Newsletter Articles
(Remember that this is an ARCHIVE so information about Reunions and etc. will not be current)
April 1997: San Antonio 1996 LAHS Reunion Preview by Harry Heflin
This is an email preview of the planned 1997 San Antonio reunion arrangements. The LAHS Lantern Newsletter will be mailed to everyone from Houston soon via snail mail with more details, and the newsletter will also include a complete Alumni directory, sorted by graduating class to make it easier to locate your contemporaries in the directory and arrange to meet them in San Antonio.
The 1997 reunion will be held October 10-12 at the Hampton Inn Downtown near the historic and beautiful Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Although the official reunion is Oct. 10-12 and most folks arrive on Friday afternoon, in the past some real reunion junkies have arrived as early as Wednesday. Also, there is talk of a road trip to Mexico on Sunday afternoon and Monday, so stay flexible!
You can make reservations by calling 1-800-HAMPTON for the national reservation desk, or you can call (210) 225-8500 to talk to the hotel directly (this usually gets better service, in my experience), and in either event be sure to mention the Booking Code "LHS". If you want to arrive before Friday 10/10, be sure to call the hotel directly so they can extend the special rate back to your day of arrival, something the national desk may not be able to do. The special rate is $85/night per room for up to 4 persons with a choice of 2 double beds, a king and a sofa sleeper, or a single king. Arrange to share a room with your friends to save money. Non-smoking rooms are available. The rate includes a continental breakfast each morning.
AIR FARE DEALS
For great deals on air fares, the very best method I have found is to use Travelocity's Personal Fare Watcher service. You tell them what cities you are interested in flying between, and you will receive a email message whenever fares change. Travelocity's computer goes to work for you, scanning the fares 24 hours a day, and let's you know as soon as a deal appears. This is important since the cheap fares come and go very quickly, and you need to move rapidly to nail down a good deal.
The service does not cost you anything, but Travelocity naturally hopes that you will then make the reservation and buy the ticket through them, either directly on the Web or by calling the toll free reservation number. I used the service recently and saved $150 on a trip home from Phoenix to Boston for my daughter by just letting the Fare Watch do it's thing for a couple of weeks and then pouncing when the fare hit a low. No human agent could watch specific fares as closely and diligently as this computer.
To use Personal Fare Watcher, go to http://dps1.travelocity.com:80/fwmain.ctl . You do need to subscribe to Travelocity to use Personal Fare Watcher, but the subscription is zero cost and they ask for registration just so they can set up an account and password to a custom Web page for you. To visit the Travelocity Home Page, go to http://www.travelocity.com/
See y'all in San Antonio soon!!!
August 1996: Some Memories of Italy by Phil Gioia
Yet another "memory" of when the class (I guess this was in 7th or 8th grade) took a field trip to "Cinecitta" to visit the filming set of a made-for the US TV market series called "Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion", starring one-time Olympic Swimmer Buster Crabb. We had arrived in Livorno in the summer of '56; coming over to Genoa from New York on the American Export Liner "Constitution", on the voyage immediately after she'd taken Grace Kelly to Monaco to marry her Prince. My Mom was particularly taken with this point of shipboard lore.
It was a very hot summer in Tuscany that year, and we stayed in a hotel right in downtown Livorno for a week or so while my parents were finding a house in Tirennia. I remember a very shady, cool lobby, with an indoor fountain and much wood paneling, but very light woods. The streets outside were filled with unbelievable heat, noise and streams of Vespas and Lambrettas trailing clouds of blue smoke, and those crazy little "Topolino" cars; inside the lobby, only steps away, all was cool and serene. Big armchairs to hang out in and read magazines in this new language (of which I hadn't much of a clue).
It was a very nice, very quiet hotel. I thought we were the only Americans in the place, but a few few days after we arrived, I saw this kid, who looked to be a year or older than me, blond, kind of heavyset, very suntanned, sailing out of the elevator into the lobby in an outfit that looked like some sort of Dr. Strangelovian safari getup, with (and this is truth) a white silk scarf knotted around his neck that hung halfway to the floor. It was a very theatrical getup and a very theatrical entrance.
The kid turned out to be Buster Crabb's son "Cubby", who played Captain Gallant's son in the TV series. We quickly discovered he was definitely uninterested in communicating with any grubby little Army brats. He was quite specific that he considered himself some kind of superior evolutionary product because he was "in films", and I guess in his eyes we were just sort of shabby government nomads.
OK, fine, my brother and I were hip to that; we would encounter that philosophy from lesser-enlightened like him a few more times while growing up. So every time we saw him sail through the lobby after that, we'd snap to attention and give him a big palm-out, exaggerated British Army kind of salute... after all, the uniform rated no less a courtesy. He'd just sort of get red and plow on, but the Italians thought it was hilarious. Thank God we found a house and moved out before the usual (and logical) result of a kid dust-up.
OK, scene-shift to a year or so later when we all piled into one of those Army school buses at the Camp Darby Elementary School to go on a field trip visit to the studios, which were just on the edge of Tirennia, on the right hand side of the Via Pisorno as you headed toward Darby. We didn't see Buster Crabb (bummer), but the American actor who played the sort of cynical, hard-bitten-but-softhearted sergeant was there, and was very nice to us all. He actually kind of reminded me of a New York City cabby.
There were all kinds of exoticos: people leading bored-looking camels, guys tossing huge paper-mache scenery boulders around, the usual dichotomy of Italian extras dressed as Arabs in flowing robes and burnooses puttering off on Vespas for lunch with their girlfriends improbably balanced sidesaddle behind them (remember that?), or hanging about with cigarettes stuck in the corners of their mouths reading "Il Giorno" while waiting for the next "take", etc.
All very interesting until I look around the corner, and here comes El Cubbo... same outfit, same scarf, and this time he has a riding crop tucked under his arm. So as he recognizes me, I give him the same salute, very British, and this time he gets this big grin like this is something he's actually been missing, because he casually raises the crop to his forehead and just sort of flicks it in a return salute, very Field Marshal Montgomery sort of thing, and sweeps on by without a word.
Well, the American actor-sergeant, who is sitting there letting a bunch of us take his picture, almost has a laughing fit and practically falls of his bench. It was the high spot of the whole visit for me. I've wondered in the years since whatever happened to that kid... I've never seen his name anywhere, so doubt he ever made it big in "the films".
August 1996: Confessions Of A LAHS Student by Maria (aka Mareka) C. Kirylo
Tirrenia. The name forever tickles my tongue seductively. Like a blossom in spring, her memory constantly delights me. Tirrenia, built upon marshland sometime under Mussolini's rule, colored the mouth of the Arno River. If you blinked too quickly, you'd miss the sleepy ocean resort on the Mediterranean. A canopy of umbrella pines covered her from one end to the other, protecting her from the worst of weather.
Narrow streets, flanked by marble sidewalks, barely accommodated two Fiat 500's passing in the opposite direction. Street names conjured up images of all sorts of flora; Pioppi (poplars), Biancospini (hawthorne), Mandorle (almonds), Oleandri (oleanders). In summer, the steady hum of cicadas and crickets hypnotized us .
Bright green and splotchy lizards scampered up and down trees, in and out rocky quartz walls. Lavander grew wild. Pine dust and the fishy smell of the ocean scented the air. The wind murmured through those massive pines. The ocean waves, on stormy days, lulled us to sleep at night and awakened us in the morning.
Farmland and swampland skirted one side of this little town. The other sides were lined by the ocean and the Arno River. The Appenines, like some huge backbone, extended crookedly in the distance. On a clear day, you could the island of Gorgona on the horizon.
In the midst of this idyllic Tuscan countryside sat Camp Darby. Mesh fences, 10' high, topped by barbed wire, completely enclosed the base. It was always rumored that inside that restricted area, deep in the pine and underground, nuclear warheads were stored. Military jeeps, manned by an American soldier and an Italian carabinieri, incessantly patrolled the grounds. Scary signs, with skull and cross bones discouraged all interlopers.
The base was the encapsulation of everything American; snack bars, PX, Commissary, bowling alleys, laundromats, movie theater. Most people on base retained their very American status finding themselves most comfortable in the very few square miles of Americana. Beyond that chained linked fence, we found ourselves in a foreign country with Alfa Romeos and scooter racing, donkeys and oxen pulling hay-laden carts.
Two gates guarded entry into the base, also manned by one American (military police) and one carabinieri. Without the sacred ID you became a man without a country.
