Randy Toler

Great memories!  The Track memory that stands out for me was when I three weeks earlier had been up north skiing and fell.  Upon returning we were working out in inside Niles High School in the halls with repeats.  Noticed a soreness at ankle.  Then it warmed up enough outside we did a five mile run in 30 minutes. Afterwards I could barely walk.  Turns out I had a broken leg.  Did come back at Sturgis relays 3 months later and ran good.  Still run every day, usually about 3.5 miles.  Niles is such an awesome place!  Would like to be at reunion, will try my best to be there!

Tom Houseman

RT - I thought your broken leg was cross country season - and we all thought it was just a bad case of shin splnts. I do remember hearing it was broken and couldn't beleive you'd been running on it.

Hope to see you in September - later, Tom

Karen McGregor (Bezemek)

Hey everyone -- some invites are coming back undeliverable so please, let everyone you see know about our 40th reunion -- and to use the info on the home page to follow up. 

Give the address to send in a check by 9/10 so we have a good head count for food and drink and appetizers. Thanks so much!!

If you'd like to help with last minute prep -- join us --  

SATURDAY SEPT 13th AT MARTIN'S CAFE @ 11AM

CLASS OF '74 is ready to rock and roll -- RSVPs BY WED 9/10 PLEASE! 

Beth Beers (Christie)

I sure have racked my brain to figure out how, when or if there was a way that I might be able to catch a little of the reunion - but my daughter is getting married on Sat. (Outside at our home) and just not sure I can get away. I especially would love to see the tribute you guys have created. Maybe can stop by the Eagles for a few - just have wait and see I suppose. I sure want to hand it to all of you for the hard work and thought you have put into this event. You are the best! 

Sharon Simons (Hettinger)

I won't be there but I am really looking forward to reviews, reports, and photos....from the reunion weekend.

Click, upload, chat, upload, click...repeat...  :)

Greetings to everyone!  [I'm the one on the right, with my mother's sister, Aunt Lois...who is the last one in the generation ahead of me...]

Steve Myers

Karen,

Thought that my wife mailed a check.  It may be too late but my check will be mailed tomorrow (Sept. 11).  So add an RSVP for one.  Steve

John Klostermann

Sadly,I will be unable to attend, so I will be square, in Jim Lanier's words.  Fond memories abound, especially as I look at the forum update regarding people's responses to the reunion.  Have a great time!  I'll be looking forwar to the pix. 

Sue Ratkay (Jacobs)

Hello All,

Was just on the home page and and was checking out who was attending the reunion and wanted to let you know that I will be there! Of course I'm late as heck in getting my check in but it is going out tomorrow so hopefully you will let me in!

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Tom Grathwohl

Karen and Committee ... Thanks for all of your efforts in planning this 40th NHS celebration ... As the date draws near I can only regret my own planning and priorities here :)  ... Appreciate your efforts and send best regards to all ... Thanks for all you have done!    Best ...   Tom 

Karen McGregor (Bezemek)

Good to see the notes back and forth -- and to a few who I just sent notes to, I have my answer. Sad you are not able to make the party -- but we'll do our best to make you proud!

THOSE WHO MIGHT STILL BE ON THE FENCE -- WE CAN KEEP THE LIST GROWING THROUGH NEXT WEEK TUESDAY WHEN OUR CATERER NEEDS A HEAD COUNT -- SO JUST DO IT -- RSVP ASAP!!!

Anne Rigby (Haley)

I have been loathe to respond too soon - 5 years ago I had to cancel because of an auto accident (no one was hurt, but the van was totalled).  As of right now, I still have my reservations and family members have been told that I will be unavailable for babysitting duties.  Barring an unforeseen even, Niles here I come!

Vicky Schwan (Soderberg)

Despite my best efforts, there is no flight that will get me from the conference where I'm speaking to any place near Niles in time for Saturday night. Was really looking forward to seeing everyone! I know you'll have an awesome time and I can't wait to see the photos. If anyone makes it to Montana - you know you want to - please give me a shout. I'd love to catch up!

~Vicky

Debbie McLain (Gillette)

While it was great fun, coming back for #35, my oldest son is getting married in Des Moines on Friday, Sept. 26. It has been fun reading all of these posts and remembering all of you.  Have a great reunion and thanks to all the hard work!

