Some
Clippings From the Class of ’83 Message Board
Well
someone has to be first... Braves Class of 83 Rocks!!
IP: 216.135.28.226
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What a truly awesome weekend! I'm so tired I could drop and we didn't even have
the long drives that some of you did to get home. I also think I may be having
beer withdrawals as the work week starts again. Whew!!
Kim & Steve - thanks for a great Friday night "ice breaker". Your
hospitality was truly appreciated - even if no one ate your food!!
Thanks to all who set up the golf outting and the
tours of South on Saturday. The school looks great and what cool new additions
in the 2nd gym and weight room.
Saturday night - great organization, great food, loads of beer. Who cares that
everyone was having too much fun socializing to dance! Good job from our MC's,
Lynn and Joel.
Sunday was a nice way to end the weekend, meet everyone's families and say
goodbye. Thanks to Carolyn and all who played a part.
Thanks to my fellow committee members, especially Lynn and Pam, who took the
reins for this incredible weekend! And yes, maybe now I'll stop stressing over
the money!!
It's really hard to believe, with all of the anticipation and planning, that
it's over. I still can't say enough about how rewarding and fun it was to see
everyone!
Here's to the Class of 83!! Already looking forward to our next
G-Man / Greg / G. / CFO
P.S. Ann - I still like to argue with you, but I'm gonna
humble myself this time... YOU WIN!!
Re(1):
Well someone has to be first... Braves Class of 83 Rocks!!
IP: 4.46.244.148
Posted on
I had a great time seeing everyone. Having the friday
night party was a high for me. I think people were leary
about entering a party where you had to go past a porta
potty to enter the gate to the back yard. Once they got past that they could
really put their hair down. Steve and I love to throw parties. This was one of
the best, and it was because of the people who were there. To those who
couldn't make it or didn't get the word I'm sorry that you missed it. My plan
is to do it every time we have a reunion. We have done it for Steve's class so
I would like to keep the tradition going with my class. Although I must say
that steve's class was a little more wild. They
stayed until the sun was coming up and one couple felt the need to use my son's
bed as a playground. How do I know? Because I accidently
walked in on them! I enjoyed meeting your spouses and really wish that a lot of
you still lived here. Thank you to the committee for all of your hard work. It
really paid off.On sunday
evening Steve kept asking me if I was sad. He could see it in my face and he
understood because he felt the same way after his 20 year reunion. It is weird
how you feel a connection with people who you haven't seen in 20 years. Please
keep in touch.
A - effin'- men, Greg....
IP: 4.3.43.6
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The weekend was a total success. Total!! It'll be cliche
to say "If you didn't attend you really missed out". But guess what?
--that's gospel!
We've got a class bunch of folks. People couldn't have been nicer or warm. I'll
let Pam fill you in on what her "outsider" had to say about the class
of '83. After all, Joel and Lynn, I'm too busy to go into it right now (Yes I
was back on grindstone this afternoon after the picnic. Shutting her down now
and start loading the car for tomorrow's voyage back to my "other"
home.) 
I have so much to report, relive, retell, compliment, and thank about our fab weekend. I'll sputter it out over time. Joel
(especially) and I, and I'm sure others too, will have lots of digital shots to
post. My head is swimming w/ the the socializing
mixed w/ powerful touchstones of our sticky sweet youth. It'll pass the time in
my head as I drive the semi long trek tomorrow.
I'm seriously "misty" as my noggin floats and bobs in this heady brew
of emotion. Shheezz, no wonder I enjoyed high school
so much more than my college days -- It was the people.
Saw a tiny glimpse of a shot in our digital camera tonight. There stood some
friends who I entered first grade w/. Now we stood as men w/ our own families.
There are common bonds in our lives like a dense tapestry. I can't help but be
reminded of the movie poster "Diner" (Barry Levinson's genius film
about the group of friends he grew up w/ in
The reunion experience is a bittersweet reminder that it's the people we go
through this life w/ is what truly is important. Nobody on their death bed says
"I wish I'd spent more time at the office". Thank God my office is in
my house.
I'm looking forward to reading all the chatter that now hangs in the air from
this reunion. And Bob, from things that people intentionally or unintentionally
said. We got a lotta lurkers. A lot. The message
board and the gatherings here played a major role in this event's success yet
being a part of it in person reminds how this web experience is not of
"flesh", only a taste. What a wonderful, "good for the
insides" time. I think I speak for many when I say that. More to come.
You have
a way with words, Tim...
IP: 12.31.208.217
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Lurkers indeed. I know we have a bunch of 'em. I
guess that proof was in your weekend pudding .'ay?!
Y'know - I've begun not really caring about the
lurker situation too much. I figure if this board is so interesting that people
wanna just "tune in" & not post
anything - so be it! I created this site (as the main page states) as a
"place where we as friends & adults can chat & reminisce."
Period. I certainly am proud of our "reach" to our classmates here!
