their visits were part of our"Reaching Out" program.  Thank you Sue and Ken for representing our Class!
 
Also checkout the update to the "Reaching Out" program (on the left) that Sandie (Stephens) Jordan just provided.  This program is to seek-out and reach-out to classmates and/or their families who may have a special need.  I can attest to the fact that several actions have been taken by Sandie, Pat (Anderson) Rogers, Sue (Vaughan) Nelson and others to "reach-out", but we have not published all of them for privacy reasons.  In other words, the program is going strong even though we are not at liberty to report on all of our efforts.  Thanks Sandie, Pat, Sue, and others!

 

Current news:
Responses for the 2014 Event keep coming in!  Following is a summary of the responses to date:
 

2014 Event Count

RSVP

Attending

 Yes  

16

19

 Maybe 

6

6

 Regrets 

3

0

TOTAL

25

25

 
As you can see, we are well on our way to having a great informal event turnout so keep those response coming!  Also, checkout the new section on the left with a list of Classmates who responded to date -- "2014, Look Who's Coming"
 
April 28, 2014

VARIOUS NEWS...

BETTY ERICKSON: The "Breakingout for Betty" Team raises $2,126 for brain tumor research -- and all team members survived the 5K Run/Walk in spite of 48 degree Chicago Spring weather with 25 to 30 MPH lakefront winds!  Checkout the tribute to Betty Erickson page (on the left) for more details -- and for some cool pictures.  It was an honor to support this event on behalf of the "Class of 1962".
 
OUR UPCOMING EVENT: The survey results for the "event date" are heavily in favor of September 13th (Homecoming Weekend) so the polls are officially closed!  Now it's time for you to "state or reconfirm your intentions" .  Please use the new survey form to the left to respond: YES, NO, or MAYBE -- and indicate the number of guests.  IMPORTANT: Please respond -- this is not a hard commitment -- however, we need a ballpark estimate for event planning purposes.

 

TRAVEL DISCOUNT OPPORTUNITY: It is not our policy to "advertise".  However, it is our policy to share information that may be of interest to our classmates.  One of our classmates (Dan Krull) runs a travels services business.  Dan would like to offer his classmates a 10% discount for tours from his company: www.uniqueeuropeantravel.com  Thanks Dan!  To be clear: The Class of 1962 Reunion Committee neither endorses nor recommends any service, but it may from time-to-time make classmates aware of potential opportunities that exist -- the decision to use them is entirely yours!
 
April 23, 2014

BETTY ERICKSON'S MEMORIAL SERVICE!

The Memorial Service for Betty will be on May 10th at Morton Arboretum starting at 11:00 AM and finishing with a formal service at 1:00 PM.  The address is 4100 ILLINOIS ROUTE 53, LISLE, IL 60532.  Come and join her family and friends to celebrate her life.
 
April 11, 2014
SAD NEWS... 
Once again, I have sad news to report.  Betty (Erickson) Hillenbrand passed away on Saturday April 5th after a relatively short but serious illness.  Sweet, witty, and vivacious Betty was diagnosed with brain cancer about 4 months ago. 
 

On the left, you will find "A Tribute to Betty (Erickson) Hillenbrand" and what you can do on April 27th to honor her life, help fight brain tumors, and support her family.

 

For information about arrangements, and to sign the Guest Book, please go to the following website:
 
 
April 1, 2014

THE 2014 EVENT SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!

Based on the survey results, we’re going to “make a call” now and move on to finalizing a date so we can plan -- and you can plan.   The overwhelming consensus is:

 

Granite City

September

Saturday

5:00 PM

 

That said -- there was a clear desire by many to have an area to allow us to “mingle” more freely.  To that end, we will be working with Granite City to try to come-up with an area that meets those desires.  However, we’ll do our best, but no guarantees!  Now, we need to finalize the date and once again would like your feedback.  The options are:

 

September 6th

September 13th (note Homecoming is September 12th vs. Tinley Park)

September 20th

September 27th

 

Some, including me, feel that Homecoming weekend would offer us some additional options to "get together".  However, if we select that weekend, we need to book Granite City as early as possible.  Please use the updated 2014 Event Survey form on the left to “vote”.

 
March 19, 2014
A SPECIAL NOTE...
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Gary Bettenhausen, husband of Wavelyn (Kent) Bettenhausen, one of our dear classmates.  Gary passed away peacefully at his home in Monrovia, IN on March 16, 2014.  He was 72.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Wavelyn and the entire Bettenhausen family. 
  
Anyone who grew up on the Southside knows the racing history of the Bettenhausen family.  Gary ran in 21 Indianapolis 500 races.  At the end of his career, he had 82 victories in the U.S. Auto Club's national series.  He was inducted into the USAC Hall of Fame in 2012, into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1993, and into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1998.
 
Memorial donations to the American Heart Association in Gary's name are welcomed:
 
Midwest Affiliate, Attn: Memorial/Tribute Processing Center
3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674  
 
Visitation is from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Jones Crossing, next to Jones Family Mortuary, Mooresville.  For more details, pleases visit:  
 
 
March 5, 2014

Survey Update

2014 Event Survey Status: Thanks for the new responses!
 

2014

Event Survey

RSVP GC

BAR

TBS

Other

 AUG 

 SEP 

 OCT   NOV   FRI   SAT   5:00  6:00
Yes 12                        
Maybe 5                        
 Regrets  0                        
TOTAL 17 12 3  1  1 4 11 1 1 2 15 13 4
 
     
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
   GC=Granite City;  BAR=Bartolini's;  TBS=The Blarney Stone
 
We now have seventeen (17) responses.  Twelve (12) classmates prefer returning to Granite City, eleven (11) prefer September, fifteen (15) prefer Saturday, and thirteen (13) prefer to start at 5:00 PM. 
 