Katherine Holloway

Hi All! I won't be able to attend this year. If I did I would have to wear caution tape saying no hugs or tuggs, I am broken.  It has been a tough year with me being in the ICU and hospital for 16 days in January with pnemonia and then on oxygen for the last 9 months here in Colorado.  I recently moved down from 9200 ft to 7200 and I am almost ox tank free.  On Memorial day I slipped and fell in a mud puddle while holding my ox tank in one hand and grabbing groceries with the other.  The SUV door severed my left shoulder off and now I have 14 pins in my shoulder and a plate running to my elbow.  I am enduring intesive physical thereapy but still have little range of motion and a lot of pain.  I am in the mean time overseeing renovation on our home from the flood damage last year. Just finished a local restaraunt owners wedding gown and dresses and I am engaged to be married myself.

I wished I could make there this year, you never know I have been know to show up in strager venues! LOL  I am so full of titanium, not sure if they would let me through the metal detectors.

I have little reception at my new home but I can read your posts. That is always fun.

I am hoping this finds you all well and can't wait to see the photo's from the reunion, I know it will be a blast!

Sincere Kat

Jim Lanier

Kat, as Dave Howells just commented to me, it hurts just to hear this!! Sorry we'll miss you; beams of healing energy are winging your way, special from me to you! 

For those of you who are within the local area, we're paying final respects to Tom Bonner after the NHS game tomorrow night. Find me if you are interested.

Wendy Rehm (Comar)

Hello classmates---I have created a 40th reunion photo gallery----just click on Reunion Gallery on the left navigation bar and you can upload your photos for all to enjoy.  Safe travels to all.  Wendy

Kristen Howe (Conners)

Looking forward to seeing y'all tomorrow!  Was able to make some last minute arrangements to make it up there in time for the dance at least!   (In the midst of moving right now.)

Sue Ratkay (Jacobs)

Karen McGregor (Bezemek)

Hey there, so glad you persevered!! 

See you soon! 

Steve Bender

A sincere thank you to the reunion committee for going out of their way to make this a very special reunion.  Up until this year our class has been very united about supporting and attending our reunions.  This time I was very disappointed in the lack of support - especially from our LOCAL classmates.  There were many people in attendance who really-really-really wanted to see and talk to YOU.  With all of the recent passing of so many of our faithful, it only fortifies the reason why we need to get together.

Again, thanks for planning two nights of special reminiscing and socializing.  See you at the 45th, and I challenge all the rest of our class to do the same.

Steve Bender

Michael Sirovica

Steve & Amy,

Thanks again for the beer coupon. What a great idea!

Tim Newsted

Sorry I missed our special event.  I will be there for #45!

All the best,

Tim Newsted

Wendy Rehm (Comar)

Does someone have a video of the song tribute that Jim Lanier and Dave Howells did so I can post it here?  Also, Stephanie--do you have a close up photo of the stairway to heaven that you created?

Remember, post any photos to the Reunion gallery on the left navigation bar for all to enjoy. 

Randy Toler

Great job reunion committee!  Thanks to Jim Lanier & Dave Howells for Tom Bonner tribute, a great memory that lives on.  Thoughts and prayers to classmates no longer with us time marches on.... I'll try to be at 45th, with campaign, work and 3 small kids just not able to make it, would have enjoyed some cool weather, it's 98 heat index right now in Tampa area, and of course miss the great company event bought together.  I remember the yearbook front page about different paths leading to different places for all of us, I look forward to those paths crossing again!

A new day is dawning most definitely-Mr. Tommy James

Randy

Jim Lanier

Kudos to Karen Bezemek and Suellen Foster, Stephie Hessey and all the folks who worked on the reunion, it was a great time! I've been thinking it must have been difficult without Tom, and I know you must have all felt his presence.

Here are the lyrics the the song I wrote not just for Tom, but all those who have passed and all those who survive with the sweet sadness of our memories.

Riding on the Evening Train

I’ve been riding on this train so long,

I’ve been surrounded by people and places,

Now I see they’re gone.

I’ve seen train wrecks

And I’ve seen county fairs

And I’ve called out for people I loved and cried

Coz they’re not here.

An old newspaper blowing down the line

Carrying stories of people and schedules

That ran out of time

I’m heading downhill

And I’ve lost my brakes

No locomotive has the pull this journey takes.

I’m Riding on the Evening Train,

No destination and no indication

I’ll be back again

Yes, I’m riding and I won’t return

Carrying memories of people and places

And lessons learned.

I’m late arriving and I’m gone too soon

And I’m preparing to pay the piper

Coz I called the tune.

Last train to Jordon

And I won’t be back;

I’ll be riding this train

Til this train runs out of track.

I’m Riding on the Evening Train,

No destination and no indication

I’ll be back again

Yes, I’m riding and I won’t return

Carrying memories of people and places

And lessons learned.