2012 Reunion: The Story

By all accounts, our class reunion in Northern California, September 13-17, 2012, was a great success. Participants reported having had a lot of fun and noted the tightening of bonds of friendship.  Fourteen members of our class and five spouses came together at this reunion. Special recognition and thanks go to Tom Devereaux, our magnificent host, and to Dan Clayton, our trusted bursar, for setting up activities and managing the expenses.

I, as coordinator of this event, feel very gratified for all who came and for all that we shared together.  AND, at this point, I want to express my gratitude to my wife, Chris, who worked with me and supported me in pulling this reunion together.

Doug Kruse and Ken Stephens came to our class reunion for the first time.  It was great to see them, to mutually catch up on our lives, to enjoy our time together.  Doug wrote me this week saying, “How is it that, having been a member of the class for one year [Fourth Year Theology], I feel so at home 44 years later.  You guys are special….”  John Ernst, who had come to a reunion in 1993, joined us again this year.  He obviously had a good time as he extended his stay in Northern California − along with the Wampach's, Hageman's, and Meyer's - to Wednesday, September 19.  Frank and Judy Fulkerson stayed through Monday evening, September 17, when we went to the beautiful and famous Francis Ford Coppola Winery in scenic Sonoma Valley where we enjoyed a delicious dinner on the outdoor patio against the backdrop of the sunlit mountains in the East.

 Lf to Rt: Chris, Tom, Betty, Don, Judy, Frank, John,
Linda & Norm at Coppola Winery

The following attended:  Fr. Dan Clayton, Fr. Tom Devereaux, John and Kathy Driscoll, John Ernst, Frank and Judy Fulkerson, Norm and Linda Hageman, Mike Heydinger, Fr. Frank Kehres, Fr. Ger Knueven, Fr. Jim Koenigsfeld, Doug Kruse, Tom and Chris Meyer, Ken Stephens, Don and Betty Wampach.

On late Thursday afternoon, September 13, we gathered at the rectory of St. Rose of Lima Church in Santa Rosa, where Tom D is now assigned, for cocktails and dinner.  And, wouldn't you know it, Don and Betty and I and Chris didn't get there until 6:00 pm because we wanted to squeeze in a "quick drive" to Mendocino and back earlier that afternoon.  Soon, after our arrival, we sat down for a delicious meal of shish kebobs, twice-baked potatoes, etc, along with local wine.  After we finished our meal, we individually shared news about ourselves while we sat around the table.  As the conversation evolved, Frank K perceptively asked whether anyone would want to share their experiences and views of today's Catholic Church.  We began rather quickly to talk about our concerns, frustrations, hopes, and visions for the Church. Ordained and lay, we spoke freely, harboring respect and support for one another.  This was a heartfelt way to end our evening.

Early on Friday morning, September 14, John D and Kathy, as well as Jim, went on a hot air balloon ride, leading to adventures about which later John could only grimace and Jim could only laugh.  In the meantime, the rest of us headed to Alexander Valley Vineyards in Sonoma County.  After a little wine sampling we were given an informative, guided tour around the winery’s operations.  Our guide took us into the Vineyards' caves where hundreds upon hundreds of oak barrels were kept as the wine within aged in this constantly cool environment.  With the time remaining before lunch was served, some of us sauntered over to an old one-room schoolhouse.  John E swung in the swing hanging from a tall tree.  Our lunch was a grand, three-course, gourmet affair, white wine for the beginning and red wine with the main course.  This was especially delectable!

 A.V. Vineyards: Frank K & Norm assay the grape;

Tom amused.

That afternoon we drove to Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley.  Jim caught up with us.  Castello di Amorosa, an amazing edifice built as an ancient Tuscan (Italy) fortress, attracts throngs of tourists.  Here our guided tour focused more on the construction of this edifice than on their wine-making process.  The castle is designed with gorgeous brick arches and towers and is adorned with beautiful murals and sculptures; it also harbors interesting rooms such as a giant dining hall and the Torture Chamber.  We completed the tour with a private wine-tasting in one of the castle’s underground rooms.  Several of us bought a bottle or two of wine to take home.

