Saturday, November 9, 2013

Our Own Bionic Man

If you've been following John Spencer's history of surgeries, you'll understand why we're dubbing him "the Class of '57's Bionic Man". After decades of working as a contractor, John's body has finally started hollering tilt. He's had 4(?) surgeries to repair vertabrae problems; he's had coronary artery bypass graft (better known as CABG); he's had his shoulder rebuilt ---- and there are more, but my senior moment isn't allowing them to come to mind right now, other than the following. John's most recent surgery was left hip replacement the end of October. And I think the following e-mail from John best describes his most recent experience:

"Anyone who says hip replacement surgery is a piece of cake must have heard someone else say it!  Although after 10 days I can say that things are looking up.  Up until the last few days I have been sleeping about 20 hours out of 24.  When I came out of surgery I knew everything was going to be OK because I could see immediately that all my toes were pointing the same direction.  I go back for post-op on the 11th and should be able to start walking without some type of assistance.
The worst is that I know I’ll have to have the right hip replaced as well, I just don’t know how long I’m going to be able to put up with it the way it is.

John"

Of course, our best wishes for a speedy and painless recovery go out to John. And hopefully, his right hip will hang in there for him, so he doesn't have to go thru this again for a very long time.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Shirley Blomberg Alexander Has Passed Away

Received the following message from John:

"Received this in this morning's mail!  We've lost Shirley Blomberg Alexander, the
classmate who, with her husband, were full time RV'rs.  They were at our 55th
last August.  The following gives us info for her Celebration of  Life."

"CELEBRATION OF LIFE
In Memory of
Shirley (Blomberg) Alexander (born May 9, 1939; deceased November 3, 2013)
A Memorial  will be held Sunday, November 10, 2013,
from 2-6 pm
at Norway Community Center
3613 E. 2603rd Road
Sheridan, IL 60551
Casual dress attire
In lieu of flowers, please make a
donation to your favorite charity
Bring memories to share

from daughter of Vern & Shirley Alexander
Donna Sitts (Alexander)
Thanks"

It goes without saying our sincerest sympathy goes out to Shirley's family and friends. And we hope those of you who are able will attend Shirley's memorial service.











Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Naughty or Nice?

We just received the following from Jim Myhre:

"I hope all is well with you.
I thought I would let our class know what I've been doing the last few years at Christmas. I never expected to have this job, but it is great. I hope that all of you have been good!!!!!
Attached is a picture showing me in my "work" uniform. I shave off my beard Christmas Day and get a haircut and then start again in June.
Regards to all.
Jim Myhre"
Santa Jim with Mrs. Claus, Joanna



Tom Fields Has Passed Away

John just received word of the passing of Tom Fields on January 20, 2012. Tho better late than never, our deepest sympathy goes out to Tom's friends and family. And now, thanks to the efforts of Garland Edgell, we're able to add Tom's obituary to the class blog:

Friday, September 27, 2013

Charlie Andelbradt Loses Mom

It's always sad to lose a parent, so we send our deepest sympathy to Charlie (that's how I knew him in HS) and his entire family for the passing of his mom. What follows is Mrs. Andelbradt's obituary from the Suburban Life newspaper:

THERLE V. ANDELBRADT Therle V. Andelbradt, age 99, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove on Thursday, September 19, 2013. She had resided at the Immanuel Residence for over 24 years and was a 60 year resident of Downers Grove. She was a loving, caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and her wit and wisdom will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by sons, Charles (Merrilee) Andelbradt (Naperville), Richard (Dianne) Andelbradt (Marseilles, Illinois), daughter Peggy Warner (Maple Grove, Minnesota), 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be 11:00am, Saturday, September 28, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5211 Carpenter, Downers Grove, IL with visitation one hour before the service. Interment at Arlington-Elm Lawn Cemetery, Elmhurst, IL.


