I think one of the guys goosed Carol. Carol and Ken were down visiting John for the holidays and I "happened" to be there to capture the moment. I had a blast. Thanks to John for dinner and thanks everyone for the laughs.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
JOHN HINES, CAROL HINES HOFFMAN and her husband, KENNY RAY
I think one of the guys goosed Carol. Carol and Ken were down visiting John for the holidays and I "happened" to be there to capture the moment. I had a blast. Thanks to John for dinner and thanks everyone for the laughs.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
ANOTHER LUNCH - UNIVERSAL CITY GROUP
We are meeting for lunch on Thursdays at 1:00 --- if you want to join us just email me and let me know when to put you on the "list". We won't be meeting again until after December 6th or so. This is Linda Tucker Prater, Cal/Stan Sumner, Gloria Campbell Gallagher, Jeanne Roberts Stinson and Kathy Dailey Norton. Good looking group I'd say. We have no agenda - just talk and eat. Come and join us if you can. Love, Gloria
RICK NORTON '66 ---- SENIOR TRIATHLETE
Wanted to share some good news, at the end of September; 08, I competed in the TX State Senior Olympics finals in Temple and won the triathlon event for my age group. I'll be representing TX in the Nationals Sr. Olympics in the triathlon that will be held in San Francisco CA., August '09. That's me on the right and Rob Yates in the middle, he won his age group, he is a youngster at 53. I did have some wear and tear. Currently recovering from hernia surgery but should be fully recovered and back training Jan1.
Other news, Matt, 2nd son, and his wife Kristina are expecting their second child July ‘09. The mix now is all boys and all grandsons so all fingers and toes crossed for a girl.
Take care and be safe, Rick Norton, class of ’66, 361-550-7145
Other news, Matt, 2nd son, and his wife Kristina are expecting their second child July ‘09. The mix now is all boys and all grandsons so all fingers and toes crossed for a girl.
Take care and be safe, Rick Norton, class of ’66, 361-550-7145
NEW BABY FOR GLORIA'S DAUGHTER
This is my new Granddaughter! She is my tenth grandchild and my daughter Allison's sixth baby! Does anybody remember my earlier newsletter discussion about Zero Population? Aparently, my children didn't read that article.
Agathia Gloria Ruth Pechuls Hernandez arrived last nite 11/20/08 at almost midnight (Eastern Time). She's a healthy 7lb 2oz - 21" long. I'm not too fond of the name Agathia - but i guess it's a lot better than "Apple" or "Bronx". Allison is thinking of calling her "Aggie" and I say that's all well and good but I can't see her attending the University of Texas with that nickname. I'm thinking of calling her "Goldie" ... because her 4D ultrasound pictures were tinted a weird gold color. However, Baby Gloria kinda sounds pretty cool. Ruth was my mom's middle name and I figure y'all know where "Gloria" came from. It's also the other granny's name. So we are thrilled to have another girl after 7 boys in the family and it's been 8 years since the last grandchild was born.
I'll be in Florida being the Grandma for the next 2 weeks. Y'all have a Great Thanksgiving! Love, Gloria
VETERAN'S DAY NOTE FROM JERRY BALL '65
Greetings, Fellow Veterans! We're still here!
This morning I attended the Veterans Day observance at the small town of Boerne, Texas - about 40 miles northwest of San Antonio. There was a larger ceremony in San Antonio, but it was centered at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - not an inappropriate site but one better suited for Memorial Day. I wanted a different emphasis so I chose Boerne, about fifteen miles from my house.
It was overcast as I parked at the large Catholic church across the street from Veterans Plaza. The plaza is used for a wide variety of community gatherings from flea markets to arts and crafts sales, but today it was set aside for its original purpose - to honor veterans. At the center of the plaza is a flagpole and an adjacent tower made of Texas Hill Country field stones. The tower has four sides. The three sides marked for World War I, World War II, and Korea have the names of Kendall County residents who died in those conflicts. The fourth side is titled "Viet Nam" but thankfully it has no names listed. The ceremony front was east of the tower and flagpole, and there were a couple of rows of folding chairs for dignitaries. Behind them, about twenty men sat in wheelchairs. Behind those rows, maybe two hundred citizens stood or sat in lawn chairs. North of ceremony center, there was a traditional rifle squad from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter. South of the tower, a fifty member choir from the local high school stood. Behind the tower, a slightly larger high school band sat behind their music stands. On the walkway between the choir and the band, a four person honor guard from the Air Force Junior ROTC awaited their cue.