The depot, attached to the base, was another constant reminder of the American military presence and might. Via Aurelia, the old road leading to Rome, separated the depot from the neatly tilled farmlands in their checkerboard patterns. Inside that ever-extending fence, like mute soldiers from ghostly battles - block after block - stood symmetrical rows of jeeps, tanks and canvas covered trucks, made more obsolete each passing year.
From earliest recollection, there was always a self-consciousness about living in Italy. I always wondered how I came to be where I was. After all, I was American even though I was born in Germany. And even my mother's thick Dutch accent wasn't strange. So many of my friends had either a mother or a father with a foreign accent.
Being aware of my good fortune for finding myself in such a fortuitous circumstance, I never took it for granted. Many days I would comment to myself, why am I so lucky to be living here? The world's culture was at my fingertips.
Army base or no army base, Livorno American High School was the typical American high school. And yes, it was a former barracks. Lest one draw the mistaken conclusion that military bases must be ugly - populated by square, boxy buildings - Camp Darby dispelled that notion quickly upon first sight. Most of the buildings were, in fact, square and boxy two storied structures. And many like the commissary, PX and snack bar extended lengthwise rather than rising up. But all the buildings were painted a rather pleasant sand color - very much like exotic buildings found in Morocco or Tunisia. Only the hospital, located about 5 miles from the base was scourged with the sickening pea green color usually associated with the military. That building was probably a vestige of an old Italian military structure or more likely, an old insane asylum.
Designated as Building. 501, Livorno American High School occupied one of these old two-story barracks. In 1964, the high school was still in its infancy having been in existence only eight years. Before 1954, Camp Darby itself was hardly in existence It had been a part of the US forces in Austria. In 1955, the troops withdrew from Austria leaving 8th Logistical Command (our command) as the only one remaining in Italy. But this being a transition period, not much later, SETAF (Southern European Task Force) began and schools were opened in Verona and Vicenza. This was the year the Kirylo family took Italy by storm.
The high school was never populated by more than about 135 students. Called the Livorno Lions, rarely have lions been less fearsome. Never wanting of team spirit, our resources in athletics, however, were always lacking. The Vicenza Cougars, the (Rome) Notre Dame Eagles and the Naples Wildcats constantly trounced us and made mincemeat of our players.
The football field stood across from the Headquarters Building - the seat of the local "brass." But Camp Darby was so small, a commanding general rarely deigned us with a visit. The highest ranking officer the supreme head - was a "full bird" colonel. On the edge of the football field, like stately totems, stood three very tall flagpoles. In the center of these waved the American tri-color flanked by the Italian flag on one side and the SETAF flag on the other. Every evening at 17:00 hours exactly, taps blared forth from loudspeakers placed strategically throughout the base, and like zealots praying to Mecca, everyone stopped their tracks, and turned in the direction of the sacred masts hands placed reverentially over the heart as the flags were taken down.
But back to high school. Livorno American High School, formerly a WACS barracks, skirted the inner perimeter of the base. Beyond the chain-linked fence, not less than a few feet away lay a plot of farmland dotted by the ever-present large haystacks; haystacks supported by poles strategically placed through the middle, and then rows upon rows of grapevines.
This fertile Tuscan soil fed the country and the wine intoxicated the people with a joie de vivre unparalleled anywhere else in Europe. Noble in its simplicity stood the farmhouse; a yellowstone and stucco building with brick tiled roofs, not unlike the one Verdi or Garibaldi inhabited over one hundred years ago. In 1964, time still moved slowly towards modernization "nella bella Italia."
But everyone knows high school is not merely a building. High school is high school is high school; the same heart palpitations, the same adolescent trepidation, the same silly flirtations, the same pimple at the absolute worst time. And notes passed furtively and then seized with triumph.
Army base or no army base, LAHS was the typical American high school. And unfettered by military protocol, the bane of most of the adult population there, I was the typical freshman girl; boy crazy. The dating scene revolved round the teen club and the movie theater, both on base, and La Lanterna - the pizzeria in the middle of Tirrenia's main square. And to be alone, you could always take that long, dark walk across base - from the teen club to the motor pool to await the 10:45 bus or if you accidentally missed that one, the next and last one at 12:00 midnight. Nobody ever missed the last bus - few homes had any telephones.
On Fridays and Saturdays, those long olive green buses proved the lifeline of our social lives. Though Tirrenia was about 3 miles from Camp Darby, it might as well have been 300. To walk the treacherous distance was absolutely unheard of. On one side of the very narrow road that many an Italian practiced his Jackie Stewart act, stood the alleged nuclear warhead hideout and on the other side, thick woods divided from the road by a wide ditch. A very, very dangerous road. But those bus rides were parties in themselves; so many furtive glances and shy first kisses exchanged on that 15 minute trip.
The wealth of experience gathered from my fortuitous circumstance remain immeasurable. But it remains a bitter-sweet experience. By the very nature of a tour in the military, friends touched my life and then left with a predictable consistency. Being civilians, the Kirylo's weren't uprooted every couple of years like so many. I bemoan no high school reunions to look forward to. So often these people have cropped up in conversations or in a passing dream and I can only wonder on their whereabouts The "worst" result of my charmed background is a chronic case of wanderlust, and in weaker moments, a feeling of not-belonging; an expatriate in my own country. But an Italian heart "bigger than life" on my sleeve, I've been blessed with that same intoxication for life. Only that matters.
April 1996: Some 1995 LAHS Reunion Reflections by Mary Lee Kettley
It's become almost cliched to say 'you can't go home again.' Not in the same way, perhaps, but you can enjoy the passage home if you allow yourself to delight in the moment—whatever it brings. That's the pep talk I gave myself, anyway, before jumping into Harry Heflin's car for the pinnacle experience of reunioning with other Livorno American High School alum, summer of 1995.
The entire courting experience prior to New York sendoff had been exciting. Better than meeting up with three lost lovers. Even my jaundiced teenager dropped his "Oh-Mom-you're-such-a-dinosaur attitude" to call me at work and play Harry's message. "Are you the same Mary Lee that went to school in Italy?" were the fateful words. This was followed by brief phone tag with Harry and finally THE CONVERSATION. Harry then sent me all those names from the past (there are just two things I'd like to know: where are all those reluctant '63 alums and how did Lynn Hathaway end up as the sole female representative in an othewise all-male class? ) followed by some E-mail from Harry.
Harry and I then decided it was time to meet in Concord, Massachusetts with Carol Johnson Burns. After that there was the Gloria Harris phone call. At first I was reluctant to call, but those years just melted away as Glo and I gabbed on the phone about our lives. Funny how life turns out:
Gloria now lives in Italy with her Italian husband and children and we've promised to meet there if I should get so lucky.
Once I made the connection with the LAHS alum group, it seemed so natural to make the trip to New York (ahem, New Jersey). The timing was certainly synchronistic for me. I've been working on my roots for some time. Around 1990 I first discovered the book, "Military Brats", written by a local Massachusetts author Mary Wertsch. Finding that book was an "Aha" moment, because it helped me learn more about the strange military culture I'd inherited. When I was growing up it seemedthat my Dad was always leaving our family for tours of duty in the Far East, while my Mother took his command at home. Life was certainly a series of far-flung geographic moves, farewells to beloved pets, and an endless chain of always attending new schools, meeting new classmates, and adjustments of every kind.
It wasn't until I was 12 that army life finally began to pay off for me. Italy, my Dad's last tour before retirement, was the height of luxury, and my whole family knew it. There we had the nearby beach, two poodles that ate giant snails off the trees, terrazzo floors, an Italian professore landlord, a dressmaker, handsewn shoes, basketball tournaments in Rome, as well as most of the American amenities we'd grewn accustomed to—all on a Master Sargeant's pay.
Upon my Dad's discharge, we returned to the land of my Dad's birth: South Dakota. Truly a contrast in climes and culture. Those blissful days in Italy then became only a rich memory. Like my parents I too lost touch with that golden time. I've always been a present-tense person, but sometimes it's instructive to reflect. That's why the book, "Military Brats" was so seminal. For the first time I began to understand the dynamics of our military lifestyle and more importantly, to savor my family's legacy.
I've moved to reclaim my heritage in other ways. This past year I've been playing Italian language tapes in the car, reading up on various facets of Italian life and history, collecting Pinocchio dolls, and naming my new online publishing company, Tirrenia Publishing Inc.