Hello to the Wagonmaster

Joel Lage has produced another whimsical sculptor to add to his amazing collection. Meet the Wagonmaster!
I'm sure you all agree that Joel is very talented, especially in letting his joy and happiness shine thru his artwork. Please continue to share with us, Joel.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Ed Thorsen Passes Away

It's another sad day for the class of '57; we've lost Ed Thorsen. The following obituary appeared in the Suburban Life: EDWIN A. THORSEN Edwin A. Thorsen, age 74, longtime resident of Downers Grove, passed away September 19, 2013. Arrangements by Adams Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home. 630-968-1000 Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ed's family and friends. I have fond memories of playing bridge with him while commuting to Chicago on the CB&Q.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Pictures, Anyone?

If any of you would like a copy or copies of any of the pics we've published in the blog just let me know. We can e-mail you any of the pics we've used --- and they will be, no doubt, larger images than appear in the blog. Blogger limits the size of pictures, which makes many of them hard to interpret, at least without a magnifying glass.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

DG Troop 80, BSA

I suppose I should refrain from making this blog too personal, but today marks 50 years since I lost my dad. Naturally, he's been on my mind alot, and since he worked with so many of you in the Boy Scouts, I thought this picture of the troop might be of interest. Also, Mimi Elliot Jennings (Mike's wife and Bob Elliot's sister) is still in contact with Jim Newberry and reports he is doing well.
Thanks to Dick Weiskopf for sending this picture to me.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Ponies Win 12-0 at LaGrange; Take Conference Title

Thanks to Bobby Jo Spencer, John's sister, and to John himself, what you're seeing is a copy of the picture published in the Downers Grove Reporter on November 11, 1954. And having scanned it, it's not too bad a picture for being from an almost 60 year old newspaper. Now if I have as much luck with the narrative..... keep checking this space to see if I succeed.
It's not perfect, but not too bad, if I do say so myself. Perhaps the use of a magnifying glass is in order.....

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Betty Shaffer Rich Passed Away

John received word of the passing of Betty Ann after a long battle with MS. Her obit follows, and I must say this is one of the most beautiful, heartfelt obits I've ever read. Betty was certainly cherished by the author, and many others, according to the write-up. "Betty Ann Rich March 29, 1940 - May 28, 2013 Betty Ann Rich was born on March 29, 1940 and was raised in the north side of Chicago, near Lake Michigan and Wrigley Field. Her father Clyde took her to many football games and at an early age, taught Betty a lot about life. At the age of ten, Betty learned to take the CTA (the ‘L’) train on her own and quickly fell in love with the city. She also grew to love the Cubs, as the elementary school she attended sat just across the street to Wrigley Field. School would let out just in time for students to catch the 7th inning. Betty attended Lakeview High School for a half a year before her family moved to Downers Grove. In 1957, she graduated from Downers Grove High School and had dreams of becoming a teacher. She had her heart set on attending North Central College or Northern Illinois University. Upon receiving a scholarship, she ultimately chose Northern Illinois. Excelling at shorthand and typing, Betty studied Business Education while at college. She was very smart, dedicated, and got along with all her fellow classmates. As a freshman, she lived in Neptune Hall, where she soon met Jerry Rich. Jerry was fixing up his friend and at that time, did not know Betty. He can remember seeing her walk down the stairs and was instantly swept away. Soon thereafter, they started seeing each other, and four years later, Betty and Jerry both graduated on June 10, 1961, and later that night, got married at The First Methodist Church in Downers Grove. Betty and Jerry always dreamed of owning their own little farm and soon enough they moved to a small farm in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Little did they know that one day, their ten little farms would blossom into one special farm estate. Supportive of all Jerry’s endeavors, Betty was always a part of every major decision he made. This was especially so when they began to develop Rich Harvest Farms in 1985, the now 18-hole private golf course that sits amidst a tranquil and picturesque landscape. After Jerry built just one hole, Betty and he agreed it would be “more fun” to continue building, and so he did. Although not favored by many golfers, the tall oaks and shagbark hickories scattered on the course were kept for Betty and her love of trees and nature. Betty also loved the English, Tudor-style look, and every building on Rich Harvest Farms reflects her taste and has a warm, country feel as soon as you enter any room. In her later years, Betty enjoyed playing bridge with friends and family members, including her mother, Marge, still living today at age 92, whom many say Betty got her good looks and warm heart from. Betty’s giving spirit was shared by Jerry and eventually grew into something special – the Kids Golf Foundation. Founded in 1998, this nonprofit junior golf organization makes its home today at Rich Harvest Farms. The Foundation has touched the lives of over 150,000 youth through golf and its valuable life lessons. Betty’s strong sense of character and optimism are an inspiration to all that knew her. No matter what endeavors she encountered, her spirit was never broken and her smile never faded. She was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed. Betty is survived by her husband, Jerry Rich; mother, Marge Shaffer; son, Keith Rich and granddaughters, Margaret and Lauren Rich. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 A.M. on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 8S055 Dugan Rd., Sugar Grove celebrated by Fr. Bob Jones. Private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois, P.O. Box 610, Sugar Grove, Illinois, 60554 is appreciated." Our deepest sympathy goes out to her husband and family.

