Well, the 40th REUNION LUAU EXTRAVAGANZA is just about here!  It doesn't seem like the committee starting planning 12 months ago, but it takes that long to do a good job.  The committee members are extremely excited about the reunion and know that the classmates who will be fortunate enough to attend will leave with fond memories to last the rest of their lives!   

MAIL CALL(from CLASSMATES)

from Doug Norwood in Bridge City
Yes, Karen & I will be at the social. Not sure about the dance yet. Just been procrastinating on sending in the money. Sorry about that. Will send it soon.

from Helen Rethke in Littleton, CO
I've had some potential work issues come up that I'm trying to resolve before committing dollars.  I've been in communication with Lynn Eldridge just earlier today, because she wants to know if I'm coming or not as well.  I have my hotel room, but that's as far as I went until I was sure to clear my calendar.   

Hang in there.  I think I'll be coming...I just need to get you check and work a couple of more things out.  I really do want to come! 

from George Breeding in Port Arthur
Just wanted to confirm my reservation. My wife and I will be attending the Friday function as well as Saturday. Have mailed the check to Kay. I have never attended one of our reunions before and look forward to seeing everybody.  

from Kay King Young in Tyler
Sorry it took me so long,  but I did mail the check Friday. Betty Bernauer and I will be there Friday.  Ron Waedemon and my husband will join us on Saturday.  They will be at a Rice Football reunion in Corpus Christi that week.   

from Barbara Bowers in Pagosa Springs, CO
Howdy! You guys are incredible! What a great website. I love it!  I just found out I will not be able to make the reunion in August but I promise to make the next one for SURE! You know I was reading the "mail call" in the last NEWSLETTER and I think I may have been misleading with the "making a mint" thingy.   I meant making "mint" as in pestos. It was a joke a bad one, too. Sorry. Really wish it were the other way round ... will miss you all and really wish I could be there. Ya'll have a great time and I'll let you know next time I'm in town. But, please keep the emails happening! It's really wonderful to be back in touch. Enchanted Valley Girls - the Green Machine!
www.enchantedvalleyfarm.homestead.com 

from Charles Cramer in Downington, PA
We just flew in from Maui this morning.  I thought I would go over so that I would have a better perspective on what to wear to the reunion.  We did a lot of snorkeling, snuba, and took a copter ride around the island.  I've attached a family photo from the luau just to show Joel Levy that he doesn't have the youngest child....I think I have him beat by a mile.  Christina was born June 30, 2000. 

This summer has been keeping me busy.  In May, I did my annual fishing outing in Lac Seul, Ontario, Canada.  Four of my Chicago fishing buddies rent a 75 foot houseboat and fish the season-opening week for walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass.  This was the first year we were held up by ice.  Usually ice out is two weeks before opening week.  We caught lots of walleye over nine pounds, some nice 40 inch pike, but no smallmouth this year because of the cold water. 

In a few weeks (July 19th), I'm off to Chicago for the Jimmy Buffett concert in Wisconsin.  I went last summer.  Those Parrot Heads really know how to party....and they are mostly old farts like me!!  Then in August, we are looking forward to the reunion.  I'm especially looking forward to seeing all the St. Joseph's and St.Catherine's crowd.  Seems like we all got separated when we had to make the Bishop Byrne or TJHS decision in ninth grade. 

In September, I have another week long fishing and hunting trip (big pike and bear) with my Chicago fishing buddies.  One of them built a place in northern Minnesota so we have to see what is biting (other than mosquitos) in his lake.  I can tell you this, I think Minnesota has more mosquitoes than SE Texas, they just keep them frozen for eight months out of the year! 

Looking forward to seeing ya'all in August. 

from Mike Soileau in Atlanta, TX
The time and effort ya'll put into the site is a blessing to all.  I want to just let you guys know you're appreciated!!!  Looking forward to seeing every one at the reunion.  And you're right .. yep .. too late for the diet hahahha; Who cares? Let's have a good time seeing each other again!! 

