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Neely Young

Marilyn, 

Sorry I missed the reunion;sounds like everybody had a good time. I have now published my new book, Trans-Atlantic Sojourners, The Story of an Americo-Liberian Family. Would you still like two copies? The cost for one copy with shipping and postage is $23.14, while the cost for two copies is $44.00 total. 

Neely

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

Neely, I am sorry you missed the Reunion, too !  I am still floating "high on a cloud" from all the good memories!

I found some classmates that go "way back" with me!  We all felt like we were 5-10 years old again!!!   I really 

wish our Reunions were a week long!  It was, as Southerners say, "A Hoot!"..................                              

Re. your books,  remember I want one of each ! - the one you mentioned and also the one about Northern

Virginia and the "FreeSlaves" there!   Those should make interesting reading! - one for my husband and one for

me!!!........Should I mail you a Certified Check or do you want us to order them on Amazon?   Who is your

publisher, Neely???  There are lots of people I know who are publishing this year, and you were doing that  long  

before they were! 

Keep in touch!

Mar --

Mary Lee Hudson (Meacham)

Hi Everyone, Roger and I want to thank the committee and everyone involved in the reunion for a fantastic time and memories that will last a lifetime. We really enjoyed the company and the memories we hold close to our hearts. We are a great class and very close . Those memories will will be ongoing. It all came together and we thank you for the hard work that went into the planning of the reunion. Did we decide the next one would be in 15, 10, or 5 years? It was so great and it was like we could still hear our voices in those halls of TJ. We look forward to those luncheons and more events from time to time. The dancing was great and the laughter too. Mike and Harriette sorry we didn't get together before we left, but there will be other times. Our friend is really sick so I am grateful she got us out of arms way. Looking forward to getting the pictures on a disc and mailing to you Mike . Wish I was more computer savvy. Again, thanks for a great reunion weekend. May we all continue to be healthy. Mary Lee

Anne Ferrell Smith (Lanier)

I want to add my thanks to the committee for all the efforts you gave to make the weekend such a special time for us all.  It was wonderful to be able to connect once again to so many from the past and to hear  about their lives and their challenges.  We are all getting so much older, but many of us were fortunate enough to be able to get ourselves to Richmond one more time to enjoy this gathering.  Thanks to each of you for all the work to make the weekend possible.  

For those who could not be with us, know that we asked about you, missed you, and wished you were with us.  We are growing old, some of us are now frail and are facing health challenges.  The reunion was a celebration of a special high school experience that molded many of us well.  Even if you were not able to be there, you can still, in your heart, honor that experience.   We were blessed at what TJ offered us.  

Thanks to the committe for a veery special weekend.  I have come home in touch with the girl I was long ago.  It feels mighty good.        

Neely Young

Marilyn, 

I am glad you and everyone else had a good time. I have only published one book at this time, the one I mentioned to you in my post. The book I published earlier, Ripe for Emancipation, was not about Northern Virginia, but about slavery in Rockbridge County, Virginia in the southern Shenandoah Valley. I did mention some anti-slavery activity in Northern Virginia in that book. I can send you a copy of that as well as a copy of my new book if you like. The cost would be the same as the cost for two copies of my new book, $44.00. The cost of one book is $23.14. I have your mailing address, so just let me know exactly what you want and I will send it to you. 

Neely

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

Mary Lee, Jane, Ginny at the TJ lunch on Saturday;  - Chuck and Cindy, Mary Hannah, Sandy, Paula, and Sue Ellen who shared our dinner table;  Anne Ferrell, Ceil, Cathy, Susan at Breakfast on Sunday ; Judi and Gwynn, who arrived 15 minutes before we left the building; Lucy- who laughed through every story I told, Kay - whose smile has not changed one bit in all these years, and all the members of the planning committee - Sidney & Lois, Melvin & Elsie, Russell, Mike & Harriet, Ernie, Sue, Beverly..........It was fun seeing you all again!  It seems like each time we attend a Reunion, the years just roll away, and we get to see not only "old friends," but also people we hardly knew in high school !   It was a lot of fun dancing until the Band stopped playing music Saturday night!  Thanks for the wonderful memories!   We came home feeling invigorated from our wonderful weekend, survived the 12-hour flight, and drove down to Tucson on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with our younger daughter & her husband. Now we are back in Phoenix, and I have to get busy sending my photos to Mike for the Webpage. Arleen and Mary, we loved seeing you for the first time in 55 years and meeting your spouses!!!  I can't believe it has been so long since we were sitting in class together! - Time just "flew away," it seems!!  I felt like we were little kids again!!! 

