I am so blessed! I have the coolest non-paying "job" in the world. Who else can say that they "talk" with old friends all over the nation just because? And NO....you can't have MY job, but you can contact as many as you like by checking out the classmates' listing on the website. Now, enjoy.......
MAIL CALL
from Steve Wentworth in Humble, TX
We are all okay. My wife, Leslie, and I just celebrated our 40th anniversary on July 7th. We are getting OLD!
from West Nielsen in Fairfax, VA
We're muddling along like everyone else. Last September our oldest daughter, Kasha (17), was elected Woodson High homecoming Queen and is now getting ready for college. Our youngest daughter, Nina (14), continues with ballet twice a week and was just accepted onto the Woodson High School JV PRECISIONETTES dance team. We occasionally travel as my wife is from Poland and she/we go there with little side trips to other countries. The kids usually resist the travel at first but soon enjoy seeing the foreign sights.
I enjoy reading the latest news on the TJ website. Thanks to you and Mike for continuing the work.
from David Weldon in Decatur, TX
I retired from the U.S. Forest Service on December 31st. Life is good and relaxing on the farm.
from John Upton in Georgetown, TX
Well, you won't be needing to change any of my info because I'm NOT planning on moving any time soon. Thanks for the updates.
from Frances "Jane" Ward Leppert in Lacey, WA
I still have two brothers that live in Nederland. We don't get down there very often but hope to in the future as my husband retired last summer. Thanks for all the work you and Mike do on the class website.
(Make plans to come to the reunion next summer!)
from Elizabeth "Liz" Tieskens Ellis in Sugar Land, TX
First of all, I so enjoy the updates and the NEWSLETTER. Now, for the family news. Butch and I continue to work, but I am looking at retirement in the very near future. I have been with the Ft. Bend ISD for 38 years as an Educational Diagnostician or Diagnostic Specialist, as it is now called. Butch continues to own and manage his own Landscaping Design firm doing anything and everything that can be done outdoors and also does in-home remodeling, as well.
Our three children are grown; Josh (35) is married to Suzi and lives in Dallas with our amazing 3- year old granddaughter, Parker. Josh is a real estate developer. Our son, David (33) is married to Chelsea and lives in the Denver area and is a project manager for a major landscaping firm there. No babies yet, but we are primed. Our daughter, Ashley (30), is single and has moved back to the Houston area after 3 years in Chicago working on her graduate degree in applied Behavior Analysis. She teaches primarily non-verbal, severely autistic students here in Ft. Bend ISD and also works with this type of student and their parents on behavioral strategies in the home and community.
Former classmate, Peggy (Foster) Hoyt, has returned to the Houston area from Florida and will begin a new teaching job here in Ft. Bend ISD this month. She is living with us and we so enjoy having her here. She, Janette Light Norton, and I have been "yaya sisters" since early elementary school, so things have come full circle. We see as much of Janette and Richard Norton as we can. We just celebrated their daughter's recent wedding and their son's recent birth of their first grandchild. We hope to join them soon on some of these "excursions" that they go on to meet up with some of our TJHS friends. We do keep up through their reports and the news on the website. I would so enjoy this more firsthand, of course.
Butch lost his oldest sister, Genevieve, last fall, and this spring, his nephew, Curtis O'Steen lost his life to cancer (very fast), so we have had some big family issues to deal with. As you might remember, my mom died at 101 a year and a half ago, so the adjustments and emotions that go along with this, are still being felt. But, we value life, family, friends and each other as the Lord leads us every step of the way.
(Thanks for the update on what is going on in your lives.)
from Pam Mabry Bergman in Stonewall, TX
My husband, Kim, and I retired from Saudi Aramco in 2004 and began our next chapter as land stewards in the Hill Country. In addition to our on-going work of cedar removal to enhance flows in our springs and creeks, we plant native grass and wild flowers. We leave big, old growth cedar just in case the oak wilt ever makes its way to us. Kim still does some drilling/production. We spend time with other land steward locals kayaking Llano, Nueces, and Guadalupe. We still enjoy adventure travel- a great opportunity to visit far-flung friends. I'm on the Conservation Easements Committee of the Hill Country Land Trust, and that involves, happily, both lawyering and exploring awesome ranches. Life is good.
from Joe Singleton in Groves, TX
We just spent a weeks vacation at our Lake Blue on Sam Rayburn.
