Bill Orr

Greetings! 

Don't know if my computer is on fritz since haven't seen any entries for months.

Jean and I are planning a trip out west this summer to  include Rapid City, SD, Billings. Montana, Yellowstone, Sun Valley and winding up in our favorate spot Cannon Beach, Oregon. Would also like to see and possibly return to Minnesota thru Canada. Any thoughts or recommendations?

 Our oldest daughter is spending the summer in Germany. They have rented a houseand will do day trips to all the Michelin recommended spots.

Our youngest daughter is spending the summer in New Jersey in a special training camp for our granddauther.

Our son purchased a RV and will tour the country first class. 

Wishing all the best.

Your classmate and friend,

Bill 

Jerry Rees

Hi Bill,

Two years ago Sallie and I vacationed in Alberta.  We visited Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise.  The Icefields Parkway (the 143-mile highway between Banff and Jasper) has been called the most scenic highway in the world.  

We also visited Waterton Lakes National Park (just north of Glacier National Park inside Canada) and stayed at the picturesque Prince of Wales Lodge, a 7-story Swiss Chalet style hotel standing on the bluff overlooking 11-mile Waterton Lake.  

Jerry

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Bill:  The problem is our class doesn't seem interested in posting things about our lives like you just did which by the way I found interesting. I have spent a lot of time and energy trying to get classmates to write on this message forum. I'm sorry to say I have given up. The class of 1960 uses their forum daily and people keep in touch. If you have any suggestions I would be open to listen. Thanks for your comment and also Jerry Reese's response.

I will say at this point that Moudy and I have a grandson that just graduated from St. John's University in Queens, New York and he recently got drafted by the Chicago Cubs. We are very excited for him and his future in pro baseball. We too have been traveling but mostly for our grandchildren and all their events including musicals, graduations, birthdays, etc. 

I hope you have a great summer and your trip sounds wonderful. I look the northwest and the mountains.

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Good job Bill, Jerry & Sharon. It was great seeing you last wk. Sharon. Easy to take up where we left off. When I get back from vacation in 2 wks., I'm going to send out an email for a get together for lunch. I'm going to just pick a day, a time, & a place...& if anyone wants to join me that's great, if not...your loss. Am taking my family to Gulf Shores, AL for a week. There will be 19 of us in a 6 bdrm. house, with a pool & across the street from the beach. Looking fwd. to lots of fresh seafood. Planning on spending lots of time on the beach, reading, drinking wine & relaxing. My oldest daughter Lisa, is looking fwd. to doing the same. This week she has 2 huge exams to take to receive her Masters in Administration. It will be her 2nd. masters. My son Lamar & family will be flying down from Aspen, CO. A grandson flying also, from Chicago. Granddaughter & family from here are driving down, plus another granddaughter & family from Memphis, TN, also driving. Heading to my daughter's in Franklin, TN this Wed. Everyone will be arriving Sat or Sun. Life is short, do what you can while you still can. Glad to hear your traveling a lot Sharon, Bill & Jerry. 

WHAT IS EVERYONE ELSE DOING THESE DAYS???

Bill Orr

Thank God! I was ready to buy a new computer.

Marcia Conley (Davis)

Sounds like everyone must be retired and have time to do traveling.  I am traveling but still working 7 days/week!  My choice, of course.  Since May 11, I have participated in 13 seminars, finishing one last week in Reno and will be back to Reno for another 3 day seminar next week.  I have 45 seminars yet to do this year.

On Thursday, I am flying with my two children, Brent and Tamara, to my ex-husband's family reunion in Glatlinburg, TN for the weekend.   I have always kept in touch with the Davis Family members but my children haven't seen their cousins or aunts and uncles since 1974.  They have all reconnected on FaceBook.  We are stopping to see my ex-husband on our way from the Knoxville TN airport to Glatlinburg hotel.  He lives nearby but is not going to the reunion.  Tamara hasn't seen her father in almost 30 years and Brent not since he got married 15 years ago.

I am going forward since my grandson's death and have started reconciliation with my daughter-in-law. granddaughter and grandson but not my son. Todd.  Not easy but faith in God and support of my Church and friends keep me going.

Finished my 52nd tax season and learning all I can about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCTJ) and the Tax Reform Act that passed last December.  Reminds me of the 1986 Tax Act which was the worst in my career.  TCTJ is good for some and bad for others.  No matter the consequences, any major change in tax law helps me financially!  If I didn't love what I do for a living, I would probably be considering retirement.  I predict I have at least 10+ years of working as long as my health continues.

Have a nice summer and be safe!

