Sylvia Lovegren (Petras)

Julia, the beautiful young girl in front of you in the photo looks so much like you!  I thought it was you for a minute and then realized you must have aged at least a FEW years, since 1968 :)  Beautiful family. 

Dorica Rockwell (Jackson)

Well all, I have been following this for a while, and after Julia wrote, I decided I really had to say something.  Nancy, THANK YOU for organizing that little get-together last summer.  What fun it was to see those who were there!  It was kind of funny since we were all talking about our various physical ailments!  I have never made it to an official reunion yet, but I've sure enjoyed the meetings we have had with Nancy Raetzloff Groth, Julia Laranang, Marilyn Gates Domes, Donna Amira, Diane Hunter Phelps (and I know I am going to forget someone), and yes, Gail Bailey, whom I also have missed at the last few meetings.

I'm still in Alaska, have two grown kids and two grands (one from each), and am married to a super guy, 40 years now. 

Think I will have to dig out my yearbook and put some names to faces, but I do recognize many of the names here at least.  Okay, that is all for now.

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Well, some classmates have moved back to the northwest.  All those of you who live locally, might want to welcome back:

Steve Eronemo

Paul Kageyama

Karen Schutz Neimeyer

and anyone else I am forgetting.  Sorry, it is that old timers thing.

John MacLeod

Twins..............Seems I omitted the Cofer brothers.  Their birthday was about 10 days ago.

Notice how I cleverly subsituted omitted for forgot.  I might be a politician in the making.

Politically inept.............John

John MacLeod

Jim Blyth.............

Are you going to be in the Grayland, Westport or Montesano areas during your visit?  I remember these as some of your haunts in the past.  Perhaps we could meet up for lunch somewhere.  I will be in the middle of a time, date sensetive project during your visit.  The crew might be willing to get me out of their hair for a few hours.

Blowing smoke as usual................John

John MacLeod

Wellll.............Nancy,

It would seem that the greater Phoenix area is having some newsworthy weather.  A new record high temperature of 119 F the other day.  Then today (Sunday 7/27) you had the high winds in the 60 mph range and a major dust storm known as a "Haboob".  They really look like a Hollywood special effect.  A wall of dust over 3,000 feet high.

We have had our news also.  Huge wild fires (300,000+ acres) causing the loss of over three hundred homes.  A large part of Peshastin burned to the ground.  We have been lucky on the west side thus far.

Cub reporter here....................

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Yep, things can get warm here, but the monsoon storms are exciting and we even find ourselves dancing in the rain.  Those dust storms can cause major problems on the freeways when they arrive without warning.  We were out in one on July 3rd with Joan Urwiler Cram and her hubby.  Fortunately, no freeway pileups to report.  Afterwards, you have to pick tumbleweed out of the front grill of the car.  Cheap way to get toothpicks.

David Dudley

Julia ,   dang it didn't you Earl and I actually make plans to connect at one of our reunions ??Well I'm still here and still doing the gospel music thing...what's up ?

Julia Laranang

Hey Dave!  Yes, I think we did talk about getting together.  It would be nice to do this!  Nancy & Ron are coming to town next month.  If they have a gathering like they did last time, maybe we could talk then a figure out a time when we can meet for dinner to just hang out and visit and catch up.  BTW, I got a friend request on Facebook from someone named Sonny Dudley.  Is this you?

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

I don't have the time, energy or location to plan a gathering when we are up there.  Anyone else wants to do it feel free.  Julia, do you and Earl still have pull to get a room in the Seattle Center?  Maybe we should just pick a day and make it happen.

Julia Laranang

Probably could get a room at Seattle Center.  However, getting there is a nuisance.  I'm OK with having a gathering or not, but would like to touch base with a few folks.  Depending on the day. it's possible we could meet at my church.  Or, we could just get together for a meal when you're available.

David Dudley

Julia ,.....yes Sonny is me (forgot  outside of family  i'm Dave....otherwise....

Barry Meyers

Hi All,

I found this image from what we (Mark Benecke, Jerry Benecke, Howard Lee and me) belive is a 5th Grade class picture at John Muir Elementary School taken in 1960. We've been able to identify many of the people, such as Pat McGrady, me, Mark Benecke, Steve Condiotti, Judy Bloom, Judy Payne, Nick Greenlee, Marty Hill, June Mar, Susie Thomas and others. Can any of you help identify others? If you can please do so noting the row up from the bottom, and position from left to right. Thanks so much for your assistance,

Barry

Judith E. Payne

ah yes!  i'm a bit odd in the middle there with my eyes shut...  

