Richard (Dick) Ross

Jack Keefe

This was a complete and somewhat pleasant surprise that Mel chose to promote my book when we are just getting our first look at his own new publication. Thank you, Mel. To the class, I read his first offering and enjoyed it, so I'm looking forward to his latest. 

As to Echoes of Purple and Gold, I'll have a few copies with me. But if you're in a book-buying mood Saturday night, I encourage you to see Mel's first. 

By the way, a lot of you probably don't know that Mel was one of the very first people to buy a copy of Echoes before it even came out in 2022. He spotted a factual error that literally led to my ordering the publisher to stop the presses and fix the mistake. They did. Thanks again, Mel, and let's all have a great time Saturday night. 

David Long

Hope everyone has a great time Saturday night!  Unfortunately, Dorothy and I will not be in attendance.  Perhaps next year if all goes well.

Peace,

DCL

Terri Baxter (Whirrett)

Wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and please know I will be thinking of the mini-reunion tomorrow night! Sure wish I could be there! Also congratulations to our two authors! Mel, ready yours, intriguing! Jack, need a copy of yours!

Also, I very distressed that I can't find any of my yearbooks! Does anyone know a way to get other copies?

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Boo:

Check with the principal of BHS.  Sometimes retiring teachers leave their year books to the school.   Maybe the school librarian would also know.

Love ya, Linda

Marvin Theobald

We had a very nice turnout Saturday evening with 21 classmates and 10 guests. As always, it was a most pleasant and enjoyable evening of conversation and friendship. Unfortunately 6 that we know of were unable to attend due to various "bugs". Numerous others that have been regular attendees were not there and were missed. Photos below will hopefully bring a smile to your face as you try to recognize old friends. I do not label them for a reason since the message forum is publicly accessible.

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Mel:  Thanks for the photos!

Per usual:  Everyone looks wonderful!  Nice to see their smiling faces.

Linda

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Sorry!   I meant Marvin.

Linda

Dianne Shaffer (Troxel)

Mini Reunion was so much fun. Good food, good laughter and good memories!  We are so blessed to enjoy these times together! Thank you Mel and Marvin for keeping us united. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

OMG as in "Oh My Goodness." So many things to share here. First, Saturday's mini-reunion was fabulous. Thanks to Marv for posting all those photos. Those of you who were not there were not forgotten, but you were definitley missed. Second, I just talked to Boo and have a copy of the 1964 Aepix for her. She is still looking for 1962 and 1963. FYI, 1962 is available on eBay. (Go to eBay, search: 1962 Bloomington Illinois High School Yearbook and it will show up for $24.95.) Third, many thanks to those of you who purchased Jack's book and mine. They both hold many stories that may be of interest to our classmates.

Last but not least, I can't help reflecting on how special it is to be part of this Raiders64 community. With our 60th Reunion coming up, I hope you will all consider being there. When BHS put on the play "The Music Man", little did we know the significance of the lyrics of the song "Till There Was You": "There was love all around, but I never heard it singing." Maybe now is the time for everyone to know the role they played in making all our lives richer.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and the best of Holidays to all of you.

Marvin Theobald

Tomorrow, December 5, will mark five years since Charlie Crabtree tragically died. Mel and I saw his wife Kathy this morning and she sent me a message through the class website this afternoon. The message was obviously intended for all of us so I am copying it into this message for all to see:

Wonderful BHS Class of '64, December 5, 2018 was the worst day of my life. Charlie was killed in the school bus crash by Downs when a semi crossed the median and hit the bus carrying the Normal West Girls' JV basketball team head on. Charlie was a volunteer for the team. Had it not been for God, my family, and friends, including the Class of '64, I don't know how I would have made it through. I want to thank the Class of '64 for your kindness and love shown during that horrific time, and including all the years since. After Charlie was killed, several of Charlie's classmates showed up at my door with bags full of items. I think there was everything in the bags except the kitchen sink. And many of you were there at the BHS football game where Charlie was honored at halftime. And some of you joined my family when Charlie was inducted into the BHS Wall of Fame. And thank you for including me in your mini reunions. I so enjoy your fellowship, and you have treated me like one of your own. And today two handsome twins showed up at my door since I missed the Saturday get together. I appreciated the hugs. My oldest daughter's wedding celebration was Saturday, or I would have been there with you having a good time. Charlie loved all of you! So do I! Many blessings to all of you now and always. With love and a grateful heart, Kathy Crabtree

Marvin Theobald

I have been slow at posting the death of Mike Kaluf in the In Memory section hoping to find an obituary to post. If anyone has any info on Mike please let me know so I can include it.

