Home Page, Part 2

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

 

How do we live? How do we ever survive?

Two weeks ago our friend Cheryl Peacock's husband, Karl, died. While I'm sure many of you have remained close friends with her and Karl, I'd never met him and except for the last class reunion I hadn't seen her for about ten years. However, several days before the class reunion Cheryl joked with me in an e-mail about teaching us all line dancing, our surgeries, and how we're both survivors.

I thought about the girl I remembered from high school and her husband, her passion for line dancing and the music that goes with it, and of how much she gave of herself at the reunion. That's when I found this song and its big question. How do we live and how do we survive?

Because of Cheryl about twenty dancers including Rita Boothe, Shirley, Kathy and Barb, Terry, Becky, and Sandy, Diane McClelland, and Bob Kinney all had a night they won't soon forget. Wendi and Tony Choppi and his cowboy boots may have danced a little bit too. Ron Eakes had me take pictures of Bob Kinney's crazy hat, and Bill Coad's free drinks were great but Cheryl and her line dancers were the biggest memory for a lot of us.

So give Cheryl a call, send her an email, or drop her a line. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Keep her in your life and keep her in your heart.

That's how we live. That's how we survive.

 

I moved much of the Home Page content to a new page entitled Home Page, Part 2. You can find the link on the left side or click the blue underline above. The Home Page will load much faster and help us keep our sanity. It was taking forever. Thanks to a friend for suggesting this.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Happy Birthday Dick Hoffman.
Don't Get Too Close.

You could get burned.

Too bad you missed the reunion: I heard it was the best one ever. A friend and fellow Marine told me a story from 1958-59. His mind isn't too clear but it's about how you two were at a party in a minister's basement playing "Floor Shuffleboard." You know, the game with those big long cues (shown below).

Then on the spur of the moment you invented and field tested a totally new restraining device on an unsuspecting victim. It worked so well that you were asked to leave the party and never return. And take young Dave with you.

There's no home movies of this event so it could be a figment of Mr. Kerno's imagination, but it sounds true to me. I've heard other stories about how inventive you were in tight places but that's not for mixed company. Hey, I just made up all this stuff to make you read all the way down here. HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU OLD MARINE.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Lest We Forget

Soldiers on duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National Cemetery, Arlington, VA

A little know fact.

In the early days of warfare, three volleys were used as a temporary truce so each army could clear its dead from the battlefield, and then to signal to the enemy that the burial ceremony was finished and the battle was restarted.

Taps was used during the Civil War to signal the end of the day's activity, but Capt. John C. Tiball substituted the three-rifle volleys with the playing of taps when it was discovered that firing rifles was unsafe when his battery was occupying an advance position concealed in the woods.

The Army officially used taps in connection with military funerals in 1932 to mark the beginning of the long, last sleep and to express hope and confidence in an ultimate reveille to come.

Here's a link to this article from the Pittsburgh Tribune web site. Thanks.

 





The Chief of Naval Operations just flagged a message to all the ships at sea: "Anchors Aweigh and Happy Birthday to Roger Burt. Give him a call or an e-mail. I know I will."



Here's an old Navy film clip from when Roger and his ship the "USS Gearing DD-710" destroyer crossed the Equator and the special celebration they had. Now I can see why the Navy classified so many things as Top Secret...(Give the page time to load, it's got a lot of stuff on it.)



Roger this is your day. I want to wish you a Very Happy Birthday. When we were kids Roger Burt, Steve Holcomb, Steven Franklin, Billy Coad and I did everything together. We built huts; fished down at the creek; went swimming at Frickie's Farm or at Bare-Ass Beach. But we could never get Coad out of his pants. (To go swimming, of course.)

If Roger had tin can full of worms he was happy. Fishing license? What's that? We hunted the fields in search of pheasants, or rabbits or the elusive squirrel. And Roger always hunted with both hammers pulled back.

We made go-carts out of boards, and old wheels and stolen lawnmower engines. Learned how to smoke corn silk. Went dew worm picking in our backyards. Roger scared the carhops at Dog 'n Suds with fake blood and vampire teeth, or we'd hide in the trunk and sneak into the Robin Drive-In. We were good bad, not evil.

We played King of the Hill by the ditch. I'm remembering all the nights we spent eating tons of of popcorn and playing cards long into the night. Your parents sure put up with a lot of our midnight antics.

Let me join all of your friends and classmates in wishing you a Happy Birthday. I also wish the best of everything to you and your lovely and talented wife, Ann, and your whole family.

No agenda here-- just brotherly love and friendship. I'll see you down at the creek later. I'll just listen for your crazy giggle. Happy Birthday.

 

Mary Raddatz, do you know what time it is? No, it's not Howdy Doody Time. It's time to celebrate another birthday.

I was doing some research and found this film clip from an early part of Mary's life when she and Charles lived in Minnesota.

I want everyone call 555-HI-MARY and wish her a big "Happy Birthday." Oh, Joe Musso's probably coming by for some cake and ice cream. Happy Birthday.

Happy Belated Birthday wishes to our birthday boys, Ron Sisley and Randy McCloskey and everyone else in the Universe. Please click here to find out what we really think.

Ron Sisley doing what he does best.

Anyone up for a three-some? Randy McCoskey, Ron Sisley and Fred Turner doing what they do best. OK Fred, when's your birthday? Please fill out your classmate profile. Thanks.

Sorry I was so busy in my golden years that I forgot about some birthdays. It may never happen again but who knows. My doctor said it's not Alzheimer's....it's more like just not giving a S*%T. That's not medical terminology just the facts, M'am. Ha, ha. Anyway, everyone should call or email these guys so they know they are still loved.

Sheryl Stanfel, friend and classmate died Sunday, Sept. 20.

I just got a message from Rod Schwandt that our friend and classmate Sheryl Stanfel died Sunday, September 20, 2009. I remember she had beautiful red hair and freckles. I also knew her brother, Richard Stanfel. Richard died several years ago and was a good friend of my brother-in-law. If memory serves me right Sheryl lived off Springfield on either Compton Ave. or Mila. Her funeral is at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103, with visitation from noon to time of service. Here's a link to her obituary on the Rockford Register Star. http://www.legacy.com/rrstar/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=133339187

What ever happened to... Randy McCloskey.

You probably remember Randy (far left), hiding behind the beer bottle. Nice and quiet, a little shy, opened doors for ladies, you know the type, wouldn't hurt a fly. Yep, that was Randy.

Oooops. Sorry, I'm reading the wrong police report. That was Norman Bates.

Here goes. Allegedly(that's my lawyer's favorite word)after leaving Auburn with a diploma in one hand and a cold one in the other he joined a small moving company. They liked the way he could stash liquid refreshments in small places and never spill a drop.

I heard that he moved out east to either mend a broken heart or to heal a stab wound. Click on his picture. Tell me that ain't him. The next time you see Randy ask him about Loni Anderson and watch his face light up.

 

Thanks to Tony Choppi for sending me a bunch of pictures. He called and I talked with his son so I'm sure the kid did all the hard work. Tony's still a pretty clever guy. The pictures are on "2009 Reunion Pics" linked at the left. I'll put them up on www.flickr.com when I remember the password. If you don't send me your pictures nobody will see them and you'll have wasted your time taking them. They can't be any worse than mine.Tony, thanks again for lunch and my wife loves her new coffee cup.

They won't be laughing when they get their credit card bills. Just a couple of good fellas, Auburn High-style.

