Okay, since I appear to be the only person actually reviewing this blog, it seems safe to use it as my personal journal. Dear self: today I received many great e-mails getting to reconnect with former classmates, including confirmation from Molly Barry that she has in fact bought her plane tickets to come in all the way from California for the festivities. She reported that Nancy (Hrovatian) and Bill Holmes are also flying in! Seems like a certain red-headed chick with great webmaster skills is under the delusional impression that she can skip out on this. Hmmm. Time to put one of the best-learned skills from high school to work: the always effective peer pressure. We here on the 20th reunion planning committee fully condone and in fact encourage all-out peer pressure to get all classmates to attend.
Pam: You're not the only one reading the blog. I've chatted with Beth Ridgway and she'll try to make it in from D.C. I'll definitely be there and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone! Megan O'Meara
Pam, Your (and my mom's) pressure worked and I caved in and decided to buy my plane ticket from Florida to come up for the reunion. Hopefully there will be a good turnout.
75 bucks is a bit steep for a single mom on adjunct professor's salary.
Any chance I can either:
a) crash, assuming I wear something outrageous and bring a band along with me,
b) pay nothing but offer to give a speech about how I was wrong during my teen years, money really *does* matter, or
c) find a classmate who is willing to sponsor me...like I could post one of those "sponsor this starving single mom 1987 LFHS grad" ads on the blog, with maybe a picture of myself looking gaunt and sallow.
What do you think, Pam et al?
By the way, all kidding aside...thanks for planning this. I suspect it will be a blast. But I am serious about the price...any ideas?
Being so far away I have lost touch with everyone. I will try my best to be there..since I missed the 10 year reunion...but life is a 'bit'(ha!) hectic right now and I may need to be in Italy for the grape harvest. I too am definitely looking forward to catching up...geez where did these 20 years go?
Gee, you ladies sure have gotten quite comical in your old age! Ha! I will be there-wouldn't miss this one. Is everyone bringing their (non-LF) spouses or not? Just curious. Can't wait!
Nicole--love when peer pressure works for the greater good! We promise this will be a ton of fun, and no one will regret coming.
Julia--let me know if you have any luck getting sponsored! Would love to have you be able to make it. Do me a favor and send me your e-mail address since I don't have it on our distribution list.
Hi All - I'm in plus 1 and to Jennifer P. if you have a non-LF spouse I say bring him. I don't have a spouse but will be bringing my non-LF partner, so Pam you can count me in for 2 tickets. Last I talked to Alison Brown and Kathy Zerkle ( Mohr ) they were in as well. Can't wait to see everyone! Jen
Thank you Pam and PJ for organizing this event. It was a big commitment to put this together....
Sounds like it would be a fun weekend, but unfortunately I cannot make it due to work and a previously scheduled vacation conflict. The last time I was in LF was around the 10 year reunion time for Jessica (Oelz) Leidall's wedding! I can't believe another decade has passed.
Wishing you the best from Flagtaff, Arizona. You can look us (my husband, Glenn and son, Sean) up if you are touring the area.
Hey, i just moved to vermont! i'm up to my ears in boxes, and kids, (5). i have to go to a wedding at the end of september so i cant come twice. i love just seeing all of your names on the site. Wish i could be there. i'll post a longer note when i can better restore the function of my wireless keyboard. it took me 20 minutes just to get this much to work.
Julia - get in touch with Pam, we may have a solution for you. And no, it does not invlove anything sordid (assuming your definition of sordid is something close to Erin's).
Traci - Great excuse, but it won't cut it. You probably won't be harvesting for another week at the earliest - assuming decent conditions. And now, you have to send wine.
Passalino - bring your spouse. Does he play golf? If so, sign him up for the tourney.
Jen L - Buy your tix today.
Anne - Since you aren't able to make it, your job is track down and forward the info to Jessica - and force her to send it on to anyone she has kept in touch with.
Renee - Send cheese and syrup.
Look forward to seeing you all - and to those who can't make it this time, we'll see you at 25.
Definitely trying to get there...we have a young wine and it has been a hot summer..but we also have people taking care of the vineyards - so will do my best to be there. If I can't swing this one - count me in for 25 and I will provide all the wine :)
All right, all right, I'll start the diet tomorrow and show up for the Saturday party -- But I'm not hiring some cute fake boyfriend for the event (mainly because my husband would be really pissed). I would also really appreciate it if, when you see me, you pretend that I had a boob job, because I don't think there's going to be enough time between now and then for me to get one. I, in turn, will pretend that everyone who owes me apologies actually did apologize and I'll pretend I've forgiven them. Let's see, what else...oh! When we trade pictures of our kids and you tell me mine are really cute and I don't say anything back, I'm sure I will have meant to say yours are really cute too, but I didn't want you to think I was lying and just saying that to be polite (though, if I do say it, I probably am). I don't remember many of you, so if you don't remember me, I was really pretty and popular. If you do remember me and your recollections don't jibe with the previous statement, I'm so sorry your memory is failing you after only 20 years. Pam and P.J., prepare yourselves for the flood of responses you're about to get now that everyone knows I'm coming. I hope your website can handle the traffic. Thanks for doing this. See you all Saturday -- I'll be the one wearing the dark oversized sunglasses that make me look famous and important (though I'm sure you'll also be able to recognize me by the gigantic, yet still perky, imaginary breasts).
Reading these posts makes me regret even more that I will be unable to attend. My little bro is getting married the previous weekend in Milwaukee, flying in twice from Oklahoma would be tough, so I flipped a coin. The coin said the wedding. I wish for you all a fantastic time and I will be there for the 25th, no matter who's getting married, having babies graduating etc.. If you can think of anything any of you need from Oklahoma, email me, and I will bring it the weeked before!! If you are ever in OKC stop by, we'll take you to the cowboy hall of fame!!! Carmen Taylor (Gomez)
Hello Jenny!!! Ah yes, the old weight loss plan. Well, mine started and ended the same day when I actually went to a trainer and told her I had 6 weeks to drop 25 pounds. After unsuccessfully holding back her guffaw, she put me through a grueling 15 minute training session which I still have not fully recovered from, 2 weeks later. Therefore, I am choosing to fully embrace my "fuller figure" which many of you will have the opportunity to do as well, though carefully and thoughtfully camouflaged in slimming black and large jacket (no, not kidding--already planning ahead).
Pam, I'm with you. When I turned 30,I made the most remarkable discovery: I can no longer eat whatever the hell I want, not exercise, and NOT gain weight. The result? Food 1 Meg's figure: 0 I'm all about the slimming black number. See you on the 15th!
I spoke with Ted Notz...he and his wife are coming (his wife is a LFHS '88 graduate). I also spoke with Natalie Boscia who is in touch with Susan Jensen...they may possibly come. I really hope that they do.
Jen, I will try to squeeze in a comment before the flood of responses gets too great. Sorry I lost your yearbook. I hope I can find you at the 20th. You sound unrecognizable now.
Pam, I haven't seen a post from Brice. Did you actually talk to him, or have you told a whopper?
Julia, you could always ask Mr. Hawkins (took me several hours to remember his name) to sponsor you. He always loved your view on life AND he qualifies as a one-man-guitar-playing band.
Jim, are you still living in Boys Town? I miss running into your beautiful family there. I'd love to catch up.
No exotic job or home in a distant land for me. Keeping busy raising a couple of open-minded and wildly independent kids. Doing my part to counteract an overpopulation of intolerance.
Pam, I believe I've made it clear that unless I am provided with a private jet, a hot chauffeur and unlimited amounts of Veuve Clicquot, I'm not effing coming and that's that. What, there's no room in the budget for these little necessities? I THINK NOT.
I'm not coming because I see O'Meara enough as it is and I never liked any of you anyway.
Actually, I'm going to a conference in Savannah at that time and I'm hoping there's an inappropriate murder of a rent boy and a sexy investigative reporter who looks like John Cusack there to cover it. I shall get him drunk on good Southern bourbon and pretend to be Clint Eastwood's daughter.
Ah, a blog. Never wrote on one before. Next thing you know, I'll have a MySpace page. Woody emailed me and said I was mentioned in Pam's (which I knew, when I was reminded). Indeed the rumor is true; I am flying in and doing my best to harass other LFHS Alumni West Coasters to also attend. As far as Passalino's inquiry, bring your non-LF spouse (Michael) I am not with spouse so I am bringing the next best thing, Tink!
In addition to myself, Nancy and Bill, I heard Diane Papas was coming in too. But I have not gotten a 100% confirmation on her. Bill confirmed Allen (Andy) Thompson was also in.
Big thanks to Pam, PJ, and the behind the scenes folks for the HUGE effort on making this reunion happen!
PJ, Tunney and I are totally in for golf. Miniature I assume?
Molly - ummm....brain overloaded with miniature golf comments. Email Milliman (contact info on golf blog) to let him know you are in.
Friedes - after that post your boobs better be bigger than any of the guys (including mine).
Pasty Red Head - It's a BLOG conference! Can't you blog your speech to them? Wouldn't they understand that better than actual face-to-face discussion? The reunion is in LF! There's more Veuve here than in Paris. I was banking on you to compete for most cocktails over the weekend.
Becky - Do you still keep in touch with Pam (Stevens)? If so, can you forward on to her?
To All - Pam (Volpe) Jelaca had a great idea to have a business exchange at the event. Nothing outrageous - but perhaps a table or two for people to leave info on their companies/flyers/biz cards/etc...
To that point, I will be starting a new discussion thread on the main blog where you can post that same information and would encourage everyone, if they are so inclined, to post it here for easy access.
With everyone reconnecting, who knows, you might pick up a new client/customer or two.
I must say my mouth has been agape since blog entry 2. time to wet the invisaligns, you all are quite entertaining, perhaps you were then too. Can't wait to come. no need for a ticket as we live downtown. Need to hit the driving range a few times before the 14th. Kelly Yore and I need another two to complete our foursome... Lisa
OK, I'm pissed. Not only have a never really used a blog before, but I just typed about 2 pages worth of some good stuff, but I guess I wasn't 'verified' yet so it's gone. Ugh! Anyway, I will try and regurgitate.
I do like the idea of potentially talking to 350 people all at once! But where are our LF boys on this thing? Still smoking the dubbies OR out battling Wall Street? PJ, you need to get on them.
Megan O-you need to get on Freher. She keeps saying she's not coming, but I say 'ney' to that. She's right up there already, no excuse. Sam and Michael can hang out together while us LFers talk about things no one else understands.This is your mission.
PJ-thanks for the golf invite, but Michael is neither a big golfer and will be coming off the heels of a hernia (ouch!) surgery. He wanted to get people together for some soccer, but can't do that either. Damn, we're getting old!
OK, now for the important stuff. What is the music scene for this party and girls, what are you wearing? How's that for high school talk? Seriously though.
Like the idea of business cards,do they make them for stay-at-home Moms? Ha! But at the very least, please be sure you have us fill out our current mailing and Email info too. From the Email list, looks like people either stayed around Chicago or ventured out West! Only a few of us chose to stay in between and come down South. What's up with that?
Molly-so glad you're bringing Tink. And I'm with you, I'd be in if it were Miniature golf.
OK, I have to go study my yearbook now so I can remember all you people! Can't wait! See you soon. Passalino
PJ, since they're imaginary, they can be as big as you want them to be. After 4 kids, I have, what you might call, a blank slate (then again, that's what I had before the 4 kids too).
Jennifer, what to wear? I'm thinking horizontal stripes as that way people might think it's just the stripes and not me. Not helpful? In that case, I'm thinking casual chic/dressy casual -- like what I might wear shopping at a place I couldn't afford.
A little disappointed meeting at the Mini-mart or an excursion up to TeePee's was not included in the events:-) Perhaps late nite at Hunter's for good measure. Thanks to everyone for pulling this together. Anyone else feel we were lucky to be at LFHS when we were? Couldn't imagine high school nowadays, although nice to see the old Vans have come back to the foot apparel status earned in the 80's.
Becky! Yes, Brice is coming, and I will demand he writes into the blog to confirm, or threaten to pretend to be him and destroy his carefully crafted and vehemently guarded high school reputation. Not only is he coming, but he's coming a day early (Thursday) and is very insistent on helping us out with the actual event! To which I responded: who are you, and what have you done with one of my BFF's, Brice???
People like you make passwords necessary, Pam. I thought maybe there had been a rash of high school identity thefts recently. I seriously doubt that my high school persona would inspire someone to hack into the system pretending to be me. Unless dateless cross country runners who actually do their homework have suddenly become fashionable in the last twenty years. Hmmmmm...
I remember when my parents went to my mom's 20-year high school reunion, and all I could think of was how OLD they were. Well, here we are, although I don't feel that old! So glad to know that many of you can make it next month. Unfortunately Bunta won't make it (something about reading in a good friend's wedding that day in Philly...whatever). Still hoping Jessica (Oelz) Leidall might get here, as well as many others. As usual, I see that PJ is the only male among many women. Oh well, someone has to do it. See all of you in LF!
So, I have been reading everyone's blogs for a couple of days (chuckling) and trying to get up the nerve to write something as I am not sure I can compete with the humourous comments. I was and still am not funny and I hate to write! Jenny..maybe you can help me as I was placed in the old old English teacher (her name is escaping me)remedial english class where we did nothing, but watch movies. Needless to say, I don't like to write. Isyk...why don't we do the 25th Reunion in Italy and help you stomp the grapes? My e-mail address is kelly.clayton@bms.com. Thanks to everone who's set up the reunion...looking forward to it! Kelly Yore
Hello there and many thanks to everyone for the reunion planning!
Hmm, peer pressure. Wouldn't know anything about it. Ok, uncle; I'm in and have made my travel plans. I can always reschedule my bbq with Clooney for the next weekend.
Looking forward to hearing PJ recap how he and his caddy killed on the golf course all Saturday night with us gals. Fellas, donde estan? Don't you have this new fangled thing called the "interweb" everyone's talking about these days? We need you to be there so you can show us where the mix tape fits into these damn ipods.
Just finished reading this string of posts. Very entertaining. Count me in for Saturday night and tentatively for golf on Friday. I'll also work on some of our male classmates I have contact info for. This would be Tom Smithburg, Jon Paluga, Steve Lamm, Ken Kennedy, Sean Brown, Scott Ruswick, and Bob Colvin among others.
I won't be in attendance this time around but feel free to play Eric Clapton's version of "Cocaine" in my honor.
My excuse for not showing up is not unusual and my wit is failing me after reading some of your glorious posts. You should all go back to work now.
My friend John Harris said that he recognized only a few names on this blog, and I will admit it is a bit of a brain workout to recall faces. You all look like teenagers in my head so don't worry about boobs (men), baldness or other physical maladies. I guess that's the upside of not making it - everyone looks 18.
I am putting it on my schedule for 2012 or definitely 2017 - see you then. In the meantime, let's all practice saying, "40".
Pam and PJ Thank you so much for organizing our 20 year reunion. I am so bummed, I won't be able to make it.
A few months ago, my husband and I booked our trip to Tulum Mexico. Yes...that is where the class 5 hurricane hit last night! Our trip will be an adventure to say the least.
Through the e-mail list, I found a bunch of people I had wanted to get a hold of. So that has been amazing.I am glad this event is happening!
I am going to ask Molly Barry to take a lot of photos, so I can see all of you. Hopefully, she won't have too many cocktails where she forgets who is who in the photos the next day. (Just kidding Molly)- I wish I was cocktailing with you all.
...and Traci I would love to see your website of your winery. Us, Californians love Wine!
Like Joe said, in my mind, you all are still beautiful 18 year olds.
Have a great time!!
Big Hug From the west coast (little surf town Redondo Beach) Renee Avis ravis4@verizon.net
Okay--I'm just giggling too much and gave up on reading all these comments. Too funny. But so great to see some familiar names--I just can't believe how long it's been! Can't wait to see everyone. Molly--so glad you're flying in. I don't even know where you are anymore! Have you been in touch with Sue K? Jennifer--I'm bring non-LF spouse as well so tell Michael that Jim will gladly partake in some cocktails while standing back and making fun of us all together! Mike G.--so glad to see you're coming to this too! What about all your boys...I see no comments from the likes of .... let's see...Ken, Coley, Tom, Woody, Scott, Steve. Since I've talked to about 3 people from LF since the 90s, I don't know where anyone is! But looking forward to it--see you all then. Elizabeth (Cain ) Diskin
This is my first blog entry as well and I have found reading all these entries to be hilarious. Thanks again to everyone who helped organize our 20th reunion! I am really looking forward to it and can't wait to see everyone. I'm putting the pressure on Matt to fly in from Phoenix and could use a little help from his old pals (Ray, Rob, Brian, Bobby, John, anyone). I spoke with Karen (Stokes) Cummings and she is going to try and make it - but it is kind of a hike from Alaska. Well, that's it for now, off to the dermatologist for Botox injections ;)
I was debating if I really wanted to see PJ again since he never has invited me to any of his poker games since I returned to Lake Forest after a six year stop in Las Vegas to get my almost mid-life crisis out of my system.
Since I keep getting these emails telling me to come, read a blog and golf (yeah right, I lived on a golf course in Las Vegas for six years - I played it once. Oh wait, can you smoke on the golf course anymore or has The Governor decided we cannot smoke and golf anymore?) I figured I'd at least read the blog to help sway me.
My new girlfriend wants me to go and bring her, which I cannot imagine why she would want to see all these old people, but I guess it is the same theory that killed the cat. My parents always told me to leave your spouse at home as they will be bored at such a gathering, but it seems everyone responding so far is bringing the better half (which in my case is the far better half) so I guess I'll bring mine.
Anyway, now another male has posted so there can be less complaining about the majority of posts being from women. I am planning on attending but will not commit 100% until around the first week of the month.
Yes, another first time blogger here. Just finished reading all the messages and it is great to learn a little bit about what everyone has been up to for the past 20 years (hard to believe it has been that long!) It brings back a lot of great memories. Thanks Pam and PJ for setting this up. Through your efforts I've gotten back in contact with Jennifer Lawrence which has been a wonderful treat!
Jennifer and Curtis Baddeley have been pushing me to make the short drive to LF through the corn fields of Indiana, but unfortunately I probably won't be able to attend. My sister's family is staying at our house that weekend for a couple days of boating. However, if we don't get some more rain soon the lake may be shut down which could change our plans. It really would be great to catch up with many of you!
John Gnospelius, send me an e-mail at bmarquar@commscope.com - would love to catch up!
Everyone have a great time! Looking forward to 2012.
I look forward to catching up with a lot of you in September. Considering I will see a lot of the people I ran with during my days at LFHS the previous week at our annual FF Draft(Douglas, Riles, Milliman, Kracik, PJ, Jim Dugan and Scott Dugan). Yes you read that right...38...most of us married w/kids...getting together to play Fantasy Football-LOSERS!I seriously need to get a life. After the reunion I am moving my wife and two daughters to Montana or something so I break out of this "hanger-on" lifestyle I lead. I do have an update on people I still talk to that won't be there: Rob Burns-runs a fishing charter with his native American-Canadian wife in Montauk,NY. Has a charter booked that weekend-taking some Wall Street Hot Shots out to hunt tuna Tom Gwaltney(Prom King)- Lives on and owns a fetal pig farm with Hope Kracik-Gwaltney in Columbia,SC. County Fair that weekend. Looking to take first place again this year. Steve Moorhead- Works for his wife's family business in Osh Kosh, WI. They sell Green Bay Packer merchandise on the weekend out of thier conversion van at the Farm N Fleet parking lot. His three lovely children are usally there helping out. Sean Kennedy- I hope he will not be attending. He is my real estate agent and he better have a showing on Saturday or Sunday and I do not need him hungover. Anybody looking for a lovely 2 bdrm. 2.5 bath condo. on the north side of the city...please contact Sean. I am very depressed after typing this. Smock
John: You think your a hanger on? Get this, I am an uncle to Brian Haggies two children and Tom Gwaltney's baby girl. I think I am now related to most of the people we went to High School with. I may move to some rural southern state so at least this all seems normal. What do I need to attend a reunion for? I have one every holiday.
Okay, now I'm DEFINITELY not coming. What, we're all inbred now? If I'd wanted to attend an inbred country BBQ, I could've stayed in Charleston, SC where cousins are cousins are sisters are brothers are fathers and friends.
I'm going to be in Guam that weekend, making handbags out of coconut shells.
I am attending a wedding in Wisconsin the 14th and 15th, but should be able to return in time for the fiesta at the Lake Forest Club Sat. evening. The last time I was in the LF Club was taking social dance with you, Becky Lee. In answer to your question, yes, we still live in BoysTown and do miss seeing you around the hood. Jenny Friedes - still hanging out way too much at the J? Viola starts preschool there next week. Gnos - let's grab O'Keane and go play Canadian doubles: I'm sure we can scrounge up one of his old racquets at Waveland or West park. See you all the night of the 15th. PS If I'm going, you must as well BadBoy; it's a pity that Pepe can't make it.
Glad to see the blog starting to gain a little momentum. After struggling with it a bit (newborn/first time daddy)...I've decided that I'll absolutely have to make it. It's been way too long since I've been to old L.F. (the games are at “West Campus”?) and Deerpath Golf Course (does it really still exist?). Even though it's a long trip from Arizona…I wouldn’t mind a little break from the consistent 110's and a chance to see John Smock’s teeth turn burgundy red after his first few sips of vino.
Wow, it's nice to see some familiar names. Thanks for all your efforts Pam and PJ.
I think Linda Lu is collecting pictures of our class...if anyone has a pic with me in it PLEASE make sure it captures my good side before submitting! ;)
I don't play golf so I'm out for that. If the venue changes to 'dodgeball' then let me know.
Smock- Thanks for your support with the County Fair. My pig "Little John Smock" isn't as cranky as you and we think we have a good chance on winning the blue ribbon again this year. As John has already mentioned, we will not be making the trip to LF. However, it is nice to see so many names from the past. I am really bummed that I won't be able to make PJ's job fair. Good luck with that. Scott Dugan has promised me that he will be there and promises to buy a round of drinks for everyone.
Amit - where the heck have you been? Great to see you name on the blog. Send me an e-mail at bmarquar@commscope.com. We are trying to set up a night out for later this fall in Chicago.....
Wow, Gwaltney in Columbia SC pig farming?! (That’s close to me.) Moorehead in Osh Kosh, etc.? Ray Kracik and all his in-bred nieces and nephews! Good God! What a report from Johnny Smock! Too bad it's about so many people who can't make it. Seriously, I'm so gullible; I don't know what to believe. I lived for three years in a yurt five miles from a paved road, next to dreaded John Sisson and some other freaks, organic gardening over Y2K. But I booked my flight and bought my ticket yesterday - it'll be just me, leaving my lovely wife and two kids behind.
What great fun to start thinking about all these (all you) people again, eh? Now I teach philosophy at Rob Burn's alma mater, Clemson University, in upstate SC. Looking forward to so much catching-up. I'll be there knocking 'em back both nights, and maybe sitting alone (or maybe with Mateo Blanchardo and a beer-bong) at the east campus field on Saturday, where the Homecoming game really should be. I thought west campus was just for lacrosse practice? See everyone soon! Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Allen "Andy" Thompson athomp6@clemson.edu http://www.clemson.edu/~athomp6/
Thank you so much PJ and Pam and all others organizing this! This has been so great reading everyone's comments; as of right now, my sister-in-law is coming to visit us (we're in San Francisco area) with our niece; if I'm able to make it back, I won't have my husband and 2 kids (boy-8 and girl-6). My brother gets married the following weekend. I saw there are some other west coasters - who else is in the bay area? Love to catch up. I'm hoping to work out the details, may be there for Saturday night (also wearing the ever popular sliming black, and don't have enough time with a trainer to work off the extra lbs. stubbornly hanging on). Pride, Kim, Jan, Laura, Melissa, Steve V., Mike O. - where are you? Hope to keep reading more from everyone! Brooke (Wilson) Grafstrom
Well my tickets are booked. My husband, 2 children and I are coming from up North - Valdez, Alaska to be more specific. I don't know what all the rest of you were thinking staying down south. Have you heard of global warming - Just kidding. I am so appreciative to everyone who put this reunion together and can't wait to see you all and laugh about old times. We are so lucky to have such great history together. I can still hear all of your voices and see your manerisms in your blogs. Dean and I operate a heli skiing, glacier hiking, ice climbing and guide service company here in AK and do ski camps at Snowbird, Utah in Nov, Dec and Jan. so we would be up for climbing, hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting,or kayaking, but really we SUCK at golf. Therefore we will have to forego Friday, but will be there at the game and party. For the party maybe we should all wear our Prom dresses and suits. Wouldn't that be hilarious. Berry thanks for bringing Tink. I was wondering if any of our prep school/St.Mary's friends were going to be around too. Congrats Matt on the boy. I'm glad you are going to make it. Everyone bring pictures of your family. If anyone is ever in my neck of the woods, please look me up I would be happy to help in any way or just say hello. All the best to you and yours. Cheer cheer for Lake Forest High School whose spirit never dies! Karen Stokes Cummings
Hi Old Friends, I missed the 10 year because I was living in Hollywood trying to make it big. Now I'm in Chicago trying to sell Smock's condo that smells like cats and diapers. Actually that's not true, John doesn't have a cat, but he does have a new baby girl. It's Friday night and I'm going to bed shortly because I need to be well rested for showings tomorrow. I'm also doing the Accenture Triathalon this Sunday. P.J. or Milliman can you organize a bike ride or mini tri for us non golfers? I'm looking forward to doing a beer bong with Andy ( Allen) and seeing you all soon. P.S. I also have a studio for sale in the Gold Coast with a view of the Hancock and a pool on the roof.(nice in town) Contact me at spkennedy2003@yahoo.com SeanKennedychicago.com has pictures and a testimonial from one of my happy customers you all remember- Joe Cain.
I'm a first time blogger and just erased my entire post.
I've been reading the blog and find all you old people hilarious. My young husband/designated driver and I are planning on coming, just need to book the babysitter for my 3 kids (ages 7,5 and 2.)
Jennifer P., no one answered your question, what is the attire for Saturday evening? Since it is at the Lake Forest Club, will we be wearing "Junior Assembly wear?" Will we be doing the Cha-cha?
I'm so disappointed that Freher won't be coming to the reunion. I was so happy to see her at the 10 year reunion, I hope she reconsiders.
John Gnospelius and Bill Marquardt, where have you guys been?
Buffy Christie, I heard you had your second child. I hope you're coming.
Even though I live in the area, I rarely see anyone from high school, except Curtis B. because he lives in my neighborhood.
Thanks to P.J. and Pam and everyone else for planning the weekend. I can't wait to see everyone.
So great to hear from you and that you'll be able to make it! As for official event attire: though I am EXTREMELY tempted to suggest 80's prom theme, I do want to go on living, so I'm voting for cocktail attire to suit the environment. I think we should place bets on how many of us will show up in slimming black, and special awards to those brave enough to turn up in all-white.
After much contemplation about whether anyone would really care about what I have to add, I've decided to add my two cents to this amalgam of monologues and dialogues.
First and foremost, thanks so much to PJ (my prom date) and Pam for organizing this event and I am sincerely bummed that I will not be able to make the 20 year get-together. Hopefully, I will make the 25-year festivities, but with everyone who's coming this year, I fear the turnout in 5 short years will be abysmal. My husband and I will be in Italy, exploring new worlds, rather than reminscing about the old. Karen C, kudos to you for making the trek all the way from AK with your whole family.
I, like many, have seen only a handful of people from LFHS over the years and have not really kept up with anybody. Jim Dugan and our mutual non-LFHS friends do keep me apprised from time-to-time, but this blog is truly enlightening. Elizabeth (Cain) Diskin did show up in my office once several years ago after she discovered we were working for the same firm and I even made it to her wedding. She wised-up, however, and left the practice of law.
I don't know what to be shocked about more, the fact that Andy Thompson teaches philosophy or that Gwaltney has a pig-farm (if that's true, but considering the sarcastic source, I'm dubious). It's really fun to read how everyones' lives have developed over the last 20 years.
I found my way back to Chicago 10 years ago (sorry, didn't make the 10-year reunion either) and now my husband and I are living in Madison, WI, since he came to work at the UW Hospital (Jennifer (Passalino) Robinson and Billy Douglas, if you are anything like other UW Alum, you are saying "I love Madison" right now).
Pam, PJ and Erin – Thanks for organizing. It’s fun to read everyone’s comments and find out that there are other folks in the San Francisco area. My husband and I’ve been here since 95 … time flies. I don’t think I am going to make this one because we're celebrating our daughter’s first b-day and my mother-in-law’s 70th. I’ll have to catch the next reunion and while wine coolers were the drink of choice in high school, I’ll bring wine from Sonoma to make up for it.
Well, the comments are hysterical. Never particapted in a blog before so I have a few adds of my own...
