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.

On the way to Class of '66 reunion - on Jet Blue

Jet Blue on the way to Class of '66 reunion
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The boarding passes are printing as I write this.

(Hmmm. The printer is making seriously funny noises, so maybe not. I love technology, I love technology. Arrggggh.)

Whatever the case is, Admiral Fox and I are packing the New York State bags for a red-eye flight east tonight and the Class of '66 reunion in a few weeks.

Watching the weather from here, I wish I could haul along some California sunshine. Everytime I check on Western New York, I see there is a flood watch and thunderstorms predicted. That's a far cry from the 100-degree weather we have been sweating through until this morning.

But remember the 20th reunion and the flood and the cars washing away down the creek? A little weather can make for great tales to tell later.

I'm sure before reunion weekend, Randy Carlson will be giving me a final tally and list of who is coming - and not. And maybe then we will also publish a schedule of what's happening when and where...

Please let Randy know if you want to hit Grazer's Restaurant in Lakewood for breakfast on reunion weekend Saturday. Given that I will probably still be snoozing at Webb's Resort that morning, I'm going to pass on the drive to Lakewood.

But maybe not.

If the 20th and 25th reunions were any indicator, some folks go to only a single event and not the whole panoply. (Good grief, where did that word come from this morning?) So there could be some in-town SWCS alums - or teachers perhaps - who might make the breakfast their only time to chat. I would hate to miss that one shot.

Chipped beef on toast anyone?

Jennifer Wall sends her regrets and best wishes

Jennifer Wall
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

OCEAN SPRINGS - Jennifer Wall, it turns out, is a neighbor of Jim French in the deep south - 40 years after they were neighbors in West Ellicott.

Jennifer and Jim, I have a question: who is following who? (Or is it, who is following whom? Where is Mrs. Kistler when we need her?)

In any event, Jennifer emailed to say she can't make the trek.

Another classmate who I will miss seeing!

But all this emailing, et al, is connecting people all over the place. And that's great...

Here's Jennifer's note:

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

Dear Mike,

Wow! I have been reading about those alumni sending regrets about not coming to class reunion. I just read the e-mail you sent on to us from Cathy Lindstrom and Jim French. Jim French must be following me or I following him. He lived almost in my backyard in West Ellicott, now apparently lives in my backyard here in Ocean Springs. Please forward this e-mail on to him so may be we can communicate by e-mail and I also seem to see his name here in my phone book. I will give him a call.

Sorry I can not make reunion either. I was really looking forward to it. I have not been home since my little sister's wedding about 4 years ago. We too have weathered Katrina and pretty well compared to others - we still have our house. I am starting a new job this week which will prevent me from taking any vacations for a while. I also have daughter and grandson staying with us a while while her husband is in Iraq. It seems every year he gets sent somewhere overseas.

Mike, thanks for your hard work. You have done a great job pulling all us together once again even if only by e-mail. As a result I think there will be more communication now between some of us who had lost track of their school friends.

Jennifer Wall Breland

Breakfast at Tiffany's, er, I mean Grazer's

Grazer's Restaurant in Lakewood
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

LAKEWOOD, New York - It is getting so close to the SWCS Class of '66 40th reunion that we need to talk about breakfast.

Yup chowhounds, breakfast.

Randy Carlson asked me to post the photo of Grazer's Restaurant and his message below.

=============
"The management at Grazer's restaurant has requested that we give them a rough estimate of the number of people that plan to have breakfast Saturday the 15th from 7am to 9am so that they can be properly staffed. Please email Randy at carlscus@netsync.net with a non-binding yes or no so that we can accommodate.

Boards will be available at Webb's to post pictures, messages, mementos, etc.of attendees and non-attendees so bring/send lots.

The non-attendees will be able to view pictures of the festivities on Mike's blog. Casual dress is the order of the day at Webb's.

Procrastinators need to respond as we will be making final arrangements by around 7/1.

Thank you.

Randy

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

Cathy Lindstrom is coming after all, but not Jim French

Cathy Lindstrom
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SOMEWHERE IN GEORGIA - Randy Carlson reports that Cathy Lindstrom Prince will be attending the Class of '66 reunion after all.

Whoo-hoo!

On a less-happy note, Jim French just emailed me and said he will not be able to attend, joining Becky Scowden who this week also said she would not be making it.

Next thing, I suppose Jim and Pam Carr will say they aren't coming.

What is this world coming to?

Here's the email I received from Jim French. Jim, we'll miss you but we will not take any excuses for the 50th reunion.