 Dan, Tom D, & Frank K behind gentleman

approaching camera.

Dan and Doug appear to be leaving the

Torture Chamber; Mike is taking a picture.

Guide identifying facets of Castello di Amorosa

Courtyard to Ken & Chris

In the late afternoon we headed off to the town of Sonoma to see the northernmost Mission in California and to then dine at The Girl and The Fig.  It was in the course of this journey that our caravan experience became "interesting."  Unexpectedly the lead car in which Tom D was riding pulled off onto the shoulder of the highway.  So, we all pulled off to the side of the road.  Even a couple of unidentified cars who were, as it were, trapped in our caravan pulled off.  Word trickled down via cell phones that Tom D was awaiting an important phone call.  Approximately 15-20 minutes later, Norm and Linda pulled rank from the caravan and drove on to Sonoma; Chris and I were riding with them.  A couple cars followed us.  The Mission was closed by the time we arrived in Sonoma.  In addition, with no reservations, The Girl and The Fig could not accommodate the seventeen of us for dinner.  We assembled on a nearby side street to determine “Plan B.”  We then drove on to a countryside dining establishment called Kenwood Restaurant where we enjoyed our meals and comradery in a lovely, quiet atmosphere.  What a satisfying way to end our day!

Kenwood Restaurant
Front Row: Fr. Frank, Fr. Dan, Fr. Tom, Fr. Ger, Fr. Jim

Back Row: Chris, Tom, Ken, Doug, John, Judy, Frank, 

Linda, Norm, Don, Betty, Mike

Saturday morning, September 15, we carpooled to Napa where we boarded the historic, restored Napa Valley Wine Train.  (We had reservations!  That’s why Tom D was waiting for a call back on the previous day.)  During this 3-hour excursion we partook in a mouth-watering gourmet lunch and gazed upon vineyard after vineyard in the Napa Valley.  The vineyards lined up on hillsides; they were immaculate.  Grape harvesting was in progress.

Train cars from 1917 restored.

Swordfish: it's in the presentation!

Vineyards in Napa Valley

John & Kathy Driscoll aboard Napa Valley Wine Train.
(Linda, Norm, Jim, & Ger in background.)

It was late Saturday afternoon when we all gathered back at the Main Street Vacation House in Cloverdale where the Hageman’s, Wampach’s, and Meyer’s were staying.  Soon after we returned, the boombox blared.  It marked the beginning of the Zumba exercise class led by Susan DeGregory, the daughter of Frank F and Judy.  With all the gusto and movement characteristic of our young adult generation, Susan led approximately 10 members of our group in an hour-long, fun-filled exercise routine. 

Susan choreographing Zumba exercise.

Front Row (Lf to Rt): Linda, Jim

Middle: Betty, Judy, Ger

Back: Frank F, Norm, Chris (hidden behind Judy)

Having completed the Zumba class, we then turned our focus to the picnic/birthday party affair which our wives had lovingly prepared.  In this casual, relaxed, spirited setting food was consumed; beer and wine flowed; jokes and laughter were unending.  The surprise birthday cake appeared, covered with burning candles.  The group sang “Happy Birthday’s” to Frank F, Kathy, and me.  We then acknowledged all the members of our class present for their 70^th birthdays as well.  We did learn that Doug was going to remain 69 for one more year.  On this upbeat note we parted for the night.

Lf to Rt: Frank K, Ken, John D, Ger, Dan, Frank F,

Tom, John E, Jim, Norm, Don, Mike

We gathered together for the 9:00 AM Liturgy at St. Rose of Lima in Santa Rosa on Sunday morning, September 16.  Tom D introduced us all to the parish faith community.  He also presided at this liturgy; Dan, Frank K, Ger, and Jim concelebrated.  Don and I proclaimed the two Scripture readings.  During the Kiss of Peace a number in our group had moist eyes as we exchanged handshakes, hugs, and kisses.  We mingled with parishioners after the Liturgy. 

Lf to Rt: Fr. Ger, Fr. Frank, Fr. Tom, Fr. Dan, Fr. Jim

 

"Sacred Space" embraces outdoors.

