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"CLASSMATE NEWS"
ARCHIVE JULY 1998- DECEMBER 1998
The Continuing Adventures of the 'Original' Mighty Mustangs
JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, U.S.A.

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DECEMBER 1998:
BRENDA DUGGER ('71) and her husband, FRANK TRIMM ('69) paid me a visit during the Christmas holidays. They were in town from Midland, where Frank works for Home Depot and Brenda works for an electronics firm. When Carl Jensen was visiting me, I showed him the web site on my computer and I noticed that Brenda was on America On Line, at the time. I sent her an IM (Immediate Message) through the system and told her that Carl was going to be in Midland the following week and wanted to stop by and say hello to Frank. They had been friends since attending Lackland Baptist Church, as kids. They had not seen one anohter in over 20 years. When Carl got to Midland he surprised Frank at his store. God, I love having a part of things like that. Brenda and I "chat" on line at least once a week. She was the first girl I went steady with at John Jay during my Sophomore year. (12/23/98)

DON HARING ('70) came all the way down from Hermiston, Oregon, just to wish me a Merry Christmas! Well, actually he's down to see his mom and family for the holidays and added me to his list of people to see. We had a lot of good laughs during his visit on Tuesday, December 22. (12/22/98)

CARL JENSEN ('70) showed up on my doorstep on December 21st. He and his wife are in town from Newport News, Virginia, to celebrate Christmas with Carl's mom for the first time in 25 years! He hasn't aged a day and looks great. I hadn't seen carl since our 20-Year Reunion. I showed him some pictures from the 25-Year Reunion which is was unable to attend because he was in Kuwait. Carl had some good laughs looking at pictures of MARK LOISELLE ('70) and WARREN WHITAKER ('70)!! I think Carl used the term "filled out" in describing the both of them. Yeee Haaaa!!! What a laugh! The guys always makes me laugh. (10/21/98)

MIKE CUNNINGHAM ('70) and his wife, SUSAN SPANG (72?) got in touch with me by e-mail, today. Mike had been in a head-on collision auto accident. Let me share part of his e-mail with you all... "About 9 months ago, I had a head on collision. The other driver fell asleep at the wheel and I saw it coming 50 yards away and could not avoid it. If I swirved right, I would have gone over a bridge, if I had swirved left, I would have hit others head on. During that 50 yards of disaster, I saw my life literally pass before my eyes. It was like everything was going in slow motion and as he hit me I saw every piece of my truck fly in all directions, and detected the smell of gas, oil, and acid. When I came to I knew that I had to make some changes in my life. But that is not what this letter is really about, it's about thanking you, Dennis, for your friendship and your leadership. I am so sorry that we have not hooked up lately (or since our 25th Year Reunion) and ask for your forgiveness. Dennis, you are an individual that makes things happen and one who knows so many people. You, my friend, are an inspiration to us all and I'm very fortunate to call you a friend. My wife and I always think of you and all our classmates and truly miss them all. We sometimes forget those important things in our life, such as friends and families and realized that a lot of it has to do with work. Well, my friend, in time I will have more time for my friends and family because this is what my heart wants. We miss you all so very much and thank God that he has spared me so that I may continue my destiny." --Mike, it is great to hear from you and it sounds like you're gonna' do just fine! I sincerely appreciate your compliments and they went straight to my heart. It's because of wonderful people like YOU and Susan, that I have so much fun doing what I do to keep our class together. Hang in there, my friend. (12/6/98)

MATT DELANEY ('70) was in town over the Thanksgiving holiday and visited with me for about two hours or so. He always knows how to come to my house-- with a Whataburger w/cheese, fries, and a diet Coke in hand! He's doing great working for a law firm in California and spends every free moment he has, climbing mountains, hiking in National Forests, and enjoying the wildlife of the American countryside. (12/2/98)

NOVEMBER 1998:
ED HOLLEY ('72) has done a wonderful job in adding new features to this web site. My thanks for the official "Flames" beside my photo! Neeter skeeter! Ed has also added a link to the "Top 100 Music Hits of 1970" that can be found at the bottom of this page, so be sure to check that out! (11/28/98)

ROBERT SPRADLING ('70) is suffering from pancreatic cancer and things are not looking good for Bob. I received this e-mail from him, this morning..."Dear Dennis, I am three weeks past the third round of chemo-therapy now and my fourth round is scheduled for November 30th. Following that, a CT scan, endoscopic exam and surgery to see what the CT scan may be missing. I face the possibilty of stomach removal if the surgeon isn't satisfied with what he sees. Guess, I'm between a rock and a hard place, at least that's what comes to mind. The surgeon says 6-months to a year, is what I have to live. If that's true, they can leave my stomach alone. I have a big decision ahead. At least there is no pain, just those nasty chemo effects. No radiation, right now, because five weeks of that, is all a body can tolerate, or so they say. I have moved back in with my ex-wife and 9 year old daughter. If the mental part affects the physical part, I should be getting a huge positve boost from returning to my much missed 'family life'. Take care, Dennis and keep those positive waves headed my way, dude." ---What does one say after hearing this? I am at a loss for words, other than to say, our prayers are with you, Bob. If there is anything we, your former classmates, can do for you, please just let me know. Hang in there, friend. Those of you who want to send Bob some good wishes, positive thoughts, and "good vibrations" can reach him by e-mail at: rkspradling@signtech.com (11/17/98)

FRANK "RIP" DOUVRY ('70) e-mailed me with a funny story, today, take a look..."Dear Dennis, three weeks ago my family and I went to a restaurant to eat on Sunday. We had a great meal and as we piled into my 3 year old (with 86,000 miles on it) Windstar and it wouldn't start. I called for a tow and the guy tapped on the starter a few times and it cranked up. The problem now was we had white smoke pouring out of the tailpipe. He mentioned we probably craked a head gasket and should get it somewhere quick. Being mister mechanic (I can write checks with the best of 'em) I proceeded to drive the van 17 miles to my company's EDS vehicle service center so they could look at it on Monday. On Monday, they called and said it was too big of a job BUT.... they had a service bulletin from Ford that covered this situation. I got it towed to the Ford dealer and asked them to look at it and by the way I wanted Ford to pay for it. The service manager basically said fat chance but he would check. He called two days later telling me it would be ready that afternoon and it was not going to cost me a dime. I liked that. The problem was he called back and said they were having a problem with the compression in one cylinder and needed more time to check it out. After a week of carpooling my wife was ready for a divorce. I called Ford and they got me a rental for free. (COOL). Two days later the car is returned to me with a new block and heads(remember 86,000 miles) and no charge. It ran like a dog. I brought it back in the following day and got my rental again. Sherry was driving the rental which allowed me to total my Honda civic on the way to work that Friday morning.(back down to 1 car again). Ford calls on Tuesday and says they have it fixed but it will cost me $200.00 because they are replacing plug wires and belts and such. I can live with that so I go up and the bill actually comes to $80.00 (COOL). I go to Chevy and look at a Camaro (always wanted one). Test drove it but the back seat room is ridiculous. On my way back to the showroom I notice this cute little black convertible sitting in the showroom. So now I have a 1999 Black Z24 convertible loaded. Second childhood here I come!-- Gee, Rip! You lucky dog! I think Rod Stewart had you in mind, when he sang... "Some guys have all the luck!" When are you headed back to Australia??? See ya' soon, dude! (11/7/98)