Jack Keefe

Thanks to Marvin for setting up the location for Saturday night's dinner, and thanks to those who gathered once more around the tables. Janet's and my holiday season is never complete without this gathering of longtime friends. Thanks to the classmates who bought my book. May you enjoy it. Thanks to Mel for choosing our group to introduce his new book. May we all enjoy his. Regarding the Barrel House, I had my own issues with line of sight and not being able to see everyone from my seat; and I heard comments about watered-down mixed drinks. But considering all these things, my mind still wanders back to Saturday night at the Barrel House. Three days after the fact, that's confirmation it was a great time.  

Richard Gray

The reunion Saturday night was a great time. Food and company were great. My only negative was not about watered drinks but the fact of being charged $8 for a shot of Jack Daniels (which as expected}, then charged $2 for a few ice cubes plus over a $1 in taxes  for the drink.  I have been buying drinks in bars for over 50 years and never been charged for ice and added taxes for the alcohol, which is normally include in the price of the alcohol. 

James (Jim) Rookus

Thanks for the great pics of the mini reunion!  Sure wished I lived closer to be able to be present !  Surprised I didn't see Sandy Jeakins in pics BUT nice to see Suzi made it !

Any chance of including names ?  I recognize several from past pics, but unfortunately don't know many names to go with the faces.  
 

Also a bit of another "morbid" thought .... when a friend passes, if there was a way to be notified soon enough ... would we be able to know early enough about their memorial service to watch on line .... most churches make a live link available.  Also if the church archives the past services it could be accessed later.  JUST a thought.

Reminiscing about the good old days of Covid lock down .... those were great days of Raiders 64 togetherness!  Recently went back and spent much time reviewing the photos we posted for months with our daily photo subjects!

 by for now!  PS: I do have a head of hair!

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Dick Gray, I totally agree with you. Even in Chicago, I have never seen a bar tab that charged $2 for ice. At the time, I didn't question it because our waitress was so attentive. But, in retrospect and after reviewing the dinner receipt, I was surprised to see that line item charge. FYI, always go with the "house well" rather than top shelf drinks. My drink was only $4.50. Not bad when considering that in Chicago it would have easily been double that. Barrel House food was very good, but you are right, the bar tab was a real downer. Even so, the night with all our BHS friends was awesome and well worth the price.

Jim Rookus, we also wished you lived closer. Would love to have seen you there.  Marv and I did a head count of 31 people who attended, and 4 of them were not in the photos: Sandy Jeakins, Rich and Karen Crucius who came late, and one person who refused to have his photo taken. Maybe Marv can edit his post and add names.  And you are so right about the COVID era photos, instigated by Dave Long. That was special. Any idea how we can get more people involved on Raiders64? That would be fun. I can't help telling you how envious I am of your hair. Merry Christmas my friend!

James (Jim) Rookus

I Forgot to say ...... LOVE the Grinch Sweater!!!!

Jack Keefe

About being charged for ice --- a member of my lunch group reported having the same experience at Baxter's on Empire Street. So if you are planning to go to Baxter's, just be aware. 

Karen Sue (Suzi) Denton (Merritt)

Thank you so much to the guys who offered to help me.  I really appreciate the thoughtfulness but Dave needs to lean on my wheelchair.  Also thanks to Garth for holding the door when we left.  
A few of you know about Dave, all the things he has been through now he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's.  So I'm asking for your prayers for him.  He's my love and best friend 

ON A HAPPIER NOTE HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE AND MAY 2024  BE A WONDERFUL YEAR!!

🎄🎄🎄

Love to all

Suz

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Suzi:

I hope this finds you stronger than ever!  You and Dave are amazing!   Whatever comes your way, you just persevere!  Now, that's inner strength, my friend. Prayers are coming your way!

Love ya, Linda

David Brock

Best wishes for you and Dave and your health.   We lost a dear friend a couple of years ago to Parkinson's.  It was a long experience.  I hope Dave's case is not that severe.  Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year..

Terri Baxter (Whirrett)

Suzi, So sorry to hear about Dave. On the bright side, we've had several friends who have had Parkinson's a long time and they are still living life! Treatments have improved as well! To all, have a Christmas filled with peace!

Karen Sue (Suzi) Denton (Merritt)

Thank you Linda, David and Terri for the prayers and encouraging words.  He's going through depression but that goes along with the diagnosis.  I really appreciate all the kind words.

Suzi

Nancy Whiteman (Hoover)

Also thinking of you both. I don't respond on here much but I do look at the posts. You may not remember me but prayers will be coming.

Richard Gray

Suzi, Just wanted to say I enjoyed sitting with you and David at the reunion dinner.it was a pleasure meeting David and I hope he lives a long and happy life with you. Here is wishing you both a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Rich Gray