  

Tom D led us over to a portion of the original church structure that did not fall with the 2006 earthquake.  We then joined in the parish festival.  As we ate together near the outdoor stage, we witnessed and felt the energy and spirit of all the festival goers in this comfortable and brilliant, sunlit setting.  Later in the afternoon Jim informed us he was taking leave to drive back to Durango, Colorado.  This was the first of numerous, later good-byes.  I think I can say for all of us that we experienced pain and sadness, but yet joy, as one of our “brothers” left.  After the festival some of us went to see the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens in Santa Rosa.  Sunday evening we went to La Rosa Tequileria and Grille in Santa Rosa for dinner.  (This was another superb “Plan B” after the Russian River Brewery could not seat us because of the large number of other people also waiting.)  Again, our food and drink were very satisfying.  We all knew that this was our “Last Supper” together.  I think we all sought to maximize our fellowship and closeness at this time and place.  Then came the moment for a string of good-byes

This reunion was a memorable experience.  Before everyone departed, we began to brainstorm locations for our next class reunion in 2014.  We hope additional classmates will come.  If anyone in our class has a suggestion, pass that idea on to me at tmeyer@nc.rr.com.

Northern California Reunion

WE

...remembering the Gold Rush,

...panning the ocean thrust,

...tasting the wine crush,

...singing "Happy Birthday" a must,

...enjoying accommodations plush;

Deepening Fraternal/Sororal Trust!

 NEWS BULLETIN: Cloverdale and Santa Rosa, CA, September 13-17, 2012

• It was reported that a six-car caravan was seen passing through Sonoma and Napa Valleys.  In the front seat of the first car was spotted the familiar face of Tom Devereaux.
• The Torture Chamber at the Castello di Amorosa quickly loosened the tongue of Don Wampach.
• Spectators stopped to watch a hot air balloon over the countryside outside of Santa Rosa, its basket of passengers breaking through the branches of an oak tree.  An EMS squad was heard rushing to the scene.  Reportedly two passengers were injured: John Driscoll with a broken foot and Jim Koenigsfeld with thistle thorns.
• A warm glow emanated through the windows of the vacation house on Main Street in Cloverdale as 70(?) candles were burning on a birthday cake.  Kathy Driscoll (Sept 16), Frank Fulkerson (Sept 15), and Tom Meyer (Sept 16) were feted at this signature birthday party.  News was leaked that it took 14 guys to blow out all the candles.
• "Fr. Tom Devereaux's Breakfast Special" was discovered to be featured at Zini's Diner in Cloverdale.  This special is ideal for someone with a big appetite, if you like your sausage patties "cremated."
• Unfamiliar utterances were heard echoing across Sonoma Valley this week - "Why me, O Lord," "Check the blog," "Frank? Frank? Frank!"
• A Northwestern Ohio guy found Zumba exercise to be coursing through his veins here in Northern California.  His name?  Ger Knueven.  That's right, Ger Knueven was seen participating in a group class led by Zumba instructor Susan DeGregory.
• The Department of Homeland Security was monitoring the activities of a solitary biker through the Redwood Forests and along the Russian River in Northern California.  After analyzing the tread marks, they determined this person to be John Ernst.  They concluded, "There goes a happy man!"
• The Alexander Valley Vineyard owners reported hiring a half dozen midwesterners as field hands in their vineyards.  Mike Heydinger, an esteemed horticulturalist from Sandusky, Ohio, was their "prefect."
• Neighbors fearfully watched a group of strangers gathering in the middle of a side street in Sonoma, California.  This group had just left from The Girl and The Fig since no table was available in the restaurant.  One car was blocking traffic.  This group began to disperse after a woman in the crowd held up her mobile GPS and shouted, "I've got it!"  An investigative reporter determined this enlightened woman to be Linda Hageman.
• The St. Rose of Lima Parish Festival was honored with the presence of 19 members of the Joss Class of 1968 on Sunday afternoon.  A roving photographer captured a couple scenes: Ken Stephens (Cubs fan) and Don Wampach (White Sox fan) standing side-by-side, Dan Clayton sitting between Judy Fulkerson and Chris Meyer, two of five lovely women present.