 

OK, by now it's Tuesday but I'm not going to change the headline. I've got a link to a bunch of pictures I took. For whatever reason the pictures start with the last photo taken (not with the first photo taken), which to me would be logical. So you see the reunion in reverse order. If you were drunk at the reunion it won't matter, but for us anal retentive-types it's a big deal. I'm not happy but as least you can see these before we have the 50th Class Reunion. I've got a couple hundred more pictures and a bunch of Rod Schwandt's still to be loaded but that's a couple days off. Hey you've waited 45 years for the reunion so what's a few more days. Rod's on vacation and doesn't want any emails. Sure. Why not send him stuff you think he'd like to read when he returns. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. As a hippie once said, "Have a nice trip." Finally, please put your reunion photos on Flickr. Send me an email and I'll give you the user name and password. Also if you post pictures to your profile please send a mass email to all classmates so they can enjoy them. http://www.flickr.com/photos/auburn1964/

Somebody call Sandy Harris and remind her that Monday was her birthday. Another day older and better than ever. And to the rest of us, we ain't too bad either. Where's Miss Susan Schwandt when you need her. Does anyone remember how to diagram a sentence? Where have all our teachers gone. On Rockford's channel 23 they just celebrated a man who graduated from Harlem High in 1924, fortry years before us. He's 104 years old. Happy birthday to Bill Bergman. On Sunday Roger Burt called and we talked about the reunion. It was good to hear his voice.... there's a lot of memories there, all good. Email him or some other old friend. You'll be a better person for it. Friends: that's what makes the world go 'round. Ok, Sir Isacc Newton, Keppler and Einstien say gravity and inertia help also. Brainiacs click here.

 

As told by Roger himself: I was always quiet and kept to myself most of the time. (Note from Kendall: He may have been quiet but he sure made the girls scream.) However, many times I would get to school 5 to 10 minutes late and get sent to the office. One day I was late, sent to the office and they made me go home and shave my mustache. I had never shaved before, it was peach fuzz but it was dark. (These are the eyes that got him the girls and the mustache that got him in trouble.)

Do you think I learned my lesson? No. Months went by and I was late again and sent to the office. By this time my mustache was back and this time they sent me to the restroom with a pair of scissors to cut my mustache off. I laughed about it then and I laugh about it now. --Roger Burt


Bill Gates Coad sends important message about the afterlife... er, life-after the reunion that is.
Regarding the folks who showed up and didn't pay, I made a commitment to pay for anyone who wanted to come but couldn't afford to. I actually said it would be for after dinner, but, I will cover whatever is needed either way. So, whoever is in charge of that stuff, please let me know through this site, and I will send a check.

I will post again this weekend, but I really want to send out a THANK YOU- JOB WELL DONE to all of you very special people on the reunion commitee, along with Joe Musso, and Ken Nelson. What a wonderful group of people and what a fantastic job you all did. This was the best reunion Terry and I have ever attended, and the turnout was amazing. Thank you ALL very much.
--Skip Coad

This is from today, Friday, August 28, 2009

These are our 45th reunion pictures. (Click the blue link below) Hopefully this link will work!!  We had an awesome time. The committee and Ken did an outstanding job! This website is a lot of work and AWESOME as were the decorations and entire evening of the reunion. Thank you everyone for making Terry & me feel so welcome. It really was a blast.
-Skip & Terry Coad


http://www.photoworks.com/albums


I'm such a self-serving son-of-a-gun.

You ever heard of these slogans?
Ask not what you can do for your
54-40 or Fight
Tippecanoe and Tyler Too

30-30-10-10-10

30-30-10-10-10? What's that all about? That's the amount owed by those who came to the reunion and couldn't find anyone to pay. I paid, you paid, we almost all paid. Please contact Shirley, Curly, Larry or Moe and get 'er done.

We found a Sony lens cap and an empty camera bag. Big deal. Claim 'em before they're trashed. This isn't why I invented the internet.

Keep thinking about going on the 3-day cruise in 2014. Sorry to all you car lovers. This is an ocean cruise not a cruise between Hollywood and Skeet's over to The Alps. You know where all the carhops were from Guilford. Rumor has it that some of their big tips were fake. Tips, I said tips. You sure have dirty minds.

There's rumblings of having a picnic in the park in two years. Maybe Fuller Forest Preserve or somewhere where we can let it all hang out. What do YOU think? Give the committee some input, show us your underalls and pay what you owe. Thanks.

Here's Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dancing. No, it's really Jeannine Sturgill and the host-with-the-most Kurt Lange. Music was provided by the Wayne Gault Trio, featuring Diane Olson, Danny Stubblefield, Diane Lawson and Steven Franklin.
 

This Peacock really struts her stuff. These ladies know how to shake a tail feather.

The Best-est Class Reunion Ever.
Our New Slogan:
Ya Gotta Share 'em
If Ya Wanna See 'em.

Four of my favorite people.  Lee Herdman, Bob McGeachie, Barb Stevens, and Senator Ted Kennedy. Ooops. Sorry, that's John Shumate.

OK boys and girls, here's the deal.  I need your help. Saturday night many people took many pictures. I found out that someone accidently? smeared my lens with cake frosting so most of my pictures are all going to look worse than usual.

Remember that famous saying, "You show me yours and I'll show you mine." That's so yesterday. Here's today's version: "You show me your pictures and I'll show you mine." And you don't even have to climb into the back seat. No pictures from you, no pictures from me. Fair is fair. It's up to you. Ya Gotta Love It.

I know you have pictures of classmates doing stuff. Slamming shots. Spinach stuck between their teeth. Classmates making out. Classmates dancing. And best of all, classmates making out while dancing with spinach stuck between their teeth.

I want to see them, you want to see them, and I know a few divorce lawyers who really want to see them. Now's your chance. You can rebuild your wasted 401(K) program in less than 1/60 of a second at F22. You could be set for life. Next reunion you could be the one yelling, "Drinks are on me." Send in your pictures today and watch the fur fly. Ya Gotta Wanna Retire Rich.

So here's the second picture from your 45th-Year Reunion, and maybe the last. Please respond so you and some hungry lawyers can finally eat at the same trough. Aaaarg. This is the most fun I've had since goint to Kentucky with Mr. Musso. But that's a whole other story. And the Yellow Cab Co. sends its thanks to "Dram Shop Coad" for the upsurge in business Saturday night.

I ain't no squealer but a
little perp told me today is "Shotgun" Molander's birthday. Call him at 1-888-555-SAWED-OFF and say, "Hands up you turkey." Then stand back. 

Who is Chuck Rudd and why is he saying all those nice things about me. Ya Gotta Love It. Read his "Announcement" near the bottom of this page. I couldn't have said it better if I'd written it myself. But he said it not me. Thanks Chuck.

A big hello to Roger Burt and I hope you're still OK. Danny Stubblefield was at the reunion but then he always shows up. It's something to do with good food and good company. Thanks Danny. The Rare Bird or Strange Duck sighting of the night was the spotting of Wayne Gault. Nobody's reported seeing him since he designed "The Interstate Highway System" in grade school. He looks as a good as ever and I bet he still holds the school record for the 100-yard Butterfly and can probably out swim all of us. Leon Booth was there too. He's living proof that with determination and hard work the south could rise again. Good seeing you bud.

Two of our favorite Lady Dianes were also in attendance. Diane Lawson and Diane Olson. It was great seeing you both and next time you can sit on my lap and I'll sing in your ear. I don't believe anything Joe says about either of you, he has a pretty wild imagination, I hope. Seriously, thanks for being part of the night. You were both a big part of a lot of peoples lives. You just don't know about it.

Saturday's reunion was almost a Whig Hill Wonder; we should do this more often. Like maybe next Friday in your kitchen. Remember, call or email an old friend or classmate because who knows, by next week they could be gone. Or you could be gone. Just do it damn it.

