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SPECIAL ARCHIVE NOTE: To save storage space on the web site, the photographs originally featured with these stroies had to be eliminated. Sorry.


JUNE 2000
BOB WILLIAMS ('69) Houston, Texas [E] by sheer coincidence, sent me an e-mail the very same day as his former girlfriend at Jay, MARY LOU NORRED (see her e-mail below). At least, I think they went together in the old days! If I got ya'll mixed up, please for give me! Anyway, Bob writes... "Dennis, I was saddened to hear you say that this will be your last reunion that you will help with. You have done such a great job, I know it takes countless hours and you have done a tremendous job. Maybe you will change your mind on the 40th, I hope. Again, thanks for the great work you have done." ---Well, Bob. I've done three of these for my class and helped out on the reunions for the classes of 1969 and 1971. Tell ya' what, Frank Sinatra came out of retirement by public demand, so we'll see what kind of demand there is in another 5 years for a 35 year reunion. OK? How's that? (6/29/00)

MARY LOU NORRED ('71) Poway, California [E] called me tonight to let me know she's coming to the reunion! Oh, I love that girl! The times I spent over at her house, just talking and talking. If memory serves me correctly, she was going steady with BOB WILLIAMS ('69) at the time, but I would drive over to her place just in case I could be there to comfort her anytime she broke up with him. HA!! I called her "Big Red" and she'd always come after me, screaming don't call me that! What a beautiful smile and pretty red hair! She was a cheerful cheerleader and good friend. She taught me the secret of how to call my own extension phone within my house, even though it was on the same phone line. It was so cool. It's going to be a blast to see her, again, after all these years. After her phone call, she sent me an e-mail..."Dear Dennis, It was so nice to talk to you. I'm so excited about coming. I went to the web site after I talked to you and got the latest info. It's awesome! I sent you a check to help with the newsletter and website. I wish it could be more. Let me fill you in on the latest with me. We moved to Poway,California (a suburb of San Diego) in June of 1994 and we love it here. It is so beautiful and the weather is to die for. We have become golf-aholics. With the weather so nice, we play year round.My husband, Clark works at REMEC. They recruited him out here from Esystems in Dallas. I quit teaching when I had my last child, Haley. She is now 11. I volunteer at her school all the time and I have coached her softball team for the last 6 years. I hate to brag but she is an awesome shortstop. Takes after her mother! Josh, who came with me at the last '71 reunion is now 18 and just graduated from high school and moved out last weekend to live with my older son Jason. April who is now 23 just got married in May and lives and works in Dallas. Jason who is 25 lives here and works at REMEC with Clark and goes to San Diego State. He got a late start because he went into the army right out of high school for 4 years. Anyway, that should bring you up to date. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful husband who spoils me rotten and four great kids! Well I better go. I'll keep checking your web site for the latest news. Sorry, it's taken so long to get in touch. I'll try to keep in touch more often. Tell everyone you see or talk to that I said "HI" and that I can't wait to see everyone. Love ya, Mary Lou." ---It's gonna' be a hoot to see ya', Mary Lou, and I think that your fellow cheerleader, SHIRLEY ENGLISH ('70) is coming, too! (6/29/00)

MICHAEL BROWN ('72) & MAUREEN DEATT ('72) {Location Unknown} [E] sent in an e-mail about attending the reunion..."Hey, Dennis, I'm Michael Brown (Mike) and my wife is Maureen Deatt Brown. We are both Class of '72 Jay grads who had crushes on each other in our freshman year, but didn't follow thru until we met again at our 20 yr. Reunion on the 4th of July in '92. We courted for two years, then married on the 4th of July in '94 (my first - & only! - marriage!). Maureen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis two weeks before the wedding date, and, right there we committed ourselves to a lifelong fight of the condition. The education that the fight has given us has been nothing short of amazing, revealing startlingly helpful things along the way.... Thanks for all you've done toward this reunion and for all you do toward Jay alumni unity & preserving great memories." ---That's an amazing story and I look forward to meeting the two of you at the reunion! (6/29/00)

CHUCK OGIER ('70) Thousand Oaks, California [E] sent in an e-mail, today... "Dennis...as I figured my schedule has me based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the month of July. I leave Los Angeles on the 1st and wont be home again till the 3rd of August. I was looking forward to going and was sitting on the fence, so to speak, until my schedule was posted. Y'all have a great time. I will be thinking of you as I am suffering and having to take a trip to Melbourne, Australia and back to Jakarta, Indonesia, during the reunion. I really wanted to see what Clair Neyland looks like these days! See ya later." ---We'll miss you at the reunion, Chuck, and take my word for it, Clair is as beautiful as ever! (6/28/00)

DENNIS DUPRIEST ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E] ... funny, I find it strange to write about myself this way. Back in 1989, I attended the 20-year reunion of the "Class of 1969." During the evening, CLAIR NEYLAND ('70) and I talked a while and then, a photographer came up and took a photo of her kissing me. On the lips no less! It was that kiss that inspired me to host these class reunions. This is the third one that I have headed up. Two years ago, when I started to work on this reunion, I made a big hoopla about the fact that I had asked Clair to be my date for the reunion. In fact, you may recall the huge headline in that newsletter: "DENNIS POPS THE QUESTION AND CLAIR SAYS, YES!" She and I had some great laughs over that, as did all our classmates. Clair really was going to be my date and we were both looking forward to having a great time, together. But two years, is a long time to make plans for and stuff happens and plans don't always go our way. I heard from Clair over this past weekend. She works for Rosemary's Catering in Austin and coordinates so many of their events at the University of Texas. She has some very important functions that she must direct on the same weekend as our reunion. She is one of the best in the business and she has some awesome responsibilities. So, in short, my "Dream Date" won't happen this time around, as she can't attend the reunion. But ya' know what? Something good did happen from this. I, Dennis DuPriest, had the nerve to ask Clair Neyland, to be my date for the reunion and she said, YES, and she meant it! And for the past two years, I've been in 7th Heaven. Thank you, Clair. That first dance I was saving for you will be wrapped up carefully, put on the shelf, and will ready to be taken down and danced, whenever you can. (6/28/00)

JOANI VEALE ('73) San Antonio Texas has contacted me by e-mail. Seems the word about the reunion is spreading like wildfire. Joani writes... "Dear Dennis, I think this is the first e-mail I ever sent. This is Joani Veale Laufman '73. Vicki Howell has been keeping me informed about the biggest event in the history of the world. I am a late comer. After graduating from Jay I taught music for NISD. I was and will remain a major band person. I married my sweetheart a year after high school and had 2 kids. I left teaching to go to med school. Graduated from UTHSC San Antonio. I've been a Family Practice doc for 6 years. My son, Steven is a sophomore at Schreiner College. Joanne is a junior at Churchill High School and plays flute in the band. Steve and I have been married 26 years. He's still my sweetheart. I have two brothers, JIM VEALE ('69) and STEVE VEALE ('78) and a sister, JUDY VEALE ('78) who all went to Jay. My Dad, T. Ervin Veale was minister at Marbach Christian Church near Jay. He's 85 and continues to preach every Sunday at the Little Church of La Villita. My Mom, Joan Veale, taught science to a whole lot of Jay students at Anson Jones. She's active with grandkids and greatgrandkids. Looking forward to the reunion! Thanks for all the hard work. Love the website!!" ---Thanks for the update, Joani, and I'm glad to love the website! I hereby appoint you the "Reunion Doctor" for the reunion . Now I have three medical personnel to care for me, Dr. Joani Veale ('73), Nurse Cherri Cook ('69) and EMS Tech Harrel Scott ('70). I will be in great hands in case I start to croak! (6/28/00)

LAURA SUMMERSILL ('69) Bismark, North Dakota [E] was one of the first people I made friends with when I first went to John Jay and became involved with the drama club. Laura e-mailed me to let me know that she won't be able to attend the reunion, because she's getting married in three weeks. Wow, she's just a few miles from the Canadian border. Wonder if she'll be honeymooning with eskimos and polar bears? (6/26/00)

WILLY LOWE ('71) Dallas, Texas [E] flew all the way down here from Dallas, to conduct some business and to drop off his check to underwrite the Mr. Gatti's Pizza Party for us on the Friday night after the school social in the John Jay cafeteria! The amazing thing was that I didn't know he was coming down. I had originally planned to attend a special school board meeting, tonight, but Coach Casanova (my boss at Somerset ISD) said I didn't have to attend, after all. So I cam straight home after work, and Willy was sitting in his car at my house as I drove up. He came in and talked for a while, then had to skeedaddle back to the airport for a 6:05 pm flight back to dallas! The man is nothing short of amazing and his heart is as big as my waistline! And if you've seen my waistline lately, you've got to know that Willy and his wife, Mary, have the BIGGEST hearts in the world! Thank you, my friend. Thank you for all you've done for me over the years, for "The Guys", for the past reunions, and everything you continue to do. Your friendship knows no bounds and my life is richer and better for having you as my friend! God bless you. (6/26/00)

SHEILA O'KANE ('74) Plano, Texas [E] is thrilled about this web site and sent in a wonderful contribution to help keep it going. Her card was printed "The best things in life aren't things. They're people like you." Inside, she writes... "Dear Dennis, Thank you for your site... I wish I could be at the reunion and for that dance you promised me and to see everyone. I'm making a promise to be at the next one, whenever that may be. I went to my 10-year reunion and had a blast! Keep up the great work and let me know if I can do anything to help you, Love, Sheila" ---Wow! You have touched my heart with your beautiful card and kind words, Sheila. Thank you for the donation. Since ya' can't make the reunion, I'll make you this promise about the dance that I owe you... if you're ever back in San Antonio, stop by my house. I have over 2,000 record albums, 2,500 45's, and over 400 CD's. You pick the song,and the dance is yours. Or, if there is another reunion, anytime soon, and you're going, call me and I'll come to the reunion, dance the one dance and be gone as quietly as I arrived. Someday, one day, we will share that dance. I promise. (6/26/00)

HARREL SCOTT ('70) Canyon Lake, Texas stopped by my office, today, to hand deliver his reunion reservation check. It had been about six years or so since I had last seen him. Harrel is an EMS with the fire department at Canyon Lake and also serves as a peace officer in the community of Marion. He is in great shape and told me stories of his recent adventures in the EMS business. He promised me to do whatever it takes to get off work that night to make the reunion. (6/26/00)

TOM HENDRY ('69) Rowlett, Texas [E] e-mailed me to let me know he'll be at the reunion and he's gonna try and talk his sister, ROBIN HENDRY ('70) into coming, as well. His other sister is getting married the Saturday of our reunion in Helotes, which is about two miles down the road from the party! (6/25/00)

KAY COMPTON ('71) Mesquite, Texas [E] came to San Antonio, today, and she MUGGED ME! Kay was in town for a convention of over 3,000 lawyers. She is a paralegal in Dallas. Well, I picked her up at the RiverCenter Marriott Hotel and we went out to dinner at the Loop 410 Diner for the world's best fried mushrooms!! CHARLES "BUBBA" ABLE ('70) and ED HOLLEY ('72) joined us and we spent the next 3 hours laughing our butts off! What a great night!! She gave me a fantastic blue glass coffee mug with the State Bar of Texas emblem in real gold emblazoned on it! Since I collect coffee mugs, when someone gives me one, I say "I've been mugged!" The coffee mug is absolutely beautiful. And speaking of beautiful, that is the word for Kay! WOW and HUBBA-HUBBA!! She looks fantastic!! Kay hadn't seen Bubba in over 30 years and, yet, they were the best of friends and hung out together back in school days. It was great to see two friends reunite after so, so long. I had seen Kay about 11 years ago at a "Class of 1969" reunion and she sat at our table. Kay met Ed for the first time, last night. As we said our goodbyes, last night, Kay said it had been the funniest and best dinner she had gone out on in the past 30 years! She also said some very kind and endearing things to me, personally. No, I ain't gonna tell y'all. A guy has to keep some secrets, ya' know! (6/24/00)

RICHARD BRATZ ('70) Apple Valley, California [E] sent me some good news / bad news by e-mail... "Dear Dennis, I hope that everything is going well for you. I will not be able to attend the reunion this year. I just got married this past May and we are going on our honeymoon in July and I can't get away from work that long. If any pictures are taken, I want to order them, so I can at least get to see everyone. I am also sending a check to you to help with the newsletters and web site. I will talk with you, later." ---That's the best combination of good news / bad news I've ever gotten. Congratulations on the wedding and we all wish you two the very best. As for pictures, I'll tell you what... you send me photos of the honeymoon and I'll send you photos of the reunion! YEEE HAAA!! (6/24/00)

THERESA PITNER ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E] dropped this web site and signed the guestbook..."Dear Dennis, As you can see, I'm not very good at this. Just wanted to say 'Hi." I hope to see a lot of the people I used to know at the reunion. If, RICHARD SLAYTON ('70) is going to be there, he better tell me Hello. I like the website. It's really neat. I'll be in touch. All of you take care." ---Wonderful to hear from you, Theresa. Please be sure to get your reunion rservation in by next friday and tell your brother GREG PITNER ('71) to get his in as well! See ya' then! Also: I need your e-mail address. Please send it to me ASAP! (6/24/00)

ROSE RIOS ('72) Albemarle, North Carolina [E] found this web site and sent me an e-mail... "Dear Dennis, I have been checking out your site. I stumbled across it about a month ago. I think it was an ingenious gesture of you to do this. You sound funnier than comedians one finds on TV!! Very original, updated, informative, and best of all FREE! and I really think it is just what I needed. I have been wondering about old friends back home. This site is like having priceless family pictures you can't replace. Funny how everyone left home and scattered all over the US. Now, we ALL hunger to keep ties somehow with our past. I dream a lot about my high school days. I was a loner like others, not popular at all. Still that way. I mostly stick with my grandkids or children. I know no one remembers me either much less looking for me. I will try to catch the class chat on Wednesday night. Keep up the good work, several of us have been keeping contact lately on the message boards. We've been talking about your site too. Best tool I have found in the internet yet! Keep up the good work, I think you have to be a genius to have done this. I do not believe anyone else has a site like this one. Several of us have been keeping contact lately on the message boards. We also have been referring others to it. Priceless, is what it is! Please include my email address for the class of 1972. No one will really need it but it belongs there. I have been living in Albemarle, North Carolina. That is 50 miles east of Charlotte. Yeah, that's right, home of the Tarheels, Wolfpack, and Duke Blue Devils. I've been here since 1973, right after I graduated. Met my husband while he was stationed in Lackland AFB, four days late,r we were married in October 1972, and moved in January 1973. I work at Michelin, making Space Shuttle tires, and aircraft tires, a lot of government tires and commercial. Trying to get into clerical and translating for the Hispanic community around here. I used to be the ONLY hispanic around here. Translators are in big demand around here. Glad to hear Mr. Guerra is still around. Would like to hear from him. Maybe he would give me some quick Spanish lessons online. Good to hear and see so many familiar people from the "good ol' days". I did sign your guestbook, that was great too. Thanks for the memories! I'll keep reading and browsing here. Sorry, but I an't make the reunion, will be sending money soon to help out. Email me to who, and where to send it." ---Well, Rose, I hope you didn't get hurt when you first "stumbled" on the web page! LOL I am glad you enjoy it and thanks for spreading the word. Wow, I appreciate the kind words of praise, too! That always makes me feel great. As for this web site being FREE, well, not really, I foot the bill!! LOL Of course, with donations from fellow classmates, we all share in maintaining it. LOL You can send your donation to me at 7439 Lancewood Lane, San Antonio, TX 78227-1001. (6/24/00)

ART "EDDIE" JOHNSON ('74) Georgia [E] signed the guestbook..."Dear Dennis, Great page, please add me to the e-mail links. In some yearbooks, I was listed as "Eddie," but in the 1974 yearbook it was under "Arthur." I was also a part of the class of 1975, then, gained some credits to graduate in my original Class of 1974. I have been looking for Doug Wible for some time, so, if you have an e-mail or snail mail address for him, please forward to me. Also if anyone has a book from the recent 1974 Reunion, I would like to purchase a copy. E-mail me at: ajljkj@bigfoot.com I'm also looking for LORIE JOHNSON ('75), who moved after the freshman year to Somerset, but went to grade school at John Glenn and Sam Rayburn Middle. Anything from her?" ---Art or Eddie, 1974 or 1975, geez, I need a MAP to follow this! Good to hear from you. No, I don't have any info on any of the people you mentioned, sorry. Stay in touch. (6/24/00)

RANDY BEATY ('70) Killeen, Texas [E] has found ROGER SAVAGE ('71) and tells me about it in his e-mail... "Dennis, I stopped by a convenience store, yesterday, to look through a phone book for Roger's phone number. I went to the VA hospital to get my VA card and thought that I would give it another shot. I looked through the Temple phone book and found his name in one of the smaller cities. I called the number and lo' and behold it was him. I met him, his wife, Sherry, and kids and spent the afternoon reminiscing with him. It was great to see him again. He's about 35 to 40 minutes away from me here in Killeen. He gave me a new address and phone number to pass along to you. Roger Savage 15531 FM 3369 Temple, Texas 76501 Phone: (254) 985-2622. I check in on the website every few days and noticed that the website has received a tremendous amount of hits in a short time. While I might spend 15 to 30 minutes looking at the website, just before I leave I noticed that at least another half dozen have entered. That's a great tribute to you and Ed in keeping everyone informed on the happenings at home. Keep it up!! Take Care." ---Randy, thanks for the great detective work! See you in a month at the reunion! (6/22/00)

SUSAN WITT ('71) Avondale, Arizona [E] has been having a blast in our Wednesday night internet chats and sent this e-mail, today... "Dennis, You are providing such a wonderful and remarkable service to your fellow classmates, if they give "Most popular, Most liked, Most dedicated, Outstanding Long Term Commitment Service Awards (I'll let you know about Best Dancer after I see you in action Ha!) for former Mustangs, I am absolutely positive you would make a clean sweep! I know you are crazy busy these days (believe me I do understand better than most!!). I am anxious to catch up on all the news I have missed for so many years. I hope you are feeling better and your fever is gone. I look forward to catching you on the chat line tonight. My spouse says I'm really hooked.....OK I admit it I AM! Ha!! Have a wonderful day, and again much thanks for all your efforts, you are soooooo very much appreciated!" ---Gee, you are so sweet, Suzie!!! Ok, I'll save ya' a dance! (6/22/00)

JIM NUANES ('71) Fort Myers, Virginia [E] is retiring. Here's his e-mail announcement to his friends and military compadres... "Dear Friends, The time has come for me to say goodbye to you and to wish you the very best of life. I will be retiring after 22 years of active federal service and over 29 years of military association. I've had a great time, but then on the other hand, I'm looking forward to becoming a civilian again. I don't know for whom or where I'll be working, but you can reach me though my email address: JIMNUANES@NETSCAPE.NET You are also invited to attend my retirement ceremony on 29 Jun, at 4:30 p.m. (That's 1630 hrs, for you military guys!) at Fort Myers, Virginia. It seems that retirement ceremonies are always the last Friday of the month, except this month. There are many others that I missed sending this message because my e-mail system has lost some addresses. For those of you that can forward this e-mail to individuals that I have interacted with, I'd appreciate it. Thanks! Again, best wishes to you and you loved ones and keep in touch! Jim Nuanes, Lt. Colonel, Signal Corps" ---Jim, we all salute you for your service to our nation! (6/22/00)

CAROL HAMM ('75) {Location Unknown} [E] e-mailed me to say there is going to be a new combined web site for the Classes of 1974 & 1975. She also mentions the recent passing of Leonard Bachman. She writes... "Dear Dennis, and Hi to everyone, I just learned of the sad news of a good friend and fellow alumni, Leonard Bachman. Linda Bachman was my best friend in high school and we had lost contact for many years. She called me last night with the news. Leonard will be missed by many but I know that his memory will live on through many lives for as long as the class of 1975 breathes. Linda, Carol, Alice, Brandon, Jeffrey, Mr. and Mrs. Bachman you are in our prayers. I would like to hear from other 1975 graduates. There is a new website being created for the John Jay classes of 1974 and 1975. The future home page for the Class of 75' and 74' is: http://hometown.aol.com/johnjay77/74.html Please e-mail your news and contact information to GAIL WALKER NEWSOME ('74) at gnewsome@marquiscom.com Hey, 1974 & 1975 classmates lets start getting in touch. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. My e-mail addresss is CNG8177@aol.com. I guess my most memorable accomplishment there was on the volleyball team. I hope someone out there remembers me. Thank you, Dennis for allowing me to enter into your website. You are awesome". --- Gee, Carol that's the first time anyone said I was "awesome!' That's awesome! Are you any relation to Bruce Hamm? That name sticks in my mind for some reason. Good luck on your new web site! (6/21/00)

CINDY BACON ('70) Omaha, Nebraska [E] , the karate kid, herself, e-mailed me, today..."Dennis, Thought I'd send you a recent picture of me. Today some smartass at work thought they'd get a surprise shot of me and they put on my computer screen while I was out of the office. I hate pictures of me, but, for a cheap digital camera I thought it was kinda neat to be able to take pictures and never have to pay for developing film. And, it runs on a 9-volt battery. I found out where the smartass got the camera, and it was cheap,$60, so I went and bought one. I'll have it with me at the reunion. See ya next month!" ---Wow, just $60 for a digital camera? Let's see the quality of this thing! (6/20/00)


Hey, the quality isn't bad at all! Tell ya' what, Cindy. Tell the guy
who took the picture, to make sure you're IN the picture next time
or you'll karate chop/kung fu/tae fido/numbnutz his butt to pieces!!