But did I go on the great Italian trip this year? No, the time wasn't right for me. However, I did the next best thing. I journeyed back to the Now Present and overcame some of my pre-judgements to meet some wonderful people that I really hadn't known when I was at Camp Darby. During that long reunion weekend I gained a new appreciation and understanding of those teenage years in Italy; heard some great and sometimes unprintable stories, and generally had a rare opportunity to take a tree-ring sample of life. I also stayed up way past my elderly bedtime; made a few gaffes; saw an old boyfriend and met his gracious wife, and most of all just lived the dolce momento.
Grazie.
April 1996: Finding The “Lost” by Sue Harris Wright
Many unusual methods have been used to locate former Livorno alumni during our search over the last six years. Several have been found through younger siblings. The 1959 yearbook has pictures and NAMES from the elementary school, and, if the name is unusual, it is helpful. Barbara (Montgomery) Sherman (’62) was found from this source. Her younger brother is Jamie, and on a hunch we checked the phone book (CD ROM) and located all the Jamie Montgomerys in Texas since her family was from San Antonio. One of them lived in Houston so I called him. It turned out to be her brother, and he gave me his parents phone number and address in San Antonio. I called his mother who, in turn, gave me the information on Barbara’s whereabouts, and now she is on “our list.”
Madelyn (Terrell) Horner (’61) was also found through a younger sister, Maureen (Terrell) Golden (’66), whose class has had reunions for a long time. Francie Ensworth keeps in touch with many of her former classmates. When Francie was contacted to get Maureen’s address, she wrote to JoJo that Maureen had just moved overseas, and she did not have a current address. JoJo asked her for the old address, and, because it was in Houston, we made plans to investigate (a la Nancy Drew). As it turns out, it was a stormy day when we made our trip to Kingwood, an area on the other side of Houston about 50 miles from our homes. We stopped at the real estate office in Kingwood for directions, and the woman in charge was very helpful; she even provided us with a map of the area. As we drove to the address, JoJo and I realized that we had no concrete plan, and because of the rain we looked somewhat bedraggled. When we stopped at the former Golden home and rang the bell, there was no answer. We looked around the neighborhood for signs of life and saw some lights in the house across the street so we decided to ask for some help there. The woman who answered the door not only knew Maureen, but had kept in touch with her when she moved to London. We did not want to put her in the position of giving information to strangers, so we gave her a letter JoJo had written, and she agreed to forward it to Maureen. Not long after that JoJo received a reply with information on Madelyn’s current address as well as Maureen’s.
Old school newspapers also reveal clues. Harry and I discovered a “Cesar Frank Burrell” on the junior high page of one; surely he is related to Robert E.L., one of those we haven’t found. Unfortunately, Cesar is not in the CD ROM phone book, but just maybe we will find some more information on that one. (Editor's note: Bob Burrell e-mailed me out of the blue a few months later -- he had just found us through this LAHS Web site! HH)
Janet (Wells) Miller (’61) sent me the address for Bunky Day who in turn helped us find several people. Through his daughter we located his ex-wife Barbara (Palmer) Sherrill (’58). Also Bunky remembered Hal Cutler who dated Carolyn (Jones) Stokley (’59) at Darby and even knew where Hal went to college. Since it was a small college, I called the 800 number, and the woman in the alumni office was very helpful. She did not have his current address, but she gave me the most recent one she had and also gave me his father’s name and his hometown. Harry found more information by calling the small hometown where he located Hal’s brother. It turned out that Carolyn and Hal were now divorced, but he gave Harry the number for Carolyn. Through this one lead we found the whole Jones clan in time for the Palm Beach reunion.
If you know anything about anyone, please share. It just may be the lead we need. Or just explore the leads yourself and let us know the good news!
April 1996: Notes from the Secretary by Harry Heflin
We hope that you enjoy the more personal touch of this newsletter. A few months ago I sent out an impassioned plea for material to the folks on our email list, and they delivered! If you like the broader editorial variety, then please put your fingers to the keys and send us some material for the next newsletter. We'd love to hear from some of the post '65 gang! Tell us what you've been doing since you left Italy, or share a funny story about Italy (even if it maybe didn't seem so funny at the time), or tell us how you re-located your very best buddy from LAHS, or just write whatever comes to mind. Rest assured, our 160+ alumni readers will love it (and so will next year's newsletter editor)!
This year's reunion in Portland should be a very special event. This will be our first reunion in the Northwest, and we have many classmates who live in that area of the country that we haven't seen for too many years. John Sager and Bob Bahr have spared no effort to locate the best facility for our reunion. John and Bob even selected the only weekend when we could enjoy the renowned Horst Mager's Oktoberfest that is held September 21 -24, one of the top 10 events each year in Portland.
Please plan to stay a few extra days extra just to enjoy the unique Portland area. The town is filled with hundreds of quality shops, restaurants, bakeries, bistros, art galleries and coffeehouses, and the scenery in the Columbia River valley is spectacular. Strolling the streets of Portland is a feast for the senses, and strolling it with your life's very best friends will be an unforgettable experience.
April, 1996: Directory Notes by Harry Heflin
Greetings, fellow LAHS Alumni! Please send any directory corrections or additions to Harry Heflin at the above address. If you have E-mail and your address is not listed here, be sure to send a quick message to me at h.heflin@ieee.org so I can add it to the printed directory and also to the LAHS Alumni Email list -- a particularly quick and inexpensive way of distributing information and announcements to our group.
If you have Web access, check out the LAHS Home Page at http://www.ultranet.com/~hheflin/lahs.htm There are some photos there now that have been contributed, and as more come in I will add them so all can see. If you don't yet have Web access -- well, what can I say??? Actually, try the public library for public Web access, but the downside of that is that you'll shortly be hooked and then won't ever be satisfied until you can surf at home!
If you are among those who migrated to Darby from Nouasseur, Morocco, then you will enjoy visiting Sharon Ray Renno's web page at http://www/innet.com/~sherir/ . Yep, Shari is Butch and Karel Ray's cousin, and she is a good contact for Nouasseur. Small world, huh? They have located a bunch of their alumni.
The search continues for more LAHS alumni, and the Web has some great search tools such as Switchboard, the national phone directory. Read Sue's article in the newsletter for inspiration, and then try to find your own favorite lost soul! If you want to take ownership for finding some particular person and coordinating the search for that person, please let me know. As more and more of our alumni use Switchboard and other search tools, with the best of intentions too many people independently try calling the likely prospects (such as the listed Leanne Johnson in Southern California), and that person finally begins to become upset with the large number of phone calls seeking someone who just happens to have the same name -- and a lot of friends trying to locate him/her! An identified search owner would keep track of all the leads for a particular person, and could also keep track of the names and numbers already checked that didn't work out so that we don't keep bothering the same (nice but wrong) folks again and again and again.
Remember to mark your calendar for the next LAHS Reunion happening September 20 - 22 at the Riverside Inn in Portland Oregon. Call the Inn at (800) 899-0247 for reservations, and mention the LAHS Reunion. If you have any questions about the Reunion itself, please call John Sager, our esteemed president, at 503 645-2024. Portland is a special city, and this will be a special event. Be sure to be there to experience the magic! Be sure also to mail your $20 1996 annual dues to Karel Van Gelder -- our treasury is getting a mite low!
April 1996: Why it's so Important for us Brats to Gather Each Year by Harry Heflin
Mary Edwards Wertsch in 1991 wrote a book titled Military Brats - Legacies of Childhood Inside the Fortress. In it she describes why brats are different from "rooted civilians", and why we so much enjoy and need these reunions each year. We brats are different, and reunions are our shared virtual home.
Mary Edwards writes, "We are the children of warriors. And although it was initially a role not of our own choosing, it is a role perpetuated by many of us with pride. Our minds, our hearts return us time and again to the warrior path. It is an attitude, a way of being. Our souls were hammered out on the forge of discipline and dedication, of mission and service to others, of loss and sacrifice in the name of something larger than ourselves...
The home that one makes in the spirit and the mind. That is the home I was looking for when I began this book. And that is the home I have found, the home I share with other military brats. Our home is not a place, but the shared experience of the Fortress and its many legacies. Our home is hardship and what we learned from it. Our home is a rich fund of values and ideals...
"Home" for a rooted civilian is a place to return to so that love and values and memories and a sense of continuity can be replenished. What I found is that we military brats have a home like that too, a home that we all share, that lives in each of us, that we can visit in one another... Real roots are about connection -- the bonding with others who share a similar lived experience -- and the recognition that who we are individually is due in large part to that lived experience."
