A very Merry Christmas!

A very Merry Christmas to everyone!! And the very best of New Years!! Starting our 40th year!!

Larry LaForge

Great news...Larry LaForge has left the hospital and is now at home. He is doing well.
The family is thankful for all the prayers and support.

Larry LaForge

The last update on Larry LaForge is that he was moved to a regular room and was doing better. But he is still in the hospital...3 weeks...keep the prayers coming, they are working.

Jack Cooperman

For those of you who remember Cooperman & Sons in Caruthersville, a place where a lot of our parents shopped, Mr. Jack Cooperman has passed away. Mr. Cooperman was the father of Gloria Cooperman, and the uncle of Fabian who both went to school with our class. He spent his final years taking care of his wife who is in a nursing home. The services for Mr. Cooperman will be in Memphis. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Update on Larry LaForge

I have an update on Larry that I read on his daughters site...Larry had surgery to remove an infection known as necrosis...he is on a breathing tube and cannot talk...but she said that he was trying to do charades with her...so that was a good thing. Please keep Larry and Shelley in your thoughts and prayers.

Many Items

A couple of things for prayer requests...Larry LaForge is in the hospital in Springfield, MO and had surgery today...pretty serious so Shelley and Larry and their family need our prayers.

I saw Don Walker today and he told me that Ms Rae Michie had a mastectomy yesterday and is doing well. Please keep her in your thoughts.

Spoke with Mary Ruth at her dad's funeral today...they could use continued prayers.

I also attended the CHS ceremony for demolishing the great old halls of our high school days...I realized that I was really happy that they only brought down the part that held the trophies and the concession stand...although part of the steps and bleachers were showing from the gym. I don't think I want to see the school go down...I saw Charlie, Don, Mary D, Ellen, and tons of others who came to pay their respects to the school. I took lots and lots of pictures...it was a sad day. A lot of words were said about moving on...and looking forward to the new school...but...I pretty much loved the old school...

Just to let you know that if you go to KFVS12...they covered the ceremony and start of the demolition.

I will keep you updated on our classmates...

Prayers for Family

I also learned last night that Mary Ruth Thompson's father passed away yesterday. The visitation and funeral will be held Wednesday the 22, at the German Funeral Home in Hayti. Please keep Mary Ruth, Ricky, Liz and Mrs. Thompson in your prayers.

CHS is coming down

I just received word from Charlie J that they are going to start tearing down Caruthersville High School Wednesday, October 22, 2008 ...there will be a ceremony at 12:45 and then they will start with the gym and move on to the school building. I plan to go and take some pictures. I think the old school deserves to have a few old friends with her...

40th Reunion

Just a note to let everyone know that the 40th reunion date has been changed. We will hold the reunion August 28-30, 2009. A postcard will be sent to everyone to make them aware of the change. Same place, same plans...

Where do I start?

I am afraid this will be a lengthy blog so I will try to break it down...I hope to have some pictures to post later...I forgot my camera...not like me but hey it happens...so I am depending on others to send me photos.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON...Cynthia H., Charlie J., Cynthia's grandson, and I started decorating the firetruck about 2:30...lots of streamers, balloons and two great signs that said " Class of '69"...pom poms, megaphones, and lots of candy. We went to get in line at the police station (I can't believe I got to ride on a firetruck) and saw lots of other classes and floats, Caruthersville football players, band, cheerleaders, twirlers, and the past queen float which included Mary D. our Homecoming Queen, and Debbie B. our Cotton Blossum Queen...

At the end of the parade there were truckloads of future tigers which was so cute. Our entry was the end of the parade...saving the best for last. We added Don S...to our crew and drove proudly on the parade route throwing candy...cheering for the tigers. It was a lot of fun. The winning class was actually 1952...they had the most participants. The parade had a lot of participation and reminded me so much of the parades that we used to have for Homecoming.

A group from the Class of '69 met at the front of the school, Charlie, Cynthia, Wannie, and me had wonderful BBQ from Paul Carmean's stand. Cynthia made the most delicious brownies...which she shared with everyone..(I took home what was left). Thank you so much Cynthia...they were...key word...were amazing....We bought Bam Bams and made lots of noise during the game...the CHS Tigers won the game....YEAH! Just a note...they honored the Queens before the game started...and I thought about the fact that it would have been almost exactly 40 years ago at our homecoming that Mary D was crowned...neat!

The school is soon headed for the wrecking ball...a very sad thing...the windows are broken and wood is nailed up over the doors, but the memories of the students since 1924 are all still there. Some of us plan on being there the day it goes down...it will be our farewell to a grand old building...

I had a wonderful weekend with old friends...J. J. Bullington, Caruthersville Superintendent, told me that they were going to make this an annual event...I hope next year that our class will have more participation, but I thank Charlie for arranging the firetruck for us, and Cynthia for helping decorate...it was a lot of work...but how many times can you relive a moment from the past...twirling crepe paper...and doing a few old cheers. Don jumping on with us and helping us clean up the truck was greatly appreciated also. You all rock!!!

