From Seneca Lake and the reunion to Sacramento

Seneca Lake scenic
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - It's 6:40 p.m. and it is 109 degrees outside. Yup, 109 degrees after nearly a month of basking in upstate New York's 80-degree days. And yes, you weather watchers, we have what's called 'dry heat' meaning that the humidity is only about 20 percent, compared to 99 percent sometimes at Seneca Lake.

But gawd, 109 degrees is hot... And the state is declaring a power emergency which could mean rolling blackouts. Better get the beer and wine on ice, pronto.

Already the memories of chatting with everyone at the See Zurh House Friday night and Saturday evening at Webb's seems like they are fading, at least until I flip back to some of the photos. I hope that people who used their digital cameras will send along some for posting - even if they seem repetitive. I've about exhausted the ones sent by Randy Carlson and Shirley Adams. If not, well, I guess I'll have to go back to the yearbook and start pulling out shots again.

After the reunion, Admiral Fox and I spent a nice week at Seneca Lake, boating and traveling to a few of the wineries frequented by Bob and Donna Swanson on their annual Seneca Lake wine pilgrimage with other area folks. I even shipped a case of New York wine back to California to give as gifts, one bottle of which I will be presenting to the president of my university who specifically asked me to bring him some of New York state's finest. (OK, I might not have gotten him the absolute best, but it is a notch up from Uncle Homer's Red. Sorry Bob & Donna!)

We also climbed a little waterway that runs right near our Valois house, called, appropriately, Breakneck Creek, to find a swimming hole we had gone to several years ago.

I could certainly use that swimming hole right now, though I am refilling my hot tub with cold water in anticipation of the air conditioning and electricity being dumped in the next few hours.


Breakneck Creek swimming hole


Admiral Fox tests the water...

In the reunion euphoria, there was a lot of talk about a 45-year soiree and then a 50th reunion, good goals both. But for either of them to happen, classmates, please do your best to keep in touch with each other.

And please remember, too, in the spirit of John Rupp and Kathy Widrig and all of our other amigos who have passed away, that there is a network of folks if you need to reach out. (Yes, those same ones who only a week ago were dancing and drinking and having such a wild time.) I know I'm already making plans for a return to Lakewood next summer for a mini-reunion and intend on pestering people via email from now on.

Live long and prosper, my amigos. And thanks for a great time at the SWCS Class of '66 40th Reunion.

It was, as we used to say, a real blast.

Class of '66 reunion - the party isn't over

Class of '66 group reunion photo
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

VALOIS, New York - There is a great scene in the movie "Animal House" in which the late John Belushi says, "Over? Over! It's not over until we say it's over."

I kind of feel that way about last weekend. I had so much fun - and so much fun reconnecting with people - that I don't want to let it go.

It's not over until we say it's over.

Ok, it's over for right now...

But, so is my New York trip for this summer, as the car is packed for the trip to the airport and tomorrow I will be in Sacramento where it is expected to top about 107 degrees. When I refill the hot tub, I won't bother to turn on the heater.

But I promised a number of folks at the reunion that I would keep posting photos and stories and news updates about classmates for a awhile.

And I still have a video to edit.

By the way, if you to to Flickr.com and type in SWCS or Class of '66 in the search you will pull up lots of the photos I have posted.

And if you would like the highest resolution version of the group shot at the beginning of today's posting, let me know and I will email it to you directly. Some folks don't have fast enough Internet connections to take the 1.3 MB file...

Great reunion amigos. More reunions, please.

Dance Fever Saturday gives way to skating & picnic

More Dance Fever
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MIDWAY PARK, New York - The wild gyrations of dancing Saturday night (some of which is shown in the top photo) gave way to roller skating and a picnic on Sunday at Midway Park.

Admiral Fox and I had to pass on the event, heading back early to Valois to avoid the heat in our non-air conditioned Buick (which made the trip quite nicely, thank you very much).

The pictures below came courtesy of Shirley Adams. More skating/Midway pix and other shots from Randy Carlson should be posted in the next few days.

In the meantime, enjoy these.