March 3, 2014

Survey Update

2014 Event Survey Status: Your feedback is important -- keep it coming!
 
2014
Event Survey
 RSVP   GC 

 Other 

 Either 
 AUG   SEP   OCT   NOV   FRI   SAT   5:00   6:00 
Yes 9                    
Maybe 3                    
 Regrets  0                    
TOTAL 12 9 3 3 7 1 1 2 10 9 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As you can see, we have twelve (12) responses.  Nine (9) classmates prefer returning to Granite City, seven (7) prefer September, ten (10) prefer Saturday, and nine (9) prefer 5:00 PM.  That said -- there were several classmates who expressed a desire for a more 'private space' We listen!  Therefore, we have added Bartolini's and the Blarney Stone to the survey choices.  What do you think?  Vote to let us know -- even if you are unsure if you can make it!  Our goal is to "set the venue" shortly after July 4th.
 
Feburary 7, 2014

Survey Update

2014 Event Survey Status: Your feedback is important -- keep it coming!
2014
Event Survey
RSVP GC

Other

Either
AUG SEP OCT NOV FRI SAT 5:00 6:00
Yes 8                    
Maybe 3                    
Regrets 0                    
TOTAL 11 8 3 3 6 1 1 2 9 8 3

 

As you can see, we have eleven (11) responses.  Eight (8) classmates prefer returning to Granite City, six (6) prefer September, nine (9) prefer Saturday, and eight (8) prefer 5:00 PM.  That said -- there were several classmates who expressed a desire for a more 'private' space.  We listen!  Therefore, we added Bartolini's and the Blarney Stone to the survey choices.  What do you think -- vote!
 
January 27, 2014

Classmate Updates

  • Thanks to Darrell Jordan, Keith Smith, Sharon (Steele) Randolph, and other classmates, we have made great strides in keeping our classmate information current by locating "lost classmates" and updating missing or outdated contact information.

 

  • Unfortunately, sometimes the updates are sad.  We recently learned of the passing of Dr. Pat (Pierce) Von Behren and Roy Beals. Go to the "Gone, but not forgotten!" folder (on the left) and the two sub-folders underneath to learn more about Pat and Roy. 

 

  • Sometimes, good news comes from the bad.  We have located the missing contact information for James (Jim) Harrison.  Jim's sister (Joyce) was married to Roy Beals.  We have updated Jim's information and added both Roy and Joyce to the class rolls since Joyce was a member of the Class of 1965 and would like to stay in touch with our activities on behalf of Roy. 
 
January 25, 2014
St. Christopher School gets reprieve! They did it! 
Through a grassroots effort, they raised $1.8 million in pledges to keep the school open. http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/25160479-418/st-christopher-school-gets-reprieve-we-did-it.html 
 
January 24, 2014

Reaching out...

In her own immutable way, Sandie (Stephens) Jordan came up with a great idea to reach-out to classmates who are alone and may be in need.  Well, we have our first “candidate” – Rich Youngberg!  
 
Want to learn more about Rich and our "reach-out" initiativeIf you haven't already received an email containing the details, please use the "Stay in Touch!" form on the left to request a copy.  Also, to those of you who received the email, there is an error in the attachment -- Rich's phone numbers are reversed -- his cell number if the one that ends in "7674" (the "2272" number is the nursing home).  
 
NOTE: In keeping with our privacy policy we will only share information like this if the individual gives us full permission to do so, and Rich Youngberg did.

 

January 17, 2014

Breaking news!
Feedback for our 2014 event has been interesting.  I will be providing an update on February 1st -- so "stay tuned"!  If you haven't "weighed in" yet -- please do so by using the "2014 Event Survey" form on the left!  Thanks!
 
I have another announcement that relates to our St. Christopher alums.  The Archdiocese of Chicago has put St. Chris school on its "hit list" for school closings!  St. Christopher's school is not just a school, but an historic institution.  Founded in 1924 by the Franciscan Sisters, over 4,700 students have passed through its halls.  In 2010, it was selected to be a Board Initiative School.  Those of us who attended can remember our mothers working in the cafeteria delivering one of the best school lunch programs you could find.  Remember the annual "Fiesta" and the blessing of the motorcycles -- the Midlothian version of "Sturgis" for all you motorcycle aficionados.  The campaign to insure the future of the school was featured in a front-page article in the SouthtownStar: http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/24978066-522/st-christopher-plans-2-million-fund-drive.html  
 
January 1, 2014
Happy New Year!!

We hope that you and your family had a great holiday season and wish you and yours the best for the New Year!  As promised, we would like your feedback for our 2014 informal event.  As we see it, there are two choices to make:

 
    1. The 2014 event location ("the place")
    2. The 2014 event date/day & time ("the when")
 
Our goal is to pick a date/day, time, and place that will maximize participation -- and only you can tell us what's best for you!  Therefore, please access the "2014 Event Survey" (on the left) and "vote for your preferences".

 

December 3, 2013 
Looking to the future!
In late January or early February 2014 we will be posting an "all classmates' survey" to allow each of you to "weigh-in" on what you feel might be a desired event for 2014.  Based on this feedback, we will make a decision for our 2014 event.  
 
Our intent and goals are simple -- "Let's work together to 'keep this ball rolling' -- i.e., renewed friendships, information sharing, support of classmates in need, and just plain fun!".   Always remember -- "Today is the start of the rest of your life -- an opportunity not pursued is an opportunity lost!"