Message Forum

01/04/09 03:44 PM

Welcome to the Lakeview High School Class Of 1969 forums. Please press "Post Response" to participate in the discussion.

THERE WILL BE A DRAWING FOR A SPECIAL PRIZE AT THE REUNION FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE IN "10 RANDOM THINGS"! SORRY - MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN.

06/02/09 05:02 PM

Nancy Flanigan (Minton)

10 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME - THE GAME HAS BEGUN HERE!
RULES: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note in the Message Forum with 10 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose someone else from the reunion website to be tagged. If I tagged you, its because I want to know more about you.

1. I retired two years ago and I love it!
2. Life is still very busy for me, but filled with what I want to do.
3. I don't feel old. I do feel wiser, but there is still SO MUCH I have to learn.
4. I have said and done some really dumb stuff in life, but I have a God who forgives me for that and good friends who do too.
5. I love to travel and plan a trip to B.C. in August 2009 and to the U.K. to see my relatives in May 2010.
6. I love to sit on the patio with my husband and a glass of lemonade - but I just don't do it much.
7. I ruptured my liver in 1992 and lived to tell about it.
8. I have been very blessed in this life and often wonder why.
9. I'm a neat-nik about my house.
10. In my career I have done everything from assembly line work to being a manager of lots of people. My favorite title - Lubrication Technician!

I am tagging Susan (Wolfe) Pollard and Dan Doyle so be on the lookout for theirs. HARRASS THEM IF YOU DON'T SEE THEIRS VERY, VERY SOON!

06/03/09 02:13 PM	#3
Jeanette Watts (Flenner) Note that Nancy's message is 40 years to-the-day after our graduation! Very clever.

06/04/09 07:37 AM

Jeanette Watts (Flenner)

Hmmm. . .Ten random things about me, in no particular order:

1. I'm not retired and I'm jealous of Nancy and Susan and any others who are.
2. I am off for the summer, so I'm pretending I'm retired.
3. I've taught at 5 high schools, one K-8, and 2 elementary schools.
4. I'd rather knit or sew than eat, really.
But, I can eat and read, another favorite activity, at the same time!
5. I feel wiser, and sometimes older too.
6. I've learned that good friends are some of the most vauable things in the world.
7. I've learned that it's hard to be happy if your children aren't.
8. Most of my life philosophies come from good sermons, children's books, or country songs, not necessarily in that order!
9.God is good, and we've been blessed.
10.I'm not a neat nik so Nancy can't come to my house unannounced!
I'm tagging anyone who's reading this.

06/21/09 09:06 PM

Jan Taylor (Hale)

1. This is the first summer I have not worked in at least 20 years. I think I'll do this every year!!!
2. Delano and I are working on a landscaping, deck and patio project this summer and driving each other crazy.
3. My favorite thing for the summer is planting flowers, working in the yard and watching hummingbirds.
4. I like to read in bed at night.
5. I celebrate my birthday every year by going to the River Boat.
6. My favorite drinks are Ice Tea, Frozen Margaritas, and Bailey's on the rocks.
7. I have made mistakes and had regrets from the past, but I wouldn't change anything in my life right now.
8. I love watching my grandsons play baseball, football, basketball and ride their go karts and 4 wheeler. They keep us busy.
9. I envy those who are retired but I still enjoy working. It helps when your grandkids attend the same school where you work.
10. I pray every day to be a better person.

07/05/09 04:49 PM

Glenda Perrott (Richardson)

1. I still love sewing
2. I'm still in Love with Bob after 39 years.
3. Linda and I are still doing the twin thing.
4. I'm working part time a Waits dry cleaners doing the same thing I was doing when I work ½ day my Junior and Senior year.
5. The kids and Grand kids we have a lot of fun with.
6. I do a lot of things for our Church Joy Community.
7. I like to cook and take care of my family and friends.
8. Bob and I went out June to South Dakota and drove a 24 foot U-haul truck full of Clothes, furniture, food for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
9. Bob is an Evangelist, We have Cross Country Ministry.
10. We are working on taking another truck load in October, we need School Supplies, Hygiene product, Any type of Construction materials, and thing for the Community Building. Ping pong tables -paddles and balls, foosball table, pool sticks and balls, horse shoes games, volley balls, basket balls, baseball equipment, tether ball and pole, construction paper, copy paper. If you have any of these things please let me know.
I tag the person that reads this!

