Comments from Joan Walsh
in a note sent to Gail Munsberg Klueh |
What a wonderful reunion! I know a great deal of thought, planning and detail (the thank you card on the last day, for example) went into the achievements of such a pleasant and joyful result. Everyone had a great time greeting old friends; you could tell from the tone of the group. Bob Stouthamer’s pile of emails was a very graphic symbol of the committee’s work. Everything went so smoothly. You and the committee should be proud of the result.
I thank you for inviting me to be a guest, the accommodations were excellent. I enjoyed seeing, talking to, dancing and dining with everyone. All I could think of was that it was a kind of love-in. I am really a sentimental fool about such events, and I must tell you this was the best one I have ever attended. The late fifties were a very special time for a very special group of people. It was very special and meaningful to be a part of it again. I would say that your ministry was a great success. Many thanks to you and your committee. Fond regards, Joan |
I've received this piece from Don Cordes of his reaction to the
reunion. Perhaps you, too, can add a reflection of your own. If so, please e-mail it to me, Margaretu@aol.com and I'll add it to this page. *********************************************** |
I only spent 2 years at Wayne HS and because I saw myself as an ugly duckling and with all the other teenage angst, I never made much of a connection with most of my classmates. When the reunion info first came out, I didn’t think I would go for those reasons but thanks to OG and her warm messages, I made the commitment. I arrived at the In my occupation as a counselor, I primarily handle discussion groups ranging from behaviorally handicapped Middle Schoolers to jail inmates and it seems the times I am most effective is when I relate my messages through stories both apocryphal (made up) and personal stories from my life. (possibly also made up) And so, I offer this story by way of explanation.. It seems that Riley, a transient person (in this PC world he would be called a homeless soul) was walking down the street of a major city. Seeing a door draped in black crepe, he entered to find Paddy laid out next to tables brimming with food and drink. Having learned to strike while the iron is hot, he avails himself of all he can handle, staying not just that day but returning the next day and the day after that as well. As the wake comes to a close, Paddy’s widow approaches him and says, “It is clear you were a dear and devoted friend of my husband during his life. Tell me your thoughts on how the final services should go.” Being an honest but not tactful soul, Riley blurts out, “I have no idea what Paddy might want but as for me, I suggest you have him stuffed and keep the party going!” And that’s why I was so down. It was over and I wanted to keep the party going! So classmates, let’s keep it going. While we can’t be physically with one another, we can stay together electronically. Through the technological magic of MTM, we can e-mail, blog (whatever that is) and pass on our reflections and memories. The ties I made over those two days are precious and I don’t wish to lose them. Onward class of ’58; we have much more living to do. Your classmate, Don Cordes |
For a reaction to Don's reflection, please e-mail him at djcordes@verizon.net.
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Reunion Thoughts from Gene Terkelsen Boy, can I relate to Don's comment concerning the reunion. Like Don, I was a 'new kid on the block' when I joined the class of '58 in the middle of November '57. Not only was I in the class for only seven months before we graduated, but since I had to quit high school and go to work for over two years after my junior year, I was older than everyone except the teachers! Truth be known, if it were not for my ability to sing, I doubt if anyone would have known I was around, as I did not have the time to join clubs, etc. So, except for a limited few, I never got to know folks. Then, fifty years later, came the invite to the reunion. Like Don, I went back and forth making up my mind as to whether or not to attend. Like Don, I also decided to go due to the friendly persuasion of Gail. From the time of arrival to my leaving the reunion, I felt welcomed and had a great time for which I truly thank the committee. They left no stone unturned to insure everyone was included in a well planned and executed event. I wish we could get such a team to run the country! To all, I say thank you so much.  We make a living by what we get, but a life by what we give.To send a reaction to Gene, e-mail her at terkelsen_gene@yahoo.com |
