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We're
back!!!
Murphy and I "ran away" for 9 days and had a glorious vacation.
More information of the trip will be included later in this
NEWSLETTER.
In fact, I am actually compiling a NEWSLETTER because you were generous with
your time and wrote to me while I was away from my computer.
YEAH to all of you that are helping with keeping the website updated with fresh
news, photos, and memories.
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MAIL
CALL
from
Janice Huebel
Slaughter in
Guntersville
,
AL
The website is wonderful; thanks for all the time you have spent on it.
I feel like I know my classmates much better now than I did in
school. I promised I would send in some info for the newsletter--will do
that this week.
from
Ronnie Hollier
in Port
Neches
Thanks for the Memorial DVD. Really great job by Mike. New
website is great. We all need to write in so that we can keep the
NEWSLETTERS going.
from
David Nicholas
in
Scotsboro
,
AL
Haven't been one for communicating, but thought I would pass on some info that
might be of some interest to old classmates. Lynette
(wife of 35 yrs & graduate of
Nederland
) & I have restored an old building on the courthouse square in
Scottsboro
,
AL
that houses both
my Edward Jones branch office and our loft apartment. HGTV filmed a
segment for their "reZoned"
program that will be shown on
Wednesday, March 21st at 5:30 central time. If you might pass that along, I
would appreciate it.
(I really feel badly about not being able to pass this along in time. We
were still on our vacation and did not get back in
time to relay David's message. Did any classmate happen to catch this
episode? I am going to contact the HGTV network
about Episode #302. If I find out about a rerun, I will pass it along to all of
you. )
from
Elizabeth
"Liz"
Tieskens Ellis in
Sugar
Land
Liz "Tieskens" Ellis is checking in....Just had a delicious Spring
Break morning listening to the rain and catching up on the news on the
wonderful new website....thank you so much for providing such a meaningful
service to us all....y'all are magnificent! To update everyone,
we are still here in
Sugar
Land
(Greatwood), working and watching our family grow and carry on lives of
significance...we hope and pray.
Butch (Ellis -class of 1969) and I have been happily married for 33 years, as of
last December and have been raising 3 wonderful children.
Our oldest, Josh, is 30 and going to be married in May to precious Suzi LeBeau-
a wonderful destination wedding in Santa Barbara, Cal. We
are looking forward to yaya's Janette Light Norton and Peggy Foster Hoyt joining
us out there to share in our joy. Josh and Suzi live in Dallas,
where Josh is in real estate sales, currently working on his current project
-The Residences at the Ritz Carlton, Dallas. Our David will be 28 in
April and has moved back here to
Sugar
Land
to work with Butch and share his creative talents in our landscape design
business, Art Scapes
and Crafters. He's still VERY single, VERY handsome, and a VERY talented
musician as well. Our lovely Ashley is 24, and finally graduating
from the Univ. of Houston with her education degree, specializing in working
with children with Autism (she spent 3 years working as a
paraprofessional in a self-contained class with these special children, deciding
on her career choice as she recognized her love and interest
and dedication to helping them learn). She hopes to "inherit"
her current student teaching classroom when she graduates in May, where
she
is working again in a self-contained classroom with children with autism.
Her supervising teacher is transferring into a kindergarten classroom
in the same school, and hoping to hand over the reins to Ash. Butch worked
back in the PA/surrounding area for about 7 months last year following
Hurricane Rita, not having intended to stay so long, but you all know the need
that was (and still is) there. He stays very busy and challenged
with his design projects, but loves what he does, and is so very talented.
I still work for the Fort Bend ISD as an educational diagnostician,
serving at two different elementary schools. I've been out of the
classroom into this position for the past 29 years...and still love the
challenges
(most of the time) and the opportunity to serve. Butch has lost both of
his parents, I lost my dad 29 years ago, and we still care for my mom,
who continues to live with us at the age of 97. She has significant (is
there any other kind?) Alzheimer's, but is in great physical health,
considering. We have been blessed with the opportunity to have her with us
and be able to help her have her family to surround and care
or her. It does present with innumerable challenges, as many of you can attest
to, but God has blessed us with supportive children who help
out with things. That's about it, in a nutshell. It is such fun reading
everyone's updates, comments, memories, etc.
from
Linda Blakley
Rindlishbacher in
Oroville
,
CA
I have been meaning to write you and tell you what a wonderful job you and Mike have
done on the new web site. It's terrific. Thanks soooo much.
from
Sara Little
Chilton in
Beaumont
In answer to your question, I have heard from Glenn McGee a couple of
times...what a nice guy. He and his wife are both ordained
ministers and he is also a prison chaplain. You and Mike have
done immeasurable good with your hard work! Stars in your crown!
The new website is awesome, from the opening bonfire picture to the very last
click. It's very professional-looking, and easy to move
around and see everything. Thank you both so very much for all your work.