Judi Perry

Bill -

the Northwest is Beautiful!!  After leaving Oregon, go up through Washington.  If you like mussels, go the Captain Whidbey Inn on Whidbey  Island.  After that go to Vancouver.  They have a wonderful aquarium.  Then you can go to Vancouver Island, via ferry, and visit the Butchart Gardens, Victoria and of course whale watching.  After you go back to Vancouver, go to Whistler.  Neat town, where the 2010 Olympics were held.  Head towards Calgory, Lake Louise, Banff.  The scenery is absolutly gorgeous.  When we went that way, 8 years ago, we crossed the border at Jamestown, ND.  There we saw the world's largest Buffalo.  Have a great time!!!!

Judi

Bill Orr

Thanks,

It's so nice to see others are still relating to our site.  

So that you know, I was deleted from Face Book for stating my convictions. seems that someone. A susposed friend complained that I was anti Trump.. The Russian bots ganged up on me and had me elimated from the site. 

My position simply is this: FUCK TRUMP AND KILL RUISSIANS!

I think that this is a reasonable position. I was trained for years toi Kill Russians and find it debelating to have a Traitor advocating for the Russians. 

So much said!

Bill Orr

LTC, USA Retired

i 

Sandra Buckley (Matthews)

Hello Everyone - We were happy to see Bill Orr's post and all of the other classmates that responded afterwards.  When I see a message come up in email that there is a posting on our class website, my first thought at this time of our lives, is that another classmate has passed away.  This particulrly comes to mind since we have recently lost THREE good friends in the past 2 weeks, who were members of our former community, Cypress Landing in Chocowinity, NC.  We had 2 funerals this past Saturday !!!! 

I am hapy to report that Bill and I are in pretty good health - and at 75 for Bill and me trailing right behind him, I'd say that's something to brag about !  I will have to admit that a few weeks ago I did spend 9 hours in our local hospital Emergency Department - had a "vesa-vegus" incident, where your blood pressure and heartrate drop at the same time and your body's response is to faint, because there isn't enough blood getting to your brain.  For me, this happened around midnight when I was in the bathroom - came to with my legs in the doorway and the rest of my body in the bathroom.  To add to the incident, I had hit the back of my head on the edge of the vanity granite top.  Long story short, because I started vomiting, we were concerned about a concussion - so off I went in the ambulance at 4 AM.  After CAT scans and x-rays and EKG and blood tests, it was determind I was low on poatassium and dehydrated - but NO concussion, just a goose-egg on the top of my head.  Thank you Lord !!!  It's really important that we all drink lots of water and eat potassium filled fruits & veggies.  Bill keeps himself moving with his golf 3 days a week - we have a small block saying on our kitchen table that says, "A day without golf is probably your wife's birthday." 

To address Sharon's comment about classmates not taking time to keep in touch - my feelings about that are those that do post, tend to focus on where we are traveling or family events in our lives.  And while I am ALWAYS interested in that aspect of our lives, I sometimes feel that not eveyone is as interested in those things or might not be having the same opportunties as they are aging - therefore, they might feel that no one would be all that interested in hearing from them.  I HOPE I am wrong, but that might be one explanation. 

So, even though everyone may not be interested, I will share that we leave next Monday, the 25th, for 2 weeks in Canada, touring the Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.  This is a part of Canada that we never got to see while living in Toronto during Bill's last years of working for DuPont.  We had been along the coast of New England, primarily Maine, last September, and really wanted to continue to see further north.  This trip will also be welcome relief from the heat and humidity of Eastern North Carolin right now - temps here in the mid-90's while temps in that part of Canada are barely reaching 70 for highs.

In late July we will go down to Florida to see our 9 year old granddaughter, Tatum, perform in the musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", playing the part of Jemima, the lead child part.  It's the 50th Anniversary of the release of that same film with Dick Van Dyke, and the stage production manager has even been able to rig a simulation on that wonderful car that FLIES !!!  This musical is being performed at the Alhambra Dinner Theater in Jacksonville through July 27, where Tatum was one of the orphans last summer in "Annie".  If anyone might be in that area of Florida between now and July 27, I highly recommend this for a wonderful night's dinner and entertainment - with prices so much lower than NYC Broadway.  Our only other granddaughter, Aila, will be a teenager in early October, and she is busy this summer with cheerleading camps and taking advanced diving classes at a local high school in Atlantic Beach, FL, where they live.

I think I've got everyone pretty well caught up on what's currently happening in our lives - would love to read more from other classmates - thanks again for keeping the forum moving along.

Charlie LaFrenz

Bill, 

Thank you for having the guts to speak out.  Knowing what you went through, and the action you saw, you've earned the right to tell our wannabe autocrat where to go.  For me, these times often bring to mind this quote: "Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities."  Voltaire

If I were to refere to Trump a a good Machiavellian, would that be an oxymoron?

