There are places I'll remember, all my life, though some have changed.
Some forever, not for better. Some have gone and some remain.
All these places had their moments, with lovers and friends, I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living. In my life, I've loved them all.
In my life, I've loved you more.
 
CLASSMATE NEWS: ARCHIVES
If, you're looking for the CLASSMATE NEWS for the past 6 months, it has been moved to a special archives file. Just click this link to read those files:  JANUARY-JUNE 2004.

For CLASSMATE NEWS all the way back to 1997, return to the Index Page and scroll down to the CLASSMATE NEWS: ARCHIVES links and select the time period you want to review: INDEX PAGE

YOUR $UPPORT I$ ALWAY$, ALWAY$ NEEDED... Hey! Do you enjoy this web site? Then, how about helping to keep it on line with a couple of bucks! The funds that we receive go to help keep this web site going. Now, more than ever before, I need your help to keep this site online. Please, send in a contribution, today. To those of you that support these efforts, year after year, I say, "Thank you, so very much!" I am so grateful to each and every one of you. Without you, all this would have ended years ago. I appreciate your generous spirit of giving, not only from your wallet, but, from your HEART. $end your donation$ to: Dennis DuPriest, 7439 Lancewood Lane, San Antonio, TX 78227-1001 .

DECEMBER 2004
MATTHEW DELANEY ('70) Santa Barbara, California looks to be making the last donation in 2004 for the web site and what a job he did!!! Listen to this... Matt lives in Santa Barbara, Calfornia, the same town as my favorite comedian of all time, Jonathan Winters, who is often seen in town. I asked Matt to track him down and get his autograph for me. Well, Matt went to a local bookstore that Winters shops at and bought Jonathan Winters' book-- Winters' Tales. Matt told the clerk about wanting to get an autgraph and the clerk said to leave the book and he would get Jonathan Winters to autograph it. Well... HE DID!!!!! Matt sent the book, along with his THIRD check, this year, for the website. I am so AMAZED!!!! This is unfriggin real!!! I am totally blown away. Matt, thank you so much for the book, the autograph, and the donation check for the web site. You have such a giving and generous spirit and I thank you so much for this special kindness!! You NOTRE DAME dudes are the best!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! (12/28/04)

DONNA STEPHENS ('70) Corpus Christi, Texas sent me a lovely Christmas card along with her yearly BIG check to keep the web site going. Ever since the very beginning when I started this project, Donna and her twin sister, Monna, have sent in a donation every single year. One time, they even showed up at my front door. Donna has been so wonderful over these many years and she means the world to me. Thank you so much for your wonderful generosity, Donna, and please know how much you are loved and appreciated! (12/18/04)

STEVEN MAYS ('70) Ashburn, Virginia has sent in his annual Christmas gift to keep the web site goin and once again, he has been magnanimous in his generosity. He also sent along the annual photo Christmas card of his kids (triplets 2-boys, 1-girl) are they growing growing and GROWING! Wow! They look great! Steve, thanks for your kindness in remembering me and the web site every year. You're part of a precious few that have been there every step of the way! It means so very, very much. I hope to see you next July at the reunion Shindig! (12/15/04)

JEANNE-MICHELE DAVIS ('73) Austin, Texas mailed in her Christmas present for the web site and she tells me that she had a wonderful time at her 30-year reunion, this past Octover but, she swears she would never have recognized anyone if she had passed them on the street. LOL Jeanne, thanks so much for your donation to keep us going and for your kind words in the note you sent. I hope to see ya' in Juky at the BIG party! (12/14/04)

SHEILA O'KANE ('74) Plano, Texas has played Santa Claus for the web site and has sent in the first donation for the Christmas season and what a gift it is!!  I didn't even get to sit on her lap and tell her what I wanted! Sheila, you are so wonderful and on behalf of all our classmates I thank you for your genersoity and kindness. You have helped to end this year on a high note and I will be forever grateful.You and the family look great in the photo Christmas card ya' sent along! My best wishes to you and yours this holiday season and again, thanks for the STOCKING STUFFER! WOW! (12/14/03)

NOVEMBER 2004
JAYNE LeFEVER ('72) San Antonio, Texas has made her donation to keep this web site going. I received the check in the mail, today, and I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for Jayne's generosity. It sure means a lot, these days! The web site is busier than ever. I sure do appreciate her helping out like she has and they way so many people have. Jayne, I hope to see ya at the reunion, next year! You're wonderful!! (11/19/04)

ROBERT CISSELL ('71) Pasadena, Texas must have been in San Antonio, today, and Santa Claus must have been with him!! As I came home from work, I drove up to my house and saw that one of my two garbage cans was missing. Either the garbage men took it or someone in the neighborhood stole it!! (It's happened twice before). Anyway, I was ticked!! I parked in the driveway, walked to the curb and mailbox to check my mail. Inside it was a plain white envelope with DENNIS written on it. No stamp. No return address. Nothing. Inside the envelope was a piece of paper and inside the piece of paper was a donation check from Robert. A BIG donation check. I couldn't believe he had just left it sitting in my mailbox!! I walked up to my front porch and on the little school desk I have next to the front door was a COFFEE MUG from the Mayor's Office in Pasadena, Texas!! Bob, I hardly know what to say but, I hope that THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH goes a long way in showing my gratitude. It has been a struggle to stay online lately and you, as well as other wonder classmates, are the ONLY reason that we have been able to. On behalf of all your fellow classmates, thanks so much, for your kind generosity in helping to keep us truckin'! On behalf of all your fellow classmates, thanks so much, for your kind generosity in helping to keep us truckin'!
I also want to thank you for the awesome coffee mug! It will make a great and very unique addition to my collection. I tried to call your home, this evening, but I guess you're still here, somewhere in San Antonio. I hope to reach you over the weekend. Again, thank you so much for your kindness. I am humbled by your actions. (11/11/04)

PHILLIP TURNER ('72) Ocoee, Florida sure delivered in the nick of time! Again, I have already had to buy extra download traffic for this web site and it's only the 4th of the month! I received a very generous donation check from Phillip, today, and it'll cover that and more! Phil, I sure do appreciate your generosity and caring enough about this effort to help keep things going. It's amazing how great people like yourself are come to the rescue when we need it the most. Again, thanks for your donation and I hope to see you next year at the reunion! (11/4/04)

OCTOBER 2004
KAREN KISLING ('72) Cantonsville, Maryland has made a donation to keep us going, here on the web site. She sends a notes along with her check... "Dear Dennis,Thanks for your hard work maintaining your web site. It brings joy to many of us! My sister, KATHY KISLING ('70) and I are looking forward to next year's Shindig!" ---Karen, thanks so very much for your donation. Comments like yours brings joy to my heart! It's people like YOU that make it all worth while. I haven't seen you or Kathy for 34+ years. It's gonna' be great next July! (10/21/04)

NELDA CARTER ('73) San Antonio, Texas mailed in a donation check for this web site, today. She wrote a little note card saying she knew it wasn't much but, she wanted to help. Nelda, don't you worry about the amount. Let me tell you, your donation is so greatly appreciated no matter how much it is. You took the time to care and send in what you could. That's far more than hundreds of other people have done. They use this web site constantly and haven't donated a single penny in the past eight years. So, please know that you have done just fine and I am so very grateful! See you at the reunion, next year. You're wonderful! (10/20/04)

