I have changed this Message Forum to Member Chatter so we do not have two different Message Forum web pages.  Member Chatter is an ongoing dialogue between classmates. There are no topics, subtopics, etc. like there is in the Message Forum web page.

Member Chatter works when people participate - so don't be bashful! Click the "Post Response" button to add your entry.

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi Pam, thanks for your understanding.  We'll continute to monitor Marge's health and our country's covid situation.  Hopefully, everything will be better, and Marge and I can attend after all.  I'll keep your and Bryson posted.  Take care.

Jerry Barrett

I just made my 2021 Rendezvous reservation by phone at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso. The dates are October 18-21, 2021. Members of all Irvin class years are welcome ... encouraged to attend!

I asked the clerk why the Internet reservation system showed no availability. All he said was that their website has problems. He did not offer any insight on if or when it would be fixed.

I do hope to attend this year - looking forward to it! I hope to see you there!

Call Center is open daily from 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Mountain time

Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
287 Carrizo Canyon Road
Mescalero, NM 88340
Toll-Free: (800) 545-9011
Phone: (575) 464-7059

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi Jerry, thanks for the reminder on reserving a room at the Inn of the Mountain Gods for the Oct. 21 mini-reunion.  I also recently made a reservation for Marge and me, though we are not sure Marge's health will be good enough for traveling at that time.  Earlier I was not sure we could attend because Marge's recovery from covid was going slowly.  However, we now have an additional reason impacting her travel.  She is now suffering from pain caused by compressed fractures of four lower vertebrae.  She is receiving heaving dosages of pain medications.  But that's not the best solution.  We will soon see a back/spine specialist in a few days.  Assuming we can get her pain under control, we plan to attend.  Nevertheless, if anyone is considering attending, please make a reservation.  You can always cancel it later.  This little reunion is lots of fun.  You'll see your usual friends and classmates and meet new classmates.  Have a blessed day.  Glenn

Jerry Barrett

I plan to attend the 2021 Rendezvous.

John Schmidt Jr.

Teri Wiley visited New Braunfels, TX last week.  Vikki McCoy, John Schmidt, Teri Wiley, Glenn Gonzalez and Toni Sim went dancing at the Watering Hole Saloon & Dance Hall in New Braunfels.  We all had a great time.  It was nice to see Teri again.

John Schmidt Jr.

The fun continued again this weekend at the Watering Hole Saloon & Dance Hall with Toni, Glenn and Toni friend Charlie.. 

Toni and 

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi John, thanks for posting the pictures.  We thank Vikki, Teri, and Toni for coming to the dances in New Braunfels.  What great fun.  The girls look great, but the picture of me and pretty Toni shows my thinning hair.  No problem.  Personality and humor is more important than hair.  Right?

Teri Stanley (Wiley)

Teri Stanley (Wiley)

Mary Allen (Lambert)

Everyone looks great

Jerry Barrett

Thread from the Irvin 63 website.

Jerry

______________________________________________________________

Does this jog anyone's memory? I thought so...

03/11/22 06:24 AM #1552     Clark W. Schadle Pretty neat picture of the B-36 and I like the car line up too!!!!!!

03/11/22 01:04 PM #1553     Shirley Kennedy (Adams) I don't remember that, but I do remember the 1st hijacking at the airport.

03/12/22 05:26 AM #1554     Dolores Turner (Turner) I didn't move to El Paso until the 60"s but I also remember the hitching of the plane.  My Mom and some friends drove as close to the Airport  as we could get to see if we could see anything.

03/12/22 07:19 AM #1555     Clark W. Schadle I still have the newpaper front page from that Hijacking at El Paso Airport.  I was a big deal when they shot the tires out on the jet so it could not takeoff.

03/12/22 03:01 PM #1556     Richard W. Henderson In 1956 or 1957 a B-36 took off from Biggs AFB, had a problem and flew into the Franklin mountains just above downtown. We were living in Hacienda Heights at the time. My Dad and a neighbor (both pilots) were talking in the front yard and heard that monster coming. When we saw him, my Dad let out an expletive and the two of them took off running down the street with me in hot pursuit. That plane cleared the telephone pole in our back yard but no more than 50 feet!!! If he had turned east instead of west, he may have made it. Today there are still pieces of the wreckage up there. About the same time, they launched an old German V-2 rocket out at White Sands Missile Range for testing and research. The thing went goofy and the emergency shut-off failed. It landed in the cemetery in Juarez, Mexico. Scared the dickens out of a little old ladiy visiting her late husbands grave!!! And then a few weeks later (my Dad used to laugh about this until he passed) the mayor and the chief of police in Juarez were having lunch in one of the restaurants when some guy walked in , pulled his Colt 45 out and killed them both! The city council called a special meeting and passed a new law banning 4" pocket knives!!! True story!!! Like I said, my Dad laughed about that all of his life! It sounds like something our congress would do today... Memories...some good, some not so much.