Gean Moore is online. Go to bed, it's way past your bedtime.

This kind of sums up the night.


Two alleged party crashers caught arguing with "Shotgun" Molander before being escorted to the bar. Thanks to John Shumate and Brooxie, and Rita Boothe for providing additional bail money to yours truly.

(Late reports says these were were two honored guests not party crashers. No wonder I don't have a real job)

Seriously folks, everyone had a good time. Thanks to the Committee for all their hard work and everyone who was blinded by the light of my camera.  --Kendall

Anyone who received a customized DVD is reminded that you watch it on your TV.

Mr. Coad. Please contact the bar manager.....something about your credit card being declined.

See you at the fair....ooops, See you at the reunion.
What can compare to yesterday?
Church Elementary School, Furman St. perhaps. 1950's.


Thanks to Cheryl Peacock for these. Once upon a time it was a beautiful place to learn and play, but that's how all fairy tales start. Click to see the big version on "Stuff You've Sent"


You may find Cheryl and Hunka' Hunka' holding hands.

Look who just washed up on shore.
Hunka' Hunka' Hufstedler

Here's Preston and Patsy, a vision of healthy living. Eat all your vegetables and this could be you. These were on his profile page and I just found them. He's gonna kill me.

Preston and a very close personal friend 

These are from the 30th Year Reunion, 1994
It wasn't the 20th Year Reunion 
Well....excuse me. You all look so young.
Now I've made you all 10 years older.

Becky and Diane Mac says 30th, 1994)
Must have been before Happy Hour
Not a "Show us your underalls" moment.

Thanks to Becky C. for these great pictures.

 

First Pic: Jo Anastasi, Diane McClelland, Becky Curatolo, Sandy Harris, Cheryl Peacock, Barb Stevens

Second Pic: Becky Curatolo & Diane McClelland

Third Pic: Diane McClelland, Becky Curatolo, Sandy Harris, Cheryl Peacock, Barb Stevens & Jo Anastasi

 

 

Fourth Pic: Jo Anastasi, Diane McClelland, Becky Curatolo, Sandy Harris, Cheryl Peacock, Barb Stevens

Fifth Pic: Diane McClelland, Becky Curatolo, Sandy Harris, Cheryl Peacock, Barb Stevens, Jo Anastasi

 

When the Deep Purple Falls

 

Regal and high on a hill, Blackhawk stands still. Laying in the grass watching the races at Blackhawk Park on a perfect Indian Summer day. Top down, flaps down, and cleared for takeoff. What an idyllic life. When the deep purple falls, my '57 Chevy still calls. I wish I could remember where I parked it. What's in your head when the deep purple falls?

When the deep purple falls over sleepy garden walls
And the stars begin to twinkle in the night

Sugar Shackin' Up

My friends Steve Holcomb, Roger Burt and I ate tons on hamburgers at Geri's on Auburn St. They used to fight over who "rode shotgun." This was number 1 on WLS at the tune and was alway playing.

What would Elvis do?

 

Geez, someone complained about me bragging up my trip to Las Vegas. Well, boo hoo hoo.  OK you may have a point. This song's for all you beautiful ladies who haven't had Dean Martin, Elvis, or Tiny Tim sit on your lap and serenade you.

Help me. I can't tell if that's our buddy Dave Cumming or "Hootenanny" Herdman singing and ain't that Mary Radditz, "the Awww Girl" giggling it up with him? Better ask her about it. If you squint real hard you might recognize "Fiddlin' Bob" McGeachie, "GuitarZan" Ron Sisley and Sam "The Plucker" Pagano playing backup, and that's you know who on the steel guitar. Randy "Shotgun" Molander provided the security for this event which was held at a sleezy 11th St. tavern in 1967. What a night.

Got too much time on your hands? You may be suffering from "The Unemployment Blues" Click here for the cure.

If you're really frustrated click here now. I double dog dare you.

Start this video before scrolling down. It's funnier that way.
Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop
Little Anthony and The Imperials

GIRLS GONE WILD: 
The Shimmy-Shimmy Sisters:
Diane, Sandy, Sue, Nancy, Nancy, Cheryl, and Ko-Ko-Bop Becky.
This was some of the entertainment from 1989  Thanks to Ko-Ko-Bop Curatolo for sending these great pictures.

 

Who knows what will happen at this year's reunion.

 

What took me so long to think of this?


Custom Glitter Text

Here's some real photos of Sue Curry and some real TWA commercials. All I can say is, "Miss Perkins, book me on TWA."

Fly me to the moon.

Three's Company, Four's a Crowd.  NOT....

Frank Sinatra - Come Fly With Me


What a way to travel.

 

School Days or Back in the Good Old Days
Sandy send these in....go to "Stuff You've Sent"
for full size.

Bill Coad says, top row, third from left.

This is from Dennis Wonase.   Just saw the 2nd grade picture from Henrietta school. I know some of those little demons. RON POHILL 4th from left..1st row..CHERAL GRIMMITH 3rd from left..center row..JOAN MURPHY 4th from right..1st row.. PENNY STRAND 2nd from right..2nd row..and me DENNIS WONASE.. 3rd from right.. top row. The teacher was MRS BROWN.I remember her because i was always getting into trouble for reading advanced material, ahead of the class. And that wasn't supposed to be done.My parents were called in to see her more then once for this.I was bored and disrupting the class, it was said.My mother said to just keep reading, just not in class.Funny how you remember those things.

What Happens in Vegas.... 

It was the summer of 1964. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. War. Sex. Drugs. Girls. Cars. Remember? It was in all the papers.

Four of my best friends and I were heading to California to check out the surf scene. Sue Curry, Linda Tegner and Geraldine Pixler needed a ride as far as Las Vegas. Someone said they wanted to be showgirls. Cheryl Peacock was already out there line dancing so the story goes. Bill said they could ride along but there'd be "no hanky-panky." Unfortunately my VW bus blew a rod so we had to break their hearts and go without them. Anyway we finally rolled into Las Vegas and went to the Stardust for a little action. Sure we were minors but hey this was Las Vegas. My dad knew the owner so we got VIP treatment. Seats up front, free cigarettes, booze, you name it, we got it. This was the night I coined the slogan, "What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas."

Anyway, Roger Burt, Chuck Rudd and Bill Coad were going to try gambling, Steven Franklin was checking the slots for loose change, while I caught the main show which featured the beautiful and talented Miss Julie London. In the '70's she starred in "Emergency" on NBC. I think she was in the middle of a breakup with husband, Jack Webb, of Dragnet fame.

I had been just been seated at Dean Martin's table when she came over, winked at Dean, and then smiled at me. Our eyes locked and she sat on my lap. My God, on my lap. She snuggled up and started singing "Cry Me A River"  Whoa, I almost fainted and I couldn't move, for more reasons than one.

It was an eternity that lasted two minutes and forty-two seconds. Then it was over. The room went wild and broke into cheering and applause just as my "Rat Pack" walked in. All they saw was Julie whispering in my ear and walking away. I told them what happened but to this day they still think the crowd was cheering for them.

You know I hadn't thought about that song for years until late one night my girlfriend whispered in my ear, "Kenny, the rabbit died." Oh boy,  "Cry me a river."

 

Drinks, kudos and a big round of applause to Whig Hill friend Chuck Rudd and his lovely and talented wife Mary Radditz for their economic stimulus donation. I don't usually say anything until the check clears but I trust you. Besides I know where you live. 