MICHAEL JUSTICE ('73) Dallas, Texas sent in a donation check for the web site a couple of days ago but, my phone lines have been out for the past three days after a BIG storm blew threw here and this is the first opportunity that I have had to update this page and thank Mike for his generosity. Mike is one of the "faithful" and makes an annual donation to keep this going. Mike, thanks for all you do and for giving when the going gets tough. Wish we had more like you! All the best to you, my friend. (10/14/04)

MARK NORMAN ('71) Louisville, Kentucky (all the way from the Blue Grass state) sent in a donation check, today. So far, donations are keeping pace with the increased download traffic on this web site. Mark has been a supporter since the virtual beginning of this effort and had made a donation every year along with a few other loyal classmates. Thanks for your generosity, Mark and I hope to see you at the reunion next year! It's great to be able to count on wonderful people like YOU! (10/8/04)

MARK & VICKY (DALLAS) NANOS ('71/'72) Lee's Summit, Missouri lives in the same town as my cousins Debbie, Roy, and Laurie! I got a card from Vicky, today, along with a great donation check. Her note says... "Dear Dennis, I'm sure that you have some idea of how much you are appreciated for this task you have taken on, but here's my 2-cents worth. Thank You, Thank You! I have only recently joined the computer age, so I'm enjoying your contribution all the more for its novelty!" ---Vicky, thank you for your very kind words and your generosity with your donation check. Yes, I'll admit I know how much I am appreciated. (I'm doing my best to remain hunble! LOL) All our classmates over the years have been so kind to me and it really does mean a lot. I hope that you and Mark will be at the reunion next year! Thanks for your friendship and kindness. (10/4/04)

SHIRLEY ENGLISH ('70) Bulverde, Texas mailed a wonderful donation check for the web site and I received it, today. It is always wonderful to hear from Shirley. She has been there with her support from the very beginning. I still enjoy my Sunday morning coffee with the gorgeous Mickey Mouse coffee mug she gave me many years ago. Shirley, thanks for being so sweet and being there with your words of encouragement and support. Love ya! (10/2/04)

SEPTEMBER 2004
WAYNE & VICKI (HOWELL) POTTER ('72 &'73) Topeka, Kansas mailed in a wonderful donation check, today and a note that said, "Dennis, we hope this helps." Well, Wayne and Vicki your check helps A LOT!!! Thank you so much for your generosity. You join the ranks of the people who really care about all this and I appreciate it so much! (9/30/04)

JOHN HOLSTON ('71) Tyler, Texas mailed in a check for this web site, today. John, I sure appreciate you coming through like you have. Again, today, the page has been locked due to too much download traffic. It's the 3rd time this month. If it wasn't for wonderful like yourself, the page would have permanently shut down years ago. Thank you for your help and I hope other classmates enjoy this web site enough to help out, as well. All the best to you! (9/28/04)

JEFF CARRUTHERS ('72) San Antonio, Texas sent in his contrubution for the web site. Jeff owns a company called "Four Seasons Distributing" (1-800-580-HATS) which sells all sorts of promotional products. At the last reunion in 2000, we had custom-designed coozies made (by another company because I didn't know Jeff did this stuff), but chances are we'll have something done up for the reunion next July and buy them from Jeff's company. Thanks for your donation, Jeff and I'll be giving ya' a call in the next few months! (9/28/04)

GARY LEE ('69) Eagle River, Alaska sent in a donation all the way from the land of ice and snow. I know a couple of classmates who live in Alaska and has always hope for a donation from our 49th state and Gary comes through! He sent along a funny note with his generous check... "Dear Dennis, I don't know what motivates someone to keep up a web site like the one of John Jay happenings. That kind of person must be part crazy-- maybe even fully whacked! But wait a minute, we're talking about YOU!! Thanks for all your work!" ---Gary, thanks for the laughs! Crazy? Sure why not. Totally whacked? Yes, but what the hell! But seriously, thanks so much for the wonderful donation. It helps out a bunch to keep the flame burning bright! (9/27/04)

LYDIA "TOY" KELLY ('71) San Antonio, Texas has moved back to San Antonio and she road her Harley-Davidson to THE GUYS meeting at Pizza Hut, tonight! The first thing she did was give me a tremendous warm hug and then hand me a donation for the web site! She hasn't changed a bit since I last saw her at the 1995 reunion. She is still gorgeous and she laughed so much and had a wonderful time. It's great to have ya' back home and thanks so much for the donation! (9/24/04)

MASON WRIGHT ('70) Corpus Christi, Texas, also rode his Harley to THE GUYS meeting and he also handed me a donation for the web site. He was wearing a cast on his left foot. He broke it falling off a curb. Mason's donation was also made on behalf of his wife, LINDA LADWIG ('84), also a JJHS graduate. Thanks, Mason and Linda!! (9/24/04)

DEBBIE ASHBY ('71) Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas ('71) just found the web site a few days ago and she immediately pledged to send a donation. Well, her generous check arrived, today!! She wrote a note along with it... "Dear Dennis, I am really enjoying reading all the great info in people that I went to school with and have lost touch with. Thanks so much for all you do. I am looking forward to the reunion." ---Deb, it's great to have you back with us and thanks for your immediate support of my efforts. That means a lot to me!! Can't wait to see you next year! (9/24/04)

ALAN FREDERICK ('70) Houston, Texas ('70) drops me an e-mail every now and then and today he dropped me a great donation check for the web site! Alan, I appreciate it so very much. In fact, I checked this web site while I was at work, today before I came home and the site was BLOCKED because download traffic had already been exceeded!! Geez! I had to buy more download traffic for the third time this month!!! Your check just helped to pay for it! YOu are awesome, dude! Thanks so very much!!! (9/24/04)

CHRISTINE SCHLAEGER ('71) San Antonio, Texas ('71) proves that you CAN trust lawyers! Christine promised to send in a donation for the web site and I got her check, today! By the way, did y'all know that both of her kids are teachers at John Jay H.S.!!! AND her son, John Campbell Jr. is the HEAD FOOTBALL COACH!! Go Mustangs!! Thanks for the donation, Chris, you're one of the best!! (9/24/04)

WILLIAM "BILL" GAINES ('76) Raleigh, North Carolina mailed in a donation check that blew my mind! How great was his donation? Well, I had to go to the doctor, today, because of my medications for diabetes, heart, and blood pressure. (I have to have blood drawn every three days.) While I was there, my blood  pressure was 194/112. When I got home, I received Bill's check for the web site, in the mail. I can only thank God that I had no way to measure my blood pressure when I saw the check! I would have had a heart attack!!! Bill, thanks so much for your generosity and for coming through in the special time for this project. Because of YOU and those wonderful people listed below, in this section, we'll keep the flame burning brightly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. (9/22/04)

DEAN & SANDY (WOODS) DUNN ('69/'70) North Richland Hills, Texas are two remarkable people. Right now, they are busy involved in a fund raising effort for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and will soon participate in a special "Walk for Ryan," in Boston, for their 3-year old grandson, who has diabetes. His gets his little fingers pricked up to 5-times a day to have his blood checked and he receives insulin shots, as well. Dean and Sandy urge people to help support the JDRF with financial donations and yet, they still make a donation to this web site. I am humbled by their charity and I am so very grateful to them for their support over these many years. Sandy promises to see me at the reunion, next year. Can't wait to HUG you, girl!! (and you, too, Dean!) Thank you! (9/22/04)

