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SHINDIG V - JULY 15-16, 2005
(...and if I'm alive & kicking we'll do SHINDIG VI on July 16-17, 2010!)
KAREN HUTTO, (a John Marshall graduate) and wife of our classmate GLENN HUTTO ('71) presented me with a handmade stained glass art work at the reunion event on Saturday night.  It takes my breath away every time I look at it.  To think that someone would take the time to create something so beautiful for me, really means a lot.

Since I have been called,"The Keeper of the Flame" she felt it appropriate to design "the flame" that I might keep it burning brightly. It will always hang in a place of honor within my home.

I want to express my most sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Karen and Glenn for this magnificent gift. It brought me to tears when they gave it to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will treasure this all the days of my life, as I also treasure our long and lasting friendship.





FOR PHOTOS OF THIS REUNION CLICK HERE

HERE'S WHAT CLASSMATES SAY ABOUT THE REUNION... (even from some that didn't get to make it!)
And by the way, even though these folks who have written something are directing their comments directly to me, and I dearly appreciate it, please, know that ALL these compliments are accepted on behalf of Danny Padron ('69), Carol Lipsey ('70), Glenn Burchard ('69) and myself. What was once a TRIO is now a QUARTET, as Glenn joins our reunion team.

SUE BEMRICH ('75) in Irving, Texas took this photo of the cake that CAROL LIPSEY ('70) had especially made for the Friday night social at the John Jay H.S. cafeteria. While the cafeteria was being decorated, Carol called me over to take a look at the cake. I opened the box and got the surprise of my life!

Well, needless to say, I was blown away when I saw that Carol had the bakery put my SENIOR PICTURE on the cake! I couldn't believe it!  Can ya' see it??

Carol thank you so much for being so sweet! Your kindness touched my heart as nothing has for many years. I love you!

REUNION WRAP-UP
GOLDBECK PANORAMIC PHOTOS ORDER DEADLINE- AUGUST 31st: Everyone can still order a copy of the group panoramic photo taken Saturday night at the reunion. Whether you attended the reunion or not. The large photo costs $25 and the smaller one costs: $20 and that includes shipping. Orders will be accepted until August 31, 2005. (Those who already ordered and paid for their photos can expect to get them in the mail towards the end of August.) Call GOLDBECK PHOTOGRAPHY, 4407 Centergate San Antonio, Texas 78217 Call 210-656-1445 or toll free 1-800-656-9289 or Fax: (210) 656-1461. Ask for: SALLY

 KEEP YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS UPDATED WITH ME: This is the first reunion that I have organized completely by EMAIL. I didn't send out any printed newsletters or notices at all and I made only a small number of phone calls. That's the way I will do thing for now on. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep your email address updated with me. I am not tracking anyone down anymore. If your email address expires and otherwise goes dead, it will stay that way on my email links page and will be deleted from my emailing list. If, you're not getting my emails, it's YOUR fault. When you write to me include the class year you graduated AND the city and state you live in, now. Girls-- use your maiden name. If you know of any emails addresses for people who missed the reunion or who are not receiving my emails for classmates in 1969-1970 and 1971, PLEASE send them to me, ASAP!!

EILEEN SCHLEAGER ('76) in South Dakota, MADE A REUNION LOVE CONNECTION... I got this email..."Dear Dennis,I just wanted to let you know that thanks to you, I reconnected with George Haas ('75), who I dated 28 years ago. We are now engaged and will be married in San Antonio on October 15, exactly 3 months after we saw each other at the Friday social at John Jay. If you had not opened up the reunion to multiple years, we would not have run into each other again! Thank you, thank you! This adds new meaning to "love is all around." Best regards, Eileen Schlaeger." ---WOW! Congratulations on your engagement! This is so cool!! I am so happy for the both of you!! Have a wonderful life together! (8/12/05)

DAVID VERBOIS ('71) Katy, Texas ---"Dennis, Thank you for all the personal emails you have sent. This picture of Vickie Roundsaville and me is very much appreciated and I would like to personally thank you for sending it my way. I would like to tell you how much of a wonderful time my sisters and I had both Friday and Saturday nights at the reunion. I know you have received many, many thank you's, but from my family to you, Thank You, for all you have done." (8/8/05)

JOHN HOLSTON ('71) Winnsboro, Texas ---"Pretty cool reunion, Dennis. See how many lives you touched. Sometimes we never know this. Since I didn't start teaching until 41, I'm already starting on 1,000+ kids. Sure glad I'm in a better small high school. You did a great job on the reunion, sorry I didn't make Saturday's dinner though. When are you starting on the next one? Come on, tell Danny just one more. Most of us should be retired by then or close to it. With the TRS system, we may never be able to retire. LOL I'll probably be a head on a transplanted robot body. Take care bro'." (8/2/05)