=====================
Mike,
I was hoping to make final arrangements and attend the planned festivities, but the way things look right now that is not going to happen. Neither my wife "Margaret" or I have been back to Jamestown since the 25th and I remember then there was a serious flood.
We live in Ocean Springs, MS where I work in the Shipbuilding industry for Northrop Grumman as Deputy Program Manager for USCG construction. Shortly after graduation I left Jamestown to find my path ahead. This path lead me through two tours in Vietnam with the USN Seabees, which made me realize that a college education was not a bad thing. Then got degrees in Oceanography, math and finally education all of whcih have nothing to do with shipbuilding. To round out my military career I decided to spend another 20 years in the USCGR, finally retiring in 96.
Margaret and I love the Mississippi Gulf Coast (except for Hurricanes - after Katrina we hope for none this year while the coast re-builds).
Our oldest son Jimmy chose his own path and decided that an Officer in the USAF is the way to go. Youngest son Jeffery, works at the shipyard with me.
"Have a ball at the reunion, hopefully no thunderstorms this time."

Becky Scowden-Holmstrom will miss the reunion....

Becky Scowden
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

CELERON, New York - I received the missive below from Becky Scowden, sending her regrets that she will not be able to attend our reunion, now just a few weeks away.

We will miss you, Becky!

At the same time, Randy Carlson reports that we have 41 classmates and a total of 71 attendees, with a few more expected.

And while Becky won't with us, another classmate just confirmed - but more on that in a later posting.

Here's the email from Becky:

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

Hi Mike,

Becky Scowden Holmstrom writing from beautiful downtown Celoron - my e-mail address has changed to BHOLMSTROM@stny.rr.com so I probably have missed some missives from you. Can't tell you how much I have enjoyed all of the memories from everyone and the great work you have done getting us all fired up for the reunion.

My husband and I are signed up for the festivities but now find out our presence is required for a family function in Chesapeake, Virginia on the same weekend. Please have Randy use the money I sent to pay for teachers or guests or just have a drink on me. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone but it is not going to happen this time.

I have lived in Celoron for 30 years, not far from where Kathy Widrig and Gloria Boutelle grew up, also Jim Jackson, Greg Bachelor, Jim Ceci - all the Celoron crowd - and we all hung out at the Skating Rink. Kathy was an excellent skater, it's hard to believe she is gone.

I work as purchasing manager at Dawson Metal Company in Jamestown. My husband, Dave, is the sales manager and with his line of b.s. he is the man for the job. The website is www.dawsonmetal.com or www.dawsondoors.com when you have a minute to see what we do. I have two daughters, five grandchildren, and Dave has four kids and four grandkids so family is usually at the center of what we do. In May we (just the two of us) got away for a trip to Sweden, Finland and Russia!! Pretty wild - if anyone wants to see any of the 389 pictures we took, just stop by when you have an extra few hours. It was pretty amazing to see that part of the world but it also makes you realize how much we take for granted and how good we have it right here in the good old USA.

Take care, and thanks again for all your efforts.
Becky

Bob Tyler sends his regrets - can't attend reunion

Bob Tyler at 25th reunion
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

RICHMOND, Indiana - Bob Tyler has sent along his regrets that he won't be able to attend our reunion in less than a month...

We'll miss you Bob!

Here's the email he sent out:

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

To the great Class of 1966!

First of all, thanks to Mark Swanson for tracking me down in early April
regarding our 40th Reunion! Thereafter, I had planned to forego a " Promise
Keepers " event in Columbus, Ohio to attend our Reunion. Then my Mom died,
our new home construction was completed early and our 4th grandchild is due
in mid July.

Sally and I wanted and planned to attend, but regretfully we cannot. We were
married in August '69 and have three children: Rob, 33, has his own business
as a Financial Planner in Muncie, In. ( you know he didn't get that from
me ); his wife Julie is expecting their second child in July - Madeline is
3. April is 30 and enjoys scrapbooking as a homemaker. She and her husband,
Doug, have 2 girls - Ruthie is 6 and Lily is 3. They also live in Muncie,
In. Our youngest son, Andrew, is 28 and also works in the financial arena
for American Funds. He lives in Indianapolis and seems to be getting more
serious with Erika, originally from State College, Pa. ( Go Penn State )!

We live in Richmond, Indiana - hometown of Bo Van Pelt, PGA, who
seems to be on the rise - made 16 cuts including the U.S. Open. Have you ever heard of him Dan Loucks ( No. 1 SWCS golfer )? I guess I haven't ever improved with my " run-on " sentences!