CARL JENSEN ('70) Newport News, Virginia has sent in a wonderful donation check and I do mean WONDERFUL!  Carl-- you have been there every single time when the web site needs help the most and every time you go BEYOND what I can ever hope for from anyone! Thank you for all that you have done and for leading the way. I really appreciate that, my friend. Your support helps to keep me and this project going! In a side note... Carl tells me that his mom is doing better following her cancer surgery, here in San Antonio. We didn't get to link up when he was here for that but, we will soon, I'm sure.  (9/20/04)

GLENN BURCHARD ('69) Austin, Texas mailed in a great donation check for the web site along with a note that shows he's already "chomping at the bit" for the reunion. He says he knows it's going to be a BLAST! Glenn.. you better believe it will! Thanks for your donation and for all your support and enthusiasm about the reunion!! (9/20/04)

MARY "MOLLY" DELANEY ('71) Santa Monica, California has sent in the first donation of the month, so far, and it comes at a critical time. Molly thanks for being there when we need help the most!!  Traffic on this web site has quadrupled!! The page has already been locked TWICE this month and people could not view it because all download traffic had been used up by the 7th of the month! Molly, I really appreciate your donation to keep the light burning brightly!! (9/10/04)

AUGUST 2004
RALPH GALAVIZ ('69) San Antonio, Texas attended his first meeting with THE GUYS at Pizza Hut and had a blast! He made two donations, tonight! The first was a donation was a check to keep this web site going and I thank him for his generosity. His second donation was very unique. Ralph has been a dentist for 28 years and tonight he brought toothbrushes and toothpaste for all THE GUYS!! We went crazy over them! Heck, I got six (6) of them, myself!! Thanks, Ralph!! (8/27/04)

TARYN HOUGH ('72) Choctaw, Oklahoma sent in a wonderful donation for the web site and a sweet card, as well... "Dear Dennis, Greetings! It's been too long since I've had a chance to catch up on the web site. Some news wonderful... and some very sad. I send you well wishes and hugs from Oklahoma. I will call you when we come down next month. Love ya'" --- Taryn, it is always so wonderful to hear from you. Thank you for your donation for the web site. It comes at a very important time. I hope we can link up when ya come down, next month! I love ya' tooz!" (8/27/04)

BILL MIZELL ('70) Boerne, Texas is one of "THE GUYS" that group of us that has been meeting on the last Friday of the month every month for the past 17 years at Pizza Hut at Marbach & Loop 410. At our monthly meeting this past Friday, Bill made a fantastic donation to this web site and I sure appreciate it. He has always been there for the site and reunion efforts. He would always buy rolls of postage stamps when we needed to mail out newsletters in the old days. So, my thanks to Bill for his generosity in helping to keep the flaming burning and the web site going strong! (8/1/04)

THE WILD' TANGS ('71) not to be outdone by me, her brother, my sister LINDA DUPRIEST ('71) has started he own little groups of former classmates called the "Wild 'Tangs." They meet like every four or five months and they're all girls! This past Saturday night, they met at Grady's Bar-B-Q on Bandera Road. They took up a collection among themselves and raised $120 for this web site. Is that awesome or what!!! My thanks to the following beautiful ladies for their generosity: BRENDA DUGGER ('71), DEBBIE DeBERGH ('71), KAREN WALLIS ('71), BARBARA FRIEDMAN ('71), LAURA HENDERSON ('71) and BEVERLEE BRIGHAM ('71). Thank you ladies! I hope you'll invite me to one of your meeting. That would be awesome!! (8/1/04)

Brenda Dugger, Debbie DeBergh, Beverlee Brigham, Sarah Escobedo, Karen Wallis, Linda DuPriest some of the "Wild 'Tangs" all from the "Class of '71"
Debbie DeBergh, Beverlee Brigham, Sarah Escobedo, Laura Henderson, Brenda Dugger, Barbara Friedman- more of the beautiful "Wild 'Tangs" of 1971.

JULY 2004
PAUL "RANDY" BEATY ('70) Killeen, Texas has sent in a super generous donation for the web site and he has a new job, doing an old job and has learned just how small this word can really be. He writ "Dennis, how's everything going? Things here in Killeen have been going very well. As you know, in my career I did weather forecasting for the Air Force. When I retired, I took a temporary forecasting position as a civilian. The job was supposed to last a couple of years. Well, last November, the person that had the permanent position took early retirement so, I applied for it and I got it! So, I guess I'll be staying here in Killeen for a while longer. My daughter, Amber, is entering her last semester at Tarleton State University. Finally, the end is in sight. She met a young man at college that you might know. His name is Coy Miller and he's from Somerset. His mom. LaVonda works for the Somerset school district. Coy mentioned the town, one day, and sometime later, it dawned on me that you worked for that school district, too. Small world! Here's a donation for the web site. You've done an excellent job in building and maintaining it. It's very informative. Keep up the good work, Dennis. Take care!"... ---It IS a small world, Randy! LaVonda and I have worked together for seven years now and I have met Coy. He's a great person and a gentleman. He'll make a great son-in-law!!  It's great to hear that you're career is going well. I hope you get the chance to come down and visit. Thanks so much for your very generous donation. It comes at a very important time. And thanks for your 30+ years of friendship! You're the best! (7/24/04)

CINDY BACON ('70) Omaha, Nebraska has already sent in a web site donation earlier this year but, she's used the occasion of my birthday to send another one! She writes... "Hi, Dennis! Happy Belated Birthday! As George Carlin once said, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but, by the moments that take our breath away." You are breathtaking in all that you do. Thanks for adding so much to my life." --- Wow! Cindy, that is one of the nicest and sweetest things anyone has ever said to me. Thank you so much for your donation and your very kind words. You are truly one-of-a-kind! Hope to see you at next year's reunion. (7/13/04)

BRENDA GIBBS ('73) Castroville, Texas has sent in the first donation for July. She sent in a brief note with her check... "Hi, Dennis! I just wanted to send a little something to help you out. After all, I do key in to your web site every now and then to see who's where and said what! If you hear from KENNETH ELKINS ('70) and his wife VICKIE GREEN ('70) tell them that "Momma Googie's" still out there and would love to hear from them. Thanks, Dennis." --- Brenda, I say THANK YOU for your kind donation for the wen site. I really appreciate that. As for Ken and Vickie, it's been like two years since I heard from them. They would write to me at least once a year for the past 10 years and all of a sudden they stopped. I don't know if they moved or what. If anyone knows where they are or has a contact number for me, please let me know. (7/10/04)

PLEASE SIGN THE GUEST BOOK !
Would ya take a moment to click the link and drop me a line? I'd appreciate it. Please forgive the many "pop up" ads that sneak in. It's the only way to get the free service. So, click here... GUEST BOOK

MUSTANGS RETURN TO THE CORRAL!

