The Class  NEWSLETTER                                                                         08/23/13
       
         
   

 

Sit down with a cup of coffee.  You might be here awhile!  Murphy just brought me a glass of wine.  I hope I will not drink several while writing!  You might have to have an interpreter.  Well, here goes!

 

MAIL CALL

from Jan Goodwin LaPoint in Evergreen, CO

Things are awesome for me here in Evergreen, CO. I have been here 17 years now and have 4 children and 6 grandchildren that I absolutely dote on! I wish I could have come to the reunion , but unfortunately, a family wedding took us to Vermont. (Yeah, I married a Yankee, can you believe it?) Please do not take me off the mailing list, as I will make SURE the next Reunion will find me there.

 

from Jeanette Constantine Morgan in Groves

Thank you for a wonderful reunion. You and the committee worked very hard and it showed. Everything was great from the decorations, food, and the music. The d.j. was great. It was a great time and you all outdid yourselves. I was so glad to see friends that I have not seen in years. Thanks to the committee for the fabulous job.

 

from Mike Rambo in Dallas

Chris and I had a great time at the reunion.

 

from Betty (Bernauer) and Ron Waedemon in Sugar Land

You and the committee did a wonderful job on the reunion. We feel so fortunate to be a part of this class. It seemed to us that everyone was closer and enjoyed each other more than ever. Wiser, not older! Again, thanks for a great weekend. Looking forward to our 50th!

 

from Lynn Eldridge Gill in Dallas

Thanks to you and the reunion committee for all the hours you put into our reunion. It was the best yet!!

 

from Charlie Fontenot in League City

We really enjoyed our time at the reunion.  Thanks for the effort that everyone put forth.

 

from Gaylon Jones in Bridge City

I enjoyed seeing everyone after such a long time. You and the committee did a great job.

 

from Linda Langhoff Wheatley in Elberta, AL

I was sorry to have missed the reunion (would have been my first)!  My dear friend's mother passed away and I felt that I was needed to be there to support her.  I heard the weekend was great, that the entire committee worked hard.  I will just plan on the next reunion.

 

from David Elliott in Dallas

The reunion is this weekend, right? Don't tell me I missed it! Just kidding, I was in California or I would have been there. I won't miss the next one for the world.

 

from Terry Watson in Richardson

I'm sorry we couldn't stay for both nights as planned. We had a great time Friday night, though.   The only problem is that you can't visit with everyone that you want to in one night.

 

from Richard Cole in Argentina

I was really looking forward to being at the reunion but was unable to escape Argentina. I hope to see all the pictures soon. I enjoy reading the website updates every month. Thanks, and if there is a mini-reunion or any get together please let me know.

 

from Linda Yancey in Nederland

Five days after our reunion weekend four friends got together to share the years we spent together in school, going back as far as grade school. Christine Smith, Terry Saulsberry, Janice Nunez and I met.  Christine's daughter, Melissa, also joined us for lunch. You know those times when you feel like you are right back where you were as friends and that it is as if you still saw each other everyday?  Well that is what we had on Friday. Now the only difference, is that I am the only one still working, doesn't seem fair, oh well. We laughed and enjoyed every second and we are planning to get together once a month. Let me just say one more thing, we all looked pretty good if we say so ourselves.

 

Please continue to pray for Christine, Lou Gehrig's disease, and also pray for Terry as she needs knee replacements. Janice is on the go taking care of her Dad. Me,  I am just looking forward to future retirement and traveling.

 

from Dianne Dupre in Groves

Last night I went to my 45th class reunion. I had the best time I have had in many years. My beautiful daughter was my escort for the evening, (couldn't have asked for better!). I so enjoyed seeing my friends (Juan, Adela, Sherry, Felicia, Ernie, Linda) to mention a few. The reunion committee members are due a standing ovation for the party of the year! I had a blast! I don't remember a better party. I enjoyed seeing all my good friends.  My dearest friend, Carmela, was definitely there in spirit!

 

from Maggie Powell (Dianne Dupre's daughter/escort to the reunion)

I just got home from the TJ Reunion with my mom. We had a blast. I only wished my reunion was as good as that one! Too much fun! Love the class of 1968!