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

A Wish for EVERYONE  in our Class:   A Happy, Healthy, and Good New Year!

Linda Fiske (Wehrle)

The reunion was well worth the drive down from Michigan.And I think the previous comments about the reunion can not be improved upon.The committee did an excellent job and was fun seeing and reconnecting with everyone.Lots of special memories.My best to all.

Linda

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

The photos posted so far by Mike & Harriet are fantastic !   I have a few more photos here, but unfortuantely, they are on Joel's Cell Phone Camera instead of a Memory Card, so I sent them via email to Mike, and I forgot to put the "dot" between Mike's first and last name on the email !!!  

(I am a very bad techy !  I will try again today and see if it works!  The photos are full of great memories, but I neglected to take some at the Saturday box lunch and Saturday Night's Dinner.  I hope someone else took some of those occasions!  Mary Hannah Rosenfeld Siegel has a great photo of "Us Girls" on Saturday night,  but someone will have to upload it to this Website, because she & I have the same problem with "techy stuff !"

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

Just arrived in Yuma after a few days of obtaining the Reunion photos from Joel's Cell Phone and uploading       2 pages' worth to Mike for includsion in the "55th Class Reunion Photos."   Be sure to check out BOTH pages! 

I apologize to those I did not photograph, due to the fact that "my brain was not in gear" early enough to snatch  Joel's Cell Phone and to use his Camera on that device!  When I "wised up," 1/2 of the Reunion was over!!!

The professional photos of all of us by Penny Henley's brother John are excellent, and of course, I would LOVE copies, Mike!!!

I have been bragging to everyone I have seen since landing in Phoenix ---- about how much fun our Reunion was, and  have told all the young students I know:  "After you graduate, stay in touch with your friends!  Don't wait 40-50-55 years to "look them up again!" Attend all your Class Reunions, or you will be missing a lot of fun!"

I just know I had more fun at the #55 Reunion than I ever did in High School !                                                       And I know that my fellow students at Tee Jay were and are "Very Special People!"

Thanks to the Reunion Plannijng Committee for all theri hard work!    It was defintely worth the 3,000-mile-flight!

Jo-Ann Olkowski

I so wanted to be able to attend the reunion this year, having had such a wonderful lunch at Padow's with a few of you back in January.  It was just not in the cards for me this time for a variety of reasons.  I am always shocked when someone says they remember me ... and there were some at the luncheon who did remember me!  It sounds like everyone had a wonderful time this year in spite of the tragic losses that occurred just before the reunion.

I "knew" so many of you ... watched you ... listened ... in some cases wondering to myself "how do they do that?!" I pretty much stayed in my shadows ... embarrassed ... scared ... feeling inferior ... being second best, as was drilled into my head for so many years.  I would have DIED had anyone found out that I was the only orphan in the whole school!!! What a shock I had when perhaps in my senior year I found out there were plenty of kids from the Methodist Home on Broad Street running around those halls!!!  I had not even known the Methodist Home was there!  And I would never had pegged them as living in a children's home by looking at them based on what we, in the home I was in, experienced.  I was educationally ill-equiped to function in a public school, and as I look back on TJ now, I think of it as being the premier high school of the day. Even though I graduated by the skin of my teeth, I think I still did myself and my alma mater proud ... I was absolutely determined and driven to prove to myself and everyone else that I was a worthy person ... I set out to excel in everything I tried to do.  Even though I had a rough start, I was blessed to have some outstanding people and opportunities come into my life along the way.

I think my favorite teacher was Miss Pitt ... there was just something about her that clicked for me ... right down to her instruction that all papers would be turned in using the printed format as it appeared in the textbook.

Lucy Boettcher (York)

I want to thank everyone on the 55 class reunion for all their hard and devoted work.  We all appreciated your time in making this reunion a success and look forward to many more.

Tom Coons

The one word to describe my entire reunion experience is WOW!!  Exceded my expectations!!!!   So much so, after talking it over with Sandi,  we'd like to offer anyone or family vacationing in the San Antonio area,  our assistance to make your stay even better.  What better way to see an area,  use time better, see more,  avoid crowds plus save dollars than to have locals (a classmate and his wife) take you where you'd like to go??  The Alamo, River Walk and downtown are beautiful.  So is the German and Polish influence throughout the Texas Hill Country  (just a hoot n' hollar) up the road, i.e. Fredericksburg, Comfort, Camp Verde,  Luckenbach.  Sorry nothing English here  Just give us a week advance notice as to your travel desires here.  210-896-1002.  YA'LL COME!!!