PHILLIP TURNER ('72) Orlando, Florida ---"All right dude….the painful critique of Reunion 05.  It was really cool on many levels.  The quagmire of bodies thrown into the Pizza Hut was a breeding ground (not literally, darn) for rekindled relationships, and it was highly likely that one would bump (literally) into an old friend that one didn’t recognize the first time one bumped into them earlier that night! The Pizza Hut was ill prepared for the onslaught, and not that it is my focus in life (anymore), but I can’t believe they ran out of BEER.  How could THAT happen?  I mean, other than the dancing girls, the beer was the top item the on the menu that night.  There WAS a lot of pizza, though, once they got going.  Generally, an enjoyable evening.  (the last time I saw that address of the Pizza Hut, it was a cow pasture). The Ranch….bitchin’!  Haven’t said that in 30 years!  But Pedrotti’s was cool in a lot of ways.  Remote, had character, large, good service….But, Dennis….  When I listen to Hendrix, I want to hear Hendrix!  Where was the sound?!?!?   Of course, I was one of a few who offered live music there.  And, I see the impracticality of a live band, and its distractions.  But, a DJ, a Karaoke bar, a SOUND system.  What happened to ORANGE ORANGE?  Anyway, I hear the music was good, but I couldn’t hear it very well.  Perhaps I have been standing in front of Marshall amplifiers too long myself.  But, it would have been nice to have a better sound system.  A DJ definitely would have gotten more people up to dance. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking.  Most of us can’t dance anymore anyway.  Cruel truth.  Well, for me, I never could anyway.  But it would have been more special if I could have had one dance with my wife.  Okay, dude...  Next, the rambling and gambling with the microphone went a bit too long.  No one in an audience will give undivided attention for two hours to any stand up unless it’s Robin Williams.  No offense, brother man.  You did a great job.  But a bit too long.  Some dancing and music in the middle will go a long way to audience satisfaction. Dennis, we love you and cherish you.  YOU are the man!  Nothing would have happened without you, dear brother.  And I know in your heart, you know where my heart is in giving you honest response to your request for critique.  It was great to see many of the people I haven’t seen since my graduation night.  I came home with a handful of business cards and great memories of truly great people, including you.  I couldn’t ask for more from a trip down the San Antonio river." (8/1/05) OUCH...

FLORA HERNANDEZ ('72) San Antonio, Texas ---"Hey Dennis,What a blast I had!!! It seemed like no one wanted to leave on Saturday night. It was great catching up again with friends like Vicki Rounseville, Billy Pointer, Bobby Frazier, Doug White, and the $80.00 body Rick Crayton. There were so many more people that I so enjoyed visiting the past with. I recognized Richard Henderson the minute he walked into the cafeteria, where we were decorating on Friday morning. I too was apprehensive when I was driving up to the school again on Friday evening, I didn't think anyone would recognize or remember me. But, all I heard that night was how much I hadn't changed. I was also surprised at how many faces I recognized. What a hoot! Let's do this again soon! Thank you for all your hard work!" (8/1/05)

SHEILA O'KANE ('74) Plano, Texas ---"Dear Dennis, thank you so very much. I want to thank you and your committee so much for the wonderful time I had at SHINDIG V. I saw old friends and met new ones. You all put a lot of work into the planning of this! Even though I donated in the donations box that went around the room on Saturday night, I want to give you another donation check because I think you do a fabulous job on the website! Just a note, I am off to Hawaii  for a two week vacation! One of my brothers is stationed there with the Army, so we get to stay free! Sures saves us a lot on the hotel bill!! LOL My second semester of nursing school starts on August 29th, so I need this vacation! Hey, I'll send you a coffee cup from there! Love and Hugs!" (7/30/05)

SANDY HICKEY ('72) Houston, Texas ---"Dear Dennis, The reunion was great, and I truly appreciate everyone's hard work.  I know it took alot, however it would have been nice to have a live band or live dj so as to create a more party atmosphere.  Although the piped in music was good, nobody really danced at the "dance". I enjoyed seeing some old friends that I grew up with, and the food was great.  Also, the venue was very cool and easy to get to. <>Thanks to all of you that put in the time and energy." (7/30/05)

