Sandi Bain (Houle)

In the spirit of the theme for the up-coming Reunion, " A Place For Us," wouldn't it be nice if we could put the past behind, start fresh...

Hi Angel, I'm so sad to hear of your Mothers passing, that's a horrible thing to endure... My memory is also NOT what It use to be, all I remember is your Mom being kind of quiet and very sweet! I pray some of her friends who knew her better will contact you with more information. As for our Class, please forgive us, we're working out the kinks! GOD Bless you...

David Roth (Mcc '71)

Sadly, Bruce, the Miami Herald fiasco regarding your 40th reunion was at the hands of a member of my class, the class of 1971. We were able to avoid a similar attempted disruption.  I wish you guys the best as your 45th approaches!

Dave Roth

Bruce Frendahl

To Paul, Sandi and David-

Paul, thanks for the correction.

Sandi, my sentiments exactly. I only posted what I did because the subject came up on '69's website, not ours. But since I put it there, I thought it would be a good idea to copy it to our website, in the spirit of truth and openness.

David, no problem. The Herald article may have helped us, in a way, to pull ourselves together for the 45th.

-Bruce

Deborah Jones

Hey fellow alumni...I still have the letter that was mailed to me Nov 1979, the letter is from Paul (on a business letterhead located in Coral Gables) inviting fellow classmates to attend a 10 year reunion meeting it was held at the orig school Dec 5 1979 at 7:30 pm in room 103.   I attended the planning meeting.   The summer of '80 I also attended the reunion, Rick Shaw was the d.j.  I sat at the same table with Bruce, Roberta Clayton Noble, Eileen Kerti Danielson &   some spouses too.    Once we were teenage seniors in' 70 now we are THE REAL DEAL!    May the upcoming reunion be the very best of all, God Bless the class of '70.

Sandi Bain (Houle)

Thank you so much much for clearing that up, Deborah. And Paul was right, documents ARE a lot more dependable than memory! So now we can move on, In peace and harmony...Ya know it would be great to hear from some more people on here, I have a suggestion, we've been doing this on the '69 site and it's been  great fun and very enlightning. Each person tells us ten things about their life since we left school, then you nominate up to three people you would like to catch up with! Who wants to go first? Peace and Love, Chiefs... ::-))

Bruce Frendahl

I'll start it off...

1. I got a Bachelor in architecture at UF, but never had a license.

2. I got Master in education at UF, but never taught a course.

3. I was married twice and divorced twice. Available now for dates!

4. I spent 31 years in architecture, and left the profession in 2008. I still appreciate good building design, but there's not much around.

5. I have become a prolific poet, which I owe to Mr. Cappetta (6th grade) who had us all write a poem about "Christmas", Mrs. Dewhurst at MCC, who made us write in a journal every day, and moving to Gainesville. I wrote a poem about changing seasons in Mr. MacDavid's English class at Parkway Junior.  Next I wrote a love poem about Liz Vaughan in '70. One of my poems, "Heart of Haulover", was published in a national magazine in 2000. I read my poems publicly every Thursday night here at the longest running public poetry reading event in the U.S.It's the highlight of my week!

6. I had a daughter, Kim, in 1980. She is a nurse practitioner at CVS. I have two grandkids, Abby, 7 in December, and Joey, 5, in November.

7. I have been homeless 7 times in the last 2 years. I live in a tent in the woods on a lake with my cat right now. I may be moving to a duplex here soon. My Lutheran church helps me.

8. I met one true soulmate, Jodie, on Valentine's Day, 1987. We broke up exactly one year later. I wish I could get in touch with her, but I don't know where she is.

9. I have been suicidal 4 times since 2003, and called the national suicide hotline twice. Depression is pure hell, but I am ok now. Finally, thank God! I have my Mom and Dad's survival instinct. I have my second wife Judy's "street smarts" too.

10. I have been a practicing naturist (nudist) since 1974. I love it, and recommend it to anyone. Skinnydipping and nude sunbathing are fantastic! And I hate wearing shoes!

Comments welcome!

Bruce Frendahl

I'd like to see "10 Things" from Sandi Bain Houle, Eileen Kerti Danielson, and "Maree Mabel" Garland of '69. Or anyone else I had classes with in Class of '70.

Kim Halden

Bruce,

I loved your poem about Liz Vaughn.  Would love to read more of your work.

One of your comments really took me back.  Mr. Capetta.  He was the most memorable teacher I ever had.  His methods were unique and everyone loved his class.  One day a few years ago I was reflecting on my own teaching methods (which are very different from those of my colleagues) and I realized that they were very similar to his methods.  I have never forgotten him and always wished I had been able to say thank you to him for the way he inspired us.  I remember how it was in his class that I first heard the word "scapegoat."  I also loved the class debates he had us do.  Thanks for bringing up such a nice memory.