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

Jo-Ann, I recently heard that the Methodist Children't Home on Broad Street has been turned into a Condo Development and that some adults in our age group are now living there!  So if you ever arrive in Richmond, you can stop by and check it out!

You don't have to "live in the shadows" anymore, Jo-Ann!  We all remember you and know you, and you can always come to Richmond and meet with your friends from Tee Jay !

Lucy, it was so much fun to see you again!   You blessed us all with your smile and laughter, and we hope you enjoyed the weekend as much as we did!  From Westhampton School Days until now, you have always been a delight to have around!

Tom, you are "A  Hoot!"  We passed through Amarillo,Texas while moving to Arizona in l988, but we have not seen the rest of the State. A childhood friend of mine and his wife live in Dallas, and my daughter contacted them  to say "Hello" for me when she was there on a business trip. They responded by inviting her to a "Texas Barbecue Dinner!" (They are from Washington, D. C. & the "Hospitality" still shows in Texas!) Maybe some day, we will head that way for a visit.  I will surely let you know if we do!

My photos are posted on the #55 Reunion Page for all to see. I lost my camera somewhere in my Yuma Condo, so I didn't think of "snitching" Joel's Cell Phone until the Dinner Guests left on Saturday night !  But I got some great pix of those on "The Late Shift" dancing around the room to the "Oldies Music" played by the Band, and    a few on Sunday morning, too, so those will bring "Happy Memories of a Great Weekend !"   Thanks to all those who showed up to share in the fun !!!  I am now printing out my photos for my Album, "still on a high" from such a good time!   

It was "More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys!"

Tom Coons

Marilyn.   Tom--the "Hoot" here.  Enjoyed our get together--photo  with hubby and George.  If you scroll down below your last message, you'll find my offer to host/help any class member when they visit the "Alamo City".  Ya'll come--ya hear!?!

Mary Lee Hudson (Meacham)

Marilyn. Hope to get my reunion pics on a disc this week. We have had a lot going on here with family. Our granddaughter, Whisper was hiking with her class from school in mountains of North Carolina the other day and fainted. They took her to the hospital nearby and decided she was not drining water to hydrate herself. Also, the altitude played a factor. Luckily, she was with students and a teacher. Never a dull moment in the Meachamt  family. Her parents live on Ocracoke and last night they had high winds from Maria, but thankfully they was no damage done to their area. Enjoyed seeing you and all at the reunion. Mary Lee

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

Mary Lee, here is a little advice for your Granddaughter:  Have her take along some Gatorade whenever she  takes a walk in the hot sun, or whenever she ventures into a high altitude.  It has Electrolytes that keep you from getting dehydrated and fainting.  I "learned that lesson the hard way" in Arizona.  Better yet, putting oneself in situations like that is dangerous !   I am surprised that her "Leader" was not aware of that!  Best to you and your family !  I now have the "Professional Photo" (by John Henley) of you and Roger tucked safely in my photo album!!!   It is "A Great Keepsake" from my good years at Tee Jay!!!

John Whitfield

Kudos to the Committee!  I thought that the events were very well planned.  The band was great.  The conversations were fun.  The only thing I regret was not being willing to accommodate the good-looking (but unidentified) woman who grabbed my arm as I was trying to leave, and asked me to dance.  I have never been a dancer (I have two left feet - or is it two right feet), and my legs are nowhere near 100% after having both knees replaced.  Oh, well, there's always the 60th Reunion!

Mary Lee Hudson (Meacham)

Marilyn, Where did you get the photo. The only one I saw was of the group. Should I contact Jon? DoI go to his web site.? Mary Lee

Mary Lee Hudson (Meacham)

Marilyn, Did Jon Henley have pictures on display for us to purchase. I never saw the piucture of Roger and I. Did you see any others from the reunion. I have been waiting to see if we need to go to Jon Henley's website. Let me know. Such great memories from the reunion. I will make a disc from my pictures for Mike to put on the website. Whisper is home on break for a bit and feeling a lot better. I told her to carry gatorade too. Her dad said she was conceived on Ocracoke and born at Nags Head Hospital below sea level, so she wasn't use to the high altitude. I told our son nothing to joke about. She's doing great. Just the grandparents upset. Let me known about the pictures. Mary Lee

Linda Salsbury (Weinstein)

As I sit here looking at the pictures from the reunion, I am flooded with good memories and so wish that I could have celebrated with you.  For those who contacted me personally through the web site, I appreciate that. 