Look for a summary of the events and activities of this reunion, with pictures, in a subsequent post.

38th Annual Chicagoland Joss St. Joseph's Gathering

Hello Members and Families of the Josephinum Class of 1968,

There were 14 of us - five priests and nine lay members, some with our wives - who just had a fabulous time together in the California Wine Country of Sonoma and Napa Counties.  This included Ken Stephens (now retired in San Diego and from Freeport, IL) for the first time, as well as Doug Kruse from the Portland, OR area for the first time, and John Ernst (from Thousand Oaks, CA and from Peoria, IL), who hasn't been able to join us since 1993.  Fr. Tom Devereaux of the Santa Rosa Diocese was our magnificent host and "caravan leader," aided by his erstwhile assistant Fr. Dan Clayton of the Diocese of Dallas.

I wish to invite all of you to join us for our 38th Annual Chicagoland Joss St. Joseph's Gathering on Sunday, March 17 at 3:00 p.m.  We set this date in late March of this year with Bishop Ron Herzog since it fits his calendar for 2013.  Ron joined us in 2011 and he had a wonderful time.  Frank and Judy Fulkerson have already indicated that they plan to come.  John & Kathy Driscoll are regulars.  Mike & Dee Heydinger have been regulars for many years.  Tom & Chris Meyer have been frequent participants, and Norm and Linda Hageman have also joined us in the past.  Maybe now that he is retired, perhaps Fr. Dan Clayton will also join us.

We live at 1337 Winchester Ct., Naperville, Ill, about 30 miles west of Chicago, just off I-88.  We will post more information as we get closer to the date.  Hopefully, Ron's calendar won't get changed.  Since it is on a weekend, and most of us are retired, perhaps we can schedule more activities for that weekend.  There are plenty of motels and hotels just off I-88 within 1 to 4 miles of our house.

You all are welcome!!!!!

Menu Announced for Thursday Evening's Meal

Fr. Tom has informed me of the menu for our reunion meal next Thursday afternoon/evening, September 13:

1. Skewered shishkabobs prepared by Big John's, a butcher shop in Healdsburg, CA
2. Twice-baked potatoes
3. Tom's original string bean recipe
4. Salad
5. Beverage of choice

Yummie!  Yummie!  Food for the "Tummie!"  Does this Excite your Appetite?

Zumba Liturgy?

I laughed so much when I read Jim Koenigsfeld's (Fr. Jim's) reply to the Super-Fun Exercise Invite that I decided to post his in our class blog.  It reflects so well Jim's care-free, live-in-the-moment personality.  Enjoy!

"We have a Zumba class here at the parish.  It sounds as though the folks have a ball.  The music that comes out of the gym is a bit more upbeat than our liturgy music!!  I'll give it a go, just to see what we got going over here!!  Saturday PM or late evening?  I'll go along with whatever you guys want."

Jim

"Super-Fun" Exercise Invite

OK, Class of '68, here is a "special opportunity" that YOU can enjoy at our reunion next month!  But I need to know whether you are INTERESTED before I confirm this.  Susan DeGregory is the daughter of Frank and Judy Fulkerson; she lives in Calistoga, California.  She is a fitness guru.  Knowing that we will be in her "neighborhood," she has offered to lead a fun-filled exercise experience for US.  Below is her email to me describing the EXPERIENCE.  Off hand, I'm thinking we could have this activity some time Saturday afternoon/evening after we return from the Napa Valley Wine Train at the vacation house in Cloverdale where the Wampach's, Hageman's, and we are staying.  However, this is not definite yet.  After you read Susan's email, let me know whether you're interested.  Then, if you're interested, give me your thoughts about time and place.  Subsequently, I'll contact Susan again.  Here is her website: https://www.zumba.com/en-US/profiles/240619/susan-degregory/.  I look forward to hearing back from you.         Tom

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	RE: Exercise Class
Date:	Fri, 17 Aug 2012 21:26:56 -0700
From:	Susan DeGregory <sbdegregory@comcast.net>
To:	'Tom Meyer' <tmeyer@nc.rr.com>
CC:	'FrankandJudy F' <frankandjudy@hotmail.com>, 'Chris Meyer' <cmeyer5@nc.rr.com>, 'Dr.Thomas Devereaux' <domtwd@sonic.net>

Hi Tom! 