At the symbolic "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" when, 90 years earlier, the "War to End All Wars" was brought finally to a halt, our honor guard started its march to the flagpole. As citizens covered their hearts with their hands and veterans and current military members saluted, Old Glory was raised to the top of the pole and, after a brief pause, lowered to half staff. The youthful choir lifted the flag in a different way with its harmonic rendering of our National Anthem. Then everybody there joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A few people spoke. And then our primary speaker came to the microphone. An Army warrant officer helicopter pilot in Viet Nam, he retired this year after 42 years of service. He spoke of the time when his father left his pregnant wife to begin his Army service in World War II which included battles in North Africa, Sicily, and Anzio. His father returned home to see his firstborn child, a daughter, who was 3 1/2 years old. While his father seldom talked of the war, he did take his children to Veterans Day parades. Our speaker recalled the first one he attended in 1953. He noted the respect with which the citizens held their service men and women, but he was most struck with the comradeship the veterans had for each other.
Fifteen years later, he would begin to understand that aspect even more when he entered the Marine Corps and then when he cross-trained into the Army as a helicopter pilot. He flew hundreds of combat hours in Vietnam and lost people close to him in the process. But he experienced the closeness of the "brotherhood of arms" - of the bonding of people who share the risks of combat together. Then he spoke of the low point of his service.
It was 1970. He was on a Flying Tiger charter out of Saigon and was the only officer on the plane so it fell to him to read an Army order to the returning soldiers as they approached the landing at Travis Air Force Base, California. The Army ordered them not to go into San Francisco that night. They were to go to their hotel near the airport where they would be flown out as soon as possible the next day. San Francisco citizens were beating up people in uniform and spitting on them, so the Army wanted to avoid confrontations.
The next day things changed. He got on his plane to Texas where he was surrounded by Texans who wanted to shake his hand and buy him a drink. While he left active duty in the Viet Nam drawdown, he remained in the reserve components where he cross-trained into intelligence and was recalled to active duty for tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Today, he thought back over his decades of service and of the many blessings that he has experienced through his service in the military and his comradeship with fellow veterans and their families.
He took his seat. The band played a medley of all of the military service songs. The rifle squad fired the traditional three volleys. The honor guard marched to the flagpole and raised Old Glory to the top again. The commemoration was over
Those of us in the crowd began to walk around shaking hands of fellow veterans and thanking the young people who had brought their talents to the event. Then we drifted off to our routines.
I like Veterans Day. I like being with other veterans. On Veterans Day, while I always remember those who died in the service of our country, I most remember all those who served and were blessed to live. I am thankful for the service of my father and my father-in-law who spent careers on active duty. I appreciate the service of my Uncle Roy who served in World War II and was recalled during Korea but whose primary work life was in financial services. I honor the service of My Uncle Ed who was a Seabee in the South Pacific in World War II, but who spent much of his post-war life building diesel engines. I am pleased that my niece is an Army combat medic and has been selected to go to Officer Candidate School upon her return from her current tour in Korea. I am awed by the young soldiers I see at Brooke Army Medical Center who have suffered great injury through their service to our country, but who are overwhelmingly positive in outlook. It is humbling to talk to an amputee who is hoping that his prosthetic devices will enable him to remain on active duty and to return to combat with his comrades. I am grateful to work daily with young Air Force officers and airmen who are serving our Nation today and who will be tomorrow's veterans. I am especially thankful to have known all of you veterans during my nearly 62 years of life.
In about 80 days, I will turn 62. Barring something totally unexpected, I will retire from my civil service job with the Air Force then. The Air Force has been at the core of my life since I took the oath of allegiance at the Air Force Academy in 1965. I think that is why this Veterans Day seems extra special to me. After this, it will never quite be the same.
May God bless you, our fellow veterans, our current service members, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Jerry Ball
This morning I attended the Veterans Day observance at the small town of Boerne, Texas - about 40 miles northwest of San Antonio. There was a larger ceremony in San Antonio, but it was centered at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - not an inappropriate site but one better suited for Memorial Day. I wanted a different emphasis so I chose Boerne, about fifteen miles from my house.
