Wheat Ridge High School Class of 1961: Blog

2007 Reunion comments

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 18:47:50 GMT

"The 2007 mini reunion was so appreciated. This was my first mini reunion and I spoke with people that I haven’t seen since I graduated from WRHS in 1960. I also was updated on friends that I have been looking for. The name tags with annual photos made it possible to “reconnect” with former classmates and others that you wouldn’t have known otherwise. The class of 1961 has done a great job of capturing and creating memories. Thanks Again" Diana (Arrance) Dean-Nau class of “60”

"...the volunteers turned this year's event into a money maker for future reunions, especially the 50th. We sold enough meals and gained enough donations that we now have about $3,000 in a formal WR Reunion Fund with its own FEIN and three signatories. Most of it will now, for the first time if I understand correctly, earn annual interest of 4.1%."

Dick Speer

"A standing ovation, Dick. . ."

Jerry Popiel '61

"Just wanted you to know that Mike and I had a great time yesterday. I personally thought it was one of the best reunions we have had, and those that did not come missed out on a lot. (their loss!) . . .GREAT JOB!"

Joyce (Gray) Breheny

"I really appreciate all the work you went to to organize the reunion. The meal was very good and everyone eating near us liked it. Thank you so much for all you did."

Jan (Simpson) Blankenship '61

"You should be proud of the work you did for the reunion. It was a great turnout and fun to see some of my brother’s friends also. It as good to see you in person and chat for a short time."

Mary (Zimbeck) Taylor '61

"The picnic was a great success and everyone said they loved it. I'm sorry so many people paid and then didn't show up. That's a shame, but can't do anything about it. ... it was a really nice, relaxing event for everyone (except you I think... and shame on you for not eating)... And, the food was really good."

Donna Phipps '63

"Thank you for your efforts. A good time was had by all!"

L.Smith '62

"Thank you for your note and hard work. Lynn said that this was the best reunion ever. :-) We had a great time."

Lynn and Sharon Taylor '61

"Thanks for all your work on the reunion. Wanda and I really enjoyed it!"

Carol (Congrove) Vieira '59

"There were people there that we haven't seen since high school and have tried to find. Everyone I have talked to had a great time. Thanks"

Linda (James) Ames '60

"Thank you so much for all of the work you did to make the reunion such a great success. it was a lot of fun for me and everyone I am sure. I have known some at the reunion since the fifth grade. It feels like a bunch of cousins getting together. Thanks again."

Andra Beach class of 1963

"Thank you for doing the reunion. It was great and I would surely do it again."

Rick (Lopez) '63

"Dick, thank you for all you did to organize and make Sunday a reality. It was a blast for a lot of us. Please share the feedback with others that helped and let them know their efforts were appreciated."

Dale Kehl '63

"I think you and your committee did an outstanding job! Yes, I would be willing to help with it next year. You will definitely need to teach me because I have served on our reunion committee in the past but the technology aspect leaves a lot to be desire in my realm. However, I am good at making phone calls, making arrangements, holding committee meetings, proofreading, etc. Once again, you and your committee are super stars."

Jolene (Casa) Granier '60

". . . thank you so much for puting the huge class reunion together. I know that it was qiute an undertaking and involved hours and hours of work. Those of us that attended appreciated everything you did. It was great!"

Carol "Klarner" Shirley--class of '60

"Thanks for a great job on Sunday's picnic. We enjoyed seeing so many people for the first time in 40 + years. You did a fantastic job!"

Terry & Diana Ten Eyck '63

". . . thank you so much for arranging our reunions. I had a great time. You did a fantastic job. I would always prefer a low key picnic rather than a stuffy place to congregate."

Elaine (Schopper) Hatcher '60

"Nice job on the reunion picnic yesterday! My wife and I really enjoyed it. . . . Again, thanks foryour great work."

Bill Thomas '63

"It really was a lot of fun; seems like everyone had a good time. . . . Thanks again for getting us involved. Wouldn't have missed it."

Karen Hagaman '61

"...again, thanks for putting the picnic together. You do awesome work. I found a couple of people I had been looking for & a childhood friend that I've only spoken with on the phone for the last 13 years."

Judith C. (Adams) Lopez '63

"Thanks for all the work you did on making the reunion so successful. It was great fun and I talked with people whom I had almost forgotten. I especially liked the picture nametags."

Dana Prehn '61

"Thanks again for the wonderful picnic at Anderson Park on Aug. 5th. Good food and good visits!"

Sally (Salter, '60) and Kent Schroeder ('58)

"First, I want to thank you so much for organizing all aspects of the WHS reunion last weekend. I know it was a lot of hard work both leading up to the event and during the event itself. You did an outstanding job and I greatly appreciate all that you did.