Pj and Pam thanks for organizing the reunion. It sounds like it will be a blast. I am coming. You may have to work on my spouse, Bo Makelim who refuses to be involved. His cell n# 847/716-0789 - call and bug him.
PJ - my parents purchased your parents first house in LF on Westminster prior to your family moving to Florida when we moved from Greenwich.
Having gone to three highschools in four years, LFHS is sort of home. I tried to get to the Berkshire class reunion this summer but had caught really bag bug from Bo. could not fly so I thought I would try this 20 year reunion.
talk about incest....Ray and Tom...Ted Notz introduced my cousin Molly to Brian Sarver who married and then reintroduced me to Sunday school classmate, Bo Makelim and we married. I have a few reunions at holidays events too.
Lauren looking forward to seeing you. Heather Longworth Dwelle lives in California with her two kids and spouse.
I had no idea Buffy had a second child. congrats on that....
"allen": while a beer bong with you, matt, and sean sounds all fun and games, i think we should honor the desires of hallowed LFHS groundskeeper, Ed Pluckett, and only visit the field during sanctioned activities. neyer's basement instead? see you in a couple of weeks.
When people are saying "cocktail" attire, how fancy do you mean? Do you mena nice pants and a top, or are we talking a flouncy skirt or a pretty party dress?
OK I'll admit I wake up each day and check for more blogs ( mainly bc I dont' have a job ). I agree with you all that it's been fun to read everyone's blog and it really makes the anticipation of the Reunion even "funner".
Thankfully this blog has brought me back in touch with great old friends. Bill Marquardt and I spent over an hour on the phone recently and even though it had been 10+ years since we last talked it only seemed like yesterday that we were cruising the halls of LFHS together. Renee Avis it's been fun e-mailing you too. Kim Hetler Nyland I can't wait til we talk. Diana Papas where are you? Cristina Garrison?
Ray K - if you're looking to head south ( due to all the "inbreeding") - check out Kentucky anything goes down here, you'd be welcome with open arms. The KY State Fair is going on and you might even be able to find work through some long lost relatives, who knows with that big new extended family of yours.
Yes I live in Kentucky. Just a few months ago I was living in CA, working in the ET business, hanging out in the Hollywood Hills, and look at me now - I'm unemployed, living in Kentucky, and I buy lottery tickets. The best part is I've never been happier. Sean K. we'll have to share Hollywood stories.
Allen T. - I'm glad you were so honest to say you were gullible and not sure what to believe about Smock's e-mail. I too wasn't sure what to believe. I forwarded it to Alison Brown for her help. She's not sure what to believe as well. I guess we'll find out soon.
What to wear? Megan I agree with you no pantyhose!!! LA cocktail ( my most recent place of "cocktailing") is "nice" jeans ( no not Levis ), a nice top and fancy shoes, I just may show up in that. Kathy Mohr Zerkle said as long as you are comfortable and if you get drunk and fall down make sure you aren't wearing a skirt that might flash others in your drunken fall. Of course Megan that wasn't directed at you that was a general "you". I see no reason why you couldn't wear pants, anyone else?
Sorry I missed all you west coaster when I was out there for 10 years. Brooke I lived in SF for a year, I hope you can make it... Can't wait to see you all.
Yes, clearly I too look frequently to the blog for fun updates, hence my frequent abuse of the service.
So, to totally 'fess up, I do in fact have my reunion Event outfit planned. It is as follows:
- black pants (I can't afford LA type nice jeans) - black top (no, I was not kidding about the all-black ensemble) - a FABULOUS embroidered Chinese jacket I bought on a recent visit to the Chinatown area of San Fran - no nylons
How about "city cocktail hour attire"? So not suits & ties, but not something that could double as pajamas.
Wow! It is hilarious to see all these names from the past. I am sure the weekend will be filled with lots of memories and laughs. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend as my sister is in town and I promised her a night out with no kids. I am counting on Megan O and Elizabeth to fill me in on details. I live in Elmhurst with my husband and two boys (1 1/2 and 3 1/2) and I try to get to LF to reminisce when I can. I will work on getting Melissa to go as I am seeing her this weekend. Wishing everyone the best!
Come on, people. Over 300 people graduated with us and we only have 68 comments. Half of them are from Pam and all the Jennifers.
It doesn't need to be funny, we aren't in high school any more. Just write down where you live and what your life is like. You won't be able to catch up with everyone at the reunion.
I'll start:
I live in Deerfield with my husband, Ian Rothenberg and my 3 kids, Zach (age 7), Sydney (girl) (age 5) and Noah (age 2.) I'm an attorney who works part-time for the Lake County State's Attorney's Office.
By the way, all you people worried about the way you look, I pulled out my yearbooks. We all have to look better that we did in the '80's.
Let me first say that I am thinking about being really crazy and may wear dark or slate grey instead of black at the reunion. But I reserve the right to change my mind several times at about 6:30 pm on September 15th, so don't hold me to that.
Taking Lauren's lead, here is the latest on my life...
I live in Highland Park with my husband, Chris, and 15 month old son, Nick. I work for UBS as an investment banker in the Municipal Securities Group. Life is crazy, but I don't think I would have it any other way, and being a mom is so incredibly rewarding! I still do that curling thing in the winter and attempt to improve my golf game every summer. My parents sold the LF home about 7 years ago and live in Highland Park, too. It's nice to be close to Lake Forest and run into some classmates every once in awhile...there certainly seem to be many of us in the area! All for now...see some of you at the LF Club!
Hey Lauren. Long time no talk. Here's my brief update:
Live in Glenview with wife Jennifer, daughter Megan (7) and son Andrew (5). By day I manage a Financial Analysis unit for JPMorgan in downtown Chicago.
Look forward to seeing you (and everyone else) on Sept 15.
Girls save you money on the personal trainers and boob jobs. Just stand next to me and you will look and feel like a million bucks! I will be very pregnant with baby #4 the night of the reunion. Can't use being drunk as an excuse for falling over and flashing anyone either. Craig, can't compete with you in the bald department, but stick by me and you will feel lean and mean!
Okay, I've officially bailed on the toga party I was supposed to be co-hosting the same weekend (really, I'm a responsible mom - it's a fundraiser for the kids) and bought my ticket from California. I'm hoping Moorhead can get me a deal on some cheeseheads.
After looking to rearrange schedule doesn't look like I will make this reunion. I too love reading everyone's very witty comments - I don't have anything witty to write - I have lived in Germany way too long and have lost my sense of humor.
As far as my life - here it is in a nut shell: ex-management consultant having been promoted to 'motherhood'. I am married to an English guy, Graham, with one beautiful daughter, Isabella Loren - almost 10 months old, and 2 norfolk terriers. Trying to manage 3 separate households in 3 separate countries. We have a beautiful house in Munich, Germany which we are trying to sell (anyone interested?), a home in Vienna, Austria and yes a vineyard in Piemonte, Italy (small town of Santo Stefano Belbo). I am also learning to become an 'italian' farmer and need to take the test in September (one of the many reasons I am unable to attend).
I will definitely make the next reunion - be it in 5 or 10 years - with the perfect farmers tan!
If anyone of you make it to Europe - please look us up - we are perfect hosts - thats if you like small dogs sitting on your lap at dinner.
Thanks Pam, PJ & Erin for organizing this. I am glad to hear that black is back and I won't have to dig out the old prom dress and get a perm! Excited to see everyone. Have been emailing recently with Kay Borders, Paige Price, and Brett Brinker - I think all are coming to the main event. Can't believe it has been 20 years! -- Susie (Jensen) Smith
Took me about a week to figure out how get on this think..didn't realize had an account...I'm like a frikin genius..looking forward to seeing everyone..please come to the football game on Sat..I'll be the guy trying to look like he knows what he is doing in the press box!! The new field is at west campus and looks pretty cool. Sat (homecoming) will be the first game there. I'll be thereon sat night & I'm looking forward to getting reasonably hammered (can you do this still) and dancing like a fool and embarrassing my wife!!!! Who's with me????
John Smock always talked way too much! It is good to see so many familiar names and it will be fun to see everyone Saturay night. I may not be able to attend the homecoming game because I am coaching soccer (daughter) and it is picture day and we have a tournament that day. Wow that sounds kind of lame! I live in Elmhurst with my wife Stephanie and two kids Whitney (8) and Isabel (5). I am a Partner in an Executive Search Firm(headhunter) I started with some others downtown in Chicago a few years ago. My mom and brother still live in LF so I am up there visiting Left Bank as often as possible! I will be wearing something sleek and black if you girls care. I know you have been reading these Coley so write something!
We now have 69 paid attendees - so all you big talkers out there who keep telling everyone you are coming, buck up and buy your tickets. If you don't, it'll cost you $100 per person at the door.
The event itself is coming along nicely - should be a great evening for everyone who comes. To that end, everyone please bring your digital cameras. We will not have an official photographer, but will set up something online where everyone can post their own pics and share them with those who couldn't attend.
I do want to let you all know that we have decided not to serve a sit down dinner, but will have heavy appetizers instead. If you want a full meal, eat before you arrive.
Why the expense then? We don't want to run out of booze do we? I thought not.
If you want to play golf but haven't emailed Milliman - you might be SOL. I believe we have 9 foursomes playing. However, you may want to let him know just in case.
Jan - you can still wear the toga. In fact, PLEASE wear the toga.
Craig - I feel your pain.
Beth - Ummm...Italy IS the Old World. Look up Traci and help her study.
Traci - you have to pass a test to be a farmer? What do you need to know? Don't put cow-shit into the vineyards. Tomatoes needs lots of sun and water. Same for olive trees. There - you'll pass now, you can make it to the party.
Finally, just want to make sure that everyone knows - no kids at the Saturday night shindig. Please bring them to the game Saturday afternoon though.
Megan - please tell me you are not planning on putting your cat on a leash and bringing her. You might lose your position as beer cart driver at the golf outing.
Now - to answer Lauren's question. I am currently living in DC - moved here right after college, so am scarily boardering on living here longer than LF. I work at the Library of Congress as their Director of Educational Outreach. Get to work with teachers all over the country, which is fantastic.
Am looking forward to seeing you all and getting back in touch.
After looking at my comments earlier today..I can conclude they don't make much sense..Steve as in Van Nuys. I am a teacher at old LFHS (history) It is 6th year..and it has been a blast. I also coach freshman football which is also a great time. I live in LB with my wife and our 2 yr old daughter Madelyn. Karen C-H..my wife will also be quite preg at the bash so you won't be alone! It can be weird at times working at the high school..and although much has changed physically..it is still in many ways the same place. we left 20 years ago. If anyone wants to take a tour of the place..send me an e-mail..I know some are upset about the football move to west as was I..but the new field (hopefully its ready by homecoming)is pretty cool. But if you must see one more game on old Lindenmeyer..my Freshman B bombers will be battling it out on Friday at 430at East..so come see some true sport before the cocktail hour..I'll even try to get you onto the field during the game and possibly to the post game press conference. I would also like to thank all those working on this weekend..especially PJ..a man with true priorities and vision!!! I most likely will be getting a little hammered on Sat though (that much did make sence to me)Don't get out much..Craig might need some good legal advice once all is said and done..See you all soon. Go Scouts!!! Van Nuys
First off, what a pleasant surprise to hear from Pam Jelaca (nee Volpe)! Great conversation. Makes me regret missing the 10 year.
I recall our class being unusually intelligent . Talking with Pam only reinforces this sentiment. Naturally, I'm curious how everybody's turned out -- looking at the business exchange, it seems I'm the only one who isn't running a company -- got to get on that.
There's a chance I might make it on the 15th. Would love to see everybody, make the necessary apologies and grab some business cards. Reunions are great because panic attacks help me lose weight.
I am happy to report that Jon is as fabulous as ever (and yes, in part because he compliments me publicly). If only he'd been doing something with his life, like, oh, I don't know, storyboard artist for movies like Crash, Miracle, Employee of the Month, Cheaper by the Dozen, and From Dusk Till Dawn 3 (yes, I googled you) or perhaps a little show premiering on ABC primetime called Pushing Daisies. TIME TO 'FESS UP MR. WOODS! And time to buy your plane tickets for the reunion!
Hey everybody! PJ, Pam and all those behind the scenes, THANK YOU!! Planning any event, let alone one to gether 300+ from around the world, can be mind boggling.
In short, I live in Beach Park, IL with my wife and 5 1/2 yr old girl. I own an insurance agency with my dad and brother in Waukegan. Music still lives within me. I have recently played drums on Dave Hawkins album, for you Dave Hawkins fans. I do see some of you at local events where I am playing. Always great to catch up. Hopefully I will see some of you golfing on Friday or at The Grille afterwards. I am trying to make the game on Saturday but will definatly see you all on Saturday night.
I read in a previous entry that there is no photographer. No worry. My wife and I plan on getting loads of photos and creating a digital storybook of the evening. It should take a week to complete and we will send a link where you can view it and purchase it if you wish. We will bring info on it to Lake Forest Club.
Rice Cakes, water and 10 miles a day gets you back into your "favorite" jeans from high school you never threw away.
See you all in 2 weeks.
Chris Tomek
PS: PJ, did you get teh CD's? Will they work for you?
Lauren K. it was good to hear from you., and I like how you got everyone inputting about their lives.
Well, Jon said it well -when he mentioned that our class being unusually intelligent! I would also add very strong personalities that know what they want in life.
Chris Tomek it is good to hear from one of our musicians. We had a handful of them in our class that were very good. It is nice to see that you followed your passion.
When I hear from all of you... it takes me not only back to high school -but all the way back to 1rst grade and up. I can't believe how long some of us have know each other.
On my end, after college I did the ski bum route in Colorado for a few years and traveled the South Pacific.
I went back to school for 2 more years and became a Professional Sports Massage Therapist. I have run my own practice for 8 years working on clients who are volleyball players, bicyclists, tennis players, surfers, golfers, and triathletes....
My husband, who I met when I was traveling in Costa Rica, is from France. We are working on a family... but no children yet. He is an audio post-production free lancer for movies and commercials. He has the "ear" for that being a professional blues harmonica player.
I wrote earlier that we live south of Los Angeles in Redondo Beach. We are off on our vacation to Tulum, Mexico. Have a great time at the reunion!! I can't wait for the photos.
I have a suggestion...we could use a website called www.frappr.com to create a free map where we can all input our locations and view it from this blog.
Pam and PJ, all you have to do is:
1. Go to www.frappr.com 2. Click on 'Get your own map' 3. Click Save 4. Select Blogger from the left menu 5. Add the HTML code to this blog and Publish it.
This way we can have a graphic view of where the clase of '87 is.
Just a thought anyway. I have no vested interest in the frappr site btw :)
It has been so great to read about how everyone is doing and how we've all chosen our paths. So many long forgotten memories, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times" didn't John Bogan use that for his senior quote? I can't find my yearbooks...Megan F. - where is Melissa? I can't find her info - My husband, Eric (we met senior year at SMU, he's from St. Louis) have two kids; our son, Wilson is 8 1/2 and our daughter, Taylor is 6. Dog, Baloo, border collie rescue, and Fido the gecko. I'm trying to keep balance between family (school volunteering in class and library) and work. Controlled chaos... I have an small interior design firm (encouraging green design in kitchens, baths, office space). Joe Cain, we should connect (my clients would be interested in your products). We've been out here in SF for about four years (in Menlo Park, south of the city). Before that we were in Dallas for 2, London for 2 (for Eric's work), Dallas for about 10. Lot's of moving - I think we're here to stay. Eric's industry is here (tech) and he just began a new position with a new company. Besides, I don't want to move the kids around again. Unfortunately, I cannot come to the 20th...my sister-in-law is coming to see us. I am really bummed! I can't wait to see the pictures. If anyone is out in SF, please look me up! I'd love to reconnect. It's been great reconnecting the last couple of weeks with people. Brooke (Wilson) 650-269-0924 design@brookegrafstrom.com
Didn't we (some of us) take dance classes at the LF Club in 7th and 8th grade? That's where we all learned our wonderful manners that we are hopefully passing on to our children. I'm expecting a few of you to give us all refresher dance lessons. Great to hear from so many classmates. Thanks to Pam and PJ for putting it all together. I'm not a blooger, but I didn't want to appear anti-social either. As Lauren mentioned, I live in Deerfield with my wife Louisa and my two girls Kate (9) and Grace (5). I am the Director of Rental Suites at the United Center in Chicago and no I don't have any Bruce Springsteen tickets. If you want a suite though, let me know. Louisa is a first grade teacher in Buffalo Grove. I am very much looking forward to catching up with everyone. As far as Woody is concerned, I will not be wearing anything black and it definately won't be sleek. Congrats to Buffy! Steve V., I share your sentiments on the new football field, very sad. Anyone heard from Tor Hoerman? Bill M. can't make it, he is still recovering from our trip around the country to every Major League Baseball Park back in '91.
Ok Pamela, I’m here. You may now cease with the public taunting, threatening, cajoling, etc. - not to mention the invective you hurl my way in your voice- and emails. Yes, I am ducking your calls.
Bec: I am indeed making the sojourn back to the Enchanted Forest. I believe it will be the first time I’ve been back since your wedding. Unlike others who were joyfully asked whether they would like to participate, I was merely informed I am attending by our dear Pammy who still retains this strange ability to goad me into anything-- I see from the growth of this blog that she has this power over others as well. We are flying in on Thursday night and hotelling in Highland Park. I assume we will be seeing the good Dr. Topin. Noelle’s presence deems his mandatory.
All: I will be attending in an official capacity as president of the New Haven Chapter of the Lake Forest High School Class of 1987 Alumni Association (or, the NHCOTLFHSCO1987AA for short—it is also my car’s VIN Number). We are a small organization and in order to carry regular meetings, we have had to relax the membership qualifications a little. The association therefore consists of myself, my spouse (Noelle- a high-school math teacher—those of you who watched me fail everything that was put in front of me in Anal Math know how proud Mr. Doubet would be) and a former UW beau of Lia Berretini, whom I do not believe I had the pleasure of meeting during my lone year in Lake Forest, but we open my yearbook to her picture at every meeting.
Mostly, we discuss Big Ten sports—speaking of which, Friedes: I wrote most of this on Friday afternoon and included some good-natured jabs about the state of Go Blue football-- five out of the last six years, etc., but after Saturday I had to delete them so as not to seem to be rubbing it in. Before you respond too harshly, bear in mind that I still have some very risqué video of you.
As there is no real tailgating at high school football games, Pam, do you think it would be possible to arrange for those two little old men from outside your wedding to show up with their bottle of Hennessey and those disposable shot glasses? They were quite discreet. Dan’s presence is required as well.
In all of this, I have not yet heard from Mike Muldrow, the future Geno Auriemma of Illinois High School Women’s basketball and master of the motion offense. It has me quite concerned. Not really worried about whether he is there or not, so long as Monique shows up.
Seriously, I’m looking forward to seeing those I knew, meeting those I didn’t and apologizing to Friedes. Lake Forest High School was very good to me in the year that I darkened its doors. It provided me with some of my very best friends and favorite memories. It will be nice to be back.
Finally, a question for any tax attorneys out there: If we are having a business exchange, does that make this trip tax deductible? For any IRS auditors out there, this conversation never happened…
After consistently harassing Sue Kerrigan every day for the last two weeks via email, she finally broke down and purchased her airline ticket on Friday. PJ, I’ll work on her next to pony up the $75 for the actual event! One thing at a time for her! Woody, I was happy to read that you too will be wearing black. Very sliming indeed, exactly what you need to portray.
Stump, thanks for the invite to your game on Friday to the Freshman game. At least you know where football should be played!! I really thought the West campus was a temp thing due to all the construction going on at East. For obvious reasons, I just can't imagine the game being played anywhere else.
Renee - where are my fellow musicians? Anyone out there?
Sorry to hear you will not be able to make it. After getting over the fact we are 20 yrs out of high school really makes me think how old we are based on our days at Cherokee School. I liked the responsibility level back then vs. now.
If anyone else would like to support live music and lives locally, I will now throw in my shameless plug.
www.mooncrickets.net
Saturday Nov 10 at Gabe's Backstage in Highwood. 10pm
Lake Forest Soccer Day September 8, 2007 Alumni Game
After a successful season as a club sport in 1967, the Varsity Boys Soccer team competed in its first season as an interscholastic sport in the Fall of 1968. Fall ’07 marks the 40th season at LFHS. To commemorate this landmark, LFHS will host ‘Lake Forest Soccer Day’ at the NEW Scouts Stadium on Saturday, September 8. During halftime of the Scouts game against Glenbrook North, we will recognize all Alumni and former coaches in attendance. Following the game we will host a Co-ed Alumni game open to any former Varsity Soccer player.
Please contact Coach Rob Parry at rparry@d115.org if you can attend the celebration, and indicate if you plan on playing in the Alumni Game. Other activities during the day include: Collection of gently used soccer equipment for donation, and recognition of soccer in the community.
The nice thing is the hospital is a short car ride away. PLEASE send this to any people who might be interested in playing. Thanks
So what's this about a 20 year reunion? Thanks to Pam, P.J., and others who have spent a good amount of time organizing the event. Names I haven't heard from in ages - man are we getting older! (sorry, someone had to say it). Hopefully people like John Fredrick Bollman and Thomas Ogden Hart will be checking in and posting a few comments.
I went to the football game this past Saturday and yes it was depressing knowing it was the last time LFHS would be playing at East Campus. The times were great with Coach Barry.
I look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks. Who knows, maybe the reunion will spawn a re-birth of Mirror Images, Fred & Those Guys, and Steel Toast ...
Hi everyone! It has been so great to read about everyone on the blog. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Again a big thank you to Pam and PJ for organizing.
My quick update is that I live in Chicago. I am a partner at a consulting firm - the same firm I have worked with since college. I also recently got engaged and am getting married in April. I am marrying a friend from college who I saw last year at my 15th college reunion. So reunions have been pretty good for me...
I look forward to seeing everyone and catching up.
Shipley, I have two words for you, and they rhyme with "Go Blue." As for the video, I can only assume that your reference to it is an indication of what you plan to wear on Saturday (since wardrobe seems to be a big focus of this blog). Can't wait to see you in fishnets and mohair.
Jenny Friedes. Screenwriter. Mom of four sons. Wife of Steve. Former litigator. Planned Parenthood Board Member. Francis W. Parker Room Parent. Aspiring filmmaker. WOLVERINE!
It is so great to read all of this. Thanks to everyone who has made this so enjoyable thus far and for the upcoming weekend.
I have to say I feel a little boring after reading all of the posts. Living back in Lake Bluff, a few blocks from the house I grew up in is a far cry from Alaska, CA and Germany. I work in a nearby high school in the area of discipline so I have to be careful in my entry as I bust students for their inappropriate Facebook entries. When talking to students about "good decision" making in high school (Okay stop laughing) I often bring in stories like the "Rob Burns Ceiling fund" and Chantal's "Hey Hey Paula". I am hopeful to get some more material at the reunion. I married the younger and cuter Gamrath - but talked to Rob who is planning on coming to the reunion. John (Leif) and I have a five year old daughter (Laine) and twin 18 month old boys (Ryder and Brady). For all of you who are tired of the kid talk but want to try it out... We rent the boys out at an hourly, daily or weekly rate. This helps pay for the diapers.
Renee Avis - Oprah says I should forgive you that your German Shepard bit me in second grade. - Lauren - I had no idea you were so close - Joe Cain - see your parents everywhere- I think you should move back here. Can't wait to see everyone - because we were the best class to ever graduate from LFHS (Didn't they say that at our graduation?)
First, and most importantly, many thanks to the self appointed reunion comittee. You guys are amazing! OK, I admit to laying low in my attempt to shirk any and all responsibility I may have had to help in planning our 20th reunion. Mission accomplished.
Since Lauren made a great point about probably not being able to catch up with everyone, here's the short version...I have a 5 month old baby girl named Lily Claire (who is my convenient excuse for not being in as good shape as I was in 1987 and why I look so damn tired all the time). My husband, Mitchell, Lily and I split our time between downtown Chicago and Lombard (where his 3 teenagers from a previous marriage live). I've been "retired" for about 6 years and finally have a really good reason for not working outside of the house anymore.
Linda Lu, I meant to send you some great pictures I recently found while cleaning out my mom's basement. Unfortunately, I think I "filed" them somewhere in my basement and I'm not brave enough to venture in there right now.
Pam, count me in for donating a "Blast From The Past" goody basket for the raffle. Not sure yet what will be in there, but I have a week to figure it out.
Does anyone know what time kick-off is on Saturday? I'm trying to get my husband and his youngest son to bring baby Lily to the game...
Kick off is at 1pm on Sat. More importantly the freshman A & B (my crew) play on Friday at 430pm..not sure where yet..could be at east campus. Good mood maker for the cocktail hour at the Grille on Friday!!!! Look forward to seeing everyone all weeknd long. Steve VN
It’s good to hear from so many people, to get a sense of who will be showing, and to hear a few sound bites on people.
Like Smock, I still see a big chunk of my LF friends as I have been in Chicago for the past 12 years. I will be golfing on Friday, brining my boys Max and Alex to the game on Saturday afternoon and know that my wife April will, at a minimum, be attending on Saturday night. We’re moving from Glenview to Atlanta at the end of the month. I have been working for Coca-Cola since college and finally decided to go work at HQ which is only a couple hours away from where my parents now live.
PJ, Pam, Linda, Milliman etc… nice work! Do you think someone could make the name tags of spouses / partners look different (ie different color, different font etc…) so we don’t get those uncomfortable situations thinking we are drawing a total blank on someone who we shouldn’t know vs. a classmate?
Look forward to catching-up with everyone in a couple weeks!
You make an excellent point. We are in the very interesting position of totally messing with people's minds with what we put on people's name tags. Oh, the temptation. What we are thinking of doing is actually putting on guest name tags "Guest of (classmate)" with room to hand write the guest's name in under that, and with no yearbook picture. So anyone with a yearbook picture on their name tag will be easily identifiable as a classmate, and without pic, a guest. Hopefully that'll go over well.
Linda Lu, as an attorney, can you tell me if there is a statute of limitations on evading the police? I wouldn't want the Lake Bluff cops waiting to pick us up as we entered the reunion. Our high speed car chase through the streets of Lake Bluff before school one morning remains a highlight.
Looking forward to seeing the class of '87 – I haven't heard some of these names for a full 20 years – even longer in some cases. We spent a number of years in Silicon Valley right out of undergrad, before moving back to Chicago for B-school. So I missed the 10 year reunion and haven't spoken to many people from LFHS. I did run into Jon Woods in L.A. at one point, but that was like a scene right out of Apocalypse Now (he was Brando). For some reason, he kept talking about Mr. Spooner and "male hairs". I'm still confused about that.
I'm currently living downtown, with two young boys. Wait, that doesn't sound right. I am living downtown with my wife and two young sons: Yaz and Hunt.
I am now with the Private Bank at UBS, and I have run into Tammie Beckwith from time to time. I saw PJ at some tech cocktail event like 8 years ago, and I have run into Jim Dugan a couple of times at Chicago Chamber meetings. I'm wondering where Dahlgren, Trager, Cortesi, and Sundberg are on this blog? Is the entire hockey team boycotting this blog, or do they just not know how to use computers?
Sundberg and I will hit the Lake Bluff Golf Course early morning on the 15th so we can load up his VW with some free Old Style for the reunion…
Dear All: I hope this actually gets in to the blog, as my previously attempts have failed... Good to hear from everyone. Thanks to all of you who have sent in photos for the Wall of Shame, I mean, Memories. Forgot that hair can get so big and defy gravity. Is everyone wearing their pearls to the party? Still accepting photos: (Hard Copy) send to:
Linda Lu 2219 Chestnut Avenue Glenview, Illinois 60026
Electronic photo - send to the official site.
Dress Code: Don't wear what you wore in the '80s. Although, we should award a special prize to the gal who wears the same outfit (thus size)in her high school photo to the party. Shoulder pads were not a good look. I vote for dress pants and cute top (black, or in Tammie's case, grey.) If you got a great boob job or great lipo job - wear something tight or revealing to make the rest of us envious.
Jeff Morse: Statute of Limitations has run. See you at the reunion. Get your wife to be designated driver...even if you are not drunk. Also - make nice with Lauren K. and Craig P. You may need Craig to face Lauren in court...
Linda - fyi. Following Lauren's suggestion - I'm a mom of 3 (girl-7yo; boy-3yo; girl-1yo), and in-house counsel for Allstate Insurance Co, managing the corporation's class action litigation, challenges to policies/practices/procedures, and cases of first impression. I live in Glenview, and we frequently see Pam Volpe n/k/a Jelaca and John Gnos.
Dear All, After the 4th time trying to write into this blog, I hope this works...