And you thought your parents were strange and hard to deal with. WOW. From "Light up all boilers" to "Light My Fire"  believe it or not, the Door's Jim Morrison's father was an Admiral in the US Navy. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor and commanded ships in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War.  Here's a link to Admiral Morrison's obituary. Another piece of strange but true information provided by this web site. Hey, Chuck Rudd was online a few minutes ago. Hi Roger and Randy and Tony. You guys just left.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F07E0DB153AF93AA35751C1A96E9C8B63

 

Thanks to Sue Curry for sending in these pictures. Go to "Stuff You've Sent" to see more.

 

 

Classmate, Uncle to many, Grandpa to some, cancer survivor and now "Friend of Wild Dragonflies." I've been trying for months to get this dragonfly to come to me. Yesterday, Aug. 12 i finally suceeded. We had our 4 grandkids over and had just finished laying down the monument for Willie, our dog, member of the family, and best friend in the world, when a dragonfly landed on my thumb. I wonder what that's all about.  Go to "Stuff You've Sent" to see more pictures if you're interested."

 

 

 

 

 

Art Harriott, Tom Zander, Dave Kerno, Dave Nygren, David Hurd, Dennis Dahl, Bill "Skip" Coad, Bob Kinney, Dave Cumming, Gean Moore, Gene Long, Jim Stroup, Joe Musso, Steve Lee, Randy MacCloskey, Richard Hoffman, Roger Burt, Ron Sisley, Sam Pagano, Tom Herschlag, Lee Herdman, Old Glory, Fred Turner, Steve Holcomb, Jerry Strand, Wallis Patterson, Tom Williams.

Christmas Eve: Bill Coad just emailed and said to add our friend Tom Williams to the list of 1964 Auburn Vietnam Veterans. OK. H-e-e-e-r-r-e-e-e's Tommy.

Geez wasn't Leslie Gore great. A fantastic singer and not bad looking either. Where have all the good girls gone? Hmmmm. Let me think about that. Well, some of them will at our class reunion Saturday, Aug. 22. Diane, Sandy, Sue, Bonnie, Cheryl, Mary Ann, Bonnie, Geraldine, Barb, Shirley, Rita, and Becky will be there. Reconnect with all your old friends and and maybe make some new ones. (To be listed here pay me, they did. Ha, ha. Just kidding.)

Joe Musso's spinning the tunes. "Skip" Coad's waxing up his surfboard can't wait for June. Steven Franklin's flying in from my roof. Maybe Dave Kerno will surprise us. "E-spammer" Schwandt's coming. Kurt Lange, too. We'll even have classmates who are doctors and lawyers---- that outta start a few fights. Who knows what else might happen. Whoa, Chuck and Mary are coming from Shirland, what a trip. Gear-Jammer Sam's coming from Florida. Hey, Choppi and "Shotgun" Molander are coming on the same plane. Who's flying that thing?

I put "The Easybeats" here because I have the power.

 

The End is Near...It's Almost Time


MySpace Countdown Clocks

 

Revised Saturday morning. --- Here's a song I found for a certain young lady who wanted to be in "The In Crowd" but wasn't.  I'll keep her name secret, but 45 years later who cares what crowd we ran with. The In Crowd, The Out Crowd, The Car Crowd, The Shy Girls and Guys Crowd, The Pimples Crowd (tell me about it). Today we're all members of "Our Crowd."   Go you girl.

In a surprise vote Steven Franklin was elected Reunion/Homecoming King, beating Joe Musso by one vote. The biggest reaction came as most voters said, "Steven who?" 

Here we see King Franklin sitting on the throne atop the beautifully decorated parade float. The parade to the Venetian Club starts at 6:00 p.m. at the MetroCenter. Steve's last throne was white porcelain.

 

zwani.com myspace graphic comments
Graphics for Happy Birthday Comments

 Happy Birthday Shirley Holliday. This is your big day. Everyone call and remind her she's one year better.

Thursday night. 8-6-09A new announcement from Sam Pagano:

I agree with Sandy and Skip,this is to important to miss. Most of the people I contacted just don't use a computer. I know enough about the computer get in trouble,Ya got'a keep up guy's.
     I do have some good news. I've kept in contact with a few of our class mates. Richard Lamb,Bob Rogers,Gene Long and Jerry Johnson will be at the reunion. I called Stan Muraski,it's my understanding he will be there. I invited and bought the reunion tickets for Mr Robert Bean(our auto lab teacher) and his wife. How cool would that be to have one our TEACHERS at our 45th reunion?
     I also called Joy Lamb Crouch, she said she would not be able to be there.(I tried)
It will be great to see everyone.
Sam Pagano
      ---From Kendall, you guys are doing great. Skip, Sandy, and Sam, you'll be in charge of Missing Persons from now on whether you like it or not. No more Zero Hours for you guys.

Geez, I must have been smoking too many coffee grounds. Here's a July 30th announcement from Sandy Harris that I forgot about. Sandy, if they won't take your call I will. Sorry I messed up. ---Kendall

A new announcement from Sandra Harris Eakes:

I know there are many more people who live in Rockford that we have not heard from. Jerry Aures? Ron Pohill? Dennis Wysong? I think he teaches, many of the girls in our class, too. ..If someone would send me some names and phone numbers, I would be happy to call them and encourage them to join us..much can change by our 50th...  (Sandy)

I'd say if Sandy can't get a rise out of them they're probably dead or haven't been paying attention. --Kendall

 

And now a few words from one of our sponsors, Skip Coad. It's too important to be stuck at the bottom of the page as an announcement. Besides noboby goes down anymore. (I don't have a job but I found $30.00 under the sofa cushions. Try it, there's lots of neat stuff down there.---Kendall)

Hello to everyone.
This is the first night in about six weeks when I have had the time to respond to e-mails. I have 23 of them and I can't answer all of them, so I am going to use Kenny's 1964 forum and hope that everyone reads it! The first thing I want to say is that I am extremely grateful for the email I have received from Sandy Harris, Linda Tegner, Ken Nelson, Shirley Gutshall(I always spell it wrong) and a few others in the past few weeks. I am travelling 2500 miles to come to this reunion because it is important to me.

I was not a "big man on campus" or extremely popular when I was in school. Same senario in the Marine Corps. But I can tell you this. When I go to a Marine Corps reunion, (5 guys) it is an event. A lot of hugging, drinking, story telling, and reminiscing. We spent part of our lives together, and we are still here to talk to each other about it. To us, that's a HUGE deal. So, I am wondering why some of you out there in cyberspace are blowing this 45 year class reunion off?

Were you too hip for us, or were we too hip for you? Did you become too wealthy to associate with the rest of us? Are we too poor to meet up to your social expectations? Did you hate everyone in your school? We are all over 60 years old, so I don't think it matters whether or not you are the best looking person in attendance or not.

Come on people! I want to see you, and talk to you. We aren't going to have many more chances at this. Look at the "IN MEMORY" page and think about it! It's informal, put on a nice dress, or a nice shirt and slacks and come. I will buy drinks for anyone that comes up and says "Hi Skip".

For some reason, My message was cut short. I too would like to know where the following people are.
Chuck Rudd
Gene Long
Darlene Saunders
Barb Bost
Gene Jacobs
Stan Muraski
Craig Kosan
Shirley Carpenter
Sue Amundsen
Diane Lawson
Diane Olson
Nancy McCreath (Sp)
When I left Auburn, I left all of these people behind me, and when I returned to Rockford, for 1 year, I never looked them up again. I regret that now, because they were part of my life. When I returned from Viet Nam, I was very angry and very confused. I have had a lot of years to figure all of that out, and now, I would give just about anything to see you all again. I want to say "Thank you" to Sandy Harris and Linda Tegner for some wonderful e-mails sent recently. I intend to keep corresponding with them both, but I don't seem to have much time to do it. Please be patient.
To all of you who may be reading this, PLEASE think about coming to the reunion.
Love to all, Skip Coad

Thanks Skip. There's nothing like having a Marine tell us like it is. --Kendall

Hi Randy Molander. Wednesday afternoon.