Chowing down at Midway


Another lunch-in-the-park photo


Mick Olson skating by


Linda Hanson, Linda Davidson, Barb Bunce and Shirley Adams

Dance Fever hits the Class of '66 reunion

Dance Fever
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MAYVILLE, New York - The dancers didn't care about the heat or the humidity in the back deck area of Webb's Resort Saturday night, while they twisted, did the fly, the stroll and who-knows-what else after dinner.

Mixing mostly fast-paced songs with occasional slow dances (so we could get our pulse rates back down below 100) the DJ did a fabulous job of keeping everyone going.

Those who didn't want to struggle with the elements stayed inside and chatted.

I received an avalanche of photos from Randy Carlson and look foward to receiving any others folks want to send along. Over a period of time, I'll be posting them and also seeing about transferring them onto a CD (or two).

And I did get a peek at some of the video I shot.

Oh boy!!!

I don't know about most people, but I didn't look carefully in the envelope Randy & Jim Lindell and the committee provided at the reunion Saturday, but there is a hilarious sheet of facts about 1966.

Did you know that Kiefer Sutherland was born that year? Or that the federal minimum wage was $1.25? Or that the number one song on Billboard's top 10 was The Monkee's I'm a Believer.

No kidding, I couldn't make up that thing about the Monkees.

So, check out that sheet, for sure, and look also for a forwarded email from me from Bud Hooper that he sent the day of the reunion. Good stuff.

Here's several more shots from Saturday night.


Bryan Larson, Svea Shellberg, Sue Howard and ?


(left to right:Ken Sonne, Steve Sewell, Mrs. Steve Sewell, Mrs. Dan Flanagan, Dan Flanagan and Mike Coon)

And a special thanks to Bud Hooper for grabbing me a brick from the rubble at Lakewood Elementary. Although I am purchasing several (one in honor of John Rupp) through Tom Priester, this brick will have a place of honor here in Valois New York at our Seneca Lake House.

It even comes complete with some mortar on it for authenticity.

SWCS Class of '66 Reunion: some Day 2 photos

Linda Davidson & Sue Guertin
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MAYVILLE, New York - My photographic & technical incompetence remains, but I have been seriously bailed out by Randy Carlson and Bonnie Anderson already.

And, if you have noticed the photo at the top here, I hope to see some shots from Linda Davidson and Sue Guertin sometime, too.

My head is still reeling (and not just from the numerous $7.50 glasses of wine at Webbs). So many people, so many memories. I've been writing notes as fast as I could ever since we left, to jog my memory for future musings.

I'm posting just a few shots at a time and will try to figure out a rational (and easily accessible system) for people to find pictures.

One quick way to see larger versions of these photos is to click on them, which should take you to Flickr.com, where I have them all posted in their original size. The newest photos I am posting in full-size, so when you look at it (or download it to your computer) you should get lots of details.

My apologies to people who would like the photos to be just a little fuzzy. Sometimes technology is a little too good.

More photos later today or tomorrow, my amigos. It is already 90 degrees here in Valois and headed toward 100. Seneca Lake is callling.


(from the left) Bonnie Anderson-Byrne, Bryan Larson, Lee Anderson (seated) Mrs. Lee (Marge Anderson) and Sue Siecker


The Golfers - names to follow, but try your own hand at identifications...

A migraine kept Cheryl Towers from the reunion

Cheryl Towers
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

PITTSBURGH, Penn. - Three days of a migraine headache (leading up to this weekend's Class of '66 reunion) kept Cheryl from attending she told me today in an email.

I would have mentioned it earlier, but I was so flummoxed by the combination of my camera not working, endless glasses of Pinot Grigio at Webb's and dancing to "Shout" with Shelly Kales that I didn't post her news.

Sorry Cheryl, you missed a wild party.

And today a large contingent of folks were going to Midway Park for rollerskating and a barbecue.

Admiral Fox and I bailed, however, opting instead to getting back to Seneca Lake before the nearly 100-degree temperatures were predicted to hit. The Buick made it, though without airconditioning it was still damned hot the last hour.