So, if you have come before to an LAHS Reunion, come again; If you have never before attended, then come to this 1996 reunion. It will be the unforgettable highlight of your recent life experiences.
December 1995: The 1995 Newark Reunion by Harry Heflin
The reunion week was off to a great start on Thursday night, July the 20th, as 18 enthusiastic Lions and guests gathered at the Hampton Inn near Newark NJ for an evening of conversation and reminiscing before meeting the Italy-bound group Friday at Kennedy airport.
The Hampton Inn staff was most accommodating, providing a world-class Hospitality Suite at no charge even though the LAHS group had only reserved a modest number of sleeping rooms there (so, who ever sleeps at these things anyhow???). A variety of munchies, crunchies, and beverages led up to a great pizza dinner catered by Gizzeppi's. The ever-thoughtful Drake Wells provided an Island accent with his Chocolate Machadamia Coffee by Hawaii's own "Lion Coffee - the Cup That Cheers" (no foolin!). Cheer it did, and the night kept on keepin' on until about 3am. Gee, we used to make it until 5am easy - slowing down, are we???
Friday began for the two Mary Lee's at about 6:30 am with a two-hour morning walk through an awakening Elizabeth, NJ. The 3 am crowd rolled out somewhat later, and the Mary Lee's returned just in time to join us late-risers for the complimentary breakfast provided by the Hampton Inn. More conversation, music, and videos of reunions past, then we all loaded up for the jaunt to Kennedy International for the big party that Joachim had arranged in the TWA conference room right there in the terminal.
Once there, the Newark group in good military fashon took the high ground at the airport snack bar overlooking the front door of the TWA International Terminal, surprising long-lost Lions with hearty greetings from above as they struggled into the terminal building towing their baggage. After check-in, everyone serpentined down through the tunnels into the depths of the TWA terminal building for the departure party. Six O'clock came all too soon, and it was time to escort the travelers to the gate for the departure. More tears and hugs, and they were off for what I am sure seemed like a brief flight to Rome interrupted by very little sleep. I really pity the OTHER 200 folks aboard the plane (Ben Gazara of TV show fame was one of them) who probably also got very little sleep on that flight, if I know Jo-Jo!
At the Hampton Thursday night and/or Friday were (* = first reunion) Don and Donna Rosholt, *Mary Lee Kettley, *Mary Lee Gibson, Harry Heflin, *Sharon Alvatour & her *Mother & her *Sister-in-law, Leslie Bentley, George Kirylo, Billy and *Carol Woltz, Butch Ray, Drake Wells, Stephanie Vaughn, Joachim Auer, *Kathy Schwartz and her husband *Jack Fontanilla. Barbara Beachler was expected, but regretfully had to just send a lovely bouquet of balloons instead when Murphy intervened in her weekend plans.
I can't remember at this point all those who celebrated at Kennedy and then journeyed on to Italy, but it was a jolly bunch (see Karel's letter and picture for details). Joachim was the bail bondsman for the group. President Karel did lead the most efficient business meeting in the history of the group, with Johnny Sager donning the cloak of the presidency in order to organize the 1996 reunion in Seattle or Portland. For 1996 Karel will continue as treasurer (SEND KAREL YOUR DUES), and I will remain secretary for one final year.
The home guard contingent ventured on into New York City later Friday evening and ended up in the Little Italy district, relishing the very best Italian dinner ever created outside of the country itself at Taormina of Mulberry Street! Taormina is highly recommended if ever you are in New York. And we just couldn't have ever made it into the right area in the city without Billy and Carol Woltz's expert directions.
For all of you Reunion junkies, the next Grand Reunion of brats from ALL dependent schools will be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. July 31 through August 4, 1996. Call Reunions Unlimited at (303) 694-1888 or email grand96@aol.com for more details on this joint event with the DoDDS Retired Teachers' Group! Note that this event is completely separate from the LAHS reunion that Sager is setting up in Portland Oregan...
December 1995: Jo Turpin Hentschel's Uncensored Diary of the Great Italian Adventure by Jo-Jo
Woke up late Sunday, catching up from the trip. Most of the gang couldn't wait to get to the beach. Of course Bert had to check out the gym . Susie Cohen Smith finally woke up, she took the long way here. We caught up on all the latest news. We had dinner with Rex and Ruth Burgett. Rex was really great about helping Ronnie set up this great trip. Drank lots of wine. They live near my old house and we walked over. After the owner saw us taking pictures we explained who we were and he invited us in and showed us the house. It looked great.
Got back to the Sea Pines and the rest of the group was coming in from the pizzeria. Sat outside drank beer, laughed, told stories on each other and had a great time The bottle of Drambuie was the kiss of death, it seemed like such a good idea at 2 am. It put us all in a good mood and we have all decided to go in together and buy a villa in Italy and do a time share . Everyone was willing to kick in $10,000. Does Drambuie make you rich or what????
Monday - Mr. Burgett opened up the school so we all trooped over and visited classrooms, he had laid out yearbooks so we got to go through them. It was HOT how did we ever do it before a/c.
We went to Marina de Pisa for dinner went to a place recommended by our cab driver ($30 one way) Great food, we walked along the marina, the lights went out for an hour, couldn't get a cab back. The bartender at the place where I tried to call took pity on us, borrowed keys from a customer, gave them to another man who told his wife where he'd be, and took us home to Darby. God Bless the Italians.
We started breaking up in smaller groups. More people got cars which really helped. We discovered the Italian mess hall, great food cheap! Groups did their own sight seeing, Bert checked out the gym everyday he lived in 30 years ago -- some things never change.
Tuesday - The group loaded on a bus to go to Florence. Stopped by the sign (see Karel's pic) that welcomed us and took a group shot. Lots of pictures, I think we had 7 video cameras going and almost everyone had cameras. Hope Karel gets some good copies for the scrapbook. Thanks to Ron Bentley keeping Bert amused over a beer. I got some shopping done. Bob Barr will never forget his "friend" waving good-bye to us as we pulled away from the meeting point "Italy, Italy". The cute little gal waved to the rest of us too. Harry get the details from Bob it was a hoot!! (Editor's note: I did get the very entertaining details, but let's keep the "G" rating on this web page!)
Joachim and some of the guys ran into Tirrenia and brought back Pizza and we sat in the LHS music room and Bob retold his story. We think he may have been the only one to see his special farewell!!
Wednesday - We went to Lucca. Sharon Militich needs to race in the Indy 500 boy she could keep up with those guys who ran through red lights and didn't know where they were going. Janet wells and family came in from France, Dave Ellerman drove in from some place that the world bank is giving away money.
Thursday - Barr, Sager and I went to Tirrenia to find Bob's house, had to go to mine first because I use to walk to Julie's. Took a picture of your house that I hope is on my next roll of film. I had to send one back because Bert forgot to get double prints. Went to Pisa -- laughed at Sager he's an Engineer and was more interested in how they were to pour cement or rods into the foundation to keep it from falling more. Barr came up with a cute idea of taking a picture of holding up the tower in the back ground. Do you think we should send this in to the chamber of commerce???
Bert and Stephanie did a TV (filmed) of 2 old alumni retaining to LHS, then went through the yearbooks and classrooms, talked about their education and teachers and how much they enjoyed DoDDS. Bert helped Ron shop for the BEACH PARTY. We reserved the beach from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am. Grilled burgers and wurst. Lots of beer.
Kind of low key I think we were all tiring from burning the candle at both ends. The years were showing we use to be able to do this with out any problem when we were younger. I think the few people who did go swimming had their suits on except for Leslie who went in a long denim dress. We were afraid she would drown from the weight of the wet dress.
Friday - A group left for Rome on the train. Vickie, Sager and I caught the military shuttle to Livorno. It must have been the same bus we use to ride, smelled the same, hot, no shocks but lots of memories -- took the same route through Tirrenia, the tracks aren't there so your side felt different. Think we passed the old hospital (both of Vicki's children were born there) all boarded up and grown over. We checked my old capachino bar it was still there and the old corps of engineer office.
Looked for the wine cellar but it was gone -- did find another one. A lot of Americans live in town now in apts. so the bus took a different route through town. Too expensive for the military in Tirrenia.... Rex I think said he was paying $1200/mo. I picked up our rental car and we stopped for a last pizza. We finished Bar-B-Qing the meat and tried to finish the beer.
Ran back for one last pizza and wine because Vaughn said her last meal in Italy was NOT going to be an American burger on base. The only place Bert could find to park was in front of his "old" house. We took our last walk and talked of old times and how much fun we had. We thought of all of you guys and knew you were with us in spirit.