A few other things...our 40th reunion planning committee met at the Roundhouse Saturday morning and decided that in order for us to have the best reunion possible...we are going to reschedule it to be held later in the summer of 2009. We have two dates picked out, and as soon as one is definitely decided on...I will let you all know. There were conflicts with "the band"...and everyone contacted wanted the date changed so they would be included at the reunion. They have always been a memorable part of our class...and they have been gracious not to charge us. A decision was made to open the reunion up to other classes at 9:00 that evening and charge admission...which in turn we will give to Don to help with their expenses.

Another compliment for Caruthersville...my husband and I went to the Chili Cook Off Saturday...which was held at the park. You bought a mug for $5.00 and then went around to all of the contestants and they would fill your cup with their chili...you then voted on who you thought had the best chili...it was great!!! Lots of things for kids to do, lots of participation with the chili cookers...and a beautiful day!!! What a great community event!

I lived in C'ville for the first 20 years of my life, then a year or so after I married. I have to say that I was extremely proud this weekend to say that Caruthersville was my hometown. Wannie and I bought shirts that said "Once a Tiger...Always a Tiger...couldn't have said it any better.

Great night for a football game

I am just so excited...tonight is going to be a perfect night for a football game...I have not been to a Caruthersville football game since I graduated...but I have so many great memories of sitting with my buddies and cheering for the Tigers. Watching the band at half time doing their thing...and the sound of the mighty charge from the trumpets...it will all be there tonight...I will not be dissappointed...Go Tigers...you are still as strong as you were 40 years ago.

Not giving up on the parade

Even though no one has told me that they are coming to be in the parade...and even though no one has said "hey that will be fun" ...I am not giving up. I know there will be a few of us that will uphold the reputation of the great Class of 1969...

Not to repeat myself...but...3:30 at the Caruthersville Fire Station...big red trucks...you can't miss it.

See you all!!!!

Pam Blurton Brantley

Pam Blurton Brantley's husband Terry graduated after the Class of 69...but he had the privilege of marrying one of the great classmates of the Class of 69. Pam is such a wonderful friend and person. When she first told a group of us that Terry had cancer and had the Poem's Syndrome there was not a lot to say except that we would pray for him. Researching this disease I found that there was no cure, and that it was terminal. Terry did go to Memphis and try something that was experimental...in the last few months Pam had reported that he was feeling better. So to get the following email from Pam is the best news I could possibly hope to share with all of you...God has surely performed a miracle for Pam & Terry and their family. Although we are sorry for the loss of his mother last week...we are also happy for his blessing. Please continue to keep them in your prayers...


HELLO OUT THERE TO ALL MY E-MAIL FRIENDS:

AFTER ALL THE SORROW WE WENT THROUGHT LAST WEEK WITH LOSING TERRY'S MOTHER. WE RECEIVED THE MIRACLE OF ALL MIRACLES YESTERDAY.

TERRY HAD A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT IN MEMPHIS YESTERDAY. WE WENT FOR THE RESULTS OF HIS PET SCAN AND BLOOD TEST. HIS CANCER IS GONE AND THERE IS NO SIGN OF POEMS SYNDROME.

WE QUESTIONED THE ONCOLOGIST. FOLKES, WE ARE TALKING PLASMA CYTOMA AND POEMS SYNDROME ( BOTH SUPPOSE TO BE INCURABLE) DOCTOR SAID THEY ARE NOT THERE.

THE LORD HAS HEALED TERRY. HE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT COULD HAVE DONE THIS. I KNOW THESE DOCTORS ARE TRAINED IN THEIR SPECIALTY. BUT, WE KNOW WHO IS IN CONTROL AND WE GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY. HALLELUYAH!

TERRY ASK THE DR. IF HE WOULD EVER WALK AGAIN. HE SAID HE DID NOT KNOW. HE NEEDS TO SEE HIS NEUROLOGIST TO SEE IF HIS NERVES CAN BE FIXED.

GOD CAN DO ANYTHING.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR LOVE AND ESPECIALLY YOUR PRAYERS. TERRY IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT PRAYER CAN DO.

PAM

Caruthersville's Fair

Cape has a big district fair that was just over last week...I got my monster bag of cotton candy which is just about all I can handle. But when the fair comes to town...I always think of the Caruthersville Fair.

For several years I lived just down the road from the fairgrounds...night after night I would see the brightly lit ferris wheel turning...and I could hear the screams from the kids riding the paratrooper (which was one of my favorite rides). My friends and I could ride the Scrambler and the Tilt A Whirl all night. And you always wanted to be the one on the end of the Scrambler that didn't get "squoosed"..cause getting "squoosed" could cause a girl to laugh so hard they chanced wetting their pants. Sorry, but true.

Earlier years there were the "shows"...as my dad would call them the "hootchy cootchy" shows...the boys would always come to school the next day and tell us how they would sneak in and get a peek. Anyone want to admit to that...I have names.

There were horse races...I once presented a blanket to the winner of one of the races...standing next to Senator Stuart Symington and Thomas Eagleton. At twelve I could have cared less.

I still have a sawdust clown that I once bought as a souvenir...and we used to get the silver necklaces and have our friends names engraved on them and wear them at least a week before the chain broke.

Malone's taffy...which still frequents the Cape fair...loved the fresh taste of a warm piece of taffy.
Candy apples which no one could eat because of our braces...

We always looked forward to the fair coming to town... I have to say that a year or so ago I decided to share the Scrambler ride with my granddaughter..I had great expectations of the great rides I always had with my friends...got sick as a dog...yep, I'll just stick with the monster bag of cotton candy, and watch everyone else turn circles...woooo!!!