 

from Chrissy Dupuis Mullens in Port Arthur

Well, let me tell you now..the TJ class of '68 rocks. What a great group of guys. I had so much fun and so many memories and fun was had by all. The best part was the amount of people who turned out. Thanks again the great committee for all your hard work. We have something special.

 

from Sharon Lewis Forrest in Boerne, TX

The reunion weekend was phenomenal!!!! So many people to talk to, so little time!!! Best time EVAH with the Class of '68!!! Already miss you guys!!! Love you all!  If you are ever near Boerne, our door is open!!!

 

from Sheridan Jones Thornell in Fred, TX

This reunion was the best one as we all get better with age.

 

from Susan Hatfield Miguez in Port Neches

We had such a great time this weekend!!! Sooooooo many memories continued to be made!!!  The best!!!

 

from Becky LeBlanc Robinson in Conroe (1st reunion!)

I got such a kick out of seeing and talking with my classmates at our 45th reunion.  There was such a good turn out. I know I missed several friends even though they were there. I am thankful I attended this one and look forward to the next one in 5 years.

 

from Ronnie Campbell in Port Arthur (1st reunion)

This was the first reunion I have attended, but it won't be the last. Great job, reunion committee.  It was a great turnout, but I missed talking to several people. 

 

from Janette Light Norton in Cypress

We're so lucky to have grown up where and when we did. In 1968 I couldn't imagine BEING 45 years old, much less being out of school that long. Awesome time, awesome turnout!!  You know it's a great party when people leave it planning to meet again for the next one---in 5 years!! We are a special group. Thanks to all the committee and spouses who worked so hard to make it perfect. Go ye, Port Arthur!

 

from Lana Weber Guidry in Port Arthur (1st reunion)

To the 1968 TJHS Reunion Committee: Thank you ALL so much for what you do for the reunions. I completely enjoyed myself and especially seeing people I haven't seen in many years. I praise you for the wonderful job you did and continue to do.

 

from Glenda Patin in Houston

Thank you, Linda and all the committee, for all of your efforts! It was a fabulous reunion!

 

from Liz Tieskens Ellis in Sugar Land

I am so happy to have been with you all at least for Friday evening.  I had to return for a family reunion on Saturday, but so enjoyed the wonderful and festive time together. I am so proud of our roots and early beginnings.  It was so awesome to see the sterling characters that are the Class of '68!

 

from Fred McCarty in Kingwood

I had a wonderful time at our 45th high school reunion. Great friends and lots of memories from high school and earlier. Thanks to all of you who attended.

 

from Cheryl Robinson Jones in Vidor

I had such a great time.  Such memories.

 

from Jane Lippincott Koerth in Port Neches

It was great fun!

 

from Loretta LaLonde Myers in League City

I had a great time this weekend.

 

from Shirley Barra Fitzgerald in Humble

I had a great time.  I am ready for the 50th!

 

from Sherry Clingan Armentor in Groves

Talk about awesome!! I had such a good time.  In fact, the next morning I went to a home to give communion and the caregiver had attended the reunion with her husband.  She had Skippy Cole singing “All my EX's live in TEXAS” at the reunion videoed on her phone.  We must have missed it!  We left at 10:00 Saturday night.

 

from Bill Richey in Orange

Rhonda and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the reunion!  It was the best yet.

 

from Anthony Roccaforte in Nederland

We had a great time! We haven't laughed that much in awhile!

 

from Pat Trahan Knox in Beaumont

There really aren't words to express how wonderful this weekend was.

 

All I can say to the classmates that were on the fence is.....well, the Mail Call said it all!  I hope we can be all together in 2018.

 

REUNION NEWS

The 45th is officially over.  Bitter sweet.  The committee has already been talking about what kind of extravaganza we can have in five more years.  It keeps getting harder and harder to top our last ones.  We will need fresh ideas and new help on our next reunion.  Our committee keeps getting smaller due to many factors.  Several of you will have retired in the next four years when we begin to start meeting again so consider being a part of the committee.

 

Attendance:

Friday mixer/social.......205

Saturday social/dance..225

Sunday breakfast..........64

 

Check out the REUNION NEWS.  Mike has updated the list to just include those classmates that attended.