MICHELLE SMITH ('70) Tampa, Florida ---"Dear Dennis, well, I
am back in Tampa and back to the grind! I want to add my most sincere congratulations along with everyone else! You and Danny, Carol, Glenn and Linda are all just awesome! It was very nice to see you! I
am so sorry that I did not attend the other reunions. It was amazing to
see that some people have not changed, Laura Henderson and her brother Richard Henderson look just like they did back in the day! Kathi Brown, and Donna and Monna Stephens look great, even prettier than I remember! Starr Lenhart, your sister, Linda and the Shupp sisters look the same too! It was true of the guys, also! 
Some of the guys were very recognizable to me like Danny PadronMickey Mahler, Paul Lindy, and Fred Butler! Then there were Jay and Ray Ferguson! They looked so good but I would not have recognized them at first! I wish I would have been able to talk to them more! One of the very best parts of the reunion for me was getting to know Stanley Giles and his daughter. He lived in my neighborhood and he is Gerald Giles's brother. What a nice guy! He relayed an incident from the past that took the edge off my anxiety Saturday night! There is a reason that he became a minister! Speaking of anxiety, I almost chickened out in the parking lot of the school on Friday. Thankfully, my friend Richard and my Mom would not let me back out! Thrity-five years is such a long time between seeing classmates from high school! I do not know what I expected but every one was very nice! It is amazing how much I remembered about the school and my time at Jay. It was great to see how much Mr. Bluhm, Mr. Britton and Ms. Carnahan look like they did back in 1970! It was so good to be able to talk to them! At first I thought that Mr. Bluhm was one of the students and then accused him of robbing the cradle! I reminded Mr. Britton of his first Geometry class at Jay in 1967! I had the dubious honor of being in that class with all of the "JOCKS." Talk about a baptism under fire! LOL! But the best was being able to see and speak with Ms. Carnahan! I have such fond memories of her and being in her Bio classes! I also was able to go on the school trip to Big Bend back in 1970! I will always remember that trip! She looks so good and is still so inspirational in the things she does! I am very proud to have had her as my teacher and to know her as a person that I would want to be like! Dennis, I want to close by letting you know what an amazing man I think you have become! You are very kind and generous! You always say the most thoughtful things to reassure me! If it had not been for your encouragement I would probably not gotten up the nerve to go to the reunion! I am sure that no one recognized me, at least at first, but you did not miss a beat! I felt welcomed thanks to you! I would have liked to have talked to you more but your were much in demand! I hope we can keep in touch! I have become addicted to the web sight so I will always feel connected to you and the rest of our classmates! Thank you again, Dennis from the bottom of my heart!" (7/23/05)

FRANK TRIMM ('69) San Antonio, Texas ---"Dennis, just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the festivities last weekend. My thanks to you, Danny, Carol, Linda and Glenn for all the effort that was put into the reunion.  My wife, Brenda  Dugger and I really enjoyed seeing everyone again, it really was great to see so many classmates after all these years. My brother,  David Trimm said that he also had a good time and wished, now, that he had attended others in the past.  I was sad to have everything end Saturday night.  There were so many people I wanted to talk more with, time went so quickly.  We Jay alumni are so blessed with people such as yourself that give so much to make such an occasion a great success.  David's wife was really impressed with the results of your efforts and the number of those who attended.  Thanks, again, from the Trimm households and on behalf of we, Mustang alumni." (7/23/05)

DR. TERRY & CHARLEEN McGUIRE (Former principal) San Antonio, Texas ---"Dennis, thanks for all you do. We certainly enjoyed the reunion, last weekend." (7/21/05) Special Note: You just might notice that Mr. McGuire earned his PhD and is now, DOCTOR TERRY McGUIRE, PhD

KATHY LUND ('72) Frisco, Texas ---"Dennis... this was my first multi-year reunion and boy, oh boy did I ever have a WONDERFUL time... I got to see so many people that I would never had the chance to catch up with by having a 1972 only reunion. I'm with Vicki Rounsaville and agree that it just didn't last long enough... I have a ton of wonderful memories to last me until the next time... I just wish it wasn't 5 years away. Thanks for helping to make those memories possible!" (7/22/05)

YVETTE STEWART ('75) Clinton, New York ---"Hi, Dennis!I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the reunion events and reconnecting with all my former (stopped short, no pun intended, of saying "old") classmates! Sue Bemrich and I finally were able to spend some time catching up on the last 30 years of our lives and for that, I will always be grateful! And a note to Carol Lipsey that it was nice meeting you and helping set up the social for Friday night! I hope to be at the next one and would love to help out again! (7/21/05)

STEVE SMITH ('69) & DEBBIE DEBERG SMITH ('71) San Antonio, Texas ---"Hello to all. Steve and I were sorry to miss this reunion but...Drew, age 25, one of our twin sons, got married on Saturday the 16th. His and Yvette's wedding was beautiful and we have added a lovely young lady to our family.  Hope to see everyone in 2010." (7/20/05)

KAY COMPTON ('71) Mesquite, Texas ---"Dennis, the reunion was fabulous and the turnout was due to your efforts alone. Everyone raved about what a great time we all had and how you did such a fantastic job. What a wonderful weekend it was!  Thank you, thank you and thank you also to Danny, Glenn and Carol and everyone who made it so memorable. I enjoyed seeing "The Guys," as always, but also getting to see Mr. Guerra again (who looks fabulous, by the way) and Sue Clemens, Ralph Galaviz, Janine Rodriguez, Rick Jeter (who never remembers me), Glenn  Hutto, Dolly Garcia and so many more. The enormous turnout was due to your tireless efforts at keeping us all informed and "tied together" through the web page and your e-mails. The only thing I wish is that we didn't have to wait 5 more years to do it again. Can we do something less formal and structured in maybe 2 years????  So it wouldn't take so much organization. You are truly the best and you are loved by so many people!!!! Thanks again, Dennis. Love ya'." (7/19/05)