07/14/09 09:27 PM

Leslie Aubert

1. I hope to retire in 2 1/2 more years, however I am retired from Bridgestone/Firestone because they closed. I worked there 33 years.
2. I've been married for 41 years.
3. I enjoy chairing Charity Car Shows. It helps me to give back in more ways then I can explain.
4. I enjoy my family and friends of whom I have many.
5. I LOVE my grandkids, and I'm getting another grandson in November.
6. I coached baseball in Decatur for 15 years and kept most of the same boys all that time. I also coached a girls softball team.
7. I've had a good life with not many regrets.
8. I am an early riser, getting up without an alarm clock between 4 and 4:30 a.m.
9. I like to meet some of my friends for coffee early in the mornings before I go to work.
10. I am a member of Coles Co. Corvette Club.

07/14/09 11:39 PM

Flora May Leslie (Kercheval)

May Leslie Kercheval

1. I have taken up machine quilting this year and I love it. I only do wall hangings. I admire people who are able to do the bedspread quilt.

2. My two daughters names are Shelly and Jennie. My three grandchildren names are Desiree, Julian and Jaxon.

3. I am very close to my family. We all live in Champaign within two to three miles of each other.

4. This is my third attempt in filling out this questionnaire. It keeps deleting itself and disappears to who knows where.

5. I have been married three times and single more than I have been married. The older I get the more I like being by myself.

6. Shelly, Jennie and I attend a Wednesday night bible study.

7. I got misty-eyed tonight. We went to see the movie,"Up".

8. My grandson Julian is deaf and has a cochlear implant. He hears electronically. Some of the people who could hear before the implant says it sounds like Donald Duck talking electronically.

9. I have worked night shift most of my career. I actually sleep fairly well during the day. I have no sunlight coming in my bedroom.

10. I am glad this is over. I get nervous talking about myself.

07/15/09 12:43 AM

Doug Henry

Thanks Nancy!

1. To date I have enjoyed a wonderful exciting life with few dissapointments. Lost my father in the mid 80's but the rest of my family is well and enjoying their kids and grandchildren but none of them of course compare to my two boys and four grandkids(Thank you Connie,forever). My Mother still has her own home and just turned 90.

2. I have a passion for the outdoors, including hiking, camping, rafting, hunting and fishing. I've been able to enjoy these things all over the country through the years.
My favorite areas New Mexio and the South West, Northern Michigan, Colorado, Southern Illinois, Southern Utah and Nortwest Arizona...Good memories in Arizona (bbb)but Decatur will always be home. As a hobby, I build and sell camping boxes for hunters, fisherman and outdoorsmen.

3. I'm a loyal Buffett fan and have been for 32 years. I saw my first Buffett concert in Tampa at a cost of 12.00. Now you can't get a lawn seat for under 100.00. I also remain a Chicago Cub and Bear fan...........not sure why.

4. I enjoy all kinds of music but for some reason," It's a Beautiful Morning" & "Bend me Shape me" still hold a special spot.

5. I've been in health care since I began volunteering with the developmentaly dissabled in high school. Not counting Workman or Allard. (lol) I'm currently in California consulting on the construction of a Senior Retirement Center and Rehab facility.

6. I love to cook, especially Mexican and Oriental. My life goal is to buy a little bar & grill in the Keys with my Brother Dane, soak up the sun and the rum.

7. I remain an animal lover. Always had cats and dogs and any wild thing that needed attention. (no, not that) Raised four Raccoons last summer from babies and could tell you stories for hours.