When Mustangs find this web site for the first time, I say that they've returned to the John Jay Alumni Corral and I list them in this section. If they have a "line" under the name, then, it's an e-mail link. Just click on the name and write them an e-mail. It's that simple! These are the people we've found or they've found us in the past six months or so. Feel free to contact them, they'd love to hear from you! As I always say, here, "Once, A Mighty Mustang, always a Mighty Mustang!" 

NEALA BRIGHAM ('72) Chapel Hill, North Carolina
WILLIAM GRIZZELL ('73) Port Saint John, Florida
TONY SORIA ('70) Bell Canyon, California
GORDON WOODS ('71) San Antonio, Texas
JAY BOMBERGER ('72) Texarkana, Texas
GLENN HUTTO ('71), La Porte, Texas
KAY BRANDHORST ('72), Denison, Texas
JIM COPSEY ('70) Los Lunas, New Mexico
LORA HERNANDEZ ('72) Boerne, Texas
BILL PIPPIN ('71) Boerne, Texas
MANFRED "MANNY" HILL ('69) Smithville, Texas
DANIEL PETRO ('70) San Antonio, Texas
YOLANDA HERNANDEZ ('69) San Antonio, Texas
WALLACE COLLINS ('71) San Antonio, Texas
TIM HALLORAN ('71) Cypress, Texas
VANESSA ROBBINS ('69) Goldsboro, North Carolina
ARCHIE RHINES ('71) San Antonio, Texas
CORA (BRANDT) RHINES ('71) San Antonio, Texas
JEFF ENNIS ('74) San Antonio, Texas
FAYE (HOBBS) ENNIS ('77) San Antonio, Texas
ROBERT CARROLL ('69) San Antonio, Texas
DEBRA DAVIS ('71) Fort Worth, Texas
SU GARNETT ('76) Highland Lakes, New Jersey
GLYNN QUINN  ('69) Castroville, Texas
SANDY (DILTS) QUINN ('73) Castroville, Texas
KEVIN WILLIS ('72) San Antonio, Texas
STEVE SMITH ('69) San Antonio, Texas
DEBBIE (DeBERGH) SMITH ('71) San Antonio, Texas
ANTHONY KIEBLER ('75) Universal City, Texas
TARYN HOUGH ('72) Choctaw, Oklahoma
SKIP O'BRIEN ('73) Somerset, Texas
KIM (WYATT) O'BRIEN ('71) Somerset, Texas
ROBERT LEMOINE ('71) Keller, Texas
KENNETH WHITTON ('72) Castroville, Texas
BARRIE GILLESPIE ('71) Austin, Texas
CHARLES KOSTMAYER ('70) Mobile, Alabama
STEPHEN GAINES ('71) Moore, Oklahoma
DENNIS GAINES ('72) Kerrville, Texas
WILLIAM GAINES ('76) Raleigh, North Carolina
ROBERT HECKARD ('79) San Antonio, Texas
ALVIN BRATZ ('73) San Antonio, Texas
CHARLES BOOKER ('70) Ft. Smith, Arkansas
ROBERT "BOB" FRAZIER ('72) Cairo, Eygpt
TOMMY McDUFF ('70) Louisiana
PATTY VENEGAS ('70) San Antonio, Texas
DONNA VENEGAS ('71) San Antonio, Texas
ANNETTE VENEGAS ('78) San Antonio, Texas
ROBERTA HOLLIN ('71) Spring Branch, Texas
MICHAEL WILLIAMS ('72) Biloxi, Mississippi
 JEAN JACKSON ('74) Wichita Falls, Texas
JOHN PERKINS ('74)  San Antonio, Texas
FRANKIE WIND ('72) Tacoma, Washington
EILEEN SCHLAEGER ('76) Fairfax, Virgina
JANI SHIELDS ('75) San Antonio, Texas
JOE GLOD ('69) Arlington, Texas
DEBBIE (GEISEN) GLOD ('71) Arlington, Texas
DENISE KNUTSON ('79) San Antonio, Texas
CINDY RADDATZ ('75) Tomball, Texas
YVETTE STEWART ('75) Clinton, New York
MICHELLE NELSON ('72) San Antonio, Texas
MARY GIBSON ('71) San Antonio, Texas
CHUCK GUERIN ('72) Broussard, Louisiana;
BETTY JO FRAZIER ('74) San Antonio, Texas
PAULA EDGIN ('70) Smithfield, Virgina
JANE DAWSON ('69) New York City, New York
JANET MAYS ('72) Atlanta, Georgia
ARTHUR McKINNEY ('73) Bonita, California
BETTY SANCHEZ ('72) San Antonio, Texas
RANDY SANCHEZ ('73) San Antonio, Texas
PRISCILLA SANCHEZ ('74) San Antonio, Texas
JOE BRESNOK ('74) Lytle, Texas
DEANNA PACK ('69) Manchester, Connecticut
EVAN RALPH ('72) San Angelo, Texas
SANDRA GRIFFIN ('71) San Antonio Texas
KAREN WALLIS ('71) San Antonio, Texas
CAROLYN SPARKS ('70) San Antonio, Texas
URBAN URBANO ('70) San Antonio, Texas
RUTH MRHA ('72) Houston, Texas
MIKE GRINFIELD ('71) San Antonio, Texas
LINDA ANDERSON ('70) San Antonio, Texas
CARLA WHITTON ('70) San Antonio, Texas
BARBARA GARRISH ('75) San Antonio, Texas
DAVID COOK ('74) Sanderson, Texas
KENNETH SOFFES ('70) Houston, Texas
JOE MARTINEZ ('71) San Antonio, Texas
RAY HIGGINS ('72) San Antonio, Texas
DEBBIE ASHBY ('71) Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas
MICHAEL HAGY ('77) Location unknown
HOLLY COOK ('74)  San Antonio, Texas
TERRY YATES ('69) Cedar Park, Texas
MR. GAYLAN DuBOSE (Teacher) Austin, Texas
RITA SMITH ('69) Fredericksburg, Texas
MICKEY MAHLER ('70) Salt Lake City, Utah
JILL TEMPLE ('72) San Antonio, Texas
MARGARET JENSEN ('72) San Antonio, Texas
SAM SARRAZIN ('70) Bulverde, Texas
JOE RUIZ ('71) San Antonio, Texas
JOEL WOODS ('73) Location Unknown

MUSTANGS BUST LOOSE FROM THE CORRAL!
E-mail to the following Mustangs came back. That means that their e-mail addresses have changed without telling me and I have dropped them from my mailing list (not from the e-mail listing on the web site, though). If, anyone has new e-mail addresses for the following people, let me know ASAP: GERALD GILES ('70), CINDY URBACH ('72), RICHARD OLSEN ('70) -FOUND!, MELANIE MILLER ('72), DRU TREVINO ('72),  TIM TANT ('69), DON ELDER ('70), DON HURLOCK ('71), LARRY & PATTY (MILWARD) YOUNG ('69/'70), DALE MILWARD ('70), SHELLEY URBACH ('73), KIMBERLY NUCKOLLS ('72), TOMMY McDUFF ('70) -FOUND!, LaVERNE SHIPMAN ('70), KATHY O'DAY ('70), CLEVE HUGHES ('69),  ARCHIE RHINES ('71, CORA BRANDT ('71), JULIA "JILL" TEMPLE ('72) -FOUND!, STEVE BEAVERS ('72), MICKEY MAHLER ('70) -FOUND!