Sally is in Cincinatti tending to her sister who had major surgery. Right
now, we're hoping and praying our existing house sells soon, especially
since we just closed on our new home ( two doors away )! ,,,," still sitting
on the edge " just like the old days at State Line Speedway!

Even though we will not be able to attend the 40th reunion, we need to tend
to family property on Ramsey Road sometime in the near future.

Great Job Fitz, Flapper and crew in planning, organizing and promoting this
eventful weekend! Again, Mark, thanks for the call and I'll contact you when
we can come out.

Have a great time '66ers!

Bob Tyler

A painful shoulder injury gets cured with needles

Shoulder injury
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - My shoulder had been killing me for nearly two months, a side effect of using the computer too much and also not having the work station set up properly.

But after I could barely steer my sailboat with my right arm last weekend, I knew it was getting serious.

Next thing, I wouldn't be able to lift a wine glass.

But my medical doctor looked me over and told me to take three Advil, three times per day and do some minor stretching exercises - for three weeks. I made it one week before my stomach cried out 'no mas!'

And my shoulder hurt worse than ever.

So this week I went to see an acupuncturist, whose office is actually within walking distance of my house.

I had high hopes that she might be able to give me some relief, but I never thought that she would be able to basically free up the knots in my shoulder and arm within minutes. Four needle pokes - and a short nap on her examining table - broke loose what a week's worth of pharmaceuticals couldn't touch.

A massage therapist then spent about a half-hour working all the tight muscles. That hurt!

But today I have about 90 percent use of the shoulder and arm and with stretching get pretty close to 100 percent. At 57, getting close to 100 percent is close enough.

Interestingly, the doctor also checked me over and told me that I had low energy because my kidneys weren't working quite right. She was right about the low energy, but I didn't know what it was coming from. So as soon as I finish this missive, I have to take six pills - a Chinese dietary supplement that is supposed to boost my energy and simultaneously strengthen my kidneys.

Oh, and when the doctor cured my right shoulder with those four needles, the needles were put into my right ankle and right forearm.

Yup, nowhere near the aching shoulder.

Whatever. It worked.

Services will be June 20 for Kathy Widrig

Kathy Widrig at 25th reunion
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

JAMESTOWN, New York - A memorial service for Kathy Widrig will be held Tuesday, June 20 at 3 p.m. at the chapel at Sunset Hill Cemetery on Hunt Road in Lakewood.

She died June 12 of a heart attack, our classmate Gloria Boutelle said.

Sunset Hill is where I buried my mother many years ago in a cold December ceremony, most of which I have completely blocked out of my memory.

I don't know much about how Kathy lived her life. But at the 25th Class of '66 reunion, she was perched on a barstool at The Main Event bar down near the railroad tracks, having a great time I remember. Her smile hadn't really changed much in the 25 years.

And you could hear her laugh all over the room. I talked with her briefly at the reunion and realized that I should have gotten up my courage 25 years before and asked her to dance when I had the chance in our senior year.

Kathy's sudden passing is a good reminder for me to get up from this keyboard and go back out into the world. Who knows how many chances you get to hear the birds chirping or enjoy the warmth of the sun?

Take some time off today in Kathy's honor.

I'm punching out right now, amigos.

Classmates: Kathy Widrig has passed away

Kathy Widrig
Originally uploaded by Brite Lights photos.

ROCHESTER, New York - I don't have any details, but Gloria Boutelle has let me know that Kathy Widrig passed away Monday in Rochester.

Kathy's sister was headed there and will relay details to Gloria about services, which I will relay to you in a timely fashion. I don't know the cause of her death.

It was only a short time back, that I had Kathy's photo up, because her emails started bouncing several months ago from her work.

Damn! Obviously something was going on with her and now she's gone.

Kathy and I exchanged emails several times in the past year - she was working as some kind of a manager at a manufacturing firm. She thought her high school picture was the best photo ever taken of her and was pleased that it got posted on the class website.

If you can excuse my getting up on the high ground here for second, I would like to offer this:

Don't be sick alone. Don't be sad alone. Don't sit home depressed alone.

At the very least send an email to the class. Send an email to me and let me post it here.

What help can your classmates of the Class of '66 be? Maybe nothing. Maybe a lot.

In Kathy's case, I know many people who live not-to-far from Rochester who I would have dispatched in a heartbeat to help her out.

But now I can't. Damn.