8. Love good movies, good books, good wine, good friends and campfires, especially in the fall. Hate airports and people with little compassion for others.

9. Like to stay active, try to keep in reasonable shape and have gone bald........well pretty much so I shave it.

10. Lastly, I honestly enjoyed Lakeview. The sports, plays, musicals, majority of the teachers, friends and still hold a special place in my heart for the girl that I fell in love with.
There were times with Creason, Rice, Allard, White,Workman, Caudill, Shampine and Bleavans that should have been a movie. Especially when Bleavans kicked the shit out of Rod Severns!

God Bless Lakeview and it's memories!

07/15/09 04:29 AM

#10

Charla Dennis (King)

Charla (Dennis) King...10 Random Things
1. I have lived everywhere--and continue to have "itchy feet", but Decatur will always be in my heart. I am not much of a traveler, but I like to go live for a while in lots of places, make friends, and experience different ways of living.
2. I drove by my childhood home on my last visit to Decatur back in 2000, and cried because it was in such disrepair. My dad used to keep it in pristine condition.
3. Even though I could live most anywhere (a blessing I never dreamed I would have), I still dream about living on Lake Decatur.
4. I am just now learning things I should have learned when I was eighteen...some of us are a little "slow" on the uptake! Main thing---God has been patient with me!
5. When I look at my husband, I still see that wonderful person I fell in love with almost forty years ago. He promised "adventures", and we are still having them!
6. My avocation is to "make something from nothing"...I love to peruse thrift stores, garage and estate sales and see what I can recycle. I have an informal business doing budget decorating---a great way to make new friends in a strange city---and have had the privilege of doing almost 75 homes. My proudest accomplishment--doing a vacation condo in the Pearl District of Portland, OR., for a lady I met in Bellingham, WA, when we lived there....for less than $2000.
7. Needless to say, I am ecstatic to now be living in the town where HGTV originates (Knoxville, TN)...and we are looking forward to being much closer to our kids--Kim lives just over the border in NC, and Kris lives in Chicago--and hour's flight away.
8. My siblings are my very dearest friends--all of them Lakeview graduates!
9. I still have nightmares about gym class and my size 22 gymsuit-- I cut the tag out of so no one would see it!
10. Being able to touch base with all of you has been a great blessing. I appreciate the opportunity.

07/15/09 07:37 AM

#11

Patricia Harvey ** (Perry)

I am a 9 year cancer survivor. I have also had 2 major spinal surgeries. I don't let anything or anyone get me down. I'm retired. I love gardening. My favorite thing to do is spending time with my grand children, I have done all kinds of jobs in my life but my favorite job was working with the elderly. I always feel younger than I am, just ask my doctor.My favorite flowers are roses and my yard is full of them. I was a foster parent in the past and raised 5 boys besides my 4.My favorite time is in the evening when my husband and I can spend quality time together, which doesn't happen very often because our lives are so busy. I challenge Kathy Klaus.

07/15/09 08:53 AM

#12

Marsha Masters (Spaulding)

Marsha Masters Spaulding
1.Good health is everything
2.Healthy, happy, successful children are the best high
3.Grandchildren restore your youth
4.Teaching is the best occupation in the world
5.Nothing feels better than seeing last year's plantings return in the spring
6.Sisters encourage you like no one else
7.Family is necessary
8.Friends are life sustaining and irreplaceable
9.Soul mates do exist
10.Books are the best vacation/get away on Earth

07/15/09 06:44 PM

#13

Jacalyn (Jackie) Baker

1. I am single and have a special man in my life. 2. I am a grandmother and great-grandmother of two. 3. I have my faith that has brought me through so much. 4. I love crafts, gardening and long walks by the lake and fishing. I am still attempting to get the large mouth bass out at the lake that seems to enjoy jumping in front of me but I can't seem to hook. 5. I have only been to Mexico to shop and states throughout the south and east and north. 6. I am still in decent health except for a few extra pounds. 7. I love camping but with air conditioning. 8. I have been a CNA, retail clerk, office assistant, switchboard operator, intake person and even tried driving a semi-truck but my favorite is helping those in need. Who knows what else is to come. 9. Ask Kathy Stukins how we ran over a fence one Halloween night. 10. I have started a bucket list to accomplish also even though I hope nothing happen soon. I am retired now . . . I made it now what do I do?

