James A "Jim" White

James A "Jim" White

MARIANNE COONS McCULLOUGH is working hard to finalize a reunion hotel within the coming week. We will notify everyone as soon as the decision is made. Hotels and Covid keeps changing on us. Thank you for your patience. Also, Marianne will report more activities that are happening around Roswell the weekend of or near October 15-16. Some are pretty exciting.

DENNY HUNTER has been a blessing for this class website administration. He not only is a computer guru knowing 50-fold what I do about computers and systems, he is always willing to help. Everyone thanks you, Denny … especially me.

BIRTHDAYS are something we all appreciate because, nowadays, we never know how many, if any, we have left. It has been on my mind because Kathy and I arrived here to the Seattle area July 1. During the month of July alone, I emceed two memorials. Last week, Kathy and I were out with a group that we seem to end up dancing at VFW or other places with. We were attending a jazz event and sitting at a table for 8 with a couple chairs pulled up on the ends. I suddenly realized a lady to my left, one across from me on the right, and one to my right were all in the midst of Chemo treatments. That is shocking considering how few people were at our table, to have 30% in the midst of cancer treatments? Our class is that way and it just does not hit us like the three ladies bravery hit me that night last week. If you would like to see a short clip of one of the amazing, brave ladies, then Google one of our local TV stories and watch a short clip … to the end. You will LOVE this story because it is inspirational and this is how we all should be. It will mean something to you although you do not know them or and are friends with Dennis and Linda as Kathy and I are.

KOMO TV + ERIC’S HEROS + Dennis + Linda + BLU WATER dancers

 Below are upcoming birthdays. Why don’t you send a greeting to your friends?

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

James A "Jim" White

James A "Jim" White

ROOM RESERVATIONS FOR 55-YEAR REUNION

Baymont by Wyndham

2300 N. Main Street

Roswell, NM 88201

(575) 578-2302

We have 20 rooms (10 King/10 Queen) reserved until September 30^th when they will be released. The cost is $89 plus tax (note: rooms go up to $200 in October, especially NMMI Homecoming and Reunion weekend, which October 15th is). The hotel will increase the 20 rooms reserved IF more than that call right away. Otherwise, reunion attendees will be fighting for rooms and prices.

Be certain to let them know you are with the Roswell & Goddard High Schools (class of ’66) Reunion in order to have the $89 Room Rate. Discounts are for reservations of October 14-15-16 or October 15-16. More reunion details coming soon. We look forward to seeing you there.

James A "Jim" White

More reunion news. First, save us some embarrassment. We are trying to prepare a somewhat accurate list of reunion attendees. We realize we might be off 5-10% but do NOT want to be off count by 30%. Check the list below and, if you are planning to attend, (1) see if your name is on the list, (2) see that spouse or guest name is correct, including spelling [we do NOT want to list ex-spouses, etc.].

COST: The cost will be $40 per attendee, classmate or spouse (yes, $80 a couple). The fee covers our cost for printing and mailing the entire class, room rental, security required by NM laws, and heavy Hors D'oeurves. What are "heavy" Hors D'oeurves? Almost a meal for light eating seniors but not quite. Both nights will be basically Happy Hour type events with a cash bar; coffee and tea should be free, no banquet dinner, no speakers, no live dance music, nothing but good conversation about those classmates attending, and about those that have passed. We love stories.

ROOMS: We have a block of rooms a Baymont by Wyndham at a cost of $89. However, we find several. classmates have gotten rooms at Comfort Inn for $59. Some have reservations elsewhere. It is up to you.

Finally, let me remind you this is your classmate website and we wish you to participate. This is NOT a Jim White Blog although it has that appearance with my writing  8 out of every 10 submissions. Please feel free to write, tell us what you are doing, report your health situation, ask questions and make comments.

William Samuel "Bill" Sloan

Our classmate Jim Gill is being honored as the Eastern New Mxico State Fair 2021 Parade GRAND Marshall! He is recognized for his many significant contributions to Roswell, Chaves County, Pecos Valley, and Rio Grande Valley agriculture. Check out a very accurate and laudatory story about him on the Eastern New Mexico State Fair website under GRAND Marshall.  Well deserved recognition my friend! Thank you Cindy Eakens (Guy) for bringing to my attention our friend's honor.     