RAY WHITWORTH ('73) Dallas, Texas [E] sort of followed in my footsteps in the radio business. His e-mail to me lists his resume of sorts..."Dear Dennis, I'm in the radio business as you once were. I interned at KTSA & KONO 1973-1974 in San Antonio and worked at KSYM FM at San Antonio College, WOAI, KEEZ FM (now KAJA). In 1975, I moved to Denton and attended North Texas State University and worked at KLIF in Dallas. I even worked with that purple dinosaur, BARNEY! Currently, I do traffic reporting at KRLD in Dallas and I am on ABC RADIO at night, producing and co-hosting the show, 'THE MIDNIGHT COWBOY' WITH BILL MACK" on WBAP in Dallas-Ft.Worth." ---Wow, it's great to hear from you Ray. I loved my 15 years in radio, but as your resume shows, radio takes you all over the place and I just had to settle down. I do miss the on-air performances, but still keep busy in the industry by being the freelance copywriter for KTSA & KTFM Radio, here in San Antronio as well as for other stations, advertising agencies and the like. It's still a thrill for me to drive down the highway and hear my commercials on-the-air or be sitting in a restaurant with the radio playing and a commercial comes on that I wrote and I chuckle to think that no one in the entire place has any idea that they are sitting next to the guy that wrote or voiced it!. I "voice" a spot every now and then, as well. Yeah, I keep my foot in the door, but just enough to stop it from closing. Hope you can make it to the reunion, compadre! (6/20/00)

SHEILA O'KANE ('74) Plano, Texas [E] just loves this web site! Look what she has to say... "Dennis, FANTASTIC web site!!! Just finished browsing through all the pages, saw some familiar names and took your "trip down memory lane". You have a site to be proud of!! Of course, I am looking for classmates from my year, but it was great to see names from other years that I recognized. Now a little about me......I live in Plano, Texas, with my husband of almost 25 years. We have four children ( Paul, 23, Erica & Jessica, 18 and Monica, 17) The twins just graduated and what a relief!! I am a homemaker ( read that as I do nothing all day except surf the web, LOL) and would love to hear from others from my class. They can email me at: shemchin@hotmail.com. I will not be at the reunion in July because my husband and I will be in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia for a confrence for his job ( and a 2nd, 3rd, 4th.... honeymoon for us LOL!) Sorry I'm going to miss it as I missed the one last July for our class because of the same circumstances. Keep up the great work, Dennis and a check is in the mail (really!!) to further your great work." ---Thanks Sheila, Sorry you'll miss the reunion and a slow dance with me!! Have fun in West Virginia and stay in touch! (6/20/00)

DEBBIE HILBRICH ('74) {Location Unknown} [E] found this web site and loves it! She writes... "Dennis, Hi, I'm from the Class of 1974. You have a great site! I am sending a check for the reunion this week. Please include my e-mail address in the classmate e-mail links and include me in your newsletter distribution. See you in July!!" ---Hey, Deb, welcome to the gang! I don't know if I will have any more newsletters going out, but if I do, you will get them! Consider yourself added to the e-mail links and thank you for the check!! (6/20/00)

BECKIE AUSTIN ('75) Lake Charles, Louisiana [E] Sent me an em-mail, today... "Dear Dennis, I received a e-mail from GAIL WALKER ('74), today, and she mentioned the death of Leonard Bachman. I graduated with Leonard and your brother, ROBERT "Bobby" DUPRIEST ('75). Leonard's death was such a shock to me. We were good friends John Jay. I live in Lake Charles, LA. and was able to make to our 25th Class reunion. I am the sister of DEBBIE AUSTIN ('71). In fact, I just got off the phone with Debbie to give her the details of the Summer Bash in July. She will be contacting you for more details. Please tell Bobby when you see him that I said Hello." ---Beckie it's good to hear from you. I am getting so many e-mails about Leonard's death and so are his sisters, who appreciate all the kind words. I will be sure to tell my borther, Bobby, hello for you. I hope you and your sister can make the reunion! By the way, did you knowthat your sister and I went steady for a while? Yep! Fell in love during a play at school. She later dumped me at a cast party to go steady with URBAN URBANO ('70)!!! (6/20/00)

LINDA DeZELL ('75) {Location Unknown} [E] knows my brother, Bobby, I guess, because they were in the same class, but we've never met. But that doesn't matter because I love making new friends! She e-mailed me, today... "Dennis, You've done a great job with the webpage. I graduated in 1975!" ---Short and to the point! Hi, Linda, glad you made it and like my web site! (6/20/00)

JEFF ENNIS ('73) Bergheim, Texas [E] sent me an e-mail that's I'd like to share with everyone... "Dear Dennis, Thank you for your condolences regarding my mothers passing. She passed away peacefully with my father at her bedside, after a 3 month battle with ovarian cancer. My father and sister, JOANNE ENNIS ('70) are still living in our family home on Rawhide Drive. My wife, FAYE HOBBS ('76) and I live in Bergheim with our 10 year old son, Jake. We enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day with Faye's mom, my Dad, Faye's brother ED HOBBS ('70) and his wife, CAROL SMITH ('74), their children Brandon & Jillian. My brother JIM ENNIS ('69) and his wife Fern, also celebrated with us. I'd like to wish all John Jay "Dads" a wonderful Fathers Day! Keep up the great work and please list our email address on your website for both of us."--- Jeff, it's good to hear from you after these many years. Of course, your family and my family grew up as neighbors and you and my brother, TOM DUPRIEST ('73) were best of friends back in the good old days. I hope you'll consider attending the reunion and talking your sister and brother into coming, too! Your e-mail address has been added, my friend. (6/19/00)

ALICE BACHMAN ('72) San Antonio, Texas [E] came over to my house, yesterday, (Saturday 6/17/00) and visited with me for about an hour. We had a wondeful time catching up on memories and friends. She is working on a reunion project for me. This morning, (Sunday, 6/18/00) she called me to let me know her brother, LEONARD BACHMAN ('75) had just died at the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital here in San Antonio. Our condolences and prayers go out to Alice, CAROL BACHMAN ('73) and LINDA BACHMAN ('75) and their families. Leonard died of respiratory failure. (6/18/00) Note: for funeral information, please scroll up this page to the "OUR CONDOLENCES and PRAYERS" section.

CHARLES KOSTMAYER ('70) Mobile, Alabama [E] called me, yesterday, to let me know he's going to be a father for the first time!! His wife is expecting their first child in December, so they may not be able to make the reunion as she has been ordered lots of bed rest. Congratulations, Chuck! Way to go! (6/18/00)

DEAN DUNN ('69) & SANDY WOODS DUNN ('70) North Richland Hills, Texas [E] has sent in their reunion reservation check. Dean and Sandy have been married since two days after God invented water!! They sent a note with their reservation which says that Dean and Sandy send their best to me and they thank me for all of my efforts in getting this reunion going. Their son, Steve, 24, is working on his Masters Degree in Ft.Worth, and their daughter, Tammy, 31, is married to a medical resident and lives in Boston, Massachusetts. Their daughter has one son - which makes Dean and Sandy grandparents! ---Well, let me share some credit with DANNY PADRON ('69). This guy is handling the finances for me in a top rate manner! It's sure nice to have that load off my shoulders. (6/18/00)

GLENN BURCHARD ('69) Austin, Texas [E] has been out of pocket for a few years. He was in touch with fellow classmate, DANNY PADRON ('69) who gave me Glenn's address. I sent Glen some of the past newsletters along with the web site and Glenn wrote to me by e-mail..."Dear Dennis, I'm blown away and almost speechless-and that's hard to do! The web site you've built is unbelievable. There is so much information there that it'll take me hours to go through it all--but it'll be a great trip down memory lane. I'm stunned--and slightly upset. Upset with myself for not making the effort to keep up with folks, and disappointed that I somehow got disconnected over the last 10-11 years. I've read some of your comments about how fondly you look back on your years at Jay, and I agree with you--those were the Best of Times. We were so lucky to be a part of it all--and to have bonded with all those special people. While I felt at the time that it was a great experience, I think I apprecdiate it even more as time goes by! Your effort to keep that specialness alive and well says a lot about you--and I thank you. You may recall that I was at the 20th reunion, which included all three classes. In fact Danny, John Campbell, Cheryl, myself and others put that one together. At the time I was working for AT&T, and a few months after the reunion I was promoted to a new assignment in New Jersey--and it took me five years to get my family back to Texas. That's where we were when you had the last reunion. We we able to transfer to Houston and we were there about a year and a half; until I found an opportunity within AT&T in Austin. Having gone to UT, moving to Austin was like dying and going to heaven. We love it here and have been here since 96. To make things even better, my wife, Melba, and I were both able to take (get this) an early retirement offer from AT&T! I never thought I'd be retired at 48! It really was time for me to get out of telecommunications so I'm working on my second and third careers in financial services and consulting-concurrently. It's been a fantastic blessing for us and it's certainly given us a tremendous amount of freedom. I've poured through the newsletters your mailed to me and loved most of the info. I was sorry to hear about the passing of Kathy Perez' dad, Jose Perez-Chiesa. You might remember that Kathy and I spent just a little time together back in the good old days and her dad was always super to me. I'll always remember the time he crafted a wooden sign that he hung beneath their mailbox to designate my own private parking space. A neat man. If you have her address, I'd love to drop her a note. Well, that's probably more than you ever wanted to hear from me. I'll be sending you a contribution shortly to help support your effort and I've already sent Danny a Check for the reunion. I can't wait. Dennis, Ya Done Good!!!" ---Holy cow, Glenn ! It's when I get reactions from people like you that make me think I am doing something good after all! I am so elated that you enjoyed the newsletters and web site, Glenn and I can't wait to see you at the reunion, my friend. (6/17/00)

DEBBIE PASCHALL ('70) Chubbuck, Idaho sent me a nice long letter, today, along with a donation check. She writes... "Hey there! Wow! Only a little over a month left. I can't believe that we have been out of school for 30 years. My twin nieces just graduated from John Jay and on the exact same date as we did, May 26th! I pointed that out to them, but, of course, they were too cool to think that was cool! Our grandson was born on March 21st and my daughter Sarah and I flew to Virginia at the end of May to see him. He is a sweetie. We are going to send my daughter, Nikki and her husband a ticket so they can fly out to see us in August. My son Travis gets out of the Marines on July 12. He will be U-Hauling it back here to Idaho, just as we are headed to Texas for the reunion. My sister Marcia, there in San Antonio, is doing okay. At Easter, the doctor said she probably only has six months, but who knows. She has fooled them so many times and my mom says that she is doing great. Un fortunately, all it will probably take is one bad illness to set her back, especially a respiratory illness. She is trying hard to do what the doctors tell her to do and has even gained 5 pounds- the last time I heard, she was upto 92 pounds! While we were visiting Marcia last time, my husband's father found out he has lung cancer- the fast spreading kind. They are treating him with a low dose chemotherapy that basically is to keep him comfortable and to give him a little more time. They said he has six months to live, but, again, who really knows. The weather here stinks right now, but I guess I'll get my fill of the hot stuff when we come to Texas in July. It's in the low 70's here now, but pretty windy, too. I was surprised to read in the newsletter that DEBBIE SULLIVAN ('70) can't make the reunion. I can't remember that last time I talked to her, but we do exchange Christmas cards. Well, I'll shush for now and get this in the mail. I'm sending the reservation check to Danny. See y'all real soon! Dennis, I truly enjoy the newsletters. You do such a great job! THANKS!" ---Debbie, thanks for the family update, the donation check, and your kind words! Yep, it's hard to believe that three decades have passed since graduation. Sometimes, I feel every year of it in my bones and other days I feel like I'm 17 again. Marcia and your father-in-law are in my prayers. Can't wait to see ya'! (6/17/00)

CINDY ELKIN ('71) Tulsa, Oklahoma [E] joined us in the CLASS CHAT, last night and taught me a valuable lesson about being careful what you sign in someone's yearbook!! I have not heard from Cindy in 30 years and she joins us in the chat last night. Now, you must understand that everything said or typed in the chat room is seen by everyone! So, Cindy asks me, if I remember her. And I said, "Of course I do. You were my girlfriend and we went steady for a while." Then someone in the chat rooms says, "Geez, Dennis, isn't there any girl you didn't date or go steady with at Jay!" Anyway, Cindy asked me if I remembered what I wrote in her yearbook and I began to sweat! I had no friggin' idea what I wrote 30 years ago! Everyone in the chat room started saying, "Tell us! Tell us!" Well, she proceeded to read what I wrote. Apparently, we had just broken up when I signed it and I tried to explain why we had and then I wrote, that I would always love her and be there for her, or something to that effect. After numerous comments from those in the chat room, then Cindy tells me her 6'7" 310 pound husband was sitting next to her while she told everyone what I wrote! Ok. Now, let me reach for the Yellow Pages and see how much a bodyguard will cost me for the reunion! Yeee Haaa! Can't wait to see you at the reunion, Cindy, but leave Goliath at home! (6/15/00) UPDATE: Today, I received an e-mail from Cindy... "Hi Dennis: I can't tell you how thrilling it was to chat with everyone the other night. I have Eileen Young to thank for finding me on the Military Brats Registry and letting me know about the Jay website. My husband, Ed, called me at work on Monday to tell me I had another email from an old classmate. I always get so excited about hearing from old friends because I haven't seen ANYBODY I went to school with for 30 years. My co-workers just laugh at me...they don't understand what it's like growing up a military brat and to move away from your friends every couple of years. Anyway, just wanted to tell you a little about what' s happened in my life for the last few years. I did actually graduate from Kubasaki High School, Okinawa...but have ALWAYS considered John Jay my alma mater. Went to the University of Tulsa for a couple of years and got married in 1973. I have a 26 year old daughter, Candice, who is married and living in Oklahoma City. My son Sean, 23, is single (no one is good enough to marry him!!) and a Deputy Sheriff in Manassas, Virginia. My stepson Steve is divorced and living with us for the time being...he's a great kid! And has a 2 year old son Logan...and I guess that makes me "Granny". I work for American Airlines, in the Controllers Dept., here in Tulsa...Passenger Interline Accounting. Now before that, I worked as a travel agent...and before that, at a tv station, and a couple of radio stations. I understand you were in radio for a few years?? I have been married to Ed Black for a little over 5 years now...having been divorced for almost 10 years before that and raising my children. We are very well suited to each other and get along better than anyone I've even known. I have to tell you, when I was telling you what you wrote in my yearbook...Ed was reading it to me so I could type it for all to read! He got a real kick out of that! If he makes it to the reunion, he'll probably give you hell....he's got a sense of humor....and isn't the jealous type at all. Ed will just probably embarrass the hell out of both of us!! Anyway, I am so excited about coming to the reunion!!! I'll have a check in the mail in a day or two...as soon as I know if one or both us will make it. Ed works retail and has to check his schedule for next month. By the way, while I was looking at the 25 year reunion pictures, I noticed KRIS SEAQUIST's ('70) pic there. Do you have an e-mail address or know where she lives?? I lost contact with her after 1977. Let me say one more thing, and I'll stop rambling!! You have done a magnificent job on the website! It's wonderful...you're wonderful! I'll see you soon! And if you EVER have time, I'd just love to get mail from you...and ANYONE who remembers me! Love, Cindy" (6/16/00) Wow! Thanks for the praise. I love it!!


Cindy Elkin ('71) and her husband Ed. You're still has beautiful as ever, Cindy!
(Why do I get the feeling that there are about 10 or 11 husbands coming
looking for me at this reunion for stuff I "alledgedly" did with their wives 30 years ago!!"

STEVE KOLARS ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E] sent my sister, Linda, an e-mail, which she forwarded to me... "Linda, Someone sent me the web site address for the reunion. Looks like a lot of planning has been going on. What type of music will they be playing at the dance on Saturday evening? Thanks, Steve" ---Dear Steve, Uhh, well... the music we will be playing at the reunion has people playing musical instruments and some people singing. And that pretty much describes it to a "T". Oh! What style? Hmmm, all music will be sung in English and will probably be from the 1960's and 1970's since this is a reunion. There will also be a country song every now and then to keep my friend DALE WILWARD ('70) happy. I was thinking of having a "polka music" theme for the reunion, but I couldn't find any liederhosen to fit me! (6/15/00)

GAY REIMERS ('73) San Antonio, Tx [E] and I haven't talked to each other in many moons, but I got a surprise e-mail from her, today. In her e-mail, she refers to a play we both were in at the Lackland AFB Little Theatre. I played an insane asylum attendent and she ws the nurse! What a blast we had. Well, her e-mails says...."Hi Dennis, How are you? This is Gay (Reimers) Land. We were at Lackland Lil' Theatre doing the play "Harvey" together. I would be devastated if you didn't remember "Nurse Kelly". :) Definitely kidding! I live and work here in San Antonio and heard that there was an upcoming reunion. I am a teacher at the Nellie Reddix Center- Northside Habilitation Program/ Severe and Profound MR/Post High School. I also teach swimming @ Northside Aquatics Center. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Hope you are doing well!" ---Gay, of course I remember you! It's great that you have heard about the reunion and contacted me. Please be sure to come, because we'd all love to see you! This reunion is gonna' be a BLAST! (6/15/00)

SUE CLEMMONS ('71) San Antonio, Texas gave my heart a jump, last week, when she called me and said that she had been told that the reunion had been cancelled. Needless to say, I came unglued. It's horrible when people spread rumors like that and Sue was so glad to hear that no such thing had happened! I could hear the sound of relief in her voice when I assured her that all was well and she promised to be at the reunion. Sue has always been able to make me smile. She always has a kind word to say and a way to make me laugh, so it was wonderful to get a note from her, today, along with a donation to this web site and the newsletter. In her beautiful card she writes... "Hi, Dennis! It was great chatting with you on the phone. I am so glad to hear that the reunion had not been cancelled. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone! Thank you for all the hard work you're doing and have done in the past to keep our "John Jay family" together. Please use the enclosed donation on whatever you need. When I win the lottery, I'll send more! I still work at Mthodist hospital as an RN on the GYN floor. So, if you ever need a hysterectomy, I'm here for you!! Ha! I love the funny newsletter! See ya' soon!" ---See what I mean about making me laugh and smile! This girl is crazy! Can't wait to see ya' again, Sue! (6/15/00)

LAURA HENDERSON ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E] sent me an e-mail for the first time, today. She writes... "Dear Dennis, Greetings and salutations my friend .... this is my first attempt to communicate via e-mail...first thing I would like to say is WOW!! Dennis, I'm so impressed with all your dedication to keeping us in the loop on our Past, Present and Future lives. Your hard work has been an inspiration to us all. I have thouroughly enjoyed the correspondence you have recieved from all the 'old' cronies from John Jay...we really have come a long way baby !!! I hope this letter finds you in satisfactory health and cheerful spirits..your attitude is enormous and I can see your smile as I write this. I extend a huge heartfelt Thanks for your generosity and sincerity to all of us. I have been busy lately, I am planning a trip to Las Vegas on July 15, of this year...my daughter Valerie is planning to get married, she is 22 and lives in Chicago. Her goal is to see Elvis and employ him to perform the ceremony..oh boy!! My other daughter Andrea is 19, and attends The College of the Art Institute in Chicago, she is home for the summer, then back to school in August. I have become recently engaged, and have not set a date as of yet, perhaps in Jan or Feb of 2001. My soon to be husband is an Executive Chef at The Argyle, here in San Antonio. I work for a food brokerage company, located behind my all time favorite restaurant, The Old San Francisco Steak House, I am also a Personal Chef for a family three days a week and a promotional assistant for Estee Lauder on weekends...I am trying to stay busy, with all this I can say I am extremely HAPPY... I am planning on attending the reunion, come hell or highwater...so save a dance for me sweet pea... hugs and kisses, Laura" --- It is so wonderful to hear from you, Laura, and thank you for your kind words! Wow, you have a lot going on in your life and congratulations on your upcoming marriage! I will be sure to save ya' a dance! A nice slooooooooow one! (6/15/00)

JILL TEMPLE ('72) New Braunfels, Texas [E] loved going out with me so much in high school that she only waited 30 years to do it again! Now, get a load of this! I am on vacation this week. Last week, during the Wednesday night "live" chat on the internet, I made a lunch date with Jill. She is the Assistant City Secretary in New Branufels, so I had to drive up there. So, I'm driving on I-35 North at about 60 miles per hour, when this pick-up truck pulls along side of me on my left side. The truck stays even with me for several miles and minutes and then I get the errie feeling that the driver is trying to get my attention. So, I look out my window and who do I see???? MY BOSS, COACH CASANOVA!!! (He's the superintendent at Somerset ISD, where I am the Public Information Officer). He's waving frantically at me and laughing! Of all the friggin' people that I run into on the highway at 60 miles per hour, it's my boss!!! SHEESH!! We both pull over, he walks to my truck laughing. I said, "Where are you going?!" and He says, "New Braunfels." I said, "So, am I. I have a lunch date." He says, "So do I." I said, "I'm meeting Jill Temple a girl from high school days for lunch." And he says, "So am I! She called me and wants a chaparone around you!" Well, of course he was kidding, he was headed to New Braunfels to have a special bumper welded onto his truck, but what a hoot!! I told him I knew he was skipping school! Anyways, I made it to New Braunfels, went over to Jill's townhouse and we had a great lunch! (OK, you guys, don't even go there!) Jill is massively into geneology and showed me her volumes of research on her family tree. It was awesome! In fact, with information she gave me on web sites, I was able to find out when I was married (10/25/75) and divorced (12/19/77). I had no idea! I thought I had been married on October 21 and I had absolutely no idea when I was divorced because I never got a lawyer and never went to court. My ex-wife did everything. In summation, I had a wonderful time with Jill, she has a beautiful townhouse condo right on the banks of the Guadalupe River (you can just about diver right off her patio/balconey into the river 35 feet below) and we're gonna' do it again! (6/14/00)

SUSAN WITT ('71) Avondale, Arizona [E] JUST MUGGED ME, TOO! I got a package in the mail from Susan and inside was a spectacular mug! Jet black with the gold badge of the Arizona Highway Patrol on it, the Arizona Department of Public Safety. As soon as I saw it, I assumed "the position."!! LOL. It is beautiful, Susan. Thank you so much! Inside the mug was a donation to the reunion, newsletter, and web site, as well as, a nice letter. Let me share it with everyone... "Dear Dennis, How nice it was that you found me. I had been given the "classmates.com" site from a friend in the Air Force and I registered in it. I never expected it would lead to my actually being able to attend the reunion! It sounds like a blast and I am really looking forward to it. You are doing an absolutely awesome job of managing the web page. I think you may never really know to what extent so many of us appreciate your monumental efforts. How fortunate for all of us that you enjoy doing this. I wanted to send you a little something toward helping defray the costs for upkeep and expenses. I thought you might like something for yourself, as well, so... enjoy your treat! I am in the process of obtaining another "special something' for you. However, it will be a little while, as I had to order it "specially made for you!" I will either mail it or bring it when I come to the reunion. I have mailed my check for the reunion reservation to Danny. Here's a little about myself... I gradauted in 1971, of course. Remember me? (Wait, what's that sound? Yearbook pages flipping to place my name with a face?? LOL Been there and done that!!) I work for the Department of Defense at Airfield Operations, Luke AFB in Phoenix, Arizona. Have you ever heard of 'herding cats'? Well, try gathering aircrews amounting to approximately 350 pilots, maintenance and support personnel and 96 different aircraft both civilian (vintage) and military, obtaining crew info, requirements, billeting accommodations, loan vehicle requirements, and ensuring compliance with military and federal regulations and restrictions, roll it all into one package and throw opne the door to over 100,000 general public visitors for a whole day!!!! When it is all over, it takes about a week for the adrenaline levels to return to normal and to remember my own name!! LOL It is a rush like no other!! In March 1999, I received a 2-hour "incentive ride" in an F-16 Fighting Falcon for all my efforts in working with the Civilian Fly-In for four years, and three Luke AFB Open House Airshows. I pulled 5.9 G's and would have stood more, but we were down to 1,300 pounds of fuel and would not have been able to make it back to base if we had. Darn!! But, we did do a barell roll and up and over the loop. YEEE HAAA!! My husband retired from the Air Force after 24 years and is now a DPS Officer here in Phoenix. I have a 14 year old son and 11 year old daughter, who kep me busy when I'm not at work. I have searched all your notes and have never heard of anything for PEGGY FILLINGAME ('71). She married TERRY SKUBAL (a Holmes grad). He was in the Air Force and the last I heard were in Rantoul, IL. I have seen quite a few names from classmates that I knew and I sure look forward to seeing again. Dennis, thanks for all your hard work on the web site, newsletters, and reunion." ---Wow! Thanks for all the info, Susan! Your kind and wonderful praise of me is sincerely appreciated. Whew!! Let's see.... First off, thanks for the awesome coffee cup and donation to "the cause." Now, I know there was some "hanky panky" in getting that coffee mug from a state trooper!! LOL What an amazing job you have! Hell, YOU should be organizing this reunion, not me!! I don't know where Peggy is. I have run into her every now and then, here in San Antonio, but I don't have any idea where she is now. (If anyone has info on Peggy, please contact me or e-mail Susan). As for finding you, I must credit DIANA JOHNSTON ATKINS ('78) who found you name at that web site you mentioned. That F-16 ride must have been so cool! Back in 1975, I narrated some pilot training films for the Air Force at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas. As my reward they let me play in one of those enclosed flight simulators. I threw up in the simulator!!! Well, it's gonna' be a blast seeing you at the reunion! Thanks for all you've done to make my day, today! (6/9/00)

RHONDA SCHMALZ ('76) San Antonio, Texas [E] sent in a donation to us and a brief note... "Dear Dennis, I hope this donation helps out with postage and stuff." ---Well, Rhonda it most certainly does! Thank you so much and we'll you at the reunion! (6/8/00)

CAROL WEST ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E] is the first girl that I ever kissed in front of my parents! She and I had the leads in the school play, "Bus Stop," at Jay. And there was a part in the play where I take herby her arms, pull her in close and plant a BIG ONE on her! I was freaking knowing that my parents were in the audience! Anyways... Carol has sent in her reunion reservation and we talked on the phone last night. In her note with her check, Carol writes... "Dear Dennis, I enjoy you newsletters immensely! I appreciate all the time, effort and heart that you put into this. I wish I could have helped you in this endeavor, but I spend a good share of my time taking care of my father. If everything goes well, I hope to see you at the reunion. A great BIG thanks!" --- Well, I look forward to seeing ya', too, Carol and how about another kiss after 30 years?? This time my parents won't be watching!! (6/8/00)

RANDY TILLMAN ('70) Camden, South Carolina [E] MUGGED ME!! just sent me a surprise by UPS. I am sitting here updating this web site at 6:45 p.m., Wednesday evening (6/7/00) when the doorbell rings. It's the UPS guy with a package. I open it up and it's a beautiful midnight black coffee mug with a tropical palm tree and crescent moon carved into the cup. Absolutely gorgeous! Then I look inside the cup and there's a donation check, too!! Wow, Randy, thanks so much! Randy owns "Specialty Sports Cars, Inc." in Camden, SC. They are Japanese car repair specialists. Can't wait to see ya' at the reunion, Randy!! (6/7/00)

TONI SAVIO ('70) Address Unknown [E] our class Valedictorian has been located after 30 years!! Her brother Victor tracked down our web site and I will be getting an e-mail out to Toni and hope to hear from her soon! (6/6/00) UPDATE: I got this e-mail from Toni on 6/8/00: "Dear Dennis, It was good to hear from you. I work for the Corps of Engineers in Contracting Division. I have three children, 2 boys and a girl. I have often wondered about my classmates. I am glad you were able to find me. I am not sure if I will get to come to the reunion since it is a long way to travel and a busy time at the office." ---Well, Toni, if anyone can figure out a way to make it to the reunion, it's got to be the smartest girl in our class, our VALEDICTORIAN!! Please try to come!