I also neglected to mention that in addition to getting lots of kudos at the reunion for doing this blog, Gloria Boutelle presented me with an entire case of Mallo Cups as a special thanks.


Gloria Boutelle

Gloria, my dentist will probably hate you, but thank you, thank you, thank you!

Class of '66 reunion night II - Photography help!

Kathy Anderson & Bob Swanson
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MAYVILLE, New York - The second night of the SWCS Class of '66 reunion was fabulous - a great cocktail party, followed by great food, followed by hours of dancing.

The only non-fabulous part was the camera I was relying on for this blog took the opportunity to take unusable photos. Not just fuzzy - totally unusable.

Merde!

But there at two pieces of good news:

First, there were at least a dozen other people taking tons of photos who, I hope, will forward me some shots by email for posting. I especially hope to get one of the group shot - even my fuzzy version is interesting.

Second, I took video (which worked well) of the dinner and a LOT of the dancing. I haven't reviewed the entire tape yet, but if it shows all the jumping and screaming, there will be some good stills to pull from it - and it might make just a good video to distribute if I can make it into a 'rockumentary' using some of the stills and music.

If you have photos from night II and could send me a couple via email, I would appreciate it.

In the meantime, here's two more photos from our earlier foray at the See Zurh House in Bemus.


Craig Fransen and Sharon Ticknor (Class of 69, I believe...)


Randy Carlson & Larry Nelson

Fast start for the SWCS Class of '66 40th reunion

See Zurh House scene
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

BEMUS POINT, New York - The first night of the Class of '66 reunion got off to a great start with members of the class, spouses, friends and people from other SWCS classes swarming the sidewalk in front of the See Zurh House, all chattering like monkeys.

And, as a total blast from the past, several folks got yelled at by the See Zurh House folks for wandering around off the premises with beers in their hands.

Boy did that bring back memories!

The hardest part was getting to talk with people for more than two seconds. As soon as I would get chatting, I would spot someone who had just arrived who I wanted to greet. And there were some folks I never did get a chance to talk to, like Jim Nelson. Maybe tonight.

My wife Sylvia took a lot of photos and I have posted some with this blog. Flashes were going off all night and I hope that some of those photos get emailed to me and, if so, I'll try to post them here or on my Flickr.com page.

Tonight is round II at Webb's Resort where after hours of testing our vocal chords (and capacity for imbibing various beverages) last night at the See Zurh House, we will add fine dining and some dancing.


Shelly Kales, Cory Kales & Fitz


Linda Davidson, Darlene Gavert & Kathy Anderson


Jack Eckdahl talking to Fitz


Class President Dan Flanagan with First Lady


Lee Johnson, tan, fit & rested


Cathy Lindstrom Prince - she made it!


Celeste Windoft Bolles, Mike Coon & Dana Bolles


Dianne Hagglund, Linda Davidson, Marianne Jim & Linda Anderson

If it's Friday, you should be in Bemus Point...

High school reunion
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

BEMUS POINT, New York - Actually, it's Thursday, now that I think about it. But by this time tomorrow, the Buick will be huffing and puffing its way to Bemus Point and Mayville for the Class of '66 reunion.

Bud Hooper graciously offered to pick us up if the Buick dies within a hundred miles of Jamestown. I hope I don't have to take him up on it. But Bud, keep the engine warm in your car.

I received an email from Dan Flanagan yesterday that he was on his way to the airport to fly in. He sounded quite stoked.

Perhaps we should reelect him class president this weekend.

In the meantime, Pat Levin - who had been planning on attending for many months - emailed to say she will not be able to make it after all. She is dealing with a family matter but sent along her best wishes to all of the class.

Drat!

On to Bemus Point, amigos.

Chautauqua Lake is waiting for us...

Chautauqua Lake Map
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

LAKEWOOD, New York - I probably won't get too much chance to explore around the lake, but when I saw this map online, it reminded me of all the places around the shore where I used to visit in my 14-foot MFG ski boat, or aboard Jim Carr's Chris-Craft, Craig Fransen's Century or Bud Hooper's Cutter.