AND Jim, on your Rattlesnake Chile seeds please add the caution "Only 1 pepper per quart of salsa for VERY HOT!"

Doris Flood (Burton)

Where is the best site to offer congratulations to Jim Gill on his recognition as Grand Marshall for Eastern New Mexico State Fair? I wasn't sure if he frequented the class website or not.

Diana M. Codling (Reed)

Loved reading the article about Jim Gill. Heard echos from the past in his quotes; looks like he's retained his sense of humor.  Thanks for the heads up Bill.
 

Doris Flood (Burton)

Marianne, I can help you wherever you need help before and during the reunion.  Gary and I plan to drive to Roswell from Kimball, Nebraska on Thursday, October 14.  I can be at your disposal to help on site on Friday and Saturday.  Just let me know what you need me to do.  If there is something I can help with from here, just let me know.

William Samuel "Bill" Sloan

For Doris and others' Post congrats to Jim on this website. I am writing a quick note addresses to Shirley so it will be read. I am asking Jim if I should buy him movie star shades and a slouch hat so he won't be recognized by the adoring public (I write tongue in cheek.)

Dennis R. Hunter

I have recieved and have now posted a new photo provided by Robin Lostetter (memorial page for Carolyn Loveless) and will post here for all to see.

Left to Right: Carolyn Loveless Schlicher, Betty Bacon Petkovich, Molly Orr Crockett, Pat Scott West, Marilyn Miller Michael (in front of Pat), Robin Lostetter

Robin E. Lostetter

Thanks, Denny for posting.

Now, if someone can verify which reunion this is from, I'd be grateful.  My "orderly" photos are with some stored stuff at my daughter's in Pittsburgh. This lone photo has been on laptop after laptop, but has no original date. And I don't remember which reunions I was fortunate to attend.

Wishing you all a wonderful time at the 55th!  Looking forward to photos!

Safe travels!

James (Jim) H. Sanders

Congrats to Jim Gill on being named Grand Marshal of  the 2021 Easter New Mexico State Fair !  A well deserved honor for one of our 'nerdy' classmates.  Hope we have some time to reconnect at our 55th in October.  :-)

Marilyn Miller (Michael)

I think the picture with Robin was for our 25th??? 

Laurie Anne Shuey (Andersen)

Dear Classmates of 1966,

Is anyone interested in cars, racing, dancing, good food, and drinks?  If you are, please let me know ASAP, and I can arrange something at Donnie’s Pit Stop Grill in Ruidoso for Thursday, October 14th, the day before the reunion in Roswell.  The large new patio can accommodate an extra 50 people or provide room for dancing.  Vote for your favorite cuisine or peruse the standard menu. They are licensed for beer, wine, and NM liquor.  A few of us are already planning to meet there for drinks and dinner starting around 4 pm on Thursday, October 14th. I’ll be staying at a hotel within walking distance. If you would like to stay overnight in Ruidoso the night before the reunion, call me about hotels next to the restaurant. Most of us have great memories of Ruidoso growing up. Whoever stays overnight on the 14th in Ruidoso, has the option of visiting the Peter Hurd Art Museum and Winery, casinos and more attractions along on the way to Roswell on Friday the 15th.

After he retired from the USAF and the “beltway bandits,” my late husband, Andy, traveled with Don Istook, Donnie’s owner, on the Rolex racing circuit. Oh, the stories they could tell!.  Don is also helping to restore Andy’s 1965 Sunbeam Tiger, which accelerated my husband’s heartbeat long before he ever met me in ’71. Don will do everything in his power to help those that come to Ruidoso on Thursday night have a great time. Besides, it is always nice to meet a few classmates before the reunion so you know people.

I don’t have anyone’s contact info, so please pass the word in case anyone else would like to join us in Ruidoso.  I can provide more details if you are interested:  
(Email)  laurie1217@charter.net 
(Voice Mail) Primary phone is 817-346-7683 (H)  
(Text) Cell phone is 817-789-0600

James A "Jim" White

Keeping up with classmates:

LAURIE SHUEY ANDERSEN has a great idea for those that have a good memories of Ruidoso. Come a day early and visit with a few of your classmates on Thursday, October 14th. Laurie has her contact information on her post. If you are spending that much money to come to the reunion, add another day and increase your joy. Make certain Laurie knows your intention to attend in Ruidoso if you plan so, Her friend, Don, really wants to take care of us ... maybe even spoil us.

