TJ Class of '68     NEWSLETTER                                                           08/29/09    

 

Where did the summer go?  Thank heavens that we live "up north" here in Lumberton.  I have counted 5 mosquitoes since we moved here in March from Bridge City!  It is like heaven being able to actually walk in the yard without swatting!

MAIL CALL

from Joye Jefferson Roll in Houston
I am retiring at the end of August.  I have truly enjoyed my time at the RPC (Radiological Physics Center at MD Anderson) and my part in "Making Cancer History".  I feel blessed to have worked with such outstanding people here at RPC and with those of you at all the institutions and study groups with which the RPC has had contact.

from Fred Schneider '66 (Randy's brother)
a '66 classmate asked about the Pleasure Pier history
The Pier started as a 2000 ft. walkway jutting out into Lake Sabine from the foot of the original Sabine Hotel in 1897.  Over the years, it was expanded and repaired and completely replaced after fires and storms.  It had diving boards and slides that splashed into the lake.  There were docks and ramps for pleasure cruises and fishing boats.  On Sundays, the local gentry used it to promenade in their finery. Randy sent in these photos.

 
from Paige Hervey in Groves
Hi, my name Paige Hervey and I am one of the coordinators of "First  Friday" in Groves. We're are planning to have a
salute to
Thomas Jefferson on "First Friday", Sept 4.  We would love for everyone to wear their maroon and gold and come out to see old friends.  Please pass this on to your group - we would love for you to come out.  Please call if you have any questions.  My work number at The Collection is (409)963-0626 and I am here from 10-6.  Thanks!  We hope to see you on Sept 4!  "First Friday" is a monthly event held on Lincoln Ave. in Groves.
from Carolyn Bigler Hebert'58 (wife of Alfred Hebert...tj biology teacher)
(concerning Mr. Hebert's participation in the Senior Triathlon Games)You must remember that at the National Senior Games they are competing against the top senior athletes from each state in the U.S.  You have to place in the top three in your home state to qualify for Nationals.  Sometimes, they let the top 4 or 5 go if there aren't enough competitors.  That is for each event.  Alfred only competes in the triathlons so he was competing against the top triathletes from all 50 states that had representatives there.  Alfred has consistently placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in Texas.  You have to place in the top three in Regionals to qualify for State.  Then, you have to qualify at the State meet to go to Nationals.  The National Senior Games are held in Houston, Texas in 2011.  This one was held in Redwood City at San Francisco Bay.  I reminded Alfred how cold the water is....remember Alcatraz is just up the bay on an island in the same body of water.

(update:)
Alfred came in 6th place in his age group.  He got a red, white, and blue ribbon.  So he upped his ranking for National Senior Games from 2007.  He was in 8th place in 2007.  The 4 day drive there by himself was tiring.  Then, too open water swimming in San Francisco Bay was way different than swimming in Lake Palestine.
 
from Danny Landry in Cedar Park, TX
Well, I'm glad to read that more classmates are turning in their working shoes with plans to sleep later.  Since I retired in Dec. of '08, I get  a lot more sleep, but my son-in-law wants to put me back to work.  I bought another house in Cedar Park and we are going to refurbish it and re-sale it.  I should be about a 3 month project if it ever cools off.  We are breaking 35 year heat records and very little RAIN.  The "new" house has an in-ground pool so it will be nice to check it out.  I also got a part-time job and my wife, Phyllis '70 has a job with the Leander School District with the child nutrition services.  My job consists of traveling around central Texas and taking pictures of construction sites to verify the completion stage for financing for a credit union in Lake Jackson, TX.  Now, SEND RAIN!
 
from Patricia Chisum Bryant in Tallahassee, FL
I've been in touch with Donnie DeLee, especially since his surgery recently.  As I wrote him in an e-mail, it is just so wonderful that although time passes on, our friends and classmates who have always been our friends all along, are still beside us to offer prayers of comfort, healing, peace, and well-being.  I am sending a picture of the two of us on the back porch of his home off of Dryden Road taken about 1953.  He moved before we started Elementary School, so I lost my play pal! 
I look forward to the NEWSLETTERS and updates on the website.  It has been both healing and comforting to me to be back in touch!  Love to all.
You can see a larger photo in Misc. Photos page 2.
 
from Cherlyn Hebert in Houston
Well, I am 6 weeks into retirement and, no surprise, I love it!  I can quite honestly say that leaving ExxonMobil after 32 years was just like flipping a switch.  One day I was working; the next day I wasn't.  Just like that.  No adjustment at all.

I now have 4 trips planned for the next year.  In October, four of us are going to Greece; starting in Athens and then doing an island-hopping cruise.  In early March, '10, it's a 10-day church group trip to Israel.  I have never been to the Holy Land, so I am very excited about this trip.  When I get back, I have about two weeks before taking a Caribbean cruise with a group of friends, leaving out of Galveston.  Then, in August, '10, it's a 16-day river cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg, with a 5 day pre-trip in Kiev.

Janette Light, Sharon Lewis, and I are planning another get-together later this month.  Janette's son just got married, so there will be lots to discuss.
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NEWS FROM THE HOMEFRONT
I had a delightful time spending a few quality days with my two granddaughters (separately, thank heavens!).  We played dress-up, went shopping, to the movies, played games, etc until I was exhausted.  When they are on "vacation" they think that you must have something planned EVERY SECOND. 

Mom has still been feeling poorly a lot more lately.  I try to check on her in Groves every other day or so.  Dad is doing fine physically. 
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SUPPORT
(update sent in by Cherlyn Hebert)
Linda Smith Webber had surgery recently.  They took a muscle from her thigh and transplanted it to her face to correct the droop the stroke left.  I talked to her husband, Wayne, and he said she came through the surgery fine.  He expected her to come home shortly.  Prayers are always appreciated.

Linda Smith Webber
2605 Buck Dr.
Mesquite, TX 75181

(update on Sandy Ellis and husband, Paul)
I wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate the love and support given to us.  Paul is back to work; still doing physical therapy and is feeling much better.  I am past my 2nd week of physical therapy....still in the "ouch it hurts" stage but doing better.  I am out and about driving again.  It will still be another month before I can return to work.  I didn't think I would ever say this, but I am missing my work, my clients, and my friends.  Soooo, THIS is what retirement looks and feels like?  Hmmmm

Sandy (Ellis) and Paul MacNamera
1129 N. Ave. C
Elgin, TX 78621

(sent in by Kathy Melancon Perio)
Dawson Brown, 23 month old grandson of Tinker and Jody Brown, has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  Please add him and all his family to your prayers.

Horace and Jody Brown
2631 Azalea Ave.
Groves, TX 77619

(Chrissy Dupuis Mullens' husband, Richard)
Richard is going back and forth to MD taking chemo drugs.  He has been very nauseated and does not want to eat.   His tumors have come back and the doctors are treating them very aggressively. 

Chrissy Mullens
2521 Glenwood
Port Arthur, TX 77642
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CONDOLENCES
(death of faculty member)
Kenneth Lee    See his obituary
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Lots to take in this week!!!  Please take the time to comment, send me news or names of those whom we can support.  Mike and I are very pleased with the variety of items that came through for our website this time.  Keep it up and spend some time with us instead of checking out FACEBOOK so much.  "-)

                                 Stay in touch and contact a classmate,
                                 Linda DeCuir McFadden
                                 lindasuemcfadden@sbcglobal.net
                                 www.tjhs1968.com

 




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