Great to hear from everyone. Thanks to you all who have sent in photos for the Wall of Shame, I mean, Memories. We all look so young (with hair - I forgot that hair can be so big and defy gravity), happy, and care free. Shoulder pads were not a good look. Anyone wearing their pearls to the party? Still accepting photos... Hard copy, send to:
Linda Lu 2219 Chestnut Avenue Glenview, Illinois 60026.
Electronic photos, send to the official site.
Dress code: Don't wear what you wore in the '80s. Actually, special recognition should go to those gals who can still fit into the outfits they wore in the photos. I vote for dress slacks and a cute top (black, or in Tammie's case, grey). If you got a great boob job or great lipo job, anything revealing or tight would make us all envious.
Jeff Morse - Statute of Limitations has run. See you at reunion. Words of advice - let your wife be designated driver, even if you are not drunk. Also, make nice with Lauren K. and Craig P. You may need Craig P. to face Lauren K. in court...
Amit - I have a pic of you with big hair and cut off shorts... do you really want to revisit that look?
Following Lauren's trend - I am a mom of 3 (girl-7yo; boy-3yo; girl-1yo), and in-house counsel for Allstate Ins. co., managing the corporation's class action litigation, challenges to policies/practices/procedures, and cases of first impression. We live in Glenview, and frequently see Pam Volpe n/k/a Jelaca, and John Gnos.
I figured I had better join the blog or no one is going to remember who I am when it comes time for the reunion. Us band geeks sometimes got lost in the crowd.
Anyway, I am married to John Giambrone and have three wonderful boys – Matt (6 ½), Alex (almost 4) and Kevin (16 months). Due to the three kids and no time, I am even heavier than high school so I can probably give some of the pregnant women a run for their money. Even black is not slimming enough. The good news is that I am happy enough that I don’t care.
I am currently the Quality Manager at a manufacturing company in Skokie, IL that makes Fel-Pro Gaskets. If there are any NASCAR fans out there, you probably recognize the name, otherwise, it will mean nothing to you.
My parents are still in LB so I am back in the area to see them quite often. I currently reside in Northbrook where I recently reconnected with Becky Lee when we found out her daughter and my son were in the same kindergarten class. It was fun to see her and I am looking forward to Saturday and catching up with everyone else. It’s not worth the $75 and babysitting cost so I’m coming to the party on Saturday night solo. But I am trying to get my husband and kids to come to the Football game (He’s not a football fan so it’s a tough sell.)
Given some of the bantering going on, I figured that I’d let everyone know that I too am a UM alum so you can always give me a hard time in Jenny’s absence. I even attended the game in person (my first in ten years) and took my 6 year old with me. I can definitely say it was a historic event and one I will never forget.
Many thanks to PJ and Pam for all their work on this. I am still amazed that all of this came together so quickly! Looking forward to Saturday and all the activities.
Linda - Please don't show that picture to anyone! Cut off shorts!?! Are you sure it's not J. Gnos, Bill Marquardt or J.Swartout in the picture? :)
After college at Boston University (with Brett Brinker and Charlie M.) I came back to UIC for dental school. My focus is on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry and I'm about to sign a lease for some space in downtown Chicago, where I currently reside. I go back often to LF since my parents are still there.
I was planning on offering LFHS'87 teeth whitening services before the reunion...it's much easier and cheaper then the boob job's I've been reading about here.
Oh yeah, I'm still not married (much to my moms dismay.) Looks like I may be the only one left out of our class. I asked Angelina Jolie when she was here a few weeks ago if she'd come to the reunion with me but I didn't get the feeling she was interested. Oh well, I'll keep looking.
Pam, PJ and everyone else behind the scenes I would like to say in advance “thank you” for taking the time to get the 20 year reunion shindig put together. It has been a treat to view the blog’s. I enjoy the idea of a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of the crazy way we looked back in the day. It will be interesting to see what pictures have been submitted from the past and see what we think our best pictures are now. (PJ are you going to play softball this fall for the Lantern? Missed you last season)
Back to the real world, I agree with Cindy if I don’t place a commentary on this blog site I might just be another blending in with the wall paper on Saturday night. My update is surely not as impressive as some, but I can say that the past 20 years have been certainly adventurous, intriguing and defiantly exhilarating.
Believe it or not, I am not a day over 25. No plastic surgery here and still get carded for alcohol. Crazy? Believe it.
I live in Beach Park with two cats. Jose (male) 16 1/2 and diabetic. Yeah, didn’t know cats could get diabetes either. He has been receiving insulin shots for the past six years. The vet says that this is the longest that he has ever seen any cat live who is diabetic. The only problem is I can not kick him out when he turns 18. Then there is Pepper (female) 15, no diabetes to speak of, but you know how those crazy kids can be, once one has something the other one wants it to “fit in”.
I have never been “blessed” with the opportunity to be married…kids on the other hand would certainly not be a blessing.
I currently advise adults in their academic career plan at Columbia College of Missouri – Lake County. If any of you remember me from school I know that you are laughing out loud right now because academics were not on the priority list. Hanging out at “the stack”, on the other hand was priority number one. By the way, where are the stackers?
I am looking forward to catching up with you all and seeing how interesting all of those stories will be once we have had a few adult beverages.
It has been really great to hear what everyone is doing and how well you are. My husband and I live in Spokane, Washington. We love the Northwest but are at times nostalgic for Chicago. Our lives are busy with Olivia 5, Conrad 3(Cub's fan), and Piper 10 months. I still enjoy painting but currently in a Crayola phase with the children. My aim is to get easels out soon for the whole bunch and make sure that Piper doesn't eat the paint, paper, easel, etc. I send my best to you all. Twenty years went by in the blink of an eye. I will definitely attend the next one. Too much time has passed. Peace be with you, Jessica Oelz Leidall
Hey, Pam, I thought you were just kidding about the yearbook photo nametags at the reunion. I don't have the stomach to look at my photo in advance, but I'm willing to bet it prominently features a hairbow. Ugh.
If anyone's still reading this, I spent ten years as a tough criminal prosecutor for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Little did I know that the skills I honed cross-examining murderers, rapists and thieves would translate so well to my current career as a full-time Lake Forest "homemaker." Let's just say that my husband and 3-year-old think long and hard before raiding my personal stash of Twinkies. I also have another son, age 5 months, whose only crime so far has been failing to sleep through the night. So for the record, if I seem a bit woozy at the reunion, it will surely be due to this lack of sleep and will in no way relate to consumption of alcohol.
It's truly been wonderful to read everyone's updates. Looking forward to seeing many of you next weekend!
I have finally sat down at this damn computer and taken the time to read the blogs my good friend Jennifer Lawrence is so addicted to! Hi Jenner, love you - this is gonna be just like senior year only funner. ( :
I must say it is fun to see the old names and comments. I too will succumb to the pressure and give an update...
I have purchased my airline ticket and will pre-pay so we can add one more person to the 150+
I am living in San Diego, CA and have been here for the last 17 years. I graduated with a business degree and did the whole corporate America thing for about 7 years. After happily getting laid-off from Upper Deck (Baseball card company) I started a new career at my local humane society. I have been there for 8 years in almost every capacity - from Volunteer to Operations Manager - and finally settled in as the Medical Manager. I love my job!
I am married and have been with my husband for 14 years. Some of you may have met him at the 10 year however, he will not be attending the 20 year reunion. We do not have children but do of course have 2 dogs and 2 cats.
PJ and Pam - another thank you for all of your hard work. I have reconnected with a good number of people because of your work and even found out that Nancy(Hrovatin) and Bill Holmes live just around the corner from me.
I can't wait to see everyone. Anyone interested in an after party? My parents are out of town so I feel like I should sneak around and have a party. It will be just like H.S. To anyone that ever partied out on the golf course with me..the greens are waiting.... Scott Uglenica...are you reading this? I can't wait to see you and was so happy to see that you are attending. Are you in touch with any of the gang?
Kathy, you and I are staying up late to catch up on emails. I just responded to your personal one.
Hi Beth Golub. I am glad to know you are doing so well. You will be missed.
Karen Chantler you are the prettiest pregnant lady I have ever seen and I am sure you will still outshine most of us. I can't wait to give you a hug.
Scott and Kathy, what is our friend Brian's last name? I am completely drawing a blank and always wondered how things turned out for him. He lived at or by Shore acres?
Count me in on the party on the green. Does that include skinny dipping in the Knollwood pool. No I am totally kidding. I will not be participating in that activity. It just brought up funny old memories.
I am psyched to see some old friends too. There are definitely some friends that we haven’t heard from and I am curious if anyone knows their wellbeing and whereabouts. Those including:
Joanna Hoeper David Berger Melissa Claypool Dana Cox Tracy DeMarie Scott Dugan Marc DuVall Donna Educate Tuan Elstrom Fred Elting Rob Gamrath Cristina Garrison Gwen Garrison Peter Gillespie Angela Globerger Mike Goldsberry Andrew Hamilton Tom Hart Tom Head Ed Hunt Erin Kaiser Robert Karsted Ray Knapek Ray Kracik Yaz Krehbiel Steve Lamm Leroy Lathan Mel Laundry Chris Marks Charlie Marquardt Meredith Miller Mike Ott Jan Peterson Jennifer Rand Bill Schmitz Jonathan Stetson Jim Swartout Mark Trager Tina Warnke Al Winemiller Jan Wingader Brad Woloson Allison Wright Also are Tori Hoffman, Nancy Hrovatin and Bill Holmes, Kim Herring, Kim Hetler, Jim Dugan, Billy Douglass, Steve Moorehead, Tim Riley, Bobby Roloson, Chris (Tuna) Tunney coming?
See ya soon, Karen Stokes Cummings
P.S. Everyone please sign your blogs with your last name so we know who you are for sure. Thanks.
Friedes: Here's something you may take solace in: I guarantee that a far greater percentage of UM alumni than that of my fellow Scarlet and Gray can correctly spell Appalachian State. But then, who knew we would ever have need to...
Think I can't rock the fishnets? I’ll have you know that while the rest of me may be falling out or apart, I still have my rower’s legs.
Speaking of which, are there any others out there who would be interested in putting together a four for Friday morning/afternoon or Saturday morning? We would need another starboard, two ports and a boat (which we could probably find at the rowing center in Evanston). I can provide the coxswain.
As for my “where are they now?”, I am happily living in New Haven, Connecticut where I moved four years ago with my wife Noelle, who teaches high school math in the public schools. After film school, I moved to Manhattan where I lived for seven glorious years and met and married Noelle (two preacher’s kids meet in a bar… sounds like a joke), before embarking on a tour of Connecticut, finally landing here. I am currently in the process of starting Provision Pictures (www.ProvisionPix.com) - a television and video production company- after fifteen years of whoring my scary talent out to others, producing and/or editing television shows, documentaries to accompany museum installations, and all manner of marketing, informational, corporate and educational video. No, I don’t do weddings, but if you send me the raw footage or stills along with a bottle or two of decent wine, I’ll cut something fun together for you. When I am not working (less and less often these days), I can generally be found sitting behind an oar, on my bike, on the shoreline, sliding down a mountain in Maine or Vermont, or out and about in our very cool town. No kids yet, but we think we see one on the near horizon and what a brilliant, dazzling, fine looking child it is rowing seven seat in the Dartmouth varsity eight.
I look forward to the festivities. Now, I’m heading down to the vault to dig up embarrassing footage of Jenny. Tomek, BeckyLee, Mike, Pamela: my apologies if you get caught in the crossfire.
Linda: are you putting together a collage with the stills or a montage? If a montage, let me know if you need help putting it together. Might be fun to incorporate some video of, say, talent show 1987, graduation, etc. if anyone has the tape. I would be glad to help out. In the meantime, I’ll start scanning.
Alright, I have to say that reading this blog is more addictive than reading the Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan updates! And thank goodness the content isn't similar, right? Thanks to Pam for coming up with such a great way of learning about what all the old classmates are up to. And thank you again to Pam, PJ, Erin, Linda, Mark and whomever else for doing such a great job of organizing this reunion. I have spent the last few weeks grappling with the decision of "do I attend or not" and unfortunately the "not" won out. As much as I'd love to see everyone and relive the old Lake Forest days, my current schedule won't permit it. I guess that is as good a segue as any to tell you all what I've been up to.
I've been in LA since my college days at USC (didn't you go to SC PJ?) I live here with my husband of 8 years and my two amazing kids Kate (5) and Max (16mos.). I am working as a film editor (my years of LF Telecom really paid off - and yes Erin Dailey and Megan O'Meara- you guys helped get me here.) My biggest credit as of yet was the Will Ferrell/Nicole Kidman comedy "Bewitched" but I've been doing this since I graduated college. I've just started a new film called "The Women" staring Meg Ryan, Annette Bening and Debra Messing about, you guessed it, women. A good ol' chick flick coming to theaters near you in 2008. Okay, enough of the shameless plug. With a busy new job and a daughter who started kindergarten this week, jetting back to LF for a weekend just isn't in the cards.
FYI, Meredith (Miller) Hayes, Kendra (Thramann) Marderosian and Tanya (Schuler) Sharman are all doing well, living in the area with their husbands and lovely children (including new babies for all three of them) and should blog on themselves to tell you more.
Anyone know where Jenny Gagen is?
I hope you all have a fun reunion weekend. Ladies, don't make it look like a funeral by wearing all black - embrace your new figures and throw on a splash of color. Jenny Friedes - very clever adding the "don't google me" because I, like everyone else did google you. Congrats on such great successes!
so many familiar names and so accomplished me...nothing new except that i am a big rascal flatts fan .. these days, i head to my job, guess not much has changed, punch the clock, head for home, check the phone just in case, go to bed, dream of "yew", that's what i am doing these days, Yeah, that's what i'm doing
What can I say, Tia, it seemed fitting for the mysterious persona I was creating for myself. Congrats to you too -- truth be told, I'm trying to learn your craft. I directed a couple of shorts and discovered (what I'm sure you already knew) that the real storytelling is in the edit. I'm sorry you won't be making it out here, but I'd love to pick your brain. If you're willing, please give your email to Pam to forward to me or I could do the same.
Man, last time I was at Kathy Mohr's house for an after hours party I got beat up by a bunch burn outs that had just dropped acid. I think I'm going to skip that one...I don't need another black eye!
It has been such fun reading all the great entries! Hello to all my long lost friends! I am really looking forward to reconnecting at the reunion. Reading this blog feels like old times - it was a really great HS class. I am always thankful that I was in such good company with really nice people during this critical time in life. Since college I have been living in Chicago where I worked in Advertising at Leo Burnett for 10 years, working mainly on the Disney Attractions account. Mike Goldsberry, are you still there?? It was a lot of fun, but I decided to leave when kids came along. My husband and I just moved to LF this summer with our two girls. So I have really come full circle. Hoping to see many of you at the football game as well - what's up with the new "dance team". They may sound more sophisticated, but I can't imagine they are having as much fun as those of us did in Pom Pon's. My god, that seems like ages ago! Glad to see that so many of you still have a great sense of humor! Brooke, so sorry you won't be able to make it. I'm looking forward to talking to you separately. Exchanging Xmas cards isn't enough. Special thanks to Pam and PJ for all your efforts and for the call. Jan (Wingader) MacDougal
Apparently I was even more out of it than I realized in high school. Were there always so many people interested in film?
Jeremy's mid-life crisis peaks this weekend at Iron Man Wisconsin, Brice. Even if he gets the time off work, he might have trouble standing at the reunion. Perhaps a different venue?
Dust off those dancing shoes, Jim. I can still Fox Trot, I think. Isn't that the one that goes quick, quick, s..l..o..w.. quick quick s..l..o..w ? Of course it won't be the same without the snazzy drum beat in the background.
After the reunion, in case anyone is interested, I set up two other ways for us to stay in touch, post pictures, messages, ask questions, etc...
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/LFHS1987
www.facebook.com then search for classmates from Lake Forest High School 1987. You can of course then add any other people you want to your friends list.
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of everyone and their families, travels, art, buildings, events, whatever else you've been up to!
just wanted to leave a quick post to say how excited i am to reconnnect with everyone. i'll be flying in from NYC with my two kids, dropping them with my parents in lake bluff and partying all weekend at kathy's house! : ) can't wait to see you kath and jen L too.
i've spoken to yaz, bill mackey, charlie and laura (chabraja) keeler and they are all planning on coming. hoping that hunt can make it, but he just sold a tv show in LA and probably can't get away.
thanks so much PJ and Pam for putting this together. see you all very soon!
I just finished reading all the comments. Wow, it took me quite awhile to get through them all. I didn't know we had so many comedians,I was cracking up. I didn't even know this existed until Renee you sent me the website. Thank you to Pam, PJ, Tammie and everyone else that helped with pulling this reunion off. It is great to see so many familiar names and hear what people have been up to. I too think of everyone when we were teens, doesn't seem 20 yrs.ago. The yrs. from childhood thru senior yr. seem so much longer than the past 20. Crazy, how fast time goes! My memories too went right back to Junior Assemblies when I heard it was at LF club. My husb. and I will be there. We would have loved to have gone to the game too, but our day is filled with our kids own FB and soccer games that day. Renee- I talk to you and already knew you couldn't make it back. Had a great time seeing you this summer, will miss you this weekend. Lori, Erin and Kelly- have a blast golfing, see you guys at the Grille. Other familiar names-Brooke,Traci,Megan-I am so bummed you guys won't be there as I'd love to catch up and see you all again. Amy Neptune has her own golf outing for 30 couples and a party after, before she knew of reunion. She lives in Riverside married w/ 3 kids. Liz Swearingen are you out there? I know you are in Rockford, hopefully you are coming, x-mas cards aren't enough, have to catch up. Molly B., Beth R.,Jennifer L, Jennifer P. so glad you guys are making the trip. Lisa K. how are you?? Love to catch up. Tammie-I know we live somewhat close, but it takes every 10 yr. reunion to see you again. Which brings me to the update.
I have been married to Mike for almost 14 yrs. we have 4 kids, Jack(9),Max(7),Lucy(5),and Molly(almost 2). We live in Libertyville(yes, our old soccer rival town, which this town is still soccer and FB crazy) We moved back to the area in 2000 after living in Indpls. and then Michigan. I keep very busy as a stay-at-home mom with all their school stuff, activities etc. Before Kids, I was an Outpatient Therapist(Mental Health-clients of all ages/problems). I still play adult women's soccer in an over 30 league. Liberyville has a great sports complex, so you can relive your youth sports, except can't break out the old Field Hockey skirt girls, as they don't have that, plus I was crazy enough to go on and play Field Hockey and wearing that skirt in college)
Hey, up to 128 entries, not bad for a bunch of Gen Xers. Libba, thought for sure you would be back to coastal Maryland with the RLJ blaring from the beach house:-) Spec is out, family obligation in St. Louis. Rus is out too as he is back at school getting his MBA at Notre Dame. Please e-mail him at sruswick@nd.edu and if there are any photos that could bribe--never mind, this is the same guy with a photo in the yearbook with two pencils up his nose. Otherwise, sounds like a lot of folks are going to try and be back for the reunion. Will definitely be at the Saturday night party and my wife's only job is to keep me off the dancefloor. Of course with a 4 and 2 year old at home, my 'Barney shuffle' steps may look very familiar to some of you. Trying to make it Friday to catch Steve Van Nuys coaching the Freshmen team to a big 'W'. Anyone else taking the train up from downtown after work on Friday? Looking forward to the party, this is big excitement for a country boy living out in Woodstock.
Katie--so glad word got to you about the reunion, and that you'll be able to come! We've been trying to track down all the missing e-mails, and had not been able to get yours. Please send--either to the blog, or to my e-mail at pam.jelaca@gopicnic.com.
All--people whose e-mails we still don't have (though they may be hearing updates from others):
Scott Adler John E. Agujar Thomas W. Allan Todd A. Andrews Jr Michael E. Anson Derek Aull Erin L. Shumway Babat Charles S. Batinovic David E. Berger Kirsten H. Bettendorf Ashley E. Borg Paul D. Bowen Jacque L. Brocklesby Melissa H. Claypool Brohan Mollie Brown Kamla M. Bulchand Cynthia A. Burk Laura S. Callahan Patrick M. Cassidy Andrew R. Champ Matthew L. Checkon James R. (Jim) Cimarrusti Robert E. Colvin Maura M. Corey Robert D. Crangle Jr Jaime R. Crockett Brian M. Danloe Jennifer K. Davis Alessandro Dazza Tracy A. De Marie La Sandra De Vost Yolanda S. De Vost Rita C. Dieden Luciana Dos Santos Bobbie Jean Douglas D. Craig Douglas Heather T. Dubinsky Donald F. Dugan Ryan J. Dunn J. Anthony Ehret Fred F. Elting John C. Everhart Thomas J. Finnick Sharon H. Flynn Merry T. Fox James Frederiksen Jennifer A. Gagen J. Patrick Gallavan Peter Gillespie Daniel K. Glassman Nichols E. Glauner Kari L. Goodman Nancy A. Goodmonson Kendall Griffith Stephen M. Grskovich Margaret A. Hahn Sandra K. Hall John A. Harris Masato Hata Rachel A. Hays Solveig C. Heckman Karen A. Henderson Michael S. Heschel Donna J. Higgins Steven A. Hill John W. Hoermann Matt Hopkins Johannes P. Huber Cristl E. Huhnke Edward F. Hunt Cheryl A. Hustad Kyle R. Karnes Robert K. Karsted Justin M. Kennedy Stephanie L. Morello Kennedy Susan T. Kerrigan Lance M. Khubchandani Jean Kim Kim Kinney Robert E. Klaskin Tammy C. Kleinfeldt Raymond H. Knapek Katie M. LubesKoch Denise A. Kolden Erica K. Van Ella Krzyszkowski Jayne Keylock Kubicek Paul J. Kuker Jeffrey S. La Pietra Kate K. Lalley Juan L. Lambarri Lia M. Berrettini Landis Gwen M. Garrison Lapenas Leroy Lathan Melburn E. Laundry II Kurt Lengemann Tony D. Liano Chad E. Lind Heather R. Longworth Nicholas H. Mancuso Joanna E. Manos Christopher A. Marks Charles Mason Genevieve L. Maurer William J. Mayer John P. McElvogle Peter H. Miller Coleman D. Mize Jr John B. Mohr Kelly S. Moore Jeffrey L. Moulder James C. Mullin Michelle Murphy Jodi S. Muzzarelli Kristen J. Nei Amy L. Neptune Reimar Oelsner Karen Ogawa Lilyana Ornelas Michael F. Ott Richard T. Owen Michael W. Owens Thomas P. Pernecke Alyssa Petersen Robert A. Pienkos Carl H. G. Poedtke III Matti Railo Peter D. Rask Philip A. Reaume Beth L. Larson Rinaolo Scott A. Roth Kim C. Sarmas William B. Schmitz Bradley A. Shless Dana E. Cox Smith Patchalee Soszynski Tim D. Spahr John A. Stallings Christy L. Steinmeier Pamela R. Stevens Jodi Venhorst Stoklasa Karyn Herzler Strampel Heidi B. Celarec Stritar Anngenett Stroh Christine M. Nisk Summerlee Elizabeth V. Swearingen Charles R. Terry Timothy E. Theer C. Robin Thomas Taralinde C. Thompson Mark C. Timm Michael J. Van Dien Thomas R. Van Eeckhout Julian P. Verbeke Tina S. Warnke Jennifer L. Weed Christopher A. White Albert E. Winemiller Paul E. Zimmer
Please send to me so we can get them on the list!!!
Thank you so much, PJ and Pam, for remembering me in setting up this great event. I have been trying to find a way to join you on the 15th. It`s a long way to travel, but my main obstacle is that I`ve just started my new job August 27th. I have been so tempted to just let the job go and travel to see you all. But being a responsibel spouse and parent, it was only in my dreams I went to buy the airplane tickets. Well, I still have a few days to go...
Anyway, for those who don`t remember me, I was an exchange student from Norway in 86/87. I loved my year in LF and it had a great impact on my life. Back in Norway I decided to take my higher education in Scotland. I have a degree in business administration and I later worked for a year in Scotland before returning to Norway.
I have been back in LF several times the last 20 years. I have in fact seen the Coyle`s (my host family) almost every other year on average. My spouse and I have been visiting LF 4 times (twice with our kids). The last couple of times we have met both Jen (Walcott) and Pam and enjoyed meeting their families:).
I live approx. 30 min outside of Oslo (the capital). I met my husband in Edinburgh (but he is a Norwegian!)and we have a girl (10) and boy (8). As probably most of you, we live a hectic life bringing the kids here and there, working hard and trying to keep up our social life. My husband is running for the city council, his second period, just now (election day is tomorrow) hence things are quite hectic at the moment.
If any of you think of coming to Norway, give me a little hint and we could meet up. Have a wonderful reunion, if I don`t get to go. Eva (nee Bakken) Årre
Thank you so much, PJ and Pam, for remembering me in setting up this great event. I have been trying to find a way to join you on the 15th. It`s a long way to travel, but my main obstacle is that I`ve just started my new job August 27th. I have been so tempted to just let the job go and travel to see you all. But being a responsibel spouse and parent, it was only in my dreams I went to buy the airplane tickets. Well, I still have a few days to go...
Anyway, for those who don`t remember me, I was an exchange student from Norway in 86/87. I loved my year in LF and it had a great impact on my life. Back in Norway I decided to take my higher education in Scotland. I have a degree in business administration and I later worked for a year in Scotland before returning to Norway.
I have been back in LF several times the last 20 years. I have in fact seen the Coyle`s (my host family) almost every other year on average. My spouse and I have been visiting LF 4 times (twice with our kids). The last couple of times we have met both Jen (Walcott) and Pam and enjoyed meeting their families:).
I live approx. 30 min outside of Oslo (the capital). I met my husband in Edinburgh (but he is a Norwegian!)and we have a girl (10) and boy (8). As probably most of you, we live a hectic life bringing the kids here and there, working hard and trying to keep up our social life. My husband is running for the city council, his second period, just now (election day is tomorrow) hence things are quite hectic at the moment.
If any of you think of coming to Norway, give me a little hint and we could meet up. Have a wonderful reunion, if I don`t get to go. Eva (nee Bakken) Årre
I would not be surprised if no one remembered me (Lisa Slotterback), as I spent most of my time trying to be invisible. I think it worked. Anyway, this reunion sounds like fun, but not an option this time around, unfortunately.
Since graduating, I have lived in many places, although not as exciting as some of you. I am currently in Buffalo, NY. I went to grad school and got my MSW (Master of Social Work), and recently took and passed the licensing exam, so I am now an LMSW. I currently work as a Prevention Specialist for the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo. Before that, I spent six years working with children with autism and other developmental delays. I loved it, it just got to be too physical. I have also given presentations/workshops on different topics, including eating disorders, date/acquaintance rape, safer sex, and same sex marriage. Since Boys and Girls Club is now international, who knows, maybe I will travel someday.
I am single (never married) with no children. But, for those of you who have children and may be looking for information on some topic, let me know, as I have a vast amount of info.
Hope everyone has a great time, and if pictures do get put up online, please let me know.
Katie, I am so glad you are coming on Saturday! I was so happy to learn that you live so close by in Libertyville (although I will wait until this weekend to give you jabs about living there...wasn't "Kill the 'Ville" the slogan for the Homecoming game about 20 years ago?). Anyway, my field hockey stick is still in my closet...some of my fondest LFHS memories include Tori, Jenny Barnes, you and all other '87 classmates who adorned those awesome kilts and ruled the world of Illinois field hockey! K.A.R.T! See you on Saturday!
As they say at Burning Man, “Participate.” All you Blog Voyeurs should at least say “Hi” otherwise we think you’ve vanished, and, perhaps, that’s what you want. Just say so and I will remember to forget you. My story is that I lived in Chicago for 10 or 11 years after college and I am now living in San Francisco with my wife who is from Milan, Italy, her daughter Altea (9) and our son, Giacomo (2). Needless to say, we always have a lot of pasta in our kitchen and many new shoes in our closet. Our closet is also known as a 2 bd/1 ba. condo across from Dolores Park with no parking. There’s nothing like being a thousandaire in the land of millionaires. My wife is co-owner of an art gallery (need some?) and I bought a small sheet metal business a few years ago when I moved out here. Since I don’t see any thirty of forty-year reunions being celebrated at LFHS, I’m sorry to miss this reunion but if you visit San Francisco, I can point you in the direction of wineries, playgrounds or beaches, day hikes/rides or a few choice bars in North Beach and we don’t need to mention the 80s. For those of you attending the reunion, I predict you will spend more time thinking about the following in the next week: - Your hair – or the top of your head. - What to wear – no matter how cool you think you are about your “style” - Why am I nervous? I knew these people when they were in puberty. We all looked funny at some point. - What time should I show up without looking too eager? - How many times do I have to tell the same story over and over? I’m married/single, have/do not have kids, and, yeah, I have a job/I’m researching my next career at the moment.