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Reflections by Gail Rettberg Stouthamer REFLECTIONS….What does that mean? “…to ponder or think; to look back” How very appropriate a description of our Reunion weekend. Please excuse me if I use our high school names as I reflect on this oh so special experience. You are all aware of Gail Munsberg’s gutsy move in getting this ball rolling and how she reeled us in, hook, line and sinker when we asked, “Do you need help?” Little did we all know what a labor of love this would become. We immediately established a goal. This controlled every decision. Our goal simply stated, …”We wish to create an extended experience in which classmates, their spouses and guests, could relax, reconnect, share life’s experiences and challenges, and come away excited about staying in touch.” Was this accomplished? …Watching the reactions of those arriving as they saw an old classmate and immediately reconnected. . …watching the exuberance displayed on the dance floor that let the young wait staff see we are alive and enjoying life… … watching classmates leave with tears in their eye, exchanging hugs and promises to stay connected… We will have to let all of you decide on a personal level, but judging by what we witnessed firsthand, the notes and emails we have received, our goal was realized and exceeded. Finding classmates - Peg Van Dyke and Ginny Herman worked tirelessly searching with every means at their disposal. Shirley Bollard found classmates we had lost touch with and then went on to provide pictures and get information to them. Friends found friends and forwarded what they knew. Previewing the Inn when we lived in AZ and Gail M. lived in Florida - A business associate of Bob’s did the first on sight visit, followed by Janet Breckenridge, Margaret Thomas, Nancy Norris, Edie Flanders, and Doris Schwalm. Ron and Valerie Molendyk even did a swing by while on vacation in 2007. I think they chose the perfect spot. The staff at the Inn was remarkable from day one in that they were always there for every question and worked tirelessly to accommodate our every need. As we left, they remarked how thrilled they were to be a part of this special time and how much they enjoyed witnessing these reconnections. Acknowledging our deceased classmates – Mary Ann McClure asked if she could take on this project. When it was decided to format all the information she gathered into a DVD presentation, she and Margaret teamed up and put together the thoughtful and respectful tribute we were all so fortunate to view in the hospitality suite. Honoring Matt and Amy Hazekamp’s 50th Anniversary –Married on June 22nd, shortly after graduating high school, we wanted to honor this amazing commitment in which they shared their love for one another and their 4 birth children, 4 adopted children and 87 foster children. Our photographer took their pictures, and they led off a special dance. Sadly, most did not get to see the beautiful cake decorated to honor them, before it was cut and served. What a beautiful couple, inside and out. Submitted by: Gail Rettberg Stouthamer Send reactions to: dreamcatchers60@cox.net |
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Reunion Reflectionsby Margaret Thomas Urey This class also has a leader of the Blue Angels, a movie/TV actor, a weaver, marathoner and triathlete, artist, roller blade queen, quilter, ski instructor, a Rockette, a city manager, a garden designer of many prestigious projects, president and owners of businesses, a foundation president, founder of a drug and alcohol counseling center, foster parents of 82 children. It also has its share of college professors, teachers, nurses, engineers, business owners, realtors, manufacturing plant managers, sales managers, homemakers, etc. Imagine all the skills we’ve collectively acquired since high school, both as part of our careers, our volunteer activities, our hobbies and raising our families. I’m the one in awe of what others have learned and done; skills acquired that I cannot imagine being able to do. We’ve probably all learned that what it does take is interest and motivation. Let’s hope we all can continue to learn and do something new. Send reactions to: margaretu@aol.com **************************************************** |
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It is hard to describe the experience of a 50 year High School reunion. I think first and foremost, no one can believe we are that old. Who are those old people? Can I be one of them? My God there is so and so, and she looks pretty good. What does the girl I thought was sooo cute look like today. Oh, I remember him, same, same only older. These are some of the things that go through the mind of anyone attending such an event.Denny's Reunion Reflections I would have to say that growing up in the 50's was far different than anytime before or after. The 50's were truly special. Hell, we invented Elvis, Buddy Holly, the Platters and the Everly brothers, what more do you want. Mickie Mantle was playing center field, Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson were taking on “Say Hey” Willie Mays and Joe Dimaggio was moving toward Marylin Monroe. The '57 Chevy was hot! What was not to like about graduating in the class of '58? I reluctantly succumbed to the pushing of a few friends to even go to the reunion. Bob Stouthamer, his HS sweetheart wife Gail and Gail Munsberg Kleuh had started the effort and were smart enough to block out a significant number of rooms at the Inn at Panther Valley near the Delaware Water Gap. Nadine my much younger and soon to be called "Trophy Wife" and I arrived on Thursday evening after flying into Newark from Phoenix. We arrived in time for dinner on the night before it officially