Message Forum Common Agreement
"TERMS OF USE"

The Message Forum is not a public soapbox, nor a political platform in any form. This forum is neutral territory when it comes to supporting any movements, political parties, candidates, or otherwise.

___________

Dear Classmates:
This site isn’t about waistlines, hairlines, or personal crusades. It’s about lifelines and is about reconnecting with our friends from some of the best years of our lives - It's about caring for our classmates, sharing news, and mourning those we've lost.

We ask you to kindly be considerate about passing along news about classmates who are ill, who have had surgery, or are experiencing other personal issues. Please be sure to obtain permission to share with the class any and all submissions.  As wonderful as it is to share or receive news about or from classmates don't break confidences or invade someone's privacy. 

Classmates, If you have an issue that needs a soapbox please use your "Classmate Profile" page.  Classmates can choose to "follow" by selecting your name and each time you post news about yourself, add photos, or update your profile  an email is sent notifying those on your follow list that you have updated your personal profile. Do not check the box, share with classmates as a reply button is provided for return comments and messages.

PLEASE NOTE: Abuse of the message forum common agreement/terms of use may cause immediate suspension of privileges or removal from the AHS website without further warning. 
(We reserve the right to remove material that may be deemed offensive).
Paul Peters -
revised 09/12/2021

Constance Menefee

RE: Bill & Cindy Reunion Romance--AT LAST! Some GOOD news!! Who needs Netflix romcoms?? Wishing you all the best. Cherish & celebrate your reconnection as you celebrate the upcoming holidays! Connie

Linda Harris (Loomis)

cindy,

thank you for sharing your magical story with us. you two look wonderful together. since you're almost 70 going on 30, may you both have many happy years together. 

Karen Kohut (Logeman)

Magical that a childhood crush can endure, and become such a beautiful love story!
So happy for you guys!

Bill Bowen

I can’t add very much to Cindy’s earlier message, except to say I am extremely grateful that a very brief time together at the 50th Reunion led to an unexpected and deep connection over the following months.  After 53 years, a 10th grade crush has miraculously become a relationship, and the reality is far better than my teenage dream. I am surprised and extremely happy to share this time in life with Cindy.

Cindy and I have both read your very kind messages of encouragement.  We look forward to seeing you whenever the opportunity arises.

Bill

Barbara Tatem (Kelley)

Dearest Cindy and Bill,

I so appreciate your sharing the story of your Atomic reaction following the reunion.  When I saw the amazing photos that you posted, Cindy, the song that instantly came to mind was The Look of Love sung by Dusty Springfield and released in 1967, which I understand was pretty darn close in time to Bill's initial crush.  I hope you both will give it a listen the next time you are together!  Looking forward to seeing more of you both!

Fondly,

Barbara

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf1d65OHYXo

Paul Rowson

One of the highlights of our 50th reunion was the sparks that flew between Bill Bowen and Cindy Taylor Zook. Nancy and I had a wonderful evening together at Clyde's at Willow Creek last night. Three hours together flew by before we knew it. So happy for my double classmates (AHS & UVA). What a couple!

Paul Rowson

Jim, John, Rod, the ghost of Nelson Chacon, and I wish all of you Feliz Navidad!

https://www.jibjab.com/view/make/feliz_navidad/7e0be62a-54aa-4b50-8a46-4f4932d51eed?utm_source=cordial

Michael Guthrie

Merry Christmas everyone! Here is what I wrote this week about the meaning of Joy.http://thankfulinallthings.com/what-is-the-real-meaning-of-joy/ 

James Burden

Paul:

Those are some dancing fools with Nelson.  Serious footwork.

Merry Christmas to everyone.  Looking forward to our next get-together.

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Good News! Our next Class of 1971 event has been scheduled.  Please join us for Sunday Brunch on February 12th at 11:00 at Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, 205 Lake of the Woods Way, Locust Grove,VA 22508.  The cost is $14.95 a person. Lake of the Woods is located on Route 3 between Fredericksburg and Culpepper.  This is a gated community so you must RSVP. Please text me at 910-279-2643 and let me know if you plan to attend and I will provide you all the details.  Hope to see you there!

