I have changed this Message Forum to Member Chatter so we do not have two different Message Forum web pages.  Member Chatter is an ongoing dialogue between classmates. There are no topics, subtopics, etc. like there is in the Message Forum web page.

Member Chatter works when people participate - so don't be bashful! Click the "Post Response" button to add your entry.

Cherry Miller (Smith)

I send heartfelt sympathies to Annie's family and all her friends.  She will be missed indeed.

I just finished watching the video of our 50th Reunion.  I cried thru the whole thing, but I was smiling and giggling also,.

I too missed a lot of time getting to visit. 

This reunion was more epic than the first one we did on our own.  Not a stranger in the house.  We are such a unique class.  We stay in touch and visit if possible when we are near a classmate.  I am proud to be a Rocket, but more proud to be a member of the Class of '66'...

Thanks to all who put forth great time and effort to pull this reunion together. 

May we all make small commitments to continue to stay in touch and when ever in the area of other classmates, let 'em know and plan a gathering.  Mini reunions are just special. 

Until we meet again, don't know where, don't know when.. But we will.

John Schmidt Jr.

Nancy thanks for the kind words.  I agree with you about the reunion, thanks to an awesome reunion committee, I too felt this was the best ever.  I am really glad you like the DVD.  Besides being fun to produce, I felt that videos and still pictures were way better than a reunion book.

Nancy Dralle (Elson)

The memorial for Annie Henry Billingley will be Saturday, February 18, at the home of Sue Teas in Marble Falls, TX. Sue says the gathering will begin around 1 or 2 pm. She really would like everyone to come but truly understands if folks aren't able to make the trip. 

Please bring pictures and lots of memories to share with all that loved Annie.

The best hotel accommodations in Marble Falls include Hampton Inn, LaQuinta, Motel 6, Holiday Inn and Best Western.  Sue's cell is 830-798-4918, please call her and let her know you are planning to attend, Sue is willing to try for a group rate.

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi Nancy, thank you for sharing information on Annie's memorial service.  I will contact Sue.

Guy McCool ('65)

BLAST from the past:

Bobby Fuller mini-documentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w29I_-1OElQ

Guy McCool ('65)

BLAST from the past:

Buddy Holly Documentary...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGxswarQLH4

Mary Yates (McGarr)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGwT5e4DYOk&feature=youtu.be

Nice YouTube on what El Paso looks like these days from a drone.  The rest of the stuff on the site is a bit weird though!

Mary McGarr

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi Guy McCool - thanks for the videos on Bobby Fuller and Buddy Holley.  I love both those guys.  Mary McGarr, I don't know what the problem is, but I cannot open your website - about seeing El Paso through a drone. I wonder if anyone else is having the same problem, or is it just me and my "faulty" computer.  Nevertheless, thanks for sharing.  Hope everyone is having a great Monday.

John Schmidt Jr.

Hi Glenn, I fixed the link so we now can view the video from Mary on what El Paso looks like these days from a drone.

https://youtu.be/iGwT5e4DYOk

Guy McCool ('65)

Mary, Glenn and John:

Wow.....this was gr8 footage of EP.  Geeeez!

I think there are 2 types of people.....those who hate the desert.....and those who love the desert.  Well....I'm from the latter group....I always LOVED El Paso......I just loved the open spaces.

When my Dad was in Palm Desert, CA and I would go out for the weekend and visit and help him maintain his place because he was in his mid 80's.....on Sat nite.....we would sip Coors beer and reminisce over the good old days in EP.  One night.....he admitted to me that the day Marty Robbins died (remember Marty's famous ballad El Paso).....that he was so sad that he wept.  My Dad was a very STRONG person in his spirit....but he did have a few vulnerable spots.....and I was actually very PROUD of him for his feelings towards Marty Robbins and his inimitable, emotional song....."El Paso"!

Thank you for your efforts in contributing this video!

Guy
 

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi John, thanks for fixing the website.  El Paso from the drone was fantastic. Though the Navy sent me to many different places to live, I still love the desert.  Marty Robbins' El Paso and tumbleweeds always bring back great memories of our fair city.  Hey, Guy, I totally agree with your Dad.  I love all songs by Marty Robbins, especially "El Paso."  It was the first western song by any artist to catch my attention, and I sing/hum it to myself all day long.