JUDY BOYLAND ('70) called and left a message on my answering machine. I haven't heard from her in over five years, I think. What a surprise! In her message, she tells me that the San Antonio Express-News called her. They are doing a story on John Jay High School and need some background on its early days and history. Judy told them, "You need to be talking to Dennis DuPriest!" So, she gave them my phone number! Wow! I'll keep y'all posted on what happens! Thanks for the plug, Judy!! (11/4/98)

LEONARD SAAVEDRA ('70) was in San Antonio for a stop over on the way back to Mesa, Arizona. He had spent Halloween night in SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS touring the sites of the witch burnings back in the 1600's!! Holy Elizabeth 'Samantha' Montgomery!!! What a spooky way to spent Halloween! Hey, Leonard!! Why can't witches have babies? Because all their husbands have hollow-weenies! (11/1/98) 

OCTOBER 1998:
CHUCK OGIER ('70) touched down on Planet Earth just long enough to drop me an e-mail line or two. Now, that he's a Boeing 747 pilot, this man is seeing the entire world! Let me share his e-mail with you..."Dennis...thought I would drop you a line and do a little catching up. Put a short note in the mail today to you, today.....hope it helps keep the flame burning a little brighter and a little longer. Spent all of September flying the 747 in the Middle East and throughout Europe...it was a blast walking the streets of Amsterdam around the canals...and, yes, the exotic district was incredible...as was the Anne Frank house, the Rembrandt museum...and the ladies! Found a new source of Cuban cigars....no Monica Lewinsky jokes please......and have been enjoying them in some pretty spectacular places.....Paris, Sharjah, Bangkok, Frankfurt, Milan, Amsterdam, Maastrich, Tapei and an occassional visit through Anchorage, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Miami. Will be spending the entire month of November based in Miami flying throughout South America......I truely love Argentina! Looking forward to our 30th reunion........and once again my friend...thank you for keeping the flame growing brightly...and the circle of friends connected. Chuck"---- Well, Chuckster, enjoy the good life, I envy you! The "exotic district" huh? Gee, whatever could that be? Get any photos to share with your old buddy? Just wondering!! And if you ever come across any spare stewardesses, please be sure to send me one! Clear skies to you, my friend! (10/28/98) UPDATE!: Got a JUMBO JET of a check, today, from Chuck to keep this web site online and the newsletter in production! My sincere thanks to him for his SKY HIGH generosity. He also sent me one of his business cards with a photo of the plane he flies! WOW!! (11/5/98)

WILLY LOWE ('72) called me this evening (10/28/98) and in the course of our conversation, he tells me that he has plans to retire by the end of next year, right here in the San Antonio area. Willy and his wife, Mary, own a very successful contracting and construction business in the Dallas area and hope to retire after these many year of hard work. Willy's parents live in Lytle, and he wants to find some acreage out that way to build a new home. It'll be great to have you back down here, old buddy! Hope all the plans come through! (10/29/98)

DON HARING ('70) and I spoke last night, as we always do on October 20th of every year. Don was born on the exact day that my mom and dad got married, October 20, 1951. So, whenever I think of my parent's wedding anniversay, I remember Don's birthday. We've known one another for 33 years, since our families were stationed in Brindisi, Italy, together. And even though he's only a year older than I, he's been like an older brother to me at times in my life. Here's a bit of John Jay related trivia for you. Do you remember that the original name of URBAN URBANO's ('70) band was "Colonel Tyke's Traveling Medicine Show and Musical Band." Don and I used to hang out with the band that practiced in MIKE MEAD's ('71) garage, just down the street from Don's house on Westglade Drive. We were the original roadies!! We loaded and set up their amps, guitars, and other equipment. Heck, Don and I even sang back-up, sometimes. One day at practice, Urban said he wanted a new name for the band, something shorter, something deep, something far out. We sat around for about two hours coming up with all sorts of weird stuff. It must have been 200 degrees in that damn garage and we were all sweating like pigs and having hallucinations. Things got real quiet for a while and then Don broke the silence and spoke up... "How about 'Blind Light."? We sat there shocked!! We were all totally blown away!!! BLIND LIGHT?? What an awesome, groovy, cool, far out, bitching, ass-kicking, psychodelic, boss name!!!!! And there you have it! Don had hit upon a fantastic name for the band! The rest is history! Today, Don lives in Hermiston, Oregon where he works for the Corps of Engineers, heading up the construction of a chemical weapons incinerating facility. When that massive project is completed in a few years, Don's coming back to San Antonio to build me a bar-b-que pit! We'll be getting together the Christmas for a visit and some margaritas!! YEEEE HAAAA!!! Don recently acquired his flying papers, and flies solo these days. He and I will going flying when he visits in December. Right, Don?? See you soon, buddy! (10/21/98)

JON DAVIS ('70) forces me to break a long standing rule about not announcing the dollar amount of donations that classmates send in. That's because Jon sends in the most insane amounts and it just cracks me up! Last year Jon sent in a donation check for about $36.17. I wondered where he came up with that. Then, today, I get a check for this year from Jon in the amount of $44.79. Again, a weird amount!! Jon's sense of humor seems to be on the same dangerous level as mine!! Thanks for the funds, Jon! He e-mailed me the other day and I'll share some of that now... "Dear Dennis--I've recently gotten involved with a singles group here in Springfield, Oregon, and anticipating my love life to be enhanced by shifting into higher gear. The singles group is a different slant because we all realize that ultimately everyone is attending for the same reason. So, any approach has a built-in receptiveness. I found out about it through a personals ad about 7 months ago. The lady described herself as a "very attractive, classy Latina..." AND SHE WAS! When we first met, at a coffee shop, it was all I could do to contain myself while sitting across the table from her. I'm talking a knock-down, drag-out beauty, here! We hit it off real good. My creative humor button got pushed and I had her nicely entertained. She's invited me to about 8 or 9 different events, since then. Of course, my passion has even grown more for her and I am pleased to act on friendship opportunities. Dennis, I think you would flip over this woman. She's only been here about a year or so from near Tucson, Arizona. She has her own business called "DJ's with Pizzazz". Her name is Sandy and she has been true to her words and expressed feelings to me, thus far. It is still clear she appreciates the special friendship we have. One of our more recent dates included meeting her mother, who is a dance instructor and prepares exotic vegetarian meals on request. We enjoyed each other's company so much, I soon got invited to her [mom's] home for dinner. I will invite them over to my home, soon, for the same. In other news of my life, I still sell Bowflex exercise equipment but am not focusing a lot of time towards that effort....but still hope to in the future. The growing season was a very good one this year and I had a very satisfactory garden. I am also pleased with my planted winter garden, thus far. I recently networked Paul Scott ('70) to Randy Tillman ('70), just as you networked Randy to me. Randy is really flipping over our contacts. I plan on attending our 30th year reunion in 2000. I still have a sister there that I haven't seen in a long time. We have stayed in regular touch with each other though. Dennis, I hope you are working on your health situation in a comfortable way. I think the incredibly positive way everyone thinks of and feels about you should help. I hope so anyway. A contribution is on it's way!"-- Well, Jon, as for the beautiful lady in your life, I have but one question for you... "Does she have a sister for me???" Thanks for the update!! (10/21/98)