started. After finding our room and freshening up, we proceeded to the area of the restaurant. It was not 5 seconds before Rich Holcomb stands up from his chair on the patio and says, “Hello, is it “Squeaky” or Admiral?” “Oh God, here we go.” My wife of course had never heard my nickname from my early days. We proceeded to dinner and there were about 25 of us who had come early, many because of the trip back to our old Wayne High School the next morning. There is something special about high school friendships. The table was in a big square so everyone faced each other. Nadine and I took turns walking around and saying hello to each of my classmates and many spouses. I have to admit that sometimes I had to say, “who are you?” to people I knew I should have known. We had a great evening getting to know each other again and talking of old times and new, comparing grandchildren and other stuff. Jack Sutcliffe was there, the same old character and good looking guy, just older but in great shape. Hell, he competed in a triathelon three years ago! There was our old class president Phil Cialone looking more like the Godfather. Next to him were two cuties, Brenda Nothdurft Flagler and Gail Munsbrg Kleuh. There was Lindley Smith Metzinger looking as gorgeous as she did 50 years ago. Wow! She brought her son as a body guard. Doris, my good friend from Packanack was there with her husband Ken. She looked great after eight kids, slim trim and like a Kennedy. I knew, but many were to find out that one of her daughters lost a husband in Iraq the hard way, killed by one of our own, not so good, soldiers. Tim Barr looking just as big as ever and wife Mary. Tim wanted to know how a pip “squeek” like me got so big. Dave Ackroyd arrived for a grand entrance, followed by Sandy Krommer Weber and husband Dick. This opener was just what we needed. Not too many and not too few. We all reacquainted, many after 50 years, while some from the last reunion 18 years prior. After dinner we all migrated to a small apartment above the restaurant that we used for the rest of the weekend as our “hospitality room”. There were many memorabilia from our HS days and many more to come as more would arrive. The gorgeous cheerleaders Bonnie and Carolee were there and still looked gorgeous. How did they do that? They had probably just auditioned for “Sex in the City”. Those of us arriving early had a huge leg up on the others. We quickly reacquainted and rebonded. We all had long lives of doing many different things since 1958. I had 34 years in the navy followed by an executive position at a large company. Now I was quickly returned to my former self, aka class wit. The transition was easy and I enjoyed it. What fun it was to see all these former (notice I didn’t say old) classmates from a mature perspective, not afraid to talk about anything and still at the same time act like we were still in school. The next morning, many of us rendezvoused in the lobby to caravan to our old high school. As we were waiting, my good friend Pattie Polhemus Hauben looking stunning, arrived in a limo, of course she would. Why not? So, Pattie, Dave Ackroyd, Nadine and I piled into our car for the trip. We arrived with about 15 others in front of the old school we had proudly marched to with the band playing on opening day in our sophomore year. At that time there were about 500 in the whole school. Now there were over 1600 and it was called Wayne Valley as there was also a Wayne Hills. Why not just leave it as Wayne? George Coscia my good friend was there and as we gathered in the lobby and met the principal, someone suggested that we reenact our day in front of our principal (actually it was our vice principal, but who’s quibling). So, the two of us stood there heads bowed while the good natured current principal pretended to scowl at us. Here were a retired former president of the second largest advertising company in New Jersey and a retired admiral, the two guys most thought would never amount to much acting it out again! You never know how life is going to turn out. Is this a great country or what! The school itself had more than tripled in size physically and by number of students. What we saw amazed us. Every classroom was high tech preparing these young students for today’s world. As we left, Phil and his car load and our group decided to go over to Packanack for lunch at the former Chris’ on the lake. Even that had changed for the better with a great open view of the beach where we used to spend many a summer. I can still see Anita on the beach looking gorgeous, never realizing at the time how many older men were sneaking peaks. We then took a tour around the lake stopping at our former houses for a nostalgia look. There were some changes to other houses, more ballparks, but all in all it still looked like the same great place to grow up. As we were driving, Nadine said, “who was your girlfriend here?” I told her I really didn’t have one. Then Pattie from the back seat says, “You didn’t ask the right girl.” As the weekend built up, our close friendships of the past returned. We gathered again in the hospitality suite for more conversation, look at more old photos and have interesting conversations with many we had known but maybe