Saturday - The car run to the train station for all who were returning to the USA. Derwood and his group were off to Milano, Proud and his gang to a rented villa, Ron was up very early and back to Belgium. Super guy he really worked hard to co- ordinate all of it for us. Joachim was off to meet his better half. His friend Jo who joined us was a nice guy and fun to talk to.
Janet and Roy their daughter and family headed back to Nice, Ellerman I think was off to Yugoslavia or whatever. Bert and I went on to France to see old friends. His old home office was in Valbonne (between Nice and Cannes). We were in the Sahara so he used to find any excuse to report to the main office.
We went to Germany and met Bert's brother ( that he just recently found out he had) and then to Stuttgart to meet his real father. It was a wonderful reunion, his brother and wife joined us then his aunt and uncle came we had so much fun and laughed so much and mind you I can't speak German. It was fantastic more then I could have ever hoped for. Bert looks just like his father not only in appearance but in mannerisms.
Wonderful wine, The hill were filled with vineyards, there was a wine cellar, bottling place, museum. This entire suburb or town was devoted to wine. So maybe Jim knows what he's doing out on the Upper Peninsula -- he should have come to Italy and then to Germany -- he could have written it off on taxes.
Sunday - We spent the night in Frankfort and caught the plane back. I think our room and meals in the Sheraton cost as much as our week in Italy. But it was nice to have a/c a modern bathroom, a real bed and be able to unwind.
Monday - I faced 150 kids with jet lag and 4 hours sleep, and Bert took another week vacation. Needless to say I had some ugly thoughts about Bert's sleeping in!
December 1995: A Letter From J Verna
(Editor: I spoke with J recently - he tells me he is now as happy as can be, that everyone should write to him, and he promises to write back!)
Dear Harry and LAHS Students, 7 September, 1995
I retired one year ago and not having prepared for this new venture, I became ill with a nervous condition. At the present time I am being treated by a competent therapist who prescribes a 'wonder drug". My health is improving daily. Part of the therapy is daily exercise. I joined a health club, ride the bike, walk and sometimes caddie for a friend (I don't play golf). I am staying with an ex-LAHS teacher (John Wenc) until my household goods arrive. Also living here are two female teachers retired from Camp Darby -- we are developing into a group of retired DoDDS teachers -- also in Sarasota, Florida, there is a larger group of retired DoDDS teachers.
I bought a townhouse, equipped with all the necessary household appliances. I also purchased a Chrysler. It's dark green -- fully automatic. I am happy with both acquisitions. In fact, my state of mind is one of complete contentment (the first time in my life). The therapy continues with tap-dancing lessons -- and perhaps bridge lessons in the near future. Also dinners with new acquaintances.
I enrolled in a Spanish I course at a nearby college. It's not difficult since I have a knowledge of Italian. I am enjoying Arizona. I have joined the local Catholic Church where I have made many new amicable acquaintances. The weather here is ideal -- although hot, now we are having the scattered rainy season.
Now I expect to hear from all of you -- tell me of your "daily doings". Remember me to your parents and any of my ex-students. One of these days I will attend a LAHS reunion.
If you're in my neighborhood, call first, then come visit me. John Berry (an alumnus) lives down the street. He just had a heart transplant from a seventeen year old boy. He's doing well. Enjoy live and keep in touch -- to date I have seen eighty video films since my arrival.
Arrividerci - J Verna Classes '57 - '73
December 1995: President Karel's Trip Report by Karel Ray Van Gelder
Dear Friends,
One of the hardest things to do is sit and write about a dream come true. Our reunion in Italy was a dream of mine for many years, longer than it was actually in the planning. Now my dream has been achieved and is in my book of wonderful memories. I feel that if I write about it, it will belong to the past (and believe me, at our age the past keeps getting longer). Truly, in spite of the lack of air conditioning at the lodge and the extreme heat in Italy, EVERY ONE of us had a fantastic time.
Starting with the meeting at the New York airport which had to be the briefest LAHS business meeting is history, John Sager was elected your new president and will host our reunion next year in the Portland Oregon or Seattle Washington area. There will be no excuse for the alumni in the Northwest for not attending this one. Harry Heflin agreed to stay on as your Secretary for another year and I will continue as Treasurer for another year as well. Thanks to Harry for the mini-reunion in Newark the night before the big departure party at Kennedy, and for getting a number of new first-timers. (See Harry's report on that reunion elsewhere in the newsletter.)
A special thanks to Joachim Auer for all the arrangements for the connecting flights and the constant changes our alumni made. Joachim and TWA outdid themselves. The flight across the ocean was smooth, with only a slight delay getting out of JFK. After a bit of searching for our bus on arrival in Rome, we were on our way. Missed connecting up with Susan and Jackson Smith who were to meet us at the Rome airport -- Their flight was delayed in Atlanta and they took an alternate route to Pisa.
Riding by the vineyards, the gorgeous umbrella pines, and the typical Italian countryside found a few of us dozing from lack of sleep. The MPs really woke us up when a few of our anxious alumni chose to film the entrance to Camp Darby. We were quickly ushered off the bus and asked to strip -- the film from our cameras and camcorders. (Apparently it is against the law to film the entrance of a restricted base.) However, by the end of the week, we began to feel the reason they didn't want it photographed was because of the lack of activity on the base. A far cry from the bustling atmosphere when we were living there some 35 years ago.
Saturday night found us in Tirrenia at one of our old haunts eating pizza and drinking wine just as we used to do. Luckily we were hungry early because after 9:30 PM, Tirrenia is about as crowded as Times Square on New Year's Eve. The beach (which had moved in 1959 to the North of the former location) was not quite the same. Picture thousands of umbrellas and beach chairs lined up in neat military rows as far as the eye can see in either direction. However, with plenty of suntan lotion to protect our aging skin, we did enjoy an afternoon in the sun and water. Ron Bentley and Bob Bahr chauffeured us around in their two cars, making several runs to and from the base to make certain we all got where we wanted to be. That night we were at the old meeting place in Tirrenia for pizza and beer again.
One of the highlights, arranged with Mr. Rex Burgett by JoJo Hentschel, was the tour of the High School on Monday. The building has not changed on the outside with the exception of an added wing. You could hear comments "Wasn't the lab on the second floor?", "They moved the Home EC classroom!", and "Here's Mr. Verna's classroom!". The most noticeable change to me was the typing classroom - they had computers now. Mr. Burgett had arranged for the year books from 1960 and up to be open on the tables in the library. After reminiscing for several hours and much picture taking, we dispersed to rental cars, got some lunch, and did some sightseeing after a few made trips to exchange dollars for lire at the base bank.
Florence here we come!! The bus pulled up at the Lodge on Tuesday morning and we all loaded in for a day in Florence. First a stop in front of the sign "Welcome Livorno American High School Alumni" for group pictures. Then onward we went. A stop at the top of a hill overlooking Florence and to view the statue of David. We were let out at the train station for a full day on our own -- cathedrals, parks, palaces, and the bridge of gold -- and the ever-present open flea markets. My daughter, granddaughter, Carolyn Jones Stokely and I managed to get a carriage ride back to the main area. Ahhh! Such wonderful memories!!
Pisa and the jewelry shop on the base filled our Wednesday. Janet Wells Miller, her husband Roy, and their daughter and family arrived Wednesday. A group of us went up into the hills and spent a delightful evening eating and visiting at an out-of-the-way ristorante. Another highlight in my book (since everyone went in different groups during the week, I'm not certain what everyone did).
Thursday -- Via Reggio and memories reviewed. That night was our official group party at the beach. The beach and pavilion were ours for the night and we made good use of it. Our chief chef, Ron Bentley, made certain we had plenty to eat. Thanks to all who helped put this evening together. We were finally all together in one place. Brian Byrnes documented much on film so we have the proof and will have the film for viewing next reunion.
Friday -- several of us left for Rome by train. What an experience!! Europeans must travel light. We certainly had not and ended up pulling our luggage through five train cars to get to our reserved seats. I still love the Italian countryside. It has lost none of its charm over the years. We managed to squeeze in the catacombs on Friday and a rooftop view of Rome at a nearby hotel. Warnings of gypsies and pick pockets didn't keep us from venturing out that night for a look at the Fountain of Trevi -- crowded with people beyond belief.
The Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel the next day were new to us as we had missed it on my last trip to Rome. We used public transportation -- the bus and the metro. My daughter kept us adventurous -- I probably would have used a cab. Rome by Night bus tour was a delightful cap to the week, especially since we met up with the rest of the Rome group that night at the rooftop lounge.
