Cold in the Warmth of Winter

The 55th Reunion has come and gone, and the winter of 2022-3 proved to be an exceptionally warm one, with early bulb flowers and grass greening already although my cherry tree is running really late. Other than that,  Nature is going wild. We humans however, are just growing older. We continue our journeys making note of those of us whose journeys got cut short this winter. We lost:

Martha Berry Moore in March of this year; Carolyn Holmes, in January of this year, Terry Hurt and Barb Walsh in December of '22. Some of us are seriously ailing and we send our best to them for recovery. For those of us still hale and healthy, a heartfelt thanks to our lucky stars.

Last year we sold our RV thinking that between the work involved in maintaining it and Linda's assessment of my driving that it was time to stop pounding the roads. Last month, we both decided that we missed it, so we got a small travel trailer for shorter trips here and there every now and again. At least we can if we decide to. The same is true for getting together. 

It makes me wonder if we should not think of getting together more frequently but for the effort. Perhaps if we keep it real simple........Let us know what you think!

Oh, Linda asked me to remind you that if you have moved or changed email (especially important with the increase in postage), please let us know

The 55th Reunion has come and gone, and the winter of 2022-3 proved to be an exceptionally warm one, with early bulb flowers and grass greening already. Nature is going wild. We humans however, are just growing older. We continue our journeys making note of those of us whose journeys got cut short this winter. We lost: The 55th Reunion has come and gone, and the winter of 2022-3 proved to be an exceptionally warm one, with early bulb flowers and grass greening already. Nature is going wild. We humans however, are just growing older. We continue our journeys making note of those of us whose journeys got cut short this winter. We lost: The 55th Reunion has come and gone, and the winter of 2022-3 proved to be an exceptionally warm one, with early bulb flowers and grass greening already. Nature is going wild. We humans however, are just growing older. We continue our journeys making note of those of us whose journeys got cut short this

DOUBLE NICKELS

It's been 11 years since the no longer "new" Reunion Committee reimagined what our Reitz 67 reunions could look like. We increased outreach and contacted everyone; we kept the pricing as low as possible to allow everyone to attend without worrying about breaking the bank. We tried to provide a program to provide some structure to the event while being flexible enough to not be overbearing. We tried to make sure that everyone who attended felt welcome. We've tried informal to formal venues and motifs. We tried to stage "in-between" events to keep momentum moving forward. Through careful fund management, we actually have a bank account with some money in it. 

And then Covid arrived hit us all hard in unforgettable ways we are even now figuring out. It introduced many of us to self doubt about our immortality and questioning the slightest throat tickle or sneeze. In short, a lot of water under the bridge that we'll never get back. It's definitely time to get together again as self affirmation and group therapy. What better way than a 55th reunion?

Here's how we've decided to handle the "Double Nickels" reunion:

Friday, October 7, 5pm, food and soft drinks catered by Country Cupboard of Madisonville served at 6pm featuring fried chicken, ham and the now famous Willis BBQ pulled pork and 3 sides and desserts with conversation and festivities till we poop out whenever, BYOB. Cabin 18 at Burdette Park (the one by the BMX track with lots of parking and nearest to the RV campground.) The price will be $25 a person. Reservations will be taken beginning June 1, 2022. 

We look forward to seeing you all there. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Linda at 812 425-3255 or linday7632@gmail.com.

 

Milton Who?

Yeah, I know. It's been a while. I've had my reasons, as you'll see, so read on. 

It's been a crappy year. I can't think of any year (even my crappy college years) that was worse.

It wasn't just the sheer helplessness we all felt; waiting for the other shoe to drop; the loneliness of not being able to see loved ones; watching the evening news as the death count kept going higher. I started comparing the death count to the populations of major American cities and tried to imagine everyone in that town dropping dead at once just so that I could come to grips with the magnitude of the losses. I was really getting morbid and it took a lot from Linda to kick my ass out of that mode. I'm still working on it quite honestly.

This past October, Linda and I finally got up the nerve to pick a place where the infection rate wasn't quite so high because we, like the rest of us, just needed to get out of the house. We decided to go to Cleveland and visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We were on the road and just north of Columbus when we got a call from my sister that my 97 year old father had been stricken with a heart attack and that things didn't look good and that we needed to divert to McLean VA. So in October I ended up losing my dad. But that wasn't all.

During the past couple years, we kept losing Reitz classmates. We lost Bill Burgdorf, Roger Cox, Paul Ensinger, Gene Helfert, Myrtle Sutton Hibbs, Austin Sammons, Bob Wolf, Brenda Cosby Gatewood, Bill Shaeffer,  Jim Nunn, Jerry Purdue, and we lost Sam Still's wife, Brenda. 

Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse, Linda and I contracted Covid-19 in mid-January of
2021 (we always do everything together); we were lucky, only getting mild symptoms (mild like getting run over by a hit and run driver and then someone driving a spike into your brain then having an elephant sit on your chest for a few weeks and then having the stamina of a 2 year old for another month or two). I spent an observation day in the hospital but we're above ground looking at the sky and that means everything.

As gruesome as this all was, things are looking up. Evansville is opening up slowly (maybe a little too quickly for my still masked taste). Linda and I are now vaccinated. We're seeing our Great granddaughter regularly. The 100th WSNC Fall Festival is on, as is the Henderson Handy Blues Festival. And Reitz is going to have a graduation this year which, if outdoors, we will be attending to watch our grandson get his diploma. 

I am almost ready to clap my alcohol gel-chapped hands at the slow upward progress of vaccination numbers, and the pandemic cloud seems to be breaking up. Did I mention that 2022 is going to see our 55th anniversary reunion next Fall ( don't jump the gun - not this fall, but the next one.) We will be announcing planning meetings later on this year and collecting ideas for next year. We've got plenty of time but we always want to do things a little different every time and next year will be no different. With any luck we'll be hugging and shaking hands and making merry. I so look forward to it. In the meanwhile, send us your new email addresses, change of addresses, and new contact phone numbers to make sure that you don't miss a thing as they develop. 

One thing this year definitely taught us is that time is fleeting and we never know what the Fates have in store for us. I witnessed and tasted mortality this year, and it was bitter. Whatever it is, do it now. Don't wait to say it; say it now.

So folks, I'm back from the edge of the abyss and I hope this finds you and yours in good health and good spirits. Talk to you soon.

Other Countries Heard From

Hi folks. Yes, it's been a while and while I've been honey-doing for Linda and doing my best to corrupt the youth of Mt. Vernon, there have been some doings on FB, including new and recent activity from Billy Beale, Mike Derrington, Barbara Cappy, Judy Kay Moore, and Myrtle Englert. So it's time for me to crack my arthritic knuckles and get to blogging.

By now you probably already know about the passing of Pam Fogle Irwin, Darlene Hines Barnes, Dana Sharp, Carolyn Becker, Clarence (Gene) Helfert, and Steve Schnarr. Also of note was the passing of Eddie Merritt, and Jack McKendree (who our Daniel Wertz classmates will remember)

This month also marks the somewhat anticlimactic Reitz 100th birthday celebration marked by a historical presentation by Reitz history star teacher Jon Carl (he also wrote a book published by MT Publications which is really quite good) and a beer crawl. Big Blue Boosters also took the money that was raised for the celebration and will be overseeing the building of entry gates to adorn the school entrances once they get the blessing of EVSC.

On a more immediate birthday celebration, we are cooking up plans for a 70th birthday celebration in October of this coming year (2019). Nothing fancy, probably at Howell Shelter (after such a great event on the Friday before the 50th reunion). Hey, the Class of 1967 never misses an opportunity to plan for good food, good company, and building great memories. Again, we'll try to coordinate the timing with the Westside Nut Club Fall Festival so out of town classmates can come to the birthday bash and do a twofer while they're here. As long as dessert is included, I'm all in. More details to come as the plans take on more reality and we actually have a skull session with the Reunion Committee.

A Reflection on a Very Successful Reunion

It's been a few weeks since the F.J. Reitz Class of 1967 held its 50th reunion. After nearly every event that we have had a part in organizing, I know I usually Monday morning quarterback the event, dissecting the positives and negatives and begin a list of things not to do again or definitely repeat for next time. This time I deliberately held back my natural tendencies (well, alright, the foot surgery had something to do with it but that's just a minor distraction) and delayed my critique till this week.

In general, I've concluded that Reunion Committees as a rule, overthinks everything. Give people a place to meet, a place to sit, a decent meal and plenty of time to talk, they will consider the event a success. It's only the Reunion Committee that noodles over details that in the big picture will not make or break the event.

And the single most important thing? That everyone feel invited and welcome. Let us not forget that our involvement with the reunion began with one powerful impetus. You've got a really stubborn classmate who was determined to find and contact everyone. EVERYONE. That is the heart of the matter, plain and simple. Once you've been contacted, it's no one's fault if you've become reclusive over the years. Just like rogue nations, there are reasons that such things happen and a reunion committee invitation is not going to make a difference one way or another if you've been becoming isolated over a 25 year period. Based on my experiences with my own high school some of which I have related to you over the years, I know that a 35% participation rate is really high for as many years as we've been out of school. So I'm delighted if we get over a 125 or so classmates to come to every event. It's not always the same people just because of life. It's called life, and life happens!

Well, life continues to happen and the Reunion Committee is already plotting and scheming our next get together. With the success of the Friday night pork party, we're hearing talk of a 70th birthday party for the class. We may even serve birthday cake, but without candles. Burning down the Bishea building just wouldn't do, now would it? Planning it for around the Fall Festival again would be great, wouldn't it? Needless to say, we'll be meeting and sending out invites when the time comes.