PAUL SCOTT ('70) Santa Monica, California [E] contacted me by e-mail and it's always wonderful to hear from him. He writes... "Hi Dennis, I am finally getting around to sending you an e-mail after all these years of quietly reading all about my classmates. First off, thanks for all your hard work and inspiration. Second, I'm sending a small check (out of guilt mostly) to help with the mailing costs. I'm not going to be able to make it back this summer, but will try to give you a brief synopsis of my life the past 30 years. I left San Antonio in 1975 and found my way to Eugene, Oregon, where I felt that I fit in perfectly. It really is the best part of the country. I worked in the recycling business for 10 years or so and became somewhat involved politically. Around 1986, I tired of the recycling gig and moved over to something completely different, computer animation. This is how I've earned my living ever since. After running my own company for about 11 years, I parted company with my partners and took an offer to work with a larger company in Santa Monica, California. What a change that was! Moving to L.A. from Eugene was akin to going straight to UT from Sul Ross Jr. Hi. I found a nice place to live in Santa Monica near the beach and now live the quintessential southern California beach life. I'll tell you this, if we had known how nice it was here back then, we would have all migrated west at the first opportunity. The weather is beautiful year 'round, and the women, well Dennis, let's just say they enjoy the warm sun on their skin...a lot:~) I'm currently working with a company that does visual effects for films, TV and large format films like IMAX. It's a small group, but we do high end work. Some of the films we've worked on are "The Matrix", "Face Off", "X-Files", "Stargate" and "Judge Dredd". Currently we're doing shots on "The Cell" which releases this summer. Right now we're bidding a Janet Jackson music video which should be fun. Personally, I'm still into running and have taken up gymnastics, specifically the rings, down on the beach. It's a lot of fun and keeps me strong. I have a great loving relationship with a woman who lives in Eugene, so I'm traveling back there a lot. I have a 14 year old daughter from a previous marriage who also lives in Eugene. She terrific, a very bright and well adjusted girl with lots of promise. I stay in touch with JON DAVIS ('70) quite a bit. He's an amazing guy. Did you know he has become a master of the investing world, and in just the past few months! I am astounded at what he has learned. He's still one of the most honest individuals I have ever known. I'm glad he moved out to Oregon way back when. Well, that's about it for now, Dennis. I'm glad your health has improved, and thanks again for all you've done for the Classes of 69-70-71. Oh, one other thing. I'm also a member of the Hash House Harriers. It's a beer drinking club with a running problem. I was just wandering if there were any other hashers from our class. If you find any, tell them I said On-On!" ---Wow! Thanks for all the info, Paul! And thanks for your concern and kind words. You have an amazing and exciting life! Got any company coffee cups to send me? We'll all miss you at the reunion, my friend! And I received your donation check in the mail, as well. THANKS!! (6/6/00)

RICK JETER ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E] Dropped me a line to let me know he's coming to the reunion... "Howdy, and let me first say I'm sorry for not responding before now - don't ask why, because I have no idea. Planning this is obviously a monumental task, and I apologize for my tardiness. I ran into a guy I know the other day and he was telling me about how he was helping put his reunion together. I told him about ours and he quickly advised me to respond ASAP because there is so much planning to do - so, here ya go. My wife, Rose and I will be there. As for the Saturday picnic, I hope to have all three of my chillen along, but you can probably count on two for sure. Check's in the mail - well, not yet but will be this week. Rose ran into GLENN HUTTO ('71) at the HEB near our house this weekend, as he was in town to visit his mother in law. He called to chat, and said he would call you to confirm that we would be there. Thanks for your hard work on this and we look forward to seeing you and everyone there." ---Good to hear from you, Rick! I'm gonna' share a little DuPriest/Jeter family history with the folks. When my only sister, LINDA DUPRIEST PADRON ('71) gave birth to her second daughter, 13 years ago, Rick's wife Rose was the maternity nurse for Linda, and Linda named her daughter's middle name after her-- Katie ROSE Padron! See you two at the reunion! (6/6/00)

RICK KIEFFER ('71) Maple Valley, Washington [E] cracks me up! He sent me this brief e-mail..."Dear Dennis, My wife, Mary, just suggested we start planning a 12 step process for you in your recovery from this reunion. What on earth will you do with all the time once this is history? We are starting to worry. I am sure you have heard it many times, however you really are going way above and beyond the call. Thank you. Make a recovery plan. See you next month. Rick" ---Ya' really wanna' know what I am going to do after all this if over? I'm gonna sleep for 10 years!! (6/6/00)

RICHARD BIRD ('70) Burleson, Texas [E] is in touch by e-mail, writing... "Dennis, I hope that you are doing well. I think that my brother ROBERT BIRD ('70) and his wife are going to the reunion. I am going to come also. I am writing the check now. Do you want a check for Mr. Gatti's now or you going to e-mail us when and where to send the money. I am getting over a knee operation that I had last Tuesday. I should be in good form by reunion time. I hate forced vacations, were all I can do is watch T.V. or get on the computer. I have to go now, I hope to hear from you soon." ---Rich, hold on to the Mr. Gatti's money until we make a final decision. Everyone will be paying at the door anyway! Look forward to seeing you! (6/6/00)

KATHY HAMBRIGHT ('72) Address Unknown [E] writes an e-mail... "Dennis, Would you please add me to the e-mail address list for the Class of 1972. I will be sending my money for the reunion soon. Thanks for all your hard work in keeping the web page going. I have been telling everyone about it." ---Kathy, thanks for the kind words. Consider yourself added! See ya' soon! (6/6/00)

WANDA PEACOCK ('72) Address Unknown [E] sent me an e-mail..."Hello, Dennis, my name is Wanda Westrup, my maiden name was Peacock. I graduated in 72, I looked for our 25th year reunion and couldn't find it any where, please let me know if any plans are made for future reunions." ---Wanda, thanks for your e-mail. Yours is one of several I have received with similar questions, so let me address this to everyone. OK, I need to straighten something out. It seems someone at the school district, and other entities and people seem to be spreading the word that I am a sort of reunion clearing house. Sorry, but I am not. I fully expect that someone is going to ask me to organize the "12 Apostles Reunion"!!! As a courtesy, I do list the alumni e-mail address of John Jay classmates 1969-1979 or so, if they write to me first. I do not track down anyone other than my own Class of 1970. I do not keep track of any other class reunions. Sorry, but I don't have the means nor energy to do that. If some other class organizes a reunion and wants me to mention here on the web page, fine, but that's the extent of it. I cannot provide e-mail lists or any other information other than that which is already posted. I hope all the other classes understand. Thanks for your question and I hope you'll join us! (6/6/00)

KAREN KISLING ('72) Address Unknown [E] sent me a wonderful e-mail, today! It reads... "Hi, Dennis -- What a fabulous website you've put together! Had a great time brousing through it! Thanks for your hard work on it. You don't know me, but my sister, KATHY KISLING ('70) was in drama with you. I'm Karen Kisling"Class of 1972." Kathy is trying to persuade me to go to the reunion with her, but I'm a bit hesitant because I wonder who'll be there (ie, will I know anyone?) I really regret missing my 20yr reunion, but at the time I had a baby who would've been difficult to bring. Several of my friends at the reunion called me, and took turns chatting with me; it was wonderful hearing from them. Anyway, this brings me to the question ..... is there a list you can forward me of folks planning to come? I'd really appreciate it. Don't know whether Kathy told you much about herself, and what she's been doing the past 30 years. She went to Trinity University 2 years, and then transferred to Princeton University, arriving there as a junior the same year I entered as a freshman. Kathy and I had made a deliberate decision to attend the same college, and our circles of friends overlapped considerably. She graduated in 1974 with a degree in history, and a year later married her college sweetheart, Dave Durant. Their silver anniversary is coming up in a couple weeks. They have 3 sons: Dave,22, just graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in computer engineering; Christopher,19, will be a junior at William & Mary; and Jonathan, 16, will be a junior in high school in the fall. I, too, married a Princeton man, Paul Apple. We have four children: Jenny, 19, will be a junior at University of Richmond; Rick, 17, will be a hs senior; Stephen, 14, will be a hs freshman; and Julie,8, just finished 3rd grade. I think because Kathy and I grew up in an Air Force family, moving all around and not really knowing our relatives, we wanted a different life for our kids. We both eventually settled in the Washington/Baltimore corridor, and today live about 30 minutes from one another. Kathy teaches AP history, part-time, at a local Christian school. (Same school my older son attends; his aunt was one of his teachers this year!) She's an awesome teacher; the kids respect her and work hard for her classes (one of my friends' sons said, "Mrs Durant doesn't take any crap!"), but she's also well-liked. I'm always proud to tell people she's my sister. With a degree in applied math, I worked as a statistician for a few years, happily setting career aside to stay home and raise my children when they came along. I began homeschooling our oldest when she was 5, in an era when homeschooling wasn't too common. It worked so well for our family we stuck with it, so I've just completed my 14th year homeschooling my kids.Well, I've rambled on long enough. Thanks, again, for all you do to help the John Jay alumni stay in touch!" ---Karen it is great to hear from you. No, sorry, but I don't have a list of people from your class to provide you. I am not keeping track. Danny Padron is handling that. If you'd like to drop him a line, you can reach him on our e-mail links page. Just go back to the index and scroll down to that section, click, and you're there! Thanks for the update on you and Kathy! I hope to see you both at the reunion! (6/6/00)

WALLY MEEKS ('69) San Antonio, Texas gave me a call to start off the month of June in great fashion. He also sent in a great donation to keep this web site on-the-air and the twice-a-year newsletter in-the-mail. Thanks, Wally! He and I had a great conversation talking about the old days and especially the "Class of 1969" 20-year reunion in 1989. Wow! Give me a microphone and Don Rickles has nothing on me! I was presented with the "Most Changed Classmate" award and it wasn't even my reunion!! I was given a pair of leopard-print bikini underwear. Yeah, picture those on me! Wally and his wife will already be on a cruise when the reunion begins, but will get back Saturday afternoon, If they aren't too tired, they'll be at the dinner-dance, otherwise we hope to see them at the Sunday picnic at Raymond Russell Park. Wally be careful on that cruise! Beware of icebergs and sharks!!! Hey, Wally! You never sent me your e-mail address! Drop me a line so I can list it! (6/1/00)

CHERRI COOK ('69) San Antonio, Texas [E] is such a wonderful lady and good friend. She e-mailed me... "Dennis, Just wanted to send a quick note to join the crowd and let you know how much I enjoy the newsletter. I am really hoping to be able to make the reunion. I've had loads of fun at previous ones I've attended. I'm a Captain in the Air Force out at Wilford Hall here in San Antonio. I've requested leave for the days of the reunion but have no idea as to whether I'll actually get the time off. Also, please let me know if you did get the address for DEBBIE BRACE (69) that I left on your answering machine a while back??? And oh yes, get over the shyness(right)!!! I trully understand what you mean though, even at our ripe old ages, it's often difficult to be the fun relaxed person that most of our friends know, when we are attracted to someone. Geesh, I still don't know where commas go but I'm so glad it doesn't matter :)" ---Cherri, no I never got that address for Debbie! I'm sorry. Sometimes it's hard for me to retrieve messages from my answering machine after I have thrown it against the wall! LOL Please get it to me! (6/1/00)

MICHAEL BALLANTYNE ('69) Salem, Virginia [E] dropped me a line by e-mail and he writes... "Hello Dennis, I want to let you know how much I enjoy the newsletter. It is great reading about your adventures with hair dye and shyness (really?). Anyway, I wanted to give you my new address so I may continue to receive your editorials in the future. You really provide a great service for all of us that are too lazy to make phone calls, write or communicate with our class members. Please tell DANNY PADRON ('69) hello for me. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the reunion due to stupid things like work. Just to let you know, I got married April 22, 2000. My new wife, Victoria, felt your hair dye experience was priceless. As far as that "W" word is concerned, I now work as a Senior Vice President for Carilion Health System in Roanoke, Virginia. We have 13 hospitals in Southwestern Virginia. Thanks again for the service you provide all of us." ---Hey, Mike, it's great to hear from you and I am sorry you will miss this celebration. If your plans change at the last minute, and you're able to make it, just show up, my friend! (6/1/00)

VICKIE ROUNSAVILLE ('72) San Antonio, Texas [E] sent me a cryptic e-mail after not hearing from her for 15+ years. She also joined us for the CLASS CHAT the same night. Her e-mail to me said... "Hey Dennis! It's been a long time. The last time I saw you was at a reunion at John Jay a VERY long time ago. Clues. You want clues? You have recently spoken with my sister-in-law. Your little brother Bobby was a good friend of my brother. You helped me look for a charm that fell off of my bracelet after a football game back when dinosaurs roamed. They probably ate it. Give up? Figure it out and write me back. This is my husband's address. I'll be waiting." ---Well, right off the bat, I knew it was Vickie. I never forget a beautiful girl, or one that I tried to impress by trying to do her a favor! LOL Vickie married MIKE WALTERS ('71) , he's the brother of KARIN WALTERS ('69). Hope ya' save me a dance at the reunion, Vickie! (6/1/00)

BRENDA STEFFENS ('71) Fort Worth, Texas [E] Is coming to the reunion. She also joins us every Wednesday night at the CLASS CHAT.  She writes... "Dear Dennis, Thought I'd let you know my check and plus some will be sent this Thursday, June 1st. Use the extra $$ to whatever needs to be taken care of. If you have any extra newsletters-could you send me one. I would appreciate that. By the way, is the RV/trailer park over near Lackland AFB, on Hwy. 90, pretty safe at night? Or do you know of a better place to park a travel trailer. We will be staying in our trailer-but need a place to park it. I know there is a RV park near Sea World-but don't know much about that territory. If you could give some direction/help in that matter we would appreciate it. Thanks for your help and all you do for the class web/reunion stuff." --- Good to hear from you Brenda and thanks for joining us each week. The Lackland trailer park is still a nice place. I think. Gee, I don't know if it's still there or not! I better check! But I do know the Sea World one is awesome! By the way, Brenda and her husband own "The PURPLE COW" Antiques & Collectibles at 5437 River Oaks Blvd. (Booth 052), in Fort Worth, If you're into antiques and such things, and you're ever in the Ft. Worth area, be sure to drop by their store or give them a call at 817-569-7632. (6/1/00)

EILEEN YOUNG ('71) Brownsville, Texas [E] tracked us down on the internet and is coming to the reunion! Here's what she e-mailed to me... "Hi Dennis!! Can't believe I never thought of doing a search for a Jay homepage!!! Found y'all while working on expanding the database for the Harmon AFB schools homepage. The Harmon reunion is coming up soon....the same weekend as the Jay reunion!!! I will be at the Harmon reunion dinner on Friday night, but may try to pop over to see you guys sometime that evening too...or maybe on Saturday. Need to see what I can talk my hubby into. Oh! You don't know who I am, do you?! I'm Eileen Young, "Class of 1971." I attended John Jay from Day One until graduation on 27 May 1971. I was always rather shy and quiet back then and did not go out of my way to draw attention to myself. Real lack of self confidence. I have since made up for that! In school, I was in and out of Art Club for three years, in Choir my senior year (70-71) and on the staff of the Statesman (think I still have a few copies from all four years..along with some Spirit Ribbons) and was news editor in my senior year. Boy... did we have a good time when Mrs. Dinkins took us to Austin for journalism UIL my senior year!! I was also one of the teacher's aides at Meadow Village Elem 70-71 as part of the Teacher's Training Experience Program. No , I did not go into teaching...What did I do? Lots of stuff. I worked in office positions at both newspapers. Met my husband Galen Wellnicki from the Light sports staff and chunked my journalism career. Because of the changing newspaper business, we have been at 8 different newspapers over the last 27 years and Galen is now the sports editor for the Brownsville Herald. I've worked at different public and academic libraries off and on over the years and now work at the public library here in Brownsville. We have three kids, Eli who is 17, Nathan is 8 and our daughter Moriah is nearly 7. When we were in Corpus Christi, I started my own business....Storytellers and Such...I design and make handmade cloth dolls (Southwest style storytellers are my speciality) and beaded jewelry (wish I could think of a clever "old hippies never die ..." line, but it's getting late...) I have sold my dolls and beadwork to different shops in Corpus and Amarillo, plus doing outdoor shows for four years on the bayfront in downtown Corpus. Have also taught a few beadwork classes here and there. Not Fortune 500, but it keeps me in beads! And I have a really good time....poor but happy, that's me! One thing I'll say...it's never been boring! I think your website is absolutely wonderful!! I checked your list of Lost Mustangs and may have a couple for you. BILL CUTSHALL ('70) is married to Sandra Betz and last I heard they live in Elgin or Bastrop. I'm going to end off for now, but will keep in touch. As mentioned, I will be in San Antonio over the reunion weekend as I will be attending the Harmon reunion (already paid, don't ya' know). Trying to figure out a way to clone myself so I can do both.......I've got you bookmarked for future reading and may stopby some Wednesday for chat...Need to do the download thing...wish me luck...I am roadkill on this information superhighway at times." ---Wow! Thanks for the great update, Eileen. Be sure to make an extra effoft to join us at our reunion! And thanks for listing us with those alumni sites! (6/1/00)

VICKI HOWELL ('73) Sacramento, California [E] joins us every Wednesday night on the internet for the live and always interesting CLASS CHAT. She sent in this recent photo of herself to share with us. She writes... "Well folks...the time has come. They mystery that is me is being unveiled this very evening. Don't say you weren't warned. Cracked screens and deleted hard drives are not my responsibility. If I'm not as cute as you pictured, then edit me until I am. Otherwise, this is me...red-faced and all, not feeling too well but smiling like an idiot that doesn't know any better!" ---This girl just keeps cracking me up! (6/1/00)


Vicki Howell is driving me up the wall about the reunion!
She wants me to host a party at MY house! No way, Jose!!

CARY MAESTAS ('69) North Las Vegas, Nevada ['69] [E] recently e-mailed me a nice photo of his twin brother, GARY MAESTAS ('69). Well, at least I think he did. The e-mail address was Cary's but why would he send a photo of Gary? Maybe Gary sent it. Hell, I don't know, but here is Gary or is it Cary? He also wrote a brief note... "To the 8th Wonder of the World, Dennis, Just a short thanks for you, and all your friends that have been working hard to put this shin-dig together. Thank-you and your staff. I think in the near future, walking on water would be easier. Try it, you'll like it. Oh yes, "Dennis in 2000'". ---You are a character, Cary! Me for President? Hmmmmm, I don't think so! Can't wait to see ya' in July! (6/1/00)


Looking sharp, Gary Maestas looks so damn young, he must be
going to the same plastic surgeon as Mr. McGuire!

MAY 2000
JOANNE ENNIS ('70) San Antonio, Texas and I ran into one another about 10 years ago when she was working at the Subway sandwich shop on SW Military Drive at Westfield Drive. We talked for a minute or two and that was it. She is still with the company at that location. My mom called me, today, to let me know that Joanne's mother, Mary Ennis had died this past Monday, May 22nd. We use to live on the corner of Remuda Drive and Rawhide and they all lived three houses down from us on Rawhide. My mom and Mrs. Ennis were good friends. Our prayers and condolences go out to Joanne, and her brothers, JIM ENNIS ('69), JEFF ENNIS ('73) and their families. Jeff married FAYE HOBBS (?) the sister of our classmate EDDIE HOBBS ('70). The last time that I saw Jeff was at the funeral for Ed and Faye's father, many years ago. (5/25/00)

TERESA WARREN ('70) Greensboro, North Carolina sent me a letter along with a donation for the newsletter and web site. She writes... "Dear Dennis, I was trying to think how to pull together a lifetime of memories into a short note. I'm not sure that I can do it, but I'll try. I married MARK LOISELLE ('70) in 1972 and we had three beautiful children in almost 15 years of marriage. Although we divorced, we have remained on good terms. Our two daughters are married and have graduated from college. Our son is now a Junior in college and is majoring in accounting. I'm married to a wonderful man from Greensboro, NC. I work as an RN on a hospice unit in a large hospital. I love my job and feel that God led me here to North Carolina for this reason. It can get stressful, but what job doesn't? I love where we live. It's so beautiful here. We are just two hours from the mountains and four hours from the ocean. What more could you ask for? One of my daughters gave birth to my first grandson on March 28th and we have a granddaughter by adoption. I am very blessed. Thank you for keeping in touch with everyone through the newsletter and web site. I appreciate all of your hard work through the years. Always a friend..." ---Teresa, it is wonderful to hear from you and thanks for the donation! You didn't mention if you're going to make it to the reunion, but I hope you do! It does sound like you're very happy and that's super. It's also great that you and Mark remained friends after your divorce. I have been divorced for about 23 years (I think... I can't remember!) and I haven't the faintest idea where my "ex" is. Ahhh, such is life! (5/25/00)

GERALD GILES ('70) Moscow, Idaho [E] e-mailed me for the first time in a few years! He writes..."Dennis, I had some time today and logged onto the website for the first time. Nice job. The yearbook pictures are a nice touch. They help to put a face with the name, especially after all these years. We're still here in Moscow, Idaho. Haven't shot an elk, yet, but I almost got a black bear with my pickup on the way to elk camp. Glad I missed him because if it wasn't dead, the bullets were in the back. Anyway, just wanted to say I like the website." ---Jerry, glad you enjoy this site. Are ya' coming to reunion? Everyone would love to see you! Please try to make it, my friend. (5/25/00)

DONNA STEPHENS ('70) Corpus Christi, Texas [E] sent in an e-mail that brightened my day... "Dear Dennis, You are so great to do so much for so many of us. Thanks for all you do. I know you probably hear that often. Wish you really understood what you mean to us!! I'm really looking forward to to reunion. It's been fun to read about our class mates. At least we will have an idea of what's been going on during the past five years and more. My sister, MONNA STEPHENS ('70) and I are attending my younger sister's 25th class reunion with her in Wiesbaden, Germany in June. I'm so busy trying to figure out our travel plans .... just got back from Dallas this weekend to tie up loose ends. We are so excited. I will bring you back a surprise if you are good!! ha ha Talk to you soon. Love Donna" ---Goodness, so many of you seem to have a special insight as to when to send me encouraging words! Thank you so much, Donna, I needed to hear something positive, today. Bringing me back a surprise from Germany? WOW! Hmmmm, could it be a beautiful fraulein? German BEATLES records? Hitler's coffee mug?? I can't wait! Have a safe trip and see you in two months. Love you, too! (5/25/00)

KARIN WALTERS ('69) Crosby, Texas [E] and I have become such good friends over these past six months. To tell the truth, Karin and I really only knew "of" one another back in the old school days. Enough to say, "Hello" to one another. And yet, 30 years later, we have the opportunity to get to know one another better and become good friends. It has happened with so many of you, on so many different levels. I guess none of us is ever too old to make new friends for a lifetime. Karin sent me a new photo to share. She's as lovely as ever. (5/25/00)


Such a deep and thoughful look on Karin's face. Obviously, she's wondering if
promising to slow dance with me is a wise decision! LOL See ya' soon, Karin.