Leaving Rome turned out to take longer than anticipated as we sat on the runway for 8 1/2 hours before finally departing (mechanical problems). We did get to spend the night in New York (or at least a few hours of it) on TWA since we had missed our connections. They whisked us through customs and onto busses to our hotel. The next day we all got our connecting flights home. A little weary but filled with warm memories and a great desire to return (next time in the cooler spring or fall).
Others ventured onto other destinations in Europe -- Belgium, London, and Frankfort -- for an extended vacation before returning to the states.
A very special thank-you to everyone for all the work that went into planning this trip and the events at Darby -- Ron, Joachim, Harry, JoJo and Bert. Teamwork is always the way to any successful event.
Your new president, John Sager, will be letting us know early in the New Year about the plans for the next Fall reunion. Just a reminder to send in your dues for this year. Make the check payable to "LAHS Reunions" and mail them to Karel Van Gelder, 3918 Chapel St., Lake Park, FL 33403. This fund is our working fund for newsletters and pre-reunion expenses.
Thank you for allowing me to be your president. I've enjoyed the experience.
June 1995: Plans for Newark portion of 1995 Reunion by Harry Heflin
This year we have arranged a really special opportunity to gather for our annual reunion in not one, but TWO countries!
The festivities begin a day earlier in the week than usual so that those who are only attending the New York (or should we say, Newark!) portion of the reunion will have time to enjoy an evening together with some of the “Italian” contingent in Newark on Thursday night, and then to travel to Kennedy airport for a Bon Voyage party Friday afternoon in the TWA Conference Room with those who are flying into Kennedy connecting to the Rome flight. After the party Friday, while the world travelers are winging their way to Rome, the Newark group can go into the “Apple” to enjoy an evening in Greenwich Village at one of the many Italian restaurants there. Saturday and Sunday, while the “Italians” are basking in the Livonian sun and regressing to their youth, the slightly less adventuresome domestic contingent will be exploring together the sights, sounds, museums, shopping, theater, and foods of New York City (less adventuresome? NYC ???).
The domestic portion of the reunion will be anchored at the Hampton Inn located in Elizabeth, New Jersey, near Newark International Airport. It was a tough decision between paying the steep price for accommodations and parking to stay in the City near the attractions, or paying a much more moderate price (about 40% less) to stay just across the river and take public transportation to and from the city. There were several other factors as well, and in the end Newark NJ won the toss.
So ... here is what the domestic schedule looks like currently -- although as usual we will remain flexible!
· Thurs, 7/20 2 pm Check-in available at Hampton Inn, Elizabeth, NJ
· Thurs, 7/20 3 pm - ???am Chat, munch, imbibe, and chat in the hospitality suite (and sauna)
· Fri, 7/21 12 pm Lunch and then travel to Kennedy Airport for Bon Voyage Party
· Fri, 7/21 6 pm “Italians” depart for Rome; Locals head for Greenwich Village
· Sat 7/22 11 am Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts, Central Park, and/or shopping???
· Sat 7/22 6 pm Dinner, then perhaps the theater or just prowl about the City
· Sun 7/23 11 am Maybe Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty...
· Sun 7/23 3 pm Finis, and head for home!
Our group rate at the Newark Hampton Inn is $64 per room, single or double. Rooms with two double beds or one king are available currently, but for the best selection you should reserve your room now. Be sure to ask for two double beds if you think you would like to share the room to reduce expenses. Call Linda at the Hampton Inn at (908) 355-0500 to reserve your room, and since time is short you should do it as soon as possible. Be sure to mention the Livorno High School Reunion to receive the $64 rate. We will ask for a small daily contribution for the hospitality suite and food and drink, but since we will be preparing our own goodies in the kitchenette (as we did in West Palm and Houston) the cost will be modest.
If you are driving in, as most of the “locals” will do, there is no charge for parking at the Hampton Inn. I expect that there will be enough cars that we can provide transportation to Kennedy Friday for everyone (including those flying out) without using public transportation or limos. Call me at (508) 266-1800 during the day or (508) 266-1672 in the evening with any questions or suggestions for the weekend!
Karel Van Gelder has mailed detailed travel instructions and information directly to those traveling to Italy, but remember if you fly into Kennedy on Friday afternoon en route to Rome, go to the TWA Conference Room in Terminal A for the Bon Voyage Party from 4-6pm between flights!
Chio, Harry
December 1994: President Karel's Letter by Karel Ray Van Gelder
(Editor: Mostly serious and completely believably)
Dear Friends,
Fun in the Sun turned out to be Fun in the Rain for the 1994 LAHS Reunion in September in Florida but a little (????) rain never stopped any LAHS Alumni from having a good time. There is proof that the sun did sneak out at least once as BUTCH RAY got an actual picture of a sun rise. We even had a reunion within the reunion when CELESTE LEE MCLEAN and FRANKLIN LEE were reunited after 17 years. We picked her up at the airport, hid her at the hotel (cloak and dagger style) and then surprised Franklin on Thursday evening. A few tears were shed by those present.
Many alumni arrived on Thursday, some even on Wednesday, with a few straggling in on Friday. Friday night found us in the hospitality room, talking, eating and drinking (Margaritas, what else!!!) until the wee hours of the morning. Four or five even attempted to swim in the ocean, but enough said about that. Let them tell you the story and be sure to ask if they don’t volunteer.
A cruise down the intercoastal water way was delightful in spite of the rain on Saturday morning. Then back to the hotel for more Margaritas, some lunch and more conversation. That evening found us at the Olive Garden for dinner and review of pictures from the night before. Several red faces in the bunch but then...they were good sports!!!
We had a total of 48 in attendance - 32 were alumni and 16 guests. The group pictures and class pictures will be in the scrap book for next year’s reunion. The Class of ‘60 had one in attendance (JOHNNY JONES); Class of ‘59 had four; Class of ‘61 seven; Class of ‘62, six; Class of ‘63, six; Class of ‘64, six; Class of ‘65, one; and Class of ‘66, one. The class of ‘63 had the highest percentage of found folks in attendance. If any one has a picture of the class of ‘64, ‘65, or ‘66, please send me a copy for the scrap book. I have all the other classes. Also send me a few of your special pictures so they may be included as well (Editor: Oh, NO!!! Not THOSE special pictures!!!!).
New faces this year -- the Jones family -- JOHNNY JOHNES, CAROLYN JONES STOKLEY, HILDA JONES WELCH, and LINDA JONES CHAMBERS (Johnny’s wife Barbara and even his Mom Kathleen came too); CHARLES ADAMS, VERN WRIGHT, GEORGE MITCHELL, JIM MILETICH, CELESTE (LEE) MCLEAN. One of the nicest surprises was Dr. & Mrs. BARCK, better known to all as GRACIE KENEMER, our former biology teacher. (Boy, did she have a good memory!! Several of the alumni I’m sure are wishing her memory had not been so sharp!!) (Editor: Harrumph).
JO JO and BERT HENTSCHEL arrived home in time to welcome their new granddaughter, Raven, born October 5 and weighing in a 8lbs. 7 oz.
We are all looking forward to the Reunion-to-end-all-Reunions in 1995 - an reunion extraordinary spanning two continents! At our business meeting the majority vote was for an event scheduled the end of July, 1995. This is a departure from our tradition of weekend events in mid to late September, but for this longer event it is just too difficult for those associated with education to escape their responsibilities during the school year.
A letter was sent to the current LAHS Assistant Principal, Rex Burgett, asking for the school’s sponsorship so that we may obtain housing on the base in order to keep costs at a minimum. I received a response from Mr. Burgett stating that he would be delighted to sponsor us and he was certain others would also. Next BUTCH and I
contacted RON BENTLEY over the Thanksgiving Holiday and Ron will be contacting his Camp Darby Special Services counterpart when he returns to work after Thanksgiving. We should have a positive response within a week or two and will proceed to iron out the details. A report will be forthcoming in January or February with all details including dates, costs, etc. Get your checkbooks ready because it will be time to make your commitments. If we are able to obtain the housing on base, the cost during the summer should be affordable.
As the domestic part of our reunion extraordinary, we are planning a reunion in New York City on the eve of departure so even those who decide not to go to Italy can gather to give those heading for Italy a rousing send-off (and drink margaritas)! JOACHIM and EUNICE AUER will be handling the arrangements for New York.! So - even if you can’t go to Italy, we will still have a reunion state-side. No excuses for skipping a year.