 

Big Buzz

Big Buzz was our “surprise guest” at the Social Friday night.  He was a big hit.  The Texans that were there, Jack Etheredge, Darrell Richerson, Joel Levy, David Petit, and Lynn Martin took lots of photos and even practiced holding him up high again.  The other Texans who were not present were Marc Huber, Mark Schnitzer and Gary Jones.  A big, big THANKS to Bruno and George Winery for sharing him for Friday night.  Shawn Bruno had Big Buzz refurbished and shares him with different classes for their special occasions.  The winery is located in Sour Lake.

 

Photographer

Wayne Taylor, '62 was the photographer that you saw roaming around taking photos.  He volunteered his services because that is what he LOVES to do.  He made himself available for the decorating of the Holiday Inn, the Social, the decorating of the dance hall, the Saturday night get-together, AND showed up for the breakfast for the classmates on Sunday at Luby's!  He is editing more than 500 photos before he puts them on a CD.  We will have to see what we can do with it later.  Keep posted. Wayne is the brother of one of our classmates, Marian Taylor Bellanger.

 

Classmate Photos

I saw dozens and dozens of IPHONES and other smart phones and EVEN real cameras taking candid shots and photos of friends ALL night.  Now, I need you to send them to me.  I will put names with faces and send them on to Mike.  We have had several of you already to comply with this request and the photos can be found on the website by going to:

 

Photos

Click either IMAGEVUE Flash Mode or IMAGEVUE Standard HTML

(I have to use “standard HTML” one to view any of the photos)

Click on REUNION photos

Click on 45 Year

 

Now, after you view these you might remember to send yours.  At least I hope you remember.

 

Mardi Gras Parade

That was the “special event” that we had planned for the Saturday night social/dance.  It was so much fun.  Of course, the committee had expert help with two members on our committee that have been real royalty in a past Mardi Gras year in Port Arthur.  Bobby and Jonnye Dee (Doering) Williamson lent their crowns and know-how about the parade formality.  Linda Gothia and Mary Wells made sure we had beads to throw and umbrellas to twirl while we strutted around to the Mardi Gras music.  The royalty, King and Queen, for our parade was Mike Lawson (class webmaster) and I (reunion chairperson)!  We kept it a secret from Mike until he showed up Saturday because we were afraid he would “conveniently have to work overtime”!  Gotcha, Mike.

 

T-Shirts  

Because we had such a good response in advanced ticket sales, we had extra money to buy t-shirts to give away Friday and Saturday as door prizes.  They were a big hit.  You may purchase the white t-shirts with maroon and gold lettering saying Thomas Jefferson Yellow Jackets  with a large Big Buzz and state of Texas at Armadillo Graphics in Port Arthur on Hwy 365 next to the Super HEB.  If you live out of town and would like to inquire about purchasing one, contact Cecelia Trevino Esqueda at mamacel949@aol.com

 

The maroon “retro” Yellow Jacket t-shirts that the committee members were wearing at the Sunday morning breakfast may be purchased at Graffiteez Ink in Groves in the Big Lot parking lot.  You may call them at (409)548-4568 or contact them at graffiteezink.com or on FB.

 

If there is enough interest, we might design a t-shirt and take orders IN ADVANCE for the next reunion. 

 

Volunteers

The committee would like to thank Lynn Eldridge Gill, Betty Steck Cleboski, and Beth Anne Sutherlin Coakley for coming out and helping with the decorating.  As we get older, it is getting harder and harder to do some of what used to be easier to do in regards to decorating.  We can use all the help we can get. Several classmates also helped clear off the tables and pack up after the social and the dance!  Thanks to our husbands who also were such great help in carrying loads and handling the heavy items.  We do appreciate you.  

 

Maps and Spreadsheets

A big hug to Ernie (Castaneda) and Ron Bullion for making copies of the map to show how to get to the Saturday night event and for the calendars and also spreadsheets for the committee to use all year to help locate the  classmates.  I am guessing that the map was easy enough for you.  It was designed by a former FIRST GRADE teacher, ME!  It is what I call GPS 101 for Dummies!

 

Meeting Place

Mary Wells' boss, at Total Safety in Nederland, was gracious enough to allow us to hold our committee meetings at the office.  That saved us a lot of money that we could use to purchase needed items for our reunion.  There are very few places that we had access to where we could spread out and also be LOUD sometimes.   Okay, not just SOMETIMES!  THANKS a million, Mary, and TOTAL SAFETY!