Here's a picture of the room all decorated just before we left for a rest on the morning before the reunion. I was sitting here speculating about older classes who have far smaller attendance than we do simply because of the nature of age and mortality. I know we're a long way from that but it does remind one why it's important that we do this as often as we can.

So here I am sitting in front of my computer and Linda tells me that she had just heard that Max Harth passed away in Switz City. Max went to Cynthia Heights and was apparently one of those people who had been in poor health for many years and who I was destined never to meet. I immediately thought of the picture of the empty reunion room, but I also thought about all the new classmates I was able to meet this time, like Tim McMahon, and Terry Williams, and Angela Hempen and so many others. I haven't given up hope that I will continue to meet new classmates yet, next time, in two years and two years from now I know that I will still have the same lingering regret about not having had the time to speak with each of you. It's definitely not because I think so much of myself; rather it is because there is too little of me to go 'round. That certainly goes for everyone on the Reunion Committee with their responsibilities, but it applies to all the rest of us too. See ya in two years if not sooner.

It's Reunion Time

The time is drawing down for the 50th Reunion of the FJ Reitz Class of 1967!

So here it is in a nutshell:

FRIDAY September 29, 2017: The Warm-up at Howell Shelter 5:pm-10pm

An informal get together, a prequel to the following night featuring BBQ Pork Butts prepared by Bob Willis. All ya gotta do is show up with either a covered dish, or 2 liters and snacks or a dessert. It's pot luck and a lot of chat. And it's free. That's right. It costs nada, nil, zilch, zero, courtesy of the Reunion Committee that has been wise with your class funds (if we don't say so ourselves) to provide for this cooker extravaganza. Nothing fancy. Just good food and fun.

SATURDAY September 30, 2018: The School Tour 9AM-11AM at Reitz HS

Show up at the link and enter the main entrance to FJ Reitz at 9AM (There is handicap access in the form of an elevator in the right hand entrance). The tour lasts about 2 hours and will be conducted by Beth Carnahan, Reitz class of  1980 and current principal of Reitz. Beth bleeds blue and grey and is one of the most active and popular principals in recent memory. This is the tour that is sure to be remembered and a great way to spend the morning of the Reunion.

Additionally, if you're a golfer, contact Larry Broerman  (lebcrdlr@aol.com) who is setting up an outing.

SATURDAY September 30, 2018 The REUNION 4:30/5:00 PM  St. Phillips Conservation Club

This is it. It has been 50 years since you last passed through the doors of Reitz HS. You'll find all of your old friends and acquaintances from back then waiting for you. Catered by Gasthof of Montgomery IN, cooking in their mobile kitchen, cash bar and soft drinks and desserts. Good food, good friends, great memories. It doesn't get any better than this. Additionally, we've got some class business that the reunion committee wants to run by you for future reunions.

Dress comfortably and have a good time.

So it's not too late. As of now, we're running our usual 30% participation, but we can always do better! If you're local, there's definitely time to attend - just call or email Linda (812-425-3255 or linday7632@gmail.com to get your money in . If you're not, there's still time to make plans, but time grows short. Don't forget that Fall Festival begins the following week.

We will post exacting instructions to get to the Conservation Club in the near future. If you can use the odometer in your vehicle, you will find your way.

It's Reunion Planning Time: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

By now you've all probably seen Linda's post about the planning for the 50th Reunion.

So, here's a recap. We made arrangements to rent the St. Phillips Conservation Club Meeting room this past July for October 7, 2017. Yesterday, we discovered that due to an internal conflict at the club, that we were bumped to September 30. Needless to say, we were upset and scrambling like Andrew Luck in his own end zone. There were some domino-like fall-out. Schnitzelbank, our first choice for catering, let us know that they were unavailable for the new earlier date. Just when we thought it was going to start raining toads, Gasthof in Montgomery came to mind and not only could they deliver for that date, they could do so for the same price with additional sides. There just had to be a silver lining somewhere. So, I know we've said this before, but now the place is paid for and the catering is set:

The date is September 30 starting at 4:30pm; serving dinner at 6pm; program and festivities after that till 11pm. The meal will consist of two meats, 4 sides, and included beverages such as sweet and unsweet iced tea and lemonade and some 2 liters of carbonated beverages. Dessert will also be served. Additionally, there will be a cash bar with beer by the can and an assortment of mixed drinks.

As we have done in the past, there will be a program, group photos ( I swear we will gather all our veterans together for a group shot, something I regretted having missed last time, especially since we have so many veterans) and of course, more conversation and reminiscing than you can throw a stick at. Based on what I've seen so far in the past 6 years since we've been involved in planning these events, I think the class could meet in the middle of a cornfield and still have a good time. Fortunately, this will be quite a bit better than that.