TIGER PRIDE!!!!

Two bits...four bits...six bits...a dollar,

All for Tigers stand up and holler!!!!!!!!

October 3rd...3:30...Fire Station

Spirit Parade

Pull out your old Pep Club sweaters...your old letter jacket...let's do some good old fashion parading in Caruthersville. Remember how much fun being in a parade was...

The Class of 1969 will be riding in style...Charlie has a firetruck for us to ride on...signs have been made...and we have candy to throw at people...gotta love that!!!! Wear your red and white...get your waving hand ready and be at the fire station at 3:30 Friday, October 3rd.

After the parade we will have a tailgate party at the football field...then cheer the Caruthersville Tigers on to victory just like we did in the 60's.

Come on Class of 69...let's show our spirit and maybe win a couple of awards to show off at our 40th...if you plan to attend, please comment or email me at chsclassof69@charter.net .

GO TIGERS!!!!!

Reply to Wannie

Anita Dunagan Roy said...
Just an interesting reply about the principals ya'll have forgotten....at Southside it was Miss Bethel Maloore (sp?) who shared a 5th grade class with Faye Cantrell. I was in that class and I remember the swap at noon to the other teacher!

At Lee Rood, seems like we had James S.Bruton and we found out the "S" stood for SHIRLEY!!!!

Now Wannie, I do remember those days of getting to walk to the store to get gum for all those who made 100 on a spelling test (did our parents know that?) and here's the MILKMAN story! Ferrell Faulkner was the milkman who drove the truck to school and always waved at Barbara Shaw when we were outside at recess. . . he later married Peggy (?) who worked at First State Bank with my Dad for years. NOW he has a granddaughter at the school I teach in Jackson, TN and he and Peggy attend field day and special events with her. I still smile when I think of how we were making a romance out of that friendly wave!

I think often of our school days in C'ville and how simple it all was compared to today. I hope that I have created happy memories for the 25+ years of K-students I have taught in W. TN.Anita Dunagan Roy

Another Boring day in the neighborhood

I was sitting in my office checking my Facebook, watching a little news, and my daughter was leaving...she stuck her head back in the front door and told me to come outside...in the street beside our studio were...about 10 police cars, hundreds of policemen (a slight exaggeration but this is my story) and lots of guns drawn and pointing at an apartment house. Lots of people had gathered to watch the action. Apparently a young man had told someone that he had robbed the Dollar General Store which is across the street from the studio....he started running and ran into an apartment behind our studio. The building was surrounded...the sweet police dog was there also...they brought out one guy in handcuffs, and then went into the building with guns drawn...shields and bullet proof vests...about 45 minutes worth of excitement...then we find out...it was a false report...no robbery...no suspect...oh well...it was fun watch Cape CSI in action...

Heard from the President

Yes I got an email from the President...of our senior class...Denny Meredith...so glad to hear from him...he is far away in another country and doing well. We sure hope you can make it to the reunion Denny.

This was a wild weekend with Hurricane Ike...there were actually wind gusts up to 70 mph here...lots of tree damage. Imagine what it was like in Texas. Poor Galveston, and the smaller towns hit so hard.

May we all feel blessed...and be thankful.

IKE ... Yikes

WOW...Ike is vicious...sure hope that everyone will be safe.

Wishing all a great weekend...if you don't have anything to do...come to the Semo District Fair...get some cotton candy...Styx is performing Saturday...also a large Classic Car Show Sunday in downtown Cape.

9.11.2001

Many of us remember where we were the day that President Kennedy was assassinated. It will always be a part of history that we all shared. As will September 11, 2001.

My son lives in New York City, he has for 11 years. That particular day he was home with us due to the birth of our third grandchild on September 5th. He was to fly back to New York on the 13th. While watching the news the first plane struck the World Trade Center. I woke my son and we all started watching together as the tragedy unfolded. All of the shock of just watching, knowing that people were in that building.

Then my phone started ringing...all of our friends and neighbors wanting to know if my son was safe. I can't tell you how that felt. It hit me hard that if he had been there, I would have been helpless, as all of the families involved were. My son started trying to call his friends and co-workers. He could not reach anyone due to the phone system being overwhelmed.

That evening, my son had a message on his cell phone, which is a New York number...it was a young man who had called the wrong number, and was searching for information on his father who was a firefighter. My son called him back to tell him that he had called the wrong number so he could call the correct number to get help. He told my son that his father had been involved in the early rescue, and they had not heard from him. My son got his name and wished him the best. He looked on the list of victims when it was released and the young man's father was listed as a fatality. No one that my son knew was hurt, but he will always remember his conversation with this young man and what he went through that day. He still lives in New York City.

Today I hope we all put our politics aside, say a prayer for the victims of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and all the flights involved. Pray for continued strength for their families, and pray for our troops and for safety for our country.

I invite you all to share where you were and how you felt on that day 7 years ago.

Lots to say

Last night we had our second planning meeting for the Class of 69's 40th reunion...did we ever work hard...we accomplished a great deal...had pizza...and a great time. Our reunion is going to be so much fun...just a hint...Friday night, Saturday morning for Ladies, Saturday night, and Sunday morning...with a wonderful surprise. Mark the date May 22-24, 2009. We still need some addresses...I will post the ones we need after Charlie checks some more of them out. We are also still missing a lot of information forms...