I’ll give anyone a dollar if they can show up in the same car they had in high school, and you should probably negotiate a premium parking spot.
Rock on.
Joe Cain
p.s. To the Stackers: you guys were right about Led Zeppelin - they were really, really good.
Well, I have sent in my offer for an Oklahoma themed prize basket, so I am looking forward to putting that together. It seems as if I am the only transplanted Okie in the bunch, but it is so much more than tumbleweed and oil fields. How did I get here? After college, I worked for several years as a counselor/HIV educator for the Health Department. My husband, Doug, was in the military, and we lived in Charleston, South Carolina for roughly 8 years. We came to Oklahoma in 1998 to raise our daughter, Meaghan (now 12), in the country, where Doug's family lives. There isn't much demand for HIV education/counseling here in OK, so I went back to school, OSU, got a nursing degree, worked in the NICU for several years, went back to school, OU this time, got my advanced nursing degree, and still work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I am back in school, working on a post-graduate degree, did you know you can get a doctorate in nursing? Anyway, we would love to host anyone who rambles our way. We don't live on a ranch, but we do live on a golf course, and there are plenty of horses to ride and tornados to chase! Have a great time at the reunion, and be safe!
Okay. I just spent a great weekend with Megan Freher and family at her vacation home in Lake Geneva. We spent the weekend remembering crazy old times and reading everyone's blog comments which has inspired me to post one even though I have nothing cool to say.
I have been married to my husband Dave for 14 years where we spent most of our time living, working and playing in the city. We moved to northwest Evanston 2.5 years ago (ironically bought a house from John Nobel - LFHS class of '85) and also randomly live on the same street as three other LFHS grads - Tim Riley from our class and Dana Rittenhouse and Julie Douglas (class of '85).
I work for Hollister (not the teenage surf clothing company), but my two year old daughter who pays me in poop and temper tantrums. I love her dearly, but there are times that I feel working in the "real world" was much easier (though not as rewarding).
I don't have any claim to fame (Friedes) and probably the most famous person I have met over the past 20 years since meeting Mr. T in Lake Forest was Jerry Springer (as an audience member, NOT a guest).
The past 20 years have really been a blur and it really seems like this should be our 10 year reunion because I honestly can't say where all the time went! It's great hearing what everyone has been up to and some of the amazing jobs and lives people are leading.
Brooke - I am still here! I have tried calling you a few times, but just get a weird answering message. My email is brohanm@netzero.net. We need to catch up!!! Traci Isyk - I haven't talked to you since your wedding. I am so glad to hear you had a daughter and are still living in Germany. What a brilliant life that must be!
Karen (Stokes) - your company sounds so cool. Every day must be an adventure for you living in Alaska. That is so great you are making the trip in for the reunion.
Where is Shumway? (Freher wants to know...):)
I hope to make it on Saturday, but if I don't I wish you all well and a great time!
Hello again everyone! First--Mike--Hello stranger! Can't wait to see you and meet your better half! Looks like I'll be coming stag after all-- we had babysitting issues so Jim happily backed away with a solid excuse. Luckily Megan O has opened up her family's home as an inn for all of us single wayward travelers! So Melissa (!!!) I say "Get your ass up to LF." I can't believe I haven't seen you since your babyshower!?!? I've been reading through the yearbook and it seems that early onset alzheimers is in full swing. Should be very interesting! Elizabeth (aka Liz/Libba/Lizzie/Beth) Cain Diskin (by the way, I never liked any of these nicknames!!!)
Walcott checking in. Life has been good and very busy for the last 20 years. So far: one husband, 3 kids, 2 dogs, 2 houses, 6 cars, 1 cat, 2 hamsters, dozen or more pathetic fish, 2 jobs, couple of dress sizes, mutiple variations on the same hair cut. I will be attending Saturday, and am certainly more interested after reading all this blogging. My husband, Jim Swoyer (LFHS 85) will be at on an Indian Princess campout with our 7 year old Hannah. But the grandparents will hang with the boys (Colin 9 and Devin 1). We have been living in Hinsdale for the past 14 years and love the western burbs, lot like LB/LF but no lake. I am a family physician and am the director of graduate education and women's health director for the La Grange Family Medicine Residency Program. If any of you are having a change of careers or need a pap smear while in the western burbs. Give me a call. See you Saturday. (Are you happy now Becky?)
I'm taking Lauren's advice and providing a little more info...After graduating from University of Arizona I moved back to Chicago. I'm just about to celebrate my 10 year anniversary with my husband Steve and we have two boys - Ben (7) and Charlie (4). We now live in Evanston (hey Melissa - I don't live on your street, but live less then a mile away). I work in Marketing at Oracle and have been with the company for 11 yrs. For those of you locals I'm lucky enough to see often - can't wait til the weekend! I'm looking forward to partying at Kathy's parents house late night and catching up with everyone (esp. Karen, Kathy, Jennifer, Alison) Hey Yaz - will you give me a ride home? I promise not to puke in your jeep!
To anybody that attended fifth grade at Lake Bluff East School: One of former teachers, Susan Ipsen, has heard about our LFHS Reunion and has invited us to come over to her home in LF before the Laurel Grille event Friday evening. Here are some of the names I remember. I apologize if I have forgotten someone and/or mis-spelled their name:
Podge Bollman Tom Hart Steve Van Nuys Cindy Tanner Paige Price Gail Nielsen Mike Goldsberry Sue Kerrigan Alison Brown Curt Baddley Hunt Baldwin
If you are interested in getting together around 5:30 or 6:00 Friday evening, please e-mail so I can let Susan know. My e-mail is: thomasm@cityoflakeforest.com I look forward to hearing from some of you "East Schoolers" soon.
Well I must say I am very impressed at how this event is coming together. Thank you Pam and PJ for all the hard work. I am looking forward to this weekend. I won’t be able to attend the football game because I’ll be coaching my kids’ soccer games but I will be there Saturday night.
I am currently living in Winnetka with my wife Julie. I have two wonderful kids. Sarah is eight and Ryan is four. I am currently working for a software company where I head up the consulting practice.
As for this weekend, I fully expect Goldberry to show up with a railroad tie in hand so we can assemble the Shotgun Club one more time. Woody, I’m assuming Dutch is cool with us having after hours at her place. Lewis, I’m assuming Marilyn is okay with me crashing on your couch. Coley, even though you’re not coming to the reunion post something or else I’ll do it for you – and it won’t be flattering. Tor, same for you.
I have to say I am rather adicted to this blog. Much more interesting that grading papers and preparing lesson plans. Joe C. I laughed my ass of reading your thoughts..mostly because you are so right! Mike T. I am in for Ms. I house (might be late)..she is quite cool and really liked our class and I know she would love to see everyone. I am sad to read some friends won't be coming (Hunt, Brooke, and others) but equally excited to catch up & see folks I haven't seen for such a long time...20years??? Alison I saw you at the 4th at the children's parade.then my daughter had a little melt down..wanted to come over to say hello..will do this weekend! Go Scouts!!!!! Steve Van Nuys
Hey Steve VN (I don't have your actual e-mail address, otherwise would send this to you directly)--it's been requested that we send a general invitation to any remaining teachers at LFHS from our era to stop by our tent at the Homecoming game. Is that something that would be easy for you to do, being an insider?
We're down to the last few days and the response so far has been great. I - like everyone else - have enjoyed reading up on everyone through the blog and hope everyone continues to post - even after the big event.
Kathy - your house late night sounds perfect. Email me with your phone number at pj@americantailgater.com - I may have an idea for you.
Jen Walcott - Smock sells rubber gloves, you two should have a lot to talk about.
Melissa - I have seen your house while partying at the Riley's, but never you. We'll have to rectify that situation.
Tammie - Some of my fondest memories from HS include you all in those short kilts as well :)
Here's my update:
Yes Tia, I was at USC for all of a year (and a semester of summer school). Let's just say that I consider that my year abroad and move on. After that I moved east and was in DC (school & work) and NY (work) for 8 years.
I had some pretty interesting jobs out there. Was an advance guy for the 1st Bush White House, a tobacco lobbyist for Philip Morris, advance guy for Bob Dole and Jack Kemp in 96 and a Press Secretary for a Congressman who pled guilty to federal campaign violations (felonies by the way). So as you can see from my resume, I was pretty much the most hated man in American - a white, male, Republican, tobacco lobbyist - in the mid 90's. And then I got married. What can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment.
We moved back to Chicago where I now work with Luke Lincoln (LF Country Day guy) who had started American Tailgater. From there we have launched 2 new companies: an event company specializing in poker events (we do a lot of celebrity poker tournaments) and an online marketing company specializing in customer acquisition and activation. That's a fancy term for "We run legal online poker companies". The first of which is fraternitypoker.com .
I now live in LF with my fantastic wife, Jana, a beautiful little girl, Georgia (6) and our bulldog Duke.
Look forward to seeing you all on Friday and/or Saturday.
I am becoming a daily (bi-daily) contributor to this thing!! Does this make me a computer geek..chat rooms and stuff??? Pam, done..easy/breezy. curious about the response I get..let me ask Chris Chouinard who is sitting right by me.....he said yes!!! So one will be there. This is spirit week..being homecoming and all and guess what tomorrow is???..80s Day!!! ha ha are we old or what!!!! See you soon. S. Van Nuys
Well, Kristen Buck tracked me down - so I have been officially "located" and can now be removed from the MIA category. Hmmmm, where have I been all these years and, for that matter, what have I been doing? I believe straightening up and flying right as my father would say. Several years worth of flaking out and "discovering myself" somehow led me to a wonderful life with my husband, Kent, of 13 years and 2 children, Maddie (6) and Jack (2). We live in Libertyville where I make excellent attempts at domesticity and social graces. I hope to make the reunion as it would be wonderful to catch up and reconnect with so many of you. Otherwise, see you at the football game with family in tow!
Hi, everybody! I guess I've been reading this blog long enough, I should probably write something.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it this weekend as I already have plans.
Here's some of the highlights of the last 20 years: My brief foray into corporate America consisted of 5 years at the bank formerly known as Deerfield State Bank while I was getting my MA in counseling psychology at Trinity. I met my husband Phil there and after he graduated we moved to North Dakota where he pastored a church for 8 years. Then he was called to a church in Ortonville, Minnesota, where we have been for almost 2 years. We have 3 great kids: Emma (8 1/2), Zachariah (5 1/2), and Nathaniel (3 1/2).
Hope you all have fun at the reunion; I'll look forward to seeing pictures.
It's been 20 years this month that I left LB/LF for California, and except for a couple long months of summer after freshman year, I never came back for more than a week at a time.
So hearing all your names is very, very fuzzy in my mind. Please don't look up my '87 photo in the yearbook; though I was one of the editors, most pictures of the "Gennie Maurer" in the yearbook are of somebody else.
I won't be coming to the reunion, but my old pal Julia Walbridge (now Mossbridge) will be reporting back for me.
I've lived around the San Francisco Bay Area now since '87... no Republican Operative here, I spent most of those years in San Francisco and Berkeley. I married a Berkeley grad (though he hadn't yet at the time), had two kids, and now live in Sonoma County surrounded by grapes, chickens, and bad traffic.
I was pre-law at Stanford but graduated with no desire to go pro (or have any money, apparently.)
I've pursued various creative careers, working in apparel for most of them, most happily as a textile designer and graphic artist. Now I'm focusing on writing (novels) and trying to get them published ($).
Hope you all have fun at the reunion and thanks for sharing your stories. To you lurkers out there, go ahead and join in.
Wow - what an interesting and long read (I will admit, I was only able to skim all the postings). I am planning on attending Friday and Saturday night and look forward to catching up with all of you. But I will admit....I have not kept in touch very well so names and faces might be a bit fuzzy...but I'll make sure to study my yearbook! I'm particularly interested in seeing people b/c I am moving back to Lake Bluff soon and hoping some of you still live there. My family (my husband Jay and 3 girls - a 3 and 2 year old and a new baby) is building a house on Blodgett. My family also runs a foundation in Waukegan (www.schulerfoundation.org) that helps kids in Waukegan and Round Lake get to a top a college. We are looking for good part time employees - we have lots of moms (all highly educated) that want to give back and also have a fleible work schedule. I'll try to post more about it on the business exchange. I think many of you might know someone in the area who wants to get involved (maybe yourself?).
I'm coming solo - Jay is on a golf getaway. And - all the talk of slimming outfits - where do I get one?? After baby number 3, the body doesn't bounce back quickly. Oh well....at least we have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. Who by the way will all be at LFHS at the same time. Watch out LF boys! (should I be worried?)
Thanks to everyone involved in planning the event. I'm sure it's been a lot of work.
Thanks to everyone who planned this event. It will be fun to see everyone and get back in touch with people I haven't seen in 20 YEARS?! Crazy.
My husband, Tom, and I have been married for almost 12 years. After moving around a bit we settled in River Forest (yes, Illinois) where we have been for 10 years. We have two kids, J.T. who is 9 and Jordan who is 5. While my life is pretty full of baseball tournaments and trying to help with math homework that I don't understand, I have made time for myself and have turned my hobby into a business.
Two years ago a couple of friends and I opened a retail shop called Chix With Stix. While I could let your imaginations run wild and get all sorts of witty comments back (which, by the way, I've heard) I'll tell you that it's not that provocative -- it's a knitting shop. Get it - that kind of stix. It's been fun and its keeping me out of trouble. Check out our website if you get a chance. chixwithstixknitting.com
My husband is proving to be the one of us with bigger character. He's agreed to come with me on Saturday despite my complete absence from his reunion last year. (I assured him he'd have way more fun without me anyway).
Looking forward to seeing everyone -- Laura (Ratchford) Ford and her husband are coming in from Little Rock and Diane Papas is coming in from San Fran. They are both going to wear their cheer leading uniforms in case anyone was wondering.
The list just keeps growing. Yet here is one more to add.
I will be dringing up from southern In I live in Evansville right across the river from KY(hey Jen how close are you to Henderson? I also go to Cadiz or Benton KY.) I have lived here for 9 yrs so don't make to much fun of me for the "twang" in my voice. My husband Kenny(16yrs of marriage) has to work so it will just be me and my 2 boys Kier(13 yes I have an 8th grader I feel old) and Stevie(7) they are the joy of my live. After the drive with the boys I will need a drink. Yes, we are big into cub scouts and boy scout, gee I never imagined myself as an 38yr old cubscout. Yes it is fun to be a kid again. My kids will be in culture shock when we are up there they are use to the laid back country life.
I do want to thank everyone for all they have done to help get this event off the ground. I know how hard it is to get volunteers so I will say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Hey Pam I do still have my white 1987 Prom dress and it still fits. But, rest assured, I will not wear it. I will be wearing my beautiful black dress. I think it would be a hoot to get a picture of everyone in black.
I can't wait to see everyone. We will miss all that cannot attend. God Bless(big saying down here) Jill Mallory-Pedersen
It's sad (I'm crying right now), but I will NOT be attending the glorious festivities that begin tomorrow with the Golf Extravabeerganza. I have a conference that I'm attending next week that turns into a vacation, so my time off, as it is, is totally booked. Megan O will be videotaping you all, though, so it'll be like I didn't miss it at all. (Remember to get the high-def film, MO.)
If y'all are really interested in my stats, here they be:
I'm in New York now and I'm the editor of housebeautiful.com. What does that mean? Well, I'm basically the webmaster. Hearst doesn't really understand what "web editor" means because there's very little "editing" that goes on here unless you mean "converting InDesign documents to XML, editing them in Dreamweaver and then copying them into the most retarded content management system known to mankind."
Why yes, I'm a geek, how did you know?
But I'm a sexy geek, dammit.
Before moving to NYC last November, I was in Charleston, SC acting as the webmistress (imagine black PVC outfits and a whip) for Skirt Magazine. Job was annoying as shit, but Charleston was awesome. And before that, I was a copywriter at a digital marketing firm who spent her off-hours drinking and designing websites. Oh, and writing for Television Without Pity. Still doing that, actually, especially now that we got purchased by Bravo.
So that's it. Webmaster for a magazine, writing for the interwebs, doing damage to countless $18 martinis...
So glamorous is my life.
I wish you all much much fun and joy at the events this weekend. I'm terribly sorry I can't make it. For real. I haven't seen most of you since roughly the paleolithic era, and it would have been nice to catch up.
I expect numerous text messages and drunken phone calls, though. Don't disappoint me.
OK given that I am a Beckham fan (Victoria) I thought I would update all of you soccer fans out there. So LF Soccer Day was a resounding dud. I figured 40 years, one per class we would have enough to play. Nope, just 4 people (Chris & John (’89) Tomek, Martino (’85), me). Surprised ? Not enough for a game but we did knock the ball around a bit. A few bicycle attempts. OK that was a stretch. More like lots of shin balls.
The Beaupres did show up for the Varsity game. No doubt, two future superstar kickers in the Beaupre clan. Paul had a bum knee so couldn’t join us after the game. Weather was great. Varsity team looked great. Lots of sophomores on the team. Game was 0-0 tie with Northbrook. We heard the team toured Europe (England?) during the summer. Lucky huh! Speaking of Europe, it would be surprising if Dazza shows up for the reunion.
BTW, I am curious no show for Smock, Wood, Pierson, Goldsberry, Bloom, Notz, (other?), given that most of you live in the area. Plus this was the team that landed itself in a paragraph of The Thinking Fan’s Guide to the World Cup so I thought would be great to catch up on the field. I agree, better to spend time with family.
20 years… don’t know about your soccer experience or high school, but not to be sentimental, those laps around the field, better than punching the proverbial clock…
Pam must be a private investigator in that she somehow tracked me down today (no wonder that it looks like about 1/3 of the class are coming on Saturday). I unfortunately have a previous commitment that I can not get out of, but looks like everyone is going to have a great time.
I currently live in Naperville (kinda like Lake Forest except we have no trees, a fake beach and the kids do not drive Porsches to school). I met my wife in law school and we have 4 beautiful kids (ages 10, 7, 5 and 2).
I am the General Counsel of a German printing press manufacturer, so if anyone needs a printing press, let me know (although I guess I should save my shameless soliciting for the business blog).
I hope everyone is doing well and best regards to all.
I've finally lost my blogger virginity. Just wanted to let all the chicks know that I've purchased my swishy dress and scary girdle type undergarment. Jill Mallory, you can still fit into your prom dress?! I'll meet the rest of the semi-desperate housewives at the bar! Can't come on Friday night as I'm running my 8 yr olds soccer practice and can't come to the game because my 11 yr old has, you guessed it, a soccer game. But I'll see you all Saturday night. If the reunion is half as amusing as this blog, we're set. Peace..Kay Borders
Hi everyone, Happy 20th reunion! We share alot of great memories & I wish I could be there to catch up on old times. However, I'm in an intense training program for a great new job with Northwest Airlines & will soon be working flights to Europe out of Boston. I've been living in San Diego for many years, but will be moving in October. I promise to come back if there's a 25th reunion though, & will throw a kegger at my grandma's in Lake Forest afterward, LOL. Have fun you guys! Carl Neyer
It was a great evening last night. Pam, PJ, Mark, and all else responsible for pulling it off, what a way to kick off the weekend. Looking forward to seeing you all at the game today!
Those who extended your hugs and niceties keep your promises! But then we won’t hold you to it. We’re all busy with our own lives. Thus a reunion! What a concept. Thank you to all the classmates (Pam, PJ, Mark, Linda, Erin) who had the energy, time, and the vision to know its importance, to put it all together. For those who didn’t make it back, only regret that I didn’t have the opportunity to see you all in person and shared a bit of your life… to speak … perhaps reconcile.
The pictures! At the entrance table! Just speechless how we all looked 20 years ago. Some (most of us) the same. As Mark maybe his brother-in-law said, “ The guys look like $@#$%, but the girls are gorgeous!”Partly true about the guys… and of course the beautiful moms. Need I write more.
Who didn’t want it to end? Almost 12 when I “had” to go and it was still going strong. Just like high school, the rumor was that Kathy M. was having a party at her parents. So I gave it the old high school try – drove by the house (about two seconds), couldn’t remember where it was and when straight home. I have priorities straight now - sleep. Kathy M we didn’t have a chance to catch up. Friday night was too short. Maybe we’ll see each other in San Diego with Bill and Nancy. Love your town - the ocean, every time watching the waves hitting the beach at the Hotel del Coronado.
I won’t forget the golf outing Friday afternoon. So good to see “old” friends! Thank you Mark and PJ! You two always knew to take care of us; speaking personally to say the least. If I missed some else, forgive me –thank you. Needless to say, my game was just laughable. The weather was a little cold but no distraction to just the wonderful time. Frustrating hitting that ball. Talks of being an athlete my foot. Matt, Rob, Chris, thank you for tolerating! Perhaps the epitome of me; 10 ft chip right into the hole. How lucky was that! … a handful of time hitting those trees and having the ball land smack in the fairway…and of course hitting those little stakes in the fairway. My aim is true! Had a great time! Rob, I “promise” to take lessons before the next reunion. Chris, I hope to see you more on the golf course than the soccer field.
Friday night -really brief recap… great seeing Tanya for the first time in years. No need to say you looked great. I am glad to see you after all these years. So smart, engineering, mba, consulting, now a philanthropist? Love what you are doing with the foundation. Of course, great fan of your dad. I remembered math class with Peter G. (maybe 25yr reunion?), sitting next to each other.
Allen Thompson …straight from the airport. Unbelievable! Professor, thank you for bringing back those memories … playing in the ravines off Mayflower, the girls .. how funny. Had to write it … those good old days…in our own world! I have enjoyed reading your paper “Thoreau-ing Stones: Wildness at the End of the Natural World” published in the Grateful Dead and Philosophy (2007). Love the ending … “ So we can’t go to the shows anymore (not those shows, anyway), with the roar of an ecstatic crowd and the amplified hiss of live psychedelic music being just laid out across the concert lawn, seeping through the hallways full of dancers, freaks, and friends. No, now we must face our future. So, please, I implore you: begin again today. Dig out your favorite old bootleg and clear away some furniture. Just crank up the boys, yep, really crank it up! Now DANCE and again become wild.” How Andy!! I keep remember your nice running shoes. You always knew the best shoes to get those younger days.
Yaz …kind words always. Tell your mom thank you! And thank you for all those rides to summer school – math, like we needed it huh. The cool Jeep! Physics class…and yes Bill Holmes -Dr. Bogen, he might as well have taught the class, astronomy or not. Brad W. I wasn’t the only “geek” so don’t tell your wife otherwise.
So back to last night…
I did hear some rumors and want to set the record straight. For those who think officially or unofficially, that they beat me in a foot race in grade school or high school, I “never” lost to anyone. And if I did win, I didn’t cheat, get a head-start but it’s ok to tell people that you did beat me - “The art of losing isn’t hard to master.” I do it all the time.
Christine S. I can’t forget all your comments. I must say, I love your badge. Can I borrow it some time? Am I really the person you thought I was? Probably the most defining take-away from this reunion… to hear classmate impressions of each other. Looking back we were so young, naïve to say the least. Hopefully none of us will hold grudges. We’re all adults now. We know better… maybe wiser. Allison W- thank you for reminding me. For parents… perhaps at the right time, we’ll do it right…how cliché… teach our kids to be tolerant. What a crazy thing to define each other by some sort of, self-imposed invisible social order. But then again, it was high school. No need to remind everyone; classes, teachers, whom to seat with at lunch time, who will we ask to a dance, who is dating whom, who is having a party, getting the nerve to say hi to someone, who is a stacker who is an athlete, musician,…what did it all mean? Some of us probably want to forget.Others haven’t left! Figure there is a musical and a song – High School Never Ends.
PB - I will miss you being in the area. But then again, we spent so much time together since we were kids, hardly will impact me right? MM, if I you hug me again, it won’t be enough, and PB “Real men don’t eat quiche” but it’s ok to hug, I think. BD I was “surprised” to get a hug from you. Allen reminded me of memories beyond the ravines of Mayflower and of course our childhood. John II - as always great to see you again, and yes I will tell my mom that you said Hi. Thanks for reminding me that we introduced you to Asian “cuisine” for the first time. Is this true and if so I hope you have ventured beyond.
Pam V. J. – thank you so much for taking the time to ask about what I am up to and all your kind words. Speaking of which, it was a delight to know that a lot of our classmates are “risk-takers” (i.e entrepreneurs). I guess I’ not surprised.
Most important of all I said a few words that I didn’t get a chance to classmates since the last day leaving 1285 N. McKinley. No choice, some of us left high school, probably not “ready” for the real world, too comforted by the “order” of things back then, and our impression of the world as we knew it. I don’t really remember our 10th reunion and a couple of you mentioned it. Most likely there wasn’t enough time to reflect and mature after all these years. But it was important that I did muster the courage to say the things that had to be said, because it was the right thing to do, even if we were just kids. Missed opportunities to develop relationships with classmates, for whatever reasons, we all have our own, that we didn’t. Not missed opportunities but really lost opportunities. “I shan't have lied. It's evident the art of losing is not too hard to master thought may look like disaster.”
Great seeing everyone! It will be a long time before I forget all the conversations and the faces. Back to the “real”world for me. One thing for sure, I will be thinking about all of you. Hope this blogspot never ends.
165 comments:
Okay, since I appear to be the only person actually reviewing this blog, it seems safe to use it as my personal journal. Dear self: today I received many great e-mails getting to reconnect with former classmates, including confirmation from Molly Barry that she has in fact bought her plane tickets to come in all the way from California for the festivities. She reported that Nancy (Hrovatian) and Bill Holmes are also flying in! Seems like a certain red-headed chick with great webmaster skills is under the delusional impression that she can skip out on this. Hmmm. Time to put one of the best-learned skills from high school to work: the always effective peer pressure. We here on the 20th reunion planning committee fully condone and in fact encourage all-out peer pressure to get all classmates to attend.
Pam:
You're not the only one reading the blog. I've chatted with Beth Ridgway and she'll try to make it in from D.C. I'll definitely be there and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!
Megan O'Meara
Pam,
Your (and my mom's) pressure worked and I caved in and decided to buy my plane ticket from Florida to come up for the reunion. Hopefully there will be a good turnout.
Nicole Strong
Hi there...
75 bucks is a bit steep for a single mom on adjunct professor's salary.
Any chance I can either:
a) crash, assuming I wear something outrageous and bring a band along with me,
b) pay nothing but offer to give a speech about how I was wrong during my teen years, money really *does* matter, or
c) find a classmate who is willing to sponsor me...like I could post one of those "sponsor this starving single mom 1987 LFHS grad" ads on the blog, with maybe a picture of myself looking gaunt and sallow.
What do you think, Pam et al?
By the way, all kidding aside...thanks for planning this. I suspect it will be a blast. But I am serious about the price...any ideas?
Julia Mossbridge (nee Walbridge)
Being so far away I have lost touch with everyone. I will try my best to be there..since I missed the 10 year reunion...but life is a 'bit'(ha!) hectic right now and I may need to be in Italy for the grape harvest. I too am definitely looking forward to catching up...geez where did these 20 years go?
Traci Isyk-Coles
Gee, you ladies sure have gotten quite comical in your old age! Ha!
I will be there-wouldn't miss this one. Is everyone bringing their (non-LF) spouses or not? Just curious. Can't wait!
Nicole--love when peer pressure works for the greater good! We promise this will be a ton of fun, and no one will regret coming.
Julia--let me know if you have any luck getting sponsored! Would love to have you be able to make it. Do me a favor and send me your e-mail address since I don't have it on our distribution list.
Hi All -
I'm in plus 1 and to Jennifer P. if you have a non-LF spouse I say bring him. I don't have a spouse but will be bringing my non-LF partner, so Pam you can count me in for 2 tickets. Last I talked to Alison Brown and Kathy Zerkle ( Mohr ) they were in as well. Can't wait to see everyone!
Jen
Hello class of 87,
Thank you Pam and PJ for organizing this event. It was a big commitment to put this together....
Sounds like it would be a fun weekend, but unfortunately I cannot make it due to work and a previously scheduled vacation conflict. The last time I was in LF was around the 10 year reunion time for Jessica (Oelz) Leidall's wedding! I can't believe another decade has passed.
Wishing you the best from Flagtaff, Arizona. You can look us (my husband, Glenn and son, Sean) up if you are touring the area.
Best,
Anne (Schliepsiek) Dunno
Hey, i just moved to vermont! i'm up to my ears in boxes, and kids, (5). i have to go to a wedding at the end of september so i cant come twice. i love just seeing all of your names on the site. Wish i could be there. i'll post a longer note when i can better restore the function of my wireless keyboard. it took me 20 minutes just to get this much to work.
Renee O'Brien NEE Morris
A few comments:
Julia - get in touch with Pam, we may have a solution for you. And no, it does not invlove anything sordid (assuming your definition of sordid is something close to Erin's).