OUR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS...
I use this section to acknowledge the passing of our former classmates and their immediate family members.

Mr. Arthur Shupp, age 78, father of our classmates: Melody ('70), Elizabeth "Betsy" ('72), Laura ('74), Jenny ('74), Nancy ('76), Robin ('77), Tim ('79) and Holly ('82) passed away on Monday, December 20, 2005 after a bout with cancer. Mr. Shupp was a former U.S. Marine and had fought at the battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. On behalf of all our classmates, I extend our love, sincere best wishes and prayers to the Shupp family in their time of sorrow and loss. Viewing and Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, December 22nd, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Mission Park South Funeral Chapels, located at 1700 S.E. Military Drive. Phone: 210-924-4242. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 23rd, at 3:00 p.m., from the Mission Park South Funeral Chapels and will be buried at that cemetery. A memorial service and gathering will be held at Marbach Christian Church, 8023 Marbach Road at 6:00 p.m., Thursday evening, December 23rd. Friends of the family are encouraged and invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. Betsy Shupp's e-mail is: ejohn2753@aol.com and cell phone ais (972) 603-5608. (12/21/04)

Mrs. Loraine Jensen, the mother of classmates CARL JENSEN ('70) and Margaret Jensen ('72) died, today December 12, 2004, here in San Antonio after a lengthy battle with cancer. When more details are available, I will post them on the web site under "Classmate News." On behalf of all classmates, I send our prayers and sympathies to the Jensen families in their time of sorrow. I hope to be able to visit with Carl when he gets here in San Antonio, this week. (12/12/04) UPDATE: Carl called me to let me know the funeral arrangements for his mom, who passed away yesterday, December 12th. THE VISITATION & VIEWING: The family will be at the Castleridge Funeral Home at 8008 Military Drive West from 6-9p.m.tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 14th . (Just get on Military Drive at Marbach and head towards Loop 410 / Hwy. 151. It will be on the right-hand side of the road about two miles down. The phone number is: 645-6000) FUNERAL SERVICES: Services will be held from the Lackland Baptist Church,  2718 Frontier (in our old neighborhood), on Wednesday, December 15th starting at 9:15 a.m. Their phone number is 674-2702. She will be laid to rest at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.  All classmates and friends of Carl and the Jensen family are invited to attend either function. Carl's home mailing address if you want to send a card or letter is: 826 Melrose Terrace, Newport News, VA 23608 (12/13/04)


 RANDALL "RANDY" OLSEN ('71) of O'Fallon, Illinois died on Saturday, December 11, 2004 of heart and lung failure following surgery. He has been suffering from diabetes and heart problems for many years. Our prayers and sympathies to the Olsen families. He is survived by his wife Sue and his children. Their mailing address is: Sue Olsen, 805 Monterey Street, O'Fallon, Illinois 62269

His brother RICHARD OLSEN ('70) can be reached by clicking his name for the e-mail link. He called me Sunday night (12/12/04). He had been in London, Engalnd when he got word that his brother had died. He sends his regards to all classmates and thanks everyone for their prayers and kind thoughts for Randy and the family.   (12/11/04)

THOUGHTS OF RANDY FROM CLASSMATES...
RANDY PEARSON ('71) Pittsburgh, Pennsulvania... "Dennis, I was very saddened today to read the news of Randy Olsen. When my family had to move from Texas after my junior year , Randy was one my friends at Jay I missed the most. Through your site I was able to reconnect with Randy after 30 some years. We were able to exchange letters and emails over the last few years. I will always recall the day we met. Without knowing each other we were sitting right by each other the first day of classes in 8th grade at Sam Rayburn. We both thought we heard our name called and raised our hands, and began laughing at the coincidence of this. We became instant friends. How could you not- Randy was such a class act. We enjoyed many good times together on the JV baseball team, and going to football and basketball games. I will never forget our hilarious night in search of the donkey lady in Jimmy Proctor's VW bug. When I first was able to contact Randy after so many years I knew of his health problems from the site. I will tell you he showed great dignity and strength. He never complained, nor felt sorry for himself in any of our correspondence. I drew inspiration from him for sure. I would drive him home from baseball practice often back in school. We would listen to 8-tracks on the way. One we both would enjoy and sing very badly to was Roy Orbison. A couple of years ago I sent him a CD of Roy's that he really enjoyed getting. For me tonight I will hoist one for Randy and listen to Roy with sadness in my heart. But I know a smile will cross my face while remembering him and how it was a honor to have been a friend to such a good man. R.I.P. my friend." (12/13/04)
Mrs. Imogene Rogstad, the mother of our classmates, ALAN FREDERICK ('70) of Houston, Texas and DAVID FREDERICK ('73) of La Jolla, California died on Tuesday, August 17th, due to heart failure. Our prayers, sympathies and love to Alan, David and their families in this time of sorrow. (8/19/04)


Our classmate, GAIL CLARK ('70) died of ovarian cancer a little over a year ago. I only just received this most saddening information, tonight, from CAROLYN SPARKS ('70). Gail was a wonderful lady and so full of life. I last saw her at a reunion about 15 years ago. We extend our love and best wishes to Gail's family, her mom, her brother and sister. (8/19/04)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

JULY 7th
Happy Birthday to Ringo and me.
Happy Birthday to Ringo and Me.
Happy Birthday Ringo and Dennis.
Happy Birthday to Us!

Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey)
turns 64 and I turn 52 on the
very same day, Wednesday,
July 7th!

A great birthday present would be to send in a donation to keep this web site going. A little goes a long way!
My thanks to all my classmates who e-mail me with warm birthday wishes. That means a lot to me and to Ringo!
I GOT MUGGED ON JULY 4th!
I went to my sister, Linda's house for July 4th dinner and when I got home there was a BIG coffee mug on the little school desk that I have on the front porch. It was a SAN ANTONIO mug! Believe it or not, I didn't have a San Antonio mug. This one has the same of San Antonio on it along with three red peppers. It's beautiful. Anyway, I have no idea who gave this to me! There was a note inside the mug which says... "Bet you don't have one of these!! We were together and thought we'd stop and visit. Sorry, we miss you! Guess who? The Four Amigos (Minus 1)." --- Well, I don't know who it is but, only you classmates know that I collect location coffee mugs, So, someone 'fess up! It's driving me crazy! -Dennis (7/5/04)

UPDATE 7/21/04: Today, I got an e-mail from JANIS REYNOLDS ('69) in Austin, Texas and she admitted to me that she and three other classmates: DEBBY VAN PELT ('69), VANESSA ROBBINS ('69) and DEANNA PACK ('69) had their own mini-reunion and came over to my house to surprise me! My God! I missed the chance to be with four of the most beautiful ladies in the world! How wonderful to know y'all thought enough of me to stop by and see me. That means a lot! All of y'all were in the Class of '69, right? Janis... do me a favor. Write me up a little something about how the four of your got together and what ya did that day, so I can post it under classmate news on my web site. This is just wonderful! If ya have a pic of the four of you together that ya can send, I'll post it, too! Thanks you so very very much. You girls are so SUPER and I'll see ya at  SHINDIG V !! Love, Dennis