Now the parade October 3rd, 2008...we will meet at 3:30 at the Caruthersville Fire Station...we will load up the firetruck...join the parade...win our prize...and then tailgate at the field before the game, then have a very spirited time watching the CHS Tigers win. Please wear red & white...or bring your pom poms...Charlie is having a sign made for us...and we will be throwing out sweet stuff for the youngun's. Please join us...it will be so much fun...and we have a great chance of winning. Let Charlie know or comment here if you will attend.

Just a note...today I went to grandparents day at my 12 year old granddaughter's school. Their 7th and 8th grade are in Cape's old high school. WOW the steps are so many!!!! I remember the CHS steps and how we would go up and down them in no time...I was a tad bit slower today...classes and teachers have really changed...I did enjoy the experience with her however.

I know that I will have my worst recurring dream tonight...I am in school, and I don't remember which class I am supposed to be in...and I don't have my schedule...my hair is teased sky high, and I am wearing bell bottoms....scary!

Ike is looking pretty mean

Hurricane Ike is really looking rough...I know our friends in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and all the states bordering the water...are gearing up for the worst of weather...and taking precautions for their safety...please keep all of these people who will be in Ike's path in your prayers.

Yippee!!!!

I know that I have already said my piece for the day...but...I just received an email from Tana...and guess what? SHE GOT A PACKAGE OF PICTURES!!!! A classmate actually sent her a package of pictures to use in the video....Thank you Thank you....now won't the rest of you please send Tana more ... she was so happy...and you know how much we like happy people.

Seriously thank you for taking the time to get the pictures together and send them...the video will be amazing!!!

Class of 68

This past weekend the Class of 1968 had their 40th reunion...from what I have heard everyone had a great time visiting with old friends. A few have mentioned that they enjoy reading our blog...I hope everyone will read this blog...I have fun writing on it. I just wish others would add comments or let me know if you want to blog and I will send you the password.

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I joined Facebook...WOW...it is so cool...I have connected with so many CHS members...both older and younger than me. And I have made some new friends that just click on because we have something in common. You might consider joining...it really keeps people connected. This is not a paid plug.

A reminder that our next planning committee is Sept. 9th...at 6:00 at the Country Club...our meetings are always a mini-reunion...come join us!

Parades of old

This has been a busy weekend...I hope you all had a happy and safe Labor Day.

Friday I went to the local camera shop and picked up three DVD's with my dad's old 8mm movies transferred to them. My dad got a Kodak movie camera in 1953...I was two years old. I remember his pride in showing guests the movies he had taken on a Kodak projector and a pull down screen. He wasn't the best of movie makers...sometimes the camera would turn to his face...of course I knew that was when he was winding the camera. Some of them aren't quite in focus...and some the sun was so bright you could only see spots on the screen.

But he always took movies of the parades in Caruthersville. I started watching these and was absolutely fascinated...people lined the streets all the way down the parade route. Christmas parades...the bands (remember the old wool maroon and gold band uniforms?), floats and lots of old cars and people riding horses (of course they were always at the end of the parade...wonder why?)...he filmed the Centennial Parade in 1957...the Clydesdale's were there, the hearse carrying the casket with the razor in it. Folks loved a parade...

I hope they still do...the Spirit parade in Caruthersville will be lots of fun if people will show up... not only to participate but to stand on the street and watch and wave as the floats go by...I bet if my daddy was still here...he would have his movie camera pressed against his eye and film every bit of it...

Mrs. Georgia Kasper

I wanted to let you all know that Mrs. Georgia Kasper, Kay Kasper King's mother passed away Friday 8/29. The service will be Monday, 9/1, at Sacred Heart Church at 10:00 am. The visitation will be Sunday night from 6 - 8 at Smith Funeral Home. I am sorry I didn't get the information sooner. I hope some of you can make the funeral. Please keep Kay and her family in your prayers.

I know you all remember Mrs. Kasper...I loved to go into the bakery and get chocolate chip cookies and those wonderful cupcakes with sprinkles...Mrs. Kasper always waited on my dad and me...she would always know what I wanted, for years and years I loved that bakery. Kay and I were roommates at Semo for two years... I don't remember her bringing sweet stuff...but I do remember when I was getting married, I went into the bakery to order my cake, and the Kaspers gave me my cake as a wedding present. It was gorgeous. They were so nice and as Mrs. Kasper was missed when the bakery closed...she will lovingly be missed now.

A Happy Birthday

Today is Tana's birthday...Happy Birthday!!! I don't think she would mind if I told you that she is 57 today...aren't we all? Five-Seven...is that not unbelievable, when we were seniors most of our parents were still in their 40's...and we thought they were old fuddy duddies.

So here is my fuddy duddy tale...today I picked up my 7th grade granddaughter from school...along with a friend of hers. The "cutest" boy in class walked by and they proceeded to tell me to honk the horn at him...I said I can't honk my horn there are cars in front of me and they will think that I am honking at them...please Mamaw just honk your horn...I can't that would be rude...but Mamaw you are being a fuddy duddy!...hmmm...40 something years ago I would have jumped over the front seat and honked the horn myself, and then rolled down the window and yelled something stupid...I guess I am becoming a fuddy duddy...naah...next time she says something I will just jump out of the car...run up to the young man yelling, "she thinks your cuuute!!" Wonder what she will think then...