TOMMY McDUFF ('70) Inez, Texas [E] is visiting San Antonio this week and called me last night. His father was diagnosed with stomach cancer in December and now his mother has been told she has lung cancer. Even with all that on his mind, Tommy wanted to be sure to give me a call. Our prayers and love are with you and your family, Tommy. (5/23/00)

COACH BETTY PENNINGTON (former John Jay Teacher & Coach) Houston, Texas [E] sent in a generous donation, today and writes... "Dear Dennis, The web site that you have made is such a creative place to visit! Here is a little donation to encourage your good work. The notes you write about people really take me back to some wonderful fellow faculty members and special students. I would love to attend the reunion, but I can't commite since I am having a knee replaced on June 20th. San Antonio is a long way from Houston. How late can I sign up? Be sure to tell your sister, Linda, I said, 'Hi'." --- Oh. God! I've got to tell everyone this story. I got Ms. Pennington's letter, today. I'm reading it and I am trying to figure out which class she was in. 1969? 1970? 1971? It was just sugned "Betty Pennington." I remembered a Mrs. Pennington who was a coach at Jay, but I thought her first name was "Peggy." So, anyway, in the note to me, she included her e-mail address, so I wrote her before I started working on this web site, tonight. I asked her... "How did you hear about the web site? I can't find you on any of my mailing lists? Which class were you in? Is Pennington your maiden name? I need your mailing address!" She must think that I am a blithering idiot! LOL I just now grabbed my annual and found that this IS the one and the same Coach Pennington! Oh, God! Now, I have to write her back and apologize for not recognizing her! So, if you read this, Coach, please forgive me. Don't worry about signing up for the reunion, just show up if you can! We all hope your knee operation goes great! Please stay in touch! (5/23/00)

ED HOLLEY ('72) Castroville, Texas [E] has busted his chops in redesigning this web site to my specifications. It was a job that should have taken four or five days, and this guy does it in ONE! My thanks to Ed for all of his hard work on the web site. I urge everyone that enjoys this site to please drop Ed an e-mail at: eholley@world-net.net and let him know how much you appreciate his efforts. I seem to get most of the credit from people, but Ed deserves a lot too! These words would not be here with out Ed's programming wizardry! Thanks, buddy! (5/20/00)

MIKE DILLARD ('71) El Paso, Texas [E] is coming to the reunion! He just sent in a donation to keep this website and the newsletter going, so I just called him on the phone. When someone answered, I said, "Hello, is Mike there?" and the voice on the other end says, "No. He should be back in an hour he's out lifting weights." Then, I said, "Lifting weights? Hell, he's too old for that!" Then, the other voice said, "Oh, you mean me! I thought you meant my son, Mike. He's back from college and working out with some friends. This is his Dad, and the only weight I can lift these days are 12 ounces!" We both laughed and I told him it was me, Dennis, and he howled with laughter. I thanked him for his donation check and we talked a while. He said RIGGS GAY ('71) has been all over him about coming to the reunion, so he'll be here. Mike included a note with his check and the note (on his official stationary as Assistant Principal of Canutillo Elementary School in El Paso) says, "Dear Dennis and Gang! I thought I had better drop a line to tell everyone, 'Hi' or 'Hola!' from El Paso. I am still in education (I haven't won the lottery, yet). I told Riggs I would show up at the reunion. Of course this will be in between summer track and of-season football for my kids. It will be great seeing everyone. Gee, I find just keeping up with my own family and my job is enough to kill me. Don't know how you do it, Dennis! Our oldest son, just finished his freshman year at New Mexico State University. After three knee injuries, he won't be playing football there, however. He did enjoy it and is looking forward to going back to school. My middle son, just signed with the University of Texas at El Paso for football. Now, I have to go to all the "tailgate parties!" Our youngest son, is finishing his freshman year at high school and could be BIGGER and better than his older brothers! I guess we'll wait and see. I had better go for now. I can't wait to see you all!" ---It was great talking with you, Mike. We all look forward to seeing you at the reunion. (Mikes e-mail address is: Sdillfam@aol.com) (5/20/00)

JILL TEMPLE ('72) New Braunfels, Texas [E] sent in a web site and newsletter donation and I just noticed her real first name is Julia!. She included a note which reads... "Dear Dennis, this donation is to help with your newsletter and web site. I did not remember much from high school, until I saw so many familiar names. Thanks for the memories! You asked me if my hair was still long. Yes, but not as long as it used to be, but nothing is exactly like it used to be. When it gets longer, I will cut 10" off and donate it for wigs for cancer survivors. It's only hair and I can grow gobs of it. I'll take you up on that dance you promised at the reunion. It will have to be to fast rock-n-roll. I never learned to slow dance. Peace, Jill." ---Wonderful to hear from you, Jill. I guess I'll have to teach you to slow dance at the reunion. YEEE HAAA! (5/19/00)

DON HARING ('70) Hermiston, Oregon [E] Sent me a surprise in my e-mail. today! ..."Hey Buddy, a brief note to tell that just after midnight last night (May 12th morning) I became a grandpa. My youngest daughter had a baby girl and I will be traveling to Texas next weekend to see both of them. If I have a chance I will stop in and say HI." ---Fantastic, Don! Give my love to your daughter and my best wishes to you on becoming a grandpa! (5/19/00)

GARY LEE ('69) Alaska [E] sent in an e-mail..."Dear Dennis, A couple of weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to receive your email newsletter, and from that to learn of plans for a reunion. First, what an impressive and huge effort you put into this newsletter! How do you find time to do it? Second, I was very surprised to see so many names I actually remember. As many sunsets go into the past, it gets harder to remember names I met yesterday, much less years ago. Third, I didn't know if any class of 69 people would crash the party. Your list of email addresses is great, and I exchanged mail with fellow 69'ers. From that and some notes in the newsletter, I am reassured that the "Class of 69" is welcome. Finally, that leads to the reason for this note: I am planning on being at the reunion. I'll send a check (as soon as I remember to do it), but wanted to get in on the head count for the functions. I will be alone. Are there any hotels offering good deal rates? Thanks again for a fine job of putting together such a remarkable newsletter." ---Gary, I appreciate your kind words and it's great that you enjoy the newsletters and web site. As for hotel rates, several people have asked about that. I have checked around here and since it's tourist season in July, none of them offered to come down on any rates. There are several hotel on Loop 410 near our old neighborhood and up to about Ingram Road. I will make a list of them and include it on the REUNION page in the next day or so. (5/19/00)

BILL TANNER ('70) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma [E] answered an e-mail that I belatedly sent to him and he replies as follows..."Dear Dennis, I know what you mean by being snowed under with work. I have been trying to learn this new job, and find it very difficult at times. But heck....they are giving me four years to learn it, so why not take advantage of the training time. The weather has been somewhat great up here in OKC, but real windy. Fishing has been outstanding also. Been all over this state fishing, and finding real hard to adapt to the red color water. As you well know...there is nothing compared to Medina Lake or Canyon Lake, when it comes to clarity,and beauty. Well, it sounds like the reunion is going as planned and I know that you will be somewhat glad that this will soon be over. You have done a great job over the years on the reunions, and I know this year will be the best yet. I just wish I could be there for this one. It should be a killer....but do me a favor? Don't dance to hard this year, like you did on the last one. You was smoking that night, and a bunch of us were concerned. Okay? I heard from JIM HOWARD ('70) A couple of weeks ago, and he is doing well in Utah. He was transferred up there from Kelly, and now works with Special Weapons. That is all I can tell you, because if I tell you more, I will have to kill you. You know how that Top Secret stuff works. Anyway.....Thanks for the reply and hope to hear from you soon. Oh, by the way...careful with that coloring on your beard and hair. Remember what they say.... We should age so gracefully." --- It's always great to hear from ya', Bill. Geez, I haven't been fishing in years. I'd love to go out to Medina lake or Canyon lake with someone, sometime. As for me dancing at the reunion, I have second thoughts, too. In fact, the very next day after dancing my butt off at a friend's wedding is when I had my strokes! But, geez, I have dances lined up at the reunion with so many beautiful women--- Clair, Karen, Kay, Monna, Donna, Karin, Kathi, Kathy, Cathie, Cathy, Lynda, Patricia, Wanda, Dawn, Marsha, Renita, Vicki, Toni, Gay, Jill, and so many others! What's a guy to do!! And by the way, Jim Howard already told me what he does, so you go kill him, not me! (5/19/00)

MARK NORMAN ('71) Louisville, Kentucky [E] sent in an e-mail that lifted my spirits, today. "Dear Dennis, My hat's off to you Sir! You are a one man cheerleading squad. You ought to hit the business lecture circuit and give motivational speeches. If a person doesn't have a positive outlook after reading one of your epistles (in the newsltter or on this web site)- check for a pulse, call 911. Keep the positive thoughts coming! Warmest regards, Mark." ---Thanks, Mark! You just made my day. It's always a good feeling to recieve compliments from friends (5/19/00)

JON DAVIS ('70) Eugene, Oregon [E] is still earning a living in the stock market, but he also dabbles in selling exercise equipment. Does he believe in what he sells? Well, take a look at his personal results below. Does this look like a 47 year old? By the way ladies, he is coming to the reunion and Jon is now SINGLE!


Here, Jon strikes the "BIG BAD JOHN" pose from the song by Jimmy Dean.
He's holding up the timbers until the miners can get out!

BOB WILLIAMS ('69) Houston, Texas [E] is getting in touch with DANNY PADRON ('69), MICKEY MAHLER ('70) and RICKY MAHLER ('71) to organize a baseball, maybe, softball game for Saturday morning July 22nd, of the reunion. It would be held at CLARK HIGH SCHOOL where Danny is coach. I will keep everyone up-to-date on details as they develop. Would that be cool or what? Go to bat against actual former major league pitchers!!! Hell, I'll bust one outta' the park on both the Mahler boys! Trouble is, I couldn't run the friggin' bases!!! LOL (5/18/00)

JIM HOWARD ('70) Layton, Utah works on GUIDED MISSLES. I know, I know, my first thoughts on hearing that were the same as yours! "Time to move to Canada!" I received a letter from Jim and he writes... "Dear Dennis, so you work with Coach Casanova? Well, don't get caught in the bathroom! Tell him that "The Hawk" said Hello. He'll know who you're talking about. Sorry, but I can't make the reunion. I will be at Vandenburg AFB in California, working on some missle testers. Can you believe it! Only a John Jay High School education, with a little college thrown in and I'm working on missles!! I came to Utah in October 1997 from Kelly AFB. I have been working on arming and fusing assemblies for the MRK21 Peacekeeper Missles. I love it here and will be visiting San Antonio at the end of May. Maybe I can swing by Somerset and visit with you and Coach Casanova. I'm single, now, but so old and ugly, it doesn't matter! Ha ha! Y'all have a great party and thanks for the newsletters. Tell MICKEY MAHLER ('70) I'm in Ogden. Call me (801) 393-3272. Take care." ---Hey, Jim it's great to hear from you! When I got your letter, I told Coach Casanova that "The Hawk" said, hello. He says, "That's Jim Howard!" How's he doing?" I told him you work on missles and then, he said he wants to move to Canada, too! I didn't mention the thing you said about not letting him catch me in the bathroom. I don't know what that's all about, Jim, and to tell you the truth, I don't think I want to!!! Some of life's secrets should REMAIN secrets!!! LOL Hey, if you can't find me a coffee mug with the missle on it, any chance you could send me a nosecone from a missle? Maybe I could make a lamp from it! Thanks for writing! We will all miss you at the reunion! (5/18/00)

CATHIE BOOTH ('70) Springfield, Lousianna [E] e-mailed me, today... "Dennis, I am still up in the air about attending the reunion due to prior engagements, but I am still going to try like hell. I get a kick out of the newsletter and the online stuff that you send out. Let it be known, I love you for your courage and gift to the John Jay High School. There are very few schools who have this kind of keep-up with everyone, as you do. My daughter graduates this week-nd then flies to New York and then, I will know more by the end of June. Keep the faith, Kid! Here's to hoping to see you then?!? Love and Peace Cathie" ---Thanks, Cath! Hope to see you, too, and thanks for your kind words. (5/14/00)

JOE ESTES ('71) San Antonio, Texas may be recovering! I spoke with RUSTY ATKINS ('70) who had recently seen Joe. As you will recall, two months ago, I informed you that Joe was suffering from terminal lung and brain cancer and had been given less than six months to live. Rusty says that Joe's cancers seem to be responding to treatment. I don't have any more details than that, but I will keep everyone posted on Joe's progress. (5/12/00)

GLENN HUTTO ('71) La Porte, Texas [E] has been a great friend ever since he helped me pass Dr. Stevens' Physics class back in 1970. Glenn works for Shell Oil Company, as some sort of water quality scientist. I think they make him swim in the discharge water at the refinery to make sure the water is clean enough to release into the environment. If Glenn gets sick after swimming in it or he developes a rash or blisters, they run the water through the filter again. HA! Anyway, Glenn sent me a photo! As a result of being a "test animal" at the refinery, Glenn now has enough hair to grow a mustache! (5/12/00)


Glenn Hutto ('71) and his new mustache.
Whoa! I'd wear shades if I had a haircut like that, too!

WILLIAM TANNER ('71) Oklahoma City, OK [E] sent me an e-mail back in April and I just now found it in my files! So, let me share it with you now... "Hey, Dude! I just ran across the web site and thought I would drop you a line or two, to tell you what has been happening with me, lately. Byt, before I get into that, I want to say how sorry I am to hear about all our classmates that are having bad luck with their health, especially my friend JOE ESTES ('71). I grew up with Joe at the time the band started. I remember how we all, JIM HOWARD ('70), MARK LOISELLE ('70) and all his brothers, TOMMY PACKARD and others used to bug the heck out of the band every time they wanted to practice at the house of URBAN URBANO ('70). They used to get so mad at us, but they let us stay and listen. I guess we were their first groupies. That was when they won the talent show at Jay with "Little Bit of Soul", remember? I just hope that things work out for Joe and he finds peace in whatever he goes through with this. I do believe in prayers and I will get on my knees and say a good one for all. I recently trasfered to Tinker AFB, back in September of last year. I had to move in order to stay with federal service. I have 27 years in and in 6 more, I can retire with full benefits. I am currently assigned as an Industrial Engineering Technician / Air Force Planner. It a new career for me as I was part of the management team at Kelly AFB for 13 years. I hope that I don't bankrupt the Air Force with me behind a computer! It looks like I will be unable to attend the reunion, because I am scheduled for training at that time, but I am going to send a donation. I know that the reunion is going to be a great one because YOU are behind it, Dennis. Tell, ED HOLLEY ('72), I still love him and miss all the support he gave me while we were assigned to Nuclear Weapons. I would love to talk to so many classmates. Tell MELODY SHUPP ('70) she is still in my thoughts and I would love to drop her a line but lost her address. I hope she, her family, and all our classmates are doing well. Have a good one, Dennis and stay healthy." ---Thanks for the update, Bill. I sure do remember the band winning the talent show that year, after all, I was the Master of Ceremonies for that! Sounds like your new career is going well and that's good. As for telling Ed Holley that you still love him... uhh, uhh, well, I'll just let the two of you handle that!! LOL I don't have Melody Shupp's address either. And my apology for posting this e-mail so late! Thanks for all your kind words. All the best to you, my friend. (5/12/00)

FRED POINTER ('71) Ft. Worth, Texas and BILLY POINTER San Antonio, Texas ('72) have our prayers and best wishes in their time of sorrow. TONY PELLETIER ('71) sent me the information by e-mail... "Dennis, Mrs. Pointer passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2000, here in San Antonio. Thanks for helping get the word out to everyone. I know the family appreciates it. Bill still lives in San Antonio (210-681-3638). He has advised me that the Rosary will be Monday evening at the Brookehill Funeral Home and the funeral mass will be held Tuesday (16th) at 9:30 am at St. Vincent de Paul (our old Valley-Hi neighborhood). I'm sure the Express-News will have more details.(5/11/00)

MARK LOISELLE ('70) Trevor, Wisconsin [E] sent me an e-mail for the very first time. He refers to the death of Robert Spradling..."Dear Dennis, I was saddened to hear about the loss of yet another classmate from the "Mighty Mustang Class of '70". I did not know Robert that well, but my prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. His untimely death reminds me of how precious life is and that we should make the most of the blessings we receive from God (and believe me, we have more than we can "Imagine"). I have moved(again). I am currently working for Jockey, International, in Kenosha, Wisconsin (between Chicago and Milwaukee). I am a Master Scheduler in the production planning area. I am responsible for planning production for Jockey sewing factories in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Jamaica and Honduras. I am really enjoying what I am doing and pray that this will be my last move until I retire and move to Denison, Texas. Take care and thanks for all that you do for the "Class of '70". God Bless You, Mark #21 on the John Jay Basketball Team of 1970." ---Great to hear from you Mark! I asked Coach Casanova if he remebered you and he said, "Hell, yes! That's my lefthander! A good boy and a great player for me." Yep, 30 years later, even your coach remembers you!. We both hope you make it to the reunion. (5/10/00)

ROBERT SPRADLING ('70) San Antonio, Texas DIED AT 3:30 P.M. on MONDAY, MAY 8, 2000.


Robert died of cancer at Methodist Hospital San Antonio. He had been suffering from cancer
for about the last two years. His former wife, Carolyn, called me tonight (5/9/00). I last spoke
with him about six months ago, when he told me that all his cancers were in remission and that he
was doing great and looking forward to the class reunion. Unfortunately, the remission was very
brief. He spent the last three weeks in Intensive Care and was taken off life support yesterday morning.
He passed away in peace. Funeral plans will be in the Wednesday, San Antonio Express-News.

I received this letter from his sister, Patricia, on May 12....

"Dear Dennis, I am writing to you today with a heart filled with grief. My brother Robert fought a "tuff" battle but never once said he would give up. He went into his last chemo-therapy treatment saying, "It's either going to cure me or kill me." I know he wrote and told you of his circumstances, but he never once complained. He told me he asked God a long time ago, if anyone in our family ever had to be really sick, to let it be him. And it was. The upcoming reunion meant a lot to him, now, he will be there in spirit. I know he thought a lot of you. God bless you!"

Thank you for the letter, Patricia. You words touch us all, as did the life and passing of your brother. May God bless you, your family and all his friends. --Dennis

MR. FIDELIO "PHIL" GUERRA (former John Jay Spanish teacher) San Antonio, Texas sent in a donation for the newsletter and web site, today! Actually, his lovely wife, Cynthia wrote the letter and signed & mailed the check! She writes... "Dear Dennis, Finally, I made time to write you a check to support your very worthwhile cause. I thoroughly enjoy your newsletters. Your humor is fantastic! I am sure the web site is just as well done-- I will check it out real soon. Mr. Guerra is too busy working on his computer writing Spanish resource books for teachers to get excited about the reunion. However, he has agreed to go to the Saturday night dinner at Pedrotti's. (Or I will drag him there!) It will take place at a very busy time of year for us at the store. "Back to School" season will be in full swing, but, nevertheless, we will show up. Keep the newsletters coming. I just wish my high school buddies had someone like you in the bunch! Thanks!" ---This is so cool to hear from y'all! Mr. & Mrs. Guerra own a store called Schoolocker Teacher Supply at 6151 NW Loop 410, just across the parking lot and to the right of Service Merchandise and Mervyns at Ingram Park, near a Chinese restaurant, and in that area behind the Olive Garden. Call (210) 521-0215. Hey, Phil! Here's that Spanish poem you make me recite to customers when I come into your store! "Rojo, blanco y azul. Que bonita es mi bandera. Yo te amo y mi respecto, simbolo de mi terra." I probably didn't spell everything right, but what the hell. Hey, since I gave your store a plug, will you call the Northside ISD office and have them change the final grade on my transcript for my Spanish II and III classes I had with you!! See ya' at the reunion! (5/9/00)

PATRICIA CLOUGH ('70) Boerne, Texas ('71) [E] e-mailed me today and it's great to hear from her!... "Hi, Dennis - Patty Loftis here (Pat Clough). I've been enjoying your newsletters and did go to the website once. I've only been once because I wound up spending the whole evening there - it's massive! Anyway, as you've probably figured out, I moved from Midland to Boerne 2 1/2 years ago now - the "taking care of aging parents thing". I never thought I'd ever move to this area again - never say never is true. I stay in touch with Susan Breidenbach from time to time - we go to lunch, and she invites me to her big New Year's Eve theatre party every year. I'm still very involved in theatre now that I'm here. I'm on the board of the Back Door Theatre, and I've directed 4 shows and acted in 2. As a matter of fact I just directed AND played Ruth in "Blithe Spirit" which closed last month. Trust me, never again :) Anyway, I still haven't decided whether to come to the reunion - even though I'm now just a few miles down the road. Cherie (Hopson) is now in Edmonds, WA.,and isn't planning on coming, so I'm less inclined than I would be otherwise. I may change my mind as it gets closer! We'll be in Ireland from July 10-20 (my 4th trip), so I'll decide something before I leave for sure. I'm putting a check in the mail to help with the newsletter - it'll get to you in a few days. Hope your life is going well and that you're a happy person - thinking of you has always made me smile." ---Wow, it's great to hear from you, Patty! What a blast we had in drama classes, didn't we? I am so pleased to hear that you're still acting and that you have gotten into directing, as well. I had to give up the live stage because I had a horrible fear of forgetting my lines, although I never did. Besides, if you recall, I always threw-up back stage before going on stage for every performance. I just couldn't stand throwing-up anymore!! LOL I did two seasons at the Point Theatre in Kerrville / Ingram and then bid farewell to the stage, forever. Please let me know next time you have a production and I'll come up to Boerne and see you perform! I do hope you will change your mind and come to the reunion. Everyone would love to see you. I know I would! You can do that little thing you did to the palm of my hand with your middle finger, back in drama class that drove me up the wall! I nearly wet my drawers!! LOL Please stay in touch! (5/9/00)

