James (Jim) Rookus

LINDA :  I'm with YOU on that one .... 

Root beer floats are the "bomb" !!

Specailty at our house .... all kids get papa's root beer floats around the pool in special float style glasses (plastic of course) !

David Long

Thought for Today

David Long

Marvin Theobald

A friendly reminder that a BHS Class of 1964 Mini-Reunion is happening at 5:00 pm May 19 at The Windjammer, 2023 Stern Dr, Bloomington, IL. Please plan to join in the fun! 

Marvin Theobald

We, once again, had a very fun evening of conversation at last nights mini-reunion. With 24 participants there was no shortage of smiles, laughter and sharing of tall tales of the past. As usual, quite a few people that would have been there were unable to attend due to health issues or schedule conflicts. Hope you are able to Join us Aug 21 and 22 for our 80th birthday bash and summer mini-reunion. Be sure to RSVP Sharon Green Leipold if you have not already replied. Let's make it a huge success.

Missed Photos: Sue and Steve Koppenhoefer, Steve and Elaine Jetton and me.

Mary Giermann, Dave and Linda Nafziger

Mary Giermann and Dave Nafziger

Janet and Jack Keefe, Sharon Leipold

Dave and Linda Nafziger

Marsha and Ron Brownfield, Jim and Kay Fry

Madelon Henderson, Sandy Sizemore and Liz Spillman

Mel Theobald, Janet Keefe, Pat and Ken Lehr

Dave and Dorothy Long

Jack Keefe and Diane Gardner

Ray Bledsoe

Hey all, once again I enjoyed the photos  and really appreciate the identification under each. I've been in Scotland and won't return to Reno until mid June. Your handsome faces reached clear across the pond. Read your antics daily and enjoy them. Stay healthy. 

David Long

It's not me - I don't have whitewall tires....

Jack Keefe

Thank you to Marvin for the great photos of the gathering at The Windjammer. Our next outing will be August 21 for the 80th birthday party. (It's free, and bring your plus-one.) If you've already replied to Sharon Green Leipold but haven't heard back -- you might re-contact her just to be sure she got your message. See you at the Doubletree on August 21.

Wendy Stephens (Cullen)

Thanks  for the pictures.  Looks like it was a bit chilly with all the jackets.  

David Long

Linda Bristow (Elias)

In anticipation of Memorial Day, tomorrow, I offer many thanks to all veterans, from the bottom of my heart.  Bless you all!                                                                                                                                                              Linda

David Long

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Thinking about Bill Buff on this Memorial Day. I'm sure some of you will be doing the same and understand why. Sending thanks to our veteran classmates!!! I found this photograph of Marv marching in the Memorial Day parade on Main Street in 1960. (He is on the far end of the color guard.) Yes, I may be an old hippie, but that has never kept me from admiring those of you who served our country.

David Long

Great picture, Mel.  Looks like Marv has shouldered an M1.

That was a lot of weight for a 14yo to be carrying around.  From personal experience  inboot camp, Nam, and my duties upon return (I was responsible for the armory for  Marine Corps Reserve Detatachment in Columbus, OH) I know the weapon weighed in at 9.5 lbs unloaded !.

Way to go, MARV!

Jack Keefe

Alexander's Steak House, site of this year's Christmas dinner, announced yesterday that they are closing as of May 31. This post is just a reassurance to let you know that your class social committee has been at work on a new venue for our popular December dinner since the news broke. When we get something nailed down, we'll let everyone know. 

Meanwhile, everyone have a great summer!

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

I don't know if it is just me, but for some inexplicable reason, I am filled with nostalgia today. Seeing Dave's reaction to the photo I posted of Marv on Memorial Day, watching the Indy 500 (which I've attended 3 times) on Sunday, the first seasonal gathering of people in my condo last night by the pool, listening nonstop to the aria Vissi d'arte from Puccini's "Tosca", getting ready for my granddaughter's dance recital on Saturday, knowing that we are all in or approacing our 80th birthday, going down the Internet rabbit hole of history, or the surreal dream I woke up to this morning, I am in a state of reflection and emotional la la land. Does anyone else have days like this?

It feels so good and, at the same time, makes me realize how lucky I have been.

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Mel:   Those thoughts and dreams can come almost out of nowhere!  Interesting how nostalgia can kick us!   

David Long

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Where is everyone? I'm so happy when someone posts something here. Like many of you, I CHECK IN EVERYDAY hoping to see somethng new. Dave L. and Sandy's humor are great, but there are over a hundred of you out there who are silent. Where are you? About 10 people post regularly, but that leaves the majority of you who are free loading. We know you are watching and want to hear from you. Tell a joke. Tell a story. Share a memory. Post something. We love all of you Raiders '64 classmates. Remember the cheer...ONE FOR ALL, ALL FOR ONE, BLOOMINGTON WE LOVE THY NAME? That is still true. So don't be shy, let us hear from you. You are loved, needed and matter to all of us.

David Long

Faith Crissey (Campbell)

I just recently got connected onto this site, and am looking forward to re-connecting with several classmates!  I live in Myrtle Beach SC, and have been here for 36 years (can't believe how time flies!!!).  I visited B/N last year for the dedication of the Lincoln's Lost Speech outdoor mural.  It was really good to revisit some of my old spots...

Sandra Jeakins (Singletary Sizemore)

Hi Faith!   Glad you posted to say hi.  I was at the music portion of the dedication to the Lincoln Mural on the courthouse square, last summer.  I don't walk too well so I didn't go over to you, but I do remember the  announcer saying you were there and them talking to you. I remembered your name from school.

So glad to have a new peron say hi on this site. I hope it encourages others to join in, too.

Faith, do you think there is a chance you can make it back for the class birthay party and Cheeks the next day in August?  That would be great to see you there!

Melvin (Mel) Theobald

Faith, great to know you have signed in. Like Sandy, I hope you can make it to the August celebration.

From today's Chicago Sun-Times. I can relate to this.

Julie Hart

I didn't know about the new Lost Speech mural so thanks for mentioning it.  One of my daughters did a history project on it and I have a plate hanging on my wall.  Has always fascinated me.

David Long

Thursday!  I'll be visiting a 'close friend', John.  Acturally the visit starts on Wednesday and concludes on Thrusday.  It's time for the 80yo to hopefully have his final (drumroll please) colonoscopy.  The gallon of prep liquid is prepared and in the fridge and a new book has been downloaded onto the Kindle.  

The VA must think I'm old and absentminded (true) because they've called multiple times to remind me to take the prep pills and when to start drinking the prep liquid and have said they will call again tomorrow to remind me again.  I have a reminder set on my phone to remind me to look for the reminder call.    The prep liquid is really overkill as there's a Thai restaurant 1 block away that has a great PadThai extra spicy that would have the same results . 

On a different and very serious note, got some great news from our former parish in Kansas.  A family from the parish was vacationing in Colorado and their 16 month old daughter was bitten by a rattlesnake.  The Great News is she was rushed to the Children's hospital in Denver and after 10days has been discharged.  It was touch-and-go for several days, but things are really looking good for her now.