I don't expect to be challenging John Rupp to a tennis match in heaven anytime soon, but I guarantee that when he and I do start whacking the celestial tennis ball around I'm going to give him a stern lecture for not telling me he was sick until it way too late for me to help, and way to late for me to get to him.

Sorry to pass along this bad news, amigos. But let's raise our glasses for Kathy today. She will be missed.

And now, heeeeeeerrrrrrrre's DANA!!!!!

Dana Bolles
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

JAMESTOWN, New York - Today's email contained a missive from
Dana Bolles, someone I've tried to track via the Internet for months and I know Randy et al have sent snail mail about the reunion to his address.

Here's what Dana said today:

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

Hello Mike.

Thank you for taking the time to search me out and contact my wife. I have spent some time out of the country and am finally getting caught up on my e-mails.

Hard to believe it's been 40 years since roaming the halls at swcs. I will attend, and if I can help in some way, just drop me an e-mail. I'm looking forward to seeing you and other classmates.

Celeste (windoft) and I are still married (35 years) and will come together.

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

The last time I remember seeing Dana, he was standing with an electric guitar and I believe Moonbrooke Country Club. We're going to have to get some information about this "I have spent some time out of the country..."

This reunion is really rounding up the old gang.

Here's Dana's email address:

danasplace@adelphia.net

Barb Bunce names her music picks for the Reunion

Barb Bunce
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

PITTSBURGH, Penn. - Barb Bunce sent along her picks of the must-hear, must-dance music for the July reunion.

Two of the songs jumped out at me.

One was her listing of any of the "Twist" songs, the other "Stranger on the Shore" by Acker Bilk.

I have always loved the Twist, it being perhaps the first dance I ever could do. Think about it: How do you goof up the Twist? Well, I did, of course, last summer, by wrenching my knee. But I've discovered I can still do the Twist (as long as my knee surgeon is kept out of the loop) by swiveling at the hips without too much knee action.

That's probably more than anyone needed to know. Let's move on.

And Stranger on the Shore I always think of as one of best slow dances ever. It's so slow, you barely have to move your feet, but you still get to hang onto to the girl.

It's a guy thing, perhaps.

Barb mentions in her note below (with her music picks) that Saturday night might be a "Sock Hop" themed evening. Sounds good to me. There is no way I could squeeze into my tuxedo anyway.

Here's Barb's note:

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

Hi Mike;

I have been holding onto my list of songs as I keep thinking I will want to add some more.

Many of my selections hold fond memories of the dances in the cafeteria and gym--or at Lakewood Beach on the tennis courts!

I couldn't remember some of the artists' names and was too lazy to look them up.

Any Johnny Mathis song
Be True to Your School - Beach Boys
Blue Velvet - Bobby Vinton
Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis
Cherish - Association
Do You Love Me? - Contours
Gimme Gimme Some Lovin' - Spencer Davis Group
Have you Heard? - Duprees
I Wanna Hold Your Hand - Beatles
Lady in Red
Little Honda - Beach Boys
Mony Mony - Tommy James
Shout - Isley Brothers
Since I Don't Have You - Jimmy Beaumont & the Skyliners
Stranger on the Shore - Acker Bilk
The Big Hurt - Toni Fischer (this is a hard one to find!)
There's a Moon Out Tonight
This Old Heart of Mine - Isley Brothers
Till Then - Classics
Any version of the Twist
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
Unforgettable - Nat & Natalie Cole
You Belong to Me - Duprees
You Were Mine at the Time - Fireflys
(ballroom dancing class at Dorothy William's studio!)

Did we say that Saturday evening would be a Sock Hop theme?

Thanks for the photos from 1991. I do have mine somewhere.

See you soon.

Barb Bunce Garlock

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

Walk down memory lane - 1991 Reunion photos

1991 Reunion directory p1
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

JAMESTOWN, New York - In my looking for photos of Cathy Lindstrom Prince yesterday, I also found the whole directory and photo set from the 1991 reunion.

So, for those who have misplaced their directories (it has been 15 years!), I'm posting the individual (or couple) photos.

Send a rescue team to Georgia to get Cathy

Cathy Prince & Fitz, 1991
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MAYVILLE, New York - As of this writing, it looks like Cathy Prince, aka Cathy Lindstrom will not be able to attend our 40th reunion in just a little over a month.

This human spark plug - who has been instrumental in getting us together as a group at all our previous class reunions, has moved to Georgia where she is helping her parents, I've been told, and thus is unlikely to escape the humidity of the Deep South in time for our soiree.