"Second, Judy and I had a great time at the reunion. After 48 years I did not recognize nor remember many classmates, but I did greatly enjoy talking with so many individuals for our class and the other classes. . ."

Glen Catchpole, '61 (in abstentia)

Archives

Sat, 09 Apr 2005 21:22:58 GMT

(5/28/07) Johnny Calvaresi
These certainly were the good times! Just wanted to share them with you all...
With the fondest of memories...
Johnny Calvaresi

(3/28/07) From Bernadette Cerrone Dietzler
My Dear Friends:
     I can’t even begin to express my gratitude to all of you. I am so appreciative and grateful for all of your calls, cards, emails, flowers and most of all your prayers.
     My surgery was a total success. I had an incredible Neurosurgeon who studied at the University of Chicago and practiced at Johns Hopkins. He came to Evanston Hospital just two months before my diagnosis. I am blessed that he was my surgeon as the tumor compressed 90% of my spinal cord. He said it was about the size of a golf ball. It had caused me great pain for some time and he said that one day I would have just woken up and would not have been able to move my legs. I felt like I was a walking time bomb before surgery. He said if I fell or was in a rear end accident I would be paralyzed. There was a risk of paralysis in removing it as well. I was in surgery five hours and he skillfully removed bit by bit so that he would not nick the spinal cord. When I came out of anesthesia he asked me to move my hands and feet and but for the Grace of God I was able to do so.
     Recuperation the first two weeks was extremely rough to say the least. After three weeks I turned a corner. I am now five weeks out of surgery and I am getting better every day in every way. I am able to reach into the kitchen cabinet for a dish without it hurting. I am driving again and finally answering all of my emails.   I am healing daily and getting stronger because of the many prayers that were sent up on my behalf. I “believe” all of the prayers worked. Thank you!
     I hope to see all of you in August at the next reunion. All I can say is thanks be to God that I will be able to “walk” in and celebrate all of our own special blessings. A special thanks to Art and Vicki for getting the word out to all of you.
Sincerely,
Bernadette Cerrone Dietzler

(2/15/07) From Art Bushell -
I wanted to share with you some information. Bea (Bernadette Cerrone) has been experiencing back pain since early fall. Then she began having severe chest pain. They have put her through a battery of eight tests without finding anything. Starting in January she began having excruciating back pain along with the chest pain and was sent to a neurosurgeon. He requested a bone scan and a MRI which detected she had a tumor on her spinal cord. She will have it removed Monday, February 19, at Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Ill. She should be able to go home in a couple of days in there are no complications. The doctor said the good thing about this particular tumor, is that this type is benign 99% of the time. I’m sure she would appreciate everyone’s prayers and a card or email as it will take three weeks to recover. Her address is (see the email you received) and her email is beasbags@aol.com

- (12/26/06) From Johnny Calvaresi -
Bob...I don't know where the information that I "didn't want to be contacted" came from, but I sure didn't say that. I am living in Mooresville, NC and my email address is johnnycal@bellsouth.net.

- (Tuesday, 6/27/06)
Thank you so much for sending me the printout about the Wheat Ridge HS61 45th reunion. I have such incredibly fond memories of the two years I lived in Wheat Ridge and all the wonderful people I met. I guess those are really psychologically formative years and I was blessed to spend them in Wheat Ridge. I have been enjoying the website for a few years now, especially the photographs from the 40th reunion. Although I would love to see everyone, I regret that I won't be able to attend. Have a wonderful time and thank you again.

Take care, Fondly, Artemis Chakerian AChakerian@salud.unm.edu

- (Thursday, 3/16/06)
I bought a house down here in the canon country of southern Colorado in December 2005. The quiet, clean air, wildlife and such are just what the doctor ordered.

Dennis Edinger, Florence, CO dle@chisp.net

- (Saturday, 12/27/05)
Nothing much [new], just 9 grandkids and a son who just came back from Iraq safe and sound.

Kay (Spangler) Pingrey

- (Tuesday, 10/18/05)
We are full time RVers. It may take time for mail to catch up with us. Also is there anyone that would have a place for us to park for the 45th? Let us know.

Merita (Harmon) Bach

- (Tuesday, 10/18/05)
The website looks great. I especially liked the slide show of the pictures from the reunion. I doubt that I'll ever get to come to any of the reunions because I can't fly - I have had a couple of back operations and can sit only a short time - 20 minutes tops and airlines want passengers to sit for most of the flight. I also have no more family members living in the area. I do enjoy the website.

Best wishes,
Nancy Johnson Shepherd

- (Monday, 3/28/05)
I haven't visited the page for a long time. It was fun reading everyone's messages. I hope to be in town this summer for the annual picnic. As I get older, it becomes more important every day to stay in touch with old friends and I mean "old" in the kindest and most wonderful way.