03/13/22 07:53 AM #1557     Clark W. Schadle If you are intested here is more on the B-36 crash at El Paso       Link   https://on-walkabout.net/2010/01/25/exploring-the-franklin-mountains-b-36-crash-site/

03/13/22 01:35 PM #1558     Shirley Kennedy (Adams) My dad was called out to the airport on the hijacking and last thing he said to me stay away from the airport.  I had errand to do and where was the 1st place I went??????  I drove back later and all the tires had been shot and flat. There were also several military jets that crashed in EP in later years.  Mom and dad were sitting in restaurant on I-10 on eastside when they say jet flying low.  Can't remember where they said it crashed but it scared them. When I went to Burgess, I loved to watch the B-52's come in with the parachutes to slow them down.  The next year was Austin High and finally Irvin opened. So many old and good memories.

03/13/22 01:46 PM #1559     Shirley Kennedy (Adams) Clark, how interesting.  I was not aware, but then we didn't didn't transfer to EP until 1957, and even though we lived there, I was still unaware until you shared this.  Thank you.

03/13/22 02:01 PM

#1560

Joseph R. Mays Another plane crash at Biggs happened in 1959. My uncle, Hank Chouteau, who was the Chief Test Pilot at Northrup, was flying the first flight of an experimental plane from Orlando to Salt Lake, CA. He decided to stop in El Paso to refuel and visit our family. The next morning we went to Biggs AFB to see him take off. The plane never got off the runway and he broke his back. He stayed with us for 4 weeks until he was able to fly back to CA. His wife, my father's sister, stayed with us as well. He continued to be the Chief Test Pilot for another 25 years. He was the one who first flew what is now the F-5. There was little in the papers about this because it was an experimental aircraft.

John Mackley

Hello everyone.  While looking for our classmates and where they are now, I just discovered the passing of Juanita McRae.  Here is Juanita's obituary.  So sorry to learn of Juanita's passing.  
John

Juanita (Nita) Lynn McRae was born July 29, 1948 in McAllen, Texas, the daughter of Ogden and Joyce (Eddy) McRae. She passed from this life July 30, 2021, in Round Rock, Texas at the age of 73.

Juanita had lived in this area since 2018, moving here from El Paso, Texas. She had worked as an Administrative Assistant for the US Army and attended Fellowship Church. Juanita had many hobbies including crafting, reading, shopping and gardening. She enjoyed water aerobics and dancing. She was known for her personalized gift wrapping skills and making beautiful door wreaths. Juanita loved to bake for her family and especially for the holidays. She will be remembered for her signature dishes, including lemon meringue pie and frito pie among the family favorites. 

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Ogden and Joyce McRae, Davy Bryant and grandson, Gabriel Langdon. She is survived by her children, Stephanie Burcham and husband, Richard; James Langdon and wife, Alana and Lindsay Howard and husband Brian; siblings, Steve McRae and wife, Joie; O. Brien McRae and Frank McRae; grandchildren, Tristyn Millikin, Shealynn Bryant, Mikenna Burcham, Braden Howard, Elizabeth Howard, Haden Langdon, Amara Langdon and Lucas Langdon; great-grandchildren, Fischer Millikin, Lane Millikan, Hayes Bryant, and Baby Bryant on the way; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 1200 S. Bagdad Road, Leander, Texas. Interment was at Cedar Park Cemetery.

Jerry Barrett

John, thanks for posting. I too am saddened to hear of Juanita's passing. If I had known of this sooner I would have attended the services. Rest in peace Juanita.

John Schmidt Jr.

We are currently planning on having an Irvin Alumni Mini-Reunion/Rendezvous 20-23 October 2023 in El Paso if enough folk’s sign-up.  While it is primarily open to the Irvin classes of ’60-’73, any Irvin Alumni are welcome to attend.  The host hotel is the Marriott (the Class of ’61 held their 50th Reunion here) close to the El Paso Airport. It is really a plush setup at the Marriott with a lounge that has a sizeable seating area for Happy Hour or after dinner get together. There is also a Bistro for breakfast and a very nice restaurant in the hotel. The Cattle Baron and Appleby’s restaurants are within walking distance.  The plan would be to try and get a tour of Irvin on Saturday. Like the Irvin Alumni Rendezvous we have been conducting since 2016 in Ruidoso, this is an informal affair with the primary event being the Happy Hour each evening at 5PM and meeting up after dinner in a hospitality room or the lounge.  If the response is great enough, we may also try to plan events during the day such as everyone meeting somewhere for lunch or tour Old Mesilla.  The room rate is $109+tax per night (normally $149+tax per night) if we have enough folks staying at the Marriott and we can block a minimum of 30 rooms.  We hope you will consider attending. If you would like to sign up, please let me know as soon as you can and I will put you on the distribution to keep you informed.  I hope everyone is doing well.  Take care.  Bryson McCool ‘61

brymccool@gmail.com   575-973-0732 or 575-652-4029

John Schmidt Jr.

60 –’73 Irvin Alumni Anniversary Reunion

1.  Attendees: Primarily Irvin Alumni who have celebrated (or about to celebrate) their 50th Irvin High School Reunion and friends or any Irvin Alumni.

2. Host Hotel: Marriott El Paso Hotel in El Paso, Texas | Marriott El Paso

3. Dates: 20-23 October 2023

4. Planned Events (so far):

• Happy Hour each evening at 5PM at the Great Room Lounge and Bar located in the Marriott.