Traci - Great excuse, but it won't cut it. You probably won't be harvesting for another week at the earliest - assuming decent conditions. And now, you have to send wine.
Passalino - bring your spouse. Does he play golf? If so, sign him up for the tourney.
Jen L - Buy your tix today.
Anne - Since you aren't able to make it, your job is track down and forward the info to Jessica - and force her to send it on to anyone she has kept in touch with.
Renee - Send cheese and syrup.
Look forward to seeing you all - and to those who can't make it this time, we'll see you at 25.
P.J.
I'm with P.J. If you can't make it, you need to send us something from your respective states. Food, booze, fresh meats, whatever.
Just a little something for us to remember you by.
Definitely trying to get there...we have a young wine and it has been a hot summer..but we also have people taking care of the vineyards - so will do my best to be there. If I can't swing this one - count me in for 25 and I will provide all the wine :)
All right, all right, I'll start the diet tomorrow and show up for the Saturday party -- But I'm not hiring some cute fake boyfriend for the event (mainly because my husband would be really pissed). I would also really appreciate it if, when you see me, you pretend that I had a boob job, because I don't think there's going to be enough time between now and then for me to get one. I, in turn, will pretend that everyone who owes me apologies actually did apologize and I'll pretend I've forgiven them. Let's see, what else...oh! When we trade pictures of our kids and you tell me mine are really cute and I don't say anything back, I'm sure I will have meant to say yours are really cute too, but I didn't want you to think I was lying and just saying that to be polite (though, if I do say it, I probably am). I don't remember many of you, so if you don't remember me, I was really pretty and popular. If you do remember me and your recollections don't jibe with the previous statement, I'm so sorry your memory is failing you after only 20 years. Pam and P.J., prepare yourselves for the flood of responses you're about to get now that everyone knows I'm coming. I hope your website can handle the traffic. Thanks for doing this. See you all Saturday -- I'll be the one wearing the dark oversized sunglasses that make me look famous and important (though I'm sure you'll also be able to recognize me by the gigantic, yet still perky, imaginary breasts).
Jennifer "Don't Google Me" Friedes
Reading these posts makes me regret even more that I will be unable to attend. My little bro is getting married the previous weekend in Milwaukee, flying in twice from Oklahoma would be tough, so I flipped a coin. The coin said the wedding. I wish for you all a fantastic time and I will be there for the 25th, no matter who's getting married, having babies graduating etc.. If you can think of anything any of you need from Oklahoma, email me, and I will bring it the weeked before!! If you are ever in OKC stop by, we'll take you to the cowboy hall of fame!!!
Carmen Taylor (Gomez)
Hello Jenny!!! Ah yes, the old weight loss plan. Well, mine started and ended the same day when I actually went to a trainer and told her I had 6 weeks to drop 25 pounds. After unsuccessfully holding back her guffaw, she put me through a grueling 15 minute training session which I still have not fully recovered from, 2 weeks later. Therefore, I am choosing to fully embrace my "fuller figure" which many of you will have the opportunity to do as well, though carefully and thoughtfully camouflaged in slimming black and large jacket (no, not kidding--already planning ahead).
Pam, I'm with you. When I turned 30,I made the most remarkable discovery: I can no longer eat whatever the hell I want, not exercise, and NOT gain weight.
The result?
Food 1
Meg's figure: 0
I'm all about the slimming black number.
See you on the 15th!
I spoke with Ted Notz...he and his wife are coming (his wife is a LFHS '88 graduate). I also spoke with Natalie Boscia who is in touch with Susan Jensen...they may possibly come. I really hope that they do.
Jen, I will try to squeeze in a comment before the flood of responses gets too great. Sorry I lost your yearbook. I hope I can find you at the 20th. You sound unrecognizable now.
Pam, I haven't seen a post from Brice. Did you actually talk to him, or have you told a whopper?
Julia, you could always ask Mr. Hawkins (took me several hours to remember his name) to sponsor you. He always loved your view on life AND he qualifies as a one-man-guitar-playing band.
Jim, are you still living in Boys Town? I miss running into your beautiful family there. I'd love to catch up.
No exotic job or home in a distant land for me. Keeping busy raising a couple of open-minded and wildly independent kids. Doing my part to counteract an overpopulation of intolerance.
Becky Lee
Pam, I believe I've made it clear that unless I am provided with a private jet, a hot chauffeur and unlimited amounts of Veuve Clicquot, I'm not effing coming and that's that. What, there's no room in the budget for these little necessities? I THINK NOT.
I'm not coming because I see O'Meara enough as it is and I never liked any of you anyway.
Actually, I'm going to a conference in Savannah at that time and I'm hoping there's an inappropriate murder of a rent boy and a sexy investigative reporter who looks like John Cusack there to cover it. I shall get him drunk on good Southern bourbon and pretend to be Clint Eastwood's daughter.
DON'T THINK I WON'T DO IT.
You know what, Pam? Erin speaks the truth. Despite the fact that she's in NYC and I'm in Chicago, we still see each other plenty. Too much, maybe.
Personally? I'm glad she can't come. Because she'd have to stay with me and she's dirty.
Yeah. I said it.
Ah, a blog. Never wrote on one before. Next thing you know, I'll have a MySpace page. Woody emailed me and said I was mentioned in Pam's (which I knew, when I was reminded). Indeed the rumor is true; I am flying in and doing my best to harass other LFHS Alumni West Coasters to also attend. As far as Passalino's inquiry, bring your non-LF spouse (Michael) I am not with spouse so I am bringing the next best thing, Tink!
In addition to myself, Nancy and Bill, I heard Diane Papas was coming in too. But I have not gotten a 100% confirmation on her. Bill confirmed Allen (Andy) Thompson was also in.
Big thanks to Pam, PJ, and the behind the scenes folks for the HUGE effort on making this reunion happen!
PJ, Tunney and I are totally in for golf. Miniature I assume?
My in-laws are in town that weekend for a rare visit, so I'm not going to be able to make it. It looks like a great event; enjoy!
Molly - ummm....brain overloaded with miniature golf comments. Email Milliman (contact info on golf blog) to let him know you are in.
Friedes - after that post your boobs better be bigger than any of the guys (including mine).
Pasty Red Head - It's a BLOG conference! Can't you blog your speech to them? Wouldn't they understand that better than actual face-to-face discussion? The reunion is in LF! There's more Veuve here than in Paris. I was banking on you to compete for most cocktails over the weekend.
Becky - Do you still keep in touch with Pam (Stevens)? If so, can you forward on to her?
To All - Pam (Volpe) Jelaca had a great idea to have a business exchange at the event. Nothing outrageous - but perhaps a table or two for people to leave info on their companies/flyers/biz cards/etc...
To that point, I will be starting a new discussion thread on the main blog where you can post that same information and would encourage everyone, if they are so inclined, to post it here for easy access.
With everyone reconnecting, who knows, you might pick up a new client/customer or two.
See you all soon.
P.J.
I must say my mouth has been agape since blog entry 2. time to wet the invisaligns, you all are quite entertaining, perhaps you were then too. Can't wait to come. no need for a ticket as we live downtown. Need to hit the driving range a few times before the 14th. Kelly Yore and I need another two to complete our foursome... Lisa
OK, I'm pissed. Not only have a never really used a blog before, but I just typed about 2 pages worth of some good stuff, but I guess I wasn't 'verified' yet so it's gone. Ugh!
Anyway, I will try and regurgitate.
I do like the idea of potentially talking to 350 people all at once!
But where are our LF boys on this thing? Still smoking the dubbies OR out battling Wall Street? PJ, you need to get on them.
Megan O-you need to get on Freher. She keeps saying she's not coming, but I say 'ney' to that. She's right up there already, no excuse. Sam and Michael can hang out together while us LFers talk about things no one else understands.This is your mission.
PJ-thanks for the golf invite, but Michael is neither a big golfer and will be coming off the heels of a hernia (ouch!) surgery. He wanted to get people together for some soccer, but can't do that either. Damn, we're getting old!
OK, now for the important stuff. What is the music scene for this party and girls, what are you wearing? How's that for high school talk? Seriously though.
Like the idea of business cards,do they make them for stay-at-home Moms? Ha! But at the very least, please be sure you have us fill out our current mailing and Email info too. From the Email list, looks like people either stayed around Chicago or ventured out West! Only a few of us chose to stay in between and come down South. What's up with that?
Molly-so glad you're bringing Tink. And I'm with you, I'd be in if it were Miniature golf.
OK, I have to go study my yearbook now so I can remember all you people! Can't wait! See you soon.
Passalino
PJ, since they're imaginary, they can be as big as you want them to be. After 4 kids, I have, what you might call, a blank slate (then again, that's what I had before the 4 kids too).
Jennifer, what to wear? I'm thinking horizontal stripes as that way people might think it's just the stripes and not me. Not helpful? In that case, I'm thinking casual chic/dressy casual -- like what I might wear shopping at a place I couldn't afford.
A little disappointed meeting at the Mini-mart or an excursion up to TeePee's was not included in the events:-) Perhaps late nite at Hunter's for good measure. Thanks to everyone for pulling this together. Anyone else feel we were lucky to be at LFHS when we were? Couldn't imagine high school nowadays, although nice to see the old Vans have come back to the foot apparel status earned in the 80's.
Michael Goldsberry
Lisa (nee Kinsella) -I have been trying to track you guys down for years. Please send me your email and Kelly Yore's. (tisykcoles@hotmail.com)
Still trying to rearrange schedule.
Passalino, you sweet thing. I've been all over Freher-Hage and it's a no-go. She's got Laura coming in that weekend for some family time.
I think Beth Ridgway is coming in from DC and staying with me.
Am I the only loser who's crashing with her parent's on Saturday night?
In terms of clothing, something swishy and black. For that all-important slimming effect.
Can't wait to see everyone!
Becky! Yes, Brice is coming, and I will demand he writes into the blog to confirm, or threaten to pretend to be him and destroy his carefully crafted and vehemently guarded high school reputation. Not only is he coming, but he's coming a day early (Thursday) and is very insistent on helping us out with the actual event! To which I responded: who are you, and what have you done with one of my BFF's, Brice???
People like you make passwords necessary, Pam. I thought maybe there had been a rash of high school identity thefts recently. I seriously doubt that my high school persona would inspire someone to hack into the system pretending to be me. Unless dateless cross country runners who actually do their homework have suddenly become fashionable in the last twenty years. Hmmmmm...
I remember when my parents went to my mom's 20-year high school reunion, and all I could think of was how OLD they were. Well, here we are, although I don't feel that old! So glad to know that many of you can make it next month. Unfortunately Bunta won't make it (something about reading in a good friend's wedding that day in Philly...whatever). Still hoping Jessica (Oelz) Leidall might get here, as well as many others. As usual, I see that PJ is the only male among many women. Oh well, someone has to do it. See all of you in LF!
So, I have been reading everyone's blogs for a couple of days (chuckling) and trying to get up the nerve to write something as I am not sure I can compete with the humourous comments. I was and still am not funny and I hate to write! Jenny..maybe you can help me as I was placed in the old old English teacher (her name is escaping me)remedial english class where we did nothing, but watch movies. Needless to say, I don't like to write. Isyk...why don't we do the 25th Reunion in Italy and help you stomp the grapes? My e-mail address is
kelly.clayton@bms.com. Thanks to everone who's set up the reunion...looking forward to it!
Kelly Yore
Hello there and many thanks to everyone for the reunion planning!
Hmm, peer pressure. Wouldn't know anything about it. Ok, uncle; I'm in and have made my travel plans. I can always reschedule my bbq with Clooney for the next weekend.
Looking forward to hearing PJ recap how he and his caddy killed on the golf course all Saturday night with us gals. Fellas, donde estan? Don't you have this new fangled thing called the "interweb" everyone's talking about these days? We need you to be there so you can show us where the mix tape fits into these damn ipods.
Cheers,
Allison Wright Clark
Just finished reading this string of posts. Very entertaining. Count me in for Saturday night and tentatively for golf on Friday. I'll also work on some of our male classmates I have contact info for. This would be Tom Smithburg, Jon Paluga, Steve Lamm, Ken Kennedy, Sean Brown, Scott Ruswick, and Bob Colvin among others.
Regards,
John Gnospelius
Hey Howdy Class of '87!
I won't be in attendance this time around but feel free to play Eric Clapton's version of "Cocaine" in my honor.
My excuse for not showing up is not unusual and my wit is failing me after reading some of your glorious posts. You should all go back to work now.
My friend John Harris said that he recognized only a few names on this blog, and I will admit it is a bit of a brain workout to recall faces. You all look like teenagers in my head so don't worry about boobs (men), baldness or other physical maladies. I guess that's the upside of not making it - everyone looks 18.
I am putting it on my schedule for 2012 or definitely 2017 - see you then. In the meantime, let's all practice saying, "40".
Ciao.
Joe Cain
Pam and PJ
Thank you so much for organizing
our 20 year reunion. I am so bummed, I won't be able to make it.
A few months ago, my husband and
I booked our trip to Tulum Mexico. Yes...that is where the class 5 hurricane hit last night! Our trip will be an adventure
to say the least.
Through the e-mail list, I found a
bunch of people I had wanted to get a hold of. So that has been amazing.I am glad this event is happening!
I am going to ask Molly Barry to take a lot of photos, so I can
see all of you. Hopefully, she won't have too many cocktails where she forgets who is who in the photos the next day. (Just kidding Molly)- I wish I was cocktailing with you all.
...and Traci I would love to see
your website of your winery.
Us, Californians love Wine!
Like Joe said, in my
mind, you all are still
beautiful 18 year olds.
Have a great time!!
Big Hug
From the west coast
(little surf town Redondo Beach)
Renee Avis
ravis4@verizon.net
Okay--I'm just giggling too much and gave up on reading all these comments. Too funny. But so great to see some familiar names--I just can't believe how long it's been! Can't wait to see everyone. Molly--so glad you're flying in. I don't even know where you are anymore! Have you been in touch with Sue K? Jennifer--I'm bring non-LF spouse as well so tell Michael that Jim will gladly partake in some cocktails while standing back and making fun of us all together! Mike G.--so glad to see you're coming to this too! What about all your boys...I see no comments from the likes of .... let's see...Ken, Coley, Tom, Woody, Scott, Steve. Since I've talked to about 3 people from LF since the 90s, I don't know where anyone is! But looking forward to it--see you all then. Elizabeth (Cain ) Diskin
This is my first blog entry as well and I have found reading all these entries to be hilarious. Thanks again to everyone who helped organize our 20th reunion! I am really looking forward to it and can't wait to see everyone. I'm putting the pressure on Matt to fly in from Phoenix and could use a little help from his old pals (Ray, Rob, Brian, Bobby, John, anyone). I spoke with Karen (Stokes) Cummings and she is going to try and make it - but it is kind of a hike from Alaska. Well, that's it for now, off to the dermatologist for Botox injections ;)
I was debating if I really wanted to see PJ again since he never has invited me to any of his poker games since I returned to Lake Forest after a six year stop in Las Vegas to get my almost mid-life crisis out of my system.
Since I keep getting these emails telling me to come, read a blog and golf (yeah right, I lived on a golf course in Las Vegas for six years - I played it once. Oh wait, can you smoke on the golf course anymore or has The Governor decided we cannot smoke and golf anymore?) I figured I'd at least read the blog to help sway me.
My new girlfriend wants me to go and bring her, which I cannot imagine why she would want to see all these old people, but I guess it is the same theory that killed the cat. My parents always told me to leave your spouse at home as they will be bored at such a gathering, but it seems everyone responding so far is bringing the better half (which in my case is the far better half) so I guess I'll bring mine.
Anyway, now another male has posted so there can be less complaining about the majority of posts being from women. I am planning on attending but will not commit 100% until around the first week of the month.
Peace.
Joel Alpert
joel@alpert.net
Pam and PJ
Thank you so much for organizing our reunion.It really is a trip reading about everyone. My wife and I are looking forward to coming.
Scott W. Uglinica
Scott@jcssupply.com
Yes, another first time blogger here. Just finished reading all the messages and it is great to learn a little bit about what everyone has been up to for the past 20 years (hard to believe it has been that long!) It brings back a lot of great memories. Thanks Pam and PJ for setting this up. Through your efforts I've gotten back in contact with Jennifer Lawrence which has been a wonderful treat!
Jennifer and Curtis Baddeley have been pushing me to make the short drive to LF through the corn fields of Indiana, but unfortunately I probably won't be able to attend. My sister's family is staying at our house that weekend for a couple days of boating. However, if we don't get some more rain soon the lake may be shut down which could change our plans. It really would be great to catch up with many of you!
John Gnospelius, send me an e-mail at bmarquar@commscope.com - would love to catch up!
Everyone have a great time! Looking forward to 2012.
Bill Marquardt
I look forward to catching up with a lot of you in September. Considering I will see a lot of the people I ran with during my days at LFHS the previous week at our annual FF Draft(Douglas, Riles, Milliman, Kracik, PJ, Jim Dugan and Scott Dugan). Yes you read that right...38...most of us married w/kids...getting together to play Fantasy Football-LOSERS!I seriously need to get a life. After the reunion I am moving my wife and two daughters to Montana or something so I break out of this "hanger-on" lifestyle I lead.
I do have an update on people I still talk to that won't be there:
Rob Burns-runs a fishing charter with his native American-Canadian wife in Montauk,NY. Has a charter booked that weekend-taking some Wall Street Hot Shots out to hunt tuna
Tom Gwaltney(Prom King)-
Lives on and owns a fetal pig farm with Hope Kracik-Gwaltney in Columbia,SC. County Fair that weekend. Looking to take first place again this year.
Steve Moorhead- Works for his wife's family business in Osh Kosh, WI. They sell Green Bay Packer merchandise on the weekend out of thier conversion van at the Farm N Fleet parking lot. His three lovely children are usally there helping out.
Sean Kennedy- I hope he will not be attending. He is my real estate agent and he better have a showing on Saturday or Sunday and I do not need him hungover. Anybody looking for a lovely 2 bdrm. 2.5 bath condo. on the north side of the city...please contact Sean.
I am very depressed after typing this.
Smock
John: You think your a hanger on? Get this, I am an uncle to Brian Haggies two children and Tom Gwaltney's baby girl. I think I am now related to most of the people we went to High School with. I may move to some rural southern state so at least this all seems normal. What do I need to attend a reunion for? I have one every holiday.
Okay, now I'm DEFINITELY not coming. What, we're all inbred now? If I'd wanted to attend an inbred country BBQ, I could've stayed in Charleston, SC where cousins are cousins are sisters are brothers are fathers and friends.
I'm going to be in Guam that weekend, making handbags out of coconut shells.
Deal with it.
I am attending a wedding in Wisconsin the 14th and 15th, but should be able to return in time for the fiesta at the Lake Forest Club Sat. evening. The last time I was in the LF Club was taking social dance with you, Becky Lee. In answer to your question, yes, we still live in BoysTown and do miss seeing you around the hood. Jenny Friedes - still hanging out way too much at the J? Viola starts preschool there next week. Gnos - let's grab O'Keane and go play Canadian doubles: I'm sure we can scrounge up one of his old racquets at Waveland or West park. See you all the night of the 15th. PS If I'm going, you must as well BadBoy; it's a pity that Pepe can't make it.
Glad to see the blog starting to gain a little momentum. After struggling with it a bit (newborn/first time daddy)...I've decided that I'll absolutely have to make it. It's been way too long since I've been to old L.F. (the games are at “West Campus”?) and Deerpath Golf Course (does it really still exist?). Even though it's a long trip from Arizona…I wouldn’t mind a little break from the consistent 110's and a chance to see John Smock’s teeth turn burgundy red after his first few sips of vino.
Looking forward to it!
Mateo Blanchardo
Wow, it's nice to see some familiar names. Thanks for all your efforts Pam and PJ.
I think Linda Lu is collecting pictures of our class...if anyone has a pic with me in it PLEASE make sure it captures my good side before submitting! ;)
I don't play golf so I'm out for that. If the venue changes to 'dodgeball' then let me know.
See you soon.
Amit Kumar
Smock-
Thanks for your support with the County Fair. My pig "Little John Smock" isn't as cranky as you and we think we have a good chance on winning the blue ribbon again this year.
As John has already mentioned, we will not be making the trip to LF. However, it is nice to see so many names from the past.
I am really bummed that I won't be able to make PJ's job fair. Good luck with that. Scott Dugan has promised me that he will be there and promises to buy a round of drinks for everyone.
Amit - where the heck have you been? Great to see you name on the blog. Send me an e-mail at bmarquar@commscope.com. We are trying to set up a night out for later this fall in Chicago.....
Wow, Gwaltney in Columbia SC pig farming?! (That’s close to me.) Moorehead in Osh Kosh, etc.? Ray Kracik and all his in-bred nieces and nephews! Good God! What a report from Johnny Smock! Too bad it's about so many people who can't make it. Seriously, I'm so gullible; I don't know what to believe. I lived for three years in a yurt five miles from a paved road, next to dreaded John Sisson and some other freaks, organic gardening over Y2K. But I booked my flight and bought my ticket yesterday - it'll be just me, leaving my lovely wife and two kids behind.
What great fun to start thinking about all these (all you) people again, eh? Now I teach philosophy at Rob Burn's alma mater, Clemson University, in upstate SC. Looking forward to so much catching-up. I'll be there knocking 'em back both nights, and maybe sitting alone (or maybe with Mateo Blanchardo and a beer-bong) at the east campus field on Saturday, where the Homecoming game really should be. I thought west campus was just for lacrosse practice? See everyone soon! Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Allen "Andy" Thompson
athomp6@clemson.edu
http://www.clemson.edu/~athomp6/
Thank you so much PJ and Pam and all others organizing this! This has been so great reading everyone's comments; as of right now, my sister-in-law is coming to visit us (we're in San Francisco area) with our niece; if I'm able to make it back, I won't have my husband and 2 kids (boy-8 and girl-6). My brother gets married the following weekend. I saw there are some other west coasters - who else is in the bay area? Love to catch up. I'm hoping to work out the details, may be there for Saturday night (also wearing the ever popular sliming black, and don't have enough time with a trainer to work off the extra lbs. stubbornly hanging on). Pride, Kim, Jan, Laura, Melissa, Steve V., Mike O. - where are you? Hope to keep reading more from everyone!
Brooke (Wilson) Grafstrom
Hello Old Friends,
Well my tickets are booked. My husband, 2 children and I are coming from up North - Valdez, Alaska to be more specific. I don't know what all the rest of you were thinking staying down south. Have you heard of global warming - Just kidding. I am so appreciative to everyone who put this reunion together and can't wait to see you all and laugh about old times. We are so lucky to have such great history together. I can still hear all of your voices and see your manerisms in your blogs. Dean and I operate a heli skiing, glacier hiking, ice climbing and guide service company here in AK and do ski camps at Snowbird, Utah in Nov, Dec and Jan. so we would be up for climbing, hiking, skiing, fishing, rafting,or kayaking, but really we SUCK at golf. Therefore we will have to forego Friday, but will be there at the game and party. For the party maybe we should all wear our Prom dresses and suits. Wouldn't that be hilarious. Berry thanks for bringing Tink. I was wondering if any of our prep school/St.Mary's friends were going to be around too. Congrats Matt on the boy. I'm glad you are going to make it. Everyone bring pictures of your family. If anyone is ever in my neck of the woods, please look me up I would be happy to help in any way or just say hello. All the best to you and yours. Cheer cheer for Lake Forest High School whose spirit never dies! Karen Stokes Cummings
Hi Old Friends,
I missed the 10 year because I was living in Hollywood
trying to make it big. Now I'm in Chicago trying to
sell Smock's condo that smells like cats and diapers.
Actually that's not true, John doesn't have a cat, but
he does have a new baby girl. It's Friday night and
I'm going to bed shortly because I need to be well
rested for showings tomorrow. I'm also doing the
Accenture Triathalon this Sunday. P.J. or Milliman
can you organize a bike ride or mini tri for us non
golfers? I'm looking forward to doing a beer bong
with Andy ( Allen) and seeing you all soon.
P.S. I also have a studio for sale in the Gold Coast
with a view of the Hancock and a pool on the
roof.(nice in town)
Contact me at spkennedy2003@yahoo.com
SeanKennedychicago.com has pictures and a testimonial
from one of my happy customers you all remember- Joe Cain.
Hi Bill,
I had sent you an email...did you get it?
Amit
I'm a first time blogger and just erased my entire post.
I've been reading the blog and find all you old people hilarious. My young husband/designated driver and I are planning on coming, just need to book the babysitter for my 3 kids (ages 7,5 and 2.)
Jennifer P., no one answered your question, what is the attire for Saturday evening? Since it is at the Lake Forest Club, will we be wearing "Junior Assembly wear?" Will we be doing the Cha-cha?
I'm so disappointed that Freher won't be coming to the reunion. I was so happy to see her at the 10 year reunion, I hope she reconsiders.
John Gnospelius and Bill Marquardt, where have you guys been?
Buffy Christie, I heard you had your second child. I hope you're coming.
Even though I live in the area, I rarely see anyone from high school, except Curtis B. because he lives in my neighborhood.
Thanks to P.J. and Pam and everyone else for planning the weekend. I can't wait to see everyone.
Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg
Hi Lauren!
So great to hear from you and that you'll be able to make it! As for official event attire: though I am EXTREMELY tempted to suggest 80's prom theme, I do want to go on living, so I'm voting for cocktail attire to suit the environment. I think we should place bets on how many of us will show up in slimming black, and special awards to those brave enough to turn up in all-white.
See you soon!!!
After much contemplation about whether anyone would really care about what I have to add, I've decided to add my two cents to this amalgam of monologues and dialogues.
First and foremost, thanks so much to PJ (my prom date) and Pam for organizing this event and I am sincerely bummed that I will not be able to make the 20 year get-together. Hopefully, I will make the 25-year festivities, but with everyone who's coming this year, I fear the turnout in 5 short years will be abysmal. My husband and I will be in Italy, exploring new worlds, rather than reminscing about the old. Karen C, kudos to you for making the trek all the way from AK with your whole family.
I, like many, have seen only a handful of people from LFHS over the years and have not really kept up with anybody. Jim Dugan and our mutual non-LFHS friends do keep me apprised from time-to-time, but this blog is truly enlightening. Elizabeth (Cain) Diskin did show up in my office once several years ago after she discovered we were working for the same firm and I even made it to her wedding. She wised-up, however, and left the practice of law.
I don't know what to be shocked about more, the fact that Andy Thompson teaches philosophy or that Gwaltney has a pig-farm (if that's true, but considering the sarcastic source, I'm dubious). It's really fun to read how everyones' lives have developed over the last 20 years.
I found my way back to Chicago 10 years ago (sorry, didn't make the 10-year reunion either) and now my husband and I are living in Madison, WI, since he came to work at the UW Hospital (Jennifer (Passalino) Robinson and Billy Douglas, if you are anything like other UW Alum, you are saying "I love Madison" right now).
Anyway, cheers to all and have a great time!
Beth (Golub) Joffe
Pam, PJ and Erin – Thanks for organizing. It’s fun to read everyone’s comments and find out that there are other folks in the San Francisco area. My husband and I’ve been here since 95 … time flies. I don’t think I am going to make this one because we're celebrating our daughter’s first b-day and my mother-in-law’s 70th. I’ll have to catch the next reunion and while wine coolers were the drink of choice in high school, I’ll bring wine from Sonoma to make up for it.
Kris Marubio (Demetriou)
Well, the comments are hysterical. Never particapted in a blog before so I have a few adds of my own...
Pj and Pam thanks for organizing the reunion. It sounds like it will be a blast. I am coming. You may have to work on my spouse, Bo Makelim who refuses to be involved. His cell n# 847/716-0789 - call and bug him.
PJ - my parents purchased your parents first house in LF on Westminster prior to your family moving to Florida when we moved from Greenwich.
Having gone to three highschools in four years, LFHS is sort of home. I tried to get to the Berkshire class reunion this summer but had caught really bag bug from Bo. could not fly so I thought I would try this 20 year reunion.
talk about incest....Ray and Tom...Ted Notz introduced my cousin Molly to Brian Sarver who married and then reintroduced me to Sunday school classmate, Bo Makelim and we married. I have a few reunions at holidays events too.
Lauren looking forward to seeing you. Heather Longworth Dwelle lives in California with her two kids and spouse.
I had no idea Buffy had a second child. congrats on that....
Katherine
"allen": while a beer bong with you, matt, and sean sounds all fun and games, i think we should honor the desires of hallowed LFHS groundskeeper, Ed Pluckett, and only visit the field during sanctioned activities. neyer's basement instead? see you in a couple of weeks.
bill mackey
tucson
When people are saying "cocktail" attire, how fancy do you mean? Do you mena nice pants and a top, or are we talking a flouncy skirt or a pretty party dress?
