Linda Bristow (Elias)

Cheryl McLay:

El Paso is receiving smoke, as part of our particulate matter, from fires out in California.  Are you also experiencing the same in Tucson?

Love ya, Linda

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Question: 

Have any of our class experienced flooding lately?

Linda

Marvin Theobald

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

The August 7, 2021 mini-reunion location has been changed to Cheeks

Due to our larger than previously expected turn out and Gill Street's limited staffing because of COVID issues the regular menu food service options were beyond what could be managed. The Planning Committee made the decision to change to Cheeks where our food interests were able to be accommodated. As of now 42 people are planning to be there and 5 -10 more are possibles. Should be a great time.

David Long

Just a thought for the MINI REUNION.  

I'm going to bring my Raiders yearbook and hope to get some additional comments and signatures.  I think it will be interesting for the grandkids to look at in coming years - or even the Great Grandkids for those of you that have or will have, before the Last Big Event in our lives happen.  

Dorothy and I are driving over from Kansas - a 7-hour drive - and not to shame anyone into coming, but I bet there are some a lot closer that haven't yet decided to attend for whom distance is now not a valid excuse.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Marvin Theobald

Facts regarding our website usage. Sadly, postings have been very slow in recent weeks. As our Site Administrator I have access to statistical data that is automatically recorded by Class Creator software. During the month of July the site has been visited 2,164 times (does not count multiple visits by the same person in a single day) averaging 70 visits per day. There were 101 logins by 27 different people averaging 3.25 per day. During July there have been 15 Message Forum postings by 6 people.

Let us hear from you. Tell us what you have been up to, what your interests are, what makes you happy, what is your favorite food, what your memories are from school days or anything else that you might like to share with your old friends. Based on the number of visitors, assumed to be mostly classmates, there appears to be a significant interest in the few postings that have been shared. If you need help logging in, contact me and I will gladly assist you. Remember the Aug 7 mini-reunion at Cheeks.

Marvin Theobald

As for what I have been up to - I have always had a special appreciation for old ships wheels. A few weeks ago I obtained one that is an original off of what was probably a fairly large old ship. Below is a pic of the original which is about 45" in diameter.

Since getting the original, I studied how it was constructed, measured it and attempted to make a replica. The replica does not have the steel center hub or reinforcement ring. The replica is black walnut with 2 coats of marine grade varnish. Below is a series of pics that will give some idea of how it was made. Now I need to figure out what to do with it. I am thinking about hanging it overhead in the floating tiki bar.

David Long

That is a beautiful reproduction Marv!  You are truly a skilled craftsman.

To all my friends planning on attending the Mini next week.  Dorothy and I were going to be there, but alas the new outbreak of the Delta Variant of COVID is sideling me.

While serving in Vietnam I was exposed to Agent Orange.  This happened on both my 1st and 2nd tours where I was actually sprayed with the stuff.  It felt kind of oilily but other than that, no immediate reaction.  Anyway, I have developed an aortic aneurysm from that exposure. which would be very problematic should I contract COVID and have to be on a ventilator. Just as a precaution, Dorothy and I are once again kind of hunkering down to eliminate potential exposure.  We will definitely miss seeing everyone smiling faces.  Have a wonderful time and we hope to see you in December.

I was thinking about attracting some additional comments on our website.

Let's start with something simple:

Starting with our graduation in 1964, give the class a quick note of the best things you experienced in each decade e.g. '64 - '74; '74 - '84;'84 - '94; '94 - '04; '04 - '14; '14 - Today.

When we're done with this topic, let's start over with what you did that you wish you had done differently.

Then we can move on to the places you've visited that you'd visit again or perhaps a trip you've taken you like to take again.

There has to be something out there that will inspire us to keep on keeping in touch!

All the best to all my friends, from the Gray Haired Old Guy with One Leg!  

Semper Fidelis - Fortes Fortuna Juvat 

Terry (Max) Maxwell

Marvin...  Your replica of the ship's wheel is awesome!  You definitely have great woodworking skills.  You've proven that many times over in the pieces that you produce.

Dave...  I'm sorry that you and Dorothy will be unable to attend the mini-reunion next week.  Better that you stay safe in Kansas than risk being out in a crowd.  Maybe things will calm down by December.

Sandra Jeakins (Singletary Sizemore)

Marvin, beautiful work on the ship's wheel as usual.  You are very talented.

David, sorry to hear you and your wife won't be there next Saturday, but I understand.  No need to take any chances.  Hopefully, things will be better by December.

David Brock

Just a couple of comments from my my past.  If pushed, I suppose I could fill several pages.  The Lord has blessed me and the family way more than I am worthy.  This week Sandy and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary.  Ove the past several months we have sold our home in Edwardsville, Il., and moved to Missouri  We are not too far from 6 Flags Park west of St. Louis.  We are adjusting and unpacking boxes (probably will be for a while).  We miss the tax burden like a bad headache.  Best wishes to all.

Wendy Stephens (Cullen)

Terry,  I asked at a plant nursery about monkey puzzle trees and the likelihood of one thriving in Wisconsin.  The winters might be too cold, was the reply.