JILL TEMPLE ('72) New Braunfels, Texas [E] sent me her first e-mail ever. She lived on the same street I did back in the good old days: Remuda Drive. I had a crush on this girl one summer. God, what beautiful long hair she had! I am a sucker for lonnnnnnnng hair on a girl. Anyway, here's what Jill has to say after not hearing from her for 30 years..."Dear Dennis, I was so thrilled to get your e-mails! This is Jill Temple, Class of '72. I would have responded earlier, but it is election time in New Braunfels, Texas. I am Assistant City Secretary. Elections, records management, City Council agendas, minutes, ordinances, and resolutions have replaced Student Council Conventions, homework, pep rallies, working in the bookroom, Mrs. Vakey's office and for Miss Madla during study hall, lunch breaks in John Jays' courtyard, and working after school at Dunkin' Donuts and the Bun 'n Barrel. I know that you are going to request an official City of New Braunfels coffee mug, but the beer steins are so much nicer. Would you settle for one of those? People in New Braunfels drink so much more beer than coffee! My favorite memory from High School days is when Joe Estes had to meet my Mother, in order to just give me a ride to an Elton John Concert. It was just a ride, not a date. In order to improve my chances of going, Joe offered to where his wig.(Remember those God-awful wigs?!) He said that if my Mother noticed that he was wearing a wig (as if), he would tell her that he had burned his hair! Well, Joe passed the Mother test. (I don't know how that happened!) But he left quite suddenly after my baby sister sat on his lap and told him that she still wet her bed! By the way, Carl Utterback should have been a pediatrician. He was a big hit the day we got to bring little kids to Mrs. Ottwell's Home and Family Living class! I am planning to attend the reunion. It is so nice of you upper classmen to include the fish in your reunion. I am making my 21 year old daughter come to the Friday night get together. You might not recognize me, but she looks a lot like I did so many years ago. (Well, actually, she is a lot cuter than I ever thought about being.) The check is in the mail! (Really!) I am looking forward to seeing you and some of the old gang." ---Jill, what a blast to hear from you after all these years! Cool! A New Bruanfels beer stein would be a great addition to my collection! Hey, I also serve as the Elections Officer for the school district that I work for, so, I am well familiar with the hassles of elections!! Do ya' still have your long hair? I'll save ya' a dance at the reunion. And be sure to tell your fellow 1972 grads, to come to the reunion, too! (5/9/00)

CHARLES "CHUCK" BOOTH ('71) Del Rio, Texas [E] sent in a very generous donation, today, and an e-mail! It's double-mail day from the Chucktster! Chuck protects our nation's borders from drug smugglers, illegal aliens, outer space aliens, hookers, and other unsavory characters in Del Rio, Texas, where he works for the Border Patrol. Well, I'll let him tell you... "Hey, Dennis! I put a check in the mail today for the newsletter, as it is a worthy cause. You have done wonders with this cyber media so keep up the good work. I have retired from the Air Force and I am employed by the Department of Justice, U.S. Border Patrol. I am currently operating in communications, searching for the bad guys, and gals, through computer science. I am married to Denise Rossignol, a wonderful woman from Van Burn, Maine, and we now live in Del Rio. Although we are so near to San Antonio, with work and my guiding activities, we have just enough time to visit my parents who still live there. Denise's children Jason (22) is attending college in Buffalo, NY and Michelle (20) works, attends college and lives in Austin. My twins, Justin and Courtney, live with their mother in Spring Branch, and will be 14 this year. Everyone here is healthy and happy, hoping everyone else is enjoying it too. Adios for now, Chuck." ---Thanks for the news and the great donation Chuck! Hey, if it ain't against the law, get me a Border Patrol coffee mug! And if you confiscate any coffee mugs off any illegal aliens, send me one of those, too! On second thought, never mind that one! LOL We were stationed Laughlin A.F.B. in Del Rio, back in 1963-65 during the famous U2 spy missions. It was there that I first started listening to rock -n- roll music on radio station KDLK, in Del Rio. 10 years later, in September 1973, I began my radio career at that very station! Of course, everyone knows that Bill Smith got his start on XERF radio, right across the river from Del Rio in Ciudad Acuna. Oh, I almost forgot. Most people don't know that "Bill Smith" is the real name of "WOLFMAN JACK." (5/8/00)

JAY FERGUSON ('70) Alpharetta, Georgia [E] sent in a donation in a lovely card. Actually, his wife, Susan sent it in, but I'm sure he knows about it! LOL Susan writes, "Dear Dennis we just wanted you to know how much we enjoy receiving the newsletter and hope it doesn't stop. Thanks for all you do! By the way, Jay is working at Choicepoint Inc. (formely part of Equifax.)" ---Congratulations on the new job Jay and thank you both for the donation! That will buy a lot of stamps! And by the way, I have already printed the mailing labels for the next three newsletters. I may go ahead and just let the post office forward the newsletter to you. Is that OK? LOL (5/8/00)

JON DAVIS ('70) Eugene, Oregon [E] checked in with me by e-mail..."Hi Dennis, I finally have my act in gear to make a contribution that I will mail soon. I had hoped to do earlier but the financial markets aren't cooperating as good recently. NASDAQ, where most of my holdings are, has been demonstrating record breaking levels of volatile intensity. It is much more challenging to make money under those circumstances. I continue to enjoy this process thoroughly and have done well enough to help set up my sister and two friends with their own online accounts. I send them financial advisories on a fairly regular basis. I recently received the newsletter and especially enjoyed the adventures with hair dye story. I also particularly enjoyed the Mike O`Malley story on the website. I'm set up with Travelocity to receive a good deal alert, via Internet, on plane fare to the reunion. I hope it comes through as I have not purchased yet. Now I'm thrilled to inform you of a delightful circumstance in my life. Prior to moving to San Antonio, just after beginning of sophomore year, I lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. In junior high I had a 5 star maximum full race overdrive crush on a girl I was to shy to approach beyond a minor casual level. Actually, this situation applied to about every girl I knew back then but this particular one was extra special. About 25 years ago I decided that she was going to be my fantastic fantasy to get back in touch with and I have been in pursuit off and on ever since. I have been checking into various possibilities by way of the Internet once I had access. Around a year ago or so I found a national high school reunion website at CLASSMATES.COM and started posting messages at potential high school reunion bulletin boards. Recently a friend [of hers] noticed my announcement who knew the woman I was trying to contact and we have started to exchange E-mails. IS THAT ULTIMATE COOL OR WHAT! I can't believe it happened after all these years of trying with only incredibly tiny amounts of hope to be inspired by. I am happy she seems receptive and doesn't consider me a complete whacko [yet]. I think she's a little shocked by my approach post 30 plus years out of the blue. She sent me two pictures and I'll send in case you are able to download for viewing. She is still entirely gorgeous! Having fulfilled this fantasy I feel much more, if not totally complete as a human being. What do I have to do to up the ante? Perhaps become an alien. That could lead to all kinds of new fantastic fantasies. HA! In closing, I want to express, as usual, my complete appreciation for all you have done to make this Reunion experience all that it is in all its magnificent glory. See everyone soon!" --- Wow! Great to hear from you and get the update on your life. You lost me with all that financial lingo, but I connected with the story on an old girlfriend! I have a couple, and one in particular, that I would love to hook back up with. Oh, well... Hey, I got the photos you sent and she's a cutie! Does she have a sister?? LOL I got your donation in the mail, too! Thank you so much! See ya' in July, my friend! (5/5/00)

LYDIA "TOY" KELLY ('71) Minneapolis, Minnesota [E] e-mailed me for the first time ever, saying.."Hello, Dennis, I really enjoy the newsletters! I am sending you a $20 spot..not much..but I keep meaning to..and space out...I am senile these days..too much fun in my youth, I guess. I can't make it to the reunion in July, but I will be at the Republic of Texas Motorcycle Rally in Austin June 9-11. I'm riding my Harley down with about 10 male and female friends from here. I told them they haven't lived until they have experienced Texas. Hopefully, by the year 2005, I'll be home in Texas for good, but unlike my classmate, RENITA FOSTER ('71) (who never wants to leave Texas when she gets back) ...I'll probably have a travel trailer parked on a couple acres, ready to go. I partied in my 20's...found responsibility in my 30's. I'm raising my angel of a daughter (14 yr old...eeekkk I remember 14...eeek I absolutely hated my teenage yrs) in my 40's....... and I am ready to relax in my 50's, whether I can afford it or not! I can find a job somewhere...heehee. These days the only thing that things are good for is collecting dust..except my Harley... heehee some more. I'm sure I'm going to miss a really big bash at the reunion, but my Army Reserve unit has decided I need to go for my two week annual training at the same time! Anyway....wanted to touch base and say hi..........now I find myself rambling. Toy" --- It's great to hear from you, Toy. We'll all miss you at the reunion, but if your circumstances change, please join us! (5/5/00)

MARK SAMER ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E] mailed in his reunion reservation check, today, along with an extra check made out to me, with a note attached... "Dennis, enclosed are two checks. One is for myself for the class reunion reservation. The other check is for YOU TO PARTY WITH!!!!" ---Well, that's a first!! Thanks for your reservation Mark, and I guess the breakfast tacos are on you for the next two months!! LOL THANKS! (5/4/00)

RICHARD SOLLINGER ('70) North Plains, Oregon [E] mailed in his reunion reservation and a bunch of extra funds all in a single check for this web site and the newsletter. The only thing is, he forgot to sign the check!! LOL Hey, Richard! The check is back in the mail! Thanks for the good intentions, my friend! (5/4/00)

FRED BUTLER ('70) Austin, Texas sent in a donation for the newsletter and web site, today. I used to have his e-mail address but my e-mail to him kept coming back. Hey, Fred! If you see this, e-mail me, asap, and thanks for the donation to keep all of this going! (5/3/00)

RICK KIEFFER ('71) Maple Valley, Washington [E] is the Chief of Police in Normandy Park, Washington and he sent in his reservation for the reunion as well as an extra donation for "the cause." Thanks, Rick, we'll see you in July! (5/3/00)

MARK NORMAN ('71) Louisville, Kentucky [E] Sent me an e-mail, today... "Dennis, Just wanted to drop you a line and give you a big Howdy! I can't begin to express how much it means to me to read about our classmates. The energy and enthusiasm you put into the web site boggles the mind. In case you weren't aware, RICK SANDOVAL ('71), is craving attention. He went in for minor surgery (i.e. any surgery involving someone other than me) and failed the EKG test. The docs overhauled his plumbing there in San Antonio a few weeks ago. He is doing better now. What some people will do for attention! I keep promising to call someone the next time I'm in town. The problem is arriving via a UPS jumpseat at 4 AM on the way to Mexico. 45 minutes later, we are back in the air. You wouldn't be interested in coming out to the airport (cargo side) to have a cup of coffee at that ungodly hour would you? Guess its time to get back to work since I'm using the company computer and goofing off! --- Hey, Mark! Good to hear from you. Let's see, you want me to meet you at the airport at 4:00 a.m. for coffee. OK, everyone out there who thinks that's a crazy idea, raise your hand... 1-2-3...45-46-47...103-104... ok. That's CRAZY! I'm afraid we're gonna' have to yank your UPS license! (You're not a pilot are you???) LOL We all look forward to seeing you in July and be sure to give Rick our best the next time you talk to him! (5/3/00)

RIGGS GAY ('71) Apopka, Florida [E] is our very own Sherlock Holmes on the force with the Orange County, Florida Sheriff's Department. Today, he e-mails this... "Hey Dennis, got your e-mail regarding the Instant Messenger. I am on the system and my call sign is riggs0027. I have added you to my buddy list and will try to hook up. I bought my airline tickets for the class reunion. I will be coming by myself and will only attend the Friday and Saturday functions. I got in touch with MIKE DILLARD ('71) and he is coming also. I have told my wife to send $$$$ so you should be getting it soon. My 10 year old daughter was selected to be one of the 2000 kids participating in the Walt Disney World Millennium Dreamers being held in Orlando next week. These 2000 kids were selected from all over the world to be awarded for their community service. Megan (my daughter) is in a dance company and does presentations for the kids at the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital. She also does fund raisers and has collected over $8000 over a six year period for the neonatal unit. Her dance teacher put her in and she won. She and my wife get to spend a week, all expenses paid and will get various awards and other things. I am assigned out there so I'll naturally be there anyway. I have to have oral surgery in June to have a broken jaw tooth cut out. I should have been a dentist. Between the surgery and related bridges and crowns, it will cost $4000 out of pocket. Maybe I ought to have my daughter do a fund raiser for me?! Well, gotta go. Talk at you later." ---Riggs, it's great to hear from you. hey, send me Mike Dillard's mailing address, I don't think he's on my list! And aother thing... I already have a coffee mug from Dinsy World, I went there in 1995, but I sure would love an official sheriff's deparment mug with the department's logo on it! Any chance of that?? Swipe me one! LOL I look forward to seeing you my friend! (5/3/00)

PAM CASTLE ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E] sent me an e-mail, today..."Dear Dennis, What can I say but, God bless you for keeping me in touch with my high school memories throughout the years with your newsletters. I have often wondered what happen to some of my classmates and you've kept me informed. As I get older (more mature) I cherish those days even more. Thank you again. I'm sorry that I had not sent more money in the past. I will send a check tomorrow and register for the reunion. I had my newsletter at work the other day and my co-workers were so surprised that our class was so pro-active. They could not believe all the newsletters for the past 30 years. God blessed us by having you keep us all together. I have just discovered the web page. Shame on me for not viewing it sooner, it is very good. You are truly a very special person in my life with a special place in my heart. I LOVE the web page. I just finished writing my check for the reunion and the web page/newsletter. If you need help on Saturday, just let me know. I live near by and hopefully could be of assistance. Love, Pam" ---Dear Pam, it's always great to hear from you. The Saturday night event is pretty much taking acre of itself, but we do need help with the Friday night social at the school. If you would call CAROL LIPSEY ('70) at (830) 980-3177 (toll free), she sure could use your help. As for your other comments, time after time, I sit here at my computer and shed tears of joy in reading letters like yours. Sometimes, when I think I can't take anymore trouble that life sends my way, when I think that I am going through bad times all alone, I come back to these electronic lines of words, read them over, and realize that with friends like you and all my classmates, I am never alone. Thank you and thank you to everyone who continues to appreciate the work I do and for your kind words of love and encouragement. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find a tissue. (5/2/00)

DEBBIE SULLIVAN ('70) Gilbert, Arizona [E] e-mailed me this weekend and said that circumstances were such that she will not be able to attend our reunion in July. I was sadden by that news and told her that if circumstances changed to feel free to show up at the last minute, with no problem. Today, in the mail, she sent in a very generous donation even though she cannot attend. Thank you, Deb! I love ya' and the door is still open if ya can make it after all. (5/2/00)

COACH JERRY MASON San Antonio, Texas, with his diminutive height, could still pass for one of the Keebler Elves! But Coach has a heart as big as my waistline! He'll definately be coming to the reunion and sent in a very big donation for the newsletter and web site! Thanks, Coach! Now, go run 10 laps! LOL (5/2/00)

JANICE SAMS ('70) Los Angeles, California [E] has joined us on the internet and she loves this web site! I got her e-mail, today, and she writes... "Dear Dennis, I just got the newsletter and I have been meaning to write but time goes by and before I know it its another year. I won't be able to come to the reunion but I will be in Texas Sept. 5, for my Dad's 75th birthday so maybe we can get together then. Glad to hear you are doing so well and that your sense of humor never changes. I haven't talked to any of the old gang in along time(Tina,Clair, etc.) but I plan to try and get in touch by e-mail soon. Believe it or not I just got e-mail. I'm still in L.A, I'm working as a Ultrasound Tech and actually teaching it, also. I'm only working part time, so I can be home when my son, Gabriel, comes home from school. He'll be 9 on the 26th. Can you beleive it! All is well I'm happy and healthy, so, I guess I can't complain. I will put a check into the mail this payday. I'll bring you a cup from Peru, we are going in July. We are hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the Inca ruins in the Andes. I think I 'm getting more crazy in my old age!!! Hugs and kisses xxxxoooooo Janice" ---Wow! How wonderful to hear from you!! I still remember the afternoon you, Janice and I spent at your dad's house talking for hours a few years back. What a great time. I don't know what it is about Machu Picchu, but our classmate RICHARD OLSEN ('70), just got back from there! Stay in touch and I hope your schedule can change and you'll be able to make it to the reunion. We'll all miss you! Love ya'! (5/1/00)

TERRY WILLIAMS ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E] called me on the phone, tonight. We had a blast remembering the good old days back at Jay and the fun with drama stuff. Terry is recovering from a series of back surgeries over the past few months and still has more ahead of her. But she's in great spirits and helaing well. She is such a dear friend. (5/1/00)

JULIE CONSANI ('71) [E] sent me an e-mail after her sister, BETTY CONSANI ('70), got her first e-mail from me, last week. Julie writes... "Hello, Dennis, I am Julie Consani. I was a Freshman the year John Jay High opened. My sister Betty graduated from John Jay in 1970. My father was transferred to California that year, so I was unable to graduate from John Jay. I graduated in California. I would still like to check out the graduates from 1971 since we would of been the first class to go through the whole four years and graduate. Could you please send me the information as to how to look it up on the internet. You have done a fabulous job with the site and keeping the information updated for the Class of 1970. I do remember a lot of the people and have gotten a kick out of seeing the old year book pictures. Thank you!" ---Dear Julie... There is no other site for your class. I have been doing this for about 12 years... the Classes of 1969 and 1971 have no sites of their own. Mine is pretty much it. I always include news and information of '69 and '71, on my site. My sister Linda DuPriest Padron has been in charge of y'alls past reunions. At this point, there will not be a 30 year reunion for your class, as they have decided to party with us this year, as is the Class of 1969. Feel free to scroll down my entire web site till you get to the DIRECT E-MAIL LINKS button. Click on that and you will be taken to the e-mail addresses of your classmates that I have on fileor call my sister at 210-680-9019. Hope you can come to this reunion. All the best, Dennis (5/1/00)

MONNA STEPHENS ('70) Grapevine, Texas [E] sent in a great e-mail, today! Here's what she had to say... "Hi Dennis! What in the world would we do without you? My check is in the mail. Sorry for being so tardy and negligent in corresponding to you. Donna has always been my "mouth-piece" and keeps me informed, etal about most things, especially now that she is retired and lives in the "lap of luxury" on her little ranch in Corpus Christi. Although I work in the Internet Industry, I find it difficult to find the time to use the very product we market. GTE.Net has been in the midst of a merger with Bell Atlantic for some time now, but during the past 6-months, this merger thing has kept me more than busy! The merger should be complete by June...then I can reclaim my life as I once knew it, providing "Verisign" allows me to stay on. I have managed the Contracts Department for GTE.Net for almost four years in Las Colinas (Irving) Texas. It's as close to my dream of being an attorney as I'll ever get! My daughter, Alicia (28), was married 6-years ago this summer and has her own Chiropractic Clinic in Colleyville, Texas. (No kids yet) Anthony (23) was married on March 4, 2000 to his "high-school" sweetheart and lives in Houston, Texas. He is a "computer-nerd" and works in the IT Department for a Mortgage Company. My husband, Marc, and I still live in Grapevine, Texas (located in the mid-cities of D/FW area) and love being here. We look forward to the reunion in July. My Best to you." ---And my best to you, too, Monna! You and your sister, Donna, have been there for me since the beginning of all this, over 12 years ago. Thank you so much! My love to you. (5/1/00)

CINDY BACON ('70) [E] is a new addition to my e-mail list. I don't have her mailing address, yet, so I can't tell you were she lives, but she has written back to me by e-mail. She really enjoys the web site and has found a lot of old friends through it. Today she e-mailed me... "Dear Dennis, Thought I'd send ya' a photo of me doing what changed my life forever. Taekwondo has been great for my life, not just physically, but mentally and in other ways. I'll mail you some funds tomorrow. Cindy" ---Thanks, Cindy! Hmmmm, by the looks of that photo below, the old 1960's cologne company must be making a "Hai Karate" perfume for women now! (5/1/00)


Cindy Bacon ('70) limbers up before kicking some
bootie at a Taekwondo tournament.

APRIL 2000
"THE GUYS" San Antonio, Texas held their monthly meeting at Pizza Hut, as they have at 7:30 pm on the last Friday of each month, every month for the past 13 years. When I (Dennis) first got there I saw this dude walking out of the party room as I walked in the door of Pizaa Hut. This guy was in terrific shape and looked like a body builder and a MEAN one at that! I thought to myself, "If this dude thinks he's going to eat in the party room while we have our "Guys" meeting, he's damn well got another thing coming!" The dude walked over to some other table in the restaurant and sat down. I walked in the party room and sat down. I had brought the latest issue of the class newsletter, 600 envelopes and 600 stamps. I was gonna' have the "Guys" stuff, seal and stamp newsletters with me! Well, it was only 7:10, and the "Guys" never show up until 7:30, so I thought I'd get myself a salad. I went to the salad bar, fixed the salad, and then went back into the party room and sat down. I had only taken one bite, when all of a sudden, I look up and the dude is back! He's standing at the glass doors to the party room. He looks huge! He looks like he's got muscles on top of muscles. He's got a scowl on his face, like he's ready to kick someone's ass! I swallow my mouthfull of salad without even chewing it!! Then, he walks in the party room!! He walks right up to me, puts his face in my face and says in a low, mean voice, "You got a permit to use this room?" I said, "What?" He repeated, "Do you have a permit to use this room?" Then, I thought to myself, "If I think I'm going to stop this dude from eating in here while we have our "Guys" meeting, I damn well got another thing coming!" My heart was beating a thousand miles per hours, sweat was beading up on my forehead and trickling down my face, I felt like wetting my pants and I was just about two seconds from yelling, "Rape! Fire! Foley's Red Apple Sale!" anything to get anyone's attention, when I saw a smile come across the dude's face. Then, I said, "Did you go to John Jay?" and the dude gets this real big smile on his face and he says, "Yeah, I was in the Class of 1970. I'm MIKE O'MALLEY!" Holy cow! We both started laughing. We hadn't seen each other in 30 years! The tension in the room was gone, but I wet my pants anyway. Mike had driven down from his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to San Antonio for a memorial service for his mom who had recently passed away. We got to talking and soon some of the other "Guys" showed up and we spent the evening stuffing newsletters, eating, talking and having a real blast! It was fun! JACK MATTHEWS showed up. He graduated in 1966 from Holmes High School. His dad was Mr. Matthews who taught math at John Jay. DANNY PADRON ('69), CAROL LIPSEY ('70) and her husband Richard, RUSTY ATKINS ('70) and his wife DIANA JOHNSTON ('77) and HARRY LINDGREN ('70) were among those who showed up and helped with the newsletter. I want to thank all of them for helping out and a special thanks to GAY TITSWORTH ('75) for having single-handedly put the mailing address and return address labels on all the envelopes! (4/29/00)


Jack Matthews, Richard Keith, Carol (Lipsey) Keith, Rusty Atkins, Diana (Johnston) Atkins,
Dennis DuPriest and Harry Lindgren, the members of the "Newsletter Stuff, Seal, & Stamp"
committee at Pizza Hut on Friday. May 28, 2000. Danny Padron had already left when we took
this picture. Mike O'Malley didn't want his picture taken because he wants to surprise
people at the reunion. So, he took this photo for us. Wow! Do we look great or what!