Either way, I'm NOT WEARING NYLONS.
Someone please let me know. Thanks!
OK I'll admit I wake up each day and check for more blogs ( mainly bc I dont' have a job ). I agree with you all that it's been fun to read everyone's blog and it really makes the anticipation of the Reunion even "funner".
Thankfully this blog has brought me back in touch with great old friends. Bill Marquardt and I spent over an hour on the phone recently and even though it had been 10+ years since we last talked it only seemed like yesterday that we were cruising the halls of LFHS together. Renee Avis it's been fun e-mailing you too. Kim Hetler Nyland I can't wait til we talk. Diana Papas where are you? Cristina Garrison?
Ray K - if you're looking to head south ( due to all the "inbreeding") - check out Kentucky anything goes down here, you'd be welcome with open arms. The KY State Fair is going on and you might even be able to find work through some long lost relatives, who knows with that big new extended family of yours.
Yes I live in Kentucky. Just a few months ago I was living in CA, working in the ET business, hanging out in the Hollywood Hills, and look at me now - I'm unemployed, living in Kentucky, and I buy lottery tickets. The best part is I've never been happier. Sean K. we'll have to share Hollywood stories.
Allen T. - I'm glad you were so honest to say you were gullible and not sure what to believe about Smock's e-mail. I too wasn't sure what to believe. I forwarded it to Alison Brown for her help. She's not sure what to believe as well. I guess we'll find out soon.
What to wear? Megan I agree with you no pantyhose!!! LA cocktail
( my most recent place of "cocktailing") is "nice" jeans ( no not Levis ), a nice top and fancy shoes, I just may show up in that. Kathy Mohr Zerkle said as long as you are comfortable and if you get drunk and fall down make sure you aren't wearing a skirt that might flash others in your drunken fall. Of course Megan that wasn't directed at you that was a general "you". I see no reason why you couldn't wear pants, anyone else?
Sorry I missed all you west coaster when I was out there for 10 years. Brooke I lived in SF for a year, I hope you can make it... Can't wait to see you all.
See you soon
Jennifer Lawrence
Yes, clearly I too look frequently to the blog for fun updates, hence my frequent abuse of the service.
So, to totally 'fess up, I do in fact have my reunion Event outfit planned. It is as follows:
- black pants (I can't afford LA type nice jeans)
- black top (no, I was not kidding about the all-black ensemble)
- a FABULOUS embroidered Chinese jacket I bought on a recent visit to the Chinatown area of San Fran
- no nylons
How about "city cocktail hour attire"? So not suits & ties, but not something that could double as pajamas.
Wow! It is hilarious to see all these names from the past. I am sure the weekend will be filled with lots of memories and laughs. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend as my sister is in town and I promised her a night out with no kids. I am counting on Megan O and Elizabeth to fill me in on details. I live in Elmhurst with my husband and two boys (1 1/2 and 3 1/2) and I try to get to LF to reminisce when I can. I will work on getting Melissa to go as I am seeing her this weekend. Wishing everyone the best!
Come on, people. Over 300 people graduated with us and we only have 68 comments. Half of them are from Pam and all the Jennifers.
It doesn't need to be funny, we aren't in high school any more. Just write down where you live and what your life is like. You won't be able to catch up with everyone at the reunion.
I'll start:
I live in Deerfield with my husband, Ian Rothenberg and my 3 kids, Zach (age 7), Sydney (girl) (age 5) and Noah (age 2.) I'm an attorney who works part-time for the Lake County State's Attorney's Office.
By the way, all you people worried about the way you look, I pulled out my yearbooks. We all have to look better that we did in the '80's.
Lauren Kalcheim
Let me first say that I am thinking about being really crazy and may wear dark or slate grey instead of black at the reunion. But I reserve the right to change my mind several times at about 6:30 pm on September 15th, so don't hold me to that.
Taking Lauren's lead, here is the latest on my life...
I live in Highland Park with my husband, Chris, and 15 month old son, Nick. I work for UBS as an investment banker in the Municipal Securities Group. Life is crazy, but I don't think I would have it any other way, and being a mom is so incredibly rewarding! I still do that curling thing in the winter and attempt to improve my golf game every summer. My parents sold the LF home about 7 years ago and live in Highland Park, too. It's nice to be close to Lake Forest and run into some classmates every once in awhile...there certainly seem to be many of us in the area!
All for now...see some of you at the LF Club!
Actually Lauren, as you know, I don't look better. Unless, of course, you're into bald and fat.
Craig
Hey Lauren. Long time no talk. Here's my brief update:
Live in Glenview with wife Jennifer, daughter Megan (7) and son Andrew (5). By day I manage a Financial Analysis unit for JPMorgan in downtown Chicago.
Look forward to seeing you (and everyone else) on Sept 15.
Thanks
John
I agree with Lauren--we want to hear from as many folks as possible, just to say hi and hear what people are up to these days.
Having said that, funny never hurts.
Craig,
You're still the funniest person I know.
Lauren
Girls save you money on the personal trainers and boob jobs. Just stand next to me and you will look and feel like a million bucks! I will be very pregnant with baby #4 the night of the reunion. Can't use being drunk as an excuse for falling over and flashing anyone either. Craig, can't compete with you in the bald department, but stick by me and you will feel lean and mean!
Okay, I've officially bailed on the toga party I was supposed to be co-hosting the same weekend (really, I'm a responsible mom - it's a fundraiser for the kids) and bought my ticket from California. I'm hoping Moorhead can get me a deal on some cheeseheads.
After looking to rearrange schedule doesn't look like I will make this reunion. I too love reading everyone's very witty comments - I don't have anything witty to write - I have lived in Germany way too long and have lost my sense of humor.
As far as my life - here it is in a nut shell: ex-management consultant having been promoted to 'motherhood'. I am married to an English guy, Graham, with one beautiful daughter, Isabella Loren - almost 10 months old, and 2 norfolk terriers. Trying to manage 3 separate households in 3 separate countries. We have a beautiful house in Munich, Germany which we are trying to sell (anyone interested?), a home in Vienna, Austria and yes a vineyard in Piemonte, Italy (small town of Santo Stefano Belbo). I am also learning to become an 'italian' farmer and need to take the test in September (one of the many reasons I am unable to attend).
I will definitely make the next reunion - be it in 5 or 10 years - with the perfect farmers tan!
If anyone of you make it to Europe - please look us up - we are perfect hosts - thats if you like small dogs sitting on your lap at dinner.
Thanks Pam, PJ & Erin for organizing this. I am glad to hear that black is back and I won't have to dig out the old prom dress and get a perm! Excited to see everyone. Have been emailing recently with Kay Borders, Paige Price, and Brett Brinker - I think all are coming to the main event. Can't believe it has been 20 years! -- Susie (Jensen) Smith
a
Took me about a week to figure out how get on this think..didn't realize had an account...I'm like a frikin genius..looking forward to seeing everyone..please come to the football game on Sat..I'll be the guy trying to look like he knows what he is doing in the press box!! The new field is at west campus and looks pretty cool. Sat (homecoming) will be the first game there. I'll be thereon sat night & I'm looking forward to getting reasonably hammered (can you do this still) and dancing like a fool and embarrassing my wife!!!! Who's with me????
John Smock always talked way too much! It is good to see so many familiar names and it will be fun to see everyone Saturay night. I may not be able to attend the homecoming game because I am coaching soccer (daughter) and it is picture day and we have a tournament that day. Wow that sounds kind of lame! I live in Elmhurst with my wife Stephanie and two kids Whitney (8) and Isabel (5). I am a Partner in an Executive Search Firm(headhunter) I started with some others downtown in Chicago a few years ago. My mom and brother still live in LF so I am up there visiting Left Bank as often as possible! I will be wearing something sleek and black if you girls care. I know you have been reading these Coley so write something!
A quick update for everyone:
We now have 69 paid attendees - so all you big talkers out there who keep telling everyone you are coming, buck up and buy your tickets. If you don't, it'll cost you $100 per person at the door.
The event itself is coming along nicely - should be a great evening for everyone who comes. To that end, everyone please bring your digital cameras. We will not have an official photographer, but will set up something online where everyone can post their own pics and share them with those who couldn't attend.
I do want to let you all know that we have decided not to serve a sit down dinner, but will have heavy appetizers instead. If you want a full meal, eat before you arrive.
Why the expense then? We don't want to run out of booze do we? I thought not.
If you want to play golf but haven't emailed Milliman - you might be SOL. I believe we have 9 foursomes playing. However, you may want to let him know just in case.
Jan - you can still wear the toga. In fact, PLEASE wear the toga.
Craig - I feel your pain.
Beth - Ummm...Italy IS the Old World. Look up Traci and help her study.
Traci - you have to pass a test to be a farmer? What do you need to know? Don't put cow-shit into the vineyards. Tomatoes needs lots of sun and water. Same for olive trees. There - you'll pass now, you can make it to the party.
Finally, just want to make sure that everyone knows - no kids at the Saturday night shindig. Please bring them to the game Saturday afternoon though.
See you all in 2 weeks.
P.J.
PJ: No kids? No problem.
What about pets?
Please advise.
Megan - please tell me you are not planning on putting your cat on a leash and bringing her. You might lose your position as beer cart driver at the golf outing.
Now - to answer Lauren's question. I am currently living in DC - moved here right after college, so am scarily boardering on living here longer than LF. I work at the Library of Congress as their Director of Educational Outreach. Get to work with teachers all over the country, which is fantastic.
Am looking forward to seeing you all and getting back in touch.
Thanks to the crew organizing!
Beth Ridgway
After looking at my comments earlier today..I can conclude they don't make much sense..Steve as in Van Nuys. I am a teacher at old LFHS (history) It is 6th year..and it has been a blast. I also coach freshman football which is also a great time. I live in LB with my wife and our 2 yr old daughter Madelyn. Karen C-H..my wife will also be quite preg at the bash so you won't be alone! It can be weird at times working at the high school..and although much has changed physically..it is still in many ways the same place. we left 20 years ago. If anyone wants to take a tour of the place..send me an e-mail..I know some are upset about the football move to west as was I..but the new field (hopefully its ready by homecoming)is pretty cool. But if you must see one more game on old Lindenmeyer..my Freshman B bombers will be battling it out on Friday at 430at East..so come see some true sport before the cocktail hour..I'll even try to get you onto the field during the game and possibly to the post game press conference. I would also like to thank all those working on this weekend..especially PJ..a man with true priorities and vision!!! I most likely will be getting a little hammered on Sat though (that much did make sence to me)Don't get out much..Craig might need some good legal advice once all is said and done..See you all soon. Go Scouts!!! Van Nuys
First off, what a pleasant surprise to hear from Pam Jelaca (nee Volpe)! Great conversation. Makes me regret missing the 10 year.
I recall our class being unusually intelligent . Talking with Pam only reinforces this sentiment. Naturally, I'm curious how everybody's turned out -- looking at the business exchange, it seems I'm the only one who isn't running a company -- got to get on that.
There's a chance I might make it on the 15th. Would love to see everybody, make the necessary apologies and grab some business cards. Reunions are great because panic attacks help me lose weight.
If you're ever in Los Angeles, drop me a line.
Jon Woods
cgjwoods@earthlink.net
I am happy to report that Jon is as fabulous as ever (and yes, in part because he compliments me publicly). If only he'd been doing something with his life, like, oh, I don't know, storyboard artist for movies like Crash, Miracle, Employee of the Month, Cheaper by the Dozen, and From Dusk Till Dawn 3 (yes, I googled you) or perhaps a little show premiering on ABC primetime called Pushing Daisies. TIME TO 'FESS UP MR. WOODS! And time to buy your plane tickets for the reunion!
Hey everybody! PJ, Pam and all those behind the scenes, THANK YOU!! Planning any event, let alone one to gether 300+ from around the world, can be mind boggling.
In short, I live in Beach Park, IL with my wife and 5 1/2 yr old girl. I own an insurance agency with my dad and brother in Waukegan. Music still lives within me. I have recently played drums on Dave Hawkins album, for you Dave Hawkins fans. I do see some of you at local events where I am playing. Always great to catch up. Hopefully I will see some of you golfing on Friday or at The Grille afterwards. I am trying to make the game on Saturday but will definatly see you all on Saturday night.
I read in a previous entry that there is no photographer. No worry. My wife and I plan on getting loads of photos and creating a digital storybook of the evening. It should take a week to complete and we will send a link where you can view it and purchase it if you wish. We will bring info on it to Lake Forest Club.
Rice Cakes, water and 10 miles a day gets you back into your "favorite" jeans from high school you never threw away.
See you all in 2 weeks.
Chris Tomek
PS: PJ, did you get teh CD's? Will they work for you?
Lauren K. it was good to hear from you., and I like
how you got everyone inputting about their lives.
Well, Jon said it well -when he mentioned that our class being unusually intelligent! I would also add very strong personalities that know what they want in life.
Chris Tomek it is good to hear from one of our musicians.
We had a handful of them in our class that were very good.
It is nice to see that you followed your passion.
When I hear from all of you... it takes me not only back to high
school -but all the way back to 1rst grade and up. I can't
believe how long some of us have know each other.
On my end, after college I did the ski bum route in Colorado for a few years and traveled the South Pacific.
I went back to school for 2 more years and became a Professional Sports Massage Therapist. I have run my own practice for 8 years working on clients who are volleyball players, bicyclists, tennis players, surfers, golfers, and triathletes....
My husband, who I met when I was traveling in Costa Rica, is from
France. We are working on a family... but no children yet.
He is an audio post-production free lancer for movies and commercials.
He has the "ear" for that being a professional blues harmonica player.
I wrote earlier that we live south of Los Angeles in Redondo Beach.
We are off on our vacation to Tulum, Mexico. Have a great time at the reunion!! I can't wait for the photos.
Cheers,
Renee Avis
ravis4@verizon.net
I have a suggestion...we could use a website called www.frappr.com to create a free map where we can all input our locations and view it from this blog.
Pam and PJ, all you have to do is:
1. Go to www.frappr.com
2. Click on 'Get your own map'
3. Click Save
4. Select Blogger from the left menu
5. Add the HTML code to this blog and Publish it.
This way we can have a graphic view of where the clase of '87 is.
Just a thought anyway. I have no vested interest in the frappr site btw :)
Amit
It has been so great to read about how everyone is doing and how we've all chosen our paths. So many long forgotten memories, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times" didn't John Bogan use that for his senior quote? I can't find my yearbooks...Megan F. - where is Melissa? I can't find her info -
My husband, Eric (we met senior year at SMU, he's from St. Louis) have two kids; our son, Wilson is 8 1/2 and our daughter, Taylor is 6. Dog, Baloo, border collie rescue, and Fido the gecko. I'm trying to keep balance between family (school volunteering in class and library) and work. Controlled chaos... I have an small interior design firm (encouraging green design in kitchens, baths, office space). Joe Cain, we should connect (my clients would be interested in your products). We've been out here in SF for about four years (in Menlo Park, south of the city). Before that we were in Dallas for 2, London for 2 (for Eric's work), Dallas for about 10. Lot's of moving - I think we're here to stay. Eric's industry is here (tech) and he just began a new position with a new company. Besides, I don't want to move the kids around again.
Unfortunately, I cannot come to the 20th...my sister-in-law is coming to see us. I am really bummed! I can't wait to see the pictures.
If anyone is out in SF, please look me up! I'd love to reconnect. It's been great reconnecting the last couple of weeks with people.
Brooke (Wilson)
650-269-0924
design@brookegrafstrom.com
Didn't we (some of us) take dance classes at the LF Club in 7th and 8th grade? That's where we all learned our wonderful manners that we are hopefully passing on to our children. I'm expecting a few of you to give us all refresher dance lessons. Great to hear from so many classmates. Thanks to Pam and PJ for putting it all together. I'm not a blooger, but I didn't want to appear anti-social either. As Lauren mentioned, I live in Deerfield with my wife Louisa and my two girls Kate (9) and Grace (5). I am the Director of Rental Suites at the United Center in Chicago and no I don't have any Bruce Springsteen tickets. If you want a suite though, let me know. Louisa is a first grade teacher in Buffalo Grove. I am very much looking forward to catching up with everyone. As far as Woody is concerned, I will not be wearing anything black and it definately won't be sleek. Congrats to Buffy! Steve V., I share your sentiments on the new football field, very sad. Anyone heard from Tor Hoerman? Bill M. can't make it, he is still recovering from our trip around the country to every Major League Baseball Park back in '91.
Shless for fantasy!
Ok Pamela, I’m here. You may now cease with the public taunting, threatening, cajoling, etc. - not to mention the invective you hurl my way in your voice- and emails. Yes, I am ducking your calls.
Bec: I am indeed making the sojourn back to the Enchanted Forest. I believe it will be the first time I’ve been back since your wedding. Unlike others who were joyfully asked whether they would like to participate, I was merely informed I am attending by our dear Pammy who still retains this strange ability to goad me into anything-- I see from the growth of this blog that she has this power over others as well. We are flying in on Thursday night and hotelling in Highland Park. I assume we will be seeing the good Dr. Topin. Noelle’s presence deems his mandatory.
All: I will be attending in an official capacity as president of the New Haven Chapter of the Lake Forest High School Class of 1987 Alumni Association (or, the NHCOTLFHSCO1987AA for short—it is also my car’s VIN Number). We are a small organization and in order to carry regular meetings, we have had to relax the membership qualifications a little. The association therefore consists of myself, my spouse (Noelle- a high-school math teacher—those of you who watched me fail everything that was put in front of me in Anal Math know how proud Mr. Doubet would be) and a former UW beau of Lia Berretini, whom I do not believe I had the pleasure of meeting during my lone year in Lake Forest, but we open my yearbook to her picture at every meeting.
Mostly, we discuss Big Ten sports—speaking of which, Friedes: I wrote most of this on Friday afternoon and included some good-natured jabs about the state of Go Blue football-- five out of the last six years, etc., but after Saturday I had to delete them so as not to seem to be rubbing it in. Before you respond too harshly, bear in mind that I still have some very risqué video of you.
As there is no real tailgating at high school football games, Pam, do you think it would be possible to arrange for those two little old men from outside your wedding to show up with their bottle of Hennessey and those disposable shot glasses? They were quite discreet. Dan’s presence is required as well.
In all of this, I have not yet heard from Mike Muldrow, the future Geno Auriemma of Illinois High School Women’s basketball and master of the motion offense. It has me quite concerned. Not really worried about whether he is there or not, so long as Monique shows up.
Seriously, I’m looking forward to seeing those I knew, meeting those I didn’t and apologizing to Friedes. Lake Forest High School was very good to me in the year that I darkened its doors. It provided me with some of my very best friends and favorite memories. It will be nice to be back.
Finally, a question for any tax attorneys out there: If we are having a business exchange, does that make this trip tax deductible? For any IRS auditors out there, this conversation never happened…
Cheers,
Brice
After consistently harassing Sue Kerrigan every day for the last two weeks via email, she finally broke down and purchased her airline ticket on Friday. PJ, I’ll work on her next to pony up the $75 for the actual event! One thing at a time for her! Woody, I was happy to read that you too will be wearing black. Very sliming indeed, exactly what you need to portray.
Stump, thanks for the invite to your game on Friday to the Freshman game. At least you know where football should be played!! I really thought the West campus was a temp thing due to all the construction going on at East. For obvious reasons, I just can't imagine the game being played anywhere else.
See you all soon!
Renee - where are my fellow musicians? Anyone out there?
Sorry to hear you will not be able to make it. After getting over the fact we are 20 yrs out of high school really makes me think how old we are based on our days at Cherokee School. I liked the responsibility level back then vs. now.
If anyone else would like to support live music and lives locally, I will now throw in my shameless plug.
www.mooncrickets.net
Saturday Nov 10 at Gabe's Backstage in Highwood. 10pm
Give it a listen and you won't be disappointed.
Can't wait for the 15th!
HEY ALL LFHS ALUMNI SOCCER PLAYERS!
Lake Forest Soccer Day September 8, 2007 Alumni Game
After a successful season as a club sport in 1967, the Varsity Boys Soccer team competed in its first season as an interscholastic sport in the Fall of 1968. Fall ’07 marks the 40th season at LFHS. To commemorate this landmark, LFHS will host ‘Lake Forest Soccer Day’ at the NEW Scouts Stadium on Saturday, September 8. During halftime of the Scouts game against Glenbrook North, we will recognize all Alumni and former coaches in attendance. Following the game we will host a Co-ed Alumni game open to any former Varsity Soccer player.
Please contact Coach Rob Parry at rparry@d115.org if you can attend the celebration, and indicate if you plan on playing in the Alumni Game. Other activities during the day include:
Collection of gently used soccer equipment for donation, and recognition of soccer
in the community.
The nice thing is the hospital is a short car ride away. PLEASE send this to any people who might be interested in playing. Thanks
So what's this about a 20 year reunion? Thanks to Pam, P.J., and others who have spent a good amount of time organizing the event. Names I haven't heard from in ages - man are we getting older! (sorry, someone had to say it). Hopefully people like John Fredrick Bollman and Thomas Ogden Hart will be checking in and posting a few comments.
I went to the football game this past Saturday and yes it was depressing knowing it was the last time LFHS would be playing at East Campus. The times were great with Coach Barry.
I look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks. Who knows, maybe the reunion will spawn a re-birth of Mirror Images, Fred & Those Guys, and Steel Toast ...
Hi everyone!
It has been so great to read about everyone on the blog. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. Again a big thank you to Pam and PJ for organizing.
My quick update is that I live in Chicago. I am a partner at a consulting firm - the same firm I have worked with since college. I also recently got engaged and am getting married in April. I am marrying a friend from college who I saw last year at my 15th college reunion. So reunions have been pretty good for me...
I look forward to seeing everyone and catching up.
Paige Price
price.paige@bcg.com
Shipley, I have two words for you, and they rhyme with "Go Blue." As for the video, I can only assume that your reference to it is an indication of what you plan to wear on Saturday (since wardrobe seems to be a big focus of this blog). Can't wait to see you in fishnets and mohair.
Jenny Friedes. Screenwriter. Mom of four sons. Wife of Steve. Former litigator. Planned Parenthood Board Member. Francis W. Parker Room Parent. Aspiring filmmaker. WOLVERINE!
Jenny,
I googled you. You forgot to mention Emmy nominated.
Hey Class of '87
It is so great to read all of this.
Thanks to everyone who has made this so enjoyable thus far and for the upcoming weekend.
I have to say I feel a little boring after reading all of the posts. Living back in Lake Bluff, a few blocks from the house I grew up in is a far cry from Alaska, CA and Germany.
I work in a nearby high school in the area of discipline so I have to be careful in my entry as I bust students for their inappropriate Facebook entries. When talking to students about "good decision" making in high school (Okay stop laughing) I often bring in stories like the "Rob Burns Ceiling fund" and Chantal's "Hey Hey Paula". I am hopeful to get some more material at the reunion.
I married the younger and cuter Gamrath - but talked to Rob who is planning on coming to the reunion. John (Leif) and I have a five year old daughter (Laine) and twin 18 month old boys (Ryder and Brady). For all of you who are tired of the kid talk but want to try it out... We rent the boys out at an hourly, daily or weekly rate. This helps pay for the diapers.
Renee Avis - Oprah says I should forgive you that your German Shepard bit me in second grade. -
Lauren - I had no idea you were so close -
Joe Cain - see your parents everywhere- I think you should move back here.
Can't wait to see everyone - because we were the best class to ever graduate from LFHS (Didn't they say that at our graduation?)
See you soon
Gail
First, and most importantly, many thanks to the self appointed reunion comittee. You guys are amazing! OK, I admit to laying low in my attempt to shirk any and all responsibility I may have had to help in planning our 20th reunion. Mission accomplished.
Since Lauren made a great point about probably not being able to catch up with everyone, here's the short version...I have a 5 month old baby girl named Lily Claire (who is my convenient excuse for not being in as good shape as I was in 1987 and why I look so damn tired all the time). My husband, Mitchell, Lily and I split our time between downtown Chicago and Lombard (where his 3 teenagers from a previous marriage live). I've been "retired" for about 6 years and finally have a really good reason for not working outside of the house anymore.
Linda Lu, I meant to send you some great pictures I recently found while cleaning out my mom's basement. Unfortunately, I think I "filed" them somewhere in my basement and I'm not brave enough to venture in there right now.
Pam, count me in for donating a "Blast From The Past" goody basket for the raffle. Not sure yet what will be in there, but I have a week to figure it out.
Does anyone know what time kick-off is on Saturday? I'm trying to get my husband and his youngest son to bring baby Lily to the game...
See you next week! Kathy Co Zale
Kick off is at 1pm on Sat. More importantly the freshman A & B (my crew) play on Friday at 430pm..not sure where yet..could be at east campus. Good mood maker for the cocktail hour at the Grille on Friday!!!! Look forward to seeing everyone all weeknd long. Steve VN
It’s good to hear from so many people, to get a sense of who will be showing, and to hear a few sound bites on people.
Like Smock, I still see a big chunk of my LF friends as I have been in Chicago for the past 12 years. I will be golfing on Friday, brining my boys Max and Alex to the game on Saturday afternoon and know that my wife April will, at a minimum, be attending on Saturday night. We’re moving from Glenview to Atlanta at the end of the month. I have been working for Coca-Cola since college and finally decided to go work at HQ which is only a couple hours away from where my parents now live.
PJ, Pam, Linda, Milliman etc… nice work! Do you think someone could make the name tags of spouses / partners look different (ie different color, different font etc…) so we don’t get those uncomfortable situations thinking we are drawing a total blank on someone who we shouldn’t know vs. a classmate?
Look forward to catching-up with everyone in a couple weeks!
Paul,
You make an excellent point. We are in the very interesting position of totally messing with people's minds with what we put on people's name tags. Oh, the temptation. What we are thinking of doing is actually putting on guest name tags "Guest of (classmate)" with room to hand write the guest's name in under that, and with no yearbook picture. So anyone with a yearbook picture on their name tag will be easily identifiable as a classmate, and without pic, a guest. Hopefully that'll go over well.
There's a younger and cuter Gamrath?
Linda Lu, as an attorney, can you tell me if there is a statute of limitations on evading the police? I wouldn't want the Lake Bluff cops waiting to pick us up as we entered the reunion. Our high speed car chase through the streets of Lake Bluff before school one morning remains a highlight.
Looking forward to seeing the class of '87 – I haven't heard some of these names for a full 20 years – even longer in some cases. We spent a number of years in Silicon Valley right out of undergrad, before moving back to Chicago for B-school. So I missed the 10 year reunion and haven't spoken to many people from LFHS. I did run into Jon Woods in L.A. at one point, but that was like a scene right out of Apocalypse Now (he was Brando). For some reason, he kept talking about Mr. Spooner and "male hairs". I'm still confused about that.
I'm currently living downtown, with two young boys. Wait, that doesn't sound right. I am living downtown with my wife and two young sons: Yaz and Hunt.
I am now with the Private Bank at UBS, and I have run into Tammie Beckwith from time to time. I saw PJ at some tech cocktail event like 8 years ago, and I have run into Jim Dugan a couple of times at Chicago Chamber meetings. I'm wondering where Dahlgren, Trager, Cortesi, and Sundberg are on this blog? Is the entire hockey team boycotting this blog, or do they just not know how to use computers?
Sundberg and I will hit the Lake Bluff Golf Course early morning on the 15th so we can load up his VW with some free Old Style for the reunion…
Jeff Morse
jeffrey.morse@ubs.com
Dear All: I hope this actually gets in to the blog, as my previously attempts have failed...
Good to hear from everyone. Thanks to all of you who have sent in photos for the Wall of Shame, I mean, Memories. Forgot that hair can get so big and defy gravity. Is everyone wearing their pearls to the party? Still accepting photos: (Hard Copy) send to:
Linda Lu
2219 Chestnut Avenue
Glenview, Illinois 60026
Electronic photo - send to the official site.
Dress Code: Don't wear what you wore in the '80s. Although, we should award a special prize to the gal who wears the same outfit (thus size)in her high school photo to the party. Shoulder pads were not a good look. I vote for dress pants and cute top (black, or in Tammie's case, grey.) If you got a great boob job or great lipo job - wear something tight or revealing to make the rest of us envious.
Jeff Morse: Statute of Limitations has run. See you at the reunion. Get your wife to be designated driver...even if you are not drunk. Also - make nice with Lauren K. and Craig P. You may need Craig to face Lauren in court...
Linda - fyi. Following Lauren's suggestion - I'm a mom of 3 (girl-7yo; boy-3yo; girl-1yo), and in-house counsel for Allstate Insurance Co, managing the corporation's class action litigation, challenges to policies/practices/procedures, and cases of first impression. I live in Glenview, and we frequently see Pam Volpe n/k/a Jelaca and John Gnos.