LEONARD SAAVEDRA ('70) mailed me a heart attack in an envelope, yesterday! He has sent in a super generous donation to keep the class newsletter and web site going. My deepest thanks to Len and his wife, Dawn, for their unbridled kindness. Since the first day that I got this site up and going, Len has been there for me with his support. On behalf of eveyone who enjoys this web site, I thank Len for his magnanimous gift! You may all recall that a few months ago, I told you that Len and some partners were going into business for themselves and open stores called, LEGENDS 7. Well, he did go into business, but I got the name wrong and goofed up on some other details. So, I'll let Len explain, as he did in his letter to me, he writes... "Dear Dennis-- I was on my computer tonight and saw the class web page, again, and you and Ed Holley, have done a great job. I hope that my donation to the cause will help. Since April of this year, I have been very busy with the planning of our first store, LEGENDS 8. My partners and I finally opened on July 30th at Rimrock Mall in Billings, Montana. Our stores are something like a PIER 1 and BOMBAY COMPANY combined. We are currently in negotiations for our second store lease and if all goes well, we hope to open five more stores next year. My wife, Dawn and I are "empty nesters" now, but not grandparents, yet. Dawn is still flying for Southwest Airlines and we still are living in Mesa, Arizona. Our oldest sone, Kris graduated last year from the University of Arizona and accepted a position with Dillard's Department Stores in Tucson. Our daughter, Jenna will graduate from Arizona State in May and has already accepted a position with Proctor & Gamble in Ohio. Our son, Brian is now a supervisor in the reservation department at American Airlines in Dallas. Our son, Shawn just moved into his first new home in Gilbert, AZ, with his new wife. Well, that's about it, for now. Keep up the good work on the web page and I promise to stop by the next time I'm in San Antonio." Wow, is time flying! Kids growing up and we're growing older. Any plans to open a store in San Antonio? Just wondering. Take care Len and hope to see you soon! (10/15/98)

RANDY TILLMAN ('70) and his wife, Judi, were playing around with the computer the other night and totally stumbled upon our web site to their total amazement!! They had no idea that this even existed! He has been one of our "Missing Mustangs" for 28 years! Randy went crazy reading all the archives and looking at the photos and then sent me an e-mail. To tell the truth, his name sounded familiar, but I couldn't put a face to the name. Randy's picture doesn't appear anywhere in our senior yearbook. He told me that his dad was in the Air Force and they arrived in San Antonio the week we were all registering for our senior year at Jay. So, he was at Jay for just his senior year. On the morning after our graduation day, in May 1970, Randy and his family hopped into their packed car and moved to Witchita Falls for 10 weeks for his Dad to train for his next assignment in California. In California, Randy met and married his wife, Judi in 1972, and their son, Johnathon Randolph was born in 1978. In 1980, he moved to South Carolina to start his own business. In 1982, Randy opened an import automotive repair shop and parts store. Today, his wife is in the commercial insurance business and their son is a senior at the University of South carolina, majoring in computers. Randy says he kept a low profile while at John Jay, which is hard to believe since he hung around with classmates, JON DAVIS, PAUL SCOTT, and STEVE ROBINSON, who were three guys not known for being, well, shall we say, "librarians!" Randy had e-mailed me on a Monday and on Tuesday night, I sat down to answer his e-mail. Just as I turned on my computer, the phone rang, and it was Randy! The dude couldn't wait to talk! I gave him the phone numbers and addresses of Jon, Paul and Steve and after talking with me for about 15 minutes, he said he was going to call Jon, whom he hadn't spoken to in about 20 years! By Wednesday, I got an e-mail from Jon in Oregon, thanking me for all I've done in maintaining this web site and sending our the alumni newsletter to everyone so "reunions" of this sort can take place. Jon was thrilled to hear from Randy and to renew their friendships. Jon said, "Hey Dennis!- Thanks to you and the reunion web page you found a close friend I haven't been in touch with for 20+ years. After connecting with you he contacted me. Imagine my surprise! I'm referring to Randy Tillman who expresses a commitment to attend 30 year reunion. All of which has jazzed me up even more to want to be there. Randy was an auto shop student who was crazy enough to help me work on a very old [dying really] 60's something vintage Ford Falcon. I think for every 3 hours of working on it, we got 30 minutes of driving time! I recognized his voice almost instantly over the phone. Interesting how he just sort of "stumbled" onto the Jay H.S. reunion web page and he had for the longest time wanted to get in touch with some of us. You did it again, Dennis! Thanks, JON" You're very welcome, Jon! In an e-mail that I received today (Saturday) , from Randy, he also thanked me for my work and promises that a "check is in the mail". He'll be calling Paul and Steve in the next day or so to surprise them! Man, it's times like these that convince me, this web site and newsletters are really doing good stuff! I have already added Randy's e-mail link to the direct links e-mail chart for those of you that would like to get in touch. (10/10/98) P.S. Today, I received a super generous check from Randy and Judi for this web site and class newsletter! After 28 years absence, he's been back among us for just a week and already he's supporting our efforts! Way to go, Randy! Thank you so very much!! (10/15/98)

DONNA COBURN ('70) e-mailed me from her home in cheese-head country, last month, and I returned the favor by calling her, but we only got to talk briefly. Because of an address mix up, she hadn't received the last three newsletters, so I forwarded them to her. So, she e-mailed me again this week with the stuff she couldn't tell me on the phone. Let me share some of it with y'all... "Hey Dennis! Sorry I had to bail out on our conversation last week. I had just walked in the door and was surrounded by my husband, granddaughter, a neighbor and 2 baby-sitters. Hard to have a private conversation with a circus going on around me. Thanks for the newsletters. I enjoyed them all. I found it interesting that GERALD GILES ('70) lives in Idaho. We own some property up there in the mountains. There is a wonderful river for fly fishing and lots of hunting going on up there. I've seen elk, moose, deer, bear, and other assorted small creatures up there. I've heard some wild cats and always hope I don't run into any of them. I saw a magnificent looking silver colored wolf one time when we were hiking in the snow. There are several mountain peaks near our property with the most beautiful crystal clear lakes at the top. You can only get there on foot so we've been the only ones there most of the time. The climb can be a little daunting, but always well worth the effort once you get there. The fishing is good, but the water is a bit cold for swimming very long. It is definitely God's Country. The people that live up there are so nice. There are a lot of old hippies that live in the mountains there and have little shops in nearby in Sandpoint. They actually have some beautiful art and crafts for sale. They're a happy bunch up there. I'm just sitting here having a glass of wine and listening to the Beatles "Revolver" CD. Now that the weather is getting colder, I'll be spending a lot more time on the computer. It's going to be a beautiful weekend, so I want to get this off to you in case I don't get back to it before Sunday. I'm surprised DOUG HALL ('70) doesn't have his e-mail address on here since he's in the computer business. Maybe some people don't want to hear from all us weirdoes. I don't remember if CATHY KIRK ('70) said she had a computer. I would love to hear how she is. I guess I'll have to type up a few letters. Having e-mail makes me so lazy I don't even want to mail an envelope anymore. Must be that instant gratification thing. Take care! Love, Donna... It is always a joy to hear from you, Donna. First, let me congratulate you on your wonderful taste in music! The Beatles always have music for any mood we're ever in, don't they! This past friday, october 9th would have been John Lennon's 58th birthday. Well, I would love to visit your mountain retreat in Idaho, but let me know when they put in the smooth paved roads up there. I ain't one for much hiking! I used to have Doug Hall's e-mail address listed but it was cancelled and I never got a new one on him. As for Cathy Kirk, I don't think she's on line. She and I used to write "paper" letters to one another. Remember those? I still hope to see you show up on my doorstep, sometime in December, girl! Don't forget to come visit me for the holidays when you're in town! Love you bunches, too! (10/10/98)