GAY FRAZIER ('75) San Antonio, Texas ---"You are the greatest, and thanks for putting together the reunion. Thank you. I had a great time, and am very happy that I attended. The only thing I regret is not getting a picture taken with you! Have a great day. Love is all around Love ya!" (7/19/05)

BARBARA FRIEDMAN (71) San Antonio, Texas ---"Dennis, Thank you so much for your sweet thoughts. I did have a wonderful time and the memories of this reunion will be cherished. You are such a sweetheart. I am sorry we didn't get to say a formal goodbye also. But, do know that I will be thinking of you. I may surprise you sometime and go to the Friday night gathering at Pizza Hut. Take care." (7/19/05)

CHUCK GUERIN ('72) Broussard, Louisiana ---"Hey Dennis, I'm sure you've heard this a thousand times but, "YOU THE MAN!"  This was the first time I've been back since graduation and WOW, it was great. I know you couldn't have done this without the help of many, so, thanks to all that helped put the reunion together. I've heard comments from other people that have gone back to their reunions and all they talked about was how clannish their reunions were, people would hang out in their own groups and if you didn't belong to certain groups than you were left out. Well, I got news for them, not at a John Jay reunion. I ran across so many people from all classes, some I knew real well and some I knew by name only, but that didn't matter. We were all just one big happy family. Again, thanks for the so many memories and what do you mean that "If your still alive and kicking we'll do this again in 2010".  Dennis, with a heart as big as yours, you're going to be stuck with us Mustangs for a long time. Take care!" (7/19/05)

REBECCA AUSTIN ('75) Lake Charles, Louisiana ---"Dennis, my three sisters (Debbie, Kathy, Peggy) and I had a wonderful time. It was great seeing you and all the past graduates. I could not get over how many people said that if it were not  for the webpage they would not have know about the reunion and who would be attending. I knew almost everyone from 1975. My sisters kept teasing me about people coming up to me from all different years wanting to know how I have been. I really enjoyed being with all my sisters. We don't get together that often because we are all so busy. We had fun just being sisters. My mother, Carol Austin, attended the pizza party and was able to see a couple of girls that she made the Dance Team  and Pep Squad uniforms for. She was also our Girl Scout leader for several years. I have enjoyed our friendship between you and I, and will continue as long as I am here on this earth. I, thank God for your dedication to the webpage and all the information about our lives, both happy and sad. I am really looking forward to the pictures being posted. Please pass on to all that worked so hard to get this off with a bang, all the effort are greatly appreciated by all of us who came. Now we start again planning for the 2010. I said "we," because I will help in anyway I can. Stay in touch and tell that brother of yours, Bobby DuPriest, I missed seeing him and his wife at the reunion. Much Love." (7/18/05)

CHRISTINE SCHLAEGER ('71) San Antonio, Texas ---"Well, Dennis, you did it again! The reunion was awesome! Thanks to all the hard work you, Danny, Carol, Linda, Glenn and company put in to give the hundreds of fantastic Jay alum yet another wonderful memory. The time just flew. On Friday night, they had to turn out the lights to make everyone leave and on Saturday, they had to turn them on. Truly the sign of a good time! Each gathering gets better and being there this time with both my sisters, my own children, my grandchildren, and the countless "Jay family members" just about made my heart burst. We are a fortunate group bound together by good times, shared memories, marriage, neighborhood, and a sprawling brick building on Marbach Road. Appropriately, as I was leaving and pulled onto Loop 1604 Saturday night, the last part of "We've Only Just Begun" filled the inside of my car. I thought of Clair Neyland and Rick Mahler, swallowed a lump or two, and thanked God for all the good people who've been brought together as John Jay Mustangs. My sister, Eileen and I are leaving for the coast for a couple days. To hell with Hurricane Emily, we just want to stick our toesies in the sand! We'll celebrate her birthday together, catch some rays (hopefully) and eat lots of shrimp and fried oysters. She heads back to Virginia/DC Saturday morning and then life will return to its calmer pace until football season begins. I just love that time of year. My other sister, Susanne had to return home already on Sunday; she couldn't take any more time off from work. At least we got her down here. Other than for my mom's memorial service 2 years ago, she hadn't been home since 1993. Take care of your sweet self and thanks again for everything!" (7/18/05)

PEGGY CARNAHAN Ieacher San Antonio, Texas --"Dennis, Danny, and Carol, I really want to thank you and all the hard workers for the planning and communication for the Jay reunion. It was GREAT! I had a great time! Again thanks!" (7/18/05)