It was overcast as I parked at the large Catholic church across the street from Veterans Plaza. The plaza is used for a wide variety of community gatherings from flea markets to arts and crafts sales, but today it was set aside for its original purpose - to honor veterans. At the center of the plaza is a flagpole and an adjacent tower made of Texas Hill Country field stones. The tower has four sides. The three sides marked for World War I, World War II, and Korea have the names of Kendall County residents who died in those conflicts. The fourth side is titled "Viet Nam" but thankfully it has no names listed. The ceremony front was east of the tower and flagpole, and there were a couple of rows of folding chairs for dignitaries. Behind them, about twenty men sat in wheelchairs. Behind those rows, maybe two hundred citizens stood or sat in lawn chairs. North of ceremony center, there was a traditional rifle squad from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter. South of the tower, a fifty member choir from the local high school stood. Behind the tower, a slightly larger high school band sat behind their music stands. On the walkway between the choir and the band, a four person honor guard from the Air Force Junior ROTC awaited their cue.
At the symbolic "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" when, 90 years earlier, the "War to End All Wars" was brought finally to a halt, our honor guard started its march to the flagpole. As citizens covered their hearts with their hands and veterans and current military members saluted, Old Glory was raised to the top of the pole and, after a brief pause, lowered to half staff. The youthful choir lifted the flag in a different way with its harmonic rendering of our National Anthem. Then everybody there joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A few people spoke. And then our primary speaker came to the microphone. An Army warrant officer helicopter pilot in Viet Nam, he retired this year after 42 years of service. He spoke of the time when his father left his pregnant wife to begin his Army service in World War II which included battles in North Africa, Sicily, and Anzio. His father returned home to see his firstborn child, a daughter, who was 3 1/2 years old. While his father seldom talked of the war, he did take his children to Veterans Day parades. Our speaker recalled the first one he attended in 1953. He noted the respect with which the citizens held their service men and women, but he was most struck with the comradeship the veterans had for each other.
Fifteen years later, he would begin to understand that aspect even more when he entered the Marine Corps and then when he cross-trained into the Army as a helicopter pilot. He flew hundreds of combat hours in Vietnam and lost people close to him in the process. But he experienced the closeness of the "brotherhood of arms" - of the bonding of people who share the risks of combat together. Then he spoke of the low point of his service.
It was 1970. He was on a Flying Tiger charter out of Saigon and was the only officer on the plane so it fell to him to read an Army order to the returning soldiers as they approached the landing at Travis Air Force Base, California. The Army ordered them not to go into San Francisco that night. They were to go to their hotel near the airport where they would be flown out as soon as possible the next day. San Francisco citizens were beating up people in uniform and spitting on them, so the Army wanted to avoid confrontations.
The next day things changed. He got on his plane to Texas where he was surrounded by Texans who wanted to shake his hand and buy him a drink. While he left active duty in the Viet Nam drawdown, he remained in the reserve components where he cross-trained into intelligence and was recalled to active duty for tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Today, he thought back over his decades of service and of the many blessings that he has experienced through his service in the military and his comradeship with fellow veterans and their families.
He took his seat. The band played a medley of all of the military service songs. The rifle squad fired the traditional three volleys. The honor guard marched to the flagpole and raised Old Glory to the top again. The commemoration was over
Those of us in the crowd began to walk around shaking hands of fellow veterans and thanking the young people who had brought their talents to the event. Then we drifted off to our routines.
I like Veterans Day. I like being with other veterans. On Veterans Day, while I always remember those who died in the service of our country, I most remember all those who served and were blessed to live. I am thankful for the service of my father and my father-in-law who spent careers on active duty. I appreciate the service of my Uncle Roy who served in World War II and was recalled during Korea but whose primary work life was in financial services. I honor the service of My Uncle Ed who was a Seabee in the South Pacific in World War II, but who spent much of his post-war life building diesel engines. I am pleased that my niece is an Army combat medic and has been selected to go to Officer Candidate School upon her return from her current tour in Korea. I am awed by the young soldiers I see at Brooke Army Medical Center who have suffered great injury through their service to our country, but who are overwhelmingly positive in outlook. It is humbling to talk to an amputee who is hoping that his prosthetic devices will enable him to remain on active duty and to return to combat with his comrades. I am grateful to work daily with young Air Force officers and airmen who are serving our Nation today and who will be tomorrow's veterans. I am especially thankful to have known all of you veterans during my nearly 62 years of life.
In about 80 days, I will turn 62. Barring something totally unexpected, I will retire from my civil service job with the Air Force then. The Air Force has been at the core of my life since I took the oath of allegiance at the Air Force Academy in 1965. I think that is why this Veterans Day seems extra special to me. After this, it will never quite be the same.
May God bless you, our fellow veterans, our current service members, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Jerry Ball
San Antonio, TX
Saturday, September 13, 2008
MR. PORTER - TEACHER
These are pictures of Mr. Porter in the hospital recouperating from heart surgery. Visiting him in September are Bill Kem and Janet Watkins. Mr. Porter is doing well. Thank you for all your cards and letters.