We will be producing a new class directory (an anniversary edition!) that will include some memorabilia from graduation and the 60's, updated class information and in a larger format too. I hope to have all this completed well before the Reunion so that it can be ordered and then used to contact your friends and make arrangements. Speaking of contacting people, remember to get in touch with us with new addresses and email addresses and phone numbers if you've moved, gotten a new cell phone carrier, changed internet suppliers either out of frustration or corporate mergers. I want to make the directory a useful tool for everyone and that relies upon you folks to get me the latest information. Thanks in advance for spreading the word.

Finally, the 50th reunion only comes around once in each person's lifetime. It is the big one; the one you shouldn't miss. We're working hard to make it special. We hope you think so too.

Home for the Holidays Part Deux

Linda reminded me of a really important thing that I neglected to mention in my last post:

Our class database needs updating. While we have modified and tweaked it with every bit of information that you have forwarded to us, we know that informing the reunion committee of every move or email change is not the highest priority in the grand scheme of things.

Especially locally, with the digestion of Insight by Time -Warner cable and the subsequent ingestion of Time-Warner cable by Spectrum, those of us who have cable/internet based email addresses have had their emails changed to something that we can't begin to guess.

So if you're one of these affected folks, do drop us an email so we can keep you informed about the latest reunion news. Of course, if you've moved to enhance your status as a built-in grandbaby-sitter or a parent caretaker, or simply because it is too cold for those old bones, let us know this as well. There's no reason to drop out just because of a little thing like moving out of town! You've got people who care about you and want to keep in touch.

Additionally, the 50th reunion will also make available a new class address book, and we want to get it right, if not quite as elaborately as we did for the 45th.

Home for the Holidays

Hoping to find a lull in the annual funnel of activities surrounding the Christmas/New Year celebrations, Linda is trying to hold a little class get together at Parkway Pizza on December 20 at 6pm. Any classmate who needs a break from holiday preparations and would like to join some classmates over pizza should head on over to Parkway. What better way to start off the holiday festivities, eh?

On a sadder note, we found out late (due to some tech problems as yet to be figured out) that Larry Procter passed away at the end of last week without ceremony. We try to pay our respect whenever possible. Short of that, this blog has to serve the purpose. Larry was the guy who missed the 44th at Cottonwood because he didn't see the sign that Bob Willis posted on the door of the Howell Shelter House when we outgrew the capacity of the place. Larry did make the 45th though and I for one was glad to make his acquaintance in person at least for that once. His obituary can be found for posterity's sake on the class website.

So while we're at it, and before the opportunity is lost, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Linda and me to you and yours. 

First Reunion Planning Committee Meeting Held

Just before the 95th Annual Fall Festival on Franklin Street, your reunion planning committee met as the class of '66 held their 50th reunion. 

Here's what we know for sure. The Reitz Class of 1967's 50th reunion will be held on October 7 at St. Phillips Conservation Club located off Upper Mount Vernon Road on Conservation Dr. For those of you who are not familiar with the location, we will publish a map, GPS coordinates, etc. It's a great venue, plenty of space, with room for a serving line and a cash bar. Additionally, they've got an outside deck, a lake, and plenty of parking. We'll be having the reunion catered by Schnitzelbank out of Jasper. For those of you unfamiliar with their catering, they prepare the food on site, in one of their mobile kitchens. 

At this point, we're working out the details of theme, decorating, and program, and the myriad other details involved in planning this very special event. We even discussed how to approach the loss of so many classmates this past year.

Here's how you all can participate in making this event a success: 

In addition to attending (which goes without saying) you can contact Linda at linday7632@gmail.com or 812-425-3255 with your current contact information. If you've moved, or changed your address, email address, or phone number, let us know so that we can include current information in the directory which I am working to update. We know that a lot can happen in 4 or 5 years. For example, here in Evansville, the purchase of Insight ISP by Time Warner instantly changed the email of many classmates, but others chose to jump ship to other vendor so we couldn't assume that all the @insightbb.com emails automatically became @twc.com emails.   Retirement, grand parental responsibilities, relocation to warmer climes all mean changes that must be made in the directory, and that's only a representative sampling of all that life throws at us that causes changes to contact information.

So that's what we know so far. We'll post as things develop. I know we've got a long time to go but the months go by quicker than we'd like. Till next time.......

Jay's Last Ride

The only time I ever
saw a picture of Jay in a tie

We said goodbye to our friend Jay Ayers yesterday. We only heard of his passing on Friday. We had every expectation that we'd see him on his bike just like we see Bob Willis every now and again. It seemed like only yesterday that we were sitting outside the Bishea building at Burdette Park for the Pig in the Park, and now he's gone and we had to share our deepest sympathies to Jan. We got to Alexander East a little later than I wanted, but I had to teach and I had to get back from Mount Vernon before we could head out. When we got there, we were greatly comforted to know that so many of our classmates took the time to do the same for Jay to help send him on his last ride.