07/15/09 09:16 PM

#14

Marlene Finke (Shinn)

Love the St Louis Cardinals & baseball.
Have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I Support our TROOPS-my son & son-in-law are in US Navy.
Love to eat seafood & fish.
Miss my friend Sheila Danner Ferre (deceased).
Love to travel; mostly to where there's Palm Trees.
Love summertime.
Have been blessed w/two wonderful children.
Have been blessed w/two awesome grandchildren!
Still working at a scrap yard (office).
I'm looking very forward to seeing everyone!!!

07/16/09 11:46 AM

#15

Jerry Allard

To all my classmates who are recently retired or contemplating it in near future...my advice is not to throw away your calenders and day planners. You'll find you are about to be busier than you want to or thought you would ever be in retirement. Also, learn to say "No". Go ahead and practice...No, no and I don't think so.

I use to think I should try everything, now I'm quite satisfied with a few simple things.

I don't have to be a neat-nik like Nancy, my wife does a better job than I can.

Greatest achievements...#2. Lasting in one job for 26 yrs. #1. Staying married to Kathy for going on 25yrs.

Fondest memories...our years at Lakeview.

Most humbling experience...helping out with the Red Cross in Louisiana during Rita/Katrina aftermath.

Greatest honor...taking care of my parents in their last years with us.

Greatest regret....that I haven't done enough with the gifts God has blessed us with.

Greatest hope....that we don't take too many days for granted and that we try to find a way each day to make life better for someone.

See you at the reunion!

07/16/09 06:35 PM

#16

Gail Grotjan (Rezai)

Gail Grotjan Rezai 10 Random Things about me.
1. I love to travel and would like to retire in Mexico or South America. 2. I worked on the Ron Paul Campaign and am still active with the Campaign for Liberty. 3. I went in the legal profession because I wanted to help people but I just help rich people get richer. 4. I live on a hobby farm with lots of critters. 5. I gave up all television and do not have one. 6. I love to garden, read and am trying to get my homemade windmill and solar panels working. I've almost got it figured out and will be off the grid eventually. 7. I have 3 children with a 15 year old, Buck still at home. 8. I've lived in Texas since 1982 and love it. 9. I have 3 dogs, Dune, Rags & Twinkie. 10. I went to SIU in the 70's, was a hippie and guess I still am. Where is Jacque Barth? Does anyone know?

07/16/09 07:07 PM

#17

Nancy Flanigan (Minton)

We have looked and looked for Jacque. Finally thought we had found her in Florida. It was her brother's house and they would not help us with her address!!

07/20/09 02:27 PM

#18

John Campbell

John Campbell's Random Ravings

1. I started out in Buffalo, New York where four feet of snow was usual and central air was a whole house fan. Came to Decatur where the hot humid summer made the corn grow so fast you could see it get taller by the hour. Went to U of I in Champaign where the National Guard and tear gas made things interesting. Graduated. Moved to Miami, Fl. and worked for an import company (no not that kind of import). After 4 years in the city that stretched for 150 miles down the coast, got tired of the crime, traffic and drugs. Came to the conclusion that Decatur wasn't such a bad place to live. Moved back here in "76. I've worked in real estate sales and management here and now manage the Decatur Masonic Temple.

2. My first wife and I had a daughter we named DeArcy, Dede for short. Dede is the pride of my life. She always knew what she wanted from life and graduated as a full fledged Florida Gator with MBA and Pharmacy Doctorate. She manages a Wallgreens Pharmacy in Ft. Myers, FL. She has been married for three years but no children yet.