BRENDA FITTS ('71) Fort Worth, Texas [E] Sent me an e-mail, today, with an interesting question and some information... "Hey Dennis, I was just reading the E-mail and newsletters. I have enjoyed them very much. It's interesting to see what other former classmates are doing in this world of ours. I was reading that you went to Brindisi Italy and then came back to Jay. I went to Sol Ross for 8th grade, Jay 9th grade and Brindisi Italy for 10th grade, Munich American High School for 11th grade, in Munich, Germany and back to Jay for my Senior year. Were you in Brindisi the fall of 67-68 or there about? I have been thinking, trying to remember if you were there at that time. Who knows-this is a small world! We are planning on attending the reunion. I will mail in my check and a donation within the next month. I work in the Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD as a Computer Lab Manager, this is my 5th year. I work with middle school age kids (6,7,8 grade) every day , before that I was and Administrative Assistant for an insurance agent. We are animal lovers - 2 dogs and 5 cats - all spoiled like grandchildren. I am an aunt to a sweet little niece who is 6 years old, she is my joy and light of my life! My husband is a Senior Project Manager at a company here in Fort Worth. We will celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary in September this year. Time flies when you are having FUN! I mentioned the reunion to my sister, Cessa Steffens (74) and she seemed interested - will let you know later if they will attend." ---Brenda, thanks for your e-mail and your update! We were stationed in Brindisi, Italy (San Vito dei Normandi Air Station) from 1964-67. In fact, we lived off base in Casale at 460 Via Cagni Street. In the year you asked about, 1967-68, that was the first year John Jay High School opened and I was in the first sophomore class there. So, no, our paths didn't cross in Italy. I look forward to seeing you at the reunion! (4/26/00)

BRADLEY SIMON ('70) Spring, Texas, with his wife, Vickie, year after year send in their financial contribution, as they did, today. Thank you Brad & Vickie for your continued support. (4/24/00)

MATT DELANEY ('70) Santa Barbara, California [E] is also in town, this Easter, to visit his folks. Matt will be stopping by my house this evening (Sunday) to bring me up-to-date on his latest hiking and camping adventures. While Matt sat in my living room, he took out his checkbook and made yet another donation to the reunion. Thanks, Matt! (4/23/00)

FRANK "RIP" DOUVRY ('70) Frisco, Texas [E] was in town this Easter weekend visiting his folks and his wife's SHERRY McALPINE ('72) [E] mother and took me out to dinner Saturday night for the world's best fried mushrooms at the "410 Diner" on Broadway. Man, did we pig out!! We had a lot of laughs remembering the good old days. Then, we went driving through the old neighborhood and tried to pay a surprise visit to STEPHANIE COPAS ('71), but she surprised us. She wasn't home!! Of course Rip, Steph and I all met one another in drama back at Jay and Rip hasn't seen Stephanie in 30 years! Oh, well, guess they'll see one another at the reunion! Thanks for buying dinner, Rip! It's on me next time. (4/23/00)

GARY SHELTON (71) & BRENDA NEWTON ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E] visited our web site and signed the Guestbook saying... "Great web site, Dennis! I enjoyed reading it. I am in San Antonio along with my husband of 28 years! (Gary Shelton). We have three daughters and one granddaughter. I am a CPA at Diamond Shamrock, Gary is a Cardio-Vascular Technologist at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital, here in San Antonio and manages a Special Procedures Lab in the Radiology Department where they do angiograms and other procedures. He has been working there for 23 years." ---Well, it was a brief message but I appreciate it nonetheless! Brenda and Gary, be sure to send me your mailing address so I can put you on the mailing list for the newsletter. Hope you two plan to come to the reunion! (4/23/00)

RICHARD OLSEN ('70) Weston, Massachusetts [E] dropped me an e-mail to thank me for all the work I've done with our class over the years with the newsletter and web site. He also told me that by the time I received his e-mail he would be hiking the Andean Mountains of PERU on his way to MACHU PICCHU! Cool, Richard! See if they have Machu Picchu coffee mugs and bring me one back, dude! (4/22/00)

DEBBIE SULLIVAN ('71) Gilbert, Arizona [E] sent me an e-mail to let me know that she really enjoys this web site. She always has a kind word and smile for me! (4/22/00)

GAY TITSWORTH ('75) San Antonio, Texas [E] has already begun labeling the 500+ newsletter envelopes thatshe and I will be stuffing and stamping next weekend to get them out to everyone. She is such a delight! Always there to volunteer her time to help me out. Thanks, Gay. You are wonderful!! (4/22/00)

GEORGE HUNTER ('71) Germany [E] sends out his Easter greetings to everyone. Even though he knows that he cannot make it back to the states to attend our reunion in July, George continues to send in donations of money and stamps to keep the reunion going. Thanks George. I wish more people were as generous and giving as you! Thanks, my friend. (4/22/00)

THOMAS HOLMES, Galveston, Texas [E] has sent me an e-mail for the very first time. he writes... "Hi, Dennis, this is the first chance I've had to respond to your recent newsletter. It's hard to realize that our 30-year reunion has arrived. Where has the time gone? I still work for the federal government as the facility manager and safety director for the National Marine Fishery Service. To bring you up-to-date on my family, my wife, Susan is a special education teacher; my oldest daughter, Megan, is going to be a freshman in high school; and my daughter, Holly is going into the 5th grade. We live in Galvestion, next to the bay. Well, I have to head out to a party that my boss is throwing at a yacht club for dome D.C. big shots! I'll be sure to send in a little extra money for this web site and the newsletter when I send in our reunion reservation. Take care." ---Thanks, Tom! Good to hear from you and we all look forwrd to seeing you at the reunion. (4/23/00)

ANNETTA KOPP ('71) Kyle, Texas mailed in a very generous donation, today, the day before Easter! Thank you, Annetta, I'll be buying stamps for the next newsletter that's going out next week! (4/22/00)

LINDA ROPER ('69) Katy, Texas [E] sent in a dondation for this web site and the newsletter, today. Thanks, Linda! I have just mailed you the first three (3) newsletters aout the reunion. You should get them by this Saturday or next Monday by the latest. (4/19/00)

MRS. PEGGY CARNAHAN, San Antonio, Texas, is one of the original teachers at John Jay. Do ya'll remember "Carnahan's Corner"? She had the corner classroom in the science wing of the school, right across the hall from Dr. Steven's physics classes and next door to Mr. Bartella's biology lab. The students had painted the windows near the ceiling with all sorts of stuff and her classroom often resembled Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory! While we were disecting earthworms and frogs in Mr. Bartella's class, students in Carnahan's classes were drawing blood from themselves and doing all sorts of weird mumbo-jumbo!! Anyway, today, she works at Our Lady of the Lake University and, in doing so, she works with one of the educational programs at Somerset Independent School District, where I (Dennis DuPriest) am the Public Information Officer. Well, today, (Friday, 4/14/00) one of our district's teachers, Mrs. Debbie Hayes was presented with the 2000 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Education Award at Trinity University. Mrs. Carnahan worked very closely with Mrs. Hayes in developing a special educational program called, PRIDE. Mrs. Carnahan attended the ceremony at Trinity University and we got to talk to each other. I get to see her every now and then when she visits our schools. Well, I didn't want to miss the chance to get a picture of here to put here on the web site! So, here it is! Mrs. Peggy Carnahan, former biology and science teacher at John Jay. (4/14/00)


Former John Jay teacher and "Mad Scientist", Mrs. Peggy Carnahan
and Dennis DuPriest at Trinity University, Friday, April 14, 2000.

SHARON GOODYKOONTZ ('70) Bulverde, Texas [E] stays in touch with me by e-mail or a phone call every now and then. Her recent e-mail says..."Dear Dennis, just wanted to say 'hello' and bring you up-to-date on me. I'm still in school and I'm aceing Algebra. I've been elected to the Student Government as a Senator. I've been awarded a scholarship. Things are going fairly well, but taking 18 hours is killing me. I've signed up to do 18 in the summer and 18 in the fall. Then I'll get to do my student-teaching and I'll be graduating Spring 2001. I'm actually graduating from S.A.C. on 20 May (don't ask me why it took so long) :-). I am teaching 1st grade on Mondays and Wednesdays, and also on Wednesday mornings, I get to be the 3rd grade TAAS coach for reading. I've been sitting here all afternoon, worrying about my kiddies. I hope that they do well on the reading, after all of the work that we've put in. Thought I'd send ya' a photo! Take care." ---Sharon, it's always good to hear from you. It's great that you'll soon be getting your degree after attending two colleges at the same time! (4/12/00)


Sharon Goodykoontz ('70), looking as lovely as ever!

CATHY BACON ('70) Woodbridge, Virginia [E] has turned the tables on us! As mentioned in a story above, Cathy has recently been promoted to the rank of full Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. When someone gets promoted, people usually buy them a gift. Well, Cathy has decided to send all of us a gift, instead, with a very, very generous financial donation for the newsletter and web site! Wow! Cathy this is fantastic and on behalf of all us civilians (and any military classmates still hanging in there) WE SALUTE YOU and thank you for your wonderfulgenerosity! Hey, one more thing. Can you sneak into the cafeteria at the Pentagon, where you work, and swipe me a coffee cup that says "The Pentagon" on it? Just wondering... If ya' can't swipe me one, have some Congressman or Senator write it into the military budget for next year and have some Airman requisition it and send it to me! (4/11/00)

LINDA McNEELY STUKES ('70) Wichita Falls, Texas [E] very quietly mailed me a donation check for this web site and the newsletter. No accompanying letter or note in the envelope, just the check. Her actions speak louder than words. Thank you Linda! My love to you for your generosity. (4/7/00)

MARGO GARCIA ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E] sent me a surprise e-mail and mailed in what she says, will be her first of many donation checks to keep the web site and newsletter going. Thanks, for your generosity, Margo! In her e-mail Margo writes..."Hello Dennis! Congratulations to you and Ed Holley. You two have done a really fantastic, zowie, super fantabulous job with the web site! I am so sorry I only just now discovered it! I really believe if people just see it that they will not be able to help but contribute to keep it going strong! You will be getting our check very soon. (No, I am not a multiple personality! I have gotten married since my last reunion!) We will give as much as we can, and not one time only. You really touched my heart with all the heart and soul that you have put into this labor of love. God multiply the love back to you! We do not know each other well. I was the Margorita lady at the "Class of '71" reunion in 1996. And here is secret fact from the past for you. When the singer, "Bowser" of the oldies rock group, "Sha Na Na" was performing at Fiesta Texas, your sister, Linda was there. My soon to be husband and I were there with my folks and Linda asked me if I could get a Bowser picture autographed for you! And I did! So, there you have it, we have a little bit of a bond. In high school, half the kids knew me as Dolly, from Rayburn, and the rest that I met after Rayburn know me by my given name - Margo Garcia. (Honestly, I am not a multiple personality! but in retrospect, it is a wonder!!!) I am now Margo Sabater. I am currently an Adminstrative Assistant learning the construction business from the "tied for 1st place" best boss I ever had in my life! He is a senior project manager for a firm whose home office is in Houston. I really enjoy the work. It's like a new lease on life to get to learn new stuff. My husband is the computer guru in the making. He is an A+ tech and working on his MCSE. He has a natural knack for computers. We got married New Year's Eve of 1997. If we knew now what the IRS had in store for us, we would have gotten married January 1st! Our 2 "baby boys" are 42 lb. Arrow and 12 lb. Oblio! (Remember Harry Nilsson & "The Point") Joe is also a musician. He plays guitar and he has had a fascinating life. I will let him share first-hand at the reunion if not sooner. I'm looking forward to seeing some of my old class members & teachers - Ruthie Mickan Ottmers, Valerie Harper Fischer, Chris Schlaeger, Kim Yunc, Bob Grant, David Trimm, Betty Huff, Sue Clemons, Arleen Gerow, Mark Tedesco, Miros Garcia, Mr. Phil Guerra (Spanish teacher), Mrs. Gorham Portor (English), Ms. Juanita Madla (Algebra-and the only person who could ever teach me that stuff!) Lynn Barton (remember his tangerine colored van!) Quinton Biles, Don Hurlock, Roger Savage, Mike Proctor...well, I could go on and on! Especially all the gang I had so much fun with at our last reunion making new old friends! Love to you all until then.Well, please add my e-mail address to the list and please try to e-mail me back just to make sure I get at least one response! Your writing reveals your heart and I can see that you have a beautiful one. I'm very much looking forward to the reunion! God bless you, Dennis! ---Wow! Thanks for all the accolades, Margo! Let's see, where do I begin... The autographed photo of "Bowser" (whose real name is John Bauman) is hanging on the wall right here in front of me about three feet away from me. He signed it, "To Dennis, Happy Birthday! Grease & Peace" Bowser. Thanks for the photo! Sounds like you have some great memories of our days at Jay. Of the people youmentioned that you wanted tosee at the reunion, Miros Garcia lives just one street over from me, here in Meadow Village; Valerie Harper called me just last week saying she wasn't sure if she could make the reunion; Chris Schlaeger sent in a donation check to me just last week; David Trimm lives in Florida and got remarried last year, Sue Clemmons works at Methodist Hospital (I think), Quinton Biles married Donna White ('72) and lives here in San Antonio; and the company that Mike Proctor works for did the property inventory for the school district that I work for and I got to talk with him several times. Can't wait to see you at the reunion! (4/7/00)

TONY PELLETIER ('71) Houston, Texas [E] has as wicked a sense of humor as mine! Today, he mailed in a hefty, portly, chubby donation check to keeps us in business with the reunion newsletter and this web site. He included his business card with a note, which reads... "Dennis- here's a donation to be used as required. If you use it for cheap sex, I want the phone number, too!" YEEE HAAAA!!! What a crack! Tony has been there since the very beginning and is always among the first to lend his financial support to our efforts. Thanks, Tony! (By the way, did you want her cell phone or home phone?) Just wondering! LOL (4/6/00)

WARREN WHITAKER ('70) Austin, Texas [E] mailed in his donation check for the "cause". He is always e-mailing me with some of the funniest stuff you will ever read! Warren, thanks so much for the generous donation. You're a great friend and I look forward to seeing ya' at the reunion! Thank you for the funds, old buddy! (4/6/00)

RENITA FOSTER ('71) Red bank, New Jersey [E] sent me a letter, today. Renita was the last John Jay girlfriend I went steady with. I met her the first year after I graduated when I used to come back to the school and visit the drama classes and Mr. Tom Burgess. I saw Renita performing the lead in "Barefoot in the Park," and I was smitten! Mr. Burgess introduced us and we hit it off, immediately. Anyway, enough remembering for now, she starts off her letter saying that I wouldn't remember her in a million years. Gee, would it shock her to know that I still have her picture? LOL Well, Renita, who is a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserve writes... "Dear Dennis, Not in a million years will you remember me, but I promised myself that I would get in touch with you by April and let you know how much I appreciate and enjoy all the newsletters about the reunion. As of right now, I can make the Friday night social at John Jay, but that's about it, as I have to be back in New Jersey the next day. I am sending the money for ya'll to use as you wish. John Jay was my fourth high school and I do have some wonderful memories from there. I still remember how impressed I was with your performance in a "Midsummer Night's Dream." My son played the same part you did, "Bottom," last fall in his high scool, so I immediately thought of Mr. Burgess's version from long ago. Just a few things about myself: I've been an Army broadcast officer for the last 23 years for the Far East and Armed Forces Network. For the last 9 years, I've been stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, where I became a feature writer. The most exciting adventure I've recently had was accompanying the 101st Airborne Division back to Normandy, last summer, for the 55th reunion of D-Day. Great People and great stories. I do plan to retire to Texas, as soon as possible, and I swear I'm never going past the state line, again! That's how much I've missed it. Take care and once again, thanks for all the newsletters." ---Well, Renita, yes I do remember you and all the fun times we had together. It's wonderful to share such great memories of Mr. Burgess. I have kept up with your career by talking with MATT DELANEY ('70) who stays in touch with you and your family. Congratulations on a great career! I hope that your busy schedule changes and that's you'll be able to attend all the reunion activities with us! I'll save you a dance, just in case! It's great to hear from you after almost 30 years! Thank you for the donation, too! Take care! (4/6/00)

DON HARING ('70) Hermiston, Oregon [E] has been my friend for about 35 years or so and I know him to be a man of very few words, which explains the e-mail I received from him today. It simply said: "Bite me!" And so it goes... (4/5/00)

CATHIE BOOTH ('70) Springfield, Louisiana [E] mailed in an outstanding donation to keep this site online and the printing presses rolling on the class newsletter. Thanks, Cathy!! She also sent in an update on her life... "Dear Dennis, Hi, Big Guy! How are you? I'm doing great and continue to get a kick out of the newsletters and the web site, whenever I can get my daughter off the computer! Well, I won't be able to attend the reunion this year because we go to Sundance, Montana, at that time each year. Here'a an update on my family. My hubby, J.C. had his right kidney removed, due to cancer, but they caught it very early and he will not have to undergo radiation or chemotherapy. He is back teaching at a correctional center for boys and doing great. Our daughter, Amber (17) is preparing to graduate in May. Her senior thesis is: 'The Comparison of Medevial Castles to Modern Day Houses.' Go figure! She has turned into a beautiful young lady. She will be going to new York for a graduation present from her Uncle larry Booth (my youngest brother). He wants to introduce her to New York City and Manhattan. As for me, I am grateful to be alive and doing my therapeutic massage work and all the little miracle that come with it. I figure for the price of one of my massages, $50, I could send you my fee because your newsletter is well worth that. I challenge all the other classmates in all the other classes to match it. You're great Dennis and I thank you for continuing the saga of the "Class of 1970" and others of John Jay High. Love, Cathy" ---Wow! Thanks for the kind words of praise! It's all because of wonderful people like you, Cathy, that I have been doing this for the past 12 years! I hope your schedule changes and you'll be able to join us at the reunion! If not, I'll miss you! Thank you so much! (4/4/00)

TARYN HOUGH ('72) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma [E] I got an e-mail from Taryn, today, with some great news... "Hi Dennis, Big news from Oklahoma!! After being single for 21 years, I'm getting married on August 5th. We're still planning to come to the reunion though. I will send you a check this week to help with the newsletter and web site and send my $$ to Danny for the reunion. Hope all is well with you. Talk to you soon." ---Congratulations, Taryn! I am so happy for you! Can't wait to see ya' in July! (4/3/00)

CONNIE REED ('72) Garland, Texas [E] sent me an envelope... no note, just a check. Just a very, very generous check to help keep us "on-the-air" here on the internet and the "presses rolling" with our newsletter. Thank you, Connie, for making such a generous donation! (4/1/00)

"THE GUYS" San Antonio, Texas held their monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the "Mustang Room" at the Pizza Hut at Marbach & SW Loop 410. MASON WRIGHT ('70) was among those in attendance and he made a donation to this web site and the newsletter. So, I wanted to thank him here. BUBBA ABEL ('70) was also at the meeting and he had recently returned from Mardi Gras and brought me back a huge and beautiful "Hurricane" glass and a set of Mardi Gras beads. It was a huge set of beads with uhh, well, hmmm, little charms of the female anatomy on them, tops and bottoms!! I laughed until he opened his hands and revealed that the beads also had charms of uhh, well, hmmmm, gulp, the male anatomy!! Then, he tossed them at me! Needless to say, everyone laughed their butts off, especially, RUSTY ATKINS ('70), as I went diving to the floor to avoid being hit with flying weenies!! We have been meeting on the last Friday of the month for the past 14 years. What a blast! (4/1/00)

JEAN HUTCHESON ('60) Austin, Texas [E] is a Mustang that has joined us for the first time. I don't know how she found this web site, but she did send me a brief e-mail and ask to be added to my mailing list. So, Jean, welcome back and I hope you are able to make the reunion! (4/1/00)

MARCH 2000
CARY MAESTAS ('69) North Las Vegas, Nevada [E] sent in an email and it's a crazy as ever..."Hey, Dennis! Well aren't you the lil' busy bee. I have seen some of your e-mails and have been checking the Jay web-page. Dennis, you're a Saint. I'm glad there are people around like you, in this crazy world. You have gone well beyond the extra mile in trying to keep the schoolmates abreast of what's happening, thru your efforts. Thank's ol' friend. I'm driving to S.A. in the next week or two and would love to call and drop by and take you out to dinner. I was in S.A. for 9 weeks at the end of last year,doing a remodeling job on my brother's home. I was so involved in the remodel that Ididn't touch base with the Mustang's. Well, I can change my ways if you let me! Anyway Amigo, take care and hope to see you soon. By the way, my new e-mail address is lilrambo3@hotmail.com Could you update this on your web site? Thanks. P.S. Let the folks know that I never did time in jail, I was too fast for that!" ... ---Cary, you are as crazy as ever and it would be great to see you when you come to S.A. and that dinner sounds great! I made the e-mail; address change for you, as you can see. Be sure to give me a call. (3/31/00)

RIGGS GAY ('71) Apopka, Florida [E] sent in an e-mail right out of the clear blue sky! I last saw him at the 25-year reunion for the "Class of 1971." Riggs was a police detective, at the time, and he had appeared on the TV show, "Unsolved Mysteries" with one of his unsolved murder cases. Let's see what Riggs has to say... "Hey Dennis, how are you? I am fine. Still in good ol' sunny Florida, sweating my ass off! We don't have seasons here. Just hot or cold. I don't know if I will be able to make the reunion in July or not. I am coming home April 20-30 to see my mom in New Braunsfels. I'll try to make contact with you at that time. I still am with the Orange County Sheriff Office. I am a Sergeant and supervise eight detectives assigned to Walt Disney World. I was transferred there from Homicide in January. Glad to talk to live people for a change! I only have two more years until I can retire. I still teach throughout the U.S. in death investigation techniques and injury patterns with the Medical Examiner. We spoke to the International Academy of Forensic Sciences international meeting in Los Angeles in August 1999 and the American Academy's yearly meeting in Reno, Neveda, back in February 2000. Guess what I will be doing when I retire?!!!! How is everyone else? Keep in touch." ...---I remember how surprised I was when I saw you on TV. It was so cool! I hope you can make the reunion! Just tell your superiors that Jack Webb said you could go! (3/31/00)

MARK NORMAN ('71) Louisville, Kentucky [E] sent me an e-mail, today, to let me know he has sent in his check for his reunion reservation along with a super, fantastic generous additional donation to use on the web site, newsletter and reunion-related activites. Geez, the donation would choke a horse! Mark's e-mail also contained an update on his life, with good news and sad news. I will share it with you here... "Dennis, Now that I've procrastinated enough, the time has come to get caught up. Please reserve a space for me and my wife for the reunion. A check has been sent to Danny Padron to cover the reservation and a few extra bucks to help defray the other costs. If you still come up short, drop me a line. Maybe we can scrape locate a few more shekels. Now, on to the biography: Much has happened since our last reunion. I remarried in June 1996 to a lovely lady, Kelly. We took our honeymoon in the Pacific Northwest and fell in love with it. Tragedy struck just before Thanksgiving 1996, when our lovely daughter, Alycia,was killed in front of her school. We receive comfort in knowing her organs have allowed many others to live. Kelly's son, Joshua graduates from high school this year and will soon be on his way to college. Our son, Sean has a year to go in high school and will soon be receiving his Eagle Scout award. Kelly teaches part-time at a preschool while I continue to work for United Parcel Service having logged 28 years. My work takes me though out Canada and the Americas on an ongoing basis. After 11 eleven years as a Scoutmaster, I will soon be handing the reigns over to another. Sometime in June, Kelly and I will be travelling to China to adopt our newborn daughter - Sophia Victoria. She should be at he reunion with us. We are really looking forward to this reunion. Best regards, Mark" ---Mark, you have our condolences on the loss of your daughter and please know that she is in our prayers. We all look forward to seeing you and the family at the reunion. Thank you so very, very much for the donation! (3/28/00)