Hi Ron Sisley. Hi Lee Herdman. Hi Neil Fischer.

The Weekly Secret Stalker Request Line:  Would Norma Sue Rodgers, Ronnie Polhill, Pauline McWilliams, Franky Pipitone, Cheri Rotello, please turn yourselves in to Rod Schwandt. Does anyone know their whereabouts. At the rate we're going we'll have everyone accounted for by 2064, which will be our 100th Class Reunion. I don't know about you but I don't think I'll make that one.... so Let's get 'er done today. Know what I'm saying. Kapish?  

They may be in some kind of witness protection plan, I don't know. We're not going to drag them to the reunion, we only want to talk to them.  You know, make them an offer they can't refuse. (This stuff is harder to write than you think. I should have been a bricklayer.)

Roger Burt. Roger Burt. Calling Roger Burt and all the ships at sea. Today is Roger Burt Day. Why? Because I said. Roger and I were best friends growing up, I went all thru school with him, Steve Franklin, Bill Coad, and Steve Holcomb. We built go-karts with lawnmower engines, swam in muddy waters and had a great childhood. We fished, hunted, trapped, built huts, and tried pick up girls. Some actually got in and let us take them to Dog 'n Suds , or the outdoor, or down the creek road.

Shortly after graduation we were going to go fishing but Roger didn't show up. Turns out he joined the Navy. Wow. I knew he liked water but not that much. He sailed the Seven Seas, ended up in Connecticut, met Ann, the love of his life, got married, raised a family....and he can tell you the rest of the story.

Click on this picture.  I remember at least 2 girls who were singing the blues when he sailed out of town. I wonder if their lawyers ever caught up with him. (Just kidding Ann.)

Roger sure looked sweet and innocent. You should have seen him in his dress whites, a real ladykiller.

Yep, that's Roger. If you don't look at the gun it won't hurt.

Here's Roger's ship, the USS Gearing. In boot camp he signed up to be a SeaBee but the military never gives you your first choice. So they made him a Admiral. Ha, ha.  Roger won't be able to make it to this reunion but maybe he'll be here for the 50th in 2014.

Anyway, Roger Burt, today is your day. Thanks for joining the Navy and protecting our country but mostly thanks for being my friend.

I'm in big trouble. Jack Arfstrom, Lee Herdman and the Unknown Brother-in-Law are probably mad at me. I forgot to link up the picture with the video of their boat trip from the East Coast to Wisconsin. I feel dumber than a 62-year-old Freshman.

 

Here's an almost Belated Happy Birthday to Rita Boothe. I won't ask how old you are if you don't ask how old I are. (That's where the original, "Don't ask, Don't tell." came from.) This is a kinky top 10 song from 1964 just for you. Thanks again for the pictures at the Vietnam LZ Peace Memorial.

Here's one of the best singers ever. Mr. Johnny Cash. I love the way he works his guitar. I'm good but not that good. I gotta find my air guitar and practice more.

 

Here's a couple of strange birds. The first one's called a Great Blue Heron. He was on our garage roof last summer. The next strange bird was up there last month. Why me?


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

This bird is called Steven Franklin. I don't know why he was up there or how he got there. He claims he used to be "Stevie Van Halen." Click on his nose to see a video when he really rocked and jumped. Hmmmm, it could be him with hair.

On the Beach with Shirley "Gidget" Holliday.

Shirley, thanks for the great pictures of your Blue Hawaii vacation, and tell your friend "Elvis" he needs to get out a little more. Dude needs some sun, catch a few rays.  Other than that he seems pretty fit, and what a set of pecs. As you can see I was on the beach doing some research and filmed them surfing. Man, they are good. I guess that's what synchronized swimming can do for you.

Happy Birthday Jeannine Sturgill and any others I've missed,
Let's take a trip down memory lane.

Some of us went back to Auburn High the other day and we were digging around "down in the dumps" behind the school. We found a box with old grade books, school records and other neat stuff from the 1960's. The best thing we found was an old 8mm home movie of one of Lee Herdman's and Barb Steven's Hootenanny's.
This was a #1 Hit Song in July of 1964. That looks like Jeannine Sturgill singing "What the World Needs Now", and the backup singers appear to be Rita Boothe and Sue Curry. I forgot how much fun we had in school.This is a real treasure right up there with finding dinosaur bones, and it was almost lost forever. What a country.

Here's some bad news we found in the other trash. Sorry to report that some grades were jiggled around to make sure everyone graduated on time. Unfortunately my grades weren't up to graduation standards so they are revoking my diploma. Pretty funny right. Well, there's about 30 boys and 2 girls whose diplomas are not valid. This means your college diploma is invalid and you'll have to give back all the money you've earned for all your working life because technically you got into college without a valid diploma.
     What a bunch of crap. Most of you know who you are so I won't name any names.  Doctors who aren't really doctors, lawyers who aren't lawyers, teachers who aren't really teachers. Rich guys who aren't rich any more. If you attend the reunion August 22, 2009 we'll be doing retesting at the bar and everyone can get a valid diploma. Scared you, huh?

 

OK....Coad's Giving Me Hell because I haven't added anything lately. Here goes something. Last Tuesday I'm slouched over in my chair minding my own business when the phone rings. Of course my lovely and talented wife answers, gives a little chuckle and says, "Unc, it's for you."  Little did I know what trouble I was in. "Ken, this is Joe, Joe Musso."  I've finally gotten Joe into telling me who's calling. Before it was always a cryptic game of "Guess Who This Is"

I HATE THAT. Anyway some committee members wanted to know if I was (or is it were) coming to the reunion. Of course I stupidly said. Why do you ask?  Ooops, I haven't sent in my check for $30.00. I'm so stupid and senile. Is that your excuse? Please call Larry Matthews and then mail in your reservation check or I'll have Bonnie Summerville and Linda Tegner whack you with a big stick. Do it right now, before you forget.  Thank you from Joe Musso and me. And especially thanks to "Skip" Coad for kicking me in the butt.

One final thought about Tom Zander and Tony Choppi. "Tony and Mrs. Tony, thank you both very much for the beautiful card and note you sent me and my wife."

There sure are a lot of nice people who either went to Auburn or married someone who went to Auburn. Yes, I'm talking to all of you out there who do nice things for others. As Lance Corp. Coad would say, "Semper Fi, Man, Semper Fi."

The 45-year reunion is going to be held August 22, 2009 at the Venetian Club, 2180 Elmwood Rd., in beautiful Rockford, from 6:30 p.m. 'til at least Midnight.

Dinner and dancing is only $30 per person, only $10 if you don't eat and only come to dance. Joe Musso will be spinning the tunes so that's ten dollars worth of entertainment right there. It's a cash bar (just like in school) and no Levis (just like in school) .

Send me a picture or something and I'll put it right up here. Sorry to move Tom Zander, I thought he should be up at the top a little longer than usual.

 

 

Tom Zander,
Our friend and classmate.

How do you spell friend?   T-O-M  Z-A-N-D-E-R. That's how Tony Choppi would spell it. Sixty years being friends. Not just friends, but FRIENDS.  Growing up as kids. Going through grade school at St. Anthony's. Going to Auburn. Going through life. If you saw one of them the other one must be around there somewhere. It's like having a shadow.

Tom Zander died a couple weeks ago and Tony had written to me about him. This past Saturday I got an email from Tony wondering if I could send him a copy of Tom's obituary from the Rockford newspaper. No problem. Having worked at the newspaper for 13 years (but not anymore) I'll have a friend dig up a couple copies and send them off.