Our next reunion will be so wonderful because of the efforts
of you both. Everyone will show up just to see the old friends they've
been able to hear from again after so many years! Thanks again to
you both-- I'll send the pictures and newspaper photos to Mike right away.
from
Danny Morehead
in
Dallas
I can’t wipe the smile off my face. This is very enjoyable. Thanks for your
efforts.
from
John Scott
(TJ class of '67) in Port Neches
I just got a quick glance at the new page & it looks REALLY GOOD! I
hope that we can get our '67 class website updated and useable.
from
George Taylor
(TJ class of '67) in
Port Arthur
The "new" website looks very nice. You have done a wonderful
job.
from
Karen Champagne
Milliff (Nederland HS & Lamar University
graduate) in New Waverly, TX
You've got a wonderful site for the class of '68! Wish the other classes
were as up to date as ya'll are. I'd love to see old yearbook
photos of other classes....when my cousins were attending TJHS...
from
Loretta LaLonde
Myers in Houston
Thanks for the updates. I love hearing about everyone. Glynn and I have decided
to sell our 2-story home and buy a new 1-story. I am very
excited, but we have so much work to do before putting this house on the market.
We have lived here for 28 years and have managed to fill
every closet and storage space with junk we just couldn’t part with. Now we
have decided to start tossing! Please remind everyone about
the Ragin Cajun Reunion
on April 21st that is mentioned in the BULLETIN BOARD section of the website.
from
Ernie Casteneda
Bullion in Port Arthur
The website is great, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's additions
to the NEWSLETTERS.
from
Jody Hopkins
Barbin in Waco
The website is awesome!
Phone
call
from Kenny Bragg
in town from Sheridan, AR
He told me that he was really enjoying the website and enjoyed looking up
classmates that he didn't even remember. He also said that he
enjoyed reading about his homeroom class....Mr. Rowland's Mafia!! He was
in town for a short visit to see his brother, Bart Bragg. He
was
headed for a meeting in Nacogdoches.
Letter
from Dianna
Caillier Lewis in Port Arthur
(Dianna does not have a computer. So, I copy the NEWSLETTERS and send them
to her.)
Dear
Linda,
I was so glad to hear from you and receive the latest information
on our classmates. I was sorry to learn of the passing of their parents
and
spouses. I am sending them sympathy cards. I was so glad to read Mr.
Rowland's note. Do you have his home address? Long live "THE
MAFIA"!
I have been watching the demolition of St. Mary's Catholic Church in downtown
PA.
Take care and God Bless You.
Your friend, Dianna
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CLASSMATE
MAKES THE NEWS!!
Ronnie Boneau named Groves Fireman of Year
Ronnie Boneau grew up wanting to be a fireman. The son of a Port Arthur
fireman, Boneau has many fond memories of visits to the fire station
in Port Arthur, but his fire fighting father urged him to choose another
profession. "My dad knew the stress his job put on our family,"
Boneau
said. "He wanted me to get a refinery job because the money was
better. "Boneau followed his father's advice and worked for Texasco's
research
laboratory for 32 years, even moving to Houston with the company from 1991 to
2001, but he never let his childhood dream die.
In
1979, Boneau joined the Groves Fire Department as a volunteer, moving up in the
ranks to become the secretary/treasurer for the department
for the past few years. He also serves as the secretary of the pension
board. Boneau's biggest honor as a volunteer of the Groves Fire
Department,
though, came almost 30 years after he joined. Boneau was recently given
the honor of being named Groves Fireman of the Year. "I wasn't
expecting it, it was more emotional than I anticipated," he said of the surprise
award.
The
achievement was awarded to Boneau last week by his fellow firemen at the
department's banquet held at the Courtyard. " My dad was named
Fireman of Year in Port Arthur in 1973 and if I was ever going to get the honor,
I wanted to get it before he died," Boneau said. "He's not in
good
health, but he's still here." The celebration of his new title was
escalated when Boneau brought his plaque to his parents' house and had the
opportunity to lay his side by side with his father's. "I didn't join
the fire department to wear a shirt," Boneau said. "I've been
involved."
The
dedication Boneau has given to the department was noticed by the committee of
past winners of the award who decided that Boneau would be
the recipient this year. "It's what he does for the department,"
Lance Billeaud, fireman in Groves and committee member, said. "He
devotes lots
of time and does a lot of behind the scenes work," he added.
Boneau
no longer works for Texaco, but is now the executive manager for the Groves
Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Center. He and his wife,
Amy, a teacher in Nederland, who Boneau says is very proud of him, live in
Groves.
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WEBSITE
MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS
Patricia
Trahan Knox
"I'm
sorry this is so late coming. I kept forgetting, although I'm sure it has
nothing to do with my age. (Ha). I love the NEWSLETTERS and
hope
to send you something soon. I also love the pictures. I really need
to send some in, but I still haven't gone through all of Mother's things and
time
is short. I hope this contribution helps. It is so wonderful to keep
up with everyone via this website....Kudos to you and Mike!!!!