MATT DELANEY ('70) sends me post cards instead of e-mail! I got one today, from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California where Matt recently went hiking. I had told him that the next time he was in the wilderness to hug a tree for me. Well, in his post card he writes, "Dear Dennis-- the trees here are too big to hug, but I tried to anyway! I spent a week in the Sierra, hiking in the canyon the south fork of the Kings River, the Jennie Lakes Wilderness, Alpine Lakes, the Giant Forest, and the remote valley of Mineral King. I will be in San Antonio in November and will call to set up a visit." Gee, Matt, eveytime I read your post cards, I'm out of breath!! Thanks for the picture post card of the huge sequoias and redwoods! It'll be good to see you next month, my friend! (10/10/98)

CHARLES "BUBBA" ABEL ('70) brought me a unique addition to my coffee cup collection, recently. He had travelled to Oklahoma to attend his grandmother's funeral and still had the thought to stop by the birthplace of Will Rogers in Claremont, Oklahoma and buy me a commemorative "tin" cup with the likeness of Roger on it. It is the only 'tin" cup in my collection! Thanks, Bubba, I appreciate the thoughtfullness! (10/10/98)

ROBERT SPRADLING ('70) and I have stayed in touch since his battle with stomach cancer began two months ago. Today, I received an update from Bob on his condition. Here's what he had to say in his e-mail to me: "Dennis, this stomach cancer I have is a diferent kind of thing, it seems. Unlike Daryl Strawberry who experienced a lot of pain, I never have experienced any pain from my condition. The only trouble I have had has been from the chemo and radiation over the past 8 weeks. I have lost about 30 pounds, but I had it to spare. The doctors don't want me to lose weight, but it has been hard to eat at times, what with the mouth, throat, and tongue blisters, and gereral loss of appetite. On October 7, I get my second cat scan, the first since this all started. I will be discussing the results with a surgeon shortly thereafter. Normally, surgery would have been performed immediately, except my situation had spread to surrounding lymph nodes, and the concern was that surgery would not have cured the situation, plus that removal of the entire stomach would have been quite, well, you understand. They can save some of my stomach, but not all of it. Hey, I need something to hold my bar-b-cued pork steaks! I feel tired a lot, even though my blood is ok. If anyone has any suggestions as to how I could increase my energy level, please let me know. Please thank all the great classmates and people for their concern. Dennis, you're "Top of the Pops". --Bob, we're still with you all the way as you fight the cancer. You're in our hearts and in our prayers. (10/5/98) 

SEPTEMBER 1998:
ROB FRANZ ('69) has been among our "Missing Mustangs" for almost 28 years and was surfing the web the other day and found this web site! I have received several e-mail from him and have condensed them to share with everyone... "Dear Dennis-- I remember you at Jay and my impressions are that you always has a humorous take on things. My friends at John Jay, included MIKE CARLSON ('69), AL GREGORY ('69) and MANNY HILL ('69). I remember knowing BILL MIZELL ('70) and his drag racing efforts. I played one year of football at Jay (1968) and then got out of it. I was 6'4" and 165 lbs. and played on the offensive line. I wasn't involved in too many school activities and only dated Jay girls every one in a while. I did have a crush on one girl there, STORMY BRADBURY ('71), but nothing ever came of that. After graduating in 1969, I attended San Antonio College and then moved to California around 1974. I lived in a small town just south of San Francisco, called, Half Moon Bay. I earned my Associates of Science degree from the College of San Mateo. California proved to be too expensive for civilized living and I moved back to San Antonio in 1975. I attended St. Mary's University classes in the morning, slept all afternoon and worked all night. I loved it. That Christmas I visited Virginia and fell in love with the state. I moved there and enrolled in Shenandoah College and earned my B.S. degree in 1977. I went to work for the college and was given the college's telephone and campus computer systems to learn and run. It has been my career ever since and I also do the same thing for the local government in Fauquier County. I live in the small, historic community of Warrenton and I walk to work. In 1992, I married my wife, Lois Napper, who works at the local hospital. We do not have any children, but we do have an 18-pound cat-- close enough!! I am an avid gardener, like to read, and to explore the states of Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia." -- Well, Rob, you've had an interesting life these past 28 years and it's great that you're back among the MUSTANGS! Welcome home! (9/21/98)

DONNA COBURN ('71) and I just spoke on the phone, tonight. She sent in a donation for the "cause," and I wanted to thank her personally. It's strange how Donna and I have become closer friends over the years. Back in school, we knew one another enough to say "Hi" and that was about it. But since the reunions, she and I have stayed in close touch. In fact, she was one of the dearest and kindest people to me after my strokes in October 1995. She even came to visit me at the Astrodome, when I was in Houston for an arts and crafts fair and sat and talked with me for about three hours. Donna now lives in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she tells me the cold weather begins tonight, Sunday, September 20th. She will be here in San Antonio visiting family in February and promises she'll come see me. It's friendships like the one I have with Donna that make me realize what wonderful people I went to school with. This is one special lady! (9/20/98)