Our deepest sympathy to DERWOOD and KATHLEEN BILES who had to leave earlier than planned on Sunday as Kathleen’s father was gravely ill. He passed away shortly after they returned to his bedside. RON BENTLEY and LESLIE BENTLEY HORNER lost their mother this past May. JOSIE HORN AND LEW WAGGONER lost their dear daughter Machaele in a car crash in 1992. SERI KUKLA LING’S husband David was killed in the terrible US AIR crash in Pittsburg. Our sincere sympathy is extended to them also.
I was in San Francisco the end of October and had a cappuccino with JIM FINLEY. He sends his best to all and regrets having missed the reunion. We are now down to LESLIE and BUTCH as the only two ‘lifers’ who have attended all reunions from ‘89 - 94!
PAT BOWMAN is recovering nicely from some serious surgery recently. Drop him a card, but make it funny - he needs a good laugh to help stretch those stitches. Drop a note also to KATHY SCHWARZ FONTANILLA, who is recovering from sudden brain surgery which derailed her plans to attend the reunion.
Karel
PS: Watch for the additions and changes on HARRY HEFLIN’s new Alumni Directory. HARRY did such a great job last year with the directory and newsletter that we are allowing him the "privilege" of being secretary again this year.
December 1994: Bunky's Trip Report by Bunky Day, Associate
(Editor: Hardly serious and only marginally believable!)
Thursday September 28, 1994 -- Boarded U.S. Air Express in Charlottesville, VA at 5:30 PM for one hour flight to Charlotte, NC.
Arrived in Charlotte and had a one-hour wait for U.S. Air direct to West Palm, Florida and the bosom of Karel Ray Van Gelder (and what a bosom it was). Had my seat assigned by AAA or AA (I can’t remember) a couple of weeks in advance so walked to the back of the aircraft (steerage) and saw some cute old chick sitting in my window seat. I was peeved but thought maybe she was on social security and I could make a hit on her. When I stopped at the seat and dropped my bag (not luggage -- just a Food Lion grocery bag) she looked at me and said, “are you C.R. Day -- my seatmate???” It took me by surprise because I didn’t know U.S. Air was getting everyone to know each other in their assigned row. I told her I was indeed assigned to this row and asked who she was since she knew my name. She smiled and said in a cute voice, “Don’t you know who I am???”. I then looked at her eyes and saw the Carolyn Jones I remembered from 34 years ago. There wasn’t enough room to hug her so I just squeezed her arm when the flight attendant told me to quit screwing around and fasten my seat belt. Carolyn and I had a great flight down and shared our lives with each other since SETAF. She also told me her Mom was going to be there as well as 70 or 80 more of her relatives (legitimate and otherwise) so I thought what a great redneck reunion this would be!
Arrived at West Palm International at 9:30 PM and Carolyn and I were met by Hilda and Linda, her sisters. Linda was a little snot when I left Darby but has since become a cute little package of energy. Also there to meet us were Bert and Jo Jo and Karel Van B**bs -- I mean Gelder. It was a good start for what Sue Harris Wright told me would be an unforgettable experience. Arriving at the hospitality suite Karel introduced me to those in attendance which put me at a disadvantage -- they knew who I was. But I was in limbo as to who they were.
This proved itself when one guy sitting in the middle of the room smoking a butt had a stomach that showed he hasn’t missed many meals the last few years said, ‘Do you know who I am?”. I told him “Hell no -- I don’t remember you -- it’s been 34 years. That rotund individual was none other than the hapless SIR DERWOOD BILES (or PILES if you talk to his doctor). Pardon me Mr. Biles but I wouldn’t have remembered you if you had your name in neon lights attached to your fly.
In spite of this incident (grin) it was the great start to a wonderful weekend. Karel told me to come in early on Thursday because Harry, the Muchkin would be there and we could use the hospitality suite since it was already reserved and paid for -- thanks Karel -- it was a stroke of genius. Harry slept in the pull-down Murphy bed, but got corked and forgot to pull it down so slept vertical all night screaming that he was on the Titanic. I slept on the couch bed and wore my earmuffs so I couldn’t hear him bitch all night (Editor: Harrrumph!).
I was so “UP’ that I couldn’t eat anything Thursday night. Friday morning Harry said he was going to the coffee shop for breakfast and I said I’d meet him down there. When I got there I started feeling a little hungry and since I owed my roomie for a video of the Houston reunion I bought breakfast for the two of us.
After breakfast things started happening faster than I could absorb them. SUE HARRIS WRIGHT arrived about noon and got a big discount from DELTA for being a widow escorting the remains of her spouse. Dub was really upset about having to spend all weekend in the casket on the plane and didn’t get to see anyone or slurp up any margaritas. The DELTA crew did wonder why the body was on the return flight as well.
Only one point of confusion during the reunion. People kept mentioning this Roy and Janet Miller. I didn’t really know them that well. They must have been there before me so I just said -- “who cares??” (not really!!!)
It was fun on Thursday night talking to Frank Lee until Friday when I met his sister, Celeste. After that I didn’t give a dip if Frank had to hitch-hike back to Virginia because Celeste is so much cuter than ol’ what’s-his-name. (Editor: Aye, Aye!)
For Bert and Jo Jo I was really impressed until Bert needed a “Barf Bag” at the Olive Garden -- after that Jo Jo make believe she didn’t know Bert and made believe she didn’t speak English. It was smart of Jo Jo to put Bert in the trunk going back to the Sheraton.
For Joda Boyd Summers -- I met her and I saw her but she was always in motion going from one place to another. Next time Joda -- stop long enough for me to say “HOWDY”.
To Kathleen Jones, Mother of the MONSTER JONES KLAN -- I didn’t get a chance to say good-bye and give you a big hug -- so I owe you one.
To Stephanie Vaughn, our favorite English Prof. -- it was great to see you even though you live in the snow belt -- Viva La Cornell!
To the two odd balls from Brooklyn “Yokum” and Eunice -- you will not get the Dodgers back so quit trying -- it was fun with you on the cruise -- hope you make Livorno because you’re rich and you can pay for some more of us.
To Butch Ray -- Next time quit bitching about my margaritas -- I did the best I could. I do want to thank you for the ride to the airport -- unfortunately I was flying out of West Palm and you dropped me off at Miami -- I think the margaritas worked you Jersey Loon.
Meeting Susan Cohen Smith and her husband ‘Hijack’ Smith. Before Susan left she came over and gave me a hug and said -- “If Jack dies -- I’m yours”. I’ve called several 900 numbers in New York and New Jersey to some guys who will knock folks off for a fee, but for ‘Hijack” Smith the tariff was way too high. Sorry Susan,
but we’ll have to wait until we’re in our 80’s and in a rest home and play checkers together.
Now just seeing Barbara and Johnny Jones made my day, every day! Talk about a couple of neat folks! Together they define the words caring and indomitable.
Seeing ‘Simi’ and Sandy was great because Simi and I took our senior lifesaving course together before becoming lifeguards. He hasn’t lost his military bearing -- every morning he ordered me to walk the beach with him.
Karel Van Gelder worked a miracle for just $30 per person at Singers Island. The snacks, the breakfast, the cruise, the keg and margaritas plus the Olive Garden (anybody seen Bert lately???) was a victory for good ol’ give and take negotiation. Karel and her brother Butch deserve a lot of credit for the whole weekend. My personal thanks to both of you.
Note to Kathleen Biles: If Derwood acts up - give him a cookie and send him to his room!
December 1994: Secretary Harry's Report by Harry Heflin
(Editor: ALMOST completely believable)
Another really super reunion! The food, fellowship, and ‘entertainment’ were unmatched in the history of the known universe.
The rain was a bit of a drag, but who goes to reunions to hang out on the beach? A few folks were not deterred at all and went swimming in the ocean and the pool, apparently working diligently on their all-over moonlight tan. Funny, the delicate tan seemed to change to a bit of a blush color next evening at the Olive Garden...
The business stuff:
1. Moved, seconded and passed that dues will be for the calendar year, so please send a check for $20 to Karel payable to LAHS Reunion if you have not yet paid for 1994. Designate the check for 1995 if you are paying for next year.
2. Moved, seconded and passed that Karel VanGelder will remain President and also assume the duties of Treasurer. Harry Heflin will remain Secretary for the 94-95 period. The next elections will be at the business meeting of the New York reunion.