• Tour of Irvin High School Saturday (being planned)

• Hospitality room(s) for socializing after dinner (if groups wish to have them)

• Other events if anyone would like to set them up

5. Dining Possibilities near Marriott:

• Great Room Restaurant (Marriott)

• Red Rim Bistro – Breakfast (Marriott)

• Cattle Baron Restaurant and Bar (within walking distance)

• Appleby’s (within walking distance)

6. Block Room Rate: $109 per night plus taxes.

7. Block Hospitality Room Rate: $199 per night plus taxes

8. Planning Committee Contact: If you are planning on attending, please contact Bryson so you will be on the Reunion email distribution.

brymccool@gmail.com 575-973-0732 575-652-4029

** Must use special Marriott Group Reservation Link to get block room rates.

Book your group rate for Irvin High School Alumni '61-'7

https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1674497952821&key=GRP

John Schmidt Jr.

Please see 2023 Irvin Alumni Rendezvous tab to your left to see who has signed up to attend.

Jerry Barrett

John Schmidt Jr.

See link below for more info for the reunion at Alan Van Velkinburg home in Cypres, Texas:

/000/8/2/3/31328/userfiles/file/Attendee%20List%205-16-2024%20(1).xlsx

Jerry Barrett

https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/el-paso-dj-steve-crosno-radio-television-studio-14-new-interviews-cruisin/

John Moreno

Hello Rockets!!!

As you know,  I do not log on much, but thought I should tell you a nice story.  Kim and I took a trip to San Antonio to attend my Granddaughter's 9th birthday party. We had a wonderful time with my son, his wife, Katie  and two Granddaughters!  We decided to stop and spend a few days in Gruene before we headed to Dallas to spend Thanksgiving with my sisters. We stayed at the Gruene Mansion, did some shopping and stopped off a few places to partake of the adult beverages. One night, we stopped and listened to the country music at the Gruene Dance Hall  where the movie  "Michael" was filmed and John Travolta starred in.  It is the Oldest Dancehall in Texas. We had just sat down when I noticed a fellow dancing and I turned to Kim and said, "that guy looks like Glenn."  She said it wasn't so I sipped on my drink.  After a few more sips and songs, I told Kim I was going to get closer to the guy and find out if was Glenn.  As I was walking up to them, I recognized Marge at the same time she recognized me! I know he lives closeby but was not expecting them to be there that night.  We had dinner with them the following night at the Gristmill River Restaurant and enjoyed being with them, talking about old times and giving thanks for great, old friends as these.  Go Rockets!!!

John Schmidt Jr.

Hi Johnny, thanks for sharing your story.  Our website hasn’t had much activity in quite a while, so it was nice to hear from one of our classmates.  I was out of town during your visit to Gruene Dance Hall.  I live about ten minutes from the dance hall.  Glenn and I get together often to go dancing at different dance halls in the area as well as on occasion I will meet Glenn at Gruene Dance Hall.  Also, Toni Sim and Vikki McCoy live near by and they also occasionally go dancing with us.  If you get back into the area and have some free time let us know and maybe we can all, get together.

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi John, thanks for sharing your story.  Yes, Marge and I were also surprised to see you and Kim at Gruene Hall.  You described Gruene Hall perfectly.  It has character, charm, and history.  Besides the movie Michael being filmed there, it has also been the site of many Texas legends' entertaining folks like us.  I am glad our friends and classmates will learn of Gruene Hall from your posting.  Also, as you mentioned we had a nice dinner at the Gristmill, next door to Gruene Hall.  Actually, there are many fine restaurants nearby.  You may not remember, but many classmates went to Gruene Hall years ago for some "mini reunions."  I guess we just lost energy to plan these reunions. Hopefully, when you come again, we can plan a little reunion.  As John Schmidt noted, there are many classmates in the area.  Besides John and me, Toni Sim, Jerry Barrett, and Vikki McCoy often go dancing together.  Jane Hays Smith and Beth Burrough also want to join us sometime in the near future.  Best regards to you and Kim.  Please come again soon.

Claudia Krone (Isaac)

Hi Glenn.  Been watching the latest posts. Miss everyone so much. I live Hutto Tx now. Miss El Paso sometimes but not much since it has changed so much since we all were there. Looks like you and Marge are having a great time there. Have been to Gruene a few years ago but not some. Keep doing whatever you are doing because it looks great on you!!!!!  Take care!!

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi Claudia, so nice to hear from you.  I also miss El Paso, but often visit because I have sisters (and nieces and nephews) still there.  I also regularly attend the mini reunions at Inn of the Mountain Gods that are hosted and organized by Bryson McCool.  Please consider coming to those. They are fun and a great opportunity to visit folks from many classes.  Please call John Schmidt or me (619-248-3382) whenever you come to Gruene Hall.  We would love to join you and show you around our town.  Take care.

John Moreno

Glenn and John, I will let you know when we plan on going back to San Antonio, where my son lives. We love visiting as we get to be with our 2 granddaugters!  It would be nice to see you all at Gruene.  I'll stay in touch.

Johnny