Long Point, Midway Park, Bemus Point, magic names in the past... We sometimes ventured as far at the Chautauqua Institution in search of adventure (read: girls).

Not much to tell about those forays, unfortunately.


A Century ski boat - check the name

If the weather cooperates, some boating might be in order Saturday. I see that there is a marina across the street from Webb's Resort that rents all type of watercraft - some of it pretty fast, it looks like.

Or perhaps a cruise on a patio boat might be more in style for 2006.


Patio boat classic

We'll have to see what kind of weather we have Saturday - and what kind of shape we're in for boating or any exposure to bright sunlight.

A few words about attire for Saturday night

Travolta in Saturday Night Fever
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MAYVILLE, New York - I received a couple of emails inquiring about what to wear Saturday night when we gather at Webb's to dine, dance and tell wild tales about our youth - and impending retirements.

My wife Sylvia will tell you how hysterical it is to ask ME about clothing.

But, as Allan Winger has noted, sometime months ago when the matter came up, I mentioned that I would be dressed 'casually.' I can't tell you what that translates to Saturday night until I look and see what I packed in my bag. But I only own one tie and it hangs in my office in case I have a member of the state university board of trustees on campus - or an interview for a consulting job.

I did run across some interesting photos when I went looking for some illustrations for this brief blog.

Take this dress for example:


or this shot of a guy in a tuxedo:


Doubtful we will see anyone wearing anything approaching those Saturday night. Or Friday! Don't forget the See Zurh House soiree.

I also went searching for 'casual clothes' and found all kinds of wild photos including some of 1970s vintage leisure suits. I thought it might be funny to post a few mini-skirt shots, but most of the ones I saw were, well, you can Google 'mini-skirt' yourself, but keep the grandkids away from the screen

See you for a casual Friday and Saturday night...

Class of '66 reunion - a photographer's paradise

Digital Camera Grande
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MAYVILLE, New York - With the reunion only a few days away, this is a gentle reminder that you might want to bring your cameras to the events. Many of our classmates who are unable to attend are going to want to see who was there and what went on.

And yes, they also are curious what the 58-year-old versions of of us look like, compared to those yearbook pix.

As Randy Carlson emailed me, "What happens in Mayville does not necessarily stay in Mayville."

I wish my camera was as impressive as the unit in the photo with today's blog, but, well, it's not. Still, my Nikon Coolpix does a good job. (Thank God for autofocus, though.)

On another note, we all need to say thank you to Becky Scowden, who unfortunately will not be attending the reunion, after initially thinking she would be coming to Bemus and Mayville. The money she sent in will be used to pay for the class "brick." Thanks Becky!


I'll be doing a brick for classmate John Rupp - it was one of the last things he said before passing away.

I also received the following photo (to update the one I ran several days ago) from Jim and Pam Carr, with their son Michael, after he received his master's degree this spring in Boston.

Gary Shenkle's 'sort-of tribute' to Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SPOKANE, Washington - Had Gary Shenkle remained at SWCS, he would have graduated with us as a member of the Class of '66, no doubt getting in the same trouble we did.

He certainly showed a talent for it before his family wisked him away to Wallingford, Conn. around our sophomore year. Gary and I and Craig Fransen and Tom Short (Class of '67) spread chaos for several summers before Gary left. He went on to graduate from dental school, practiced dentistry for awhile and eventually went to law school, hanging out his shingle now in eastern Washington.

Gary still has a great sense of humor (probably has to, to be a lawyer). Here's what he said in his email:

=============

Mike, dude-
Please extend my warmest to any of the ole gang that still gives a damn. Expecially [sic] Craig, Ward, of course, YOU. Give yourself a pat on the back from me for an excellent job.
BTW, as a PI attorney, if anyone slips or falls, give 'em my name and address!

"G"
================

He can't make the reunion - his work as a lawyer in Washington is keeping him from swilling beer, wine and Grey Goose with us - but he did send along his list of songs that he would like to hear.

And the 'sort of tribute' to Gene Pitney? Well, read his list below.

