TJ Class of '68     NEWSLETTER                                                                12/07/07    
         

I'm pooped over here!  I hope that I have a decent NEWSLETTER,  but I can't promise.  Let's just begin and I'll see how it proceeds. 

MAIL CALL

from Paula Iles (class of '69)
Enjoying reading the latest letter even though I am from the class of '69.  I am scrolling through the yearbook of '68 for the first time online, and after almost reporting to you a classmate dead, I think I mixed her up with someone else.  I came across Boo Griffin's photo, and OMG, she is almost a deadringer for none other than J.LO, yep, Jenny from the Hood.  Does anyone else see this?  Wonder what she's doing these days? 

By the way, bless you for taking care of your parents.  I would have given anything if I'd not moved away and could have taken care of mine.  I did get to have Mom up to Dallas for rehab after a severe stroke, and got to take her to Hawaii 2 years before she died.  Walker, and all.

from Sandy Ellis in Elgin
Just received the newest updates and, as always, feel bless to be part of a close group of friends. 
 

from Debbie Borres in Nederland
Could you mention the Fire Museum in Beaumont?   We brought the grandkids there a few years ago.   It was really neat and they enjoyed it. My granddaughter asked to go back but they aren't open on the weekends unless they have a group coming in.   There is a wall of pictures of the fire departments across the state.   I had fun looking at old pictures of my daddy and his fellow firemen from Pear Ridge.  
 

from Sandra Grundmann in Montgomery
Thanks for trying to find me....consider me found.  I live in Montgomery at Lake Conroe.  One year after high school I got married and have been married for 38 years.  I have a son and a daughter and now have 5 grandchildren. 
 

from Gary Jones in San Diego, CA
Thanks for finding me, and the website is a real flash back, and then forward.  The website rocks!  Of course,  the best part is the people and it is fascinating to SEE the people (well, virtually) that I grew up with.  I see that I am among the missing, and not sure how you found me.  I wasn't hiding, but I have lived all over this country since leaving Port Arthur in 1969.  I have not kept up with my classmates much, but do cross paths with a few.  I'm not happy with that.  It  was not intentional, but rather the result of an active 40 years since 1968.  I'll try to rectify that my sending some pictures, some stories, and attending the reunion in August. 
 

In addition to the day job (Chief Systems Engineer as SAIC), I do a few fun things including being a whitewater boatman (the guy who rows), bicycling, motorcycling, mountains/canyons, shooting, travel to strange places, and drinking the spectacular beer that is emerging from San Diego right now.

 I have rowed the Grand Canyon 5 times, and recently we put up some video when one of us does something stupid.  Everyone might as well enjoy my mistakes. I hope that Mike can embed these images for the website. 

from Carl Johansen in Clear Lake
Nice web site! Please add my email link to the classmates page.
 

from Gretchen Lueders McCurley in Lago Vista
Thanks for tracking me down!   I am excited about the website.  How do I go about posting stuff on it?  Does it need to go to you first?  

(You just need to send it to me and I will check it out and send it to Mike or add it to my NEWSLETTER.  You can also sign the GUEST BOOK found on the home page.  By the way, thanks for sending photos.)
 

My life in a nutshell from 2003-
Ken and I married in May 2003-(he has 3 kids and 3 grandkids, I have 2 kids and 3 grandkids), then moved to north Austin from Humble/Kingwood area in Sept. 2003.   We bought a house in Round Rock in March, 2004, and then bought a lot in Lago Vista in 2006.  We sold our house in May, 2007 and are renting while we prepare, God willing, to build.
 

Ken started his own Freight Brokering business the summer of 2006.  We are helping with a new church plant in Lago Vista---Northshore Bible church, where I am in music ministry and Ken does anything that needs to be done.  God has blessed us and brought us a very exciting life of which we are so grateful. 

We are looking forward to the reunion.  Thanks to everyone that is working hard to make the reunion happen.   

Blessings from my Kitchen to Yours
Shop online 24/7- www.pamperedchef.biz/gretchenmccurley

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OOPS!  Should have checked first!

I mentioned in the last NEWSLETTER that you could take the opportunity to send a Christmas card to a "recovering soldier" at  Walter Reed Hospital.  I received the following note from Cherlyn Hebert.  Thanks for keeping me honest, Cherlyn. 