KENT "KENNY" SUNDBERG ('70) Omaha, Nebraska ---"Dennis, It is with profound regret and my most sincere apologies for having missed the latest evolution that you and so many others toiled for, that I send this note. I was unable to support this, by all written accounts, MOST LARGE event. After reviewing all of the feedback, thus far, I have been deeply moved and have decided I should have robbed a bank. To read the reviews and look at the annual photos did, in fact, move me to tears. Just the many names caused such a rush of memory as to be overwhelming. As I have told you in the past, you are indeed the glue that has helped bind us over time. Words are inadequate to state your value as a true friend to all of us. As you know we all get by "with a little help from my friends". Thank you so very much. I have finally decided to use these bloody computers and will review all available information. That said, I hold my current address at the pleasure of my mother. Although her hardware will contnue to help me I actually have my own E-mail address. This is a big deal given my lack of computer skills at any level. So.. for info sake tunausmc@webtv.net is me in cyber space. I shall take some time today for reflection. Although I was rather an obscure entity at school I can and do recall so very many of you with clarity, respect and love. I do miss everyone. I look forward to the next gift of input from those of you who were there. Dennis, again, you are THE MAN, many thanks and much love. My sentiments in that regard extend to Danny, Carol, Glenn and the others who were so invaluable to the effort. Ya'll are without peer. Should my ramblings be disseminated, I want to state my love for each and all, and my deep sense of loss in not being with ya'll. Peace." (7/18/05)  and three days later, Kenny writes... Dear Dennis, your posting of my ramblings have given rise to at least four e-mails from classmates. I shall never again feel so connected. Just when I thought I had achieved a certain degree of anonymity. I must thank you, as they have all been wonderful notes. I have even replied to all. I would not have bashed in with my evening mess dress on this time, as I retired in 1994. I am, however, seeking to teturn to active duty in order to serve again during our country's time of need. It is who and what I am. Service to my country is a priviledge. As for the reunion, I shall plan better for the next time. I was commited to a family responsibility during this event, but I shall be at the next one! You have my word. Remember, The only easy day was yesterday." (7/21/05)

TARYN HOUGH ('72) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ---"Dear Dennis, I am so happy the reunion was such a success. You can't imagine how much I wanted to be there. From the sound of the comments, there will be another in five years???? Thank you so much for all of your hard work, thanks to Danny, Carol and Linda, and all who helped make the weekend the great time that it was.  I hope to visit with you when I come to San Antonio this fall. My parents will be moving to Oklahoma as soon as we sell their house. They're starting to have major health problems and we need to get them closer. Take care of yourself and, again, thanks. Your big heart is such a blessing to us all."  (7/18/05)

MIKE DUNAGAN ('75) Killeen, Texas ---"Dennis, I want to thank you for the fantastic time I had this weekend. I really needed the memories revived and the people there were all fantastic.  I want you to know, that you and Danny were really a driving force at the reunion and were one (or should I say two) of the many reasons for its success. After all I have been thru the last 18 months, surviving pancreatic cancer surgery and treatment, then going to Iraq and supporting our soldiers there, it supported my ideal that you have to live life, the good and the bad. Well, Iraq was part of the bad, but met good people serving over there. And this reunion was absolutely the good part of life. Everything we do provides us with experiences and memories and makes us into whatever we become. And our experiences at John Jay were a great part of what influenced us and this reunion reinforced that. I am already planning on being there in 2010, and will help with whatever I am able to. So please let me know what I can do to help." (7/18/05)

JEFF CARRUTHERS ('72) San Antonio, Texas ---"What a blast over the weekend. Thanks so much." (7/18/05)

GLENN BURCHARD ('69) Austin, Texas ---"Dennis, Just got home a little while ago, (late Sunday night), so I am just now reading my email and catching up with the website. This is one group of crazy folks (Danny, Carol and you) that I know I'll enjoy being around. I look forward to working together on Shindig VI. Hopefully we'll be able to get together several times in the interim. Thanks also for your kind words about my wife, Melba. We were both really touched to read your comments. You know, I think that these reunions do a lot of great things on so many levels--one of which is to give our spouses insight to people and events that helped to shape us into what we are today. For instance, Melba has known for a long time how I treasured my baseball experience at Jay. But I think now she has a better understanding because she could see the strong bond, 36 years later, that still exists with Mick Mahler, Fred Butler, Paul Lindy, and of course Danny. That's a part of me she could never see without the reunions. Danny and Mick shared some things with her about me (fortunately all good!) that gave her even more insight. You, and all that you do, are the catalyst that makes those kinds of things happen for countless others. I'll do whatever I can to help facilitate similar experiences for others. Take Care!" (7/17/05)

VICKIE ROUNSAVILLE ('72) ---"Hey Cutie! I am in the middle of a hangover this morning. It's not from drink but from excessive fun. I haven't had that much fun in a long time. I can't get the smile off of my face and I thank you for that. (As I wrote that I could hear your wicked little thoughts). You asked me, yesterday, if I knew of any problems at the reunion and I told you "no", but here was one last night. Remember how people moaned about Pizza Hut running out of beer too early on Friday? Well, time with old friends ran out way too quickly on Saturday! So many smiles, so much laughter, just not enough time. I thought about calling you today but I wanted to give you a chance to rest, wind down and recuperate. I must go and prepare for company. Mike's mom had her 81st birthday on Friday, so we are celebrating it today. All I can think about is the wonderful weekend I just had. My heart is heavy that it is now a memory. What an awesome memory! Love you long time." (7/17/05)