I teach a fitness class called Zumba, which is an easy-to-follow Latin
inspired dance class. I teach to all ages including adults (ahem, my
parent's age) and one class I teach is even geared towards individuals with
Parkinson's. I've also led classes after dinner parties as entertainment!

My vision is a simple, low-impact, fun, energizing, upbeat, 45 minute
"class" (imagine a wedding reception). I would need a space where people
could comfortably move (preferably hard wood but not necessary - even
outdoors is fine) and I would bring my own music and boombox. 

I'm open to Saturday, Sunday or Monday and any time of day is good. I would
really love for everyone to at least see it in action, even if some people
don't participate, so in the evening when everyone gets together might be
fun too. I don't want it to be too formal of an exercise class as I think
that might deter people.

In case you didn't gather per my mom's email it is SUPER FUN!!! Thank you
for this opportunity!

Xoxoxo Susan

"Almost Final" Reunion Details

Yesterday, August 15, Tom Devereaux emailed to us details for our class reunion in Northern California next month.

Dear Tom and Dan et alii:

With all the bits and pieces from emails and phone calls, I have the following information:

There are so far 19 participants:

     Don and Betty Wampach

     Tom and Chris Meyer

     Norm and Linda Hageman

     Frank Kehres

     Mike Heydinger

     Jim Koenigsfeld

     John and Kathy Driscoll

     Jerry Knueven

     Dan Clayton

     Tom Devereaux

     Doug Kruse

     Ken Stephens

     John Ernst

     Frank and Judy Fulkerson

Is anybody else coming?

Rectory guests: Clayton, Koenigsfeld, Kehres, Knueven, Kruse; possibly Heydinger and/or Stephens (we have five beds and two couches)

Cloverdale housing arrangements: Hageman's, Wampach's, Meyer's.

That is 12/13. Where are the others going to sleep, live?

So can I expect to prepare for 19 people for THURSDAY afternoon, September 13? Cocktails at 4, casual, eat and party until? St. Rose Rectory dining room and patio. Anyone for cards?

THURSDAY morning and afternoon activities could be:

• A trip up the Pacific Coast from Bodega (Hitchcock's The Birds was filmed here) to Fort Ross (Russian Fort) and back down through the Redwoods to Santa Rosa
•  Hiking up Mount Tamalpais in Marin County 
•  Jack London State Park near Sonoma 
•  Luther Burbank home and gardens in Santa Rosa 
•  A trip through Dry Creek Valley to Lake Sonoma and the fish hatchery there 
•  Golf: 9 hole golf course at Northwood in the Redwoods or at Silverado in Napa County  

FRIDAY, September 14 starting a 9 AM 

• Wine and food day. Winery tour and lunch at Alexander Valley Vineyards, over to Napa County to a castle and to a winery in a cave, then do a cheese and wine tasting at Domaine Carneros, then over to Sonoma Mission (the northernmost Spanish Mission) ending up at The Girl and The Fig for a light dinner with wine. WHO IS GOING? 
• Hot Air Balloon Ride from Santa Rosa: Koenigsfeld and Driscoll's. Anybody else? Contact the Driscoll's for inclusion, etc. 

SATURDAY, September 15

•  Daytime Napa Valley Wine Train - $99.00 Silverado; $109.00 Gourmet Express.

12 participants: Wampach's, Meyer's, Linda Hageman, Kehres, Heydinger, Clayton, Driscoll's, Devereaux, Frank Fulkerson. 

ANYBODY ELSE BEFORE I MAKE RESERVATIONS? 

SUNDAY Morning, September 16 

•  Mass, 10:30 at St. Rose, concelebrated. Readers and EMs please volunteer, Homilist? Please suggest or volunteer.
• Parish Festival all afternoon on the parish grounds. 
•  Rectory patio, dining room, common room available to Joss alumni all day as a gathering place. 
•  The afternoon could also be for one of the Thursday activities (see above).