Planning meeting

Our next planning meeting for our 40th reunion...will be September 9th, at 6:00 at the Country Club. We will get to order pizza. We will discuss the reunion...and the upcoming Spirit Parade...Everyone is welcome...see you.

Parade

I just got the following information from Charlie...C'ville is having a parade!!!! Sounds like fun to me...how many of the Class of '69 would be interested in participating? I am!!!

Let us know. Takes time to plan you know...

Caruthersville Public Schools will partner with the Caruthersville Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a Tiger Pride parade on October 3, 2008, in celebration of the Caruthersville High School’s Homecoming. This year’s theme is A SuperHero’s Welcome Home in honor of past, present, and future CHS Tigers. In addition to the traditional festivities planned by the CHS Student Council, the Tiger Pride committee and the Chamber is inviting all past CHS Tiger alumni and future CHS Tigers to participate in the celebration. The 2008 Football Tigers will open the parade at 4:00 p.m. The parade will begin at the corner of 7th and Ward Ave. and proceed down Ward Ave., ending in front of the High School, where everyone is encouraged to set up and tailgate before the game. Paul Carmean will set up his BBQ stand. CHS and CMS clubs will be selling Tiger Pride items. Come set up a tent and cook, or just bring your lawn chair and enjoy the celebration. All past CHS Homecoming and Cotton Blossom Queens are invited to participate and ride on the Queens float. Mary Dexter Tipton Stutzman, CHS class of 1969, will be organizing the Queens float. If you are a past CHS Homecoming or Cotton Blossom queen or know the names and address of past queens, please contact Mary Stutzman at 333-1786 or Christina Weber at 333-1222.All past CHS Cheerleaders, Majorettes and athletes are also encouraged to participate. If you can still wear your uniform, feel free! Competitions will include a Class from the Past Float competition and a Class from the Past Spirit competition. Winners will be recognized. Other recognitions will include: The oldest Class from the Past and The Class from the Past with the most participation, ALL Tigers are encouraged to participate by walking, entering a car or other motorized vehicle, riding a bike, or whatever. Come and help promote a proud Tradition of Tiger Pride! For more information, call J. J. Bullington, Charly Riney, Christina Weber, or Jana Merideth. To enter the parade, call Christina Weber at 333-1222. Line up will begin at 3:15 in front of the Methodist Church

Political Opinion

Today I am going to be political...it is that time of year. Some of us may look at teenagers now and think...oh my goodness...someday they will be in charge of our country. I think about that sometimes when I see some of the people that come into the tattoo parlor next to our studio...yes a tattoo parlor...I wonder if one of them will run for president in 20 or so years...and if so how will they hide the multi color fire breathing dragon tattoo on their neck.

I know most of our parents thought the same thing about our generation... the long haired boys, and the hip hugger pants we wore. How could they trust these kids who listened to the Beatles and wore bangs down past their eyes. All politicians seemed so old back then. I know I wondered about some of my kids friends 16 years ago...and now I run into them and they are very respected citizens...doing things I would have never expected.

Are we what our parents thought we would become? Is the world better with our generation running it? Who knows...but it is what it is...the only control we have is the "vote"...so watch the candidates...read about them, what they have done and promise to do. Educate yourself...it will not only affect our future...by our kids and grandkids. Then simply...vote...that is what our parents would want us to do.

Wendell Update

I just received an email from Wendell ... and he is doing great!!! I had previously written that he had quite a medical scare and spent months in the hospital. Well he is back home and back at work and feeling wonderful...he says the doc says he can play music whenever he wants and he is ready. He will still need another surgery in the future...but for now we are thrilled he is alive and well!!!!!!! We love ya' MOE!!!!

Somebody reads the BLOG

Hoooo-raaaay!!!! I got an email from Willie B today and he actually read the blog...I challenge him to comment...I know he is full of information that we all need to know. He could probably give all of us a few golf pointers...

Tana is working on the video ( even with Fay running in ) and she is so hyped...she is enjoying looking through some of the photos of a younger class of 1969. There were so many people who went through a lot of years of school with us...but didn't graduate with us. I have been in communication with Fabian C. She sent some photos from some birthday parties in the late 50's...we were so cute. And Lynn S. is still the same cute, happy person I remember from school. I was so glad that I got to see her and her mother (her mother is still beautiful) a couple of years ago.

She was one of the friends that came over to Pic's Motel in the 60's when the Cisco Kid was there. My dad took 8mm movies of us with Cisco. I know you all remember watching The Cisco Kid and Pancho on Saturday. Well I wasn't supposed to tell anyone that he was there, my dad even hid his trailer in the back of the motel. But pretty soon I had informed Lynn and Liz B. Then the whole town found out. He was very gracious though, and spent a great deal of time signing autographs for people. At this time I am having those 8mm movies transferred to DVDs. I can't wait to see them after all of these years.