not that well. It didn’t matter anymore, we were all the class of ’58 having a great time. I for one found many of my classmates much more interesting now than 50 years ago. For instance, remember Inga Karalus? We called her ‘the spy” because she had a German accent , she was smarter and certainly more studious than most of us. How terrible we must have seemed to her. She is still a very attractive lady, speaks several languages, is world travelled and very interesting. How stupid we were (I was) not to take advantage of her experiences back then. How about Mary Kate Green? I had a brief encounter with Mary Kate who seemed to beat to a different more intelligent drum. I was told she had a double PHD from Harvard. She was having physical problems and leaving early after making a great effort to attend. I am happy we were able to have a short conversation and left thinking, “Is it good or bad to be so mature and intelligent so early in life?” That night there were about 80 counting spouses for dinner followed by a crowd up in the suite. And the beat goes on… There were so many , “Remember when?” stories I lost count. There was Henry Fisch who painted my ’47 Merc metallic Irish Green. Howie Tremper, Ginny Herman, Dick Woodruff, Dr.Helen Grossbeck, Ron Molendyk, Nancy Fream, Edie Flanders, Fred Colyer, Don Cordes, Bill Harms, George Bullock, Dave Behnken, Bev Joeckel, Mark Lowe, Tom Paul and Walt Olson our CIA guy who Nadine enjoyed talking about many subjects. Maybe Nadine’s a spy?? I know I have failed to mention some, desole’. The interaction by everyone was amazing. Here was a weekend in time that somehow brought us all back to the innocence of the 50s like a bubble surrounding us and keeping out the complexity of our world today. Yes, we were innocent, naïve and very young the savior faire of lives lived and old enough to say what we were thinking. It was a real kick and no one wanted it to end. The big night arrived for the dinner dance as did a number of classmates who for whatever reason couldn’t get there before. It was great to see them, but I felt sorry for what they had missed. I was even more disappointed that there was not enough time for longer discussions. Morethan likely, we will never again have a gathering with this many classmates in our lifetime. Ten percent of us are already gone as shown in a well-done “In Memorium” put together by Maryann McCure. The DJ was great keeping the volume down during dinner and then playing those great 50’s tunes for dancing after. Besides my wife, I did manage to dance with Esther and Margaret who both still look great. My wife later said, “Why didn’t you dance with more of your old friends?” There just didn’t seem to be enough time. I had to fit in great real spy stories from Judy Jatinen Bishop and her husband John. Fascinating Cold War stuff. Joan Carmen and Joan Walsh, two of our favorite teachers made it for the night. It was great to see them again and how great they looked. They must have been kids when they received their teaching degrees. Sunday morning arrived and many of us hung around the breakfast still smiling from ear to ear. Gail Richimond was there, who the previous day at lunch I had called Nancy as in Norris. She took it well, so I proceeded to call her Nancy again. There was Karen Pedersen asking me why Pete Wilkinson and I always picked on her in sixth grade. I told her it was because we liked her, that’s how sixth grade boys show it. She said, “That’s what my Mom told me.” Oh, the joy of 50 years later gathering almost half our class for a long weekend reunion. I just can’t capture the feelings in words to describe what a great time it was. To Gail (OG) Kleuh who had the courage to start this event, (maybe more importantly to Craig her husband) to Bob and Gail (MG) Stouthamer without whom she could not have made it happen. We all are very appreciative and proud of how well this was accomplished. To Margaret Thomas Urey, (so cute in sixth grade) Doris and Maryann, many thanks as well. A bientot j’espère! Denny |
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Ah Yes, Reflections
ala Bob Stouthamer As I sit here in front of my computer on our Nations Birthday, July 4th, and try to compose my thoughts, many things cross my mind. First and foremost, I realize that I am not an author. I leave the writing to Gail. She is so much better at expressing herself with the written word than I could ever hope to be. For some reason, however, which I can’t really explain, it is important, to me anyway, to just look back over the last year and a half, relive some of the wonderful experiences I was so fortunate to have. In January of 2007, I received an e-mail from Classmates.com which indicated that the Wayne H.S. Class of ’58 was planning a 50 year reunion. If interested, contact Gail Munsberg Klueh. That was the beginning of an unbelievable ride. We made the contact with Gail, volunteered to help in any way we could, never expecting to be included in the actual planning of the reunion. We made the assumption that Gail had long since put her committee together. WRONG! We were the committee. The Genesis of a Reunion, so to speak, had begun. What transpired from that January morning until this very moment has