Karen Clark Hagaman

- (Sunday, 2/6/05)
     It's not often I have a chance to fellowship with classmates from long ago, however, a dear friend sent this to me, and I thought the class of "61" would enjoy it, and 'REMEMBER' some of the tunes......
     Yes...., I remember well........
     Enjoy........................
     Turn your speakers on....this is so neat....it will take you back to the 50's. I loved it!
     Click on this link: http://www.thestatenislandboys.com/U_thrill_me/

Byron Hopper

- (Saturday, 1/8/05)
Thanks, and keep up the great work on the web page. It was because of it, that Mary Lou (Meadows) Malone, my very best friend from kindergarten through high school, located me about six months ago. We are meeting tomorrow to visit with each other for the first time in over thirty years. We lost touch, and she would not have been able to locate me without our high school web page. I am very grateful for your dedication to our web page. Thanks again.

Gloria (Vallery) McConnell

- (Thursday, 1/6/05)
You can now search for information on our site using the "Google" search box at the bottom of this page. HAPPY NEW YEAR !

- (Saturday, 12/18/04)
$$$ - The WRHS Class of 1962 donated $50 as their half of the yearly fee that Homestead charges us to host this site and theirs! You can visit their site at whs62.homestead.com.

Bob Potter

- (Monday, 12/13/04)
THANKS TO THE DONATIONS WE HAVE RECEIVED, WE HAVE OVER $5OO.OO IN OUR CHECKING ACCT. BARB AND CAROL WILL START LOOKING INTO PARKS FOR OUR AUGUST PARTY. PLEASE KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING IN AS WE WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE MONEY TOWARDS OUR 45TH PARTY. THANKS TO ALL!

Bob Mascarello

- (Thursday, 11/11/04)
Tom and I are just as healthy and happy as ever! Thank you for this terrific web site!

Barbara Moore Wright bwright89@yahoo.com

- (Wednesday, 11/3/04)
Hi, First, thanks to all who continue to work on the webpage, mini-reunions, reunion plans, etc. I'm sending a $$ contribution today to help keep this going.
My latest news is that I had bi-lateral total knee replacement surgery on October 15 (degeneration of the cartilage from arthritis). The surgery was quite a success and the recovery is going great. I sure couldn't have done this well without the complete support and help from my husband, Martin, who is a great caregiver! He had one knee replaced last November and is so happy to be pain-free after many years. He is enjoying doubles tennis and walking 18 holes of golf. We will be going to Florida the beginning of January to spend two months. I'm looking forward to getting back on the golf course. Plan to hold off on tennis until early Summer.

Greetings, Barbara (King) Breemen mbreemen@clarityconnect.com

- (Saturday, 10/30/04)
I got married on Oct. 7, 2004 in Bella Vista, Arkansas to George Hussey. I am getting settled in my new life and home. Keep up the good work!

Karen McManus Hussey kh42@cox.net

- (Thursday, 9/23/04)
Missed reunion-own a TR4-Triumph 1966 and Old '76 Fiat--both convertibles, was dying to come, but time didn't match up for us. Sounds like you all had a blast! Has anyone got a number for Sharon Stoll??

Doni Beck (Donna Donaldson) doni@coloradobecks.com

- (Wednesday, 9/22/04)
     Hi, Thanks for the updates and the pictures from the reunion. As I went through the pictures, I sat remembering some of the very best days of my life at Wheatridge High School and all of my very dear friends.
     Your committee has done such a sterling job every year to get old friends together. One of these times I will be able to make it.
     Unfortunately this year I was in San Diego for a funeral for my step son, only 38 years old, who passed away from open heart surgery.
     Shortly after that I had my own breast cancer surgery. I am so pleased to say that all of the surrounding tissue and the lymph nodes came out clean and I am on the mend. Some radiation ahead and then regular check up's, and thankfully no chemo. Please believe in mamograms. Mine was detected through a mamogram and early detection is the key to all of this. I have just found out that through the "receptor" test they run, mine was caused from hormone replacement. Modern technology is absolutely amazing.
     I wish you all well and again thanks for keeping us updated. We were a very special, close knit class as evidenced by the wonderful turnout you always have.