How many of you also remember "Sivad" the Monster of ceremonies...kind of corny now...but I never missed it...I was a little dissapointed in 1972 when my future husband took me to the 18 Club in Blytheville...and the special guest was "Sivad"...and I found out that he was just a regular man whose name was Davis...I know I was 20...but I was still crushed...oh well

Info Sheets Replies

OK my fellow classmates...and fellowet classmates...there is a bit of concern in my blog today...can you feel it? I have only received 5 information sheets back at this time...I can tell that you are feeling my pain...do I need to send out another mailing? Please advise me what ideas you might have.

It will take time to get them organized, typed and put together in booklet form...and I really am not that fast...or that organized...or together for that matter...

Let's also pray for our friends in Florida...take care Tana...Fay is moving in.

Facebook

I signed on to Facebook today...and hooked up with some old classmates from 65 & 68...funny how we went to school for just a couple of years with some of the older class members and we feel like we have known them forever. Most of our classmates we have known for 40 years ... and feel connected, but the older kids were just around us a few years. I remember Ricky Cheek and how he used to make me smile between classes and gave me gum...and Linda Moyers was in my gym class and helped me through my freshman year, she may have even been the one who told me how to fake taking a shower. Billy Vaughn and Jimmy Ferrell were a hoot and signed my yearbook in a dozen places...Becky Burns was my big sister during freshman week and made me do a lot of crazy things...I don't think kids today get to have that week of fun, the way they have classes set up. And all of the famous couples...wonder if many of them stayed together...

Maybe some of the old folks will show up for our 40th...that would be really cool man!!

New Blogger

We have another new blogger... Wannie...way to go friend!!! Now someone has to tell us the name of the principals at Southside and Lee Rood...please...and why did WJ get to go get bubblegum...I never got bubblegum...I think I had Ms. Callahan...hmmm.

Wannie Curtis Johnson

Wannie said...
"...back into the realm of learning"? Who are you and where is Terrie? (hehe) Ok, I'm feeling the pressure so I'm going to post one more time, but all of you out there who are reading this...it's easy...just do it!

The end of summer...how bittersweet. In grade school, I remember being so happy when summer began and even more excited when summer ended and school started again. A few of my favorite going-back-to-school things were...white Keds...new notebook, pencils, and paper (geeky, I know)...milk and graham crackers...bookbags...recess...playing marbles...Red Rover...jumprope. Ahh, life was simple then, huh?I spent third grade at Southside with one of my very favorite teachers of all time, Barbara Shaw. We used to think she and the guy who delivered the milk to the lunchroom liked each other...never mind, that's another story. Anyway, she sometimes let Nita and I or others walk by ourselves down to Brown's grocery to get bubblegum for the class. That would never happen these days!

I'm blank on the principal at Southside but I'm sure someone remembers.My next project is to sort though my photos and send some to Tana. Everyone needs to make that your project too. If everyone sends at least two photos...what a great collection that will make. (But send more if you have them, of course.) You know you want your picture to be in there!

I had a great summer...and I'm so glad I don't have to go to school ANYMORE! But I do miss recess!
August 14, 2008 9:00 PM

Summers coming to an end

First I would like to thank Tana...she is going to join in on the CHS Blog...so glad she will be blogging...

Summer is coming to an end and schools are starting to welcome students back into the realm of learning...did I say that out loud. I remember starting school at Southside in the first grade...my teacher was Mrs. Darr and I deeply loved her...she was such a special lady. I remember meeting kids that would become my lifelong friends...I remember the times I got in trouble and times that I should have been. I took piano from Mrs. Michie and I remember walking down to her house during school for lessons. That sure wouldn't happen today.

Playground...jumping rope...chasing each other around...anything to get dirty and work out some of our energy. Sorry but once again I cannot remember the name of the principal at Southside...someone help me please.

I also wish that some of you would comment on the blog...this is for everyone. If you would also like to post a blog...just let me know and I will set you up.

Hope you all had a great summer...and guess what...WE don't have to go to school!!!!

Tana Lonon-Rogers

Tana Lonon said...
Hey there classmates. I was just on vacation in Mexico and dedicated some of that time to the preparation of a DVD I'm creating for our "CELEBRATE ME HOME" reunion next year. While working on it, I had so many memories (mostly good........ha) and just wanted to encourage you all that while many of us have moved away and some intentionally trying to forget perceived failures, lack of popularity or whatever, the real truth is that we are forever intertwined. We are forever together simply because were born & raised in Caruthersville, MO. What are the odds of that for us? We have had the marvelous (might not have seemed at the time) privilege of being raised in a small town that valued things that are no longer valued. We had history there with most of our families from there............roots..........another thing that has been lost. As our country has progressed it has also regressed in so many wonderful things of that past. I really hope that we will all release anything of the past that would keep us from coming back together in 09. Let's treasure and celebrate one another and cherish this time together. In looking at so many of our classmates who have passed away, I was reminded that life is really so short. In looking at the pictures of Kerry Hooper, Debbie Clark, JoAnn Rhodes, Dewey Coomer and others it seemed as though only yesterday that we were together just beginning our lives. I am excited about this great opportunity we have to once again be together. Please send me pictures........tanariver@aol.com. Or mail to: Tana Lonon, 618 SE 20th Place, Cape Coral, FL 33990. AND last but not least.........why don't you guys leave comments and give feedback here?
August 2, 2008 10:20 PM

Addresses

Wow...Charlie is the man!!! He has found most of the addresses that were returned...Thank you for working so hard. Hopefully this will get all of the info sheets out and they will be swiftly returned completed...as soon as they are all received...we can start working on the memory book that will be given to everyone who attends the 40th Reunion. Less than a year away...