I will miss seeing him sporting one of his special reunion shirts joking with Barry Weissmann and John Reynolds and Gene Hollencamp. At almost the same time I found out from one of my Wayne Valley High School friends that one of my classmates who had been "missing" had passed away suddenly in 2014.

Considering how many Reitz classmates we've lost in a very short time, (Janet Frohbeiter Cox, Tom Wright, Bill Wimberley, Jan Yestigsmeier, Steve Jarboe) I realized that for some of us, this upcoming reunion might be the last time we get to see old friends in this lifetime, and so I urge you all who live in those far flung places to try and make plans to join us on October 7 of 2017 just before Fall Festival for the 50th Reunion of the FJ Reitz Class of 1967 at the St. Phillips Conservation Club.

In writing for the Wayne Valley blog, I composed a statement that I repeat here:
"Time cares not where you went to school, but only how long are spun the threads of Fate, a longer length for which mere mortals can only hope."

It may be sad but it is true. There is no guarantee for tomorrow. Don't pass up the opportunity to see your friends before they are taking that last ride with Jay.

Jay's Last Ride

It's the last day of school for the Mount Vernon School District and I should be a lot happier than I am, ready to celebrate a glorious summer after 5 months of teaching English for the sixth grade. Maybe teaching is for the young and patient, not for old curmudgeons like me, but although physically taxing, it was a worthwhile experience. While I sometimes feared for the future of our nation, some of the kiddos really renewed my faith in the youth of America. Little do they know; little do they realize yet that Time is relentless and unforgiving and it is calling them as surely as it calls to us. To both young and old, the message is the same. Time is fleeting; do not waste it.

Life's Reminders

I was just reminded by my phone (I've long since given up trying to remember things much more advanced than a few days without committing it to my phone, which never forgets unless I forget to make an entry), that it is time for my foot surgeon's one year follow up exam. It made me think back to that time last year when the agony of de feet caused me to go under the knife, and despite the inconveniences and discomfort of recovery, I must admit that the constant pain is gone. I have had to trade off to a certain extent. I can no longer consider marathons or steeplechases. Good thing since they were never on my bucket list.

What that IPhone reminder also did was remind me that I have neglected this blog greatly in exchange for living a busy life with your classmate Linda. She has, all along, reminded me, much like a living IPhone, of events that ought to be blogged.  That time is here.

First, I remind folks that we have booked the St. Phillips Conservation Club for the 50th reunion of the Reitz High School Class of 1967. The reunion is currently scheduled for October 7, 2017. I will be your IPhone on this matter, as well as informing you that likely Schnitzelbank will be catering. This affair will have a cash bar and as we have done in the past, will have an agenda, a program and lots of great conversation, fun and laughter, and no end of reminiscing. As more details become available, we will pass them along. Cost is yet to be fully determined but as ever, we will try to keep it as reasonable as possible so the most classmates can attend without hardship.

Further, plans very slowly develop for the centennial celebration of FJ Reitz HS. These plans revolve around 2018 and planning currently involves developing branding for the event and collecting class lists to involve the greater Reitz alumni community which pretty much includes the entire westside.

Facebook continues to serve as a wonderful birthday reminder and if Linda and I have missed any, it is not from neglect but from spotty Internet connections in the various campgrounds we have occupied or inexplicable cell phone voids found in the most unexpected locations during our travels. That we all may continue celebrating our birthdays with family and friends is our most fervent wish, even though the numbers on the cake seem to grow disturbingly larger.

And Facebook also serves as a window on life's other events, like grandbabies, new puppies, travel adventures and much more and we're always happy to like and comment on such happy occasions in passing and it is always comforting to know that people you know and like are keeping tabs on you even as we strive to keep up with others' travels and tidings.

Sadly, we have also recently learned of two additional classmates who will no longer celebrate birthdays with us. On October 22, 2015 we lost Bill Wimberly and most recently, on October 24, we lost Janet Cox Frohbeiter. I will be updating the website memorial page and including obituaries that were locally published.

The Good Fight

After the stress and joy of the holidays and, for me, the prospect of walking around again like a real boy after foot surgery, we received disturbing news from Gayle Brown Gurksnis:

When Jan was diagnosed with brain cancer she was only given a few months to live but she has fooled us all by being with us for 2 years.  As you will read, things are progressing very quickly now.    It still does not seem possible to me that we will not have her much longer but I am just so forever grateful for these last few years that she and I have had together and all because of the Reitz67 website.  Thank you too Milton!