Summary of the eRumor:                                                    
 The brief email gives the address for the famous Walter Reed Army Medical 
 Center and suggests that you include "A Recovering American Soldier" on   
 your Christmas card list.                                                 
                                                                           
 The Truth:                                                                
 The Walter Reed Army Medical Center will not receive letters that are not 
 addressed to a particular soldier by name.                                
                                                                           
 In a statement, the facility said "Walter Reed cannot accept these        
 packages in support of the decision by then Deputy Undersecretary of      
 Defense for Transportation Policy in 2001. This decision was made to      
 ensure the safety and well being of patients and staff at medical centers 
 throughout the Department of Defense."                                    
                                                                           
 The decision applies to packages, letters, Christmas cards, or any other  
 mail not addressed to a soldier by name.                                  
                                                                           
 Additionally the U.S. Postal Service has stopped delivering any mail that 
 is addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier" or "Any Wounded Soldier," 
 which are the most common recommendations in the eRumors that circulate   
 about sending messages to soldiers at Walter Reed.                        
                                                                           
 Instead, Water Reed suggests making a donation to                         
 www.americasupportsyou.mil which is a site representing more than 300     
 organizations helping the troops in various ways.                         
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WEBSITE $$$$ CONTRIBUTION

from Sandy Ellis
"Thanks for the great job of keeping us connected."
 

Contribution checks may be made out and sent to:
Linda DeCuir McFadden
112 Woodsong
Bridge City, TX 77611

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THINGS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE 

  • Be sure to fill up the ice trays
  • Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Aunt Mary in the mail today.
  • Quit slamming the screen door
  • Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed
  • Wash your feet before you go to bed
  • Why can't you remember to roll up your pant legs?  Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.
  • Don't go outside with your good school clothes on
  • If you pull that stunt again I'll wear you out
  • Go comb your hair.  It looks like rats have nested in it all night.
  • Quit jumping on the floor!  I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall
  • If you get a spanking at school then expect another one when you get home
  • Quit crossing your eyes.  They'll get stuck that way
  • Watch your mouth or I'll wash it out with soap
  • Sit still.  I'm going to cut your bangs crooked if you keep moving

and my ALL TIME FAVORITE

  • Go get a switch NOW

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Bridge City NEWS

A lot has happened since the last NEWSLETTER.  The following letter was sent by Murphy and I to my parents' friends and relatives:

GREAT NEWS FOR ALL OF US!!!

After Mom (85) went into the hospital in November, a lot of changes began to happen. She was released after 5 days, but was very weak and Dad (91) is at a point in his health that he isn’t able to help her as much as they would like.  So, she asked if they could come to our home in Bridge City for a week or so while she regained her strength. Well, we LOVE having them as “boarders” and I do think that THEY are enjoying the company and knowing that we are here if they need extra help.  Gerry lives around the corner and is enjoying having her parents close, also. Murphy is really enjoying having Mom FINALLY teaching his bride of 34 years how to cook all those great meals (and they aren’t served in Styrofoam!)  Danny, in Friendswood, is relieved to know that his parents are out of their old neighborhood and with us.  So, we wanted to inform you that EULA and DAN didn't run away.  They are on permanent vacation in ORANGE COUNTY.  We still make our daily trips to Lakeview and they piddle in their "old" home.  We are going to gradually move their furniture and nic-nacks and papers then sell 5016 8th Street to a lucky family.  Our family has made many memories there since 1944!!!  It is very hard for them to "give up their independence."  So, please help this move go a little easier by contacting them by phone, visiting, or writing.  We know that they will appreciate it. 

Merry Christmas and Peace be with You ALL.

 Linda (DeCuir) and Murphy McFadden

Contact them: Eula & Dan DeCuir    112 Woodsong    Bridge City, TX 77611   (409)735-2518

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THE "SENIOR BREAKFAST" SPECIAL

A couple went to breakfast at a restaurant where the "senior special" was two eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast for $1.99.  "Sounds good," the woman said.  "But, I don't want the eggs."  "Then, I'll have to charge you two dollars and forty-nine cents because you're ordering a la carte," the waitress warned her.  "You mean I'd have to pay for NOT taking the eggs?" the woman asked incredulously.  "YES!!" replied the waitress.  "I'll take the special then."  the woman said.  "How do you want your eggs?" the waitress asked.  "RAW and IN THE SHELL," the woman replied.  She took the eggs home.   

DON'T MESS WITH SENIORS

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SUPPORT NEEDED and HEALTH UPDATES

received this note from Sandy Ellis
I wanted to let you know about Lynn "Floyd" Moore.  He is from the class of '70 (I do believe) and was married to our classmate Sylvia Stevenson in the early 70's.  He has been ill, recently diagnosed with bone and kidney cancer.  He spent several days at M.D. Anderson, but is now back home in Port Arthur.  He was suffering with intense pain from the bone cancer, but the fine doctors at M.D. Anderson have managed to get his pain somewhat in control where he is able to get around in his house.  His kidney cancer is treatable and he is currently on oral chemo.  Floyd's lovely wife, Tiffany, is by his side taking care of him.  He lives at his grannie's house in Port Arthur for those of you who know him well - you can find him there.   