 

Registration Table

Two '69 grads, Dianne and Suzanne Mannino or as they are still known...The Mannino twins, were so helpful in registering “at door” ticket sales for classmates on Friday night.  I think they were having as much fun as we were.  There weren't as many to show up at the DOOR as usual, so they were able to enjoy the goings on with the guests arriving at our table to get their name tags. 

 

from Dianne Mannino Landry '69 (volunteer)

It is hard to believe the great turn-out. I hope ours is as good. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. We were glad we got a chance to see some good friends from the class of 68. Suzanne and I enjoyed ourselves and hope we are both still around when in the next 5 years this class will gather. Love to all of you.

 

Catering

The caterers for the Saturday event was Simply Elegant in Groves.  They also provided the food for our 40th reunion.  Compliments were heard about how they worked tirelessly to make sure that the food didn't run out.  Thanks to you, Nikki Gauthier.  Job well done, again.  A hug going out to classmate, Lynn Eldridge Gill who made a donation towards the purchase of boudain balls from the Boudain Hut.  Yum, yum!

 

DJ

I had several people come by the registration table asking for information about the DJ.  He is Justin Hutchinson.  He is the son of a '70 grad, Eileen Gannon. 

His info is:

Justin Hutchinson

Singer/DJ/Karaoke

832-724-5232 or 832-537-4601

gheh85@aol.com

 

Give Aways

We ordered the koozies, key chain lights, pill boxes and the TJ pens from Dominion Forms in Orange.  They were very helpful and gave us some good deals.  Thanks, Chad.
Cecilia Trevino Esqueda was a huge help in looking through hundreds of items to find just the right ones to order to give to the classmates. Thanks, Cecelia.

 

Mardi Gras Cakes and Homemade Candy

Debbie Borres Desmond made the wonderful Mardi Gras candy molds that were next to the cakes.  I heard they tasted awesome.  I'm not surprised.  Debbie is great at making candy.  She also worked with the Walmart bakery in Nederland to make sure we had two beautifully designed Mardi Gras sheet cakes. Thanks for your efforts.  They were a success!

 

Sunday Breakfast

A last minute decision was a huge hit with the ones able to make it.  The committee offered the classmates a FREE breakfast at LUBY'S just a block from the Holiday Inn on Sunday morning.  The extra funds were available and we just didn't want to say GOODBYE quite yet.  We will definitely want to offer this again for the 50th if we have a another good response ahead of time with reunion ticket sales.

 

Casual Wear

I had so many classmates that were worried about what to wear to our events.  Look at the photos.  Anything goes.  “COMFORTABLE” was the name of the game.  I was so excited to see classmates wearing Mardi Gras colors in their outfits.  Many wore decorative jewelry for the occasion.  Of course, the beads were worn to add more to the festive nature of the theme.

 

Donations

Sometimes life gets in the way of a good time.  We had several classmates that paid in advance and were not able to make some or all of the reunion. Also, some were able to come but their spouse wasn't at the last minute. The following have donated their promised REFUND back to the reunion account for  the upcoming 50th year CLASS reunion.  They were Gary Barbin, Jody Hopkins, David Elliott, Ruelle Parker, Webb Draughon and Galen Ducharme.  Others sent in extra $$$ when paying for their tickets to help with the reunion were Liz Hall, Robert McClintock, Janette Light, and Skippy Cole.  You are all too kind!

 

The committee members who helped to put your memorable reunion weekend on and worked tirelessly throughout the year were Ernie Castaneda, Bobby Williamson, Jonnye Dee Doering, Linda Gothia, Mary Wells, Cecelia Trevino, Darlene Turner, Paula Daigle, Carla Castro, Sandra Garsea, Debbie Borres and Randy Blanchard.  Your talents and willingness to do any task that I assigned to you did not go unnoticed!  Job well done, friends, job well done!  Now, continue to take your vitamins and we'll get back together to do this planning again in 4 more years.  (If you forget, check Mike's COUNTDOWN calendar on the front page of the website!)

 

Last but not Least

I have to say that my husband, Murphy, put up with A LOT over this past year and longer since I work year after year on keeping the spreadsheet updated and writing the NEWSLETTER for the website.  He has been more than patient when he could have put his foot down.  Meals were skipped, mood swings happened, crying over situations, time not spent with family....all because I took it too seriously at times. Thank you, Murphy.  I love you dearly even when you sarcastically say, “HOW'S YOUR MATES”!  He is a keeper, though,  (40 years this summer).   I don't regret being chairperson, not for one minute. The successful reunion weekend and smiles and laughter was more than enough. I hope to be a big part of this class for a long time.  I love you all.