CARL JENSEN ('70) sent me a letter this past Friday, along with an extremely generous donation for the web page and newsletters. Let me share some of what he had to say... "Dear Dennis-- I have really enjoyed the newsletters over the years and now the web pages, and the work that goes into it. Just one comment, as I look at the photo pages, I wonder, is it just me or did a few people show up at our reunions that never went to Jay? (Ha!) Maybe there has been a lot of corrective surgery over the years! It's tough to recognize some of those folks. I realize that it's been 25+ years, but hey, you and I haven't changed! My wife, carol and I spend some time in New York City, last week. I had only been in and out of the airports there, and after 25 years, I felt it was time to check out the "Big Apple." We had a blast and took in the Broadway hit play, "RENT." We went out to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and all over the place. They day we visited those sites was the day the U.S. hit the Sudan and Afghanistan, so security was up and evident, but it was still a fun day. We are going to D.C. this weekend to see some plays at Wolftrap and the Kennedy Center. All these plays makes me think of the times you (Dennis) did Shakespeare while working behind the counter at Dairy Queen with Warren Whitaker, Mark Loiselle, and me. Remember how you'd entertatin the customers when all they had come in for was a cheeseburgers and fries? Real summer stock! -- I had a recent trip to Melbourne, Florida, and took the time to look up Dan Pearson ('70). Because of my meeting schedules, he and I were not able to hook up, but I did get to talk to him for quite a while and caught up on the past25 years. He and his family moved to Pittsburgh, right after our graduation. He has been with harris Corporation for some 20 years and is now leading a major communications satellite contract. We relived the camping and fishing trips we used to do and our snake hunting days, when we seemed a whole lot les smart, or maybe we thought we were invincible. (Maybe a little of both!) Well, Dennis, I'm looking forward to making the next reunion in 2000. I was in Kuwait during the last one. Say "hi" to Glenn Hutto ('71) for me the next time you talk with him. I really appreciate the level of effort that you have put into everything over the years, if you didn't, we would not have the association that we have today. Take care... Carl." -- Well, Carl, thanks for the update on Dan Pearson and the accolades on the newsletter and web page. It's because of wonderful, generous, sincere classmates like YOU, that make this all worth while for me! Hope to see you at Christmas time! I just got off the phone with Carl to thank him for his donation he we had some great laughs on the phone. He's doing great and send his best to everyone. (9/19/98) 

AUGUST 1998:
ROBERT SPRADLING ('70), as most of you know, has stomach cancer. I received an e-mail from him, today, that I will share with everyone. I told him that we are all pulling for him and he writes: "Dear Dennis, I appreciate your kind words and thoughts. I am just starting my fourth week of treatment. I receive radiation everyday (M-F) at the CTRC. I begin my second round of chemotherapy next Tuesday. They say it will be rougher on me the second time around. Kinda' like marriages, I guess! I get a dose of cisplatin next Tuesday, followed by five days of wearing a pump that dispenses 2 ml. hour of another chemical called 5FU for short, I think. They surgically placed a "mediport" just under my right clavicle some three weeks ago, which is where the "juice" will be transported into my system. Damn, all this stuff sure gives me something to occupy my spare time. The first round of chemo made me a little tired that first week, and the week thereafter, but since then, I have been gradually regaining my old vim and vigor. Personally, I refuse to let anything hurt me that is supposed to help me. So, full steam ahead. Please thank all the people that are pulling and praying for me. You know, I was given an awarded at Jay by Mrs. Nichols for "PERSEVERANCE" in struggling through that mean old Algebra II course of hers. I figure, if I can whip that, I can surely whip this little ol' cancer thing. Take care dude, and be sure and stay one of the good guys. Bob" Hang in there, Bob we're all with you all the way. --Dennis (8/31/98)

GEORGE HUNTER ('70) is in town from germany, this week, August 28-September 4. He arrived in town and missied attending "The Guys" meeting at Pizza Hut by about 10 minutes. We had just left the place. George called me at home and hopes to get together with me, RALPH GALAVIZ ('69), DON HAYNES ('70), MICHELLE HAYNES ('70) and CLYDE GIBSON ('70) sometime before he returns to Germany, next week. George is in town for some business with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He is a Vietnam vet, himself. George's e-mail address will soon be added to our special page. (8/30/98)

DONNA COBURN ('71), my long lost buddy, has returned at last! She moved up to Milwaukee over a year ago, and then I lost touch with her. I got an e-mail on Friday (8/28/98) so let me share a portion of it here... "Dear Dennis, I have not been on the computer in several months. My daughter changed our server months ago and I am just now getting around to sending my new address out. I apologize for taking so long. I just read the new update on your class web page and I looked at the great pictures from the reunion. I will get a check in the mail to you this week for the newsletter. This is certainly been the busiest summer I have ever had. Instead of hiring someone to landscape my yard paint my house, I decided I would do it myself. After spending 12 hours a day in the yard for the last 3 months, I am almost done. I even laid a couple of flagstone walkways with a little help from my husband. I figure I hauled around about 6 tons of stone, 6 tons of gravel and sand, 20 yards of dirt, and 20 yards of mulch. I dug 200 holes for plants and shrubs. I also put in a huge vegetable garden that we are enjoying tremendously. Not exactly a summer vacation, but I'm really excited about the way it turned out. I think I've found my niche as a manual laborer! I started all this after my knee surgery and had my knee back to normal in no time. I plan to come and spend some time in San Antonio and Houston in February. It's also the best month to get out of this state (Wisconsin) in the winter. Cabin fever runs high in February. We haven't decided if we're coming down at Christmas yet. Again, I apologize for disappearing without sending my new address. I'll get you a check in the mail this week. See you in February if not sooner. I should be there about a month. Take care!! Love, Donna" --Wow! Gee, Donna, any chance you'd mow my backyard when you come down! That's a lot of work and something to really be proud of. Good to hear that you're all healed uyp after the knee surgery. I can't wait to see ya'! Hope you make it in December and be sure to bring me a coffee mug from Milwaukee! Please be sure to stay in touch. I've already had your new e-mail address added to the web site e-mail links. Love to you, too! --Dennis (8/30/98)

LINDA BOMBERGER ('70) dropped me an e-mail today. For any of you that went to school at Clark Air Force Base in the Phillipines, she writes... "Dear Dennis-- I just wanted to let you know I received the newsletters & enjoyed them very much. I check out the web site every week to see what's new. I also wanted to give all of you in San Antonio advanced warning that Wagner High School (Phillippines) will be holding a reunion in the Alamo City in July 199, so be prepared, they are a wild group of people. It is being sponsored by the 1966-1970 (is that a familiar year?) alumni group, but anyone from the '50's to the '90's will be there. I really hope to be able to make it--gives me 2 good reasons to visit San Antonio, after so many years, the second is to drop by and say 'Howdy'!" Well, if anyone needs more information on the upcoming reunion, just e-mail Linda, who is listed on the e-mail link page. By the way, I ASSUME that Wagner High School was at Clark Air Force Base. If not, let me know. (8/19/98)

CAROL LIPSEY ('70) looked radiant, as the mother of the groom-to-be at a pre-wedding reception on Saturday, August 2nd. Her son, Andrew, will be getting married in Mississippi in September, so Carol and her husband Richard hosted a pre-wedding reception for their son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Carol was so sweet to invite me to the occasion and it was wonderful! Carol looked absolutely beautiful, as if she hadn't aged a day since high school when we dated. Ahh, the things that might have been! (I think this is where Barbra Streisand is supposed to start singing, "Memories....") (8/15/98)

CHUCK OGIER ('70) stays in contact with me on a regular basis by e-mail from all over the world. He's a 747 pilot and his job literally takes him around the world! Heck, he visits countries and cities that I have never even heard of and can't even pronounce! (8/15/98)

LOUIS FIGUEROA ('70) who owns an insurance agency in Dallas, seems impressed enough with the work that Ed Holley and I do on this web site that he has contacted us to design a web page for his business! If anyone out there wants a web page designed for business or personal stuff, just e-mail Ed or me! (8/15/98)