UPDATE - 10/4/08 - Mr. Porter has been moved to the Methodist Hospital. He contracted pneumonia and is very sick. I will try to keep you updated on his condition but in the meantime you can still send cards and notes to his home address and they will be picked up and delivered by his sister. Thank you for caring and Mr. Porter wishes to thank each of you but as of now he is resting and sends his love.
Mr. Marvin Porter
231 Barbara
San Antonio, TX 78209
Friday, September 05, 2008
PATTIE HALE RAMIE '68
Thanks to Gloria for the fabulous job coordinating all the reunion details and maintaining the RoHawk web site. It has been fun reading about former classmates and seeing the photos. It looks like Randolph was pretty successful in giving alot of "kids" a good start in life. I retired in 2002 after almost 30 years in Human Resources with the State of Texas. My latest position involved writing personnel policy and while I loved my job I was determined to get out before going through another legislative session!! Plus, my husband (Ric) was already retired and he needed someone to be his "go-fer" at home! We live outside Austin by the north shore of Lake Travis and must be gluttons for punishment because we spend most of our time renovating houses. I never expected to be doing carpentry, wiring, plumbing, etc. in my golden years of retirement....I was thinking more about bon-bons and books! But I must say it is personally rewarding when a project is completed. We will become first-time grandparents in March (actually we do have one "grandpuppy", if that counts??). Our son, Brandon, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, are our pride and joy and have each already accomplished so much academically, professionally and personally. I think my son's specialty in mental health pharmacology might have been chosen with his mother in mind! It's hard to believe so much time has passed and I look forward to hearing what I'm sure will be many interesting stories of our classmates life journeys. Found one 1968 graduation photo to share (Mrs. Harris, Martha McDougall, Kathy McGraw, Carl Meade, Anita Hammonds, Patti Hale, James Meredith). Also, one relatively current photo of Ric, me, Brandon and Jen. Whew, forty years has gone fast.
Patti Hale, '68
Thursday, September 04, 2008
RON BERGQUIST '64
I'm finally getting around to replying, and not a moment too soon either. I know you all are going to have a wonderful time at the reunion and I will downing a glass in friendship and collegiality with you all, though from at a distance. I have totally enjoyed reading the recent postings and finding out about what everyone has been doing. I thought it was especially interesting to read Cal Sumner's story (though he will always be Stan the Man to me) and to realize how all of our paths crossed. Stan went to high school in Hawaii in 1960-63; I started elementary school there in 1950-53. He lived on Pope AFB and Fort Bragg as a kid; we lived right next to it from 1994-2004, having many of the same experiences with the planes, paratroopers, and excitement.We all have to thank our folks for having chosen the Air Force life and having taken us all along on the ride. It made for interesting times, then and now.While we are staying here in North Carolina during the reunion (my students here at UNC are a sort of youth tonic and I really enjoy learning from them), I'll be there in spirit and cheering for my brother, David, in the golf match. (David's personal motto should be "Undefeated in brotherly athletic competition since 1968, and maybe even since 1967"). I hope you are planning to post many colorful, enlightening, and even potentially embarrassing photos on the blog after the big event.
Love, Ron
Ron Bergquist '64
ps: By the way, you probably can't read it, but the small plaque on the wall behind me in the photo is one my sister sent me years ago. It reads "Home is where the Air Force sends you."