I know the site certainly isn't a "flesh" experience, but it's the
only thing I (& Latta, colleen et al.) have to
keep me in touch with my HS friends. If I contributed to the reunion's success
in some small way because of this site, then I've accomplished more than I
thought possible and am very proud.
In any case, I'm glad you all had a great time. I honestly get chills when I
think of you all reminiscing & talking in person. I'm sure there were some
kinds words for Basil, who deserves much of the credit for this site.
I look forward to attending the next get-together. I really missed not being
there for this one.....for sure!!!
Question - Did SAP attend? Just curious....
Bob
Tim, I'm
not even going to try to match your words...
IP: 67.241.33.160
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What a wonderful event! The friends I developed through high school will last
forever.
Anyone up for a 25th year reunion?
Well
said by all...
IP: 63.168.31.70
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Can't believe you guys beat me to the board, but I guess we had the old 5.5
hour drive to get home, plus we lost one!
This may sound sissy-like, but I actually got a little misty-eyed when I left
the picnic today. Hugged Lynn and Pam and lost it, although I don't think they
knew...
What a wonderful weekend. Great Icebreaker Friday night, fun times on the golf
course. Fantastic meal and awards and conversation Saturday night. And, what a
thrill to see everyone's families. The "all kids" picture was a great
idea. Basil and Greg, can we get that one to Lifetouch
to include in the yearbook?
I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive about this weekend having seen only
a few of you since I left TH in 1983 (Johnson twins at EIU and Forest Tague a few times). I worried that I would not recognize
people. I was also a little concerned for the spouses. I was pretty much left
out at my wife's 10th (not her fault). Her classmates made no effort to include
me and I spent most of the time shooting the bull with another left out
boyfriend.
It didn't happen. Amazing how we've all grown up into real people. I think all
of the spouses or significant others felt included and involved. My wife was
calling you all by name on Saturday morning and felt like she knew you by
Sunday afternoon. I think we were all like one big happy family the whole
weekend (man, have I been a camp counselor or what?). I didn't want it to end.
It was a truly memorable occasion and I am grateful that I took a few minutes a
couple years ago to click on that classmates.com ad!
Sorry to be so sappy.
A 25th? I can't wait.
This chat board and the internet have really helped, no doubt. A big thanks to
those of you who maintain it.
Thanks to everyone who had a part in any of the planning. I know it was more of
a headache for some than it was for me. I enjoyed every bit of the work I did.
Sorry if I pissed a few of you off by making you wear your sr
pic!
My only disappointment...I was really looking forward to telling that Frank Van
Allen story to everyone. Too bad he didn't show.
God Bless and safe journey to those of you not already home.
Ray
P.S. Vegas Bill...I didn't stay at the HI so you'll have to get your dirt from
someone who did!
Yes, as
I gave hugs, I too started to cry......I'm just not good at goodbyes..... Sorry
if I didn't
IP: 67.4.163.144
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get to say goodbye to everyone. I would have totally lost it by then! I keep
remembering the final line in the movie "Stand By Me"....... anyone
remember?
Thanks!
IP: 205.188.208.42
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Thank you to Lynn, Basil, Joel, Pam, Tim, Rex, Ray, and the rest of the
organizing committee. You all helped give me one of the best days of my life.
It was like meeting my whole youth again -- only appreciating it this time! Of
course I was very sad when the weekend ended, but it was still fantastic!
Thanks again!
Arthur...
IP: 63.168.31.39
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It was great to see you! My fondest memory of you in HS is your rendition of
Stray Cat Strut during the review. Priceless...
Re(1):
Thanks!
IP: 4.46.245.253
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I would like to add my thanks to the committee also. I had decided a couple of
weeks ago NOT to attend, at
Some
random thoughts....
IP: 24.208.199.239
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I enjoyed the three-day-event immensely! Talk about well organized- Lynn, Pam and
the committee have got it going on!
Kudos to Ray and Steve on the golf outing! A job well done. Remind me to bring
a helmet next time.
I can’t believe I missed the lesbian kiss. Details, someone please give me the
details.
Thank you to Kim Hendrix Sappington. You know how to host an ice-breaker! I’m
still laughing over some of the stories Lennie
entertained us with.
More kudos to Keith Fry, Jim Long, Gary Figg, and
Brad Hale. Thanks for coming. It really was good to see you guys again.
Tim was like a rock star, autographing those books for the kids. Way too cool!
Carolyn, you are real good with kids. The games at the picnic were a load of
laughs!
Pam, Barry is a great guy. There are not too many people who could thrive in
the environment that was thrust upon him. He dove right in and had as much fun
as anyone. We were all impressed. I think I speak for the class when I say you
have our permission to “proceed”.
I think most people looked BETTER than the pictures they posted. Was it just
the beer???
If there was an award for sincerity, I would give it to Dorcas.
I had forgotten about Joel’s brand of subtle humor. Very entertaining! …and
what a good looking family!