I have just finished writing a thank you to the County of Brevard, for the excellent care we received in the shelter here in Florida. People were from all walks of life and all ages and we all helped out and got along really well.

This is my 5th hurricane and 4th evacuation since I have lived here.  You know I must love Florida if I continue to stay.  As I get older, each storm is harder.  I was up on my roof patching things 13 years ago.  I don't think I would be doing that now.

Perhaps we could have a mini reunion each year BUT NOT IN SEPTEMBER!  I would love to see everyone.

xxxooo,

Linda Salsbury Weinstein

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

Linda, we missed you so much 2 weekends ago!   I have been looking through my photos from the #50 Reunion, and there is one of YOU with Chuck and Cindy Krumbein!   I am gathering the photos from #50 and #55 and putting them in my photo album right now, so you were at #55 "in spirit," even if not physically!!!  

We will be in Florida in January. Maybe we can meet you there, and we can have the "Mini-Reunion" you desire.   If  you have plans to come to Richmond, let me know, and we might be in town!  Or else call Sue Salemme, because she is in charge of the "Jeffettes Luncheons."

I still wish we could convince you to stay in our place there when the weather is bad.  The building is very strong, and there is rarely any damage outside of a few bushes!

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

Mary Lee, Mike has all the Class Photos taken on the steps of Tee Jay, the Class Photo at the Westwood Club, and also the Individual or Couples Photos  taken in the lobby of the Westwood Club with the background of Tee Jay hanging on a frame behind us.  Mike is sending those to each of us by email and since there were 69 people in attendance, that is a big job!  The photo of you and your husband is posted on your Profile Page, as   a "NOW" picture.  (I am not too fond of mine, so I asked him to "Crop" it. The "Printed Copy" looks much better than the entire photo.)  We also received the Class Photo at Tee Jay and the Class Photo at the Westwood Club via email. --Those are really nice!  I printed them out already and they are great!  The only error was that Sue Salemme's face was almost hidden in the  Westwood Club photo, and Russell closed his eyes!    Some-times, when there is a big group of people in a photo, it is hard for the photographer to "keep track of everyone!"    Otherwise, those group photos of our Class are wonderful keepsakes and provide good memories of a great weekend!!   John Henley did a great job, and his Sister, Penny, would be so proud !   It was such a kind gesture on his part!

Mary Lee Hudson (Meacham)

Hi All, Mike and Marilyn thanks for sending the photos. Mike I am sending you a CD soon of the Reunion that we took to fill in with the other photos sent in. Thanks for making all the spouses that didn't graduate feel welcome. We have kept that closeness over the years and it goes to our class who is one of the most welcoming and caring class at TJ. Thanks to the Committee for all the hard work that went into this Reunion. Looking forward to getting down again for a Luncheon in the future. Mary Lee

Marilyn Wolfe (Ruben)

Enjoy, Mary Lee !!!  "The Postiive Vibes" are still there, after almost 2 weeks since we came home!

Someone posted on Facebook yesterday:  "Does't it feel great to be Positive instead of Negative?"

I think that should be "re-worded" as "Doesn't it feel great to be around people who have "Nothing Negative

to say," who give "Positive Feedback" and "Big Hugs," and who have "Kind Hearts?"

Last night, I saw a chance to say "Something Good" on Facebook about a new Restaurant in Yuma that is

"packing in the Customers" due to its "Gourmet Menu,"  "Excellent Customer Service," and "Ambiance,"

 We visited there in May for "A Mother' Day Breakfast," July for my "Birthday Dinner," and late August for

 a "Luncheon" with friends (also for my Birthday).  Down the page were written compliment after compli-

 ment for the popular Chef who had the courage to "strike out on his own" to start this wonderful new

gathering place.  The Restaurant is already being cited as "Number 1 in Yuma!"

But, true to the State of Arizona, a few "Nay-Sayers" had to ruin the fun by adding insults to mess up the

beautiful webpage full of "Orchids to the Operators."

For me, coming to Richmond and hearing pleasant conversation for 3-4 whole days will go down in my

 "Memory Book" as "One of the Highlights of the year 2017 !!!"  It was definitely worth the flight of 3,000

  miles, to see so many friendly faces, and to hear postive comments all weekend long!                                                                                     

"Surround yourself with joyful people, and you shall also be joyful !" -- or something like that!

 (Does anybody know the source of this quote or its original words?)

 There is no place like "The South" for "Great Hospitality.!"

Some people in the Southwest have "a lot to learn!"