"G's" top ten songs from the 60's and his least favourite ones too:

#1- Turn, turn, turn - The Byrds [from Ecclesiastes]
#2- Somethin's Happenin' Here - .... BFLO Springfield
#3- Woudn't It Be Nice - Beach Boys
#4- Don't Worry Baby - Beach Boys
#5- Hawiian Love Song - Elvis Presley
#6- Hey Little Cobra - The Rhipcords
#7- Little Deuce Coupe - Beach Boys
#8- Little Red Rooster - Rolling Stones
#9- Walk Don't Run - ... ??? [BOTH Versions]
#10- Be True To Your School - Beach Boys [but only while i was at SWCS]

AND MY TEN LEAST FAVOURITES-

#10- Those "Paul and Paula" things - Paul and Paula ????

#9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - Town Without Pity - Gene Pitney

Dave Carlson is off hiking with his son

Dave at the Rim
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

FLAGSTAFF, Arizona - Dave Carlson is not too far from where Jim and Pam Carr live, hiking with his son and won't be back for our SWCS Class of '66 reunion in Jamestown, either.

This photo was taken at the rim of the Grand Canyon and just seeing the way he is leaning towards the edge makes me a little queasy.

I hiked around there years ago in the winter, climbing around the slippery edges. Scared the crap out of me.

Here's Dave's note, which some of you might have received already via email...

Classmates:

Here's a photo my son took of me at the Grand Canyon last week. He and I drove to Utah and rafted/kayaked down the Colorado River through Catarract Canyon, from Moab to Hite Marina. I paddled a kayak through more rapids than I ever expected and we both had a blast! We're heading to Carlsbad Caverns, next, and will be a quite a few miles from Lakewood, next week. So I'll not be seeing y'all at the See-Zuhr, but I'll be thinking of you back in Chautauqua County, reminiscing.

I may be in Lakewood later in the month. I'll try to look you up if and when I get there. Fair warning! And if you're ever in the Raleigh, NC vicinity, look me up and I'll buy you a drink.

BTW, if you're ever driving on I-40 through Oklahoma City and you're not a vegetarian, stop at the Cattlemen's Restaurant. It's in front of the national stockyards and serves the most tender steak I've ever eaten!

See you later!

Dave Carlson
Holly Springs, NC 27540

Jim & Pam Carr add their regrets to the list

Three Class of 66 amigos
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Jim and Pam (Johnson) Carr have added their names to the list of folks that can't attend next week's Class of '66 Reunion in Bemus Point and Mayville.

This photo was taken of the three of us in Michigan a couple of years ago, just before Jim left GM to head to sunnier climes.

They will be missed at the reunion and without Jim in residence, I'll have no excuse to drink Grey Goose vodka. What will I do with that quart of the stuff that I bought?

Here's the missive from Jim & Pam:

Following the lead of Bob Tyler, and a growing number of others, our regrets and a short update.

First, let it be known that we'll miss seeing you'all, getting reacquainted, exchanging stories, and reminiscing.

Second, Fitz is not psychic, he just had early warning.

Since the official announcement of the reunion, Pam and I had been planning on attending. About 1 week before I was going to squeeze the trigger and purchase our airline tickets, our daughter called and asked for a favor. She was hoping that we would take care of our granddaughter for a week (she will be 1 year old in August), but recalled that we were heading to New York for the reunion sometime in July. After more discussion, it became obvious that we had a conflict and it was major decision time. Needless to say, it's babysitting in Wyoming, and creating some new memories.

For those interested in what is going on in our lives. Pam and I live in Phoenix, for the 2nd time. In September 2004 we purchased a second home in Phoenix, with the plan to find a job, and move back. After spending the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays of 2004 here, and returning to Michigan and work at General Motors in January, it was a simple decision to leave all the unpleasant things associated with working at GM and get back to the climate and lifestyle we enjoyed previously. In a relatively short amount of time, GM and I came to an agreement, we sold our home in Northville, Mi., and moved in March 2005. I dabbled in retirement and consulting for several months, then found an opportunity at Pulte Homes.