 

Gayle

---

 Subj: Update on our "Jani Girl"

 

Hi everyone,

Jan and I will celebrate our 23rd anniversary in a few days. We are certainly blessed to have reached that point. But her strength is waning and her mind is largely in a special place only she knows. She fell, or perhaps "dropped" is a better word, to the floor three times in the last few days and had a sustained seizure last Saturday. Fortunately she still has no pain from her cancer. There's no way to know how long she will hold on; professional estimates are a month or two, but this is Jan we're talking about! Until the last few days I felt that was hogwash, but things change without much warning despite her vitals being good.  We stopped all chemo in November as the disease was showing progression and the chemo was too demanding. We began home care about three weeks ago.
Attempts at oral communication, such as phone calls, are quite frustrating at this point. She doesn't answer questions and if she speaks, only "parrots" what others say to her. I read her emails and cards and show her pictures from Facebook, etc. and she does seem to enjoy these. At the insistence of my buddy Terry, I set up Facetime yesterday and it is great. If anyone has this and wants to give it a try sometime, let me know cause she can wave.

Remember "Hey Jude" from the day of her big operation over two years ago? Many of you recall that her surgeon was Dr. Jude! Every time he stopped by the hospital room we irritated him with a hearty ...Hey, Jude. At the time, I asked all I could reach to sing a verse during her surgery and connect our energies. Well, hum a verse once in a while and channel her...stay connected, and drop her a card when you can.  Love ya all, Al

Jan and Al Clark
2196 E. Sahuarita Wash Way
Oro Valley, Az 8575

So if you get a chance, do drop a card or letter to Jan while we still can. 

Reitz Century Campaign

Back in 1918, Evansville decided to use the top of an unused hill on the westside of Evansville to build a school. That school came to be known as Francis Joseph Reitz High School. Well, in 2018, Reitz will be 100 years old, and there's nothing like a century to make for a great celebration.

Once again, Linda finds herself in the middle of things.  When Beth Carnahan (current principal of Reitz) first raised the notion of establishing an Outstanding Alumni group of people who bled blue and grey, who were active in their graduating classes, and who sparked reunions and kept track of everyone, I said to myself, "Self, I think they're talking about Linda!" Well I did nominate Linda and then didn't hear anything more until a couple weeks ago. Turns out Beth suggested to the Big Blue Boosters to contact us to work on the Century Campaign.

The long and short of the Century Campaign is to raise a lot of money to help fund Reitz's wish list for projects that the school needs that may not necessarily part of the EVSC budget. It also intends to hold a series of celebratory events over the course of 2018 culminating in some sort of blowout birthday bash.

So somehow or other, Linda and I will be helping to locate a group of active alumni from each class to try and contact every living classmate from '21 to 2018 and get them to contact their classmates. So far, we've been working on getting representatives from every graduating class to attend a January meeting with Beth Carnahan so she can fill in some details. We will also assist these other alumni reps on how to contact their classmates if they have not done so already. How you folks can help is if you know alums from other classes who might be interested in participating in this big effort, especially those who have been actively organizing their class events. Just let us know.

This is also a timely moment to mention to all to make sure that you let us know of any contact information changes that you have had in recent past; thanks to Pam Carroll Oldham for letting us know of your recent move from Germantown to Franklin Tennessee. Congratulations!

Needless to say, there is still a log of legwork that needs to be done, and after early November, any legwork that needs to be done will have to be done by Linda since I'm having foot surgery and will be off my feet for a couple, maybe three months. 2018 is still a ways off, and before then is the little matter of the 50th reunion of the Class of '67 in 2017. We are starting to turn the crank on some planning in this regard but it's way to soon to let the cat out of the bag. First we have to get the cat; actually we still have to get the bag!

On other fronts, sad news for the Beck family with Paul losing his 93 year old mom last week; on the other hand, cause for celebration with the Qualls family as Patty and her brothers help their parents' 70th anniversary. Albert and Dorothy have had a busy month with Albert flying to DC as part of Evansville's first direct flight WWII honor flight and Dorothy recovering from a bout of pneumonia.

The Plan Came Together

I used to think that it was one of the laws of the Universe that nothing ever worked the way you think it should; that there was always a little adjustment necessary to keep all the wheels on the wagon turning in the same direction at the same speed.

It turns out that sometimes things work out pretty well; that is certainly the case when it comes to the Pig in the Park get together held this past Saturday, June 7, 2014. For an in-between early summer event for a reunion event that has never been done before, the Reunion committee has reason to be pleased. A few that planned to attend were at the last minute unable to attend and were replaced by folks who thought they wouldn't be able to attend and found last minute that they could. The question was,"Is it too late to sign up?" We replied that only on Sunday would it be too late! As it was, people streamed in and out over the course of the afternoon and there wasn't a great time to photograph everyone together.

We had planned for indoor activities in the case of rain or scorching heat, and a combination of indoor and outdoor activities for good weather. We probably over thought the event by a lot planning contingencies for disasters that never happened. It turns out that for the Reitz Class of 1967, as long as there is a time and place to meet, and good food to eat that the party is on. Between eating and catching up with all the latest, nothing else was needed. Jeff Stevens catered the veggies for a ridiculously reasonable rate per person and Bob Willis's butts were in Pam Irwin's words, "The bomb"! Refreshments provided and BYO were sufficient and the desserts that were brought undid an entire season of restraint and exercise.