Cynthia Taylor (Zook)

Dear Classmates, 

Bill Bowen will be in town with me that weekend from California.  We both look forward to attending the Frebruary luncheon to connect with as many of you as possible and thank you IN PERSON for helping us to find the reunion magic that creates special connections! Thanks to Maureen and the others who are responsible for pulling things togeether for this February get-together!   Happy New Year everyone!  With tremendous gratitude to all of you, Cindy Zook 

Michael Gassmann

I am sorry to report that our classmate, Dave Howell, died on March 13, 2023.  There will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia.  A more complete obituary can be found at https://manassasfuneralhome.com.  Dave's obituary describes, among other things, his remarkable involvement with and dedication to AHS and its sports programs over the years.

Maureen Hamilton (Hackert)

Unfortunately, we have lost another classmate. Brenda Wolfer Knight Loboi passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023. A few years ago, Brenda had moved to Myrtle Beach from Winchester, Virginia to be close to her dear friend, Terri Kleinschmidt.  She assisted Terri as her health declined, and was with Terri when she passed. Brenda was in need of a kidney transplant when it was discovered that she had lung cancer. Monica Suraci was at her side for the last few months of her life. Brenda had been married to another classmate, Jon Knight before she married John Loboi. There is no service scheduled at this time.

Cynthia George (Coppola)

Heartbroken about Brenda. What a sweetheart.♥️

Bill Bowen

Dave Howell and I were best friends for a few years in 2d through 4th grade at Braddock.  We had fourth grade with Judy Owen, Mike Lowe, the Olsons, and others in a "temporary" classroom in the parking lot.  Dave lived on Hertitage Drive at the top of the hill and I lived a very long block away on Newcastle Drive.  We spent a lot of fun afternoons having fun and goofing at his house or mine.  The Air Force moved my family to Japan after 4th grade and I did not return until December of 8th grade.  Dave's path and mine went in different directions in high school and we did not reconnect in a meaningful way.  But I remember him fondly as a quirky, kind soul.

This afternoon Stephen Holley and I attended Dave's brief memorial service.  A number of those in attendance were AHS coaches, including Dick Adams, who succeeded Bob Hardage as football  coach.  All of them testified to Dave's love of all things AHS and his dedication as an announcer and statistician for multiple sports for many years.  

Jo Johnston (Yates)

Fred Chandler

I am so sorry for your loss , Jo. We are losig too many classmtes, family and friends these days. All of it is hard.

My wife, Jenni Chandler, keeps the books for AHS Class of 1973. I will tell her. They are planning a reunion for September.16th. 

Fred Chandler

Reta Cookmeyer , Cameron's sister, passed away last Wednesday. There is  memorial service at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, April 21st. From 6:00pm-8:00pm . 

Paul Rowson

Fred, Sad news about Rita. Thanks for sharing. 

Michael Guthrie

Thank you Bill and Steve for going to Dave's service. I wish I could have been there. 

Fred Chandler

FYI . More sad news. Posted by Barbara's daughter.

Barbara Ellen Tighe
August 20, 1950 - April 23, 2023

Heartbroken to share that my mom, my best friend and closest confidant, has passed on to eternity. More to share in time, but for now:

Memorial service to be held Saturday, May 13 at 2pm. Potomac Baptist Church on Lowe’s Island Blvd. Reception to follow.

Thank you to everyone for the love and support. 💛

Rebecca Cashion (Kleinfelter)

OMG... This is happenig far too often.  Barb Tighe was not in our class, but her beloved husband, Dave Tighe was.  We lost Dave about a year and a half ago.  I just spoke with Barb not too long ago and she seemed fine.  This is proof that each day is a gift and we all need to live it like it's our last.  I am so sad that I will miss the reunion in September, our class is so connected and I cherish each of you.  Prayers for Meredith, their daughter.

Michael Guthrie

Totally agree Becky. We are a fortunate group of people to be members of the Class of '71 family. 

Judy Owen

I was able to get information from the equestrian center at Shenandoah Crossing for our 70th Birthday party about their trail rides and carriage rides. Trail rides are $60 for 45minutes, $80 for 1 1/2 hour. Weight limit 250lbs, need to wear closed type of shoes like boots or tennis shoes. They provide helmets. Rides are on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and usually are at 9,10,11am and 1:30pm. Booking 2 weeks in advance is fine.  

There are also horse and carriage rides. The carriage can fit 4 adults comfortably and is $125 for 45 minutes. Times usually are 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 same days of the week as the trail rides. There is also a specialy carriage ride that provides drinks and snacks ie. beer, wine, meat tray, platters, strawberries that can be ordered and that price is around $175. Booking 2 weeks in advance is fine.

Man, I do party on horseback even now with my sister...but never thought about cruising in a carriage to party! 

Phone number is 540/832-9571. Happy Trails!

Judy Owen