3. Found my Soul Mate, Judy, in 1983 and we just celebrated our 23 Anniversary. I could never list all the things she's taught me about Love and Life.

4. I enjoy telling people about spending six years at Lakeview. It usually raises an eyebrow or two. If I'm in a generous mood, I'll explain the Junior High part.

5. I've come to the conclusion that life is all about the journey nad not necessarily about the destination.

6. I much enjoyed my time at Lakeview. (Except for the usual teenage doledrums we all went through.) I found excellent teachers and mentors. Mr. Phillbrook gave me several valuable insights about life in general and I probably use them a lot more than the Physics and Chemistry he taught. Loren Boatman was unique and inspiring even though I was never in one of his classes. I kept in touch with him in Civic functions through the years. Mr. Brown did much to instill the appreciation of Math and Calculus, but lessons in logic and reasoning were more long useful. His wry humor was most remarkable.

7. The lesson I value most was never to stop learning.

8. My favorite cities are New Orleans and Niagra Falls. Both are good winter or summer. NOLA gives a unequalled feeling of the historic and the power of the Falls gives you a perspective into the scheme of things.

9. Looking forward to seeing you all at the reunion!

10. Better quit before I write a book!

PS: Thanks much to Nancy, Brenda and the whole crew for all the work finding us all and making this happen.

07/21/09 08:01 PM

#19

Brenda Cox (Hart)

1. I MARRIED MY SOULMATE, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, AND MY HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEART, THIRTY-THREE YEARS AFTER I GRADUATED...SO THERE WERE NO CHILDREN HAHA!!!
2. I'M A GREAT AUNT JUST ASK MY NEICES AND NEPHEW AND I'M A GREAT, GREAT AUNT AND HAVE ALOT OF FUN TAKING MY 8 YEAR OLD GREAT NIECE TO THE NEW 3D MOVIES...
3. STEVE AND I LOVE SITTING ON OUR DECK AND WATCHES THE SAILBOATS AND FIREWORKS WHICH ARE SHOT OFF RIGHT IN FRONT OF US.
4. WOULD LOVE TO RETIRE AND TRAVEL BUT INSURANCE AND DOGS KEEP US HOME.
5. I LIKE TO GARDEN BUT DON'T LIKE TO WEED.
6. LIKE TO COOK BUT DON'T HAVE THE TIME
7. LOVE TO READ MYSTERIES,JAMES PATTERSON IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES AUTHORS, ANYONE GOT ANY SUGGESTION WOULD LOVE TO HEAR THEM (I'VE GOT MORE TIME TO READ THEN COOK)
8. WOULD LOVE TO BECOME A COMPUTER WIZARD (DON'T SAY A WORD NANCY!!!)
9. LOVE TO TAKE PICTURES... BEACHES,LIGHTHOUSES AND SUNSETS ARE MY FAVORITE OBJECTS.
10. MY FAVORITE TV SHOWS ARE HOUSE, BURN NOTICE AND ROYAL PAINS, CAN'T RELATE TO ANY OF THE REALITY SHOWS
WELL HAVE TO RUN, HAVE A BLAST AT THE REUNION
BRENDA

I FORGOT TWO AND A HALF MEN THAT IS MY FAV TV SHOW...I ALWAYS WAS ATTRACTED TO BAD BOYS...

07/24/09 04:29 PM

#20

Brenda Henemeyer (Bunch)

10 things about me...........
#1. Joyful, Lutheran (the aerobic religion)!
#2. Fav travel spots - Paris, France / Montreal, Canada with Mike.
#3. Life's Surprises -
Love & Marriage after a 9 year hiatus; Mom's early passing, my Russell (39) flies $5M helicopters, my Dad and Shirley Henry are companions, EIGHT grandkids, my RCC Speech Teacher-Tim Waller, Teacher Substitute is my calling, farming (viticulture) is our future and discovering Disney World at 56, go figure!
#4. FiberArt is my passion, Mike made my first studio at home, yeah! Jurying works of art for shows/competitions & quilt-making excites me.
#5. Fav foods - Italian and Asian & enjoy creating soups!
#6. We can't hear we are loved/forgiven or share our love/forgiveness too often.
#7. Many interesting jobs...see Mr. Taylor, I remain unable to sit in one place for very long........however, I did earn a pension.
#8. LHS sm/lg group learning format attracted the most talented teachers, we were very fortunate!
#9. Volunteering is a family tradition that pays bigger dividends than $.
#10. God's plan is the only one that matters, I'm grateful we don't have to rely on frail human thinking.