 I thought I'd go to the memorial and take some pictures and maybe get a little remembrance for Tony. That shouldn't be too hard to do. I met Nori and Rod at Applebee's for lunch and when we split up I left for Tom's memorial get together at his sister's house. I was a little apprehensive going to a funeral where I didn't know anyone. I had trouble remembering what Tom looked like until I found him in the 1963 yearbook. Yeh, now I remember him. And everyone knew Choppi, even I knew who he was. But for years I thought Choppi was his first name. Duh.

Anyway I got to the house and there were a bunch of cars there and people sitting outside. It was really hot that day and now I was getting a little nervous about going inside.  I drove past and went down to the end of the street. Geez, what should I do: go in or go home? Nobody would know if I didn't go because nobody knew I was going. The only person who would know would be me.

I decided to go home, but as I drove past I thought ofTony out in Arizona not being able to be here. That's when I changed my mind. I parked my car and was greeted by Tom's niece who took me inside. The house was filled with family and friends. I was introduced to one of Tom's sisters who introduced me to Tom's son and daughter, some other relatives and friends. When I told her I was really there for his friend Tony she broke down and cried. Tony has just finished talking with some of them on the phone. Then she asked me to sign the guest book.

Tom had been in the Army serving in Vietnam. Along with the guestbook was his Army cap, the American flag, a bouquet of flowers from Tony, and a picture of two boyhood friends all grown up. I signed the book, talked with some people, ate some food, said my goodbyes and left. I was sad and happy at the same time.

Most of us are lucky if we have one really good friend over the years. Someone who if you fell into a pit they'd jump in to get you out. Someone who'd tell you your zipper was open (unless you wanted it open). A friend who'll tell you the truth when you need to hear it. Someone who'll always be there for you. That's what friends are for.

Tom Zander left behind his family and many friends. And his friendship with Tony Choppi?  He took that with him.

DATELINE TOKYO: For the past week Rod Schwandt and I have been touring Japan looking for missing classmates. What a beautiful country. We spent thousands of dollars, eating fish and dranking Sake. This Saturday as we were about to leave the country you won't believe who found us. Nori Suzuki, our foreign exchange student, good friend and classmate. I can't believe he recognized us. Believe it or not for once Rod was speechless. As they say in Japan, "It's a small world"

Here's a picture of me (Kendall), Rod Schwandt, and Nori Suzuki.

I'm the stud on the left. Just call us Applebee's Eaters. OK here's the true story. Nori and his wife were in town for Boyd Barrick's funeral service. It was like old times, none of us had aged, gotten any heavier and still ate like growing boys.

Trivia fact. Most of us didn't realize our class had twin sisters who graduated from different schools in 1964. Sandy Harris stayed at Auburn but her sister, shown here at a family reunion in Reno, went to Guilford when it opened. I didn't believe it at first but here's the picture and pictures don't lie. Ooops, I just found out she's really Sandy's mother. Two very nice and attractive ladies who could pass for sisters.

Here's Neil Fischer and his wife, Sue, on the North Carolina Coast. Click to see more pictures. He would have graduated with us, but his parents moved and he had to go with them. Aaargh, bite my tongue but he was West High Class of '64. A reliable source told me he was really a deep undercover agent for Dolph Stanley and Joe Venturi.

Click this link to see "The Grand Adventure" of  "Highlander" provided by Lee Herdman, Jack Arfstrom, and his Brother-in-Law with No Name. For real....

Charles Thomas Zander, Class of 1964.
Died Sunday, June 14, 2009


Please feel free to go to the "In Memory" page and write your memories of Tom. I'll see that they get to his family.  Charles Thomas Zander, 64, of Rockford peacefully passed away Sunday June 14, 2009 in the Neighbors Rehabitation Center in Byron, Illinois. He is survived by his children, Kelly Fritz, Tracy Fortson, Dana Johnson, Brandon, Andrew Zander, and Jamey Duck. He is also survived by his siblings, Charla Z (Dennis) Kalen, David Zander, Steve Zander and Pamela J. Miller of Rockford,IL. Predeceased by parents, Charles E. and Hazel M. (Lorenzen) Zander. Thanks to our friend Linda Berry and to Neighbors Rehabilitation Center for the great respect that was given to our dad and brother

There will be a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Saturday June 27, at 1336 Banks Street. This is Tom's sisters home.

Capt. Jack "90 Proof" Arfstrom and his boat "Highlander" Click on the picture for Jack's home movie of the trip.

Believe it or not this is Jack's story.  "I have attached a picture of "Highlander" that Lee Herdman, and my brother in law, and I piloted back from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Wisconsin, over a 3 week period in May and early June.  We travelled down Long Island Sound, around Manhattan, up the Hudson river, across New York state on the Erie Canal, then across Lake Erie, up the Detroit River to Lake St. Clair, up the St. Clair river to Lake Huron, around the tip of Michigan to Lake Michigan and across to Port Washington, WI. It was a grand adventure with two great friends. Thanks, Jack Arfstrom."

Be there or be square and ain't no way Jack's square. He's still one cool guy. If you see this boat a rockin' don't come a knockin'. I wanna see the boat and Capt. Jack so here's directions to the reunion. Tow your boat down Highway 26 to Lake Koshkonong. Put in at Harper's Landing and hang a left. Go 44 nautical miles down the Rock River to the Harlem Road Toll Bridge. Honk real loud and we'll send Musso to pick you up in his "FH" van. If he's wearing a suit and looking sad don't get in, just walk to the Venetian Club. (It's a long story.) Click on the picture for a video of Jack and Lee Herdman's voyage.

Anthony Choppi emailed the news that our friend and classmate Tom Zander died in Byron, Illinois over the weekend. See "In Memory" for information. Our condolences and deepest sympathy to Tom's family, his friends, and his buddy since first grade, Anthony Choppi.

Thank you Dave Kerno for your generous donation. Dave "The Milkman," he delivers and is also providing 2% milk to at least one child in the Rockford area. Here's a moo, moo and a Hoorah to yah. Click this link.

 

Here's Lee Herdman in a convoy to Chu Lai, RVN, May 1969.
1969 seems like a million years ago but I bet there's days when it seems like only yesterday. Click on it and you'll see more photos of Lee in Vietnam. Thanks Lee.

Click on Sam Pagano's car and watch him "Run for the Money."
Sam Pagano, Hot Rodder, Drag Racer, Happily Married Man. "Life is Good" Sam sent this picture of him racing his 55 Chevy in Tampa. It's Cherry, It's Cool, and It's a Gasser. A friend who races with him at The Golden Acres Drag Strip & Retirement Home sent me a clip of Sam in action. Life runs a little slower in Florida.

Click here to join the discussion about his car and drag racing.

Huey over LZ Peace Memorial
Memorial Day 2009, Midway Village, Click for more pics

LZ Peace Memorial, Memorial Day 2009. Midway Village, Rockford, Illinois   
 "Skip" Coad our Marine in southern California with his comment:  There's no other sound like it. To us it meant, "We might get outta here alive" as opposed to, "We don't have a f-cking chance."

 

My thanks to Rita Boothe for this beautiful picture she took of the LZ Peace Memorial at Midway Village on Thursday, May 21, 2009.  Click it to go to the Veterans Photos Page.

 

Here's some obituary notices for Boyd Barrick. Go to the rrstar.com obituary page or click this link and you can write something in his guestbook.
http://www.legacy.com/rrstar/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=127824537

Go to the billingsgazette website for Boyd's obituary and color photo.