(I just might show up on your door step when I run away from home!)
from Stephen Simonton in Orange
I was sorry that I missed the "mini-reunion" on Cinco de Mayo in PA. I had planned to go but hurt my foot and was on antibiotics and pain killers. I had a rough time with it for two weeks. Diabetes sure doesn't help! I really wanted to see everyone and catch up. Maybe next time.
from Creig Romero in Houston
I am still working disaster recovery on the public assistance side down in Galveston with UTMB. I have three grandbabies and one more due in November. My daughter, Lori, has Hayden (7). Avery (6) and Addy (4) belong to my daughter, Jana. She is also carrying baby #3. We stay busy with them coming over to swim and spend the night. We help out with T-ball for Hayden, tennis for Hayden and Avery, gymnastics for Avery and Addy and acting lessons for Hayden. My partner, David, and I celebrated our 22nd year anniversary together in July. We stay busy enjoying the grandbabies.
We are looking forward to our next reunion, the 45th, in 2013. That doesn't seem true that it has been that long since we graduated! I really enjoy the website and keeping up with all the news. Thanks to you and Mike for keeping us connected.
(Looking forward to seeing you at the reunion!)
from Kenny Bragg in Sheridan, AR
Beverly and I have been out on the campaign trail! Yes, I am actually running for state representative on the Republican ticket here in Arkansas. I would be the first Republican elected from this district since Reconstruction. We made the decision about a year ago and have been planning for it all year. We are now full speed ahead with meetings, events, and door to door contacts. It has been a very interesting experience. I have been very pleased by the support and encouragement we have received. I am still working and will continue to do so while in the legislature which meets every other year January through March with a one month fiscal session in the alternate years.
Beverly is in her second year of retirement and enjoying every minute - spends a lot of time taking care of me, which is working out OK. Of course, the most important event is October 30th when our first grandchild is due (a girl), RIGHT BEFORE THE ELECTI0N. Our daughter and son-in-law live in Little Rock, as does our son, and are only about 35 miles away. So, it will be convenient for Beverly to do the "grandmother" thing.
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
@Bragg4StateRep
(I am still picturing my buddy at high school, not the CAPITOL of Arkansas! Go Bragg!!!)
SPREADSHEET (release scream here!)
Phone calls, e-mails, messages left on answering machines, messages left on FB, stalking, and the incessant message in my ear.........."We're sorry, you have reached a number that is no longer in service or has been disconnected." I have heard this message 126 times (no JOKING!). LANDLINES are being dropped by classmates and cell/mobile numbers are being used. The problem is........we can't confirm that your last address is correct UNLESS you gave us your cell # at one time or another. I also left 53 messages on answering machines and have had 4 classmates to respond back. The spreadsheet needs to be current so that we can make sure you are receiving updates and also, our way of contacting you by MAIL for the upcoming reunion. I also use the addresses when I have someone listed on the CONDOLENCE section of the NEWSLETTER. I am also amazed at how many e-mails have changed and we weren't notified. PLEASE, please help out in this plea.
On a positive note, it is ALWAYS a pleasure chatting with classmates across the nation and catching up with what is going on in their lives. I laughed with some, reminisced with others, and also cried with many that were having rough patches in their lives, spouses ill, and also their own medical issues. Try to contact them when possible. You JUST HAVE TO REACH OUT. It is what our TJ class of '68 does the BEST.
REUNION COMMITTEE
The reunion committee will have our first meeting this week. Our initial order of business will be to find a date and a "perfect" place to hold the reunion. The DERA was always our go-to location for the Saturday night social/dinner/dance. The DERA is no longer available. So, we will send out a "search party" to find JUST THE RIGHT place to gather. We will also check out where the Friday night social will be held. The Holiday Inn has always been a staple for this event. We'll see what needs to be done. More later.......
4 YEARS AGO (2008)
(a note from my daughter, Stacy, posted on FB)
Four years ago, my baby girl had to spend 8 days at
Texas Children's Hospital due to complications following a routine kidney surgery. Today, she is still on daily meds for
high blood pressure but her cardiologist released her to
just semi-annual visits. Tonight, at 7 years old, she will run 3.5 miles with the Sea Rim Striders running club in the Beaumont area as one of their youngest Ambassadors!