7th grade

My oldest granddaughter is going into the 7th grade next month. 12 years old and really excited about going into "Jr High". This made me think alot about the Class of 69...and our 7th grade...we had great dances in the gym to the music of the Hurricanes. We had Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Garland, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Ootz(?), Ms. Garner etc.... We had lunch in the cafeteria in the basement, those marvelous peanut butter cookies, we had two student newspapers printed on a mimeograph machine. We jumped on a trampoline in our PE class...and many of us fell over the end...at least I did...where's a spotter when you need one. There were the Beatles, ironing our hair, sweaters with matching knee high socks, Tigress perfume, boys were ehhh....boys spewing endearing words to the girls. JFK was assassinated, and we all know what class we were in when we heard the news. The cheerleaders cheered in wool skirts for the Jr High teams, and a lot of us thought Dwayne Potts was cool. I remember Lee Rood School so well. I once looked up the history on Mr. Rood...it is a shame that the school is gone, and his name forgotten.

What memories do you have of 7th grade? I know I forgot some of the teachers, and I can't remember the name of the principal...

Photos

People...People...People...where are you people??? Tana has not received any photos...except the ones I sent her...and I will send the others that I held back for blackmail purposes...unless she starts getting something from you all.

You must have a few cute photos of you and a friend or two...you can email them to Tana if you only have a few...or make a disc and mail it to her. It is an effort for you I know...but the results will be so much fun.

I don't want to think that the great Class of 69 is getting too old to have a good time...perish the thought!!!!!

Come on friends...do it for the Gipper!!!!!!!!!

Responses

Today was a good day for info sheets...still have a long way to go. Do you remember when you were given an assignment and the teacher gave you a date to have it finished...well...get them filled out and sent back...or I'll tell Mrs.Chaffin...speaking of Mrs. Chaffin...we hope she will be able to attend the reunion...Coach Joe is still around too...and rumor is that the Roberts want to attend.

Another 4th is history

What a great 4th of July...hot dogs and fireworks...I was trying to remember if we had fireworks in Caruthersville back in the day...I honestly can't remember. I remember sparklers and little curly snake things...but no big ones. Maybe someone out there remembers and it will get my brain functioning.

Please complete your information sheet and get it back...the typing has already begun.

I am sure that Tana is anxious for photos too...no holds barred...if you have one that is totally embarrassing...send it on...whoever it is of probably won't recognize you anyway...they may not even recognize themselves.

You may think that this is way too early to be thinking about a reunion...but there is a lot of work that goes into the planning...and it does take time. So sit down...write out the info sheet...and mail it back. Okay now start looking through your photos...surely you have a few that you could share with the group.

Hope everyone's summer is going well...keep safe.

Nobody's Home

WOW...has everyone moved since our 35th reunion....the list keeps growing...hopefully we will be able to find relatives who know where they are hiding...we have received 4 completed information forms...thank you so much you four nice people.

Remember friends ... we will find you...you might as well turn your address in now .... we're looking for you.

Returned Information letter

Today we received (4) returned letters...not able to forward...let me know if you have a correct address for these classmates: Pat Fisher Scott, Terry Wyatt, Ronnie Price, Gene Wilson...your help would be greatly appreciated.

Information letters

Hopefully our classmates will be receiving their information sheets in the next day or so...please fill them out and return them so that your information will be available for the class directory that will be given out at the reunion.

And please remember to look through your photos and send them to Tana...a video through the years sounds so cool...

Haven't had an update on Wendell but we hope he is still doing well.

Please remember to add your comments to this blog. Keeping up with friends is what this is all about.

June 17th meeting

The planning committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday night, June 17th will be rescheduled...there were some conflicts with the date....as soon as we reschedule we will let you know. I know that means no pizza...get over it!! Have a great week and I hope all the fathers had a great day yesterday with their kids and grandkids....

Classmate addresses

The information sheets and hold the date letters are being mailed out tomorrow to our classmates of 1969 who we have their addresses...however there are still a few that we do not have addresses for. If you know the address of one of the classmates listed...
please send it to chsclassof69@charter.net ...here are the names...Jerlean Davis, Yvonne Higgins, Gloria Hoskins,William Houston,Flossie Hill, Darrell Hatahway, Gregory Giraudo, Bill Meyer, Linda Sue McGregor, Linda Nelson, Robin Robinson, Brenda Sims, Debbie Figgins, Violet Rogers, Margaret Ward, Kay Cotham, Dwayne Potts, Ann Ford, Kathy Cox, Hattie Davis, Virginia Banks.

Thank you...

Wendell

An update from Don....Wendell's brother Jerry wrote: To let everyone know,I saw Wendell tonight.He is doing great, the ventilator was removed this morning, He had his glasses on, talking and telling a few jokes and hallucination stories. He is writing a song called I.C.U. Psychosis.. His voice was low , sounded like Ernie's voice in a way.. had a little dry mouth. They are going to begin therapy tomorrow ; sitting in a chair and begin walking. He told me to tell everyone Hello and his loves you and hopes to see you soon.. It looks like he is now out of the danger zone @ this time.. We and the Doctors are excited about his recovery. It was talked about he may go home next week.. Keep praying that he will continue to improve. I will keep you updated on his progress..
jerry

Thank the Lord....Hey Wendell if you get to read this...we are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers...I bet you have educated those doctors and nurses...