I would like to say,  this too  we will survive but...

Charlie

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Thanks Bill and Charlie:  You said everything about our narcissistic president that I wanted to say but didn't. I don't understand Americans putting up with this BS. Americans are better than this! But I digress! Thanks to all who have written in since my last post. Lets keep those cards and letters come classmates. As Sandy Matthews said we are all getting older and soon will all be in the 4th quarter of our lives so lets live it up and keep in touch! We had the best darn class that FMHS ever graduated. Until next time.!.........

Karan Kreighbaum (Faul)

I have been thinking seriously about starting to join the message forum. But, being a Conservative, I see that my input would not be wanted. I didn't realize this was a political site.

Bill Orr

Karen,

I.m a Repiblican and have been so for over 60 years. However, when I see evil I must take action. 

Please share your feelings. It is important that I understand other ideas and positions. 

Just found out that Canada has legalized pot. Hope this dosen't ruin my vacation. Perhaps we should build a wall to keep the drug crazed Canadians out and our people in. Those border checks are going to be Hell. 

Isn't life amazing!

Bill 

Charlie LaFrenz

Karen,

I agree with you completely.  This should not be a forum for us to air our differences, but a site to bring us together.  What makes us interesting is our different opinions and these should never devide us.  In our 75 years, look at all we have accomplished and the contributions we are still making to our families and communities.  I may be called a bleeding heart liberal commie pinko, but  everyone is welcome to our house,  We support and fund raise for many causes, even those that would be considered conservative.  

Also, for Pete's sake, don't you remember?  You were my first date.  It was a Kings's Daughters affair, so I can't be all bad.  And if you don't respond to this, I will tap dance on your tonsils.  I can still do that.  I have new tap shoes.

Charlie

Karan Kreighbaum (Faul)

Charlie... it wasn't Kings' Daughters... it was Rainbow Girls. 

Bill... As for political discussions... I love a good debate as much as the next person... just wasn't expecting to see it on our class site.

And Sharon... as for President Trump being a narcissist... in my opinion most presidents are. It takes a person with a somewhat narcissistic personality to think they can solve the country's (or world's) problems. I definitatly think our previous president falls into that catagory... and look what a mess he made! 

With all that being said... I love the Class of 1961 and all its members.

Bill Orr

Karen,

And we love you to! Got any photos of that first date with Charlie?

Everyone ease up. In any case, I sure would like to see those photos.

Looking forward to my up North adventure with the drug crazed Canadians.

Hey Charlie, will take you up on the invite. My wife has a Nursing Class reunion in September so maybe we can get togeather for lunch or dinner. 

Bill 

Jerry Rees

Bill and Charlie,

Poltically I probably fall somewhere between the two of you on the political spectrum, although closer to the latter than the former.  I remember my brain being cracked open, my consiousness raised, and my conscience  stirred by having the privilige of attending Ms. Van Tuyl's International Relations class.  

I confess that I have voted for democratic presidentall candidates all my life, except for Goldwater in 1964 and Nixon in 1968.  Early on I saw through a glass darkly.  But now I see the light.

I wish Bill would tell us what he really thinks of Trump without the vulgar language.  Their are plenty of nouns and adjectives that could be used more effectively.  I hope Bill does not get banned from this forum.  Maybe henceforth we should use a back channel.

“He who knows not and knows not he knows not: he is a fool - shun him.

He who knows not and knows he knows not: he is simple - teach him.

He who knows and knows not he knows: he is asleep - wake him.

He who knows and knows he knows: he is wise - follow him.”

---- anonymous

Charlie LaFrenz

Bill,

Sounds good!   If time allows, maybe we could have a gathering at our house with some of the locals.

As Sandy Keith used to call me:

Chasticles

Charlie LaFrenz

Jerry,

Good to hear from you.  Mrs. Van Tuyl was actually the only teacher I had in high school.  She helped me realize I had an ability in foreign langiuages, and gave me the needed positive reinforcement no other teacher would.  I remember writing a paper in her class on the Tanganikan Africian National  Union and President Julius Niareari.  Wow! I still have some long-term memory.

Charlie

Bill Orr

Hey folks,

My political view was formed originally in Mrs. Van Tyles class when I asked her why the Congo Troops were armed with better arms than our troops. They had M-14 rifles while our Army was armed with M-1 rifles. She explaned that we were using the Congo troops to do our fighting and threrefor they should have the better weapons.REALLY! I realized that she didn't know what she was talking about.. This was reenforced by my experience in Viet Nam.. Lessons learned. Our troops deserve the best weapons and the best leadership, no exceptions.