Lurkers, lurkers, lurkers. I can’t count how many times I heard the phrase “oh
yeah, I remember reading about that on the message board..” I’m quoting people
I never see on the message board. I think there are 50-plus people who read the
board religiously. Kudos to Bob, who keeps this thing up and running.
Personally, I love the lurkers. Stick around and perhaps someday you all will
(as Tim once said) experience the “sublime joys of posting”.
Allen Huffman walked into the room and raised the class IQ average by 17
points. He has a “proclivity” for doing just that.
There was not a vitriolic word all evening. ;-)
I had no idea there were so many people from
Kara Ridens Holmes and family were great to talk to.
Kara, tell that little girl to beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
Rex, remember this: hard liquor, golf, and hot
Seeing Daryl Andrews left me with this overwhelming urge set a flaming paper
bag of poop on someone’s doorstep and ring the bell. Old habits die hard!
Jason Adams, you are a guy who always knew how to have a good time. Now thanks
to your wife, Barb, you have kicked it up a couple of notches!
I’ll bet the DJ thought the party was something of a dud because not many
people were dancing. We were having so much fun just talking and reminiscing
that it would have been a waste to pass the evening away on the dance floor!
Kudos to Arthur for coming! “…registration, what registration, was there a
sign-up or an rsvp or something…”
A huge thank you to everyone for making the spouses and guests feel so welcome.
Jane had a great time and can’t wait for our next reunion. Niko
can’t wait to start high school!
It was so nice to go to a party where the welcome was warm, the feelings were
genuine, and the friendships were real. Old friends were reunited, some new
friendships were forged, and we all remembered what is really important in
life. Someone once said (and I don’t know who to attribute it to) “the older
you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young”. How
true. We’ve all made lots of friends since high school, but there’s something
special about the people you played with in the third grade. Those friendships
were pure and innocent, completely uncorrupted by the irrelevant and trivial
particulars that afflict our “grown-up” relationships. We are lucky to have
those kinds of friendships and we should feel sorry for those who don’t. I miss
you all already!
Let’s not wait 10 years to do this again. Life is too short!
Ok, now
reading these posts is getting me misty-eyed again!!!!!! I'm speechless......nm
IP: 67.4.163.144
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Re(1):
Some random thoughts....
IP: 4.3.40.242
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This weekend was so much fun! Although I felt like I was in a time warp the
whole time, it was great talking to so many people. I regret not getting the
chance to talk with some people, even though we had three days to visit! Lynn
and Joel did a great job emceeing the awards program. I ditto everything said
by everyone. We started getting together with the Jessells
when they come to town and enjoy being with them and wish they lived here. Now
I have an entire list of more people I wish lived here or closer so we could be
together more often. My husband thought our reunion was even more fun than his
own. He had a great time with Barry at the golf outing. Wasn't Barry the life
of the party all weekend? Good choice, Pam! Sunday night I ran into Lisa Greven Fisher at a football equipment pick-up, and I told
her about it and said we missed her. I also laughed because I saw Darien Helton
at the same place, and we had just looked at the picture of him
"caressing" Betsy's arm in a prom picture. The weekend was full of
lots of good laughs. We may have more participation in the web site now!
So many
of you asked about the 25th........... Pam and I talked and here's the
scoop.......
IP: 67.4.163.144
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We'd love to do a 25th but not as formal. 25th will be a pig roast or something
of the sort, keggers and all! More of a throw down
party! When we get to the 30th, we'll do what we did this weekend. So the posterboard will go up soon for everyone to take a dollar
out of their lunch money each week to pay for the 25th? (Flashback to paying
for the senior party!!!! LOL!)
So no rest for the weary!
Hog
Roast for the 25th ????
IP: 64.12.96.47
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Well, keep me posted, I still have a roaster, actually it is "The
Roaster" only having a few facelifts and in alot
better shape.
I know I kept repeating Friday night that I really do not do "This"
(Drink) anymore, and some of you may have noticed Saturday night I was on the
Ice Water...
I had a good time, really enjoyed seeing everyone, and the gals looked better
than ever....
I wish I had stayed away from Lou though....WOW
Just a side note...
Someone set a camera down on the memorabilia table and it appeared they had
misplaced it...
My wife and I could not stand the thought of someone not getting the reunion pics they had planned to get, so about every 15 minutes or
so, we would pic it up, snap a few shots and put it
back...
I do not know who it belong too, but hey, at least you got some good
pictures....
The
camera was ours!
IP: 63.168.31.91
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Tricia went to take a picture on Sunday thinking she had 6 or 7 pictures left.
The film was expired and rewound and she couldn't figure out how that happened.
Now we know! Thanks Lennie and Pam. Can't wait to see
them
Those of
you that didn't make the picnic...... Ward Myers graced us with his
presence!!!!!!
IP: 67.4.163.144
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What a hoot!!!!!! He hasn't changed a bit!