Cathy is responsible for this blog. She sent out an email more than a year ago, asking the folks on her email list if they wanted to get together for our 40th. I wanted to be of assistance, but at the time I was sitting in a bar in Mexico, wondering how-the-hell I could help from such a distance.

Like so many other times in my life, I decided to write my way out of the problem.

In this photo, Cathy was taking a well-deserved bow for her accomplishments at the 25th reunion (which was a wild time!). How I got to stand there while she did -- with my arm around her -- is a mystery, one I will likely to have to explain to my wife after she reads this blog.

But action is called for.

I believe we should dispatch the Class of '66 Learjet to Georgia with a team of classmates to perform an emergency extraction and get her to Bemus Point and Mayville in time for the reunion. I'll offer up our governor of California to lead the mission. (And most of the voters would gladly send him, too. Anywhere...)

But, one big question: Is it even legal to have a Class of '66 reunion without Cathy?

Our class attorney, Steve Olson, will have to check out the SWCS constitution to see.

In the meantime - and in case all rescue efforts fail - here's Cathy's address and contact information in Georgia:

Cathy Prince
3331 Donna Way
Gainesville, Ga. 30504
cell phone: 716-450-4964

On the road to Webb's Resort for the Reunion

Deck at Webb's
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

MAYVILLE, New York - I don't think I have ever spent more than a few minutes passing through Mayville - it was never exactly on the route anyplace I was headed. And it was so far up the lake from Lakewood, that I never made it that far by boat either. Odd, now that I think about it.

Perhaps the longest time I spent there was when a group of us walked around Lake Chautauqua - part of the response to JFK's call for physical fitness. It wasn't even the halfway point and my feet were killing me.

But Mayville is where we will be for the Class of '66 reunion, at least the dinner Saturday night.

It looks like a nice operation, complete with a miniature golf course (my kind of golf) a pretty good pool (definitely my kind of relaxation) and an exercise room with the usual assortment of muscle-stretching, bone-crunching, disc-twisting machines guaranteed to send me back to my chiropracter.

I'll be by the pool holding the margarita in my hand.

Here's a link to Webb's and below I posted photos of the pool and the torture, er, exercise room.

Webb's

Coach Ward Romer offers his musical picks

Ward Romer, the coach
Originally uploaded by Brite Lights photos.

ITHACA, New York - Ward Romer has weighed in with his musical picks for the Class of '66 reunion, coming up on us like an Erie-Lackawanna freight train in the night. (Does that railroad even exist anymore?)

Here's the missive from Ward with his picks:

=================
MIKE:

I’ll cast some votes for reunion tunes. Dancing and me, we’re not really on the same planet, but I do appreciate the melodies and the memories. Some of these are not from Cheryl Towers’ list, but they are from the same era (or epoch, you know, Jurassic, Pleistocene, somewhere back then… )

Along Comes Mary – Association

Bus Stop – Hollies

Candy Girl – FV 4 Seasons

8 Miles High – Byrds

Eleanor Rigby – now what was that group again?

Groovin’ (on a Sunday afternoon) - Young Rascals

Saw Her Again Last Night – Mamas & Papas

Lady Godiva - Peter & Gordon

Mellow Yellow – Donovan

One Fine Day – L Gore

You Keep Me Hanging On – Supremes

Yellow Submarine – yeah, it just slipped my mind again

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

So, I count 39 days until we are all swilling club soda with lime at the See-Zurh House in Bemus and then dancing to some of the fine tunes Ward suggests here the next night at Webb's. Somewhere in all this, there are going to be some margaritas "Puerto-Vallarta-style" served.

They are guaranteed to get Ward Romer and dancing on the same planet.

Arriba!

John Rupp's Hawaii ceremony - a photo collage

John Rupp ceremony collage
Originally uploaded by Brite light photos.

KAUAI, Hawaii - John Rupp's friends and family held a celebration in honor of John on May 13 - a giant Aloha.

This collage with today's posting shows how John went out, Hawaiian-style.

If you want a larger version of this photo, just click on it and it will take you to my Flickr page.

In other SWCS news, Tom Priester is about to arrive here in Sacramento to officiate at the the NCAA Track and Field Trials at my university, California State University, Sacramento.

Yup, the very Tom who taught P.E. and was the butt of waaaaay too many jokes.

My granddaughter and I will pick up Tom at the airport Tuesday and hope to take in some of the track events. We will probably go to the early morning or evening stuff. Temperatures on the track will probably be in the high 90s this coming week. Too damned hot for me.

Watch for photos of Tom next week.