"THE MOTHER OF ALL REUNIONS"

(The Lizzy (Pack) and Lenny "School of Dance" will soon be open for those who didn't find their way to the dance floor on Reunion Night)

One week after the fact, and our 40 Year Reunion is still the No. 1 occupier of my thoughts and the smile hasn't yet left my face. Thanks to Dan, Marty, Bob and so many others for making that Saturday night 'The Mother of All Reunions.' In 60's terms, 'A Happening', and it truly was that. This was an evening that was emblazoned in our minds and will be cherished in our hearts for the rest of our lives. The vibration in both rooms was like a giant bee hive. In every inch of floor space, people were talking, laughing, exchanging stories of 'Remember When' and updating histories of where we are now. And lotsa' hugging, and a little dancin'.

(Dave Gieg and Frank DiPasquale, Bill Merriken and "Pani")

Like many others this past weekend, I was part of a pre-reunion reunion that took place at the 'Casa de Borquez, Hilltop Hacienda'. Rick invited as many Mary Immaculate 8th graders as he could find. Too bad so many email addresses weren’t posted and couldn’t be contacted. There I met up with my old school friends and partners in mischief, Rick, Don Soberg and Bill Merriken, as well as Jim Pinero, Dave Geig and my 'Ol Paison, Frank De Pasquale. It was a Great evening and only made us all that more anxious for the following one. And worth the wait it was.

Our Reunion was a virtual snowball of anticipation, planning, sharing of pictures and bios that led up to One Fantastic Evening. It encompassed every aspect of our school days up to the present. The 'Roll Call' was an immediate flash back, the video had 'take a deep breath and exhale slowly' moments and the acknowledgments of all those who came from long distances, were PhDs, survived Cancer, married their High School Sweethearts and for the first time in mylife, being recognized for being a Viet Nam veteran. It was all put together so well and the planning Dan & Crew did was remarkable.

In a way I feel the reunion was also somewhat of a closure for myself and I think maybe for others as well. I felt a feeling of contentment when I got home that night (ahh... morning) one that I hadn't felt before. The kind of contentment that I think only comes after a several decades of life on this earth. The good and the tough times we have all gone through, that all culminated in One Great Night in October. One that will remain with us forever.

Thank you and God Bless you all

Leonard DiTrapani aka... Pani :o)

Pomona CA

Wobbly Axis Steadied At Reunion

(Charmaine (Haley) Coimbra displaying her usual sense of humor)

Dear Classmates:

Spouse and I just parked our car back in NM an hour or so ago. It's Nov. 1, 2006 and I remain overwhelmed by this thing called a 40-year Alemany High School reunion. My throat is still sore from so much talking, revealing, catching up and reliving 40 years away from that blue senior sweater.

Like the emails and commentaries before me, there were so many former classmates on my list to spend time with that when it was announced that the Cinderella carriage of connecting was about to turn into a pumpkin at midnight, plus when I realized my wonderful spouse was sitting outside on a bench alone, I dropped my velvet jacket and made a mad dash out. (Really, I dropped the jacket instead of a shoe. If anyone found a burnt-black and copper velvet 3/4-length jacket, let me know.)

So I didn't get to give Kathy Jones a farewell hug, as well as, never having time to sit and chew the desert flowers with Marty Molidor. But I did get one heck of a smacker from Jay P! And I also brought home Big Boy Bob! KOYN!

And to everyone who was so kind with kudos to "A Mother's Perspective," I am humbled. This week the blog gets a new name, thanks to an unedited Dan McMahon notation, "Charmaine's a mother blogger."

"Mother Blogger" perfectly fits my weird sense of humor, and so shall the blog be renamed.

You reunion committee members: WOW! Thank you so much for creating a unique and special weekend for the 100-some 1966 Alemany graduates.

(Ed Note: (L) Charmaine and Daughter Dakota, the Executive Chef at the Hollywood Sunset Towers Hotel where Charmaine hosted the "Women's Luncheon" on October 27th, and (R) with pal Teri (Arteaga) Romero)

"Overwhelmed" best defines last weekend. While the earth spins off its axis, I bravely cruised up the Sunset Strip to West Hollywood, entered a fantasy hotel (The Sunset Tower) and kick-started 48-hours of my own wobbly axis rotation.I walked into a world where I was the 17-year-old waif, Char Haley.