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
BARBARA BURD PETERS '66
Gloria,
Sounds like this is a party not to miss. And sorry I am going to miss it. Please send my best to all that remember me and those that don't. I have a few memories I'd like to share, Gilda Carney was a hoot and I am sorry to hear of her passing, but will always remember her big smile and the bouncing happy person she was. Dennis Sumner was my neighbor and there were a lot of laughs there too. How could there not be, he was a great friend back then. Charles Pitzer was my hubby in the play "Dear Ruth" that was a fun time that ended too soon as we transferred out and left town at the end of the play, my Senior year. My Soph year was my first year as a Ro-Hawk and I have such fond memories of how I was welcomed at my new school. I will never forget Typing class, I have the miss fortune of not being too good, and, well, remember putting initials up in the right hand corner of our tests? I got some really good grades til I realized these were not my papers!! There was another B.B. (Bill Borellis) in the class so we added a middle initial. My middle name is Kay, and Bill's middle initial was K also, so Bill had to go with W.B. My most embarrassing moment. EVERYONE knew what a lousy typist I was!!! It's pretty funny now. Maybe not so funny to Bill, if he even remembers. I'm still not a good typist!!I have been married for over thirty years and have two sons, both were soccer players and we did a lot of travel as they were on very competitive teams. Guess I was a "soccer mom" before it was in style. I loved every minute. Both boys went to college on scholarships. Neither son is married and I have no grandchildren, I hear it's a blast!! I live in AZ and my brother Robert (Bob) Burd lives in Nevada. My brother was in the class of 67. My father died in 2001, but my mom is still alive and living in Tucson, my baby sister lives in Tucson also. I have had a good life and look forward to hearing from some of you and making the trip for the next reunion. Although I am not there, this reunion has brought such nice thoughts, I am sorry I didn't stay in touch with anyone, Pat Nelson had friends sign my yearbook and sent it too me after I was gone. I would love to hear from any of you that remember me and "the good ol' days".... Gloria, please share this with the other Ro-Hawks. And thank you for all you have done to keep us connected. Have a wonderful time! God bless all of You,
Barbara Burd '66
Barbara
Monday, September 01, 2008
MORE PICTURES FROM THE '60'S
Me and Jackie
Lake McQueeney
Sweetheart Ball with Jack Nelson (Remember the Boysville Boys?)
KAREN POOR
BJ Taylor
Marilyn McConnell and UNK
Well I gotta thank you for the blast into the past….when I saw the post of the pool pictures by ronnie futch…and the drill team (which I am in…good gawd)…the hunt was on for my scrap book…so here I am busting out my memories . I have hung on to this dang book for ….well you know how long…I mean there are ticket stubs, dead flowers, cards, programs, even a flattened out cup from Jays drive in…(teenage girls…sheesh.) I scanned some to share.
I was in the drama club and a member of the national thespian society..(gosh it seemed cool then!) remember ..You can’t take it with you, and My sister Eileen, Tom Sawyer, Peter Beware ….Mr. Posey??? Karen Poor was my best friend, and as you see marilynn and betty jo
We hung out at the river in new braunfels, and at padre island mostly and lake McQueeny of course. Again thanks!
Melody “Dee” Landon
Sunday, August 31, 2008
MELODY LANDON '65
Hello Gloria ...thanks for thinkin' of us...meanin' my brother Pat (Pat Landon '64) and myself...sure wish we could make it down there to see you guys...know you all are gonna have a blast!! I was class of '65 and Pat 64 ...Dad went to Viet Nam and we moved to California so neither of us graduated from Randolph. I have often wondered what happened to all you guys. We live in California in our hometown and have for years...we live on the same street on the old family farm...both of us been hitched and unhitched and have some kids and some grandkids.
I consider myself retired ....whoooooooopeeeee........
Anyway you guys rawk on!!
To find out more about me and my family I have a yahoo360 page
http://360.yahoo.com/msgruntled
Melody "Dee" Landon
STAN SUMNER '64
VIVA FIESTA...VIVA SAN ANTONIO.
STAN "Cal" SUMNER
aka "Fiesta Hat King" of SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
aka "Fiesta Hat King" of SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
SEE: FIESTA PICTURES OF CAL IN EARLIER POSTINGS
Cool Cars, Cool Ro-Hawks
Hey you guys!!! Here is a picture of Linda Molleston and her friends in 1963 or '64, maybe at North Star Mall. Was there a Montgomery Ward there? L to R: Barbara Thielke, Linda Lopes and Linda Molleston in '63 or '64 Linda was class of '65, Linda Lopes '66 and Barbara Thielke '66. Check out the cool cars.
Remember -- click on the picture to make it larger....
Submitted by Linda and John Molleston
Submitted by Linda and John Molleston
CHRISTINE KESTERSON '67
Hi Gloria,
I saw the posting of the 63-64 RHS cheeleaders and I thought I should make a contribution from the 66-67 cheerleaders. The megaphone shot has always been a favorite of mine.
I've been here in New Braunfels since my Dad passed away in 1999. I came here to be with my Mom who doesn't drive. We don't live together, but I'm located close to her. I really haven't contacted anyone. I can't believe so much time has passed. It was hard transitioning from Dallas to here. The salary cut took awhile to adjust to, but here I am at FUA Window Coverings as their sales & marketing manager. I've been here for about 4 years and most days I really enjoy it. I'm looking forward to the reunion to make contact with you and the other Rohawks in the area. See you at the game on Friday.