CHRIS SCHLAEGER ('71) San Antonio, Texas mailed in a contribution to this web site along with a note. Let me share with everyone... "Hi Dennis, Life has been good since our (Class of 1971) 25-Year Reunion back in 1996. I left my private law practice two years ago, and I am now the staff counsel for Farmers Insurance, I still do civil defense litigation, but I don't have to work nearly as hard! My son, John is a coach at John Jay and is in his third or fourth year there. My daughter, Alisa is a science teacher at Kennedy High School. My grandchildren (John's children) are now ages 6 and 7 and attend Glam Elementary School in Westcreek, here in San Antonio. I still keep in touch with KATHY PEREZ (71), whose dad passed away two weeks ago. I hope you are doing well. I don't have access to a computer, Farmers is moving into the 21st Century cautiously, but then, so am I, so I still look forward to your newsletter, as a way to keep up with our Mustang family. Take care!" ---Chris, it's wonderful to hear from you and to know that you and your kids are doing well. Please keep in touch and I look forward to seeing ya' at the reunion in July! Thank you for the donation! (3/28/00)

MARY "MIMI" VERBOIS ('69) Illinois [E] Sent me an e-mail right out of the blue! I haven't heard from her in years! Mimi was one of the original John Jay Cheerleaders when the school opened in September 1967 and HUBBA-HUBBA!! Well, here's her e-mail... "Dear Dennis, I was talking to my brother (DAVID VERBOIS '71) the other day and he told me I was on the Internet? First thing I asked him...Did I have my clothes on? Ha! Ha! He proceeded to tell me about the web site you have formed and so here I am checking it out. You do good work and I am glad to know that our "four" years of high school at John Jay will never be forgotten, thanks to you and all those who help you. I would have to do some digging but I could probably find you some awfull, I mean awesome photos from YEARS ago in the early years '68, '69. I'll see what I can find and send them to you. (We could make some money on the deal...you know blackmail.) Anyway, I am going to attempt to give you a quick, undetailed, update on myself. Like the rest of my fellow classmates I am reaching the half a century mark. OH MY GOD!! I have been single for 6 years. I still live in Illinois, but I go to Galveston, Texas 2 to 3 times a year. (Specifically Tiki Island.) I lived on Tiki Island for 6 months last year. I was going to re-locate because of a wonderful great job I had, but the company I worked for was bought, moved to SC, and I went back to Illinois kicking and screaming all the way. So I feel sure in the future I will make the full circle and land back in Texas to stay. I am tired of being cold 8 months out of the year. All my children are healthy and doing well, as far as I know, considering moms are the last to be told anything bad. At the present I am helping the man in my life with his business. He is an independent insurance agent in Dixon, IL. I will probably get my liscence and become his partner in business. We like to travel and will be doing more of it in the years to come, and one of our favorite areas is Galveston. Pretty boring stuff, I know! But remember I left out the details, and that is where the "GOOD STUFF IS!" There are two people I would love to find out their location, address, phone, e-mail.. something!! HARLEY ELLIOTT (69), and PHIL ORRICK (69). Last I heard Phil was in Florida....True or False? And no one has heard from or knows where Harley is. Can you help me? My e-mail address is mvonholten@yahoo.com Well, I need to get back to work before I get fired...yea right! Hope to hear from you soon. Before I go, Dennis, do you remember this? "Up to the basket, Over the rim, Come on Danny, Put it in! SINK IT!!!!!" Ha Ha! Oh...the high school years....how they are forever held in our memories!! Love to You and Yours......MIMI" ---It is so wonderful to hear from you, Mimi. hey, send me some of those photos! I love them! As for Harlet Elliott, sorry I don't know where he is, but your can reach Phil Orrick at 2901 Barton Skyway #3001, Austin, TX 78746. I talked to Phil about a year ago. Stay in touch, Mimi, and I'll save ya' a slow dance at the reunion! (3/24/00)

MIKE WORLEY ('72) Ozona, Texas [E] dropped me an e-mail... "Dear Dennis, My name is Mike Worley. I was a member of the "Class of 1972." Unfortunately, I missed the last reunion. I am interested in trying to make this one. I am a consulting Engineer (Drilling and Completions) with Circle W Engineering Services working overseas. I am presently rotating into the Sahara Desert in Algeria. At your convience, please let me know some of the details for this next one. My home address is P.O. Box 1307, Ozona, Tx 76943. My phone is (915) 392-2141 or Fax (915) 392-5158. I'm home know for about three more weeks before I have to head back for a month. I looked at your web page but did not see alot on the folks from the "Class of 1972. Give me a call or drop me a line when you get a chance. Much ablidged"... ---Mike, your copies of the first three reunion newsletters are in the mail! Stay in touch! (3/28/00)

LEONARD SAAVEDRA ('70) Mesa, Arizona [E] and his lovely wife, Dawn, jumped in their truck and made a trip to Oklahoma City. While there, they looked at one another and said, "Let's drive to San Antonio, see the folks, and drop by to see Dennis and drop off a donation for the newsletter and web site." So, at 11:00 a.m., today, they showed up on my doorstep! It was great seeing them and Leonard even brought his mom over for a visit, too! They were headed back to Mesa, late this afternoon, after going antiques shopping in Fredericksburg. The great State of Texas wishes to thanks Leonard for his upcoming donation to the state's financial coffers thru the "I Drive Like A Maniac" Fund. Len was invited to give money to the state after being clocked going 80 mph in a 65 mph zone between Waco and Temple. Thanks, Len!! (3/20/00)

JOAN GLOVER ('70) Kansas [E] would have graduated with us, but they were a military family and moved. Joan found our web site and signed the guestbook. She loves the web site and would love to hear from her former classmates, TERRY WILLIAMS ('70) and PATTI MILWARD ('70). (3/11/00)

WADE HOOD ('70) Carlsbad, New Mexico [E] declares in a loud voice, "IT'S RACING SEASON!" Wade races "dwarf" cars. Well, let him tell you... "I got into dwarf car racing after watching a legends race in El Paso. The problem with legends is the cost. With the dwarf car, you build it yourself. Dwarfs are vintage cars from 1928 to 1948. We had five tracks to run them on, in our area, but three of them sold. We run almost each week. This year, we will run with the go-karts on their tracks. This is the fifth that car I have built. This year I plan to build two dwarf cars and a kart." (3/11/00)

ROSS RAYMOND ('69) Katy, Texas [E] sent me an e-mail... "Dear Dennis, I saw the photos you put in this web site showing KARIN WALTER ('69) and I sent her an email. She in turn told me that LINDA ROPER ('69) lived here in Katy, Texas, my home for the past 23 years, and Karin gave me Linda's e-mail. I sent a massage and heard from Linda. Can you believe it, she moved from Spring, Tx to Katy three years ago and lives 3/4 of a mile from me! Four long blocks and we can be in each other's living room, how about that? Linda told me she thought there were other JJHS'ers in the Katy area and I thought I would ask you if you were aware of any, and if so, would you share their addresses with us? We might even car pool to the reunion. I guess it is just about time to quit stalling and send money to Danny. The bank lets me earn 1.2% per YEAR making it hard to let go. The "opportunity" cost of the invested funds is so great. Take care of yourself. Ross" ---No, Ross, I don't know of any other JJHS'ers in Katy, but I'll check my files and get back to you! And, YES, it's time to start sending in those reunion reservation checks. Everyone needs to start doing that! Thanks! (3/11/00)

DEBBIE PASCHALL ('70) Chubbuck, Idaho dug deep into her purse and made a great donation to "the cause" and I thank her for that. Deb also sent me a wonderful update on her life and I'll share a few lines here... "Hey there! I have been going to do this for months and finally made myself sit down and do it, today! I made a quick trip to San Antonio in January to see my sister, Marcia. Sorry I didn't have a spare minute to call or stop by. Marcia's kidneys have failed and she is on home dialysis. Her cancer doctor said she couldn't be treated for her lung cancer, anymore, because of her kidneys. She is getting a second opinion. She's a trooper and has been through a lot, but keeps fighting. Here on the homefront, our youngest daughter, Sarah, has moved out to see the world for six months and should be mvoing back with us to go to college. Our son, Travis, we get out of the marines In August and also wants to go back to college. Our eldest daughter, Nikki and her husband Steve are expecting a baby boy in August and I'll be a granny! Steve will be going to sea in mid-May, so I will travel to Virginia to spend some time with Nikki and the baby. My husband, Doug is still a pharmacist and in school, as well. He completes his schooling in December and we have even talked about moving back to San Antonio. We'll just see what the future has in store for us. Well, I better run. Take care of yourself, Dennis, and we'll see you in July! Love, Debbie." ---Thanks for the update Debs, and I can't wait to see ya! (3/11/00)

KATHI BROWN ('70) Corpus Christi, Texas [E] sent in a most generous and large donation to this effort, as well as sending in her reunion reservation for herself and her husband, Tom. Thanls, sugar! You're always there for us when we need ya'! Kathi and Tom were headed to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. And in her note to me, she says she intended to "get a lot of beads!" Now, if memory serves me correctly, for girls to "earn" strings of beads at Mardi Gras, they have to flash their, uhh... well... BOOBIES, HOOTERS, TA-TA'S, MAJOR LEAGUE YABOS! I can't wait to talk to Kathi and see how many she got! (3/7/00)

BUBBA ABEL ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E] and his wife, Faye also headed out to Mardi Gras. I haven't heard how his trip went, but I'll be sure to pass it on to everyone when I see Bubba at the monthly "GUYS" meeting on March 31st, at the Pizza Hut at marbach and SW Loop 410. (3/7/00)

DONNA BARNES ('70) McKinney, Texas [E] sent in a donation to keep this web site online and the newsletter in production. In her note to me she writes... "Dear Sweet Dennis, Enclosed is a wee bit of a contribution to our newsletter/website- 'Let the presses roll!'. Hope this finds you very well and your usual very happy. I just mailed my $90 to Danny Padron for the reunion. I am so excited about seeing everyone. Thank you, Dennis, for all you do. You're a good man, my man!" --Donna thank you for the lovely sentiments and I can hardly wait to see ya' in July! (3/7/00)

FEBRUARY 2000
JOE ESTES ('71), San Antonio, Texas, has been diagnosed with brain cancer and lung cancer. He has been given 6 to 8 months to live. Last weekend (as of this writing), a benefit was held for Joe by local musicians, at a club called "Wings," to raise funds to help Joe with his medical bills. The turnout was amazing and Joe was deeply moved to find so many people cared for him. As most of you know, Joe is one of the finest guitarists/musicians in South Texas, or anywhere for that matter. For many, many years, he played with URBAN URBANO ('70), JAY URBANO ('72), CECIL YANCEY ('71) and GREG HALL ('72) in a band called "The Smith Brothers." Our prayers are with Joe for a miracle. (2/26/00)

KANDACE (PIERCE) BENDELE ('72), San Antonio, Texas is the sister of our classmate, TINA PIERCE ('70) and the wife of another of our classmates WES BENDELE ('70). Three weeks ago (as of this writing on 2/6/00) it was discovered that Kandace had ovarian cancer. She was admitted into the hospital and had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor the size of a volleyball. Kandace, with her wacky sense of humor, told me that she was too skinny to have a tumor that big! The doctors removed all of the tumor that they could, but it had attached itself to her abdominal wall and she has already started the first of five chemotherapy session to kill any remaining cancer cells. She and I talked for about 45 minutes and she is in great spirits, sounds strong, and she's going to beat this thing! Kandy is always so upbeat and positive about life and she'll be back in the real estate business in no time! I'll be saving a dance at the reunion for you, Kandy! (2/6/00)

RANDY TILLMAN ('70) Loguff, South Carolina [E] MUGGED ME, TODAY! Knowing that I collect "landmark" coffee mugs, Randy and his wife, Judi, sent me a unique mug from the "Stone Mountain Railroad." There is a train tunnel that runs right thriugh the middle of the cup! The hole runs from side-to-side all the way through with a little train locomotive inside! It is so cool looking! Thanks Randy & Judi, for your beautiful gift! See ya' at the reunion! (2/24/00)

KATHI BROWN ('70) Corpus Christi, Texas [E] sent me an e-mail, today, to let me know she is definately coming to the reunion and is looking forward to seeing everyone! It is always a blast to hear from her. She loves being back in Texas. She tells me that she comes up to San Antonio each month to visit her dad. I can't wait to see her and spend sometime with her and her husband, Tom. Come see me, Kathi!! (2/24/00)

KARIN WALTERS ('69) Crosby, Texas [E] has done it again! She's found another photo to share with us! Get a load of this one! Who are these two hippies???? (2/23/00)

The photo at the left was taken in about 1968, LYNETTE CONWAY ('69) and KARIN WALTERS ('69)
look so groovy!! Hmmm, 1968? Then, surely these ladies aren't wearing a bra under those threads!!
Hey, girls! Y'all still believe in FREE LOVE? Yeeee Haaaa!! The photo at the right is Karin in 1969.

STEPHANIE COPAS ('71) San Antonio, Texas, and I had a wonderful visit the other night when I stopped by her house. I hadn't seen her in about two years. She's looking great and we had a bunch of laughs about the good old days. (2/20/00)

ROSS RAYMOND ('69) Katy, Texas [E] dropped me an e-mail with new of imprtance to parents facing sending a child to college. Take a look... "I have been contacted by one of our local State Senators, Rodney Ellis letting me know about a new grant program in Texas. He asked me to help get the word. He sponsored this in the last full session. It is called the "Toward EXcellence Access and Success," grant program. So naturally, hey call it the TEXAS Grant program. Last year over $240,000,000.00 went back to the State treasury because kids did not know about the grant. For more information parents and students can call: 1-877-782-7322 (TOLL FREE). The program pays for 100% of the tuition and fees for a public school in Texas. The requirements are: Texas resident, graduated from high school AFTER the fall of 98, filled a FAFSA form with the aid office, enrolled for at least 3/4 time and carrying a 2.5 GPA. That's it and the student can use it for up to 150 semester hours. It is good for university students, community college and for technical college students. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board can be reached at: 512-483-6101 or at: www.thecb.state.tx.usThe next time you have one of those scholarship meetings for the JJHS team, I encourage you to mention this. Most of the families who attend JJHS will qualify for this program, trust me on this I do this kind of work in Houston everyday. Good luck and keep up the fine work. I know you will find a super place for the reunion. My brother lives outside of Boerne and if you have it up there, I might even be able to get his behind to attend. He is one of those "kids" from 72. I will tell him to bring his ID for the cash bar. Of course, he will expect me to buy. Remember to tell the bartender the first round is on Danny. Just kidding!" ...Thanks for the info, Ross! (2/20/00)

JOHN TAYLOR ('70) San Antonio, Texas would fit right in with the cast of "L.A. Law," as he is a successful family lawyer. I spoke with him, yesterday, on behalf of a friend who needs some legal advice. John is doing well with a firm he joined this past year. It so happened that I spoke with him while I was at work, so I was able to turn the phone over to my boss, COACH JOHN CASANOVA, who had coached John on the basketball team at Jay. They had a few laughs over the phone and enjoyed talking to one another. If anyone is in need of a good family law lawyer, be sure to give him a call. I don't want to give him any problems by writing a commercial for him here, so let me just tell you that his phone number is (210) 225-4321. (2/17/00)

TARYN HOUGH ('72) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, [E] I talked with Taryn, again, the other night, and asked her to send me an update on what she's been doing thse past 28 years. Further down in the JOHN JAY COLTS section of "Classmate News" I wrote a little story about hearing from her two weeks ago. I just thought I'd share Taryn's e-mail in this section of "Classmate news" this time... "Hi Dennis, Just a quick note to fill you in on me for the past 28 years. Let's see. after graduation, I moved to Oklahma City and went to college at OSU. I returned to S.A. for a few years but again returned to OKC when my daughter was 12. I worked in surgery for many years and at 33 decided I wanted a change. Went to court reporting school and worked as a freelance court reporter and also in criminal court for a few years in OKC and in Indianapolis. I then came to the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and have been here 6 1/2 years, where I am the Director of Student Affairs. I love my job! I have one daughter who is 21 and attends OSU, as well as has her own web page business. She's majoring in computer graphics. I've been single for 20 years. Gosh - think that's enough info? I am really looking forward to seeing everybody this summer. I've been out of touch so I missed some of my own reunions. This should be a blast! Thanks for all you have put into the web page and in ensuring that this reunion is the best. Please let me know if I can do anything to help from here - I'd be happy to. Best regards and big hugs, Taryn"... Taryn it is an absolutle blast to hear from you. Wow, you sure have lived a varied life and an exciting one at that. I can't wait to see ya' at the reunion!! Love from all of us! (2/16/00)

RICK SANDOVAL ('71), Killeen, Texas, [E] signed the Guest Book and writes... "Dennis, this is a great site. I've made all the reunions thus far and plan to make this one as well. Had a blast at the last one. But please, this time I don't want to get up and sing. My ears hurt bad enough. Take care and I'll send the reservation $ soon. You can give out my e-mail so other 71'ers can drop me a line. Keep up the good work and I'll see you in July. Wait ... I happen to have my copy of the original yearbook from the first year Jay was opened. I'll be in S.A. later in the month of December. Let me know if you want to use it. I can't beleive we actually dressed like that! Later, Rick." ---Well. Rick, I guess you wrote this in the Guest Book back in December, but I always forget to check the Guest Book! So, I just found your message today! Sorry we didn't link up! (2/6/00)

GEORGE HUNTER ('70), Germany [E] dropped me an e-mail to let me know he loves hearing from classmates. After a career in the military which included service VietNam and in the gulf war, "Desert Storm", George is now a civilian living in Germany. He works for a military "think tank." His e-mail address is listed on the e-mail links page, so be sure to drop him a line. (2/6/00)

NATHAN WILLIS ('70), San Antonio, Texas, [E] is one of the "faithful" who join us online every Wednesday night for our "live" Classmate Chat. Nathan sent in a very generous donation today to support the web site and the next newsletter which will be mailed out later this month. Thanks for your generosity, Nathan. (2/1/00)

TARYN HOUGH ('72) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, [E] called me out of the clear blue sky, last week! She was in town visiting her parents and had heard bits and pieces about the reunion and called me. We had a blast catching up on things and then she called my sister, Linda, and talked with her for 45 minutes. Taryn stays in touch with JOANN THETFORD ('72) and thus, can get me the address for Missing Mustangs: DIANE THETFORD ('69) and WILLENA THETFORD ('70)! I have been searching for Willena for over 4 years and KARIN WALTERS ('69) has been loking for Diane for ages! Wow, what a way to find folks! Now, comes the sad part... Taryn and I talked for about a hour the first night and then two other times, but I HAVE FORGOTTEN EVERYTHING SHE TOLD ME!! Call it old age, or whatever, I can't remember a thing of our conversation of just two weeks ago!! So, I just now called her, (7:30 pm on St. Valentine's Day) and she is forwarding an e-mail that she sent to my sister, to refresh my memory! What a hoot!! (2/1/00)

RICHARD WILSON ('73) London England, [E] sent me an e-mail... "Hi Dennis, My sister, TONI WLSON ('70) told me about your plans for the reunion in 2000. I'm currently living in London, but hope to make it back there in July. You've done an excellent job with the website. Most impressive! I'm hoping to run into some of my old friends, like Rodney Edmondson ('73), David Lucio ('73), Julio Hernandez ('73)and others from that class at the reunion. It sounds like it'll be a blast. Toni says hello, she came over for the holidays and is doing very well indeed. Regards. ---Richard, tell Toni to bring me back some Beatles stuff from England!! (2/1/00)

JANUARY 2000
MICKEY MAHLER ('70) Salt Lake City, Utah [E] and I have been friends for over 30 years. And it embarasses him for me to say that I'm a big fan of his. But I am. To think I played whiffle ball with him, and PAUL LINDY ('70), FRED BUTLER ('70) and others, it make me laugh. Well, after 25 years, I finally got an autographed Topps bubblegum baseball card from him! What a thrill! I wanted to share it with everyone. (1/31/00)

UPDATE: Mickey sent me an e-mail today, (2/15/00) that I'll share with everyone..."Dennis That is one heck of a web site! If it weren't for you Dennis, I wonder where our class would be! Therefore, I wish to name you the real M.V.P. for the "Class of 1970." Tell JOHN TAYLOR ('70), DON PIPPEN ('70),and COACH JOHN CASANOVA, "Hello" when you speak to them next. Tell MR. GEORGE BRITTON that he is still one of my favorite teachers of all time, and I still remember when he would meet FRED BUTLER ('70) and myself at the Dairy Queen to try and help us with math that we didn't understand. It was great having a teacher like that, and he should be proud for going that extra mile.It really paid off for me when I would figure my ERA out, and have to use really BIG numbers! And of course, my best friend Fred Butler. I don't speak with him much, but could never forget how you and him would take me deep in whiffleball all the time, and all the fun we had as kids! Those times made us into what we are today! Mick ...Well, Mick I count myself lucky to have as good a friend as you. And about "taking you deep" in whiffle ball. If I can recall, you struck me out more times than I ever got a hit off you! Ha! All the best!