Judy

Judith E. Payne

I think that is susan mcelroy on the far right next to -- is that -- june eguchi?

Jerry Benecke

Hi Barry - thanks for posting - I am not certain but I may also recognize Norman Greenberg, Jerry Isreal, Phil Cohen, Paul Kageyama, Jim Lind, Betty Zoll, Merlita Martin,Vivian Altaras, Barb Tatal, Lorraine Anderson, Carolyn Muscatel, Irene Adamski, Vicki Bryant & Mike McCormick.  I am sitting next to Mike lower right - not brother Mark. 

Judy - thanks for remebering Susan McElroy - so sad when she died so young.

Glenn James Schoenmakers

I have enjoyed reading all of the messages and it brings back many memories. I was sad hearing about Larry Bingham. We had some noteworhty episodes. I seldom see classmates, unfortunately its usually at a funeral. Although all seem to have had very good lives or are still enjoying the life they have. Seeing the names reminds me of great memories and a very diverse school. I also enjoyed seeing pictures of the last reunion. Great to see Frank, our art teacher. Very good teacher. Boy, times and technologies have really changed. Although I will always hold the 60's very special. For me it was a very enlightening time. Seeing the names brings back special times and great people. I am glad to see everyone doing well or in keeping their spirits and dreams alive. That's all for now. 

Sincerely,

Glenn Schoenmakers

Lyn McKinney (McGraw)

Regarding the photo, I believe that was me 4th row up from bottom, at the end far left.  I was so painfully shy, I am surprised I didn't tuck my head down.  Fifth grade was expecially a tough year for me, too.

Nancy Raetzloff (Groth)

Got this message this morning from Ted Williams.

Doing fine living in Spokane wash 

Connie Messmer (Hennessy)

Hi Everybody!

I think I'm the one in glasses 5th row up and 3rd person from the left between Barry Meyers and Steve Condiotti.  

Connie Messmer Hennessy

Sandra Smith (Hanson)

I love reading all the comments.  Have not commented myself for awhile, but I remember our Class of 68 as being awesome and I enjoy knowing what's going on.  Our life rumbles along (for those of you who don't know, I'm married to our classmate Chuck Hanson), we have three grandchildren now - an almost five year-old granddaughter from our oldest son and his wife and 14 month old twin grandsons from our youngest son and his wife.  Life is good and, and other than a few aches and pains, we appreciate good health.  So happy that the forum seems to be gettng more attention.  Hello to everyone!!

John Hein

OK, just my 2 pennies worth.....a rhetorical question: Anybody remember these Rolling Stones wannabees?

Anybody know what's become of Dick Wasson?

John Hein

Oh no.....found another one in the archives. This is 3rd grade @ Whitworth: You match the names to faces. Jack Alhadeff, Pam Cain, Cheryl Ruggles, Craig Eggleston, Debbie Kashino, Richard Plachy, Marsha Gross, Steve Mansell, Tom Balestreri, Jim Blyth, Larry Sletton, Liz Sichel, Joy Mickleson, Marcia Wuest, Sandy Smith, Bruce Henderson, Valerie Maekawa, Joan Urwiler, Jim Eastwood.....whew.....I'm exhausted......and I'm sure I forgot a few......Look closely: The "new" desktops were pre-drilled for inkwells !!! Njoy !!!

Jim Eastwood

Hello all much older friends,

Just a note to John Hein.  John, thanks for the picture of our third grade class.  You look much older today and Tom Balestreri looks shorter.   I really loved Miss Karvonan.  Today she would be slapped in jail for the unique ways she used to correct us.  I do believe every kid that she came into contact with got a great education.

Jim Eastwood

Joan Urwiler (Cram)

I remember that picture!  My brother told me scary stories about Ms Karvonen before the year started, but I soon figured out she was a wonderful teacher. I remember making a book of Spanish words and eating swedish lutefisk. Looks like I was the shortest in the class yet again.  Things haven't changed much on that score.