Christine Kesterson '67
Sales & Marketing Manager
FUA Window Coverings
899 South Castell
New Braunfels TX 78130
830 608 0694
830 608 0677 fax
888 857 9195 toll free
ckesterson@fuawindowcoverings.com
http://www.fuawindowcoverings.com/
Linda McKinney (Molleston) ’65 and John Molleston ‘68
Linda McKinney (Molleston) ‘65
It has been fun seeing all the pictures from the past and I am sure that everyone will have a great time at the reunion. My brother John (Class of 68) will have to represent the Molleston family as I have had three straight weeks of travel and have company through September 7.
How to distill 43 years in a few paragraphs? After graduating I spent a year at Southwestern University (with Pam Pratt and John Hartig) then moved on to North Texas State. I ended up in Washington, D.C. in 1968 and lived there until I moved to Colorado in 1998. After five years of working as the administrative assistant to the senior partner of a law firm and primarily concentrating on my social life, I decided to take the winter off and think about what I wanted to do next. I spent a winter in Steamboat Springs skiing and having a great time and decided to move to Colorado permanently.
Fate intervened. While back in DC tying up loose ends, I got a job offer with an association in their convention and meetings department. That was the beginning of a career in the hospitality industry that is still continuing today. My job with the association led to a job with the largest producer of conventions and special events in the US where for over 15 years I was involved with sales and marketing while still producing a couple of large trade shows. I got the chance to meet an amazing array of people including all the US presidents from Reagan through Clinton and from public figures like Colin Powell to the Hollywood types like Kevin Costner and Don Johnson (during the height of Miami Vice mania). I also had the opportunity to serve on a number of company boards so the 15 years went quickly. By 98 I was tired of living on an airplane, tired of DC and ready for a change. I was thinking of joining a colleague who did sales training in the hospitality industry when the phone rang and I got an offer to manage the trade show division of a publishing company and it was based in Denver.
After 28 months working for a big public company and running both the east and west divisions (a week in Denver, a week in New York) I decided it was time for a change and did what I never thought I would do – I started my own business on October 1, 2000.
Fortunately, when I moved to Denver, I bought a house just outside Vail so the world headquarters of McKinney & Company is just 15 miles west of Vail and 6 miles west of Beaver Creek. My business does take me out of the mountains about once a month but the rest of the time I live in the beautiful Colorado Rockies at 7500 feet. The majority of my business is consulting for major convention destinations including Washington, DC, Atlanta, San Antonio, Baltimore, Denver and Chicago. I also do some customer service training for the front line staff in convention centers. Business is good and I am still having fun so no thoughts of retirement.
For the first time, I have time to play and living that close to Vail I get in about 60 days of skiing a season. I work on Vail Mountain on the weekends in guest service. I spend some time in Europe each fall and spend most of May in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Another great thing about being my own boss is that I have time for my other new interest – cooking.
For someone who was not the least interested in sports in high school, I now ski and snowshoe in the winter and hike in the summer and for most of the 90’s rode horses in Virginia. Of course, that has led to a few broken bones and I have more than my share of metal in my body. I blew out my knee this spring skiing so I’ve added a metal plate and a few screws to the leg. After 12 weeks on crutches I am walking again and I will have the ski boots on when the mountain opens November 23.
I am looking forward to hearing all about the reunion from John and hopefully there will be lots of pictures.
Linda McKinney (Molleston)
Pictures: Current pictures of Linda, Reid and Dorothy Molleston and John.
John Molleston ‘68
Although Linda is three years my senior, she is still able to hike me under the table, or is that off the mountain, whenever I visit her in Vail. I blame it on the high altitude.
I’ve lived in Austin since I graduated from RHS and I retired this week after 36 years in state government at the Texas General Land Office. I’ve been privileged to be senior researcher for the Archives of the General Land Office. Our archives consist of 36 million documents that tell the story of the history of land settlement in Texas.
I plan on taking a month off and then mull over new job opportunities. I am leaning toward accepting a position as senior greeter at a local Walmart. Or I may study medicine and become a surgeon so I can remove that creepy third hand growing out of Linda’s left shoulder.
Our younger sister Julie, who went to Randolph Elementary, is living in Los Angeles. She is Vice President of Human Resources for Sony Pictures Digital Production. They are the folks who make the animated features like “Surf’s Up” and “Open Season” and they also do the visual effects for movies like “Beowulf” and “I Am Legend” and “Hancock.” She is excited about two upcoming Sony distributed releases: The new James Bond film, “Quantum of Solace” coming this winter (I’ll be there) and a new animated film, “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” coming in 2010. I think they are striking a special print of “Cloudy” in two-track mono so it can play at the RAFB Theater and rock the joint. If any of you don’t like these movies, please contact Julie for a refund. I get to hear great stories from her about the movie biz and look forward to a visit and tour of the Sony Lot.