MIKE COULING ('70) is popping up on your TV every now and then, if you receive the San Antonio TV stations. Mike is the general manager of the Old San Francisco Steak House and currently has a commercial running on TV. If you see the commercial, Mike is seated in a chair talking about the restaurant. He's dressed in a black suit, wearing his black glasses and pretty much looks the same has he did back in high school, although he is slightly balding, but looks great! Give Mike a call at the restaurant and tell him you saw him on TV. (8/13/98)

TYRONE POWERS ('70) was on TV the very same night that I saw Mike Couling's TV commercial. Tyrone is a Captain with the San Antonio Police Department in the Budget Management Division. The TV news crew was interviewing him about what the department wanted to do with the $4,000,000.00 CASH it found in the back of a semi-trailer during a routine traffic stop. The department seized the money and apparently get to keep it since the truck's driver said he knew nothing about it. YEAH, RIGHT! (8/13/98)

CLAIR NEYLAND ('70) surprised the daylights out of me with an e-mail today! WOW! let me share a portion of her note with everyone... "Dear Dennis, I just got through browsing the new John Jay '70 web site. Cool! Great job! Dennis, you'll enjoy this... One of the guys in my office is from San Antonio and he's 34 years old. He was looking over my shoulder when I was looking at class pix and said "Oh my God, it's Captain Gus"! He said in his day, (which was quite a bit after our day), it was a really cool thing if you had a birthday party on the Captain Gus show and got to skip school to be in the studio. A real status symbol! Anyway hon, I loved the pix of me kissing you. I'd completely forgotten someone had taken our picture. Fun to see it. I'll write more, soon, but must head to the house now. Adios. Clair" --OK, first let me say that the bold type is mine, but I just didn't want anyone to miss those words! For all of you guys that swear I was making it up, about kissing Clair (on the lips no less) and that the photo was a fake, there you go!!! So, eat your heart out!! (If you haven't seen the photo, it's the first one on the Photo Gallery page, titled, "THE KISS THAT STARTED IT ALL." Just scroll down this page for the link to the Photo Gallery.) Meanwhile, back to the business at hand, Clair is in the catering business in Austin and is on a constant busy schedule. Whenever I get the chance to travel up to Austin, I make it a point to try and give her a call. Clair's e-mail link has been added to the direct page. Thanks for getting in touch with me Clair and remember, you can reach out and touch me anytime!!! (8/8/98)

ROBERT SPRADLING ('70) stays in touch with me by e-mail every few weeks and we have fun discussing music, especially the Beatles, the Four Seasons, and the Kinks. Today, I received a donation check from him to keep the newsletter and web site going. Bob is the Environmental Health Safety Administrator at SIGNTECH, here in San Antonio. Thanks for the donation, Bob, and stay in touch! (7/28/98) UPDATE!: This morning, Wednesday, August 5, 1998, I received this e-mail from Bob... "Hi, Dennis. I hope all is well with you and yours. I just wanted to share a little rough news with you. Maybe you can gather all that Mustang Spirit out there for me. I found out last Saturday that I have advanced stomach cancer. They say there is a 25% chance I'll survive for 5-years... I start chemotherapy very soon. They are going to try to shrink the affected area prior to surgical removal of the stomach in 2-months, if all goes well. Well?? Hmph! Get all those positive vibes headed my way, buddy. I'm gonna whip this nuisance. I have better things to do than getting sick. After all, I'm a Mustang!! Take it easy, buddy, and make sure there is a spot for me at our 30 year reunion. Later, alligator. Bob" --As I sit here wondering what to say to Bob, all I can do is cry. It hurts to hear of friends going through this and I feel so helpless. I make my living with words and, yet, at times like these, the words fail me. Bob, please know that we all send our prayers and "good vibrations" out to you, as you start your fight against cancer. You're right, you're a Mustang, we're all Mustangs, and we're with you all the way, my friend. Please let us know, if there is anything we can do. God bless you. (Bob's e-mail link can be found on the e-mail page of this web site. Anyone wishing to write a letter can reach him at: 13220 Danvers, San Antonio, TX 78249-3551 / Ph: (210) 696-5087) --Dennis (8/5/98)

WARREN WHITAKER ('70) is always fun to hear from. I got an e-mail from him up in Austin, where he works for the Human Resources Department of the Performing Arts Center at the University of Texas. Warren tells me that his brother, GLENN WHITAKER ('72?) just got promoted to Colonel in the Air Force. (Yes, the U.S. Air Force, not Iranian!) I also got a check from Warren, today, with a generous donation for the website, newsletter, and breakfast tacos! Thanks, Warren! I look forward to having you stop by for a visit on your next trip down! (8/6/98)

KENNETH and VICKI (GREEN) ELKINS ('70/'70), once again sent in a financial contribution for the newsletter and this web page as they do EVERYTIME I mailout a newsletter. Since, I began writing the newsletter, over nine years ago, they have been the most supportive. I am so very, very grateful for their continued support! (8/2/98)

HARREL SCOTT ('70) called me out of the blue, this past Tuesday, after receiving our latest newsletter. Harrel lives at Canyon lake where here is a Captain with the Canyon Lake Fire Department. He is also a part-time police officer with the city of Marion and also has his roofing business on the side. On top of all of that, he taking a course to upgrade his EMT status to an EMT Paramedic rating! He missed our 25-Year Reunion, back in 1995, because he was in the hospital with IV's in him for severe dehydration after competing in the Firefighter Challenge Course. He completed the course in the allotted time, but 30-minutes later was taken to the hospital! (Sounds like he and SAMMY SARRAZIN ('70) need to compete with one another!) Harrel has been married for 20-years and his wife works for the New Braunfels Fire Department as their EMS training coordinator. She has been a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic for the past nine years, and also teaches at San Antonio College. They have a 20-year-old daughter who is going to school for her Paramedic Certification and is working with Canyon Lake EMS. Harrel's 17-year-old son who loves to go fishing with his dad. Oh, one more thing, Harell is a GRANDPA'!! His daughter has a 13-month old daughter that he loves to bits!! And on another family matter, Harrel says his brother, PAUL SCOTT ('70) still lives in Oregon, but works in California! Monday through Friday he's in California and then goes home to Oregon for the weekend. Harrell and his family are busy, busy, people, to say the least!! (8/2/98)

CHARLES "BUBBA" ABEL ('70) is in Oklahoma this week. His grandmother passed away. We send out our warm wishes and prayers for Bubba and his family. I wonder how many of us still have grandparents at our age. By 1983, I had lost all of mine. The older I get, the more I miss them. I guess having grandparents around makes a person still feel like a kid... (8/1/98)

BILL MIZELL ('70) is getting closer and closer to finishing his race car and getting it to the track. Every spare moment he has is spent with his brother getting the car together. And speaking of race cars, you ought to see the one WES BENDELE ('70) owns. He and his son have put a lot of work into one of the fatest and most beautiful race cars you'll ever see! And while we're on the subject of cars... ED HOBBS ('70) still owns the 1969 Chevy Chevelle SuperSport (SS) that he had in high school! I stand in awe every time I see this immaculate machine! Oh, the stories Ed and I could tell y'all about the fun and dangerous times we had in that car!! (8/1/98)