We had the building from noon to midnight, but understandably, considering the kind of schedules that grandparents and young at heart seniors maintain, a good 4 or 5 hours is asking a lot.

It's always hard to plan a summer event, and even though it was pretty universally agreed that we wanted to hold an event sometime before the 50th, there just didn't seem to be the ideal date and reservations had to be made for a venue.

All things considered, it was a successful event high in social and caloric content but not too high in revenue. Thanks to the generosity of the attendees, it was not necessary to dip into class funds that have been set aside for the 50th without having to resort to another round of fund raising efforts.

And thanks for your patience in waiting for this blog entry until after our memorable RV journey to Glacier National Park.

So we have a bit of rest before having to think about the next big event: the Big Five Oh! It'll be here before you know it!

The Winter of Our Discontent; Waiting for Renewal

It's been a rough Winter for us all. The weather has been unusually vicious for the region, and it has taken its toll on the Reitz Class of 1967 with the passing of  Stan Hebbeler, Karen Campbell, Linda Kitzinger and recently Jean Davis Trotter and the continuing health struggle of Steve Jarboe. With Spring nowhere in sight, it is hard to turn our thoughts to renewal and celebration, and yet, with each sadness, there is a corresponding joy as we are collectively blessed with grandchildren and, dare I say it, great grandchildren and their achievements and personal milestones. Life goes on, and we remember lost classmates fondly, and anticipate getting together with those of us who remain behind.

The Reunion Committee recently met at the Parkway Pizza, breaking bread, cracking jokes and shattering traditions to plan our next event. What have we come up with? One image, one idea come to planning fruition:

Here is the way it lays out right now. We've got the Bishea Building out at Burdette Park reserved from Noon to 10pm (The Bishea building is the one you get to after taking the first turn on the right once you enter the main entrance to the park). Barbeque and all the fixings. $10 bucks. Bring a dessert and sugar up the crowd. Wander off to play Putt Putt or a swim or some tennis (warm weather, we're waiting.....), wander back for more food. Let's make more memories as we share some old ones. There'll be new faces and familiar ones too. One thing is for sure: Once again, the Reitz Class of '67 is going to show how a class is supposed to stand strong and united over the years.

You'll be hearing from someone on the Committee toward the end of March when we will start taking reservations. By the way, it will be a lot easier for the committee to contact you if you update your email addresses and contact information as life pulls you from here to there to there to there. Insight to Time Warner email changes, land line cancellations, etc., etc. etc. Post cards are up to 33 cents! Keep them updated so they can keep you updated in return.

Remember that this is the 3rd class event staged by your new committee. Each time we have tried to change things up to keep up interest. Changes of venue, changes in menu, changes in programs, but always on the same principles: Keep it affordable, accessible, and inclusive. We hope you agree with this approach and hope to see you there.

How Much Do Your Memories Mean to You?

One of the fundamental reasons for all class activity, discussion, reunions, is to create and enjoy memories. In fact, it is probably the entire reason for doing any of this. I know that Linda and I have truly had a blast in seeing the Reitz Class of 1967 enjoy this rebirth of class spirit. I might point out the sad fact that some more recent Evansville high school classes cannot muster enough classmates for a reunion without joining several class years together, you know the Class of 65, 66, and 67 reunion sort of thing.

And then there are the family memories. Grandparents, parents, siblings, children, grandchildren and even some great grandchildren in and out of our lives weaving the delicate fabric we each call our lives.

And then there's work memories, for better or worse. Bosses, jobs, foremen, coworkers, subordinates, private contractors, consultants, all those things that go into careers in a lifetime.

Memories all.  I remember a Star Trek: Next Generation episode where Dr. Beverly Crusher finds herself surrounded by disappearing shipmates for whom the computer suddenly has no memory. One by one, her friends and shipmates disappear until she is alone with Captain Picard who has no memories of any crew except for the two of them. She begins to question her sanity and cries out in frustration. Even this little episode synopsis is a memory.

That is what is happening to Steve Jarboe. Each little stroke he has strips him of chunks of memories, those little things we hold so precious; those moments we remember that make life worth living. So Madison, his daughter has devised a plan to help him hold on to those memories, a memory book, filled with your memories of Steve, things you did together with him, moments you shared with him. She got a letter to us describing what she is trying to do:

Okay, just to recap, I want to gather stories about my dad from anyone and everyone who knew him to compile into a book to give him this year. As most know, he has had some health issues that, especially recently, have affected his memory. I think it would be wonder ful to show him the memories that others have of him and for his family to have a nice keepsake.

How many stories a person sends in is up to them and the amount of time they have to put them together. I would like for them to be typed if possible (for easier reading) and to have the sender’s name included on each one just in case something gets jumbled together when I’m organizing everything. If multiple people have a shared memory of my dad and want to write it together as one story, that is fine! Just so long as everyone’s name is on it. Everyone is also more than welcome to write a letter to my dad, either to go with their stories or in place of a story.