Hey, Brenda, Two and Half Men is a CLASSIC!
Brenda

07/28/09 06:52 AM

#21

David Stewart

1. My family had 10 children (8 males and 2 females). Nine went to Lakeview and one went to Eisenhower after Lakeview closed. My father passed away in 1989. He was part owner of Stewart Bros meat packing with his two brothers. They started the business in the early 50’s and are most famous for supplying the meat used by Krekels for almost 60 years. The company is still going strong; with three of my brothers working in the business.

2. I went to a computer programming school after graduation.

3. I was a cook (food technician today) for six years in the Army reserves.

4. Worked at Caterpillar for 2 years before going on active duty.

5. I’ve been working in the IT Department at Mueller Co. for almost 38 years; with the last 20 as the Director.

6. Played basketball at the Y and in the parks until I was 53. Gave it up after my third broken wrist, 2 broken noses w/surgery, surgery to remove bone spurs,Etc over the last ten years.

7. Completed my BS degree in 2005 after 15 years as a part-time student at Richland, UIS, and finally Millikin (summa cum laude). Familiar faces that I enjoyed along the way included Tim Waller as my Speech instructor at Richland (never a dull moment), and having Brenda Colclasure in my cohort at Millikin for two years.

8. Met my wife Wegi in 1990 and dated for 9 years. We married in 1999. Wegi is from Decatur but went away to school in St. Louis. I have two children (4 grand ) and Wegi has three (2 grand).

9. Not thinking too much about retirement, but Asheville NC would be my preference of places to live if we leave Decatur.

10. Look forward to seeing everyone.

07/28/09 07:29 PM

#22

Cindy L Hammel (Greene)

Ok,so I dont't find myself interesting enough to have ten things to say,but I have been tagged so I will be a sport and try.
1.I started later than most at a real job (1998),but have been at my job for 20 years today. That would be in the
puchasing dept at Bodine Electric.

2.The most wonderful thing in my life is five terrific grandchildren. Three girls (born to my two sons) and two boys (born to my daughter). This really makes my boys mad.
Four live here and the oldest Sierra lives in Maryland. She will be a Freshman in high school. The youngest is a boy Roman he just turned 2.I also have Dominic 5,Adison 8,
and Carmen 6.I'll have pictures (look out).

3.I went on my first vacation in six years this summer,
with three of my granchildren and two of my kids. We went to Pensacola, Fl. It was my first trip to Florida and I loved it.Can't wait to go back.

4.I went to the second concert I have been to in my life a couple of weeks ago and saw Elton John & Billy Joel. Someone very special to me, Alan, took me to Wrigley Field in Chicago (go Cubs)to see it. We had a blast.

5.I am very upset about being over the hill headed toward 60. That is so scary (and does not seem possible). Anyone else?

6.I am very close with all my kids, but my daughter and youngest sister Shelly are my very best friends.

7.One thing I really love doing is taking pictures. I wish that was my job. I think I must have been artistic in a past life.

8. Al & I have gone to the Big Ten basketball tournement for the past two years, we are big Illinois fans.

9.I lost my Dad in 2005 and that was hard, but my Mom has Alzheimers and not too many things can be worse than that.
Watching her decline is very hard (I am sure many of you know what I mean).

10.Having someone who is funny & sweet in my life is special, having good friends (some of who I will see this weekend)is awesome, being called "MENAW" by five wonderful Grandkids..... PRICELESS!!!!!!!

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