ROCKY PFEFFER ('71) bought and paid for two reunion reservations and got stuck in Europe on a business trip and couldn't make it back. He asked if he could donate his paid reservations for someone who needed them. Well, we did just that on Rocky's behalf and he writes... --- "Dennis, I am very happy that someone can take advantage of the reservations since I couldnb't get there and be with everyone. That is very and totally cool to be able to help out in this way. Were it not for you keeping up with everyone and knowing where they are at in life, where would we be? As you always say, "love is all around." Ya'll had an exceptional and very large time and I can know I was very much a part of what happened. I was there in sprit with you and thanks so much for making my contribution go the distance. Man, did you just make me feel great about not being able to be there. I would have bought the extra tickets had I known, as well as alot of people would have, I am sure. Tell whomever it is that was able to use my tickets that it was my pleasure to provide this and to "let go and enjoy the gifts of the kingdom". Dennis you take care of yourself and ya'll have a great weekend, let and everyone know I was there in sprit, especially you, Danny, Carol, Glenn and Linda. Love ya' lots and thanks so very much. Is life's twist and turns great or what!!!!!" (7/17/05) **Special note: Because of wonderful people like Rocky, NO ONE was turned away from attending the reunion because of money. If anyone wanted to come and I was made aware that they couldn't attend because they couldn't afford it, we took care of it. BELIEVE ME, NO ONE WILL EVER BE TURNED AWAY FROM OUR DOOR.

JACKIE BUXTON ('73) Frankfort, Kentucky ---"Hi Dennis. So sorry to have missed the Shindig this year. Sounds like everyone had a GREAT time! Maybe next time for me. Thanks for planning and organizing it, everyone appreciated your effort!  It was great just to read the paragraphs people sent, and I felt like a part of the fun by reading the notes from everyone. It's a bit sad, now that all the anticipation is over with. The stain glass with the red flame was beautiful! Such talent in our class!  Thanks for planning it!" (7/17/05)

ROBERTA HOLLIN ('71) Spring Branch, Texas ---"Dennis, Although I wasn't able to make to reunion this year (Lord knows I tried!) I will mark my calendar for the next one!  And I want to thank you for keeping all of us posted on one another. It takes a very special person to be able to handle such a task!  I can't wait to see the photos.Thank you again for all that you do! You're in my thoughts and prayers!" (7/17/05)

NATHAN WILLIS ('70) San Antonio, Texas ---"Dennis, You’re a treasure. I extremely enjoyed myself and there are not enough words to express how grateful I am for all your efforts in putting the reunion together. Getting with old friends, Clyde Gibson, Chuck Booth, Donnie Haynes, Mickey Mahler, to name a few, was awesome. Talking about which classes and teachers we had was fantastic, not to mention thanking Mrs. Carnahan for taking me to Big Bend on the Science Club trip. (I should have done that 35 years ago but was amiss in my manners.) And having beautiful women (Sandy Woods and Betsy Shupp) to come up and start talking with me about school and dates and ex-wives and other stuff leaves me breathless. (That hasn’t happened for a long while. Probably has something to do with being married for so long.) Again, thank you partner for all your caring and when you feel down, think back about how happy you make people feel when you get involved with this kind of project or when you just give us all the weekly updates. If you need anything, don’t come visit me at work at the Bexar County Jail! Just call me or email.  I’m just down the road." (7/17/05)

BARBARA FRIEDMAN ('71) San Antonio, Texas ---"Dennis, I am so amazed that after all of these years, I have now been going to the reunions on a fairly regular basis.  It is only because of YOU!  The website that you continue to keep up is where I have been able to go and get back in touch with people that I haven’t seen or talked to in years! I was one of those kids who hung out at the Blue Icehouse and I never had a lot to do (really couldn’t stand them!) with those cutesy little cheerleaders and those jocks, but now I have a wonderful friendship with your sister Linda!  And last night I talked to Mickey Mahler who autographed my mug for me and he was so sweet and humble.  I will treasure the Ricky Mahler baseball card!!  I never would of thought that I would have also been able to get back in touch with “old” friends like Toy Kelly, who looks fabulous by the way!  I am sorry that I didn’t get to see Mr. Chesshir…he was my favorite teacher. Even if he did always call me Barbara Freeman! You are a sweetheart for putting out such a fantastic effort for everything to do concerning John Jay, especially the website. I commend you and everyone who has been involved with the reunion organizing.  I hope that I will have time to volunteer with the next one. Take care." (7/17/05)

RAY WHITWORTH ('73) Dallas, Texas ---"Dennis, I bow to the master! You have always been the lighthouse that guided us back to familar shores. Thank you very much for your time and dedication to the memories of our youth. I am still seeing "white dots" in my eyes from so many pictures being taken. I was only asked 12 times "Has anyone ever told you that you look like Wolfman Jack?" My response was, "Did anyone ever tell him, when he was still alive, that he actually looked like me?  I hope the music CD's made it enjoyable for all and it appears it may have because I have been asked  to produce several copies and send them out. I should be done by the next reunion in 2010. Once again, thank you on behalf of all of us in the 'Class of '73'. By the way you can hear some of the many shows that I produce on KSKY, KWRD, and KMNY in Dallas . All are online. (7/17/05)