 

WEBSITE DONATIONS

Some of the classmates that had REFUNDS owed to them chose to donate their refund to help support this website.  They were Paul Colletti, Mike Rambo, Charlie Fontenot, Richard Cole, Webb Draughon, Mike Harmon, Billy Jordan, Gaylon Jones, Linda Langhoff, Vicki Plaia, and Terry Watson.  Mike and I are eternally grateful to you and humbled that you respect and support the work we are doing to keep us together!

 

65th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Several classmates offered the suggestion to maybe have a get-together in two years for our 65th birthday by having a CRUISE.  Think about it.  I won't be able to handle the planning, but I am sure someone could.  If that doesn't pan out, maybe a mini-reunion of sorts.  Maybe both!  (Don't let Murphy see this!)

 

SUPPORT

Arleen Lang Hulin is on the liver transplant waiting list.

mhulin46@gmail.com

 

Christine Smith Hood needs your prayers and support.  She is suffering from Lou Gehrig's Disease.

preston_hood@hotmail.com

(409)724-7622

 

Darlene Turner's husband, Steve Landry, is undergoing tests at MD Anderson.  Prayers needed and support toward their family.

gran0901@yahoo.com

 

Update:

Linda Gothia's niece is doing well after her emergency c-section and near death experience.  Her baby boy is healthy and a beauty, (the committee saw his smiling picture).  She thanks everyone for their prayers at their time of need.  Praise is being given to the doctors that made the decision to send her to Houston.

 

NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT

Update on my sister, Gerry Landry.  My dad and I went to see her for her 72nd birthday.  She was at her daughter's home in Spring.  It was the BEST I have seen her in years.  She is happy and so much more calm and less stressed.  Of course, she misses her home and her friends in Bridge City.  Her dementia-like symptoms are more on a plateau instead of worsening now that she is out of a stressful situation.  Her mood swings are not as frequent, either.  Her husband just had a total knee replacement and was just released from a rehab facility.  He is doing well, also.  Thanks so much for your prayers and continued interest in them both. 

 

My dad is getting along pretty well, although at a slower pace. He is 97.   He often reminds me of that when I say, “Stand straighter, Dad, so you won't fall over”.  One thing that hasn't changed is that he eats like a horse!  I can't put a full plate on the table and say, “Just eat what you want and we will box up the rest for later.”

There is no later!  I call him “my little hamster”.  He eats, poops, and sleeps.   Sometimes at the same time, though!  LIFE GOES ON. 

 

We have kept the two granddaughters during the weekdays all summer.  They are eight and ten.  They keep us hopping.  Tomorrow is our last day before they start school at Sour Lake Elementary.  Third and fifth grade.  They grow too fast!  They are our only grandchildren so we try to be with them as much as possible.  Good news!  The cardiologist saw the eight year old today and told my daughter and son-in-law that he is going to let her stay off of her blood pressure medicine for three months and see what happens.  She has been on  the meds since she was 4 in 2008.  He just took her off for two weeks and she had a normal blood pressure reading today.  Please pray that she will be able to tolerate this change.  What did we do before we had grandchildren? Maybe we should have had them FIRST!

 

 

I'm tired.  No, it isn't the wine.  Murphy would only bring me one glass.  He said I'd never finish this NEWSLETTER if he kept refilling it.  He is sleeping, Dad is in the bathroom AGAIN, and it is now 1:30AM.!  I can either go to bed after editing this edition or drink some hot chocolate and watch DANCE MOMS that I taped on my DVR.  I am glad that Boston Red Sox didn't have a game tonight or I would still be writing this NEWSLETTER at 4:00 in the morning.  They are playing the Los Angeles Dodgers and their games are at 9:15 at night! 

Don't forget to write me about your reunion experience or about something going on in your life.  It helps me forget about MINE! 

 

                         Stay in touch and contact a classmate,

                         Linda DeCuir McFadden

                         lindadmcfadden@yahoo.com    

 

 

 


                      

 
home     index     back to top