MASON WRIGHT ('70) who lives in Corpus Christi has begun a new job with the Reynolds Metal Company plant on the coast. He and classmate, HARRY LINDGREN ('70) get together every now and then and go deep sea fishing when Harry takes his boat to the coast from his home, here in San Antonio. Speaking of Harry, I'll give him a little free advertising. As most of you know, he owns a jewelry store, called, "DEBBIE'S DESIGNS" and it's located one block inside Loop 410 at Bandera Road on the right-hand side in the same shopping center as "EZ'S". Harry is also a manufacturing jeweler, which means he custom designs and makes jewelry. He also has a fine selection of gold and silver coins, currency, and he sells BEANIE BABIES, too! If you're looking for a gift, stop by his store. And don't forget his store at Christmas time! Ask for the special "CLASS OF 1970 DISCOUNT" when you see him. Tell him, "Dennis sent you!" (8/1/98) 

JULY 1998:
LINDA BOMBERGER ('70) only spent her Senior year at John Jay, but it was enough to make her wonder of there was a web page for our class and recently surfing the net, she found us! This is the first time Linda has contacted us and it's great to have her back with the Mustangs! She has her own web page at: http://home1.gte.net/artland3. Check it out! Right now, let me share her recent e-mail to me and bring everyone up-to-date and what she's been doing these past 27 years, or so..."Our family moved to Texarkana, Texas, after graduation in May 1970. The next year I met & married my husband (Daniel Cherry), who was an airman stationed at Barksdale in Louisiana. When he left the military in 1973 we moved to the Cincinnati, Ohio area. 1978 brought us our first son, Jason and Christmas of 1980 brought us Brandon & Kimberly. Most of the years have been spent in the business of daily living. Then came 1994!!! Dan & I lost long standing jobs, so we decided to re-locate to Arkansas. We both lost our fathers within six months of each other and the job market in the new location was terrible. So we packed up again & after 24 years ended up in Texarkana again. For two years, we lived with my mom while Dan & I went back to college. Last year we were finally able to buy a house & leave my poor mother alone. This has all been hard on the kids. Moving was no big deal to me but the kids had only known one home. We are still looking for good jobs with a livable salary which seems to be a joke in this town. My main reason for telling you this is that sometimes I think people hesitate to connect with old friends and school mates because they get the impression that everyone else has a better life and feel out of place. Well let me tell you--things have not been a picnic the past 4 years but my husband & I have been together 27 years now and we're going to keep on kicking & try to keep the optimism going. As for the year I spent at John Jay, I'm afraid I was one of those people who quitely slipped through the halls from class to class and never made much of an impression on anyone. I liked going to school. My main interests now are painting, computer graphics & antiques (specifically depression glass & art pottery). We used to sell antiques in Ohio, but this part of Texas is a dry hole in the antique market. Thanks for listening to me & hope I didn't bore you too much." ---First and foremost, Linda, there's no way you could bore me or any of us. You've had a "real" life these past 27 years, as most of us have had. For many of us, the struggle still continues. But you did "hit the nail on the head" when you said... "I think people hesitate to connect with old friends and school mates because they get the impression that everyone else has a better life and feel out of place." I found that to be true of people who were afraid to attend our reunions and missed out on a lot of fun. By sharing your story with all of us, I hope that others who have been afraid to participate in our reunions, or at least to contact us, will now have the courage to do so. On behalf of all your classmates, Linda, WELCOME BACK! --Dennis (7/30/98)

FRANK "RIP" DOUVRY" ('70) was in San Antonio the weekend of July25-26 and paid me a visit! He has recently returned from a month-long trip to Australia and a two-week vacation in Panama City, Florida. He was in town to see his parents and sisters. Rip brought me a FAB-TASTIC Australian BEATLES album that I had never seen before! In addition, a fantastic coffee mug from New Orleans! This man came bearing great gifts!! He even brought back a toy Koala Bear for me to give to SHARON GOODYKOONTZ ('70) for him. We sat around for about three hours and placed long distance calls to STEVE KELLEY ('70) in Indiana, and JOE HAZEL ('70) in Nebraska. Steve had a few good laughs with us and Joe wasn't home. He was probably out milking the BULLS. (He lives on a dairy farm in Nebraska). Joe did return my call the next day and left a message on my machine, but there was no way I was gonna' make TWO long distance calls to that clown! My thanks to Rip for being such a great 30+ year friend. Us cousins have to stick together! (7/27/98) P.S. I got a generous donation for the "cause" from Rip, today! Thanks, buddy!! Remind me to kiss you on the lips next time I see you!! (8/5/98)

RICHARD BIRD ('70) e-mailed me today and sent in his new mailing address and thank goodness he did. His twin brother ROBERT BIRD ('70) dropped out of sight and his last two newsletter came back to me with a new address, so hopefully, Richard will get it to me and we can get Robert back on the mailing list. After all, you know what they say about having TWO BIRDS IN THE BUSH! Nevermind, I ain't gonna' go there!! (7/27/98)

LAVERNE SHIPMAN ('70) called me today out of the clear blue sky. She lives in Big Springs, Texas, and just received the newsletter. Laverne works for the Texas Department of Mental Health Services and hopes to soon be transferred to Austin, where she will work in the State Protective Services Department. Currently, she handles the financial concerns for the department which covers a 20-county area. She really looks forward to living closer to San Antonio where her daughter lives. Laverne's son is a senior this year in high school and hopes to attend Texas A&M, next year. It's always a joy to hear Laverne's voice when she calls and she promises to show up at one of "The Guys" meetings, unannounced! That ought to be a treat! Can't wait to see ya' Laverne! (7/20/98)

LINDA ANDERSON ('70) is back in San Antonio and sent me an e-mail when she received our latest newsletter. Back in March 1996, Linda remarried, but has since divorced. In July of 1996, after 14 years, she left her job at Kelly and moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and worked for the Department of Corrections, for a little while, before deciding to return to San Antonio. Linda's daughter, Michelle, is getting married married on August 1st. She says she heard from MELODY SHUPP ('70) a couple of times after our 25-Year Reunion, but not lately. Linda's youngest sister, Letha, is married to the brother of our classmate MARIE "TONI" WILSON ('70). (7/20/98). P.S. I got a letter from Linda in the mail, today, along with a donation for the newsletter and web site. She says she really enjoys the web page and that's I've done an "excellent job." Wow! Thanks for the compliment, Linda, but, if the truth be told, I like your other comment in your letter much better, and I quote, "Your photo is very handsome." YEEEE HAAA!!! Thanks, Linda!! (7/28/98)