I would love to have at least one photo from each person, even better if it is of them and my dad or goes with a story. But at least a photo of themselves to go with their stories. The amount of stories they send up is up to them as well, but the more the better. It would be greatly appreciated if any pictures sent could be labeled with the sender’s name and any caption they want to include (or instructions for which story it accompanies.

I will be figuring out printing options in the meantime and will be organizing the book pages as I collect everyone’s memories to put into it. Stories and pictures can be sent via email or mailed. It doesn’t matter too much whether they sent them to you or me as long as I get them in the end. If someone prefers to mail their stories I would appreciate it if they could call one ofus to let us know that they have sent them so we know that they have sent them, just in case anything gets lost in the mail. Here is my contact information if anyone has questions or wants to send their stories and photos directly to me.

So, friends and classmates, let us send those stories in to us via email or snail mail and we'll get them to the Jarboes in Kansas or send them directly to Madison:

Madison Jarboe

10017 W. 68th St

Meriam KS 66203

Help the Jarboes rebuild Steve's life by rebuilding his life's memories of Reitz and you. Here is something that costs nothing but means so much. We know we can count on all of you.

Pulling Together

I'm using this forum to repeat a message that I posted to the home page of the Reitz Class of 67 website:

As you all know, Steve Jarboe has always managed to support all of our class events. Through thick and thin, Steve has always been there, offering monetary support, encouragement and his quiet and wise presence.

Right now, Steve is going through the health challenge of his life and we are asking that you all take the time to send your prayers and cards to him in Kansas. Let’s be there for him as much as he’s been there for us.

Steve Jarboe

7112 Aminda Dr.

Shawnee KS 66227

A Summer Visit and Another Reminder

Linda and I just got back from a visit to my parents in New Jersey. A summer road trip to my parents' home, my high school home for my mother's birthday. Linda was trying to keep our destination a surprise but my dad messed it up by calling me to ask if the trip was still on. He didn't know about the secret part of the trip. When I seemed surprised, he realized what he had let the cat out of the bag and without missing a beat told me to just forget that he had called. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Yes, we are all aging. Time keeps ticking away.
I am just lucky that I have been blessed with a long lived family. 3 of my grandparents lived to well over 100. That is my ambition as well and the grandkids had better not get within range of my cane or risk getting one up side their heads.

I had a lot of time to spend with my dad this trip. We agreed that each minor memory loss (the 4th item on the grocery list, the reason for the trip down to the basement, etc.) gets you wondering if this is the beginning of the end down the road to addlepation. We commiserated on how easy it was to squat down to pull weeds and how hard it is getting back up. My dad eats lunch with a bunch of old guys every Thursday, and every now and again, their number gets smaller by one. We weighed our desire to get a discount against the tacit admission that we were older than dirt.

It was just a couple of days, but I came to an even greater appreciation of the old guy than I had before. Amazing how much smarter parents get as you get older and I suddenly realized how blessed I was to still have both my parents as I enter my own dotage. Like Joni Mitchell reminded us in the early 70's. Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone.

Once again, a really enjoyable experience was tempered by sad news. Dennis Brush, another Reitz Class of 1967 graduate, who had been in bad health when we first contacted him before the Cottonwood reunion, succumbed to his various health issues this past week. I have placed his obit and a recent photo on the class website.

If you've still got them, give your folks a call just to say hello.

A Cruise, A Condo and a 50th

Everyone that participated in the Class Cruise of 2013 is now recovered from the trip and back in the swing of things back home thinking about the spring (if it ever manages to arrive) and beyond.

I think all in all the trip to Canaveral, the cruise itself, and the trip back home went pretty smoothly considering the logistics of 20 or so people all traveling different routes to get to the same place. No viruses, no engine problems, just relaxation, sunshine and good food and company.

Makes you want to go back to where it's warm and sunny; speaking of which, we held the Orange Beach Condo drawing 2 weeks ago. The winner was Karen Pfettscher Long Miller. She still has a couple of weeks to make arrangements with Gary Malin or she loses it to Larry Broerman, who was drawn as runner-up. Although not the smashing success of last year, the drawing still managed to raise quite a bit toward funding the Pig in the Park celebration in the summer of 2014.

And we're not done yet! At the suggestion of Carolyn Johnston Warnick and Terry Hudson who prevailed on Linda and Tonja Rosso Duncan to help organize a 50th reunion of the West Terrace class of 1963. From preliminary contacts, looks to be at least 15 or more -attending a school tour by the current principal and a get together afterwards on Saturday, June 8 (schedule dictated by the availability of the principal). Specifics will be announced as soon as possible. The entire low cost function will probably be funded by a simple pass the hat among the attendees.