LORI McDERMOTT ('71) Ashburn, Virginia ---"Dennis, I didn't make this reunion, but from what I've already heard about it, I'll be there in 2010!  I was there in spirit this time, but that is definitely NOT the same. I appreciate the updates and can't wait to see pictures! I cannot tell you how much your website means to me.  I was only a part of the class for that first year and have not kept in touch with anyone (except in my heart) for years. Because of your website, I have found old friends and continue to search for others. I've noticed that many Mustangs live in Virginia and would love to meet as many as possible at 703-587-5421. I may live in Virginia but my heart is in Texas. Thank you." (7/17/05)

SYLVIA ALANIZ ('75) Memphis, Tennessee ---"Dennis, I just wanted to thank you and everyone else who was involved in putting this reunion together. This was my first reunion and it had been 30 years since I had seen a lot of my school buddies and IT WAS WONDERFUL to see my  friends from '75. Had a  blast reminiscing with great friends. I hope to see a few of my friends up here in Memphis one of these days ( you know who you are). Hopefully by the 2010  reunion, we will be living back in Texas. I did tell my husband before we got there, "What happens if I don't know anybody?" That was a joke. Once again, thank you so much for putting all of this together and making it a very special and wonderful evening, it brought back many, many wonderful memories, band practices, pizza eating contests, the "Railstanders, Benchsitters, and Bullshooters", how to drink water from the water fountain while wearing the mini skirts and platform shoes. Hip huggers with bellbottoms so big you would trip yourself if you weren't careful. Lots of laughs. Again, thank you so much and everyone else that was involved in making this such a special evening." (7/17/05)

KATIE MILLER ('69) San Antonio, Texas ---"Dennis, Wow! You did it again.  How can any of us ever thank you enough for all the wonderful things you do to keep us together?  You did an outstanding job on this reunion and I want you to know how much I appreciate all your effort.  I'll even forgive your reference to me as a "Senior Citizen" since you did such a great job.  I'm attaching a picture of our oak tree, the one that has grown from that little sprouted acorn that you gave to me many, many years ago.  Thought you might like to see how much it's grown over these past years!  I think of you fondly each time I see it. God bless you, Dennis. Keep that flame burning! Love ya'." (7/17/05)

KEVIN PETERSON ('72) couldn't attend the reunion, but writes ---"Hey Dennis, YOU DONE GOOD MAN! Without you there'd be no reunion.  I attend vicariously, but one day (if it's not too late) I will get back to San Antonio. Maybe I will only get to see "The Guys" at Pizza Hut, but if that's what fate allows...." (7/17/05)

JOE GLOD ('69) and DEBBIE GEISEN ('71) Arlington, Texas ---"Dennis, I want to thank you for sharing the highlights of the Reunion so timely. I did not get to attend, but was thinking about it all week, especially last night. When I received the email notices about the reunion, I started looking at the website again after many years. I was able to contact one of my very special friends after 36 years, and am trying to contact others that I have lost touch with over the years. It sounds like everyone had such a great time.  I'm thankful to you and all the others who have supported the reunions and the website! You are very special to put so much effort in making these memories available as well as keeping up with the friends who greatly influenced our lives. Sometimes it takes some of us too long to realize that life is short, and with all the busy schedules we have to remember how important friends we have lost contact were to us. I regret not having kept in touch with those people. Most people would not remember me, because I was very quiet in those days. I graduated in 1971 and would like to get in contact with some old friends - Laura Rueb, Angela Childress, Sandy Childress, Joy Griffin, Tess Presnell, Beverlee Brigham, Gary Land to name a few. I have seen some of their names on the website and can reach out to them. However, I have not seen contact information on Laura, Angela, Sandy, and Joy. We were all good friends and had a fun and memorable ''71 Senior year. I have been married to Joe for 34 years. We have two grown children, Andy - 30 and Leslie 25. We have lived in Ft. Worth and Arlington since 1971, but visit San Antonio about twice a year.  Joe played baseball with Rickey Mahler, Jimmy Kidder and Fred Butler in '68 & '69. He was also good friends with Jim Griffin. I remember you, but never really knew you. I went to school with your sister, Linda, but she would probably not remember me. It's good to hear that plans are on the way for another reunion in 2010 and if I am still healthy,alive and able, will plan to attend my first and last reunion. You are very fortunate to have so many caring and wonderful friends who keep in contact with you. Most of all you make it possible, for friends and even family to reunite after many years of lost time together.You are truly awesome. I have not contributed to the efforts of the website for way too long, but will send you a check in the very new future. I hope to get to know you better and keep in touch with the "Keeper of the Flame". By the way, congratulations, that is quite an honor.  I can't wait to see the photo website.  Just wanted to let you know that we share a mutual favorite song, "In My Life". I love the Beatles, Rubber Soul album, and hope they come out with it in the Volume 2 Boxset in time for Christmas this year. I remember reading that you collect coffee mugs. We are planning a trip to Alaska in September, so let me know if you have one in your collection from there or not and what port or city it is from." (7/17/05)
 