JAMES "JIM" PERKINS ('70) has finally joined the home computer revolution and gotten on line to check out this web page. I got an e-mail from him and here's what Jim had to say... "I finally went on line at home, this past spring, and just today browsed the "Class of '70" web page. As with the newsletter and class reunions, Dennis, you've done an outstanding job. If you don't receive another check from me within the next week to support your efforts, feel free to cast dispersions on my ancestory. Right after our 25th year Reunion, I moved into project management with the Corps of Engineers in Fort Worth. I now manage all the Corps projects at Fort Sam Houston, Kelly AFB, and Brooks AFB in San Antonio, althoguh I still live here on the south shore of Lake Worth in Fort Worth. I do get down to San Antonio at least once a month, typically 2-3 times. But don't feel slighted that I haven't stopped by to visit you. I still have my mother, aunt, uncles, six brothers and sisters, and 15 or so nieces and nephews in San Antonio, so any free time I have in S.A. is usually spent with them. Sometimes, I don't even have the time to see them when I'm in town. Well, again, a great job on the web site and newsletter and keep it up." Well, James it's great to hear from you and glad to liked the page. If you do get a spare minute, you know you're always welcome to come and visit me. The door is always open to you, my friend. (7/19/98) P.S. Today, I received a super generous check from James and his wife, Debbie. I am constantly astounded by the generosity of our classmates. On behalf of all our classmates, I thank James and Debbie for their magnificent support of the newsletter and this web site. --Dennis (7/22/98)

CATHIE BOOTH ('70) was the first classmate to respond to our latest newsletter with a generous donation to keep this web site on line and to keep our newsletter in production. Cathie is a masage therapist in Springfield, Louisiana, where she and her husband, J.C., recently redecorated their home. She is getting ready to do a residential workshop in the healing arts. Right now, her husband is participating in a Sun Dance in Montana, where he was invited by a tribe of Blackfeet Indians. In the meantime, Cathie has had her hands full with her 16-year-old daughter, Amber, learning to drive. In fact, her daughter has already flipped over the family's Pathfinder, on a gravel road and tried to flip it back over by herself! Thank goodness she wasn't injured. Amber had wrecked on the same road that, just the week before, a murder had been committed on! So, when she called the cops for assistance, EIGHT cop cars responded to the scene!! Needless to say, Amber is one of the world's safest drivers, now!! Cathie says her brother CHUCK BOOTH ('69) work with the Border Patrol and really loves his work. He recently ran into TIM BOYD (69?/70?). She sends her best wishes to all the 1970 Mustangs! (7/19/98)

CAROL LIPSEY ('70) sent me an invitation to a reception being held for her son and fiancee' on August 8th. Her son is getting married in September in Louisiana, so Carol and her husband, Richard, wanted to hold a local reception for them in the San Antonio area. I have another wedding and a college summer graduation dinner to attend that day, but I wouldn't miss this for the world! (7/19/98)

LOUIS FIGUEROA ('70) who has his own insurance agency up in Dallas, e-mailed me on Saturday with this message: "Well, I'm on the way to Cancun for a week of fun in the sun. Gonna' have a few margaritas on the beach and be looking at the babes, while the wife's not looking! Ha!" Have a great vacation, Louis. I hear that Cancun is great coffee mug country! (7/19/98)

KATIE MILLER ('69) and I ran into one another at Pizza Hut, just the other day. Katie told me she had recently joined the staff of the school at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, right there at Westshire and SW Loop 410. I hadn't seen her since I helped the "Class of 1969" with their 20-year reuion back in 1989. Katie looks great! (7/19/98)

JOHN TAYLOR ('70) and I had the opportunity to chat a bit, yesterday. I was going over the class directory and saw his office number and decided to give him a call, only to learn that John had joined a new law firm. I buzzed his new office and left a message and he returned my call promptly. I hadn't spoken with John since our 25th Year class reunion in July 1995. I asked him if he was still dating that "fox" he had brought with him to the reunion. I mentioned that all the guys really drooled when they saw her. HUBBA-HUBBA! John says not only are the two of them still dating, but that THEY'RE MARRIED!! John and Sue got married in August 1997 and will soon be celebrating their first wedding anniversary. John says he's really happy and adores his wife. John and I had a lot of laughs reliving the "Spit Wad" story. God, that's always good for a few bellylaughs to this day! In other news, John tells me he heard the same surprising rumor, that I did about a year or so ago, that JERRY SIKORSKI ('70) was thinking about moving from Hawaii back here to San Antonio. John even sent him a few local newspapers, so Jerry could scope out the housing market here. Neither us us have heard from him in close to a year. I wonder if he's still considering coming back? And speaking of Jerry Sikorski, is it just me, or does Jerry look like one of the RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS or what!! Take a look at his picture in one of our class yearbooks and I swear he's a double for Bill Medley! Back to John Taylor, he's an attorney and practices family law. If any of you are in need of a lawyer for family law matters, like wills, divorces, pre-marital agreements, custody battles, fun stuff like that, etc., be sure to give John a call. His office is located at: 115 E. Travis, Suite 635, San Antonio, Texas 78205 / Phone: (210) 224-9245. I think John handles everything except Death Row cases! (7/14/98)

TYRONE POWERS ('70) is a Captain on the San Antonio Police Department and these days spends a lot of his time behind computers, calculators, business and management reports, and stuff like that. I called him to get the new address of his sister-in-law (and our classmate) DEBORAH STUART ('70). Deb recently remarried and lives in Germany, where her husband works for Federal Express. Back to Tyrone, he is in the management end of law enforcement for the SAPD. I remember the days I could turn on my TV and see him "in the field" working a murder case or an accident. He and his family live in Bulverde and things are going well for our classmate who was named after the Hollywood moive star, TYRONE POWER (no "s"). I know I sleep better at night knowing that Tyrone is on the San Antonio Police Force to serve, protect, and defend. I sleep a whole lot better knowing he's behind a desk most of the time, too!! Just kidding! (7/14/98)

RUSSELL & PHYLISS (FORTENBERRY) GRIFFITH ('70/'70) have moved back to the good old USA after eight years in the deserts of Saudi Arabia where Russell work for the ARAMCO Oil Company. Russell has a new job in Houston and sent me his new address, but I LOST IT! I can only hope that they check this web site and call me with their new Houston address, so I can mail a copy of the newsletter to them! (7/13/98)

DENNIS DUPRIEST ('70)-- Hey, that's me! Just a few words to thank the many of you who mailed and e-mailed me HAPPY BIRTHDAY cards and wishes, including BRENDA DUGGER ('71), KENNETH & VICKI (GREEN) ELKINS ('70/'70), ROBERT SPRADLING ('70), CHUCK OGIER ('70), ED HOLLEY ('72), GLENN HUTTO ('71) and others. I appreciate the kind thoughts! RINGO STARR and I, share the same birthday- JULY 7th. He turned 58 this year. Things are going great for me, as I complete my first year as the Public Information Officer for the Somerset Independent School District. Somerset is about 7 miles southwest of Loop 410. In fact, SW Loop 1604 runs right through town. This is the job I have waited for since I left my TV and Radio career. It's been great for my health, no stress, and the people here in Somerset are fantastic to me. They think I hung the moon, and I ain't gonna' tell them any different! I still have some health problems that I have to get control of, but overall I'm doing well and hanging in there. Coffee mugs still come pouring in from classmates all over the nation! I really appreciate y'all thinking of me on your vacation or business trips. My many thanks to RIP DOUVRY ('70), RUSTY ATKINS ('70), BUBBA ABEL ('70), ED HOLLEY ('72), and BILL MIZELL ('70) for recent additions to my collection. (7/7/98)