Here's a pic of three of us: Janis, Debby and Vanessa.  Deanna wasn't able to be with us this time, but we expect to see her next year! The four of us have been in touch over the years, and after we heard the news of Clair's passing (she was so beautiful...I don't know anyone who wasn't sorry to hear of her death), we decided that there was no use putting it off anymore.  We are all busy with our lives, but that would always be true.  If not now, when?  So we decided to go for it!  We got together at my house in Austin, and we spent three wonderful days just catching up, dancing, laughing, remembering, sharing.  Oh, and we came by your house. Maybe we'll see you at the reunion next year! Dennis, Thanks for all you do to keep the flame... Janis

GLENN BURCHARD ('69) Austin, Texas has something to say about the picture (above) of Janis, Debby, and Vanessa. "Dennis, I was just visiting, here on the site, and saw this picture of Debby, Janice, and Vanessa.  Am I nuts, or isn't that the correct order from left to right.  I know it's been a long time, but as I look at the picture, I've just got to believe that's Debby on the left and Janice is in the middle.  Please tell me I'm not losing it--at least not in this case!  I can't say I'm 100% on the picture--but---I did date Debby for awhile and I'd swear that's her on the left but, you know what 30+ years will do to ya!" ---Glenn, I don't know what to tell you. This is the way that Janis sent the photo to me along with the caption exactly the way it is. Tell ya' what, let's ask the girls, themselves! Hey, Janis, Debby or Vanessa, who is who in the photo??? (Deanna Pack, you can e-mail me too, if ya want to tell me!) Save Glenn's sanity! E-mail me!! (7/28/04)
GET A LOAD OF THIS!!!!! 1st ANNUAL JOHN JAY
"SPOTLIGHTERS" TALENT SHOW - 1967

This is a photo from the archives of Ralph Galaviz ('69). It's the 1st Annual John Jay H.S. talent show sponsored by the drama club, "The Spotlighters." I, Dennis DuPriest ('70), was the host for all three years at Jay and it was always an honor. That's me to the far right with the microphone. (Was I a cute dude or what!! And damn skinny, too!) Also in the photo, at the far right is half of Urban Urbano ('70), then an unknown dude. In the cowboy hat is Jay Urbano ('72), next is Mike Mead ('71). (Urban, the unknown dude, Jay and Mike Mead performed as the band "Colonel Tyke's Traveling Medicine Show and Musical Band," later changed to "Blind Light.") The girl is Carol West ('71), who performed the Charleston. The first guy in the serape outfit is David Robinson ('69), then Ralph Galaviz ('69), Vance Verbeck ('69), Jimmy Barraza ('71) [you can barely see the top of his head in the back], Kenny Sundberg ('70), Kevin O'Brien ('71) in glasses in the back, then, John Dany ('69). They all won first place as the "Baja Maraca Botchers" patterning themselves after the Herb Alpert and Tijuana Brass. They were all members of the Mighty Mustangs Band. This photo freezes a moment in time that I miss so very very much, so long, long, long ago. My thanks to Ralph for making this photo available and to Kenny Sundberg ('70) and his sister Jamie Sundberg ('71) for helping to identify people. It means a lot! (8/28/04)
MUSTANG FOOTBALL 2004
Head Coach John Campbell Jr., the son of John Campbell ('69) and Christine Schlaeger ('71)
Game 1: John Jay Mustangs: 27  Kerrville Tivy Antlers: 23
Game 2: John Jay Mustangs: 14  East Central Hornets: 10
Game 3: John Jay Mustangs: 15  Ronald Reagan Rattlers: 35
Game 4: John Jay Mustangs: 19  Del Rio Rams: 7 **
Game 5: John Jay Mustangs: 13  Thomas Clark Cougars: 31 **
Game 6: John Jay Mustangs:   0  Earl Warren Warriors: 27 **
(My niece, my sister Linda's daughter, Katie Rose Padron is the Senior Class President at Warren High School)
Game 7: John Jay Mustangs: 27  William Taft Raiders: 21 **
Game 8: John Jay Mustangs: 35  John Marshall Rams: 38 **
Game 9: John Jay Mustangs: 56  Oliver Holmes Huskies 13 **
Game 10: John Jay Mustangs: 22  Sandra O'Connor Panthers 43 **
[Danny Padron ('69) is Head Coach at O'Connor High School which has gone undefeated in district and is headed into the playoffs. Good luck, Danny!]
** District Games
"SHINDIG V"
THE REUNION PARTY JULY 2005
CLICK ON "SHINDIG V" LINK ABOVE TO GO TO A SPECIAL REUNION INFORMATION PAGE.
ALL DETAILS ON THE REUNION WILL BE POSTED ON THAT PAGE ONLY. PLEASE "BOOKMARK"
IT OR ADD TO YOUR "FAVORITES" TO GO DIRECTLY TO THAT PAGE EACH TIME YOU WANT.
HAPPY 53rd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO MY MOM & DAD, THERESE & GILBERT DUPRIEST ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2004.

October 20, 1951
(If ya' wanna send a congratulatory e-mail: My Folks)
CURRENT CLASSMATE NEWS
DECEMBER 2004
MATTHEW DELANEY ('70) Santa Barbara, California looks to be making the last donation in 2004 for the web site and what a job he did!!! Listen to this... Matt lives in Santa Barbara, Calfornia, the same town as my favorite comedian of all time, Jonathan Winters, who is often seen in town. I asked Matt to track him down and get his autograph for me. Well, Matt went to a local bookstore that Winters shops at and bought Jonathan Winters' book-- Winters' Tales. Matt told the clerk about wanting to get an autgraph and the clerk said to leave the book and he would get Jonathan Winters to autograph it. Well... HE DID!!!!! Matt sent the book, along with his THIRD check, this year, for the website. I am so AMAZED!!!! This is unfriggin real!!! I am totally blown away. Matt, thank you so much for the book, the autograph, and the donation check for the web site. You have such a giving and generous spirit and I thank you so much for this special kindness!! You NOTRE DAME dudes are the best!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! (12/28/04)

JOEL WOODS ('73) Location Unknown, has sent me an e-mail... "Hi Dennis, my name is Joel and Im trying to find a web site with the yearbook for John jay High in 1973. I was wondering is you could help me locate it on the net. I have so many friends that graduated in 73 but i lost contact with them when I joined the service. Thanks for any help you may be able to give." --- Joel, sorry but, I don't have any information on the Class of 1973 and I don't post their yearbook photos on my web site. I am posting your e-mail on the web site and perhaps someone can get in touch with you. You're more than welcome to join us for the BIG reunion in July 2005, as I am sure many of your classmates will. Thanks for getting in touch. (12/25/04)