Jerry Barrett

How Great Thou Art   The world's first all-vocal country band. Using nothing but their voices.   http://nethugs.com/music/how-g reat-thou-art-home-free/   How Great Thou Art - Home Free nethugs.com The world's first all-vocal country band. Using nothing but their voices, Home Free sings How Great Thou Art amid gorgeous background scenery. What did you think of ...

Armando Maldonado

Jerry, thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed this video.

Guy McCool ('65)

Jerry: 

Wowzers!  These guys are fantastic.....especially with only 5 of them...they manage to have gr8 "depth".  They also have outstanding individual voices....so when they sing together there is a definite "synergy" there.  Thanks for sharing this!

I discovered a larger "A Capella" singing group on YouTube a couple of years ago called Perpetuum Jazzile (pronounced Per-pe-two-um  Jazz-ill-lay).  The group is based in Slovenia (Melania Trump's original home....and that country is just incredibly BEAUTIFUL). The group's popularity has "taken off" and they travel around the world performing.  Seeing them in person is definitely on my "Bucket List".  They're very talented and they all seem to love what they do and also appear to be having a lot of FUN!

You can watch all of their videos by keying in Perpetuum Jazzile on the YouTube "Search" box on www.youtube.com.

Here are 3 of my favorites: 

AFRICA:  Turn your volume up early because they are trying to simulate rain and eventually thunder BEFORE they start to sing....be patient.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjbpwlqp5Qw

ABBA GREATEST HITS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4ERHRe2bt0

JUMP FOR MY LOVE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_3969421445&feature=iv&src_vid=yjbpwlqp5Qw&v=Cm0QkvAdR6s

After I submitted this....it appears that the "links" are only showing up as text....so you will have to select the entire link and paste it into your browse and then hit RETURN.

Glenn Gonzalez

Thanks for posting, Jerry.  The music is fantastic.  Hey Guy, thanks for your recommendation on Perpetuum.  I'll check them out, too.  Everyone - have a great musical day.

Pam Davis (Cotten)

FABULOUS, Jerry!! So enjoyable, and I plan to pass it along to others.  Thank you!

Sherry Shutt (Reed)

John, I loved the video of El Paso! Fun to watch and listen to. Jerry, what a beautiful video of a wonderful group and hymn. I will check them out further. What Guy said about their voices... right on. Guy, I'll also look at the group you told us about. I sure know how to spend a day, right?

Cheryl Greer

Thank you John and Mary, for the awesome " El Paso" by Drone View,  Ireally did enjoy. Just think of the changes this city has had in the past 50 years.  These kids now days just take it all with a grain of salt. Glad I'm at the age to appreciate all those years and changes.

Mary Yates (McGarr)

I never have seen a photo that was taken of me, Tom, Sandy, Toni, and several others at the Saturday night reception/dance.

Can anyone send me a copy, please?

Thanks,

Mary McGarr

John Schmidt Jr.

Hi Mary, I have searched all the pictures that I have and all the pictures that where sent to me for our 50^th Reunion DVD.  I cannot find a picture that matches your description.  If someone sends you the picture, please post it on our website.

Mary Yates (McGarr)

Thanks for looking!  Will let you know if someone sends it.

Mary McGarr

K. Gail Browne (Phillips)

Anyone interested in a mini reunion of Midwestern dwellers? If so, I can put something together in the Detroit area. Maybe over a weekend? Maybe lunch together in the Mexicantown area of Detroit? An evening at a comedy or jazz club? I'm thinking early to mid September this year. 

Glenn Gonzalez

Hi Gail, thank you for your kind offer to organize a mini-reunion.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend one in your neighborhood in the near future.  Hopefully, others might have the time.  It should be fun. Incidentally, have you heard of the mini-reunion planned for the early classes (''60 - '66) at Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso from Oct. 16 - 19?  A few of the '66 classmates are planning to attend that one.  If you're interested, I can connect you with the organizers - Pam Davis Cotten ('62) and Byron McCool ('61).  Hope to see you soon.

John Schmidt Jr.

Classmates enjoying a night out at the Hill Country Cattle Women “Spring Roundup” in Kerrville, TX.  The funds raised went for scholarships and other continues educational endeavors throughout the Texas hill country. 

From left to right: John Schmidt & Liz Jensen, Steve & Jen Clemens, Jim & Rita Arket

Glenn Gonzalez

Hey John, thanks for sharing.  I am sorry I missed this event and missed seeing all you nice people.  I plan to attend next year.  See you all soon.