Oh and Mike Lawson... I hope something changes on the turnaround at the plant and you can get off.  If not, I want you to know we will miss you not being there and know we appreciate how much work and effort you have put into the site. 

from Jerry Miller in Sugarland, TX
As much as I would like to, the timing is not right to make it to the reunion this year. Hope to make the next one. Hope to read about it on the web site.  

from Donnie Beagle in Houston, TX
It’s been a really busy year for Barbara and I, we have been working hard.  Our 8 Grand Kids are keeping us young, we just spent the 4^th in New Braunfels  swimming at the island and having a great time with three of our grand babies, Hunter 16, Kaylee 13 and Candise 6.  Memaw and Peepaw have a great time with the kids!  Barb’s mom and one of our granddaughters and niece are coming mid July for two weeks of fun.  Matter of fact we are dropping them off at the airport Friday the first to fly back to Atlanta and later that afternoon we are heading down to PA for the reunion.  Got our Hotel reservations and just need to send Kay our bucks for the tickets.  We will get it done.  Thanks to Pat Trahan for contacting us.  The web site ia really great, thanks to Linda and Mike for all they do! God Bless and see you all soon! 

from Frank Dorr in Houston
Thanks for the e-mail to remind me of the reunion.  I have been out of pocket....will try to attend.   

from Richard Cole in Magnolia, TX 
Yes,  I am hoping to attend the reunion.  I will be coming in from Argentina the end of July if everything works out.  See you there. 

Must get to bed - I am time-zoning again. 

from Steve Wentworth in Humble
Sorry, but we’re going to Florida the reunion week. I will miss seeing ya’ll this time around. Maybe next time if I’m still around.  Tell Joe Singleton I said hello…………….  

from Vicki Plaia in Denver, CO
I am coming to the reunion with my best friend from Tyler.  I will visit with her again after the reunion and come back Aug. 9, and start school 13th. (I work with Special Needs students for Denver Public Schools.) I was downtown yesterday, and took a wrong turn trying to get to I70/home. Ended up by the Pepsi Center where the Democratic Natiional Convention will be in August. WOW!! The security is already everywhere! The reconstruction and sprucing up for National coverage is amazing.  See everyone soon!!! 

MAIL CALL (from FACULTY)
from Jack Bottoms (Choir teacher) in Marquez, TX
I am sorry to say I will not be able to attend the reunion  Some unexpected conflicts make it impossible to attend.  Thanks, so much, for the invitation!! 

from Paul Schulz-Behrend (German teacher) in San Antonio, TX
I plan to attend the class of '68 reunion with my wife on 8/1/08. Hope to see a few familiar faces... it sounds like fun.  

from Coach Wayne Harris (PE) in Ruston, LA
It was nice to receive your invitation to the 40th high school reunion for the class of '68.  Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend because of prior commitments.  Fortunately, I was able to visit with Coach Smitty Hill here in Ruston 5 or 6 years ago.  We looked at film of some of my games and talked a lot of football.  The team of '67 had several great high school players.  I wold like to see Gary Hammond, Gaylon Jones, Ron Waedemon, Dennis Howell, James Hubert, Larry Speake, and several others.  I know some of these boys weren't in the 68 class.  I trust all of them are well and doing fine.    Hope you guys have a great reunion - am sure you will.

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REUNION *Do's and Don'ts!

Friday night at the Holiday Inn on Jimmy Johnson Blvd and Hwy 69 (Memorial Blvd.)
SOCIAL gathering! 
7-11pm