Dear All, After the 4th time trying to write into this blog, I hope this works...
Great to hear from everyone. Thanks to you all who have sent in photos for the Wall of Shame, I mean, Memories. We all look so young (with hair - I forgot that hair can be so big and defy gravity), happy, and care free. Shoulder pads were not a good look. Anyone wearing their pearls to the party? Still accepting photos... Hard copy, send to:
Linda Lu
2219 Chestnut Avenue
Glenview, Illinois 60026.
Electronic photos, send to the official site.
Dress code: Don't wear what you wore in the '80s. Actually, special recognition should go to those gals who can still fit into the outfits they wore in the photos. I vote for dress slacks and a cute top (black, or in Tammie's case, grey). If you got a great boob job or great lipo job, anything revealing or tight would make us all envious.
Jeff Morse - Statute of Limitations has run. See you at reunion. Words of advice - let your wife be designated driver, even if you are not drunk. Also, make nice with Lauren K. and Craig P. You may need Craig P. to face Lauren K. in court...
Amit - I have a pic of you with big hair and cut off shorts... do you really want to revisit that look?
Following Lauren's trend - I am a mom of 3 (girl-7yo; boy-3yo; girl-1yo), and in-house counsel for Allstate Ins. co., managing the corporation's class action litigation, challenges to policies/practices/procedures, and cases of first impression. We live in Glenview, and frequently see Pam Volpe n/k/a Jelaca, and John Gnos.
See you all at reunion.
Linda Lu
Sorry for the double entry - apparantly, the 3rd attempt did get through.
Amit - see my second entry...
Forgot to mention, also have seen Paul B. and John G. at the local pool. Gals - glad to say that they both still look 18yo. (actually, better...) ;)
Paul/John - you DON'T need to comment on how I look...
I figured I had better join the blog or no one is going to remember who I am when it comes time for the reunion. Us band geeks sometimes got lost in the crowd.
Anyway, I am married to John Giambrone and have three wonderful boys – Matt (6 ½), Alex (almost 4) and Kevin (16 months). Due to the three kids and no time, I am even heavier than high school so I can probably give some of the pregnant women a run for their money. Even black is not slimming enough. The good news is that I am happy enough that I don’t care.
I am currently the Quality Manager at a manufacturing company in Skokie, IL that makes Fel-Pro Gaskets. If there are any NASCAR fans out there, you probably recognize the name, otherwise, it will mean nothing to you.
My parents are still in LB so I am back in the area to see them quite often. I currently reside in Northbrook where I recently reconnected with Becky Lee when we found out her daughter and my son were in the same kindergarten class. It was fun to see her and I am looking forward to Saturday and catching up with everyone else. It’s not worth the $75 and babysitting cost so I’m coming to the party on Saturday night solo. But I am trying to get my husband and kids to come to the Football game (He’s not a football fan so it’s a tough sell.)
Given some of the bantering going on, I figured that I’d let everyone know that I too am a UM alum so you can always give me a hard time in Jenny’s absence. I even attended the game in person (my first in ten years) and took my 6 year old with me. I can definitely say it was a historic event and one I will never forget.
Many thanks to PJ and Pam for all their work on this. I am still amazed that all of this came together so quickly! Looking forward to Saturday and all the activities.
Cindy (Tanner) Giambrone
Linda - Please don't show that picture to anyone! Cut off shorts!?! Are you sure it's not J. Gnos, Bill Marquardt or J.Swartout in the picture? :)
After college at Boston University (with Brett Brinker and Charlie M.) I came back to UIC for dental school. My focus is on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry and I'm about to sign a lease for some space in downtown Chicago, where I currently reside. I go back often to LF since my parents are still there.
I was planning on offering LFHS'87 teeth whitening services before the reunion...it's much easier and cheaper then the boob job's I've been reading about here.
Oh yeah, I'm still not married (much to my moms dismay.) Looks like I may be the only one left out of our class. I asked Angelina Jolie when she was here a few weeks ago if she'd come to the reunion with me but I didn't get the feeling she was interested. Oh well, I'll keep looking.
Hello all, Lynn Blake here.
I figured I’d jump on the excitement/nostalgia bandwagon and regale you all with stories of my impossibly hip jet-setting lifestyle. I have spent the last 20 years living out my own version of a Danielle Steele-esq. novel. If I could describe my life in three words they would be adventure, intrigue and exhilaration. How many of us really ever get the opportunity to go skiing with impossibly gorgeous men, build schools in Africa with Bono, and slow dance under the stars with Kenny Chesney? Well, I don’t know about you all, but I have. I have noticed the multiple entries about what to wear to this joyous occasion. I will have you all know that I am completely dedicated to the mission at hand and have gone to great lengths to re-create this amazing period through fashion. I have paid a visit to the orthodontist and have had braces re-affixed to my teeth in an attempt to keep the authenticity of the era alive. I have delved into the depths of my closet and resurrected my Guess© jeans, Izod© polo and classic docksiders.
Pam, PJ and everyone else behind the scenes I would like to say in advance “thank you” for taking the time to get the 20 year reunion shindig put together. It has been a treat to view the blog’s. I enjoy the idea of a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of the crazy way we looked back in the day. It will be interesting to see what pictures have been submitted from the past and see what we think our best pictures are now. (PJ are you going to play softball this fall for the Lantern? Missed you last season)
Back to the real world, I agree with Cindy if I don’t place a commentary on this blog site I might just be another blending in with the wall paper on Saturday night. My update is surely not as impressive as some, but I can say that the past 20 years have been certainly adventurous, intriguing and defiantly exhilarating.
Believe it or not, I am not a day over 25. No plastic surgery here and still get carded for alcohol. Crazy? Believe it.
I live in Beach Park with two cats. Jose (male) 16 1/2 and diabetic. Yeah, didn’t know cats could get diabetes either. He has been receiving insulin shots for the past six years. The vet says that this is the longest that he has ever seen any cat live who is diabetic. The only problem is I can not kick him out when he turns 18. Then there is Pepper (female) 15, no diabetes to speak of, but you know how those crazy kids can be, once one has something the other one wants it to “fit in”.
I have never been “blessed” with the opportunity to be married…kids on the other hand would certainly not be a blessing.
I currently advise adults in their academic career plan at Columbia College of Missouri – Lake County. If any of you remember me from school I know that you are laughing out loud right now because academics were not on the priority list. Hanging out at “the stack”, on the other hand was priority number one. By the way, where are the stackers?
I am looking forward to catching up with you all and seeing how interesting all of those stories will be once we have had a few adult beverages.
It has been really great to hear what everyone is doing and how well you are. My husband and I live in Spokane, Washington. We love the Northwest but are at times nostalgic for Chicago. Our lives are busy with Olivia 5, Conrad 3(Cub's fan), and Piper 10 months.
I still enjoy painting but currently in a Crayola phase with the children. My aim is to get easels out soon for the whole bunch and make sure that Piper doesn't eat the paint, paper, easel, etc.
I send my best to you all. Twenty years went by in the blink of an eye. I will definitely attend the next one. Too much time has passed. Peace be with you, Jessica Oelz Leidall
Hey, Pam, I thought you were just kidding about the yearbook photo nametags at the reunion. I don't have the stomach to look at my photo in advance, but I'm willing to bet it prominently features a hairbow. Ugh.
If anyone's still reading this, I spent ten years as a tough criminal prosecutor for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Little did I know that the skills I honed cross-examining murderers, rapists and thieves would translate so well to my current career as a full-time Lake Forest "homemaker." Let's just say that my husband and 3-year-old think long and hard before raiding my personal stash of Twinkies. I also have another son, age 5 months, whose only crime so far has been failing to sleep through the night. So for the record, if I seem a bit woozy at the reunion, it will surely be due to this lack of sleep and will in no way relate to consumption of alcohol.
It's truly been wonderful to read everyone's updates. Looking forward to seeing many of you next weekend!
I have finally sat down at this damn computer and taken the time to read the blogs my good friend Jennifer Lawrence is so addicted to! Hi Jenner, love you - this is gonna be just like senior year only funner. ( :
I must say it is fun to see the old names and comments. I too will succumb to the pressure and give an update...
I have purchased my airline ticket and will pre-pay so we can add one more person to the 150+
I am living in San Diego, CA and have been here for the last 17 years. I graduated with a business degree and did the whole corporate America thing for about 7 years. After happily getting laid-off from Upper Deck (Baseball card company) I started a new career at my local humane society. I have been there for 8 years in almost every capacity - from Volunteer to Operations Manager - and finally settled in as the Medical Manager. I love my job!
I am married and have been with my husband for 14 years. Some of you may have met him at the 10 year however, he will not be attending the 20 year reunion. We do not have children but do of course have 2 dogs and 2 cats.
PJ and Pam - another thank you for all of your hard work. I have reconnected with a good number of people because of your work and even found out that Nancy(Hrovatin) and Bill Holmes live just around the corner from me.
I can't wait to see everyone. Anyone interested in an after party? My parents are out of town so I feel like I should sneak around and have a party. It will be just like H.S. To anyone that ever partied out on the golf course with me..the greens are waiting.... Scott Uglenica...are you reading this? I can't wait to see you and was so happy to see that you are attending. Are you in touch with any of the gang?
See you all next week...
Kathy (Mohr) Zerkle
Hey Everyone,
Kathy, you and I are staying up late to catch up on emails. I just responded to your personal one.
Hi Beth Golub. I am glad to know you are doing so well. You will be missed.
Karen Chantler you are the prettiest pregnant lady I have ever seen and I am sure you will still outshine most of us. I can't wait to give you a hug.
Scott and Kathy, what is our friend Brian's last name? I am completely drawing a blank and always wondered how things turned out for him. He lived at or by Shore acres?
Count me in on the party on the green. Does that include skinny dipping in the Knollwood pool. No I am totally kidding. I will not be participating in that activity. It just brought up funny old memories.
I am psyched to see some old friends too. There are definitely some friends that we haven’t heard from and I am curious if anyone knows their wellbeing and whereabouts. Those including:
Joanna Hoeper
David Berger
Melissa Claypool
Dana Cox
Tracy DeMarie
Scott Dugan
Marc DuVall
Donna Educate
Tuan Elstrom
Fred Elting
Rob Gamrath
Cristina Garrison
Gwen Garrison
Peter Gillespie
Angela Globerger
Mike Goldsberry
Andrew Hamilton
Tom Hart
Tom Head
Ed Hunt
Erin Kaiser
Robert Karsted
Ray Knapek
Ray Kracik
Yaz Krehbiel
Steve Lamm
Leroy Lathan
Mel Laundry
Chris Marks
Charlie Marquardt
Meredith Miller
Mike Ott
Jan Peterson
Jennifer Rand
Bill Schmitz
Jonathan Stetson
Jim Swartout
Mark Trager
Tina Warnke
Al Winemiller
Jan Wingader
Brad Woloson
Allison Wright
Also are Tori Hoffman, Nancy Hrovatin and Bill Holmes, Kim Herring, Kim Hetler, Jim Dugan, Billy Douglass, Steve Moorehead, Tim Riley, Bobby Roloson, Chris (Tuna) Tunney coming?
See ya soon,
Karen Stokes Cummings
P.S. Everyone please sign your blogs with your last name so we know who you are for sure. Thanks.
Friedes: Here's something you may take solace in: I guarantee that a far greater percentage of UM alumni than that of my fellow Scarlet and Gray can correctly spell Appalachian State. But then, who knew we would ever have need to...
Think I can't rock the fishnets? I’ll have you know that while the rest of me may be falling out or apart, I still have my rower’s legs.
Speaking of which, are there any others out there who would be interested in putting together a four for Friday morning/afternoon or Saturday morning? We would need another starboard, two ports and a boat (which we could probably find at the rowing center in Evanston). I can provide the coxswain.
As for my “where are they now?”, I am happily living in New Haven, Connecticut where I moved four years ago with my wife Noelle, who teaches high school math in the public schools. After film school, I moved to Manhattan where I lived for seven glorious years and met and married Noelle (two preacher’s kids meet in a bar… sounds like a joke), before embarking on a tour of Connecticut, finally landing here. I am currently in the process of starting Provision Pictures (www.ProvisionPix.com) - a television and video production company- after fifteen years of whoring my scary talent out to others, producing and/or editing television shows, documentaries to accompany museum installations, and all manner of marketing, informational, corporate and educational video. No, I don’t do weddings, but if you send me the raw footage or stills along with a bottle or two of decent wine, I’ll cut something fun together for you. When I am not working (less and less often these days), I can generally be found sitting behind an oar, on my bike, on the shoreline, sliding down a mountain in Maine or Vermont, or out and about in our very cool town. No kids yet, but we think we see one on the near horizon and what a brilliant, dazzling, fine looking child it is rowing seven seat in the Dartmouth varsity eight.
I look forward to the festivities. Now, I’m heading down to the vault to dig up embarrassing footage of Jenny. Tomek, BeckyLee, Mike, Pamela: my apologies if you get caught in the crossfire.
Linda: are you putting together a collage with the stills or a montage? If a montage, let me know if you need help putting it together. Might be fun to incorporate some video of, say, talent show 1987, graduation, etc. if anyone has the tape. I would be glad to help out. In the meantime, I’ll start scanning.
Cheers,
Brice
Alright, I have to say that reading this blog is more addictive than reading the Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan updates! And thank goodness the content isn't similar, right? Thanks to Pam for coming up with such a great way of learning about what all the old classmates are up to. And thank you again to Pam, PJ, Erin, Linda, Mark and whomever else for doing such a great job of organizing this reunion. I have spent the last few weeks grappling with the decision of "do I attend or not" and unfortunately the "not" won out. As much as I'd love to see everyone and relive the old Lake Forest days, my current schedule won't permit it. I guess that is as good a segue as any to tell you all what I've been up to.
I've been in LA since my college days at USC (didn't you go to SC PJ?) I live here with my husband of 8 years and my two amazing kids Kate (5) and Max (16mos.). I am working as a film editor (my years of LF Telecom really paid off - and yes Erin Dailey and Megan O'Meara- you guys helped get me here.) My biggest credit as of yet was the Will Ferrell/Nicole Kidman comedy "Bewitched" but I've been doing this since I graduated college. I've just started a new film called "The Women" staring Meg Ryan, Annette Bening and Debra Messing about, you guessed it, women. A good ol' chick flick coming to theaters near you in 2008. Okay, enough of the shameless plug. With a busy new job and a daughter who started kindergarten this week, jetting back to LF for a weekend just isn't in the cards.
FYI, Meredith (Miller) Hayes, Kendra (Thramann) Marderosian and Tanya (Schuler) Sharman are all doing well, living in the area with their husbands and lovely children (including new babies for all three of them) and should blog on themselves to tell you more.
Anyone know where Jenny Gagen is?
I hope you all have a fun reunion weekend. Ladies, don't make it look like a funeral by wearing all black - embrace your new figures and throw on a splash of color.
Jenny Friedes - very clever adding the "don't google me" because I, like everyone else did google you. Congrats on such great successes!
See you at the next one!
Tia (Nolan) Schneiderman
so many familiar names and so accomplished
me...nothing new except that i am a big rascal flatts fan
.. these days, i head to my job, guess not much has changed, punch the clock, head for home, check the phone just in case, go to bed, dream of "yew", that's what i am doing these days, Yeah, that's what i'm doing
What can I say, Tia, it seemed fitting for the mysterious persona I was creating for myself. Congrats to you too -- truth be told, I'm trying to learn your craft. I directed a couple of shorts and discovered (what I'm sure you already knew) that the real storytelling is in the edit. I'm sorry you won't be making it out here, but I'd love to pick your brain. If you're willing, please give your email to Pam to forward to me or I could do the same.
Man, last time I was at Kathy Mohr's house for an after hours party I got beat up by a bunch burn outs that had just dropped acid. I think I'm going to skip that one...I don't need another black eye!
Mateo Blanchardo
It has been such fun reading all the great entries! Hello to all my long lost friends! I am really looking forward to reconnecting at the reunion. Reading this blog feels like old times - it was a really great HS class. I am always thankful that I was in such good company with really nice people during this critical time in life. Since college I have been living in Chicago where I worked in Advertising at Leo Burnett for 10 years, working mainly on the Disney Attractions account. Mike Goldsberry, are you still there?? It was a lot of fun, but I decided to leave when kids came along. My husband and I just moved to LF this summer with our two girls. So I have really come full circle. Hoping to see many of you at the football game as well - what's up with the new "dance team". They may sound more sophisticated, but I can't imagine they are having as much fun as those of us did in Pom Pon's. My god, that seems like ages ago! Glad to see that so many of you still have a great sense of humor! Brooke, so sorry you won't be able to make it. I'm looking forward to talking to you separately. Exchanging Xmas cards isn't enough. Special thanks to Pam and PJ for all your efforts and for the call.
Jan (Wingader) MacDougal
Apparently I was even more out of it than I realized in high school. Were there always so many people interested in film?
Jeremy's mid-life crisis peaks this weekend at Iron Man Wisconsin, Brice. Even if he gets the time off work, he might have trouble standing at the reunion. Perhaps a different venue?
Dust off those dancing shoes, Jim. I can still Fox Trot, I think. Isn't that the one that goes quick, quick, s..l..o..w.. quick quick s..l..o..w ? Of course it won't be the same without the snazzy drum beat in the background.
Are you reading these, Walcott?
Becky
After the reunion, in case anyone is interested, I set up two other ways for us to stay in touch, post pictures, messages, ask questions, etc...
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/LFHS1987
www.facebook.com then search for classmates from Lake Forest High School 1987. You can of course then add any other people you want to your friends list.
Looking forward to seeing some pictures of everyone and their families, travels, art, buildings, events, whatever else you've been up to!
hey everybody!
just wanted to leave a quick post to say how excited i am to reconnnect with everyone. i'll be flying in from NYC with my two kids, dropping them with my parents in lake bluff and partying all weekend at kathy's house! : ) can't wait to see you kath and jen L too.
i've spoken to yaz, bill mackey, charlie and laura (chabraja) keeler and they are all planning on coming. hoping that hunt can make it, but he just sold a tv show in LA and probably can't get away.
thanks so much PJ and Pam for putting this together. see you all very soon!
xo alison brown
I just finished reading all the comments. Wow, it took me quite awhile to get through them all. I didn't know we had so many comedians,I was cracking up. I didn't even know this existed until Renee you sent me the website. Thank you to Pam, PJ, Tammie and everyone else that helped with pulling this reunion off. It is great to see so many familiar names and hear what people have been up to. I too think of everyone when we were teens, doesn't seem 20 yrs.ago. The yrs. from childhood thru senior yr. seem so much longer than the past 20. Crazy, how fast time goes! My memories too went right back to Junior Assemblies when I heard it was at LF club. My husb. and I will be there. We would have loved to have gone to the game too, but our day is filled with our kids own FB and soccer games that day. Renee- I talk to you and already knew you couldn't make it back. Had a great time seeing you this summer, will miss you this weekend. Lori, Erin and Kelly- have a blast golfing, see you guys at the Grille. Other familiar names-Brooke,Traci,Megan-I am so bummed you guys won't be there as I'd love to catch up and see you all again. Amy Neptune has her own golf outing for 30 couples and a party after, before she knew of reunion. She lives in Riverside married w/ 3 kids. Liz Swearingen are you out there? I know you are in Rockford, hopefully you are coming, x-mas cards aren't enough, have to catch up. Molly B., Beth R.,Jennifer L, Jennifer P. so glad you guys are making the trip. Lisa K. how are you?? Love to catch up. Tammie-I know we live somewhat close, but it takes every 10 yr. reunion to see you again. Which brings me to the update.
I have been married to Mike for almost 14 yrs. we have 4 kids, Jack(9),Max(7),Lucy(5),and Molly(almost 2). We live in Libertyville(yes, our old soccer rival town, which this town is still soccer and FB crazy) We moved back to the area in 2000 after living in Indpls. and then Michigan. I keep very busy as a stay-at-home mom with all their school stuff, activities etc. Before Kids, I was an Outpatient Therapist(Mental Health-clients of all ages/problems). I still play adult women's soccer in an over 30 league. Liberyville has a great sports complex, so you can relive your youth sports, except can't break out the old Field Hockey skirt girls, as they don't have that, plus I was crazy enough to go on and play Field Hockey and wearing that skirt in college)
Anyway, looking fwd to seeing everyone.
Katie Lubes Koch
Hey, up to 128 entries, not bad for a bunch of Gen Xers. Libba, thought for sure you would be back to coastal Maryland with the RLJ blaring from the beach house:-) Spec is out, family obligation in St. Louis. Rus is out too as he is back at school getting his MBA at Notre Dame. Please e-mail him at sruswick@nd.edu and if there are any photos that could bribe--never mind, this is the same guy with a photo in the yearbook with two pencils up his nose. Otherwise, sounds like a lot of folks are going to try and be back for the reunion. Will definitely be at the Saturday night party and my wife's only job is to keep me off the dancefloor. Of course with a 4 and 2 year old at home, my 'Barney shuffle' steps may look very familiar to some of you. Trying to make it Friday to catch Steve Van Nuys coaching the Freshmen team to a big 'W'. Anyone else taking the train up from downtown after work on Friday? Looking forward to the party, this is big excitement for a country boy living out in Woodstock.
Michael 'Cutback' Goldsberry
Katie--so glad word got to you about the reunion, and that you'll be able to come! We've been trying to track down all the missing e-mails, and had not been able to get yours. Please send--either to the blog, or to my e-mail at pam.jelaca@gopicnic.com.
All--people whose e-mails we still don't have (though they may be hearing updates from others):
Scott Adler
John E. Agujar
Thomas W. Allan
Todd A. Andrews Jr
Michael E. Anson
Derek Aull
Erin L. Shumway Babat
Charles S. Batinovic
David E. Berger
Kirsten H. Bettendorf
Ashley E. Borg
Paul D. Bowen
Jacque L. Brocklesby
Melissa H. Claypool Brohan
Mollie Brown
Kamla M. Bulchand
Cynthia A. Burk
Laura S. Callahan
Patrick M. Cassidy
Andrew R. Champ
Matthew L. Checkon
James R. (Jim) Cimarrusti
Robert E. Colvin
Maura M. Corey
Robert D. Crangle Jr
Jaime R. Crockett
Brian M. Danloe
Jennifer K. Davis
Alessandro Dazza
Tracy A. De Marie
La Sandra De Vost
Yolanda S. De Vost
Rita C. Dieden
Luciana Dos Santos
Bobbie Jean Douglas
D. Craig Douglas
Heather T. Dubinsky
Donald F. Dugan
Ryan J. Dunn
J. Anthony Ehret
Fred F. Elting
John C. Everhart
Thomas J. Finnick
Sharon H. Flynn
Merry T. Fox
James Frederiksen
Jennifer A. Gagen
J. Patrick Gallavan
Peter Gillespie
Daniel K. Glassman
Nichols E. Glauner
Kari L. Goodman
Nancy A. Goodmonson
Kendall Griffith
Stephen M. Grskovich
Margaret A. Hahn
Sandra K. Hall
John A. Harris
Masato Hata
Rachel A. Hays
Solveig C. Heckman
Karen A. Henderson
Michael S. Heschel
Donna J. Higgins
Steven A. Hill
John W. Hoermann
Matt Hopkins
Johannes P. Huber
Cristl E. Huhnke
Edward F. Hunt
Cheryl A. Hustad
Kyle R. Karnes
Robert K. Karsted
Justin M. Kennedy
Stephanie L. Morello Kennedy
Susan T. Kerrigan
Lance M. Khubchandani
Jean Kim
Kim Kinney
Robert E. Klaskin
Tammy C. Kleinfeldt
Raymond H. Knapek
Katie M. LubesKoch
Denise A. Kolden
Erica K. Van Ella Krzyszkowski
Jayne Keylock Kubicek
Paul J. Kuker
Jeffrey S. La Pietra
Kate K. Lalley
Juan L. Lambarri
Lia M. Berrettini Landis
Gwen M. Garrison Lapenas
Leroy Lathan
Melburn E. Laundry II
Kurt Lengemann
Tony D. Liano
Chad E. Lind
Heather R. Longworth
Nicholas H. Mancuso
Joanna E. Manos
Christopher A. Marks
Charles Mason
Genevieve L. Maurer
William J. Mayer
John P. McElvogle
Peter H. Miller
Coleman D. Mize Jr
John B. Mohr
Kelly S. Moore
Jeffrey L. Moulder
James C. Mullin
Michelle Murphy
Jodi S. Muzzarelli
Kristen J. Nei
Amy L. Neptune
Reimar Oelsner
Karen Ogawa
Lilyana Ornelas
Michael F. Ott
Richard T. Owen
Michael W. Owens
Thomas P. Pernecke
Alyssa Petersen
Robert A. Pienkos
Carl H. G. Poedtke III
Matti Railo
Peter D. Rask
Philip A. Reaume
Beth L. Larson Rinaolo
Scott A. Roth
Kim C. Sarmas
William B. Schmitz
Bradley A. Shless
Dana E. Cox Smith
Patchalee Soszynski
Tim D. Spahr
John A. Stallings
Christy L. Steinmeier
Pamela R. Stevens
Jodi Venhorst Stoklasa
Karyn Herzler Strampel
Heidi B. Celarec Stritar
Anngenett Stroh
Christine M. Nisk Summerlee
Elizabeth V. Swearingen
Charles R. Terry
Timothy E. Theer
C. Robin Thomas
Taralinde C. Thompson
Mark C. Timm
Michael J. Van Dien
Thomas R. Van Eeckhout
Julian P. Verbeke
Tina S. Warnke
Jennifer L. Weed
Christopher A. White
Albert E. Winemiller
Paul E. Zimmer
Please send to me so we can get them on the list!!!
SEE EVERYONE VERY VERY SOON!
Hi there! Norway calling!!
Thank you so much, PJ and Pam, for remembering me in setting up this great event. I have been trying to find a way to join you on the 15th. It`s a long way to travel, but my main obstacle is that I`ve just started my new job August 27th. I have been so tempted to just let the job go and travel to see you all. But being a responsibel spouse and parent, it was only in my dreams I went to buy the airplane tickets. Well, I still have a few days to go...
Anyway, for those who don`t remember me, I was an exchange student from Norway in 86/87. I loved my year in LF and it had a great impact on my life. Back in Norway I decided to take my higher education in Scotland. I have a degree in business administration and I later worked for a year in Scotland before returning to Norway.
I have been back in LF several times the last 20 years. I have in fact seen the Coyle`s (my host family) almost every other year on average. My spouse and I have been visiting LF 4 times (twice with our kids). The last couple of times we have met both Jen (Walcott) and Pam and enjoyed meeting their families:).
I live approx. 30 min outside of Oslo (the capital). I met my husband in Edinburgh (but he is a Norwegian!)and we have a girl (10) and boy (8). As probably most of you, we live a hectic life bringing the kids here and there, working hard and trying to keep up our social life. My husband is running for the city council, his second period, just now (election day is tomorrow) hence things are quite hectic at the moment.
If any of you think of coming to Norway, give me a little hint and we could meet up. Have a wonderful reunion, if I don`t get to go.
Eva (nee Bakken) Årre
Hi there! Norway calling!!
Thank you so much, PJ and Pam, for remembering me in setting up this great event. I have been trying to find a way to join you on the 15th. It`s a long way to travel, but my main obstacle is that I`ve just started my new job August 27th. I have been so tempted to just let the job go and travel to see you all. But being a responsibel spouse and parent, it was only in my dreams I went to buy the airplane tickets. Well, I still have a few days to go...
Anyway, for those who don`t remember me, I was an exchange student from Norway in 86/87. I loved my year in LF and it had a great impact on my life. Back in Norway I decided to take my higher education in Scotland. I have a degree in business administration and I later worked for a year in Scotland before returning to Norway.
I have been back in LF several times the last 20 years. I have in fact seen the Coyle`s (my host family) almost every other year on average. My spouse and I have been visiting LF 4 times (twice with our kids). The last couple of times we have met both Jen (Walcott) and Pam and enjoyed meeting their families:).
I live approx. 30 min outside of Oslo (the capital). I met my husband in Edinburgh (but he is a Norwegian!)and we have a girl (10) and boy (8). As probably most of you, we live a hectic life bringing the kids here and there, working hard and trying to keep up our social life. My husband is running for the city council, his second period, just now (election day is tomorrow) hence things are quite hectic at the moment.
If any of you think of coming to Norway, give me a little hint and we could meet up. Have a wonderful reunion, if I don`t get to go.
Eva (nee Bakken) Årre
Hi everyone,
I would not be surprised if no one remembered me (Lisa Slotterback), as I spent most of my time trying to be invisible. I think it worked. Anyway, this reunion sounds like fun, but not an option this time around, unfortunately.