A Note From Sue

John Spencer received the following note from Sue Long Larson: "John: I want to thank all of my classmates that have sent cards to me. All their thoughts and prayers seem to be working, right now I feel great. Had my second chemo yesterday, after my first chemo ended up in the hospital overnight , had too much fluid on my heart, but decreased the fluid this time. I enjoy your e-mails, you do a great job keeping us informed on our classmates, and the jokes are great. Glad your daughter-in--law is doing great. Sue" Please continue to remember Sue in your thoughts and prayers; I know they'll help, and I know Sue will appreciate your thinking of her.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Prayers for Sue Long Larson

We (Norma, John and Your Truly) just received this e-mail from Margi Basnett Burtin. Memories of growing up with Sue and her hubby came flooding back when I read this --- please remember her in your prayers, and send her a note or card or e-mail to let her know you're thinking of her. "I just received an email from Sue Long Larson's husband Dick telling me that Sue has been diagnosed with stage IVb uterine cancer. She had immediate surgery which was followed by the worst possible series of complications. Dick was finally able to bring her home from the hospital after three weeks. She is recovering from the surgery and will start chemo in a few weeks. Her immediate goal is to be able to attend her grandson's wedding in July. As Dick said in the email, the success of the chemo will determine the " time." As those who knew Sue will remember, her attitude always remains positive. She would love to hear from anyone. Sue and Dick's address is 14 Kanvsita Court, Brevard, NC 28712. Her email address is wncduckin@comporium.net Margi"

Monday, April 8, 2013

Sharlene Pearlman Hirsch is One in a Million!