Here's Boyd's obituary from the Billins newspaper and the link to it.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/05/24/obituaries/50-barrick.txt

 

Whenever I think of Boyd this is how I always remember him.

W. Boyd Barrick died Sunday, May 17, 2009.  He was the Battalion Commander of our NDCC unit at school, in the Top Twelve Boys academically, and a friend. My condolences to his friends and family. See his "In Memory".  Life is short. Live it, Love it.

Memorial Day is coming up. If you'd like a picture up here send it to me with a little note describing what it is. They're going have a Huey land at the LZ Peace Memorial at Midway Village Museum 6799 Guilford Rd. in Rockford, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. or so. You should see the beautiful memorial Nick Parnello and the Vietnam Veterans Honor Society have built. www.lzpeace.org  It was built by their sweat. It was paid for with the blood of those veterans whose names are inscribed on the wall. There's a Huey from VietNam, and a 'V' shaped granite monument listing Winnebago county veterans who gave their lives for their country while serving in Viet Nam. "All gave some. Some gave all." God bless our departed friends. One man can do a lot of good. When the American flag comes by remove your hat and place your right hand over your heart. Nick Parnello, you are the Vets Main Man. -Kenilworth.

This is still the #1 requested song of Dr. Bob McGeachie in Minnesota, and all urologists north of the Mason-Dixon Line. "Louie Louie, Me Gotta Go"


Fact or Fiction?  According to Dr. Robert McGeachie, The Kingsmen recording of Louie Louie is named by Rolling Stone Magazine “The #4 most influential recording of all time.”  and more doctors listened to this song while in medical school than any other song. That explains a lot. Seriously, thanks for studying so hard and becoming a great doctor and philanthropist. More seriously, Kendall says, " Dr. Bob, thanks for the coins man. Stay cool. Me gotta go."

Also a new page has been added called "Stuff You've Sent"  Someone sent pics of her mother and you should to. Just email them to me and I'll get 'er done.

new stuff, Saturday May 23.... Rod Schwandt at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi, 1966.  --Rod's a former notorious Wayne Newton wannabe. I went with Secret Agent Steven Franklin and two Marines, Dave K. and Richard H. on a Mission Impossible: To enter the Kernovian-Hoffmanian embassy and recover an explicit film that could be very damaging. If we were caught or captured the Reunion Committee would disavow any knowledge of this mission.  Click on his nose to see the real Rod Schwandt.

My personal welcome to: Dr. Bob in Minnesota, Capt'n Jack Arfstrom, Dennis "The Rock" Dahl, and everybody's favorite, Lee Herdman. If the walls of Auburn could talk I bet we'd have some good stuff for the Enquirer. S-h-h-h-h-h.  If and when anybody new signs up, if you don't your name up in lights on this page or a song dedicated to you, or a video uploaded, e-mail the site administrator (me) and I won't say Jack _ _ _ _ about you.

Hey Joe Musso, to register look over to the right and where it says Log On and To Join This Site, see the "Classmate Profiles" in blue? Click that, find your name and click it and register. Pretty slick, huh?

Here's a photo of our buddy Bill Coad. Now he's called "Skip," it must be a Marine thing. Wow, a natural blonde. Hey, Bill Coad, Roger Burt, Steven Franklin, Steve Holcomb and I used to swim together at "Bare Ass Beach" in the creek behind Amerock on Auburn St. so I know what I'm talking about.  Ask Bill about the time he almost got shot, accidently, at home one morning in Santa Ana (El Toro). Bill Coad and Ed Palumbo: A day off in Chu Lai, RVN 1966. Semper Fi Bill Coad. Semper Fi.

We are now:   www.auburn1964.com
Make this your home page for the next 5 years. Please give this address to our former classmates. We need them to sign up, meet old friends, and come to the reunion. Go to the bottom of the page, you never know who I'm picking on down there. Let me know what you want on here and I'll do it. Maybe.


Here's Joe driving his Musso-Choppi-Coad inspired 1938-Mooning-in-Rockford-Special. Notice the smudges on the window? If you need a ride to the Auburn Class Reunion call Joe at 815-HELL-NO, maybe he'll let you drive.

 Welcome Jannine Sturgill. Good to see you finally made it back where you belong. You better dig out your dancing shoes because this is the first song we'll be playing. I'm no Marty McFly but I can air guitar with the best of them. Get ready to Rock and Roll. Y-o-w-i-e.....

  The 45-year reunion is going to be held Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Venetian Club, 2180 Elmwood Rd., in beautiful Rockford, from 6:30 p.m. 'til at least Midnight.
          Dinner and dancing is only $30 per person, only $10 if you don't eat and only come to dance.
         Joe Musso will be spinning the tunes and the tires. Crazy man. I'd pay the ten just to see that. 
          Kool, just like at school, you gotta bring your own beer and no Levis. Got it? The official reunion committee has no control of what's on this web site. Think how boring it would be if they did.
     
Oh Boy, I'm in trouble again. Nothing on this site should be taken to have any factual basis or historical truth. It's all been made up except for the true parts. It's your job to separate fact from fiction, truth from B.S. And if you're overly sensitive what can I say. "I complained because I only had one glove, and then I met a man who only had one arm." Go enjoy your life, it's there to be lived.

I just added Margaret Sloas to the Poll. I appreciate Sue Curry telling me what a fine lady she was. And a teacher, too.  Checkout the "User Forum." Hey, start a new discussion about former teachers or those annoying freshmen.  Make this your home page, there's no spyware here.  Also if you like this site please "Donate."  Baby needs a new pair of shoes.Thank you to my friends who have donated. There's a Credit Card/Paypal link over on the right.  You can add comments to a friend's "In Memory" page. Remember, Ye shall not speak ill of the dead because they know where you live and can always hide under your bed. B-r-r-r-r-r-r. If you can't say something nice, don't say it here. Thanks for stopping by.

 

Stand By Dave. Dave Cumming. Stand By Dave. I hope everyone reads his profile. While serving in Vietnam, Dave went inside a burning airplane. A burning airplane. He risked his life to save another's. It could have been any of you Vietnam veterans. Or your brother, or your sister the nurse, your uncle or your aunt. It could have been you and you don't even know it. Whoever Dave went in for could be someone you love. It could be that man with the burned face your kids always avoided. You just don't know. What kind of man goes into a burning hell? Someone like Hootenanny-loving Dave Cumming that's who. When you get to the reunion look around at all the Vietnam Veterans; Some have scars you can see. Some have scars only they can see. They were young once and ran through their own burning hell.  Stand By Them. Stand By Them.  (written Sat., May 16, 2009)


I feel like Wolfman Jack. Here's a special song for a special young lady out there somewhere.
You know who you are and I'll never tell. . . .h-o-o-o-w-w-l-

Say nothing....music says it all

 

 

 

All kinds of new stuff has been added. Go to the bottom of the page, I've added a daily announcement of "What's New" below the music videos. It's a good idea every once in a while to refresh this page. Sandra Harris Eakes was here at noon on Wednesday. Eat your lunch and learn them kids something.

There's just something about this song that says it all.  --Ken Nelson

Outstanding. Let's welcome the outstanding Ron Sisley to this outstanding website. "Oh, oh. Hey Ron, Capt. Zimmerman wants to see you in his office. You're in for it now." That was Zimmerman's favorite word. Outstanding this, outstanding that: You'd be outstanding in the parking lot if you had a dirty rifle. Years later I came to realize why he used that word so often. We were an outstanding bunch of NDCC (ROTC) cadets. And Ron, you proved it when it counted. If you can't make it to the reunion I hope you're out standing in your boat enjoying life. If anyone knows where Capt. Zimmerman is bring him and I'll buy his dinner. Capt. Zimmerman left his mark on his students. He was and is Outstanding.