When I arrived in Viet Nam I was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion ,7th Air Calvary. The company armorer could not provide a functioning weapon to me because of a cut back in funding. I took three weapons scheduled for scraping and built one rifile that would fire one round and then jam.. That is what I carried into the battle of Hue. Needless to say the first guy killed had a brand new weapon. It became mine. The point being politicians with out any combat experience make decisions that get the troops killed. To save a buck. 

I could go on and on. Needless to say I do not support our current political leadership. 

Enough said.

Bill 

Linda Hayes (Meyer)

Hi everyone.  

I haven't read the posts for quite awhile and Sandi Matthews was quite right.  I don't post as I really don't do much of anything that I thought might interest anyone.  I have my hobby of oil painting, and take care of my pets.  My children are all grown. I have 2 granddaughters and  5 grandsons.  three great-grandkids.  

My life is quiet and I like it that way.  I don't care to travel so being at home suits me fine.

As some of you may know I was dating Mike Tebbs for a short while until his death on Jan. 14th.  I have his dog now. We were together for a short time but had a lot of fun till he passed.  

And life continues on.

Sandra Buckley (Matthews)

Wow,  We've really got classmates speaking up and out on all fronts of our political system - and my feelings are I can agree to disagree with someone but still respect them for their right AND mine to express an opinion. 

Our next 2 weeks in the Canadian Maritimes should be interesting interacting with the "locals" - what with Trump and Trudeau fighting over trade tariffs and the new freedom the Canadians have with legalizing pot - just keep them off the highways we are traveling when they light up !!!

I don't know when we will get back to the Fort Madison area again - I only have two cousins still alive, one in Fort Madison (Rhonda Zumdome) and one in Burlington (Sam Buckley).  Bill's oldest sister, Jean Hoffmeister, still lives ther with her husband, Ken.  Another cousin, Brad Buckley, just passed away a few weeks ago up in Iowa City, but his widow lives in Fort Madison.  I would like to come back one more time for maybe the Rodeo weekend - would that be a possibility for our 60th Reunion in 2021 ????  Just a thought..........

Keep on posting everyone - my thoughts, at this stage of my life, is to be thankful for every day I have with my husband and family, continue to make sweet memories with them, to serve God and others less fortunate, and eat lots of chocolate and enjoy my wine !!!!!  Til later.....Sandy Matthews

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

Took off Wed. morning & headed south to Franklin, TN. The 8 hour drive seems like it gets longer each time. Yesterday, my daughter Lori & I had lunch with Bryan & Rose Ann Klein. We always spend hours reminiscing about HS. They aren't on facebbook any longer, so I let him read the article on my computer about his Uncle Dick, who started & owned the Chicago Bulls. He really enjoyed it. Today Lori & I are heading south to the gulf. Hope to drive through the little town we lived in back in the 60's. Loved living in AL. Saturday the rest of my family arrives for a week together on the beach at Gulf Shores. Hopegully, I can get someone to put a pic on here for me. I'm technically challenged. When we get back to Franklin, I will spend a few days here before returning home. Will visit with Kleins again, also. Think I'll have to rest before I take off again. Usually do trips to the Oazrks & Branson with friends each year.. Not sure when or where our next girl trip will be. Guess we need to make some plans ladies.

Take care everyone & enjoy life one day at a time. Be thankful for everything.

Bill Orr

I just spent the last 4 days in South dakota absorbing the Pending Trump victory. They, the average south dokathotan,  feel that all blacks, jews, catholics and mexicans are to be killed or exported from the US so that the white sepremcy will reap the racial victory and enjoy the fruits of a racial victory over Trumps opponets. 

All I can say is that theDevil (Trump) is winning and will lead the cuntry to a Russian victory over our weak country.. He is preparing concentration camps for his opponents and will see them all submissive or dead.

Praise the Lord and FUCK trump!

Bill Orr

Lynda Beattie (Boomer)

Monday Evening -- June 25

1.  This is Bill Boomer -- do you remember when we used to run together?  You could always beat me!!

2.  I ran at Kansas for a while -- Billy Mills once said to me in the locker room, "I can run the last mile of the 5,000 meters in under four minutes when I have to." -- that's when I decided that it might be smarter to hit the books and forget track -- I had teammates who were Olympians (Bill Alley, Al Oerter, Jim Ryun).

3.  Lynda Beattie and I have been married for 53 years -- she was an English teacher/special education teacher for many years -- I am a retired professor of special education (adolescents with behavior disorders) -- I take art classes at the university and we travel to Europe once a year to see our daughter.

I would love to stay in touch.  Bill & Lynda Boomer