I found the following article in the June 24, 1974, issue of People Magazine. I can't tell you how proud I am, having grown up with Sharlene. She is astounding! Just a note: this was the only pic I could find of Sharlene; it's from printing archives, therefore the printing instructions on it. Regardless, I still think she looks great!
She Wants Kids to Play Hooky—for CreditBy Sally Moore
Growing up in Downer's Grove, Ill., Sharlene Hirsch often played hooky from high school to write pieces for her local newspaper, or dream up plays or practice gourmet cooking along with a TV show. "Each time I had to go back to high school," she recalls, "I was angry and resentful that the things I was learning and creating outside school seemed to have more meaning and value for me than my courses. To me the real world was beyond the classroom." This month Sharlene Hirsch—now a Ph.D. from Harvard—can review with some pride the accomplishments of a year spent helping young people across the country discover their own "real worlds" in a unique educational experiment. At 34, the modishly dressed Dr. Hirsch is the sole creator and director of Executive High School Internships, a nationwide program which enables talented and restless high school students to get out of the classroom for a semester and into real jobs. There they can discover for themselves the demands and rewards of careers in medicine, law enforcement or communications under actual day-to-day working conditions. Sharlene has had some first-hand experience with internships. After graduation from the University of Illinois (magna cum laude), a brief stint as a high school teacher and then graduate school, Sharlene went to Washington on a Ford Foundation grant. As staff director of a congressional subcommittee on education, she conceived the idea of trying out internships on kids usually thought too young to benefit from them. After Washington, she became Director of Educational Development for New York City and began her on-the-job program with 25 high school students. This year, with the aid of almost half a million dollars, most of it from the Rockefeller Foundation, 1,300 students in 12 cities across the country were able both to observe and perform useful tasks in government agencies, business and the arts. Interns receive no pay but get full academic credit for their service. Both employers and students say the program is an overwhelming success. In one city, Frederick, Md., where the photographs on these pages were taken, Superintendent of Schools John Carnochan gives full credit to Dr. Hirsch: "It has succeeded because of Sharlene: her drive, enthusiasm, and energy." The program has demanded even more from her. Partly because she spends 80 percent of each month traveling and visiting students, her marriage to a business executive fell apart. Talking of her husband, not without a certain regret, Dr. Hirsch says, "He wanted normal things, a home and children. But I had this burning idea in my head. I had to choose—now everyone I date has some relation to my work." So successful is that work that the program will expand to 3,000 interns in 24 cities next fall. Now Dr. Hirsch, who lives in Manhattan, can even afford to relax a little. This summer she intends to eat a lot of Mexican food, listen to jazz, and get away to Latin America for a month. It's her first vacation since she got the idea of introducing high school kids to the "real world."

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Great 50s Video

For those of us lucky enough to come of age in the 50s, this video will bring back many memories, especially those of the cars and music of the era. Click on the title of this post, turn on your speakers, and sit back and enjoy. Thanks to Frank Fusco for this.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

We've Lost Jim Smith

John Spencer received the following e-mail from Wes Upton to notify us of the passing of Jim Smith. Below Wes's e-mail, I have printed Jim's obit. It goes without saying we send our deepest sympathies to Jim's wife, Karen, and his family and many friends. "John, I thought you would want this info for your records. On Jan 19nth Jim had a massive heart attack and passed away. His son (Dan) called to tell me about his Dad and what happened. If you wish you may e-mail "Startribune.com" to see his obituary and sign his friendship book. I sure you all join me in celebrating my old buddies passing."
Dr. James L. Smith --- "Smith, Dr. James L. age 73 of Mound, MN, passed on January 19, 2013. Born July 16, 1939 in Basco, Illinois, to Elbert and Margaret (Webb) Smith who preceded him in death. Survived by his loving wife, Karen Kay (Eddy) Smith; his four sons, Daniel (Cathy) Smith, Michael (Kate) Smith, Jeffrey (Cyndi) Smith, Gary (Colleen) Smith; and his two daughters, Lesley (Todd) Vlaanderen and Jacqueline (Rick) Saunders; his two sisters, Donna Poborsky and Marilyn (Randy) Smith. Jim was the proud grand- father of Sarah, Emily, Grace, Nick, Alex, Theo, Josh Smith, Julian Holmes, Lauren, Kathryn Vlaanderen, Sydni and Chayse Saunders. Jim's lifetime pursuit of academic excellence started in teaching. He later received his PhD from the University of Iowa, which led him to his career goal as a superintendent (and Hawkeye fan). He was blessed in his retirement to return to his love of teaching with the students and staff of Wayzata High School, who he considered his extended family. Jim's heartfelt commitment to his community, church and families, will be deeply missed by all. Memorial service 11 am Friday, January 25, with gathering of family and friends from 10 am at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2451 Fairview Lane, Mound, MN 55364. Interment will be at St. John's Memorial Garden at a future date. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers directed to St. John's Music Department, or the James and Karen Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund. Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Mound Chapel 952-472-1716"