• No complaints  about the cost!  Try going out to eat with a friend, spend 1 hour in a restaurant and compare the costs!  And you sure won't have a crowd around you to compare to this group!  Enjoy it and relax, reminisce, and smile till your cheeks hurt. 
• Casual dress (remember that it is a Luau-themed gathering. Finally girls, we don't have to feel like we need to wear BLACK to look THINNER! Hopefully, we will see flowery outfits everywhere, guys included!) Don't worry about purchasing TWO outfits.  Wash it Saturday morning and wear it again Saturday night!  No one will remember OR care.  If they do, they need to get a LIFE.
• Cash Bar will be available and Soft drinks may also be purchased.  We are not allowed to bring in our own alcohol OR food!  (Sorry, we wish we could.)  A few types of finger foods will be served, so if you are hungry....eat FIRST! 
• Table decorations may be purchased, (the money will go back into our REUNION checking account for the 45th Reunion in 2013!)
• Name Tags will already be made.  PLEASE put them in PLAIN SIGHT and don't be afraid to LOOK at your classmates' nametags, also.  They are sneaking a peek at yours anyway.  This is not a contest to see how many classmates we can name. 
  Suggestion:  Just begin your conversation with, "Hey JULIE!  I'm Linda DeCuir."  See, it is as easy as that!!   Remember that it has been 40 years since we graduated and believe me,  ONLY A FEW will look like they just stepped out of the yearbook pages.  Don't be jealous.  It is just genetic (AND possibly a little touch of botox~ and maybe some lipo!)
• Faculty members are mostly coming on Friday night.  Some are coming on BOTH nights!  We will be thrilled to see them again.  I don't think they will be taking names of those coming in tardy!  Besides, Ms. Tinney is in heaven.  She knows that you really didn't really have a "flat tire" on the way to the Social.  The faculty members that have responded ahead of time are listed on our website. 
• A MEMORIAL BOARD honoring 69 deceased classmates will be set up for viewing.  We will also have a DVD, (a shorten "loop"), playing showing the deceased classmates.  The full two-set DVD can be ordered for $12.00 .  Order forms will be available.  Classmate Mike Lawson lovingly put this show together.  This is very special tribute to our friends and classmates.  May they rest in peace. 
• Cameras are a must.  Take lots of pictures, send them to Mike or I, BUT please put names with the faces.  It will not be fair for Mike and I  to try to remember EVERYONE of those pretty "mugs" sent to us to post on the website.  Also, make sure you have a name on your camera.  Of course, I could use a nice new one if you prefer to leave yours hanging around on a table or chair. 
• Silent Auction for the 1968 yearbook (donated by Jane Lippincott) will be held during both nights.  The proceeds will go to the WEBSITE ACCOUNT.  Possibly a silent auction for another item may be held.  More later. 
• Gravel Gurty....that's me!!!  Because you just "listen" to me talk to you on the computer, you might not realize that my voice is chronically "hoarse".  That is due to my throat cancer surgery in 1980 when my left vocal cord was paralyzed.  So, my voice really takes a beating straining to talk OVER NOISE.  Therefore, I will most probably "lose" my voice by the middle of the night Friday and will be very, very hoarse on Saturday.  I will try to talk a little to everyone, but not long conversations.  So, please try to help me out.  I love you all and I can't wait to see my "other family" SOON. 
• Webmaster and classmate Mike Lawson will not be able to attend the Saturday night bash due to work.  So, TAKE the TIME to find him, pat him on the back, give him a big hug and tell him WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TELLING ME TO TELL HIM FOR YEARS!  But, this time you can tell it to him personally.

Saturday night at the BRAD Club between Nederland and Beaumont on Hwy 347
Social/Dance
7-12 midnight

Committee Members have worked tirelessly (okay....we do get tired) for 12 months.  We had to search for addresses for months, endless telephone calls,  e-mails, postcards, buying and making decorations, making name tags, renting venues,  food decisions, attending meetings every two weeks, all while wondering if we were going to have enough money to make it all work.  Please take the time to thank these members.  They love what they do or they wouldn't do it reunion after reunion! 

The members are:

A big thanks also to Pat Trahan Knox who helped with finding addresses. Fred McCarty researched untold hours looking for MISSING classmates (and sadly finding several deceased ones) and also Glynn Myers, (husband of classmate Loretta LaLonde), for also researching the MISSING list.  Their help has been invaluable. 

 

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SUPPORT

a note from Robert Weldon '66
(classmate Linda Dowling's husband and classmate David Weldon's brother)
After two weeks back and forth to the VA Hospital and to the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, I have finally convinced "them" that I have a broken leg. On Tuesday, after a week and a half of my lower left leg hurting, I turned to walk with a cane for support and my lower tibia snapped!!! It sounded like a .22 going off and then my bellowing in pain could probably be heard halfway to Beaumont. 911 was called and the x-rays showed a spiral break of the tibia. It was placed in a splint by the Medical Center and I went to Houston yesterday. Came home with a beautiful blue cast from mid-thigh to the tips of my toes!!!! The good Lord above had been giving me signals to slow down that went unheeded. NOW, he has my full attention. Thanks to the VA, my new wheelchair, my mother-in-law's wheeled walker, I manage to get around the house. The pain in my leg has subsided somewhat since they did had to kind of "roll it" back into place.....not a pretty sound nor was my subsequent attempts to stop the nausea from coming to full fruition!!!! Please pray for Linda since she will have to put up w/Grumpaw being in a cast for about 8 to 12 weeks.........

rweldonjr@gt.rr.com
lindadweldon@yahoo.com

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CONDOLENCES

Helen Rose Loidold Quebedeaux 
1913-2008
Woodrow Wilson Jr. High Art Teacher for 33 years

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This will be my last NEWSLETTER before the BIG EVENT!  If you are one of the ones who have been on the fence about whether to attend, just jump off and do it!  It'll hurt just for a little while.  Check out our ever-growing list of those planning on coming.  Send in your check.  If it is too late to mail your tickets, we will hold them at the door for you.  We have several classmates that are bringing friends, relatives, and even have some from Bishop Byrne that are coming.  Speaking for me, I CAN'T WAIT!

                                                                             See you real soon (I hope),
                                                                             Linda DeCuir McFadden
                                                                             lindasuemcfadden@sbcglobal.net
                                                                             www.tjhs1968.com