Kim

Bruce Frendahl

Kim-

Thank you for your kind words. My poem about Liz was my second poem. She was my high school crush, but she only wanted to be friends. She turned down my invitation to go to the senior prom, which we both regretted 40 years later.

My first poem was written in Mr. Cappetta's class about "Christmas." I liked him as a teacher too. I remember him as having a good sense of humor. One time, he was grading papers while he had given us a reading assignment. He was looking at Cathy Riney's paper, and said out loud, "Riney, come hither!" We all busted out laughing at that one! His class was in one of the wooden portables.

I read my poems publicly at Civic Media Center in Gainesville, FL on Thursday nights, 9pm. 433 South Main Street. It's a lot of fun and all free. Are you anywhere near here? If not, email me at brucefrendahl@aol.com with your favorite poem subject, and I'll email you a poem of mine. Ok?

I am writing a kid's book of poems, to be published soon.

Take care, Bruce

352-682-5077

Kim Halden

I'd love to read your kids' poems Bruce.  If I had your permission, I'd love to read them to my students as well.  I teach fifth grade in NC.  I'm writing a book myself, about my experiences as a teacher and hope to write some others.  Don't know, we'll see.  I was a columnist for a large newspaper in NC one year and received a lot of positive feedback on my writing which gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue my writing.  Never thought of myself as a writer until then. I was in the class of '71 so I was a year behind you.  Yes, Mr. Cappetta's sense of humor is what I remember best.  Apparently, it is what my students seem to remember best about me as well.  I often say that I was stuck developmentally at ten years old which is why my students love my humor, :-).  Keep up the good work!

Bruce Frendahl

Kim-

I can email you anything you want. It may take a week because I will be moving from a tent to a duplex shortly, but email me and I will get back to you. FYI, so far I have composed 30 kids' poems on various subjects, gotten great feedback so far. Will publish them soon.

-Bruce

brucefrendahl@aol.com

Sandi Bain (Houle)

Bruster, I'm so HAPPY to hear you're moving Indoors!!! GOD loves YOU, man, and so do we...Okay per your request, here is my consolidated journey...1. I got married right out of highschool...2.Two years later gave birth to my beautiful Daughter...3. My Husband had severe bi-polar, back then there was not much help for that, our marriage ended when our Daughter was two...3. As a single-parent, I left Miami in '76... 4. I followed my family to Texas... 5. I supported myself and child as a Cosmetologist, ( Mr. Marchando) would be proud.) ;)...6. The seventies were not fun for this single-parent, I was happy to see them go...7.1982 was a very good year, I met a Ct. Boy, who decided (I WAS THE ONE!):)  We've been together thirtytwo years...8.1984 we were blessed with our Son, what a WONDERFUL surprise that was!!!...9. 2000, another amazing year, I got to visit Russia and became  "GRANDI" to our AWESOME Grandaughter...10. This last year has been bitter-sweet! Sweet, because after eight years of serving our Country, our Son married the love of his life!!! Bitter, because I lost my Dad, he's been my HERO since I got him at ten years old... So, that's my story, and I'm stickin' too it! Now, I would Like to hear from the lovely, Christine (Cicio) Obenauer, my brotha, from another Mother, Howard (Coach) Choachman '69, and the " Keeper of the Gates," Ms. Gina Keeler...Peace to the Chiefs...San.

Bruce Frendahl

Cool! Great response, San!

-Bruce

352-682-5077

Sandi Bain (Houle)

Happy Birthday Mark Yoffe, hope you have a fabulous day and a blessed year! :))

Paul Roberts

Hey Chiefs,

Our class meeting is Saturday, October 18^th at the home of Trey & Terry Lewis.

Meeting:             Saturday, October 18^th

                                5:00pm

                                16140 NW 18 Place

                                Miami Gardens, FL 33054

David Obenauer

Paul,

      A great big thank you to the committee for your work in planning the reunion.  For those of us who are not living in the area, it was really nice to see the video of the Schula Resort.  It looks like a fitting venue for a significant event. 

    Having been fortunate enough to attend several of the dances in the recent years, their is no doubt that this group knows how to put together an affair that everyone will enjoy.  There is a natural intrepidation about "going back home" but the welcoming atmosphere that the committee expressed made the events very nice.  It takes a bit of effort for all attending to interupt our busy schedules and go but that is very little compared to the effort of the dedicated planners.  To you all, "WELL DONE".

David

Bruce Frendahl

To all classmates in response to David's post...

I agree with David's expression of gratitude and thanks for all that Paul and his committee have done so far in planning our 45th Reunion. Having "been there and done that" six times previously, I KNOW what hard work goes into the arranging of an event like this.

I am sure we all will have a great time at the reunion next summer, especially as a UNITED CLASS, and of course, any final evaluation of it must wait until we have experienced it.

In the meantime, my best wishes to the committee in its continuing work, and, as always, GO, CHIEFS!!!