Keep him and Tiffany in your prayers.  He is a great guy and a fine musician who has entertained us with him fine guitar playing for many years.
He can be contacted at  kingbee@gt.rr.com
 

received this update from Walter Jones ('67) about wife Linda Messer Jones ('66)
Yesterday was day 1 of the fourth chemo cycle. This is the first cycle since surgery. Her physical went well. Blood work was OK. Chemo infusion went well. No reaction. First time for that since August. There are two minor (for now) items for me to hep her with back at home.
1. The incision has a small area that is not healed yet. Its just a skin
wound that I have to take care of until it closes.
2. Weight loss. Due to surgery, chemo, poor diet, etc. We start working on that today.

Please continue to keep her and me in you prayers.
 Prayer focus:

1. Positive chemo response
2. Successful completion of the two minor items.
 Next MD Anderson trip scheduled for 12/18.

Contact Walter and Linda at wdjrel@hotmail.com

received this request from Cherlyn Hebert
Just thought you might want to put something in the NEWSLETTER about Diane Richmond Miller's husband, Dan, who had bypass surgery on Nov. 20 here in Houston.  He was home in less than a week, I think, and Diane says he's doing so well that you wouldn't even know he had surgery if you didn't see the scar.  But, I know they would appreciate prayers from our classmates for God's continued mercies during his recovery.
Contact Diane and Dan at millerdianee@lycos.com
 

received this note from Joe Pinell
Just a short note to let everyone know that I am doing fine.  I had my aorta valve replaced and I have to go to rehab 3 days a week.  I am looking forward to the reunion next August and I wish everyone well.  You may contact me
bellsdad05@yahoo.com. 

received from Chrissy Dupuis Mullens
Well, this year we did have a lot to be thankful for. Richard had an MRI  to see if the Chemo did it's thing. The Dr.said that the results were very favorable, better than expected, if fact, the scan showed " no disease". Wow, what a report and such good news so close to the day we give thanks.

Thank all for the prayers, I am sure that's what did it. Hope you all had a great holiday. We will go back soon to see what's next. The last 2 rounds of chemo flared up his Scleraderma Ulcers. It is unbelievable. I saw Beth Anne Sutherlin this weekend as her brother Jimbo is our neighbor. They are the best neighbors and have helped a lot through the years. Hope to see all at the reunion. Bless to all and count your blessing. 
Contact Chrissy and Richard at cmullens@gt.rr.com
 

received from Mr. Lionel Rowland (history teacher)
I am feeling fine.  I have not had a treatment in a couple of weeks, which is a good thing since we are in the middle of working on our Christmas
production.  I would like to invite everyone to attend. It will be December 14-17 at the First Baptist Church, Port Neches, beginning at 7:00 pm.  I will be at the organ, so if you come, be sure to come by and say "hello."  I am scheduled to meet with my doctor at MD Anderson on Dec. 19th.  I will know more after that.  I do not anticipate any more treatment in December.
llrowland@sbcglobal.net

received from Laura Meece Darby
I'm doing good, have a follow-up with my cardiologist on the 12th.  I'm sure he will say everything is fine!  Hope so, anyway!  We're busy getting ready for the holidays.
ldarby@cebridge.net
 

about Jonnye Dee Doering Williamson
Just found out that Jonnye Dee had to have a stint put in her heart a couple of weeks ago.  
jonnyedee@yahoo.com
 

about Florence "Sissie" Woods Kilcrease's son
Her son, Corey,  had to go to MD Anderson to find out about a suspicious spot on his shoulder.  They found a tumor and said that it wasn't malignant but they would watch it.  He is to return for a follow up next spring.
sissiekilcrease@aol.com
 

Please contact these classmates and friends to show your support and concern.   

***PLEASE REMEMBER TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE FIGHTING AGAINST TERRORISM.***

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Well friends, that about does it for the NEWSLETTER this time.  Thanks to all that have stopped the holiday madness long enough to send me mail, photos, stories, and supporting words.  Our lives change in an instant.  So many of our friends are ill, recovering, making huge changes in their lifestyle, changing jobs, or retiring.  Take the time to check on old friends.  You might even laugh until your belly hurts. 

                                                                                 Drive safely during this holiday season and don't forget to write,

                                                                                                 Linda DeCuir McFadden
                                                                                                 112 Woodsong
                                                                                                 Bridge City, TX 77611

 

         
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