Janice
Huebel Slaughter
"I really like the website. Thanks so much."
Contributions
may be sent to:
Linda DeCuir McFadden
112 Woodsong
Bridge City, TX 77611
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Linda
King McComas
(loss
of her father)
10458 Parkside Dr.
Willis, TX 77318
ronmccomas@suddenlink.net
Please
take the time to contact these classmates at this sad time.
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VACATION
(BORING STUFF)! at least you don't have to look at the pictures!
Murphy and I decided to not just drive to Chicago
and back for Gary & Jody (Hopkins) Barbin's son's wedding, but to see some
other sights as
well. We went through 6 states the first day and landed outside of St.
Louis, MO for the first night. We went into St. Louis and went up in
the
ARCH. Great view. We headed to Springfield, IL and did all of the
ABRAHAM LINCOLN sites. His burial sight/monument is very touching.
The new (2006) Presidential Library and Museum is certainly worth a visit, also.
We then headed to the outskirts of Chicago to stay and sleep
before we got up the nerve to hit the big city! It snowed a tiny bit
during the night (a little on the truck)...hey it was still SNOW...and that
made
me happy. We took our first WRONG
turn in 1200 miles 1 block before the
hotel. MAPQUEST isn't soooo great, is it? We found out
that there
is NO place to park in a city of 2.5 million, so the truck stayed in
the hotel valet parking for 3 days while we walked, walked, walked, (did I
mention
walked?) and sometimes took taxis to places of interest. Chicago is
awesome. Beautiful skyline, awesome museums and attractions, and you
get to wear a real coat! Murphy had to actually buy a coat at Macy's since
all he owns is a windbreaker. Don't forget to go up in the
Sears
Tower to the skydeck when you go there. Too hard to explain how awesome
that is seeing the city from 103 stories up. You can see
40-50
miles that include Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, & Wisconsin. We
rode the "L" train and got confused and took the first stop (1/2
block from when
we started). Lordy, we are COUNTRY BUMPKINS! The Barbins hosted the
rehearsal dinner at "Heaven on 7" (a cajun restaurant) that
served
wonderful authenic cajun food. YUM, YUM. We were there on the
CRAZIEST weekend of the year in Chicago....St. Patrick's Day (parades,
dying the river outside our hotel GREEN, crazy
costumes, and "HAPPY" loud people (if you get my drift)!!! We
could hardly get a taxi to the
3:00pm wedding St. Patrick's Day but finally made it there by 2:57pm.
The wedding was held at a gorgeous cathedral called St. Michael's in
Old Town. The reception was held at Salvatore's Restaurante and we danced into
the night. Leaving Sunday morning had us heading to view
Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN and then riding a lap
on a shuttle bus at the Indianapolis 500 Speedway. This cost us
$3.00,
(the cheapest of the vacation trip), and it was MURPHY'S FAVORITE event of the
whole trip!!! MEN! We then headed to Branson, MO
(our first time there) and saw a couple of days of terrific shows. I even
got kissed and serenaded by ELVIS as he wiped the "sweat" off of
my
brow. Whew, whew! The rest
of the trip, (money is about gone by now), was sightseeing in
beautiful Arkansas and a trip back to REALITY.
Trip-2479 miles
Duration-9 days
$$$$$ spent-Don't want to talk about it
Spending
time with my best friend (Jody Hopkins) from high school-PRICELESS
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REVAMPED
WEBSITE
I think Mike's new look has been a big hit with the classmates we have heard
from. Check out the GUEST
BOOK section for additional comments
made that aren't included in the MAIL
CALL of my NEWSLETTER.
I am still working on getting obituaries added to the MEMORIAL
section.
Mike adds them as I send them to him. Fifty six (56) known deceased
classmates! So sad. Don't forget to check out the Port
Arthur News
(PA NEWS) link in the WEBSITES
OF INTEREST.
I received a few stories for the I
REMEMBER WHEN section. Keep them coming.
How
about the ARMED
FORCES section? We could use some more photos
and stories there, also. It's about time that you look again at the MISSING
list and see if you can help us out with any new information. We just
deleted two names of classmates that were right here in Port Arthur! Mike
will be adding to the FACULTY
section, also. With so many changes, you might just need to check our
website out more than occasionally. I
appreciate all of you that send me changes of e-mail addresses and location
changes for the CLASSMATE
LISTING. Check this section out to
make sure that your info is correct. Mike has also chosen some links that
he thought might be convenient for you (ESPN, CNN, E-TRADE, &
WEATHER) on the home page. Tell us also what you would like to see added
to YOUR website in the future.
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I
love hearing from you and am always surprised at Mike's additions, also.
Thanks for all that you do to keep this website interesting, fun, and
a place to relive your youth. Use it to get in touch with your
"old" friends. If you do that, then the website will have served
it's purpose.
"Be
kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of
battle".
William A. Ward
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