(We are so proud of our granddaughter! She was only 3 1/2 when they found out she suffered from high blood pressure. She is now 7 3/4 years old and runs 5 K's (3 miles), competes in Kids triathlons, plays soccer, and hikes. And her favorite drink........water! You rock, DREW "Pooh Bear" BOULLION! Nanny loves you 2 more than you love me!)
SUPPORT
Linda James Louvier in Palmerton, PA has a basal cell carcinoma on her upper lip that is scheduled to be removed.
Delilah "Lila" Holman in Ocala, FL
I was blessed with an early diagnosis of breast cancer one year ago and took fast action. I went through two surgeries in the last year to avoid a recurrence.
Rebecca "Becky" Carr Errington in Houston
She broke the "head and neck of the humurus bone" . It has been a long, very painful recuperation. She would love to hear from friends.
(281)880-6072
Dennis O'Quinn's niece, (brother Jimmy's daughter), had complications during a C Section with her baby daughter. She is in Pearland. She has three other sons. She has a long recuperation ahead of her. Please pray for the family.
George Linney is now living in his childhood home in PA after living in Hawaii for many years. He has many health issues including being diabetes, high blood pressure, neuropathy, and very, very limited vision (legally blind). He hasn't driven since 2000 and has to get to his appointments on a public medical transport for his doctor visits. He told me that he still cuts his grass but has trouble because of the heat and the neuropathy. He lives on the 2600 block of 13th Street in PA. Wouldn't that be awesome if someone showed up and just cut it for him just because we do things for others? Contact me for his address if you would like to help sometimes.
Sandra Nicks Kelley in Taylorsville, NC
(update on husband, Steve's, health issues)
Steve is suffering from chronic COPD, an ulcer, A-fib of the heart, has had 2 strokes and several mini-stokes. He has lost some of his vision, has equilibrium problems, and has to use a cane to help steady himself. Sandra now has to tend to ALL the farm chores.
Jeanne Painton Cain in Delores, CO
Dr. Richard Cain, MD, (63) has been put on hospice care. He has been battling lung cancer. Jeanne said he has done everything right.....never smoked, ate right, exercised diligently, and was extremely healthy when diagnosed.
Norma Orozco Greenwood in Hockley, TX
Her husband, Clint, has battled advanced prostate cancer for over 9 years. He is now on hospice. She said he didn't "like to go to doctors" and the normally slow-growing cancer had already spread when diagnosed.
Leo Carl "Brit" Pingleton in Port Arthur
Leo has had a tough time since Hurricane Ike in 2008. He was diagnosed with 3 types of cancers and gangrene of the gallbladder and has dealt with them successfully. He mother passed away and now he has been diagnosed with an early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Arlette Sonnier Guidry '69
(update on her husband, Tony)
Tony had a 99 % blockage of the heart artery known as the "widow maker". He developed complications while in the hospital. Here is his update since the last NEWSLETTER two weeks ago. It was posted by Dianne Mannino '69:
Monday, Aug. 20
Tony has lost the majority of his sight and can see out of his upper left eye a bit. He responds to Arlette's voice. He has some motor movements. The Drs. want to put him in rehab for 3 months. He had previously had a stroke 14 years ago that affected his whole right side and recovered. He was later diagnosed and overcame bladder cancer.
Tuesday, Aug. 21
He is still in ICU. They put in a feeding tube. Left side has some movement but right side is still very weak. He can cry and feel emotions. Please pray for healing for this man and his family.
(Thanks to Dianne for giving us updates. Several '68 classmates have been asking and praying for complete healing and strength.)
CONDOLENCES
Tommy and Preston Romero
(death of their sister, Delores Monk)
Tommy Romero
2919 Azalea
Groves, TX 77619
Preston Romero
3009 32nd St
Port Arthur, TX 77642
(Thanks to Stephen Simonton for alerting Mike and I about this death.)
************************************************************************
Due to the fact that I was contacting so many classmates recently, I was inundated with the many SUPPORT requests. I do hope you contact them and offer as much support and just an "ear" to them at these trying times. I know that there are so many more with health problems. God bless all of them and their families!
Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
Linda DeCuir McFadden