-Bruce Frendahl

Bruce Frendahl

This is from Class of '69 website...

Nora Hernandez Hendrix

Ten reasons (in no particular order) to attend our 45 year reunion:

1. You want to hug a classmate.

2. You want to show your Class of (1970) School Spirit.

3. You're feeling nostalgic.

4. You want to dance to some oldie goldie music.

5. You're curious about the surprise that (poet Bruce Frendahl) has in store for us.

6. You want to honor the hard work of the planning committee.

7. You like a good party.

8. (Fort Lauderdale) is beautiful in (the summer).

9. You want to meet classmates who you did not know while in school.

10. You want to celebrate 45 years of life after high school.

Sandi Bain (Houle)

I want to wish all my fellow Chiefs a joy-filled Thanksgiving! I'm thankful we still have a connection from our childhood, "even if I'm the only one on here!" JK!! ;-) So have a BEAUTIFUL day tomorrow, and don't gobble too much Turkey! ;))

Paul Roberts

Bruce Frendahl

Ok, Thanksgiving is barely over, and I'm wasting NO TIME in posting this FEELER. I NEED A RIDE TO OUR REUNION. I know where some of you are coming from. The further you come, like up north or out west, the more likely you'll fly. But those coming from North Florida or Georgia / SC / Alabama etc. will probably drive. If so, I-75 takes you right by Gainesville. I'm just a few minutes off the interstate. I can entertain you with funny stories (some about other alumni!) and poems. Now, how many other passengers you could pick up can say that? I'm not a backseat driver, but I'll keep you awake and safe. I may not have gas money for you, but I have food stamps and can buy you a sub meal at Publix. DEAL???

-Bruce, aka "Cap'n Oh-Wow"  brucefrendahl@aol.com  619 NW 19 Lane, Gainesville 32609  352-888-1042

Melody Watson (Smith)

Bruce, I will be happy to come and pick you up and take you to the reunion. I will probably be at my daughters in Ocala and I can shoot up from there.  If you get someone else to take you that is okay, just let me know. My new phone number is 407-936-5815.  You can text me or call, it is a Metro PCS phone.

Melody

Bruce Frendahl

Melody-

Ok, got it, thanks. Will let you know.

-Bruce

Bruce Frendahl

ON TURNING 62

A few years ago, I did not think I would ever reach this milestone. I was suffering from severe situational depression, unhappily divorced and out of work. But, you know, when I was ten years old, I wanted to live to be 100. Later, when I saw comedians George Burns and Bob Hope at 100, and they could not perform on stage like they had wanted to, I re-thought my ambitions. It's NOT just the age milestone, it's the QUALITY OF LIFE that is EQUALLY important. Now, ...most of you know that you can start collecting SOCIAL SECURITY at age 62. It's not as much as you would get if you delayed until 66 or 70. But for me, it will be sufficient. Quite frankly, I can't wait any longer. And FYI - you don't get a check in your mailbox on your birthday. The government doing THAT would be incomprehensible. No, they delay it one month and send you your money on a debit / credit card four weeks AFTER THAT EXTRA MONTH. Bottom line? Uncle Sam gets to keep your hard-earned money an extra 60 days. Figures, right? Your Congress at work. And I use the term "work" LOOSELY. I guess I'm just happy that SS is there for me after I spent 31 years in the architectural biz, and after all that talk a few years ago about SS not going to be there when us baby-boomers retire. Now, that said...PHYSICALLY, I feel fine. I have survived life on the street seven times. I have had no major surgeries ever, no major illnesses since asthma at 10 years old. The plasma places won't let me donate as they say I have cellulitis or edema on my lower legs, but I donate blood every 8 weeks, and I bike and walk - and DANCE - all the time. Shands did an ultrasound and declared me fit and healthy. I do have tinnitus, or "ringing in the ears", as does my younger brother, Paul, but not as bad as my late mother, Evelyn. MENTALLY, I have regained my 140 IQ, which was taken away from me by bad meds prescribed by a quack shrink many years ago. SPIRITUALLY, I have never been stronger in my faith. EMOTIONALLY, I am fine and remarkably balanced. I try not to sweat the small stuff. If I really need something, I pray for it, and usually get it, in some form or another, sooner or later. I write and recite POEMS publicly, and advocate for the HOMELESS. I also enjoy music, movies, the beach, my church, good conversation and naturism. Even at 62, I still have a strong desire for female companionship, and am actively seeking a girlfriend. So, most kids 40 years my junior think I've got one foot in the grave. Well, they ain't seen nuthin' yet!

GO, CHIEFS!

Bruce Frendahl

TO ALL CLASS MEMBERS -

I have been trying to get more info on our reunion planning from Paul Roberts of the Reunion Committee. I am being ignored. I have been on six other reunion committees. We would never have done this to a class member. I don't know what's going on , and I am frustrated. Can anyone help?