 Please get back to me ASAP.

Tom Devereaux 707 894 3932 or domtwd@sonic.net

Steve Lautermilch and Dave Kattan

Last month, as I was preparing a mailing for our classmates regarding our upcoming reunion, I called and spoke with Steve Lautermilch.  When a prior mailing had bounced back to me, I realized I had an old address in Greensboro, North Carolina, for him.  With the help of Mike Fry at the Josephinum, I obtained new contact information for Steve in Kill Devil Hills.  So, I called.  There he is, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, approximately 3 hours from Chapel Hill.  We had a brief, though enjoyable, conversation.  Steve said he had a deadline to meet that day.  We agreed to contact each other again soon.

Then, last week, while my wife Chris and I were visiting her sister and brother-in-law in Bradenton, Florida, I looked up Dave Kattan.  I was aware that I hadn't seen him for 45 years.  I knocked on his door unannounced.  (I had an address, but no phone number, for him.)  After his initial surprise, Dave and I had a nice, two-hour visit.  Dave told me that he retired from the brewery in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and that he and his sister Mary moved to Bradenton five years ago.  Dave joked about their neighborhood's landscape service "boxing" everyone's shrubs and hedges.  They have a lovely, spacious Florida home.  When Chris and I next visit her family in Bradenton, I will again contact Dave.

What a joy it was to talk with Steve and Dave!

New Followers/Members

WELCOME to the two newest followers/members of our class blog: Ron Langhals and Tom Whitney.  Others who have recently joined the blog include Betty Wampach, Ger Knueven, and Sr. Kathleen Knueven (Ger's sister).   Thank you so much for jumping on board.

Classmates Join in Dee Heydinger's Resurrection Liturgy

Mike Heydinger's wife, Dolores "Dee" Heydinger, unexpectedly died on July 7, 2012  (http://www.davidfkoch.com/obits/obituary.php?id=188395).  On July 13, eight classmates gathered in liturgy with Mike and his family, friends, neighbors, and faith community in remembering Dee's earthly life and celebrating her new heavenly life.  The classmates present were Tom Dechant (his wife, Kathy), Fr. Frank Kehres, Fr. Ger Knueven, Ron Langhals (his wife, Sandy), Tom Meyer (his wife, Chris), Jack Park, Bernie Rabik (his wife, Patty), and Don Wampach (his wife, Betty).  This liturgy was celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sandusky, Ohio.  Fr. Frank presided at this liturgy and Fr. Ger concelebrated.  Don proclaimed one of the Scripture readings.  A moving tribute was prepared by Mike and Dee's 10-year-old granddaughter, Tali Heydinger, and was read by Tali's father, Charlie.  All three of Mike and Dee's sons - Scott, Mark, and Charlie - were at their father's side.  Mike and Dee were married for 46 years.  In spite of Dee's health issues and with Mike's assistance, they traveled extensively across the United States and abroad.  Mike Fry, Archivist and Alumni Relations Coordinator at the Josephinum, and his wife, Carol, came up from Central Ohio in prayerful support, praise, and celebration.  After Dee's burial rite at Calvary Cemetery, a luncheon was provided at the church's gathering space.  Mike and Dee have provided much impetus and leadership to our class' ordained and lay members and families coming together for reunions at the Josephinum and now at other sites.  For this we are very grateful.

  Front: Bernie, Mike, Fr. Frank

Back: Ron, Fr. Ger, Tom, Don, Tom

(Jack unavailable for picture)

Greetings Received from JOSS 1968 Classmates

Over the last few months several members of our class have replied "with regrets" to the invitation for our September 13-17 reunion in Northern CA.  In addition, they have extended their best wishes and/or shared a personal snippet.  I want to share with you what I have heard from them.  Bill Rall wrote that the reunion "sounds great but [ I ] can't make it."  John Dahmus replied, "I am still working.  I wish you all well."  He is still teaching at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX.  Remembering that John and Loretta had an enjoyable time in Colorado in 2010, I called John and suggested that they simply take a long weekend for a trip to Northern California in September 2012.  He said, "Well, maybe."