Besides the job, I play a lot of golf, and tinker with the toys in the garage. We have both gotten back with all our old friends in Phoenix, as well as made lots of new ones. Quite frankly, it's like we really didn't leave.

We have lived in Charleston, SC (1972-1974), Penn Hills, Pa. (1974-1975), Madison, Oh. (1975-1984), Shelby Township, Mi. (1984-1992), Phoenix, Az. (1992-1998), and Northville, Mi. (1998-2005). Our children. Lisa (32) lives in Alpine, Wy. She's a full time mom at the moment. Her husband recently left his teaching position and is going full-time into land development and home construction. Michael (29) lives in Boston. He received his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineer from Boston University in May, and starts his pursuit of a PHD in September.

If you happen to be in Phoenix, we can be found at:

310 E. Mountain Sky Avenue
Phoenix, Az. 85048
480.460.2386

jim.carr2@cox.net
poolababy@netzero.net

Party on !

Jim and Pam

See you next week at the See Zurh House

SeeZurhHouse outside
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

BEMUS POINT, New York - One week from today I will be piloting a 1992 Buick Century with a rattling transmission and sporting a full complement of Western New York rust spots from Valois to Bemus Point to rendezvous at the See Zurh House.

If my wife Sylvia and I show up a little late, or with the Buick being towed, it won't be that much of a surprise.

But we will be there.

Saturday night we will rendezvous at Webb's Resort in Mayville, but Friday's informal get together is likely to be as big a gathering - maybe even bigger - as I've received some communications from people from other SWCS graduating classes saying they might drop in.

Oh boy!

The See Zurh House is not as, well, seedy looking as it was in the 60s, thanks to a major remodel. Of course, in the 60s, the price of draft beer was infinitely more important than the decor.

Maybe it still is. Hmm...


See Zurh bar


See Zurh deck

Who is coming for sure?

Randy Carlson passed along this list of attendees but said he still has a couple of people who he is pretty sure are coming but for whom he is missing confirmation forms: Allan Winger and Dave Carlson.

Allan! Dave! Email Randy to let him know what's happening...

And for God's sake show up so I can buy you a beer/soda Friday night.

Here's the list:

CLASSMATES WITH RESERVATIONS AS OF 7/6/06

Louie Acquisto
Shirley Adams
Bonnie Anderson Byrne
Linda Anderson Dawson
Dan Beckstrom
Dana Bolles
Gloria Boutelle Olson
Barbara Bunce Garlock
Randall Carlson
Michael Coon
Linda Davidson Yartz
Jack Eckdahl
Michael Fitzgerald
Daniel Flanagan
Craig Fransen
Sue Guertin Chandler
Linda Hanson Olson
Joann Harp Swanson
Doug Hooper
Sue Howard Johnson
Marianne Jim
Lee Johnson
Michelle Kales Franke
Bryan Larson
Steve Larson
Linda Larson
James Lindell
Cathy Lindstrom Prince
Gary Lucas
James Nelson
Larry Nelson
Stephen Olson
Ward Romer
Stephen Sewell
Svea Shellberg Weidner
Richard Shevalier
Susan Siecker Saullo
Sabra Smith Nazar
Ken Sonne
Mark Swanson
Robert Swanson
Greg Taft
Cheryl Towers
Craig Young

Classmates 44
Total attendees (including escorts) 72

Kathy Anderson Gmerk will attend, but after dinner Saturday night, Randy reports.

A record of what we did, when we did it

Senior activities page from yearbook
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

JAMESTOWN, New York - The photo of the page didn't turn out as well as I wanted, but you can pretty clearly see Chris Henderson, Greg Taft, Marianne Jim and Rick Shevalier.

The text might be a little more obscure.

These were the pages that listed what activities you did, what teams you were on and for some of us slackers, well, the listing was a little thin.

In my case, due to some slip up somewhere (no doubt my fault, somehow), my vast list of high school activities doesn't appear.

I know I did a few things: the newspaper, the track squad, wrestling and very short stretch on the football team. Not much, now that I look at it.

But pretty soon we will get the chance to jog each other's memories about what we did do - and didn't do.