I hope people who go to the mini reunion take pictures and post them.

Terry (Max) Maxwell

Wendy...  Thank you for checking on the Monkey Puzzle tree.  I figured that would be the answer.  I thought that if I started it as a sapling and put it in a big pot, I could have it on the deck in the warm weather and move it into the sunroom during the cold months.  The vaulted ceiling is 10' in the middle so I could have it for awhile and then when too tall, could find it a new home.  Only problem is that I wouldn't want to part with it after I raised it from a sprout.    ...~Max~...

Sandra Jeakins (Singletary Sizemore)

Happy Birthday to Melvin and Marvin!   You both are such a great asset to our class and the website.  Melvin, I hope you are feeling good after your teeth procedures to come to the reunion this Saturday.  It's always great to see you and Marvin.  I remember the fist mini-reunion I attended at Gil's. I walked in with both of you and you didn't know who I was.  You both made me feel so welcome and glad I was there, which you do for everyone that attends. 

Again, Happy Birthday, and many more, to a couple of great guys. 

Wendy Stephens (Cullen)

Happy Birthday Mel and Marv!  Enjoy the day

Allida Frisch (Altemus)

I hope everyone has a great time at the reunion. We were planning on being there but now are unable due to the fact that we are having our kitchen redone and the workers will be working on the day of the reunion. We are planning on being there in December.

Marv, I know you have spent a lot of time in Key West. My daughter and her husband are going in October and I was wondering if you could give me some information on things they should do or sights they should absolutely see. Jim and I also hope to get there within the next year. Any information would be helpful. By the way your woodworking skills are fantastic.

Marv and Mel Happy Happy Birthday. May you both have a fantastic day.

I do enjoy reading everyone’s posts. It is nice to keep in touch with so many classmates. 

Terri Baxter (Whirrett)

Happy Birthday Mel and Marv! Enjoy it! Boo

David Brock

Happy birthday to Marvin and Melvin--May many more be headed your way.

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Happy Birthday double trouble: The Tiki Bar Captain and the Artist!

Blessings and happy, healthy wishes for you both!

Love ya, Linda

Chuck Jenkins

Denver Mini-reunion, 7/29/2021  Left to right: Harvey (Dave) Wellman and wife Bev, Chuck Jenkins and wife Carol, Tom Chambers and wife Susan (Ford) Chambers

Marvin Theobald

What a great surprise to get ready to post a couple of things and find the photo of the Denver chapter of our class. Everybody is looking good. Wish you could join us Saturday in Bloomington. As of now 47 say they plan to be there. Thank you for sharing the photo with the rest of us.

I want to thank all of you who posted birthday wishes to me and Mel. I so much enjoy being able to be a part of the lives of so many old and new BHS friends. I lived in Texas for almost 30 years and was quite envious of friends that had long term friendships with their HS classmates. When I returned to the Bloomington area in 2007 I was excited to be able to reconnect with our classmates. It has greatly enriched my life.

Here is a photo of me with Mel as we turned the ripe old age of 75 today. You would think Mom had a hand in dressing us for our birthday since we ended up being dressed nearly alike as she always did until we were in Jr High.

Marvin Theobald

A number of you had Jean Holcomb as a fourth grade teacher. She and her husband Bruce (our BJHS Assistant Principle) were our next door neighbors and have been lifelong friends. One of their sons, Larry, joined Mel, Judy and I at breakfast this morning. Jean is in the Memory Care Unit at Luther Oaks in Bloomington and Larry takes great care of her. He sent these photos tonight that I wanted to share for those that remember her and ask about her. She will be 90 on Nov 12.

Sandra Jeakins (Singletary Sizemore)

Nice picture of the Denver mini reunion.  I'm glad to see that you get together out there.  Chuck, many times classmates would ask me if you and I were related because I was always called Jenkins since my name was Jeakins,pronounced with a silent e and long a, Jak-kins. People found that hard to say and Jenkins is the more popular name.

Really good picture of the double trouble guys, as Linda put it.  LOL   

Nice picture of Jean Holcomb.  I never knew her, but I had Bruce Holcomb as a homeroom teacher in 7th grade at Bent School.  Wasn't he also a coach?

Terri Baxter (Whirrett)

Great pics! Denver group looking great! Loved Seeing Mrs. Holcomb. She was my favorite teacher, great smile!

James (Jim) Rookus

Happy belated birthday to the double trouble guys .... sorry didn't make it on time .... glad to see a bit more site activity lately .... let's keep it up ....  give a post COVID hug to all at mini reunion ,,,  send good photos after!

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Double Trouble:  Nice photo for 75th!

Denver: So nice to see that all 3 couples landed together in GOOD company.  Love to you all!

Jean Holcomb:  Thank you so much for the photos.   When I call I cannot get through at all.  She must have a different number.  She has great color to her cheeks and looks good!  I sure hope so.  She deserves a good long life.  I'm so proud of her son for taking such good care of her!

Love to y'all!

Linda