 

The Dave Clark Five, Glad All Over, 1964
It wasn't number 1 on your birthday, but you still are.

Randy Molander just called and wants us to invest in real estate in Arizona, The last time I saw him he sold me the Brooklyn Bridge and some nice swampland in Florida. Steven Franklin says Randy used to stand on a bench in swimming class and sing an old Limeliters song. "Hey ladi, ladi, lo"   whatever. " I got a girl who lives on a hill, she won't kiss but her grandma will."  He was a city policeman for 11 years and had all the "perps" scared to death.  Look at that hair and mustache. Here's a clip from when "Shotgun Molander" prowled the streets, "To Serve and Protect".

 

OK, it looks like we have another winner.  Dave Kerno found his way to our "Welcome Auburn Class of 1964"  We'd love to have you come to the reunion. If my memory is correct you and Bob Dixon never paid me and Steve Holcomb $10.00 for the answers to one of Mr. Rice's final exams. Bring a big pile of money. The interest is still adding up.  When you get here we can all tell stories about how cool we were in high school.... but at least yours would probably be true. I remember reading in the local paper about Dave when he was in Vietnam. He's quite a guy. Auburn High sure produced a lot of good people. Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, School Teachers, you name it. The best of the best came from 1964. Hooo-Ra


#1 song on Dave Kerno's birthday in 1964 is being used for other classmates. So here's the #1 song in Feb. 1966. 
Dave's always #1.
Nancy Sinatra, These Boots are Made for Walkin'

#1 song on Richard Hoffman's birthday in 1964
Roy Orbison, Oh Pretty Woman

Hey Richard Hoffman, USMC. Welcome Home, Twice. It's good to have you back where you belong. From what your profile says you're doing now I think you've ended up in the ideal job. If I remember correctly you and Dave Kerno were thick as fleas on an old dog. He was poking around here the other day but hasn't signed up. Get him on the horn and tell him to "get 'er done."

Welcome to Ron Sisley and Shirley Holliday. Looks like I'll have to find two new #1 songs for the birthday list. Ron, this is as close to being on top of the pile as I can get you. It's your birthday and you can cry if you want to....ooops that's not your song.


#1 song on Ron Sisley's birthday in 1961. The 1964 song is the same as Rod and Sandy.
Bobby Vee, Take Good Care of My Baby

Sandy Harris, Steve Franklin, Rita Boothe, and Sue Curry..... go to the bottom of the page and enjoy your birthday music videos. Bill Coad just got added. Sorry Bill, you're not on top, this time you're on the bottom looking up. "96 Tears," Lyrics provided by Question Mark and the Mysterians.

The rest of you, send me your birth date and I'll put up the video of the #1 song from your birthday because you're #1 with us. We're also looking for any old videos of Lee Herdman singing. They should be a hoot and they would make someone happy.

Tell everyone you know what a great reunion site this is. Ride your horse through villages and towns. The Reunion's Coming, The Reunion's Coming.


#1 song on Shirley Holliday's birthday in 1966. A Hard Day's Night from 1964 is already in use.
The Lovin' Spoonful, Summer in the City. Even I remember Shirley and this song.

Make this your new home page, what have you got to lose? I'm going to put new stuff up here every day so you'll want to come back, and hopefully come to the reunion in August.

Bonnie Summerville, Joe Musso, Shirley Holliday, Kurt Lange, Rod Schwandt, Sandy Ott, Jeannine Sturgil, Bob Kinney, and Larry Matthews have taken control of planning the 45-year class reunion.

For the reunion information click on the "Reunion Location" link on the left side of the page. Make sure you click on the "Yearbook Pages" and "Homecoming Pics".  I've spent days and days scanning everybody's mugshots for future generations.

Be sure you take the "Poll" and then checkout the "User Forum". Rod and Ken are really going at it.  Also if you like this site "Donate." There's no such thing as a free lunch. We just went to KFC and found that old adage is still true.

If you're in the Witness Protection Program or if for some other reason you don't want your kids to see what you looked like, let me know and I'll put someone else's picture in its place.

If you have a classmate's email address please go to their Classmate Profile and email them an invitation to join. Do it for the Coach.

Register and tell us everything we've always wanted to know about you but were afraid to ask. On your profile page you can upload pictures, videos, embed things. Pretty cool. If you have any trouble send the site administrator, Kendall Nelson, an email and he (that's me) will try to help you out.

For those of you who have moved away, if you want me to take a picture of where you used to live, or park, or drink, or park and drink and makeout, give me the address and if it's still there I'll post a picture.

The official Rockford Auburn Class of 1964 reunion committee has no control over the content or anything else on this web site. But it is being run by a 1964 Auburn graduate.

REUNION COMMITTEE MEMBERS & PHONE NUMBERS
Joe Musso    815-239-1544 or 815-985-6752
Bonnie (Summerville) Nygren    815-654-0742
Kurt Lange    815-332-2127
Jeannine (Sturgil) Gibson    608-362-2367
Larry Matthews    815-871-3579
Sandy (Ott) Kokas    815-979-9006
Bob Kinney    815-335-2673 or 815-988-2625
Shirley (Holliday) Eilers    815-282-4613
and last but certainly not least
Rod Schwandt    815-871-0451

pugo46@yahoo.com    Ken Nelson, site administrator


#1 song on Rod Schwandt and Sandy Harris birthday in 1964. The weeks of August 30 – September 19, 1964

 


#1 song on Sue Curry's birthday 1964
Shangri-Las,  Leader of the Pack


#1 song on Steven Franklin's birthday 1964
The Dixie Cups, Chapel of Love...... Steve just had his 42nd wedding anniversary on May 6. Congratulations Steven, you're a good man and great friend.


#1 song on Rita Boothe birthday in 1964
The Beatles, Hard Day's Night.....a 7 minute movie version

 


#1 song on Bill Coad's birthday in 1964
The Beatles, I Want to Hold Your Hand.  How many girls did he use this line on?????

The longer I work on this site the more nostalgic and sentimental I become. Hearing voices from the past and songs that get stuck in my head and won't go away. But that's another story. Let's get going. 

Mary Ann Kerno Gagliano. Hmmmm, that name has a certain melody to it. Mary Ann got her Master's Degree. Congratulations. Oh man comes that song again,  "N-e-w  M-i-l-f-o-r-d  R-e-f-r-i-g-e-r-a-t-i-o-n,  Hudson-Six-Two-Seven-Hundred."  Congratulations to Mary Ann Kerno.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rod Bogdonas....good old Rod, always smiling. We miss you buddy.

Barb Stevens talking to someone.

Is that Jerry Johnson listening to Joe Musso?

 

Bonnie Summerville and someone's right shoulder.  Why do they all close their eyes when I shoot them?

Mystery woman with Diane Berg.  Diane McClelland says this is Janet Allen. Thanks. I just can't remember her name.

Terry Coad, I know what she's thinking.

Dreamgirl Sandy Harris and one happy husband.

Bonnie Summerville, Linda Martin, Tom Martin

 

Barb Stevens and Joe Musso

Ann Burt (Roger Burt's wife) and Terry Coad (Skip Coad's wife)

Roger Burt

Dave Rosengren and you tell me who else. They look familiar but they all had hair when I knew them.

Roger Burt, his wife Ann, Bonnie Bowers, and Terry Coad.

Bonnie Bowers  and Mr. William A. Coad, (now known as Skip)

 

Jack Arfstrom, This guy is always smiling.

 

Sandy Harris and I hope this is her husband.

Hey Rod you can't be on this page twice.



agape