Charmaine (Haley) Coimbra

Santa Fe NM

"MORE REUNION REFLECTIONS"

(Terry Bowles with his lovely daughter, Courtney. Who started the rumor that this was Terry's wife?)

At first I was not planning to attend the reunion because of some business obligations and admittedly some indifference on my part.

When I received Jay Pelzer's e-mail asking me if I remembered the record we used to play on the reverb in my car, well, it struck a nerve and I decided to change plans and attend.
Yes, I remembered the instrumental we cruised to. It was "Walk Don't Run" andJay's response to me was, "You are the real Terry Bowles."

Some friends asked me what were the highlights of the reunion and without question it was the renewed fellowship with a great class of people. Memories of Al Shows introducing my daughter as my wife, his medical advice (I hope he doesn't send me a bill}, and his warm inviting nature and meeting his lovely wife made me feel at home. Ken Meddock and Bill Merriken passing along a compliment about my role as Lt. Cable in South Pacific was really unexpected and truly appreciated. Thanks, guys. But, Ken, my vote for least changed would have been for you and Art Holquin, at least among the men.Jude Hawkes has my vote for the ladies.

Meeting with Mary Ganssle, Bobbie Mosher, Kathi Gibson, Teri Arteaga, Jacci Mahoney (who I mistook for Ellie McConnaughy when I saw her at our Church sitting behind me a few years ago – I blame it on my age), and all the beautiful ladies was just wonderful. Thank You.

(Courtney's reaction after hearing the Bowles' Party stories)

Seeing Jay again was amazing and reaffirmed the decision to attend. My daughter learned a lot about her dad from Jay and Al Shows (maybe too much). She now has secrets about me and the parties we used to have at my parents' house.

After meeting up with Dave Gieg I remembered that last time I ran into him (literally): it was at basketball practice and all I recall was hitting a brick wall. Dave, it was great seeing you after 40 years.

What would a reunion be with the teachers who touched our lives in so many ways? Frank Diaz (I still feel I should call him Mr. Diaz and still don't know the difference between a microbe and an electrode), Father Wagner and Mrs. Gordon. (Being one of the only boys in her typing class was so much fun.)

Art Holquin, Tom Benedict, Larry Neumeier, and Kerry Beaulieu as they concelebrated Mass reminded me of the spiritual bond we all share through our Lord Jesus. It was truly the best way to celebrate our coming together. Thanks, Fathers.

The next question put to me by my friends: was there anything that was not upbeat? For me it was learning about those classmates who have died and have serious illnesses now. But it was very evident through the e-mails how much prayer and spiritual support we have for each other. And this is atrue blessing our class has in common. It was sad not to see old friends like Dave Surges and Bob Johnson. Dave's suggestion about meeting in Duluth next time may have some possibilities. Bob, thanks for your work on the reunion.

So many thoughts and feelings are flowing through me; it is hard to put some of them to words. My sincere thanks to Dan and the reunion committee. Your hard work paid off. I'm sure the whole class was touched by the love and affection you and your gals put into it.

May God Bless the Class of 66.

Love,Terry Bowles

El Dorado Hills CA

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

(John and Bobbie (Mosher) Noreen ready to party on reunion night)

Hi All,I had a wonderful time. It was as if time just melted away. I thought we all looked pretty terrific! 1966 produced some incredible people. To those of you that I finally got to really talk to---thanks for the memories!

There are so many I didn't get to talk to or hug goodbye. Louise Franco, here's a big hug and kiss from me. You are a doll, just like you were in school.Pam and Jerry, Roger and Margie, I will always remember the old days. You too, look great and I am so happy you are still together.I could go on and on. Maybe there will be a romance bloom from the reunion, but I am not telling whom!

Thank you Claudia, Danny, Mary, Monique, Charmaine and all of you who worked so hard to make this time together so special.When I get home on Thursday I will send my pictures in an album too, there are some great shots. I was the only one from my grammar school (St. Cyril's) who went to Alemany, so I didn't get in on the grammar school photos, but what a special thing to have that all-inclusive childhood together.

A big hug and kiss to all of you for welcoming so warmly back into the fold. You will always be a part of me.As I told Leo, we should have all married him. There would have been a lot fewer divorces.

I can't wait to visit Frank in Hawaii and if any of you ever want to experience the South, my home in Tennessee is always open. Nashville is a great town to visit and I will make it worth your while. See you in 5 or 10, maybe sooner.

xoxoxox

Love Always,

Bobbie Mosher

Franklin TN