Another Voice From the Past

Received a short note from Scott Butler right after the holidays. Tho I've seen him and his family occasionally on Facebook, this is the first time I've heard from him. I hope he won't mind my sharing his note with the rest of the class: "Hi Judy, Nice to see you on FB from time to time. I try to check up every now and then on classmates going to the bloodspot. The classmate I remain close to is Curt Keller although I haven't seen since 2007 when we met up in Arizona for a fun get together in Tuson. So I'd like to say be well and happy though out our new year ahead of us. Scott" Thanks to Scott for touching base with me after all these years. I hope you keep in touch, Scott; and I hope the rest of you will remember to drop a line every now and then. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.

Another Published Author

Received the following announcement from Frank Fusco: "I have just published my book 'The New Rifleman' at Amazon Kindle. It is available now. Please look and consider buying. Frank" "The New Rifleman <<< A botched presidential election leads to the sitting President discarding the Constitution and turning America into a brutal dictatorship. The protagonist assassinates the President, using a rifle of the type that would have been employed in the Revolution of 1776. His escape and survival in the wilderness of the Arkansas Ozarks using 200+ year old woodsman’s skills is non-stop cliff-hanging adventure. A mysterious relationship with a mountain lion eventually leads him to a community of new revolutionaries who share his desire to return America to a Constitutional form of government. The spirit of the protagonist is not unlike that of the original revolutionaries who created America in 1776." Larry Crane was our first classmate to announce the publishing of a novel --- Frank has now followed. Anyone else care to join this pretigious pair? The best I can manage is this blog..........

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

A Little Plagarism

While surfing the internet, I happened upon a website "Growing up in Downers Grove" -- and while reading some of the entries, I found a link to Fenger High School's Class of 1958 website.On the website are many wonderful memories for those of us lucky enough to grow up in that era; there are links to Riverview, the Cinnamon Bear (one of my favorites), radio shows, and many more places to jog your memory --- the selections are seemingly endless. If you have lots of time to kill, I recommend a trip back to the 50s, thanks to Fenger High School. Click on the title of this blog entry to transport yourself back in time --- and enjoy!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The Tivoli Strikes Again!

I'm long overdue with this story, but so it goes. It's still a great story and more publicity for DG and mostly, the Tivoli Theater. Michael Phelps Meets Idol, Michael Jordan, While Taping Ryder Cup Sports Show in Downers Grove Tivoli Theatre. "Michael Phelps had the surprise of a lifetime Monday—a first-time meeting with his idol, Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan, right here in Downers Grove. The superstar athletes were both guests on "Feherty Live," a Golf Channel show that taped Monday at the Tivoli Theater, 5021 Highland Ave., as part of the show's Ryder Cup coverage. The episode will air at 8 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, two days before the tournament begins at Medinah Country Club. Commentater and former pro golfer David Feherty surprised Phelps—a scheduled guest—with a visit from his idol in front of a live audience. Phelps was so overwhelmed he could barely talk, according to the Associated Press. "I froze. That’s the one person in the world who could do that to me,” Phelps told the Associated Press. “I literally have always looked up to him ... He’s the greatest.” Feherty and the Michaels joked about Phelps' golf game and retirement plans before turning their attention to this weekend's Ryder Cup, the Chicago RedEye reports. Phelps ended his illustrious swimming career at the London Olympics this summer, breaking the all-time record for medals, with 22. “I’m truly honored and humbled that he’s looked at me as a motivational figure,” Jordan said. According to the Associated Press, Jordan and Phelps have been exchanging text messages for a few months, and had planned to meet up during events at Medinah. "I'm a fan of his," Jordan said of Phelps. "He's met my sons a couple of times, and they were telling me how he is very competitive and looking to play golf and a couple other things. I said, 'You know, anytime he's ready, I'm ready.""