JOHNNY CLARK is close to, but luckily not in the eye of the Hurricane Ida. Keep him in your prayers. Another classmate, O'DEAN CARROLL RAY lives in Shreveport, LA. Three classmates live in MS. Luckily BOBBY ALLISON is not at his home in Pass Christian, MS (he is in Colorado) but his home will take a beating. He has already lost one home on the coast. Another classmate in Gulfport, MS that will take somewhat of a beating is PAT SCOTT-WEST. Finally, someone facing a lot of rain and wind and possible damage, but luckily not on the coast, will be BARBARA RABY GREGG.  RODNEY WESTENBARGER'S sister, DONNA (Class of '67) was hit dead on by hurricanes twice last year and will have remnants of this hurricane too.

BOYCE McFARLAND is in Sweden as we speak. They could not leave the U.S. earlier this year as ANNIE'S mother, age 107, passed away in Sweden, where she has lived all her life. TERRY BOONE, not wanting to be outdone, is planning a trip to Antartica (I am told).

I could put out a pending surgery list but it includes too many. We just pray for everyone's health.

Finally, let those of us that pray, let us pray for our fallen soldiers and may we make an exit from Afghanistan without anymore loss of lives, American or Afhanistan. Bless the 4,500 military personnel protecting the Kabul Airport at present.

Marilyn Miller (Michael)

Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that my daughter Jamie has gotten an invitation to run the Boston Marathon.  She has been a runner for about 20 years and has run several marathons, including Boston, but she thinks this will probably be her last marathon. She has been training for a few months for another run, so is in good shape and she decided this opportunity was probably never going to come again, so she is taking it.  She was 3 seconds off the qualifying time when she tried to qualify in the New York Marathon two years ago, so I guess they decided that was is close enough!   But… the problem is that  the marathon is October 11, and I have been there for every marathon she has run, so she asked me to go.  We won’t get home until midnight on the 13th. I could probably have jumped on a plane two days later twenty years ago, but I know how exhausted I’ll be-just as an observer--and there is no way I can do that at this age.  So. I’m not going to be able to attend the reunion after all; I think this is the first one I've missed. So, have a great time without me and I'll see you at the 60th'

Dennis R. Hunter

Ah ... hell we all are old and tired. Many of us will drive a distance to get there so get on the plane and come see those that make it for this event!  Who knows who will make it to a 60yr reunion. Come enjoy with the rest of us!! Love to see you!!!

William Samuel "Bill" Sloan

For Laurie Andersen, If the gathering in Ruidoso is Sunday or Monday then Margie and I would be really glad to join you!

For Marilyn, Wishing for you safe travels and a fun time and for your daughter pulling for her to have a GREAT time in her running. 

Roger Carl

Greetings to all--it's been a while since I contributed anything here.  Health issues have influenced me the last few months.  To summarize, I just got a full release from the cardiac surgeon who did a heart valve repair for me five weeks ago.  I first knew I had a leaky valve in 1969 at an Army pre-draft physical.  They decided it was not bad enough to avoid the draft and I served my six years as a National Guard grunt without much problem from the heart.  So now fifty years later, it finally got bad enough to do something.  Charleston is blessed with good medical facilities and my surgeon did a minimally invasive (robot assisted) procedure where he was able to salvage the old valve and do some other work to hopefully minimize AFIB.  (A valve job and tuneup has a certain ring from days of my youth.)

So, it looks like I can probably travel in October.  I will wait a little to make sure the Covid surge doesn't impact our gathering.  South Carolina is right now #1 in USA percapita for infections.  We might not be able to sneak across the border.

William Samuel "Bill" Sloan

For Chuck Parham and Jim White- wishing for yoiu a birtday celebration filled with fun and laughter! Bil

William Samuel "Bill" Sloan

Roger, Hoping all goes well with your new valve so you may travel to the Land of Enchantment. I know many people would like to catch up with your adventures in living!

Dennis R. Hunter

Same here happy birthday guys!

Chuck Parham

To Bill Sloan and Jim White, happy belated birthday brothers and best wishes for the year ahead. Hope all is well with you and yours!

Doris Flood (Burton)

Happy belated Birthday to all you guys from me, too! Sorry I missed "the day"!!!