3. Moved, seconded and passed that the next reunion will be held in late July, with a weekend in New York followed by a week or so in Italy. Joachim said he would be glad to set it all up, but just don’t give him a title!!! Nevertheless, he is obviously KING of NEW YORK.
It was a real joy to see Kathleen Jones, Lee DiMarco, and Dr. and Mrs. Barck (our own Gracie Kenemer)! Next year, let’s all try to persuade more of the parents and teachers to attend.
Now about ‘Roomie Bunky’ - He was a fantastic room mate, but next year he’s gotta stop sleeping so much, and when he does sleep, he needs to wear those ear muffs rotated 90 degrees so they cover his nose and mouth! I thought we had the whole brass band from the Titanic in the room with us!
GRRRREAT T-SHIRTS: Jo Jo tracked down a source for the neat Italian motif T-shirts that some folks purchased in Houston -- they are $14 plus shipping from (800) 688-9327. These shirts are becoming somewhat of a cult item among LAHSites. That price is less than the cost in Houston, even with the group discount that was negotiated (which everyone enjoyed until the store there ran out of stock) The proprietor also has bags and other interesting international items at good prices.
Some new names to look up in the alumni phone directory: Joy KUKLA Britt, Rex Burgett, Bunky Day, Ruth Dixon, Wally Finch, Miss Mae Green, Liz LEON Mechem, Joy Thigpen Micholotti, Brigetta Raab, Lisel Wolz
A modest suggestion - how about holding the 1996 LAHS Reunion in the Pacific Northwest? Rumor has it that Johnny Sager said he would host an event in Seattle...
Be sure and let me know of any address or phone number changes, and also advise me of E-Mail Internet addresses. If you have E-Mail at work, you almost surely have an Internet address - ask your system administrator. Just a postcard with any changes/additions/etc will do fine.
See y’all next year!
February 1994: The whole newsletter by Karel and Harry and Jim
Fun in the Sun coming at 'ya September 30 - October 2, 1994 on Singer Island, Florida.
That's what our 1994 Livorno High School Reunion has in store for each of you - we can guarantee no snow storms, ice, mud slides, forest fires, or earthquakes!!! No promises on hurricanes, however -
The Sheraton Ocean Inn at Singer Island, Florida, offers you a 200 yard expanse of white sandy beach - a freshwater pool (and poolside bar), great snorkeling, and is within walking distance to restaurants, public beach (with volley ball nets), shopping and the intercoastal waterway as well. The hotel has a lounge with band, restaurant, and a sports bar.
A fun-filled weekend is being planned (including a cruise down the intercoastal). For the Sunday stayovers, we can arrange an ocean cruise with gambling, or hit a few of the country western places for some "shades" of Houston.
Best surprise of all - the rates are only $50 single or double. Call either the Sheraton toll-free number (800) 325-3535, or the hotel direct (407) 842-6171. Remember to mention "Livorno High School Reunion" to ensure the special rate. If you want me to keep an eye on the air line rates, drop me a line and let me know. As a travel agent, I provide this service for my clients. Rates fluctuate all the time and are not always published.
I am looking forward to sharing our beautiful beaches and perpetual sunshine with everyone - especially the "new" classmates Harry and Sue have located already this year.
{Special secret message to the Class of '59 - Let's show the other classes that we can beat them in attendance. We had only 12 to start with so we should be able to reach at least 50% in attendance!}
Signed - Karel "Ray" Van Gelder - Class of 1959 (ouch! that hurts to admit it!)
ITALY in '95
It's time to start thinking about our reunion in 1995 - all the way "home" to Terrania. We need some input from everyone as to whether you would be bringing you spouses, do you prefer the Summer months (high season in Europe), Fall, or Spring? Blocking rooms and air fare needs plenty of advance planning so we have to start soon. Again, drop a line to let us have your input - this is your trip "back to the past - and the happiest days of your life". A post card will do - just jot down your preferences and if you hope to attend. Numbers count in discounts. Thanks - Karel.
Houston '93
Rave reviews followed the exemplary Houston event planned by the indefatigable team of Sue, Dub, Jo-Jo, and Bert (we think). "Very best ever" was the word on the streets, and attendance was the best ever also! The hospitality suite concept with kitchenette and our own food and drink helped keep the costs to the lowest ever, too. The truly inspired touch was the Margarita Machine that just kept pumping out those delicious icy little treats for 48 hours straight, and it kept the whole gang anything but straight for the duration!!! The Rodeo and BBQ Saturday night gave us all our basic load of Bull Feathers, dust, and much, much more! Southern hospitality at its very best, including a lunch buffet at Jo and Bert's on Sunday.
Who attended??? Well, we had confirmed sightings on Sue Harris Wright and Dub, Jim Finley, Tony Adamo, Frank Owings, John Sager, Harry Heflin, Drake Wells, Derwood and Kathleen Biles, Susie Cohen Smith and Jack, Alfred Day, Joda Boyd Summers, Carol Johnson Burns, Susie Dwyer, David Ellerman, Jo-Jo Hentschel and Bert, Denny Ellerman, Patrick Bowman Bowles, Karel Ray Van Gelder, Susan Vuch Miller, Nancy Vuch Schroeder, Lesley Bentley Horner, Butch Ray, Stephanie Vaughn, and Franklyn Lee, with a cameo appearance by Maria Shalala.
{Special secret message to all other classes: If the class of '59 thinks that they can ace the other classes on percent attendance - well, they must be becoming old and gray and experiencing the early phases of senile dementia. Call all of your classmates and make sure they come to Florida and let's keep these old-timers (or is it Altsheimers?) in their proper places!}
Guest Book
We now have a Guest Book of LASH Reunions back to the '89 event organized by Pat Kirylo (bless her dear little heart!). The '93 list is complete, but we will have to backfill the signatures on earlier events as folks attend in when" questions that always seem to come up. Historical Note: Leslie, Butch, and Jim are the only folks with perfect attendance '89 to '93 (bless their dear little hearts!).
Incredible Appreciation...
is expresses by all to the outgoing LAHS Reunion Secretary of many, many years, Leslie Bentley Horner. Leslie churned out those address labels, newsletters, and various documents on time, every time, for about five years, and we all owe her a great big round of applause (but careful - don't disturb the LA earthquake fault zones)!!!!!
Speaking of Faults
The big uplift narrowly spared Peter and Kathy Hobieger in Simi Valley where they live just 8-10 miles from the epicenter of California's most recent seismic event. They lost some glasses, dishes, crystal, and a few heirlooms, but overall Peter says the "house stood up very well". The near miss was the two large mirrors which fell from the headboard onto the bed out of which they had just leaped when the quake struck! That could have been really grim.
Send those cards and letters
to our classmate of old, Johnny Jones, recently located and now included in the new address listing. Johnny is recovering from a stroke, and he would love to hear what been going on in your lives since he last saw you. Notice also the newly listed address and phone number information for the rest of the Jones Clan: Linda, Carolyn, Hilda, and Tommy.
Monster Data Bases
We are building two data bases, one for found folks and one for those folks who are still MIA. Everyone who attended the Houston event filled out the data sheet on themselves and their family, but we still need good information on all the rest of our located LAHS gang, so if you weren't at Houston, please fill out the attached Family Information Sheet and send it to Harry right now, before you forget it!
Few things are so frustrating as locating some dear friends, but then loosing them again with the passage of time. The cross-references will help us re-locate lost folks. We recognize that many persons value their privacy, so only the LAHS secretary will have access to the information in its entirety. We will also certainly respect the wishes of anyone who chooses not to have their phone number and address published (just let Harry know), but we would still like to send everyone the Newsletters - which we can't do unless we have your address!
The second data base is a collection of everything we can remember about those folks we have yet to locate. Bits of information from everyone about families which by themselves aren't very useful, but which gathered together in one spot and shared with all just might help us make some connections again! Search you memory, and jot down any information, however insignificant it might seem, about our "most wanted" missing persons. Names of parents, siblings, schools, employers, hometowns, birthdates, best friends, military affiliation and rank, etc., etc. - all could be very helpful. Your bit of data might be the one which makes the difference!!!
Odds and Ends
Jim and Donna Finley are bailing out of Oakland to by a vineyard in Minnesota. Dawn and Harry Heflin have bought a house in (Burrrr) Massachusetts. David Ellerman still spends about half time in xxxx. Richard and Sandra Callihan are officially joined in Holy Matrimony as of xxxxxxx.
Your 1994 Officers
President: Karel Ray Van Gelder
Treasurer: Jim Finley
Secretary: Harry Heflin