Thad Kresho sent his new address: 11 Stoney Point Lane, Uniontown, PA 15401, 724-594-7262.  In response to my email, he wrote, "We were lucky enough to sell our business about two years ago, which gave us enough to build a new house in Uniontown which we moved into this past December. Donna and I are very busy putting on some finishing touches and getting the yard in shape. Our kids live south but we wanted to stay around the Pittsburgh area.........too used to the seasons and so much good stuff in Pittsburgh plus keeping our Penquin tickets. Please tell everyone hello and if ever in the area to please stop in. I always wanted to do some woodworking work, so I am doing some of that plus some other things now, since we averaged ten hour days every single day when we were operating our own business and did not have the time for anything else."  Ed "Shang" Pasterick suggested a point of interest: "I won't be coming, but if you get a chance, visit the Vineyard of Pasterick.  It's in Dry Creek Valley near Healdsburg.  Owned by Gerry Pasterick, who grew up across the river from me in Western PA.  Have a good time."


Fr Bob Kinast, our "class theologian," replied, "Sorry, Tom, too many commitments, even for a semi-retired theologian."  When I received a postcard from Sam Pezzillo, I noted his email address so I emailed him asking whether he was still teaching.  He answered, "I retired a little over a year ago but keep the college email. I'll try to make some event in the future. Like all of us, I'm sure, there are those health issues, but generally I'm doing well."  Jack Park, still living in Toledo, OH, noted he was not coming but expressed, "Thanks for inviting me."  Tom Dechant answered, "Unfortunately, Kathy and I will be unable to attend the reunion in Northern California."  After some time I was finally able to contact Len Weber.  He emailed, "I hope that you all are doing well. Thank you for the invitation to the September reunion of the class of 1968. I will not be able to make this event, but please keep me informed of other plans."  Len is still living in the Detroit, MI, area.  Bishop Ron Herzog had initially informed Don Wampach, Fr. Tom Devereaux, and myself that he would be coming to our class reunion.  Unfortunately, later he emailed Don saying, "I just got word that one of USCCB committees I am a member of rescheduled our meeting on September 13-14. I checked to see if I could still get to California and back in time for other commitments. It is theoretically possible and I would have Saturday with the class but the cost is prohibitive so I guess I will have to miss it. I will make a special effort to join you next March."  In speaking of "next March," Bishop Ron is referring to the annual Chicagoland JOSS Reunion which Don Wampach spearheads and which takes place around St Joseph's Day.  He did get to this mini-reunion this past March.

Lastly, I just received a letter from Ron and Sandy Langhals.  They extended their good wishes to all of us.  As you read the following from them, remember that Ron grew up in Cloverdale, OH.  Ron and Sandy wrote, "Please forgive us for not responding sooner.  We were waiting in hopes that we would be able to clear our calendar.  After all, how could we not go to Cloverdale!  Unfortunately, we were not able to change plans with our children.  Therefore we will be in South Carolina Sept 10-21st.  You are to be congratulated on having chosen such a great location....  Please convey our regrets and greetings to our classmates and families."

As evidenced here, many members of the Josephinum Class of 1968 are keeping in touch.  Thank you!  Thank you!

Laudate Jesus Christus!

Northern California Draws Class Reunion

As of this point in time, the following are planning to attend our class reunion in Cloverdale, CA, in September: Kenneth "Kenny" Stephens, John and Kathy Driscoll, Mike and Dee Heydinger, Norm and Linda Hageman, Fr. Ger Knueven, Fr. Dan Clayton, Fr. Jim Koenigsfeld, Frank and Judy Fulkerson, Don and Betty Wampach, John Ernst, Fr. Tom Devereaux, Fr Frank Kehres, and Tom and Chris Meyer.