God Bless, Bea Cerrone Dietzler

- (Thursday, 9/9/04)
I would be willing & happy to work on the committee. I live in Wheat Ridge now & I'm taking care of my Mom. The days I'm not available are Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday. I'm ready for a life here. I need to reconnect with people my age, after being a caregiver for my Mom for 2-1/2 years.
I move into my new Townhouse in Garrison Village on September 25th. I'm so excited! It's at Garrison & 46th. I would gladly accept any help in moving. Especially trucks. I have "stuff" in storage, my apartment & my Mom's. Please email me at chcgokaren@aol.com

Thanks a bunch, Karen Randall Babcock

- (Thursday, 8/26/04)
Hi Everyone!
     Boy, am I glad we had the party on Aug 1st., because I have missed the rest of this month. I want to thank all of you for the cards, flowers, e-mails and visits. There is nothing in the world better than friends. Vicki is overwhelmed the many responses; she is so impressed with our class of "61.
     I went to the doctor today and told the surgeon I still felt like I have been hit by a truck. Her reply was that well sort of you were but in a little different way. The good news is I am feeling better each day. The doctor said it normally takes 8 to 12 weeks to recover from this type of surgery and the fact that I was so ill before surgery will no doubt add to the recovery time. I am sure glad I am not normal because it should take me less time.
     I want to thank each and everyone of you for making the party such a success. Vicki and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed hosting the party. Lets stay in touch.

Best Always,
Art
bushell@qwest.net

- (Monday, 8/23/04) - Hi Bob, You did such a great job of posting the photos with "before and afters"! Thanks for all your hard work! Could you send the photos when you are done for the album? I talked to Art and he was so weak but he was so positive about his recovery, I just know it will be speedy and complete.

Carol

- (Monday, 8/23/04)
These were great. I do enjoy seeing photos of all of you. Unfortunately I am unable to travel because of my back. As promised I am finally getting around to sending a current photo. My daughter's wedding is on Saturday so my husband took my picture in my mother-of-the-bride dress. I think it is great that you continue to have mini-reunions every year. I have no family in the Denver area any more but I do enjoy reading about
the reunions and seeing the pictures.

Sincerely, Nancy (Johnson) Shepherd

- (Monday, 8/23/04)
Again the effort that is evident only goes to show what a great group of people you worker bees are and from the expressions on everyone's faces a good time was had by all. Funny how some of us resemble our teachers. It was great to see their faces and I'll bet they had some stories to add to the entertainment. Was arriving in a vintage car a mandate? Seemed quite a few or does Art just have them sitting around for fun. I loved it. I think its a hoot that it takes a time we have no hair to really enjoy the convertibles, ha ha. Maybe a car rally would be a thought for the next reunion, pick a peak and meet and bring your own ................. (fill in the space) "The great reunion race" the "prize" goes to all. Costumes optional, old west, new age, fifties, but wait, if we all show up those things won't be necessary. At least that's what my kids tell me. I'll keep checking in and remembering and thanks again from a fan.

Mary Kay Battaia Pierce

- (Friday, 8/20/04)
W0W WOW WOW...THAT WAS THE MOST FUN, YET, ESPECIALLY FOR US OUT-OF-TOWNERS! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF WORK...thank you so much for all the effort. You guys are terrific! Now...this is probably too big of a project...but, consider having everyone you can reach, send in a photo and post them in the same way! Like those here, photos that let you really see the grad. Anyway...I couldn't have enjoyed it more...grinned and ahhed all the way through!

In Appreciation and Giggles, Judie Chiappone

- (Thursday, 8/19/04)
Thanks so much for the great pictures. Nice to see all those beautiful faces. Wished I could have been there. Maybe next year. Best regards, Pete Norman

- (Thursday, 8/19/04)
Thanks for the pictures it helps pass the time of recovery for Art. He is so grateful to all of you for your well wishes and I am deeply touched to see what a caring wonderful group of people that WRHS Class of '61 are. Thanks for your kindness.

Vicki Bushell

- (Thursday, 8/19/04)
Diane at Artie's State Farm office advises that he came home from the hospital yesterday, is resting comfortably, and even eating some things !

- (Monday, 8/16/04)
I spoke with Vicki this eve - she advises that Art's surgery on Friday was successful, but difficult. His recovery is progressing satisfactorily; still expecting 4-7 days at Lutheran.

Bob

- (Wednesday, 8/11/04)
I saw the message you sent and thought I would tell you they have changed the procedure to Friday the 13th, they have said that recovery should be 4-7 days after that. Knowing my dad and the way he is not enjoying this right now he will do everything to be out in 4 days. They will be changing his room tomorrow.

Thanks
Art Jr.

- A big "Thanks" to Art and Vicki Bushell for their gracious hosting of our 2004 Mini-Reunion! About 60 folks were in attendance, including several teachers. We'll upload some of the pictures to Shutterfly in the near future and add names later so you far-out old folks can identify us.

- Today (Tuesday, 8/10/04) we learned that Artie will be having surgery for diverticulitis on Thursday, August 12 at Exempla Lutheran Hospital. He can expect up to a two-week hospital recovery period. You should be able to send him a note/card at the hospital at 8300 W. 38th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. We all wish Artie well and hope the mini-reunion stress didn't cause any of this. Watch this website for updates on his progress.