DENNIS DUPRIEST ('70) San Antonio, Texas... Hey, that's me! Just a few notes. First, I attended the funeral visitation services for the Mrs. Lorraine Jensen, the mother of our classmates CARL JENSEN and ('70), MARGARET JENSEN ('72) and DAVID JENSEN ('75) . While I was there, I got to see other classmates who stopped by SAM SARRAZIN ('70), DONNA VENEGAS ('71) and ANNETTE VENEGAS ('78). They are all looking great and send their regards to everyone. (Their e-mail addresses are now listed on the e-mail links page or just click their names above.) Carl, Margaret and David are all doing fine, despite the sudden passing of their mom who seemed to be doing so well in recovery from cancer surgery. In talking to Margaret, she told me that JILL TEMPLE ('72) had been helping her with fixing up her mother's home and that Jill was watching the house for her that evening. I had lost track of Jill about a year ago and gave her a call, when I got home for the evening. She's earned her teacher's degree and is teaching in New Braunfels. Secondly, I want to thank all you wonderful people that have been sending me beautiful Christmas cards. That means a lot. Many of you have also included a check to keep this web site going and I appreciate that as well. It is my sincere wish that your holidays are the best ever! Be safe. My love to everyone. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See you in July for SHINDIG V. (12/15/04)
NOVEMBER 2004
MATT DELANEY ('70) Santa Barbara, California was in town Thanksgiving week to visit with family. In fact, his entire family is getting together for the first time in a few years. His dad is still recovering from hip replacement surgery. Matt is doing fine and he and I got together tonight for an early afternoon dinner at Jim's Coffee Shop (at Marbach and Loop 410). We had a good two-hour visit over cheese soup and a club sandwich. We discussed everything from the latest Beatles album ro the presidential election. It's always great to "shoot the breeze" with Matt. (11/21/04)

CHARLES KOSTMAYER ('70) Mobile, Alabama is gonna be a daddy, again! His wife, Wen is expecting their 2nd child in July. Hey, maybe they can make it to the reunion and the baby can be born in San Antonio. Chuck writes... "Dennis,  now, two months after the hurricane and two chain saws later, we're still cleaning up hurricane debri and repairing stuff. We tried hiring a couple of crews but, they do more damage than good. Labor is in short supply and comes at a premium, at times like these. Life is returning to normal, slowly but surely. Remember us in your prayers! Wonder if we shoud name the baby Ivan after the hurricane? ---Chuck, if it's a boy, consider naming him, JOHN JAY KOSTMAYER. How does that sound? OR how about "Dennis" for a middle name? Juss wondering. My best to you and your wife for a beautiful and healthy baby! (11/19/04)

CHARLES BOOKER ('70) Fort Smith, Arkansas enjoyed hearing about the musical tribute to our former band director, the late Mr. Dan Schreiber. He sent me an e-mail... "Dear Dennis, I read about the commission for Dan Schreiber and wanted to let you know that if our Mustang group ever wanted to commission a piece in Dan's honor, I would be pleased to write it (for free). If you are interested in hearing other band pieces I have composed, please visit my website at www.charlesbooker.com . Perhaps, we could get Chuck Young, the present band director to perform it with the Mustang band. Dan Schreiber meant a lot to me and inspired me to have a career in music. It is because of his encouragement that I am doing what I do today - Chair of the Music Department and Director of a College Band."

 Charles is a conductor and composer, and former U.S. Army Bandmaster, received his degrees from the University of the State of New York, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his teacher certification in secondary music from Southwest Texas State University. His compositions are published by Alfred, Bravo Music, Kendor, and Southern Music Company. Chuck's career in the U.S. Army included service as an arranger for the Army Field Band, performer and conductor of Army Bands in Louisiana, Germany, New York City, and director of the noted Jazz Ambassadors in Washington, D.C.
In 1999, he was appointed Director of Band Activities at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, and in 2003, in addition to his conducting position, he was appointed Chair of the Music Department at Uof A Fort Smith. Chuck is currently president of the Arkansas Chapter of College Band Directors National Association, past president of the Arkansas Chapter of the International Association of Jazz Educators, and a member of both the Arkansas and Texas Bandmaster Associations. He is also a member of the Arkansas Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, the International School Bandmaster Fraternity, and Pi Kappa Lambda. Charles is married to his wife of 33 years Claudette [DeRocher] of San Antonio, Texas. They have three children: Captain Erik Booker, U.S. Army, currently serving in Iraq, MU3 Adam Booker, U.S. Navy Band of New Orleans, and Colleen Booker, Instructor at Northern Arizona University. Mr. Booker and Claudette have five grandsons, Alex, Brennan, Colton, Devin, and Ronald. ---Chuck, I have been to your web site and it is awesome. I encourage all our classmates to check it out for themselves, Sure hope you can make it to the reunion, next year! Great career, dude! (11/12/04)

ROBERT "BOB" FRAZIER ('72) Cairo, Egypt, yes, CAIRO, EGYPT, has sent me an e-mail..."Dennis, I am currently assigned in Cairo, Egypt and will be here for the next two years. My hotmail address (hoss315@hotmail.com ) is the one for the MSN Messenger and for everyone and anyone who wants to chat during their time on line if I am there.  Sorry about the delay in getting in touch with you and all but, I have been trying to get things going here, settled in and working my way through this tour.  Well, have a good day and chat with you later on.  I will be at the reunion and I will send my check sometime after the first part of the year. Take care and keep me up to date on things." --Bob, I don't know what you're doing over there but, whatever it is, PLEASE BE CAREFUL. And as for next year, YES, we WILL see you at the reunion, my friend. God bless you. (11/11/04)
 
OCTOBER 2004
I'VE BEEN MUGGED AND SHOT!
RANDY PEARSON ('71) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania MUGGED me with a beautiful coffee mug from Pittsburgh and then he SHOT me with a commemorative shot glass from there, too! What a surprise. I had boasted the the Cowboys were gonna wipe the field with the Steelers this year and what happens? Pittsburgh kicks Dallas booty!! Damn! Guess Randy knew how bad I felt losing the game so, he took pity on me and sent the mug and shot glass. LOL Randy, thanks for the gifts. They are wonderful and a great surprise. I'll have my first cup of coffee in the mug with Sunday morning breakfast. Maybe, I'll have my first shot of Wild Turkey watching the Red Sox and Cardinals, tonight! Yeeee haaaa!! Hope things still work out and that you can make the reunion in July 2005. It would be great to see you and the family. All the best to you, my friend! (10/22/04)
Randy wrote back: "Dennis, thank the Steelers for winning. That's what got you the mug and shot glass! LOL  Just a little something for all your efforts, brother. We've got the Pittsburgh Blues Festival weekend of reunion so, I will be a no show. Got to tell you, after having had to move from San Antonio, after my junior year, I would have never thought that I would ever know what happened to all the folks at Jay. But your efforts made that possible. So, I am content with filling in some gaps thanks to you man. Being a big music fan (Stevie Ray is still the man R.I.P.) I have told the wife that, someday, I want to do a weekend in Austin. If I ever do. I will try to hook up with you to share a couple (I always say a few that lead to more) shots of Tequila. But if you ever get up this way dude I would hook you up with a good time in the Burg! - a shot & beer town and damn proud of it. Peace." ---Randy, you're on! (10/24/04)
SEPTEMBER 2004
LEONARD SAAVEDRA ('70) Mesa, Arizona is in town, today, and then headed back to Arizona Sunday morning. One of his nephews is getting married, here I haven't heard from him in about two years and he took time to call me, this morning. He tells me he's a first time grandfather of a beautiful girl and and the;rs a grandson on the way! Cool dude. Leonard forgot to send me his new e-mail address so, he's been out of touch. All you folks gotta remember to send me you changed e-mail addressses! I'm too old to track people down anymore!! LOL Leonard promises to stay in better touch for now on and to stop by for a visit on his next trip, here. (9/24/04)
 