Since graduating, I have lived in many places, although not as exciting as some of you. I am currently in Buffalo, NY. I went to grad school and got my MSW (Master of Social Work), and recently took and passed the licensing exam, so I am now an LMSW. I currently work as a Prevention Specialist for the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo. Before that, I spent six years working with children with autism and other developmental delays. I loved it, it just got to be too physical. I have also given presentations/workshops on different topics, including eating disorders, date/acquaintance rape, safer sex, and same sex marriage. Since Boys and Girls Club is now international, who knows, maybe I will travel someday.
I am single (never married) with no children. But, for those of you who have children and may be looking for information on some topic, let me know, as I have a vast amount of info.
Hope everyone has a great time, and if pictures do get put up online, please let me know.
Lisa Lichtenthal
Katie, I am so glad you are coming on Saturday! I was so happy to learn that you live so close by in Libertyville (although I will wait until this weekend to give you jabs about living there...wasn't "Kill the 'Ville" the slogan for the Homecoming game about 20 years ago?). Anyway, my field hockey stick is still in my closet...some of my fondest LFHS memories include Tori, Jenny Barnes, you and all other '87 classmates who adorned those awesome kilts and ruled the world of Illinois field hockey! K.A.R.T!
See you on Saturday!
Tammie Beckwith Schallmo
Hey howdy again.
As they say at Burning Man, “Participate.” All you Blog Voyeurs should at least say “Hi” otherwise we think you’ve vanished, and, perhaps, that’s what you want. Just say so and I will remember to forget you.
My story is that I lived in Chicago for 10 or 11 years after college and I am now living in San Francisco with my wife who is from Milan, Italy, her daughter Altea (9) and our son, Giacomo (2). Needless to say, we always have a lot of pasta in our kitchen and many new shoes in our closet. Our closet is also known as a 2 bd/1 ba. condo across from Dolores Park with no parking. There’s nothing like being a thousandaire in the land of millionaires.
My wife is co-owner of an art gallery (need some?) and I bought a small sheet metal business a few years ago when I moved out here.
Since I don’t see any thirty of forty-year reunions being celebrated at LFHS, I’m sorry to miss this reunion but if you visit San Francisco, I can point you in the direction of wineries, playgrounds or beaches, day hikes/rides or a few choice bars in North Beach and we don’t need to mention the 80s.
For those of you attending the reunion, I predict you will spend more time thinking about the following in the next week:
- Your hair – or the top of your head.
- What to wear – no matter how cool you think you are about your “style”
- Why am I nervous? I knew these people when they were in puberty. We all looked funny at some point.
- What time should I show up without looking too eager?
- How many times do I have to tell the same story over and over? I’m married/single, have/do not have kids, and, yeah, I have a job/I’m researching my next career at the moment.
I’ll give anyone a dollar if they can show up in the same car they had in high school, and you should probably negotiate a premium parking spot.
Rock on.
Joe Cain
p.s. To the Stackers: you guys were right about Led Zeppelin - they were really, really good.
Well, I have sent in my offer for an Oklahoma themed prize basket, so I am looking forward to putting that together. It seems as if I am the only transplanted Okie in the bunch, but it is so much more than tumbleweed and oil fields. How did I get here? After college, I worked for several years as a counselor/HIV educator for the Health Department. My husband, Doug, was in the military, and we lived in Charleston, South Carolina for roughly 8 years. We came to Oklahoma in 1998 to raise our daughter, Meaghan (now 12), in the country, where Doug's family lives. There isn't much demand for HIV education/counseling here in OK, so I went back to school, OSU, got a nursing degree, worked in the NICU for several years, went back to school, OU this time, got my advanced nursing degree, and still work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I am back in school, working on a post-graduate degree, did you know you can get a doctorate in nursing? Anyway, we would love to host anyone who rambles our way. We don't live on a ranch, but we do live on a golf course, and there are plenty of horses to ride and tornados to chase! Have a great time at the reunion, and be safe!
Linden White and Sue Kerrigan, where are you?
Greetings fellow Scouts.
Okay. I just spent a great weekend with Megan Freher and family at her vacation home in Lake Geneva. We spent the weekend remembering crazy old times and reading everyone's blog comments which has inspired me to post one even though I have nothing cool to say.
I have been married to my husband Dave for 14 years where we spent most of our time living, working and playing in the city. We moved to northwest Evanston 2.5 years ago (ironically bought a house from John Nobel - LFHS class of '85) and also randomly live on the same street as three other LFHS grads - Tim Riley from our class and Dana Rittenhouse and Julie Douglas (class of '85).
I work for Hollister (not the teenage surf clothing company), but my two year old daughter who pays me in poop and temper tantrums. I love her dearly, but there are times that I feel working in the "real world" was much easier (though not as rewarding).
I don't have any claim to fame (Friedes) and probably the most famous person I have met over the past 20 years since meeting Mr. T in Lake Forest was Jerry Springer (as an audience member, NOT a guest).
The past 20 years have really been a blur and it really seems like this should be our 10 year reunion because I honestly can't say where all the time went! It's great hearing what everyone has been up to and some of the amazing jobs and lives people are leading.
Brooke - I am still here! I have tried calling you a few times, but just get a weird answering message. My email is brohanm@netzero.net. We need to catch up!!!
Traci Isyk - I haven't talked to you since your wedding. I am so glad to hear you had a daughter and are still living in Germany. What a brilliant life that must be!
Karen (Stokes) - your company sounds so cool. Every day must be an adventure for you living in Alaska. That is so great you are making the trip in for the reunion.
Where is Shumway? (Freher wants to know...):)
I hope to make it on Saturday, but if I don't I wish you all well and a great time!
(Freher I know you are reading this...)
Melissa Claypool Brohan
Hello again everyone! First--Mike--Hello stranger! Can't wait to see you and meet your better half! Looks like I'll be coming stag after all-- we had babysitting issues so Jim happily backed away with a solid excuse. Luckily Megan O has opened up her family's home as an inn for all of us single wayward travelers!
So Melissa (!!!) I say "Get your ass up to LF." I can't believe I haven't seen you since your babyshower!?!? I've been reading through the yearbook and it seems that early onset alzheimers is in full swing. Should be very interesting!
Elizabeth (aka Liz/Libba/Lizzie/Beth) Cain Diskin (by the way, I never liked any of these nicknames!!!)
Walcott checking in. Life has been good and very busy for the last 20 years. So far: one husband, 3 kids, 2 dogs, 2 houses, 6 cars, 1 cat, 2 hamsters, dozen or more pathetic fish, 2 jobs, couple of dress sizes, mutiple variations on the same hair cut. I will be attending Saturday, and am certainly more interested after reading all this blogging. My husband, Jim Swoyer (LFHS 85) will be at on an Indian Princess campout with our 7 year old Hannah. But the grandparents will hang with the boys (Colin 9 and Devin 1). We have been living in Hinsdale for the past 14 years and love the western burbs, lot like LB/LF but no lake.
I am a family physician and am the director of graduate education and women's health director for the La Grange Family Medicine Residency Program. If any of you are having a change of careers or need a pap smear while in the western burbs. Give me a call. See you Saturday. (Are you happy now Becky?)
I'm taking Lauren's advice and providing a little more info...After graduating from University of Arizona I moved back to Chicago. I'm just about to celebrate my 10 year anniversary with my husband Steve and we have two boys - Ben (7) and Charlie (4). We now live in Evanston (hey Melissa - I don't live on your street, but live less then a mile away). I work in Marketing at Oracle and have been with the company for 11 yrs.
For those of you locals I'm lucky enough to see often - can't wait til the weekend! I'm looking forward to partying at Kathy's parents house late night and catching up with everyone (esp. Karen, Kathy, Jennifer, Alison)
Hey Yaz - will you give me a ride home? I promise not to puke in your jeep!
To anybody that attended fifth grade at Lake Bluff East School: One of former teachers, Susan Ipsen, has heard about our LFHS Reunion and has invited us to come over to her home in LF before the Laurel Grille event Friday evening. Here are some of the names I remember. I apologize if I have forgotten someone and/or mis-spelled their name:
Podge Bollman
Tom Hart
Steve Van Nuys
Cindy Tanner
Paige Price
Gail Nielsen
Mike Goldsberry
Sue Kerrigan
Alison Brown
Curt Baddley
Hunt Baldwin
If you are interested in getting together around 5:30 or 6:00 Friday evening, please e-mail so I can let Susan know. My e-mail is: thomasm@cityoflakeforest.com I look forward to hearing from some of you "East Schoolers" soon.
Well I must say I am very impressed at how this event is coming together. Thank you Pam and PJ for all the hard work. I am looking forward to this weekend. I won’t be able to attend the football game because I’ll be coaching my kids’ soccer games but I will be there Saturday night.
I am currently living in Winnetka with my wife Julie. I have two wonderful kids. Sarah is eight and Ryan is four. I am currently working for a software company where I head up the consulting practice.
As for this weekend, I fully expect Goldberry to show up with a railroad tie in hand so we can assemble the Shotgun Club one more time. Woody, I’m assuming Dutch is cool with us having after hours at her place. Lewis, I’m assuming Marilyn is okay with me crashing on your couch. Coley, even though you’re not coming to the reunion post something or else I’ll do it for you – and it won’t be flattering. Tor, same for you.
I have to say I am rather adicted to this blog. Much more interesting that grading papers and preparing lesson plans. Joe C. I laughed my ass of reading your thoughts..mostly because you are so right! Mike T. I am in for Ms. I house (might be late)..she is quite cool and really liked our class and I know she would love to see everyone. I am sad to read some friends won't be coming (Hunt, Brooke, and others) but equally excited to catch up & see folks I haven't seen for such a long time...20years??? Alison I saw you at the 4th at the children's parade.then my daughter had a little melt down..wanted to come over to say hello..will do this weekend! Go Scouts!!!!!
Steve Van Nuys
Hey Steve VN (I don't have your actual e-mail address, otherwise would send this to you directly)--it's been requested that we send a general invitation to any remaining teachers at LFHS from our era to stop by our tent at the Homecoming game. Is that something that would be easy for you to do, being an insider?
Thanks! Pam
We're down to the last few days and the response so far has been great. I - like everyone else - have enjoyed reading up on everyone through the blog and hope everyone continues to post - even after the big event.
Kathy - your house late night sounds perfect. Email me with your phone number at pj@americantailgater.com - I may have an idea for you.
Jen Walcott - Smock sells rubber gloves, you two should have a lot to talk about.
Melissa - I have seen your house while partying at the Riley's, but never you. We'll have to rectify that situation.
Tammie - Some of my fondest memories from HS include you all in those short kilts as well :)
Here's my update:
Yes Tia, I was at USC for all of a year (and a semester of summer school). Let's just say that I consider that my year abroad and move on. After that I moved east and was in DC (school & work) and NY (work) for 8 years.
I had some pretty interesting jobs out there. Was an advance guy for the 1st Bush White House, a tobacco lobbyist for Philip Morris, advance guy for Bob Dole and Jack Kemp in 96 and a Press Secretary for a Congressman who pled guilty to federal campaign violations (felonies by the way). So as you can see from my resume, I was pretty much the most hated man in American - a white, male, Republican, tobacco lobbyist - in the mid 90's. And then I got married. What can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment.
We moved back to Chicago where I now work with Luke Lincoln (LF Country Day guy) who had started American Tailgater. From there we have launched 2 new companies: an event company specializing in poker events (we do a lot of celebrity poker tournaments) and an online marketing company specializing in customer acquisition and activation. That's a fancy term for "We run legal online poker companies". The first of which is fraternitypoker.com .
I now live in LF with my fantastic wife, Jana, a beautiful little girl, Georgia (6) and our bulldog Duke.
Look forward to seeing you all on Friday and/or Saturday.
P.J.
I am becoming a daily (bi-daily) contributor to this thing!! Does this make me a computer geek..chat rooms and stuff???
Pam, done..easy/breezy. curious about the response I get..let me ask Chris Chouinard who is sitting right by me.....he said yes!!! So one will be there. This is spirit week..being homecoming and all and guess what tomorrow is???..80s Day!!! ha ha are we old or what!!!! See you soon. S. Van Nuys
Well, Kristen Buck tracked me down - so I have been officially "located" and can now be removed from the MIA category. Hmmmm, where have I been all these years and, for that matter, what have I been doing? I believe straightening up and flying right as my father would say. Several years worth of flaking out and "discovering myself" somehow led me to a wonderful life with my husband, Kent, of 13 years and 2 children, Maddie (6) and Jack (2). We live in Libertyville where I make excellent attempts at domesticity and social graces. I hope to make the reunion as it would be wonderful to catch up and reconnect with so many of you. Otherwise, see you at the football game with family in tow!
Ashley (Borg) Wasser
PJ - I sent you an e-mail with my number. Let me know if you don't get it...
Hi, everybody! I guess I've been reading this blog long enough, I should probably write something.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it this weekend as I already have plans.
Here's some of the highlights of the last 20 years:
My brief foray into corporate America consisted of 5 years at the bank formerly known as Deerfield State Bank while I was getting my MA in counseling psychology at Trinity. I met my husband Phil there and after he graduated we moved to North Dakota where he pastored a church for 8 years. Then he was called to a church in Ortonville, Minnesota, where we have been for almost 2 years. We have 3 great kids: Emma (8 1/2), Zachariah (5 1/2), and Nathaniel (3 1/2).
Hope you all have fun at the reunion; I'll look forward to seeing pictures.
Lynda (Anderson) Ostlund
All right, I give in, I'll post.
It's been 20 years this month that I left LB/LF for California, and except for a couple long months of summer after freshman year, I never came back for more than a week at a time.
So hearing all your names is very, very fuzzy in my mind. Please don't look up my '87 photo in the yearbook; though I was one of the editors, most pictures of the "Gennie Maurer" in the yearbook are of somebody else.
I won't be coming to the reunion, but my old pal Julia Walbridge (now Mossbridge) will be reporting back for me.
I've lived around the San Francisco Bay Area now since '87... no Republican Operative here, I spent most of those years in San Francisco and Berkeley. I married a Berkeley grad (though he hadn't yet at the time), had two kids, and now live in Sonoma County surrounded by grapes, chickens, and bad traffic.
I was pre-law at Stanford but graduated with no desire to go pro (or have any money, apparently.)
I've pursued various creative careers, working in apparel for most of them, most happily as a textile designer and graphic artist. Now I'm focusing on writing (novels) and trying to get them published ($).
Hope you all have fun at the reunion and thanks for sharing your stories. To you lurkers out there, go ahead and join in.
Genevieve Churchill
aka Gennie Maurer
Wow - what an interesting and long read (I will admit, I was only able to skim all the postings). I am planning on attending Friday and Saturday night and look forward to catching up with all of you. But I will admit....I have not kept in touch very well so names and faces might be a bit fuzzy...but I'll make sure to study my yearbook! I'm particularly interested in seeing people b/c I am moving back to Lake Bluff soon and hoping some of you still live there. My family (my husband Jay and 3 girls - a 3 and 2 year old and a new baby) is building a house on Blodgett. My family also runs a foundation in Waukegan (www.schulerfoundation.org) that helps kids in Waukegan and Round Lake get to a top a college. We are looking for good part time employees - we have lots of moms (all highly educated) that want to give back and also have a fleible work schedule. I'll try to post more about it on the business exchange. I think many of you might know someone in the area who wants to get involved (maybe yourself?).
I'm coming solo - Jay is on a golf getaway. And - all the talk of slimming outfits - where do I get one?? After baby number 3, the body doesn't bounce back quickly. Oh well....at least we have 3 beautiful girls to show for it. Who by the way will all be at LFHS at the same time. Watch out LF boys! (should I be worried?)
Thanks to everyone involved in planning the event. I'm sure it's been a lot of work.
Tanya Schuler Sharman
Thanks to everyone who planned this event. It will be fun to see everyone and get back in touch with people I haven't seen in 20 YEARS?! Crazy.
My husband, Tom, and I have been married for almost 12 years. After moving around a bit we settled in River Forest (yes, Illinois) where we have been for 10 years. We have two kids, J.T. who is 9 and Jordan who is 5. While my life is pretty full of baseball tournaments and trying to help with math homework that I don't understand, I have made time for myself and have turned my hobby into a business.
Two years ago a couple of friends and I opened a retail shop called Chix With Stix. While I could let your imaginations run wild and get all sorts of witty comments back (which, by the way, I've heard) I'll tell you that it's not that provocative -- it's a knitting shop. Get it - that kind of stix. It's been fun and its keeping me out of trouble. Check out our website if you get a chance. chixwithstixknitting.com
My husband is proving to be the one of us with bigger character. He's agreed to come with me on Saturday despite my complete absence from his reunion last year. (I assured him he'd have way more fun without me anyway).
Looking forward to seeing everyone -- Laura (Ratchford) Ford and her husband are coming in from Little Rock and Diane Papas is coming in from San Fran. They are both going to wear their cheer leading uniforms in case anyone was wondering.
See everyone in a few days!
Dana (Cox) Smith
The list just keeps growing. Yet here is one more to add.
I will be dringing up from southern In I live in Evansville right across the river from KY(hey Jen how close are you to Henderson? I also go to Cadiz or Benton KY.) I have lived here for 9 yrs so don't make to much fun of me for the "twang" in my voice. My husband Kenny(16yrs of marriage) has to work so it will just be me and my 2 boys Kier(13 yes I have an 8th grader I feel old) and Stevie(7) they are the joy of my live. After the drive with the boys I will need a drink. Yes, we are big into cub scouts and boy scout, gee I never imagined myself as an 38yr old cubscout. Yes it is fun to be a kid again. My kids will be in culture shock when we are up there they are use to the laid back country life.
I do want to thank everyone for all they have done to help get this event off the ground. I know how hard it is to get volunteers so I will say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Hey Pam I do still have my white 1987 Prom dress and it still fits. But, rest assured, I will not wear it. I will be wearing my beautiful black dress. I think it would be a hoot to get a picture of everyone in black.
I can't wait to see everyone.
We will miss all that cannot attend.
God Bless(big saying down here)
Jill Mallory-Pedersen
Dana,
I think I met you after cheating off of you in Math class..soph year, this explains a lot!
Van Nuys
It's sad (I'm crying right now), but I will NOT be attending the glorious festivities that begin tomorrow with the Golf Extravabeerganza. I have a conference that I'm attending next week that turns into a vacation, so my time off, as it is, is totally booked. Megan O will be videotaping you all, though, so it'll be like I didn't miss it at all. (Remember to get the high-def film, MO.)
If y'all are really interested in my stats, here they be:
I'm in New York now and I'm the editor of housebeautiful.com. What does that mean? Well, I'm basically the webmaster. Hearst doesn't really understand what "web editor" means because there's very little "editing" that goes on here unless you mean "converting InDesign documents to XML, editing them in Dreamweaver and then copying them into the most retarded content management system known to mankind."
Why yes, I'm a geek, how did you know?
But I'm a sexy geek, dammit.
Before moving to NYC last November, I was in Charleston, SC acting as the webmistress (imagine black PVC outfits and a whip) for Skirt Magazine. Job was annoying as shit, but Charleston was awesome. And before that, I was a copywriter at a digital marketing firm who spent her off-hours drinking and designing websites. Oh, and writing for Television Without Pity. Still doing that, actually, especially now that we got purchased by Bravo.
So that's it. Webmaster for a magazine, writing for the interwebs, doing damage to countless $18 martinis...
So glamorous is my life.
I wish you all much much fun and joy at the events this weekend. I'm terribly sorry I can't make it. For real. I haven't seen most of you since roughly the paleolithic era, and it would have been nice to catch up.
I expect numerous text messages and drunken phone calls, though. Don't disappoint me.
Erin D.
OK given that I am a Beckham fan (Victoria) I thought I would update all of you soccer fans out there. So LF Soccer Day was a resounding dud. I figured 40 years, one per class we would have enough to play. Nope, just 4 people (Chris & John (’89) Tomek, Martino (’85), me). Surprised ? Not enough for a game but we did knock the ball around a bit. A few bicycle attempts. OK that was a stretch. More like lots of shin balls.
The Beaupres did show up for the Varsity game. No doubt, two future superstar kickers in the Beaupre clan. Paul had a bum knee so couldn’t join us after the game. Weather was great. Varsity team looked great. Lots of sophomores on the team. Game was 0-0 tie with Northbrook. We heard the team toured Europe (England?) during the summer. Lucky huh! Speaking of Europe, it would be surprising if Dazza shows up for the reunion.
BTW, I am curious no show for Smock, Wood, Pierson, Goldsberry, Bloom, Notz, (other?), given that most of you live in the area. Plus this was the team that landed itself in a paragraph of The Thinking Fan’s Guide to the World Cup so I thought would be great to catch up on the field. I agree, better to spend time with family.
20 years… don’t know about your soccer experience or high school, but not to be sentimental, those laps around the field, better than punching the proverbial clock…
Stump - It looks like we're going to cancel Friday night at Ms. I.'s. Very little reponse. I'll see you Saturday.
Pam must be a private investigator in that she somehow tracked me down today (no wonder that it looks like about 1/3 of the class are coming on Saturday). I unfortunately have a previous commitment that I can not get out of, but looks like everyone is going to have a great time.
I currently live in Naperville (kinda like Lake Forest except we have no trees, a fake beach and the kids do not drive Porsches to school). I met my wife in law school and we have 4 beautiful kids (ages 10, 7, 5 and 2).
I am the General Counsel of a German printing press manufacturer, so if anyone needs a printing press, let me know (although I guess I should save my shameless soliciting for the business blog).
I hope everyone is doing well and best regards to all.
Todd Andrews
I've finally lost my blogger virginity. Just wanted to let all the chicks know that I've purchased my swishy dress and scary girdle type undergarment. Jill Mallory, you can still fit into your prom dress?! I'll meet the rest of the semi-desperate housewives at the bar!
Can't come on Friday night as I'm running my 8 yr olds soccer practice and can't come to the game because my 11 yr old has, you guessed it, a soccer game. But I'll see you all Saturday night. If the reunion is half as amusing as this blog, we're set. Peace..Kay Borders
Hi everyone,
Happy 20th reunion! We share alot of great memories & I wish I could be there to catch up on old times. However, I'm in an intense training program for a great new job with Northwest Airlines & will soon be working flights to Europe out of Boston.
I've been living in San Diego for many years, but will be moving in October. I promise to come back if there's a 25th reunion though, & will throw a kegger at my grandma's in Lake Forest afterward, LOL. Have fun you guys!
Carl Neyer
It was a great evening last night. Pam, PJ, Mark, and all else responsible for pulling it off, what a way to kick off the weekend. Looking forward to seeing you all at the game today!
-Ted
Thanks to everyone involved in making last night so wonderful. It was great to catch up with friends who I haven't seen in many years.
I heard rumors of another reunion in 5 years. I'm already looking forward to it.
Thanks again.
…another high school reunion history (ied)?…
Those who extended your hugs and niceties keep your promises! But then we won’t hold you to it. We’re all busy with our own lives. Thus a reunion! What a concept. Thank you to all the classmates (Pam, PJ, Mark, Linda, Erin) who had the energy, time, and the vision to know its importance, to put it all together. For those who didn’t make it back, only regret that I didn’t have the opportunity to see you all in person and shared a bit of your life… to speak … perhaps reconcile.
The pictures! At the entrance table! Just speechless how we all looked 20 years ago. Some (most of us) the same. As Mark maybe his brother-in-law said, “ The guys look like $@#$%, but the girls are gorgeous!”Partly true about the guys… and of course the beautiful moms. Need I write more.
Who didn’t want it to end? Almost 12 when I “had” to go and it was still going strong. Just like high school, the rumor was that Kathy M. was having a party at her parents. So I gave it the old high school try – drove by the house (about two seconds), couldn’t remember where it was and when straight home. I have priorities straight now - sleep. Kathy M we didn’t have a chance to catch up. Friday night was too short. Maybe we’ll see each other in San Diego with Bill and Nancy. Love your town - the ocean, every time watching the waves hitting the beach at the Hotel del Coronado.
I won’t forget the golf outing Friday afternoon. So good to see “old” friends! Thank you Mark and PJ! You two always knew to take care of us; speaking personally to say the least. If I missed some else, forgive me –thank you. Needless to say, my game was just laughable. The weather was a little cold but no distraction to just the wonderful time. Frustrating hitting that ball. Talks of being an athlete my foot. Matt, Rob, Chris, thank you for tolerating! Perhaps the epitome of me; 10 ft chip right into the hole. How lucky was that! … a handful of time hitting those trees and having the ball land smack in the fairway…and of course hitting those little stakes in the fairway. My aim is true! Had a great time! Rob, I “promise” to take lessons before the next reunion. Chris, I hope to see you more on the golf course than the soccer field.
Friday night -really brief recap… great seeing Tanya for the first time in years. No need to say you looked great. I am glad to see you after all these years. So smart, engineering, mba, consulting, now a philanthropist? Love what you are doing with the foundation. Of course, great fan of your dad. I remembered math class with Peter G. (maybe 25yr reunion?), sitting next to each other.
Allen Thompson …straight from the airport. Unbelievable! Professor, thank you for bringing back those memories … playing in the ravines off Mayflower, the girls .. how funny. Had to write it … those good old days…in our own world! I have enjoyed reading your paper “Thoreau-ing Stones: Wildness at the End of the Natural World” published in the Grateful Dead and Philosophy (2007). Love the ending … “ So we can’t go to the shows anymore (not those shows, anyway), with the roar of an ecstatic crowd and the amplified hiss of live psychedelic music being just laid out across the concert lawn, seeping through the hallways full of dancers, freaks, and friends. No, now we must face our future. So, please, I implore you: begin again today. Dig out your favorite old bootleg and clear away some furniture. Just crank up the boys, yep, really crank it up! Now DANCE and again become wild.” How Andy!! I keep remember your nice running shoes. You always knew the best shoes to get those younger days.
Yaz …kind words always. Tell your mom thank you! And thank you for all those rides to summer school – math, like we needed it huh. The cool Jeep! Physics class…and yes Bill Holmes -Dr. Bogen, he might as well have taught the class, astronomy or not. Brad W. I wasn’t the only “geek” so don’t tell your wife otherwise.
So back to last night…
I did hear some rumors and want to set the record straight. For those who think officially or unofficially, that they beat me in a foot race in grade school or high school, I “never” lost to anyone. And if I did win, I didn’t cheat, get a head-start but it’s ok to tell people that you did beat me - “The art of losing isn’t hard to master.” I do it all the time.
Christine S. I can’t forget all your comments. I must say, I love your badge. Can I borrow it some time? Am I really the person you thought I was? Probably the most defining take-away from this reunion… to hear classmate impressions of each other. Looking back we were so young, naïve to say the least. Hopefully none of us will hold grudges. We’re all adults now. We know better… maybe wiser. Allison W- thank you for reminding me. For parents… perhaps at the right time, we’ll do it right…how cliché… teach our kids to be tolerant. What a crazy thing to define each other by some sort of, self-imposed invisible social order. But then again, it was high school. No need to remind everyone; classes, teachers, whom to seat with at lunch time, who will we ask to a dance, who is dating whom, who is having a party, getting the nerve to say hi to someone, who is a stacker who is an athlete, musician,…what did it all mean? Some of us probably want to forget.Others haven’t left! Figure there is a musical and a song – High School Never Ends.
PB - I will miss you being in the area. But then again, we spent so much time together since we were kids, hardly will impact me right? MM, if I you hug me again, it won’t be enough, and PB “Real men don’t eat quiche” but it’s ok to hug, I think. BD I was “surprised” to get a hug from you. Allen reminded me of memories beyond the ravines of Mayflower and of course our childhood. John II - as always great to see you again, and yes I will tell my mom that you said Hi. Thanks for reminding me that we introduced you to Asian “cuisine” for the first time. Is this true and if so I hope you have ventured beyond.
Pam V. J. – thank you so much for taking the time to ask about what I am up to and all your kind words. Speaking of which, it was a delight to know that a lot of our classmates are “risk-takers” (i.e entrepreneurs). I guess I’ not surprised.
Most important of all I said a few words that I didn’t get a chance to classmates since the last day leaving 1285 N. McKinley. No choice, some of us left high school, probably not “ready” for the real world, too comforted by the “order” of things back then, and our impression of the world as we knew it. I don’t really remember our 10th reunion and a couple of you mentioned it. Most likely there wasn’t enough time to reflect and mature after all these years. But it was important that I did muster the courage to say the things that had to be said, because it was the right thing to do, even if we were just kids. Missed opportunities to develop relationships with classmates, for whatever reasons, we all have our own, that we didn’t. Not missed opportunities but really lost opportunities. “I shan't have lied. It's evident the art of losing is not too hard to master thought may look like disaster.”
Great seeing everyone! It will be a long time before I forget all the conversations and the faces. Back to the “real”world for me. One thing for sure, I will be thinking about all of you. Hope this blogspot never ends.
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