I have to think that our five years at Randolph went a long way in shaping our lives for the better. Our parents, Reid and Dorothy Molleston, and the parents of our friends at Randolph, many of them gone now, deserve our undying admiration and gratitude for all the support and love, for all these years.
John Molleston ‘68
Saturday, August 30, 2008
CONNIE BEST '69
Gloria—Thank you for all your work in organizing the reunion and for the opportunity to post on your blog. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about my classmates. It brought back a lot of great memories of RHS and the wonderful people there.
My name is Connie Best and I attended all four years at RHS graduating in 1969. My plans for attending UT changed that summer when my dad retired. My parents were both from South Carolina and decided that we would move back “home.” I really lost touch with everyone so I am looking forward to the reunion.
Here’s my quick summary. I graduated from the University of South Carolina (the real USC) with a degree in Psychology; worked for 5 years; went back to Texas for 3 years to get a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at N.T.S.U.; and came back to Charleston where I have been on the faculty at the Medical University of South Carolina since 1983. I am a Professor in the Psychiatry Department where I teach, see patients, and do research primarily in the field of post traumatic stress disorder. I feel so fortunate because I like my work and the people that I work with, and because of my work I have had the opportunity to do a lot of interesting things. For example, I was invited to be the “expert” on Oprah twice (obviously, I’m no Dr. Phil).
But as much as I like my work, the thing that is most important to me is my family. I guess I was sort of a “late bloomer” in the family department. I didn’t get married until I was 40 and had a baby at 43. I met my husband, Paul, through the Navy Reserve and talked him into leaving land-locked Georgia and moving to beautiful Charleston with the great ocean breezes (and a little bit of humidity). We have been happily married for 17 years. Paul is now retired from dentistry and we are both retired from the Navy Reserves. We have a 14 year old daughter named Lucy who is the light of our lives. All you former Air Force kids might be pleased to know that Lucy is continuing in the military tradition by joining the A.F. JROTC as she begins her freshman year in high school. Our family is rounded out by Paul’s two daughters (one in Atlanta and one in Phoenix), two son-in-laws, and our soon to be 4th grandchild. Sadly, my dad passed away in 1978. However, my mom lives in an independent facility about 4 miles from us, and even though she has dementia, her long term memory is good and she remembers many of you. And we all still look like the pictures in the yearbook, right?
I can’t wait to see everyone. Go Ro-Hawks!
My name is Connie Best and I attended all four years at RHS graduating in 1969. My plans for attending UT changed that summer when my dad retired. My parents were both from South Carolina and decided that we would move back “home.” I really lost touch with everyone so I am looking forward to the reunion.
Here’s my quick summary. I graduated from the University of South Carolina (the real USC) with a degree in Psychology; worked for 5 years; went back to Texas for 3 years to get a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at N.T.S.U.; and came back to Charleston where I have been on the faculty at the Medical University of South Carolina since 1983. I am a Professor in the Psychiatry Department where I teach, see patients, and do research primarily in the field of post traumatic stress disorder. I feel so fortunate because I like my work and the people that I work with, and because of my work I have had the opportunity to do a lot of interesting things. For example, I was invited to be the “expert” on Oprah twice (obviously, I’m no Dr. Phil).
But as much as I like my work, the thing that is most important to me is my family. I guess I was sort of a “late bloomer” in the family department. I didn’t get married until I was 40 and had a baby at 43. I met my husband, Paul, through the Navy Reserve and talked him into leaving land-locked Georgia and moving to beautiful Charleston with the great ocean breezes (and a little bit of humidity). We have been happily married for 17 years. Paul is now retired from dentistry and we are both retired from the Navy Reserves. We have a 14 year old daughter named Lucy who is the light of our lives. All you former Air Force kids might be pleased to know that Lucy is continuing in the military tradition by joining the A.F. JROTC as she begins her freshman year in high school. Our family is rounded out by Paul’s two daughters (one in Atlanta and one in Phoenix), two son-in-laws, and our soon to be 4th grandchild. Sadly, my dad passed away in 1978. However, my mom lives in an independent facility about 4 miles from us, and even though she has dementia, her long term memory is good and she remembers many of you. And we all still look like the pictures in the yearbook, right?