HOLLY COOK ('74) San Antonio, Texas had made it back to the Mustang Corrall, here at the web site and she sent me an e-mail... "Dear Dennis, All I can remember is hearing your name all the time and seing articles about you in the JJHS school newspaper, The Statesman. I just paid tuition for college so, I'll try to send you a donation when my loan check gets here. By the way, nice architecture on the house. I happen to be studying architecture at San Antonio College - or is that place still called San Pedro High School? Hey - that Beatles song ("In My Life" that plays in the background here, on your web site) is probably one of their best hits and always will be. How about the Beach Boys song  "In My Room"? Be diligent, be safe - pray for peace." ---Holly, good to hear from you. What house are you talking about?? Wait! Do you mean the new renovations of John Jay H.S.??? Yeah, I like that Beach Boys song, as well. Hope you'll make plans to come to the reunion in July 2005. (9/25/04) UPDATE: The house that Holly was talking about is the "bed & breakfast" house that classmate KATHY KEISOR ('72) and her husband have in Hawaii. I featured photos of it a year ago, here on the web site and it's now in the "ARCHIVE" section. The house is absolutely gorgeous, like Holly says.

MONNA STEPHENS ('70) Grapevine, Texas has been wondering why she hasn't gotten any of my e-mails for a long, long time, but her twin sister, DONNA STEPHENS ('70) has. Well, it seems I've been sending the e-mails to Monna's old (still working) account but, she never checks it! We did connect, today, and she writes... "Dennis, Now I know why Donna receives your e-mails and I don't.  I thought you were playing favorites. LOL My old email address should still find its' way to me... but apparently our IT Group has put up some road-blocks on my old address so, I appreciate the heads-up. In any event, I can be reached either here at work or at my home. In any event, I hope all is well with you. Life is treating me well. I've always been blessed with a great family and friends. And my own family just keeps expanding. My son Anthony and his wife, Diana, are expecting their third child in March (they want and plan on 4). My daughter and her husband, after 10-years of marriage, are expecting their first child in mid-May. My job at Verizon is challenging and ever-changing. It's as close to being a lawyer, without a law degree, that I could ever expect to have. I get to do all the "grunt" work that the attorneys don't (and can't) do but, I love it. My husband, Marc, is trying part-time retirement. It suits us both just fine...since we need a "wife" to do all the things we never have time to do. Drop me a note sometime and get me up to speed on what's happening in your world."  ---Monna, it's great to touch base with you and I'm glad we cleared up the e-mail thing. How could I ever play "favorites" between you and your twin sister? After 37 years of knowing the two of you (and having kissed you both) I STILL can't tell the difference! Can't wait to see you in July 2005!! (9/23/04)

DONNA STEPHENS ('70) Corpus Christi, Texas helped me to track down her twin sister, Monna, when the e-mail that I sent to her kept coming back. With that all cleared up, she sent me a note... "Hey, Dennis! Monna and I have both been gone, for a while, to our parents home in Missouri. We were visiting and checking on our younger sister, Kristi Ann. She is five years younger than us. She was recently diagnosed with CLL or chronic leukemia. Anyway, our thoughts and energy have been with her. Damn cancer. Everytime I talk to anyone, someone ELSE has been diagnosed. It's so you hate to answer the phone! ha In any event, Monna and I are fine and living a very busy life. Monna will pass me up in the spring as having the MOST grandchildren. Her third is due in March. My son has called it quits with two. And that's just fine with me. HA HA I really appreciate your web site and all the updates. I'm just AMAZED at the football success at Jay, but guess maybe after 34 years it's ABOUT time! Talk to you soon, Love ya." --- Donna, thanks for helping me get Monna's e-mail address fixed. Please know that I and all your fellow classmates send our prayers for your sister, Kristi Ann. If there's anything we can do, just call upon the Mustangs! Please stay in touch. (9/23/04)

DEBBIE ASHBY ('71) Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas has returned to the "Mustang Corral" after many years. She signed my web site guestbook and writes... "Dear Dennis, BARBARA FRIEDMAN ('71), a member of "Wild Tangs" and a much loved friend from 1971, has recently gotten in touch with me and told me about your website and the upcoming reunion. I was so excited to find all the great information you have on your site about people from our past. I've only just begun reading some of the recent news and I definitely plan on reading the archives as time permits. You are doing a wonderful service. I will put a donation in the mail, today, to support the site. Thanks so much for all you do! (From one of the Original Bad Girls at the Ice House)" ---Debbie, it's great to have you back with us! It amazes me how people that view my web site for the first time, seem to immediately pledge money to help keep it going, like you have done. I have people that have accessed the web site for over 8 years and they haven't sent a single penny! You are amazing!! Thank you for the pledge. Stay in touch and I can't wait to see ya' at the reunion! (9/23/04)

CHARLES KOSTMAYER ('70) Mobile, Alabama has survived Hurricane Ivan! He sent me this e-mail... "Hello, Dennis!  We made it through another hurricane, and this one was really bad, but we're ok. We were going to ride it out at home, but made a last minute decision to exit north.  We left at the very last minute and didn't go far enough to even get out of the red zone. We stopped at a motel only 100 miles northeast of mobile.  It was a rough night, with the metal roof woof woofing up and down, we curled up in the corner with little Ethel, between us, and wrapped ourselves in a sheet hoping she wouldn't blow away when the roof came off.  It didn't come off and in the morning we headed home with the winds still blowing hard. We wanted to go home before they closed the roads and wouldn't let us go. There were millions of trees down, many across I-65. A few miles south, we saw a tree fall across the road in front of us. We simply went around them in the Silverado. Very few cars were on the road. Soon we stopped in Atmore, 60 miles north of Mobile looking for gas. There wasn't any. The town was severely  devastated.  We had 10 gallon in cans so, we pressed on.  We saw a couple of cars and trucks stuck in the mud.  Before long, we saw the big "Dolly Parton" bridge ahead.  It was still standing and we made it across with the wind blowing us this way and that. The city was a mess and fairly deserted. We surveyed the damage at home. Minor roof damage, etc. with 8 trees down. Terrific! Only minor damage! I checked the house and left the wife and baby ( three and a half ) there. iI was now mid-day and the winds were dying down. I went to the business and found only minor damage-- signs, fences, wet floor, minor roof damage, etc. and  we we were extremely fortunate. Many were not. There was no power and the worst damage was across the bay, 13 miles east at Gulf Shores. We have martial law and aren't allowed to go there. They are still searching for bodies. We'll be fine, just a scratch or two and the baby got a black eye from a minor fall. I'm sure a lot of praying went on. I know that I did! Today, I sat around and starred for hours, then I broke down and cried. I rarely do that. I'd remained calm, even learning my old aunt had died from heart failure during the storm. Our baby did very well under the circumstances but, added to my stress I guess.  I'm getting too old for these adventures."  --- Chuck, it's good to hear from you after a few years of being out of touch. I'm glad to know that you and the family are safe. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your aunt. Natural disasters are so hard to deal with but, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend. Be strong and hang in there. If there's anything that I can do, just let me know. (9/20/04)                                   

CINDY BACON ('70) Omaha, Nebraska had her vacation rudely interupted by Hurricane Ivan! She writes to me in this e-mail to tell me