been very special in the life of this graduate. Literally, hundreds of e-mails and telephone calls were initiated during this time frame. Where do we have the reunion? When is the best time? How do we find classmates, especially the ladies who have married? How many classmates do we think we can plan on attending? Remember we had to put a budget together, and make a commitment for a location. Now additional questions arose. Do we hire a band or a DJ? Do we contract with a photographer? So many other details that had to be addressed. Decisions! I loved it. I felt like I was back in the saddle working again. This time however it was a labor of love. As the months went by, new challenges seemed to crop up almost daily. Each time they did, they were addressed. We, Gail (MG), aka My Gail, I have a feeling that acronym will be around for some time to come, and (OG), aka Other Gail, Gail Munsberg Klueh, who was an absolute delight to work with dealt with each one. Always discussing each issue and coming to a decision on how each little detail should be handled. Hopefully, we didn’t drop too many balls along the way. It’s hard to believe how three classmates, one living in Florida and two surviving in the old west, Arizona to be specific, could become so close, but we did. The months turned into weeks and things seemed to move so much faster as we opened a checking account and placed a deposit at the Panther Valley Inn, we were committed and there was no turning back now. We were praying we could have at least fifty classmates attend. If not, how would we pay for this thing? As checks began to arrive, we got to forty-three. Then we agonized getting to forty-seven. We could have a problem. I still remember getting to fifty. Now, let’s hope we can begin to add more classmates. Then it happened! It was like the floodgates opened up fifty- four; a few days later we were up to fifty-nine: then sixty-three. Wow, this was really getting exciting. Two weeks after that, seventy-one. Now the question arose, can the Inn handle this number of people? What do we do if we have too many? Our thoughts were just to keep them coming. We will find room no matter what. This was going to be very special, something we hoped people would remember for many years to come. We finally topped out at eighty classmates, WOW! We enjoyed a very special bonus having two of our favorite teachers attending. It couldn’t get any better than this, could it? When MG & I arrived at the INN on Monday June 2nd, having never seen the place prior to that, we were immediately impressed by not only the INN itself but by the people so willing to serve our every need. They made us feel like we were part of their staff. They provided us with an extra room for planning purposes, copying equipment, computers, and everything we asked for they came up with. On Wednesday OG & Craig Klueh, an honorary classmate, arrived. We hadn’t seen each other in eighteen years. Actually we had never met Craig prior to that bright June day. What a blessing he was. I might also add, he quickly became a good friend. Now, all the last minute details needed attending too. No more months, weeks, or even days before the big event. We were now down to hours. The excitement grew, until finally on Thursday the first classmate other than the three of us arrived. Brenda Nothdurft, came through the door so excited to be there. The Reunion was officially on. For those of us that had the good fortune to arrive early, meaning prior to the actual published first day of June 6th , the opportunity to share greetings and an extra day together just made the event that much more fun. Stories, memories, laughs, were all exchanged either over meals together or in that wonderful apartment, hospitality room or whatever it was. All I know is it was wonderful. High School was a great time in my life. I met my wife, the mother of our children, a lady I truly don’t deserve. How fortunate I was. We all grew up in a small town, were taught values both in school and at home. How blessed we were. To have the opportunity to once again be together with friends that helped shape our lives was indescribable for me. Fifty years is, needless to say, a long time, but it only took a few moments for all the nicknames to come flowing out. What a weekend! Today, it is exactly four weeks from the first day of the reunion. I have been coming down slowly from the high I think we all enjoyed. Yesterday brought me right back up to the top. MG & I received our package from Forte Photography. There was our class photo, which in my opinion, is spectacular. We also purchased a couple of individual photos and again we think he did a wonderful job. Best of all was the DVD. The memories returned in an instant. Let’s do it again, now, immediately. It is really difficult for this classmate to let go. Friendships have been reestablished. Lost classmates have been found. We had an exceptional weekend together. Let’s not lose contact with one another in the future. We were so very fortunate to all have been thrust together in such a wonderful class.
I am truly blessed to have been a classmate of yours, and a graduate of Wayne H.S. Class of ’58. Bob Stouthamer *********************************************** |