The Redwoods, vineyards, lakes, mountains, golf courses, fishing, Pacific Ocean, and Sonoma County emit a magnetic, irresistible draw.  John Ernst wrote that he has bicycled through this area and described it as "very beautiful."  When Frank and Judy Fulkerson were visiting their daughter in Calistoga, CA, this past April, they drove to Cloverdale and emailed that it is "a very nice CA town."  Fr. Tom Devereaux has been pastor of St Patrick's in Cloverdale for many years and has been looking forward to sharing his beloved area with his Josephinum classmates.  As of last month, he has been reassigned to a large parish in Santa Rosa, CA.  Fortunately this is only approximately 30 miles from Cloverdale and Fr. Tom will still be an indomitable host, along with his co-host Fr. Dan.

Colorado 2010 - Class of '68 Reunites

The Class of '68 moved their reunion from the Josephinum to Winter Park, Colorado at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park in August of 2010. Some of us took in a round of golf while the "culture vultures" explored Estes Park. We shared many meals - picnicked in the park and sampled several restaurants in the area. And, of course, there was the morning we got up close and personal with the alpacas. We prayed together at a liturgy concelebrated by the ordained members of the class - Jim, Jerry, and Dan. And, after 50 years, we finally received our high school diplomas with much pride in our accomplishment. 

Some of us were adventurous enough to river raft down the magnificent Colorado River, stopping along the way for lunch at a bend in the river.

Linda, Tom, Judy on the left and Norm, Chris and Frank on the right

We hiked around beautiful Monarch Lake on a damp morning and enjoyed chili (and beer) at the condo afterwards.

Linda, Dan, Betty, Jerry, Norm, Jim,Tom, and Chris at the condo

We took the Georgetown Loop Train ride through the historic mining and railroad park.

Jerry, Dan, and Tom after the train ride

Loretta and John at a scenic overview

We finished high school in June1960. The Class of '68 was the last class not to graduate from high school at the Josephinum.  Finally, after 50 years, we received our high school diplomas. 

A proud group of guys

Memories

The pool! Can you find yourself?

Waiting to go home

The Fulkerson's Are Coming!

I received the following email from Frank and Judy Fulkerson on Feb 13:

"Hello Tom and our other classmates, Judy and I received the info today on the 1968 Joss Reunion. I had already made our plane reservations. We are going to be flying into Sacramento on Wed. Sept 12 and renting a car. We will be staying in Calistoga, CA that night with our daughter and son-in-law. We will check into the Super8 in Cloverdale, CA the next day and stay there throughout the reunion, celebrating my 70th birthday on Sept 15, before returning to our daughter's after the reunion. Cloverdale looks like a great place to get together. We are somewhat familiar with both Napa and Sonoma Valley because our daughter Susan has lived in that area both before and since her marriage to a Sacramento man. She is a personal trainer in Napa valley and lives in the neat little town of Calistoga, CA which is across the mountain from Santa Rosa. Some of you might be interested in us taking you on a tour of Napa valley through Calistoga and St Helena, which we are familiar with and down to the town of Napa at the bottom of the valley which we really aren't very familiar with. Susan actually got married up in the mountains above St Helena. We are really looking forward to the reunion and spending time with all of you. Regards, Frank & judy"

Colorado 2010: Chris, Judy, and Frank making friends with the Alpacas

Fast facts about getting the most out of this blog

I am not sure how familiar you all are with blogs so I thought it might be best to post some general info. First of all, I am not a member of your class and do not intend to do any posting. This is the one and only post I will make. This blog is for the Class of '68.

General info

• Everyone can comment.
• Not everyone can post. To post, a person needs to be the administrator of the blog (that's me) or accept an invitation from the administrator to be an "author."
• A post is out there for all to view. A comment is not. To view a comment, a person needs to click on the comment.
• If you would like your "comments" to be posted for all to see but do not yet wish to be an author, simply send me (Chris at cmeyer5@nc.rr.com) or Tom (tmeyer@nc.rr.com) an email with whatever it is you would like to post. We can post it for you.
• If you would like to be able to post yourself, please send me your email and I will send you an invitation to be an author.
• It is easy to become a follower. Hopefully, you all will become followers. Simply click on the link to "Join this site" and follow the instructions. 

Hopefully, you will find this information useful and of some help in getting the most out of this blog. If you have further questions about using this blog, feel free to contact Tom or me.