I can’t wait to see everyone. Go Ro-Hawks!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
PAM PRATT VILES '65
Hi, Gloria. While the Ro-Hawks are gathered in San Antonio, Bob and I are going to be in Bastrop at the annual meeting of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists. As he is a past President, it is a command performance.
We moved to Sugar Land in 1976 when it was still a small company town. We spent 21 years in one house, then downsized when the girls left home. We've been in another house ever since. Having moved so frequently as an Air Force brat, I never dreamt I would put down such long term roots. I am shocked at how much stuff (read junk) we've accumulated since being settled in one place. Remember how our families traveled light, keeping only the items we needed at the time? We rarely even had any furniture of our own, which is why my mother always made friends with someone at Base Operations as soon as we arrived at a new assignment.
Bob retired from the operating room in 1990 after his illness, and is now a half-time medical director for a large hospital system in Houston. I spent many years volunteering for various charities and sitting on the Foundation Board for the same hospital system, until someone realized that I was eleven years into a nine year term. Since then, I try to do as little as possible.
We moved to Sugar Land in 1976 when it was still a small company town. We spent 21 years in one house, then downsized when the girls left home. We've been in another house ever since. Having moved so frequently as an Air Force brat, I never dreamt I would put down such long term roots. I am shocked at how much stuff (read junk) we've accumulated since being settled in one place. Remember how our families traveled light, keeping only the items we needed at the time? We rarely even had any furniture of our own, which is why my mother always made friends with someone at Base Operations as soon as we arrived at a new assignment.
Bob retired from the operating room in 1990 after his illness, and is now a half-time medical director for a large hospital system in Houston. I spent many years volunteering for various charities and sitting on the Foundation Board for the same hospital system, until someone realized that I was eleven years into a nine year term. Since then, I try to do as little as possible.
Our elder daughter, Pippa, is a high school counselor married to an English teacher. They had a baby girl on 8/8/08, and named her Emeline. Our younger daughter, Chelsea, passed the bar exam three years ago, but rarely puts on her lawyer hat. She works for a large commercial mortgage company putting industrial investors together with deals. Despite the current economy, she is surprisingly busy.
Bob and I enjoy travelling and do as much of it as we can. So far we haven't made it to the Far East, but that is about the only place we've missed.
Please send my fond regards to our classmates. Some of those who graduated in 1967 might remember my brother, Bill Pratt. He didn't graduate from RHS, because our parents had been sent to Germany by then, but he was there for several years. Bill died in 1995.
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I enclose some photos: my elder daughter Pippa, Chelsea with her boyfriend, Emeline as a newborn, and one of me taken a few weeks ago in Pensacola.
Love to all,
Pam Pratt Viles '65
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Sunday, August 24, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Janet Francis Murillo and her husband Ray
July 2008 New baby Clydesdale at a ranch in Divide. Her name is Liberty and she was born the day before we saw her.
Submitted by Janet Francis Murillo '64
THE CARS WE DROVE IN THE 50'S AND 60'S
Check out this web site --- submitted by Dennis Bianchi '64
http://cruzintheavenue.com/CarsWeDrove.htm
http://cruzintheavenue.com/CarsWeDrove.htm
Sunday, August 17, 2008
SUSIE (Linda Tucker Prater) HOMEMAKER
Linda Tucker Prater, Marty Lindley, Gloria Campbell Gallagher and Kathy Dailey Norton at Gloria's house. This is the first pie cooked by Linda ---- It was as delicious as it was BEAUTIFUL!! See, you are never to old to learn new tricks!! Oh, wait, did I say that out loud? Is there any more pie left? No, I think Jeff ate the last piece....... yummy
Thursday, August 14, 2008
VISIT WITH ROBERT AND JAN DEMOTTA
Robert arriving at the Oasis
John Hines with friend
I was up in Austin picking up my girlfriend, Mary, from her hotel with John in tow (well, John drove my truck because I'm a little wimpy on the highway - thanks John). We decided to take Mary to the Oasis Restaurant on Lake Travis (just to show off). Then I remembered that Robert told me to call him next time I was in Austin so we did. He lives around the corner from the restaurant. So we ended up at Robert's house. We had a great afternoon! Thanks Rob and Jan for showing us your house and for your great hospitality. Don't forget to bring the football films to the party Robert. Maybe Coach Nelson will be there and we can all figure out what went wrong on Friday nite!!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
POOL SHOTS 1963
If you can identify anyone please add it to the comments section below.... thanksPhotos submitted by Ronald Futch '63
(Remember, click on the picture and it will get larger and then you can read the names and see them better).
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