Wendell Stanfill

Don Smith sent this email tonight: I want to update you on what I know about Wendell. He's been hospitalized for a perforated diverticulum. From what I understand, it's a colon tear of some sort. I didn't find out about it until about a half hour before I left on our family vacation May 30th. I was out of town until yesterday but got a few email updates from Jerry. The last one I got was on Friday and he said Wendell was doing really good and the doctor hoped that after the weekend he could remove the ventilator. I haven't heard anything since. As you can tell, it's pretty serious and required surgery. He's been in ICU for about 10 days I think. Anyhow, send your prayers and good vibes his way and I'll update you as I find out more. It's possible he could be in the hospital a couple of months for recovery...Don will keep us updated...so please keep Wendell in your prayers...

Prom night 1969

Tonight is "Prom Night"...as I was driving home, a Cadillac Limo turned in front of me. It had like 400 windows...a satellite dish...and a dozen or so fancy dressed Seniors and their dates. I think my ride on prom night was a 64 Ford Sedan. The ritzy restaurants are packed with handsome young couples in tuxes and sparkley dresses ( two piece...tummy showing?). I probably had a ham sandwich, and then put on my $35 dress from the New York Store...some of them will have rented rooms to have all night parties, some hopefully will attend the Project Prom and party safely through the night...I went home at midnight. Our prom night probably cost $20 including the corsage...wonder how much that limo costs...times they are a changing...

Reunion Planning has officially begun!!!!!

The planning committee for the CHS Class of 1969 40th Reunion met last night at the Country Club in Caruthersville...we had 7 members attending ... all fired up and ready to go. A lot of discussion on the reunion ...it is already sounding like a terrific weekend. We hope to have others join with us at the next meeting which is June 17th....at the Country Club...6:00. We will have more reminders closer to the date.

Information sheets for the reunion will be going out within the next couple of weeks. Please complete the form and mail it back in the envelope that will come with it.

A sad note...we learned that another classmate has passed away... Beverly Berry Andrews...she passed away within the last few months. She lived in Arkansas and left behind her husband, daughter, and two grandchildren. Please keep her family in your prayers.

If you have any news to pass along to the class...please let us know.

I have added a couple of photos...I bet you can just about taste the Supercheeseburger!!!!

Planning Meeting reminder

One more reminder that we will have our first planning meeting for our 40th Reunion on Tuesday April 29, 2008 at 5:30 at the Caruthersville Country Club...everyone is welcome to come and share ideas. Hope to see you there!!!!

Nancy McCarver

Our class lost a classmate this past week...Nancy McCarver. Our prayers are with her family.

Where oh where are the CHS Class of '69

Hey classmates...anybody out there? I know that this isn't as interesting as the forums that are on line...LOL but I really need some input....email addresses, mailing addresses...updates...

For those of you that remember Becki Stanfield...she attended CHS for a couple of years and came from Cottonwood Point...she has been an administrator in Mississippi...she emailed me and told me that she retired last year and she is busy having fun four wheeling.

And Tana spoke with Ida Jean Atkins....and she is planning on making the reunion next year. She sent a photo of her husband and herself...she looks the same.

And Willie Baird moved last year from Houston to Rogers, AR...we know he will be at the reunion...let us know what else has been happening!!

Email address

We have a dedicated email address for '69 classmates to use for contact information...

chsclassof69@charter.net

Please us it for contacting us for ideas, change of address or email, and getting information about the 40th Reunion.

Planning meeting

Hey Classmates...our first planning meeting will be April 29, 2008 at 5:30 pm at the Caruthersville Country Club. Bring yourself and ideas...please let Terrie or Charlie know if you will make the meeting.

Missing some fun teachers

I was reading a few tales on the internet and was reminded of a few of our teachers...I am quite sure that Caruthersville is the only place in the world that could have had such fun and different teachers.

The first one that comes to mind is Mr. Redman Dunham. Can you imagine calling every student past and present and wishing them a "Happy Birthday". Do you think there would be a teacher today that would care that much about their students. And I loved Coach Arment...although I do remember having a chalkboard eraser thrown at me from his desk to mine in the back row. In 6th grade Ms. Hornyak taught the girls to knit during recess and lunch...we would sit on the front steps of Lee Rood Annex and she would help each one of us cast on (in my case several times) and knit square upon square...what a special feeling.

Do you have a special memory of a teacher? Please share...

Gem Theatre

I am so sad...I just saw on Classmates that they have demolished the old Gem Theatre...they didn't even take the sign off first...remember all of the movies we saw there...I remember seeing Support Your Local Sheriff...or something like that...and The Blob...I was scared for weeks...the balcony...the ornate lobby and the wonderful smell of fresh popcorn!!! Meeting with friends and taking up a whole row of seats...and maybe having a flashlight shined on us once or twice. And watching the older kids sitting in the back row smooching...life was good.

Caruthersville Class of 1969 40th Reunion

The great Class of 1969 has started planning our 40th reunion...we will be using this blog to keep everyone updated. Save the Memorial Day weekend of 2009...Friday, Saturday, and Sunday...we are planning an event for everyday.