BETTY CONSANI ('70) in San Francisco California couldn't make the reunion but writes ---"Dennis, You will be alive and kicking in 2010...and guess what?  I will NOW plan for the reunion and be there!!  Hehehe--its on my calendar in PEN! Sounds like the reunion was a fun occasion and I'm glad that you had a great time. Sorry I missed this one! Thank you for all the updates.  I do appreciate the time and effort that you have put into keeping our class together.  When I tell people that I get email from someone from my high school at least once a month and many times more often than that, they find it incredible.  I believe that you are not the "keeper of our class flame" but the "keeper of our school flame" --we are just lucky that you were in the class of '70 !! I love reading the mail you send out. I am thinking about leaving AOL and I will make sure that you get my NEW email address when I do so." (7/17/05)

LYDIA "TOY" KELLY ('71) San Antonio, Texas ---"Shivers! I had so much fun and YOU are the reason. Thanks so very much! You have made coming home ESPECIALLY Wonderful. If only we knew then, what we know now in high school........ hahahaha" (7/17/05)

CHARLES "Chuck" BOOTH ('71) Del Rio, Texas ---"Dennis, This was the first reunion I attended since the 10th year one. Man, have I missed the fun and memories. Count me in for July 2010. You and the gang did a great job setting things up and running like clockwork. Thanks, again, for the exceptional job you are doing keeping us all connected. Got another mug heading your way, but this one is for beer. Adios." (7/17/05)

MARGO "Dolly" GARCIA ('71) San Antonio, Texas ---"Hello Dennis, I just wanted to thank you again for making it possible for my husband and I to enjoy getting together with everyone tonight. We were able to make a small contribution to the website box that was going around. What a wonderful bunch of people we are all a part of in our fellow Jay family! Everyone is so nice and friendly and wonderful. I am in awe at what a great bunch of people to be a part of! Whether you try to push this off or not, I have to tell you that I am most sincere when I tell you that you are the heart of our John Jay group. You are vitally responsible for the greatness and beautiful heart that we all share. God really blessed you with a beautiful and giving heart. I wish we had known each other better in high school, but I'm so glad that I know you and can call you friend now. Is there a section on your website with a bio of MICKEY MAHLER? What a gem he is! I am against cloning, but I would make an exception for him. His humility and graciousness is awesome. He asked me, when he was about to autograph the baseball if I REALLY wanted it? I told him, of course!...that I was honored to have him autograph it and that we are all so honored that he came and that is a part of us. Later, when things were wrapping up, I asked if I could get a picture with him. My husband took one kind of far away and when we showed it to him, he asked if I wouldn't like one more close up?! How great is that? He also offered for me to stand on a chair, but I declined saying this way I would be able to see how tall he is. He had offered to squat down some too. What a gracious man! Thank you so much for getting him to come. His humility is really no surprise. That is how Ricky was too. You're the best, Dennis. I will never forget your kindness to us. Someday I will share more with you. You are permanently in my heart and prayers. I love you!" (7/17/05)
 
GEORGE HUNTER ('70) somewhere deep in Iraq cannot be here for the reunion, but he sends his regards in this email... ---"Dear Dennis, just one last note for you and your fantastic plans which I know will go great because you are "you", and you have the ability to orchestrate something like this event time after time. You are ageless in making those things happen. Please, say "hello" to all for me. I am so sad and sorry that I must see to other things in the world and help to ensure our American way of life is upheld, and encourage in our courageous younger generation to take up that challenge and continue the mission long after we settle into our golden years. Life that we enjoy today is also because of our fighting young men and women over here and temendous credit is to be given to "our"  great guides and leaders before all of us, who have been in the trenches of war. It is not an easy task, but it is one which I and many others have undertaken. Great job, Dennis!!! Hats off to you, my forever friend. All... Have a Happy 35th John Jay Reunion!!!" (7/14/05) UPDATE: 8/1/05  "Dennis, Danny, Carol, Glenn, Linda, and the great "Cast" of Reunion Staff: <>Would like to say that "you did it again and you are the absolute best at what you do". Thank you!! Thank you Danny for your reading my few notes and I certainly did not expect anything of the sort to be done, Thank you for your super assistance along with all whom I have not mentioned in making this event a great one... even for those of us who wished to have been there but due to other missions, regretable so, could not make it there to enjoy that atmosphere which would have been a memorable one. Thanks again for yet more pen-pals!! wow! this is also great!! <>My dearest Regards to you!"

LOVE IS ALL AROUND
Will YOU help me to keep the flame burning by sending in your donation for this website? I sure would appreciate it.
Thanks to each of you for your fantastic continued financial support of my website: http://www.DMD52.net
Checks can be made payable and mailed to: Dennis M. DuPriest, 7439 Lancewood, San Antonio, TX 78227-1001

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

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