TONY PELLETIER ('71) Kingswood, Texas, [E] sent in a detailed e-mail today..."Dennis: Just doing a little web-surfing this morning. I'm working out the kinks on my my new Dell laptop. What a machine. It's only been a few years since I upgraded hardware and it's hard to believe you can fall into the dark ages (with respect to technology so quickly). I know, I'm the last of the Luddites!!! By the end of the month, I should also have true, high-speed Internet access via Kingwood Cablenet and I'll keep you posted if e-mail address changes, etc. With respect to the Reunion schedule, I think I'll be able to make Saturday's activities, but Friday night will be close. I'll be up in Rocky Mountain National Park that week with my son's scouting group. We will be on a backpacking and whitewater rafting expedition. This is the older group of scouts (ages 14-18), now known as a Venturing Crew. They used to be called Explorers. I must tell you that keeping up with this group of physically active young men has become a serious challenge. Anyway, I should just be able to make it to San Antonio in time for the festivities. Have someone save me a brewsky. The job situation is still interesting. After the takeover by the Tulsa group, I am still serving as the Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer for PetroCorp Incorporated, but I am splitting time between Houston and Tulsa. I look for this situation to probably end by mid-year and I am engaged in conversations with several other groups about the future. Hell, it's time for a new adventure anyway. I'm actually looking forward to starting a new chapter. In the interim, I have enough of my net worth tied up in PetroCorp stock, that I need to make sure these new guys don't completely "screw the pooch" with respect to company we spent 16-years building. Keep up the good work Dennis. I really enjoy reading the classmate updates on the web. Tony"... Tony, it's always good to hear from you. Sounds like you have a busy schedule. Thanks for checking in and we'll see you in July, my friend! (1/25/00)

CYNTHIA HOWELL ('71) Citrus Heights, California [E] is in a unique situation. She is the only 1970-1/2 graduate that I know of. She was in the "Class of 1971" but she graduated in the summer of 1970. So, in which class does she go? She was such a "Lost Mustang" that I didn't even have her on the "Lost Mustang" list. Cynthia says she wants to be listed in the "Class of 1971" so, no problem, Cindy! Her sister, Vicki found our website and told her about it, and now, Cindy is back with us! So. Cindy, you tell me! Which class should I list you in? She writes... "My name is Cynthia Backeberg, my maiden name was Cynthia Howell. I went to John Jay High also and I just visited your website. My sister, Vicki Johnson (Howell) gave me your web address. It's very good - very colorful and full of news! I was supposed to graduate in 1971, but got my diploma the summer of 1970. I didn't see my name in the list for missing classmates. I moved to California in 1975 and have been married twice (single again) and have two beautiful daughters - 29 and 12 years old. I also have three grandchildren, my oldest daughter lives in San Antonio. I had planned to visit in April, but I may have to wait until July to be at the reunion and visit my daughter at the same time! I haven't met two of my grandchildren, yet, one is 4-1/2 and the other will be 2 in July. The last time I was in San Antonio was in May of 1994 when my daughter got married. I did manage to get together with SAMMY SARRAZIN ('70) who looks the same as he did in High School! I'm 46 years old now and look quite different. I was wondering if you have any pictures of classmates posted on your site? I don't know what it is about San Antonio, but nobody ages like we do out here in California! Must be the dry air and sunshine! I hope to hear from old classmates I haven't seen or heard from for over 30 years! Take care and God bless!" ---Hey, Cindy glad that you're back with us and I look forward to seeing you at the reunion! Be sure to let me know what class you want to be listed in. Until then, you're in 1970! (1/24/00)

KATHI BROWN ('70) Corpus Christi, Texas [E] has been found! God bless the U.S. & Military Postal Systems! I got an E-Mail from Kathi this morning (Satruday) and here's what she writes... "Hey Dennis: Guess what? Tom and I FINALLY received the newsletter that went around the world. We are now stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas and are definitely going to the big one... #30 Year Reunion. I'll be sending you a check for our reservation here shortly and whatever money is left over from that check, please accept as a donation for the cause. Our new address here is 4214 Boros Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78413-2015. I work at NAS Kingsville, where I hold the position of SEA (Senior Enlisted Advisor) at the Branch Medical Clinic. I'm probably going to hang a few more years in the Navy and then retire to start on a second career. Tom Shusta, my husband, who is a Retired Chief, United States Navy, well...is totally retired. He takes care of me and he plays golf. Believe it or not, that IS a full time job! My Dad is doing great and still leaves at the same address there in San Antonio. We do visit once a month. Therefore, I will be more than happy to volunteer to assist in preparation for the reunion. Please let me know what you need done and we will be there! I have been trying to contact you via Internet. Reading this newsletter of December 1999, I finally figured out why I was unable to get through. NO MORE AOL! Good to know we are still alive and well, just on a different internet service. Hey, have you heard from KATHY O'DAY ('70) ? Just wondering if she is going to make it to the reunion... Would love to see that girl. How about CLAIR NEYLAND ('70) ? Tom's and my next trip to San Antonio is tentively scheduled for the first weekend of February. Maybe, we can get together! Later..."GO 1970 MUSTANGS"! My husband, Tom is a graduate from Class 1970, Monesson High School, which is located approximately 30 miles south from Pittsburgh. We will just have to transplant him into our 1970 Class reunion... OK, Dennis???" ---Kathi, what a wonderful surprise to hear from you! The last time I saw you, you were shipping out to Okinawa, Japan! That was about four or five years ago, right? Wow! It's great that my litle ol' newsletter tracked you down! You'll have to give DONNA STEPHENS ('70) a call. She has a ranch down in Corpus Christi! Be sure to try and join us for the next "CLASSMATE CHAT" this coming Wednesday night. Let's see if I can address some things you wrote about... I haven't heard from Kathy O'Day in about 5 years. She still lives in Pflugerville ( just outside of Austin). As for Clair Neyland, she is doing great and has just bought her own first house in Austin. Did you here that she's my DATE for the reunion?? Pretty awesome ain't it!! I can hardly wait to see you next month. Be sure to call me! As for your husband... "By the powers vested in me as the "Keeper of the 1970 John Jay Mutang Flame," I do hereby declare your husband, Tom Shusta, an honorary "1970 Mustang" with all the bathroom privileges therein. Void where prohibited by law. This offer is not valid with any other discount or coupon. If rash developes discontinue use. Pass the salt. Amen." (1/15/00)

SUSAN BREIDENBACH ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E] dropped me aline by e-mail, today... "Dear Dennis, I just spent three hours catching up on the "Class of '70" website. Thank you for all your time & efforts in keeping it going. I don't know most of the people mentioned, but it's still fun to read. I downloaded the Chat stuff, but have no idea if it works. I'll find out later. What prompted me to write was the note from KATHY KISLING ('70) that mentioned one of the plays we did at school, called, "Bus Stop". As I remember, that was during the time that Miss Krin Brooks was our Drama teacher. Actually, what I remember is that a group of us went to the Jim's Coffee Shop at Fredericksburg Road and Loop 410 and "borrowed" all the props for the tables in the restaurant that is the set for the play. I also remember we returned all the items after the show closed. No, really. At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'll be sending in my reunion fees soon. Maybe this time I'll actually remember to attend. I forgot last time in 1995 after paying in advance. Spent all that weekend thinking "there's something I should be doing..." Take care. ---Well, Susan thanks for the trip down memory lane. Feeling guilty about "borrowing" salt & pepper shakers from Jim's for the play? Well, try the time that I, STEVE KELLY ('70), JIM DAVIS ('70) and a few others went "shopping" for small bushes and greenery around the Ray Ellison model homes because we needed plants for another play, "My Three Angels." We ran into the yards of the models homes, yanked the shrubs and greenery right out of the lawn and drove away like bandits! But that's not the end of it! On another occasion, time, URBAN URBANO ('70) built this awesome strobe light using an old fan motor, to use when he played gigs with his band "Col. Tyke's Travelling Medicine Show & Musical Band" (later changed to "Blind Light"). This thing was way huge! He used the big floodlight / spotlight bulbs to illuminate it. The only thing was, the bulbs would burn out after one night's use wherever the band was playing. So, very late one night Urban and I went to about 5 model homes that had the floodlights in the front yards and swiped about 10 blazing hot bulbs, Our hands were burned to a crisp and blistered, but we got our bulbs. Gee, I wonder if the statute of limitations has run out on prosecuting us for these "youthful pranks." (1/15/00)

DON GOODMAN ('70) Madison, Tennessee [E] is getting married... again! Don is the first to admit he's been married more times than Zsa Zsa Gabor and Johnny Carson COMBINED! He broke the news to me by e-mail..."Hi Dennis, I wanted to join in on the chat, this past Wednesday, but my computer will not cooperate. It won't download the software. Just want to let you know, I will be getting married on St. Valentine's Day at the Grand Ole Opry House. Also, everybody is football crazy here with the Titans in the playoffs in their first year as the 'Titans.' Talk to ya later." ---Brief and to the point, Well, Donald, we all wish you and your future wife all the happiness in the world. Save me a place at the head table for the reception and have your wife save me a dance! As for the Titans, let's just remember where their roots are... HOUSTON! (1/13/00)

RANDY OLSEN ('71) O'Fallon, Illinois [E] could use our prayers. Randy was there for me in October 1995, when I had my stroke. His words of encouragement and friendship meant a lot to me. Now, I am there for him, having talked to him just a week or two ago. Randy has had two heart attacks and was very sick, recently. Then, today, I received this e-mail from his wife, Sue..."Dennis: Randy asked me to e-mail a short note to you. He missed the class chat again, last night, and was sorry about that. He has been in the hospital since December 27th with congestive heart failure. He had over 40 pounds of fluid that he couldn't get rid of so they injected him twice a day with lasix and that did it, but it took over a week. That done, they explored why it happened with a heart cath and found another artery that had lesions. So, yesterday, they did an angioplasty and left a stent in the artery. The blood is flowing very well, now. This is his second stent. Expect that he'll come home today or tomorrow to finish recuperating. He hates the hospital and with all the flu victims, no wonder! Anyway, he wanted me to jot that down to you and said he'd catch the chat next week! Sue"... I have met so many wonderful people in my life, but none with a greater heart and measure of compassion than Randy. Sue, please be sure to tell Randy that he is in our prayers and that I expect to see his butt and heart at the reunion! My love to you both (1/6/00)

HARRY LINDGREN ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E] is a member of "The Guys"- those old high school buddies and clowns who have joined me for pizza and stuff every last Friday of the month at the Pizza Hut at Marbach and SW Loop 410 for the past 13 years. harry has missed the last couple of "meetings" with "The Guys" and today I got an e-mail from him. (By the way, it amazes me that I get e-mail from people living in San Antonio! What's wrong with a phone call??) Anyway, Harry writes... "Dennis, Sorry I haven't been to "The Guys" meetings, but, as you know, I was in a bit of a dilemma and had to find a place to build a new store. Fortunately, I found a place at 6336 Bandera, Suite A, which was only 2 blocks from my old store. I'm just outside Loop 410 on the left. It took my brother and I about 3 weeks and14 hrs a day to get it ready, but we made it in time for Christmas. The store is doing real well, perhaps, better than the old shop. All the phone numbers are the same, as well as, the email adress. Christmas was very busy in jewelry and coins. I have just recently had a little time to myself. I will start my show schedule back, again, around the 15th of this month, so I probably will not be at the meeting, again, this month. Please tell everyone I said hello. Cindy and I have a new grandson that is keeping us busy, he is really a blast to watch grow up. He is 6 1/2 months old right now. Well write me when you get a minute. Take care, Harry." ---Well, I was wondering where you've been, boy! Harry's jewlery store is called "Debbie's Design's", so, if you're in the market for fine, affordable jewelry, please stop by his store. Harry also does custom designing and manufacturing. Best of luck in the new location, Harry! (1/6/00)

DAVID VIED ('69) Houston, Texas [E] has made contact with us for the first time by e-mail. He writes... "Happy New Year Dennis - I arrived home (Houston) late Sunday evening from spending the holidays with the family in San Antonio. Logged on the net, downloaded 150 emails from the last two weeks and spend the next two hours reading jokes. Then walked over to the mailbox and retrieved my snail mail. What a fantastic surprise! Hidden there in all the commercial flyers, bills, and whatnot, was your newsletter from Dec '99! You even took the effort to send it a second time after the first address proved incorrect. Thank you. It's late and I need to get some sleep (after I look up some more people on your JJ Mustang web site) but I wanted to send this short note and thank you for the warm fuzzies I'm feeling right now. Thanks so much, Dennis, for taking the time and effort to spearhead this project. Thanks also for tracking me down and sending the newsletter a second time. Hats off to ED HOLLEY ('72) for the work on the web page. Over the next couple of days, my free time will be spent reading the newsletter archives. Every effort will be made to attend the reunion but firm commitment must wait till the end of January. Please post my name and email address on the site under the class of '69. Will be in touch. Take Care" --Dave, it's great to hear from you and I know you won't forget to send in a donation to keep this going. The website have been in business for three years and our newsletters for 13 years. All thanks to wonderful people like you who enjoy and support our efforts! (1/5/00)

DENNIS DUPRIEST ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E] What a way to end a millenium! During the final week of 1999, first my pet cockatiel of 20 years dies... then my Bronco dies with an oil pump blowing and a distributor falling apart... then my computer CRASHES big time with hard drive failure. I don't know about you folks, but I am darn glad 1999 is over! Well, on New Year's Eve, I called ED HOLLEY ('72) to see what his plans were. We decided to hit the road and go to three parties in one night! The first stop was to BUBBA ABEL ('70) and his house at Calaveras Lake. We had fun, chowed down on some food and stayed for about 90 minutes. Then, we hit the road, again, and headed for RUSTY ATKIN ('70) and his party in Rainbow Hills. After a bunch of laughs there, we headed out to my aunt and uncle's house off Nacogdoches Road to attend the wedding of my cousin, EVERETT WELCH ('77). What a blast we had there, as well. (1/1/00)

JIM DAVIS ('70) Hawthorne, Florida [E] sent me the first news item for "Classmate News" in 2000, by e-mail... "Happy New Year!  No, I haven't fallen off the edge of the world.  I'm trying to cope with a son in the Army, job stress, and a 14 year old daughter. They are causing my hair to fall out. I'm trying to convince my wife that it would be fun to go back to San Antonio and see lots of people that she doesn't know and probably will never see again.  Try that for a challenge.  She knows I want to go to the reunion.  We'll see. Have a happy.  Hope to see you then." ---Well, Jimbo start laying it on thick and convince the wife that this is going to be the reunion party of the new Millenium! Hope to see ya' (1/1/00)

KATHI AND CATHY RECEIVE PROMOTIONS!
I got e-mail from KATHI BROWN ('70) Corpus Christi, Texas [E] and CATHY BACON ('70) Woodbridge, Virginia [E], who are both in the military, and they have each received word that they have received promotions!

Kathi Brown says... "Dear Dennis , I had a wonderful time at Mardi Gras. As a matter in fact, on Fat Tuesday, on March 7th, at 7:30 p.m., while getting nice and "toasted" on Bourbon Street, we received a phone call via cell phone. GUESS WHAT??!! I was notified that I made MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER. WOW!!! I am now a proud member of the top 1% of the non-commissioned officers in the United States Navy. Awesome! Believe it or not, you can't retire any higher than that! So, Tom and I are very happy. Looking forward to the reunion. Please keep us informed on anything that needs done. We are close and ready to serve!" ---Kathi, that is great news and we all congratulate you on a job well done! Pretty soon, they'll make you an Admiral and name a ship after you! Can't wait to see ya'! (3/15/00)

Cathy Bacon says..."Great news, Dennis and classmates-- As of one and a half days ago, I am now a real Air Force Colonel. The Air Force Reserve O-6 list was announced on 12 January and was sent to the Senate for confirmation on 2 February. It was just confirmed by the Senate a day and a half ago: on 29 February. It worked out that I had an immediate effective date, so I'm wearing the eagles already. But we are going to have a promotion ceremony--It will be held on March 30th at the Pentagon." ---Way to go, Cathy! Next stop GENERAL and then, CHIEF OF STAFF! (3/11/00)


Kathi Brown (left) serving at the top of her career field in the U.S. Navy
and Cathy Bacon (right) serving with great distinction in the U.S. Air Force.
WE ARE ALL SO VERY PROUD OF YOU! GOD BLESS THE U.S. ARMED FORCES!

THE END OF AN ERA...
As we get older, so do our heroes. The "larger than life" heroes we grew up with are now in their "golden years" and we have seen many of them recently pass away... movie stars, politicians, TV stars, musicians and singers. This past Tuesday, December 28th, "The Lone Ranger," Clayton Moore died of a heart attack at age 85. For over 50 years, he had entertained millions of children and taught them that good will always triumph over evil. He wore the white hat and beat the bad guys. But his winning was never easy, he struggled with bad guys who nearly got the best of him. His TV shows and movies were metaphors and examples for our lives. There is a never ending struggle between good and evil in our lives. He was our hero before the lines between hero and villian became so blurred, as they are today. The Lone Ranger never killed anyone. Not a single person! Clayton explained that he only shot a person in self defense or to protect someone, and he never shot to kill, but ONLY to disarm! You will never find a single episode where he killed anyone! In fact, more often than not, he captured the villians with his own two hands! His goal was to always capture the villian and make sure they faced justice! Today's movie, TV and cartoon heroes seem to win only when they kill someone. Such has become the lesson we give to our children. Well, enough of my pontificating....

On March 31, 1982, I had the opportunity to spend an entire day with him. I was the Director of Public Relations for the Handy Dan Home Improvement Centers in San Antonio, and I had booked him to be the special guest at the Grand Re-Opening of the Handy Dan store on Vance Jackson. I spent several hours with him in my office. I was so thrilled to meet this man, who had filled my childhood with adventures and excitement. Ever since he took on the role as the Lone Ranger in the 1940's, Clayton Moore has NEVER been photographed in public without wearing his trademark mask. In later years, when Warner Brothers made the new "Lone Ranger" movie, which BOMBED at the box office, they went to court to stop Clayton from wearing his mask in public appearances and this crushed him. He ended up having his eyeglasses specially designed to simulate his famous Lone Ranger black mask and was able to make appearances that way. Well, knowing that the Lone Ranger had never been seen or photographed without his mask, I meekly asked Clayton if he would take off his glasses and let me see the Lone Ranger without his "mask." He said, "Yes" if, I promised not to take a picture and I agreed. When he took off his glasses and I saw him without the "mask" I cannot begin to tell you what it meant to me. Here I was, a grown man, age 30, who was given one of the rarest gifts on earth. Chills went up my spine.

Clayton Moore was a very special man. A warm and caring human being, who truly cared for the children he entertained for almost 50 years. Another hero has died and heaven is richer in his passing. Jay Silverheels, "Tonto" died many years ago, but now the team has been reunited. And in the quiet of the night, last evening, as I stood in the cold night air looking at the cloudless sky above me, I saw two shooting stars side-by-side streaking across the blackness. And to my dying day, I will swear that I heard the familiar sound of his voice shouting, "Hi Yo, Silver, Away!"

OUR DISAPPEARING PAST...
Long before the Bill Miller Bar-B-Q chain moved into our old neighborhood, we all enjoyed beef brisket, ribs, steaks, hamburgers, and chicken at a little restaurant called BURKE'S BAR-B-Q, located on the Loop 410 Access Road between Highway 90 and Marbach Road. It was owned by a John Jay history teacher. Mr. George Burkes. In the summer of my sophomore year, I worked at the restaurant. No, not in the kitchen, but UNDER the kitchen. Mr. Burkes paid me $1.25 an hour to crawl under the building and dig a trench with a claw hammer and coffee can. Once the trench was dug, we then moved railroad ties under the building to build a foundation to an addition that he was going to build onto the restaurant. It was hard work, but I got a free bar-b-q lunch, too. In the late '70s, Mr. Burkes sold the restaurant and over the next few years, other people tried to make a go of it, but the neighborhood just outgrew the little place. The chain restaurants invaded our neighborhood. and one-by-one the businesses we grew up with began to disappear. After a few other people failed making a restaurant successful in the old Burke's Bar-B-Q building, it was used for other types of businesses over the next 20 years... a used car lot (at least three times), a plant nursery (at least twice), a doctor's office, a golf equipment store, and even a sand & gravel pit. For the last three or four years, it was deserted.

Today, as I drove past the building that I once helped to build, workmen were tearing it down. The roof is gone, the brickwork is being stripped, and a pile of rubble lumber is being hauled away. In a day or two, nothing will remain. Now, another memory of my youth has passed away, as well. I heard that Mr. Burkes died a few years ago.

STOP THE PRESSES!! BULLETIN: MR. BURKES AIN'T DEAD!!
HOLY, PREMATURE BURIAL, BATMAN!!

Today is Monday, February 14th (St. Valentine's Day) and I just received the following information by e-mail from JOHN WILSON ('76)... MR. BURKES IS NOT DEAD! Here's the e-mail... "Hey Dennis, Regarding the passing of the former proprietor of Burkes Bar-B-Q and John Jay history teacher, George Burkes. To quote Mark Twain, "the reports of my demise are greatly exaggerated". He is alive and well in Elgin, Texas. The old buzzard will probably outlive all of us. His son, GEORGE BURKES, JR. ('76) is living in Alexandria, VA. and works at the Library of Congress while working on his Masters degree. I am planning on attending the reunion in July along with my sister TONI WILSON ('70) and brother RICK WILSON ('73).... John Wilson, Doylestown, Pennsylvania." ....Wow! Thanks for the correction, John. I have corrected the information above. Believe it or not, it was a fellow teacher of his who had told me Mr. Burkes had died! What a hoot! Thanks for the update and see if he'll come to the reunion, as our guest!! (2/14/00)

[....and now back to our regularly scheduled story already in progress.....]

Before Pizza Hut came, we enjoyed Roberto's Pizza and Harold's Pizza. Roberto's is torn down, Harold's Pizza is now a Thai Restaurant... (Oh, and before you ask, The "Sidewinder" strip club next door to Harold's Pizza fell victim to an arsonist and burned down 20 years ago. It has been boarded up ever since). Before McDonald's came to town, we had Burger Chef, which became a "Godfather's Pizza" and now is now a huge Taco Bell... Before Bill Miller Bar-B-Q came, we bought nails and hardware there from Crouch Lumber Company... the Handy Andy on Hwy 90 is now a huge night/dance club... Simmang's TV in the same shopping center is an exotic bird shop... Lowe's TV is now a real estate office... Griff's Hamburger's, down near Kelly AFB, was a used car lot the last time that I passed by... the old Dairy Queen is gone, Oscar's Waffle House is gone, the Swiss Chalet is gone. The old Sinclair gas station where Rip Douvry worked on the Hwy 90 Access Road is a U-Haul dealer. On Marbach Road, the old Southern Belle Fried Chicken became a liquor store and then a Mexican Restaurant... the Donut Hut is a Veterinary Hospital... Consuelo's Restaurant is a Beauty Salon...The old "blue" Ice House, is now a tire shop... the Lone Star Ice House across from Jay is a day-old bread shop... the La Casita Ice House is now Liberty Baptist Church... The Hungry Farmer Restaurant is Tio Chino Chinese Restaurant... and so it goes...

OUR CONDOLENCES and PRAYERS...
Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to classmates ALICE BACHMAN ('72), CAROL BACHMAN ('73) and LINDA BACHMAN ('75) and their families on the passing away of their brother and our classmate LEONARD BACHMAN ('75) at the Audie Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio, this morning, Father's day, June 18th. He died of respiratory failure. Alice came over to my house, yesterday, and we visited for the first time in 30 years and she was working on a project for the reunion. Funeral services for Leonard Bachman Services will be held this coming Saturday, June 24th, at 11:00 am at Mission North on Cherry Ridge. Viewing will be at 10:30 am before the service. The obituary will be in the paper, this Friday, June 23rd. Burial will be later next week as his body will be cremated and buried at Mission Cemetary on IH 10 next to Raymond Russell Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the John Jay High School Athletic Scholarship Fund... c/o John Jay High School, 7611 Marbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78227. Alice can be reached by e-mail: DALICE54@aol.com, Linda: LJBTXROSE@aol.com and Carol: SLEPLSINTX@aol.com

Our condolences, prayers and warm wishes of comfort go out to JoAnn Mizell, the wife of our classsmate BILL MIZELL ('70), on the passing of her father, Clyde E. Smith, age 59, this past Thursday, June 8th. Mr. Smith was retired from the Army and served three tours of duty in Vietnam and was also stationed in Korea. Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, on Monday, June 12th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and the graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 13th at 10:00am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Bill often spoke of his father-in-law as a warm and caring individual who enjoyed handcrafting furniture.

May our classmates JIM ENNIS ('69), JOANNE ENNIS ('70) and JEFF ENNIS ('73) and their families be comforted in their time of sorrow. Their mother, Mary Ennis, passed away at age 73, on Monday, May 22nd. She will be buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on friday, May 26th at 10:30 a.m.

We send our best wishes and prayers to FRED POINTER ('71) and BILLY POINTER ('72), as their mom passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2000.

Our prayers and best wishes go out to JOSE (JOE) PEREZ ('69), KATHY PEREZ ('71) and ADDIE PEREZ ('73), their families, and their mom, on the passing of their father, Mr. Jose Perez-Chiesa, 76, on March 13th. He will be buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Thursday, March 16th.

We all send out our condolences and prayers to COACH RON LUNA, his wife, Shirley and family on the passing away of his son, Mark Luna on February 12, 2000. Mark was a 1978 graduate of McCullum High School and was 39 years old. Coach Luna was among the original teachers and coaches at John Jay High School and has attended in our reunions over the years.


"That's all, folks!"

...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
Love Is All Around...
Dennis Michael Patrick DuPriest
John Jay High School, San Antonio, Texas - Class of 1970