Homecoming 2009... the next class get-together

Hello everyone, Now, in retrospect, the 41st year of THE Wolverines went by quickly. Although the "down turn" has made budget planning the first step in pursuit of a seated lunch, Eastern radicals have bluffed their way through another twelve months of thermo-nuclear development, and the thought of buying a car with tail fins is as fleeting as a real rock-n-roll band, A GREAT YEAR OUR 41st WAS! The best year I have had in a long time. And so, with 42 looming and the smell of tinsel permeating the air, I have decided what I want for Christmas. And, I only want one thing. I want one promise, from each and every '67 Wolverine, that THE CLASS will get together again! And, because I am selfish, I want it in 42. There has been some preliminary talk regarding Homecoming so let's take a good look at it and discuss the possiblity after the first of the year/as we get closer to late winter - early spring. I hope this finds everyone well, happy, and snug for the Holidays! Thanks for the year and Merry, Merry Christmas! '67-On, All. Luvya's, Tommy T

I agree 100% on everyone of us 67 wolverines show up for 09 homecoming and I think we should write that in stone, soon, What do you think? And with that I will take this time and wish each & everyone a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of new years. I mean come on guys & gals we are just getting to damn old for any of this unhappy bull****, RIGHT? Anyhow we will see all of yous next year. Later, Ed

Thanks for your heart felt expression, Loma. We love you!

At 10 minutes the tears came.
At 11 minutes the chills came.
At 56 minutes the tears along with chills returned.

I must say, Denez what you have created for us in this DVD has come from your heart and soul, and is a work of love and labor.

Thank you.

I was right there with all of you, smiling, laughing, crying, being silly, just enjoying all that was all of you. I do believe that spending this weekend with all of you will be a time I won't soon forget, and hope to enjoy again.

I do hope that those of you that could not be with all of us will order these 3 DVD and share this time with us. This set will be something you can pass down to your children and I know you will enjoy trying to figure out who we all are. I am very sorry that I missed getting to see all of you that couldn't come.

I am looking forward to the "Where's Waldo" event that Lee is preparing for all of us.

No comes my job to duplicate the DVD's, box, and get them into the mail to all of you on the list.

Blessings to all of you, enjoy your families during the coming Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, Loma Buletti Wharton

Reunion DVD Update from T

Hi everyone, Just a quick note to let you know I received some positive reverberations regarding the reunion discs. Kenny called to report he had received the disc masters from Denise and had reviewed them. Said they are "superlative". I was not surprised at that report of quality but was surprised Runyan used that long of a word. Ken said he packaged the disc masters with the labels masters and had moved them to Loma. Loma called this morning on her way to work. She reported she had looked at the reunion disc and had cried twice.

So, the discs must be pretty good - Runyan used a big word and Loma cried, twice. Between tears, Loma said the discs should be back from the duplicater and going to the mail in a couple of weeks.

If you would like to add your name to the order list, give Kenny a call at 707-354-1864. The best time to catch him is between 11:30 PM and 04:30 AM. I wouldn't bug Loma while she's emotional! Luvyas, T

They're HOT and they're ready...Reunion DVD's

Are you kidding me? I just did a preview on the newly released “Reunion” DVD.

From the time the reunion DVD starts, the music grabs you and don’t look back because you are in for a nostalgic ride. Lots of humor and lots of smiles.

This thing is so well put together it will keep your interest, you’ll wish you’d turned off your screen saver so you didn’t miss a single frame.
Like a book you just can’t put down, you’ll sacrifice the time it takes to watch the complete event in one sitting.

I once knew the people in this video, but now I really know them and very glad I do – great people from the class of 67’

Some resemblance of old school friends getting together again and very evident of new friendships and a wealth of communication where it may not have been so in past years.

Back to the video; it highlights the Willits Arch and the high school people meeting people. Lots of spouses meeting people they may have heard of prior to this event, but meeting for the first time. Comments from the outsiders, now insiders, was how much fun the class of 67’ was and this video validates that sentiment. I’m usually pretty busy, and don’t get involved with watching things like this, but once I started it, I couldn’t stop watching it. The whole reunion experience I had, came back.

A real heartfelt appreciation to all that could come and those that worked so hard on putting it together. Everyone knows who they are, but a special thanks goes out to the once Trophy wife of Butch Lewis, who is now Denise Lewis, who was inducted into the committee and the class of 67 by all. Denise worked tirelessly to put this video together, and did an outstanding job.

This is not a sales pitch to get you to buy the video, but it is worth grabbing your copy and the funds are going to the “Class of 67’” scholorship fund/ a new concept for WHS Alumni – we’re the only year that has attempted this. More on that later.
Class of 67’ Rock On!

Ken Runyan
Class of 67’

Class News and Updates

Fellow Classmates,

Sorry I have been delinquent in getting news on the blog these past few weeks. No good excuse, just got caught up in the busyness of life after our awesome reunion experience. I will try to catch everyone up on the latest.

Tommy T has reported that Ken's operation on Monday in San Francisco was a success and he is now safely back home in Willits. Ken thanks everyone for their prayers, thoughts and concern in his behalf , before, during, and after his operation. He should be back in the saddle soon, after a few days of rest and relaxation.


Here are a few emails that went out to the class, shortly following Ken's surgery.

10/29/08 "Hey Everyone,Hope Kenny you are doing great. Really enjoyed seeing everyone this summer, but came back Labor Day filled with essays that needed to be read. Been on the run since. I'll try to stay in touch, but that is often easier said than done.Love you guys and gals. Thanks for the memories."
Bonnie Mitchell and Bob Dunlap

10/29/08 "HI Group..... I just talked to Ken a few minutes ago and he is literally heading home after his medical procedure in San Francisco.He sounded great! He and Nancy will be taking their time on the way back and will be home tonight. I have an arm wrestling match scheduled with him sometime tomorrow. I'm still at a disadvantage! He talked about the "Where's Waldo Project". Lee, Loma, Fred and Tom, get ready to go to work. Nice to have all of you on board. Ken.... Nice to have you back."
Bruce

10/27/08 "Hello '67's, This is a quick note to let you know Ken Runyan as successfully exited the operating room after having his carotid arteries cleared of blockage. The operation was of abnormal concern because of old cancer treatment damage to the arteries. However, Nancy phoned from the hospital and reported Ken is alert, drinking clear liquids, and looking at advetisements for cameras. If he is looking at cameras it doesn't prove much. He will do that when he is dead. But, the report of alert and drinking gives me a level of confidence he'll be back on the shutter release before too long. Hope this finds everyone elsebright-eyed and bushy-tailed; the way Wolverines should be!!!!! Best regards, T PS - Fred is putting "Keninfo" on the Class blog for our review." T



Here are updates on two class projects from T. First, the Reunion discs and class photo update:

10/29/08 - Hello fellow '67's, This is an update regarding the discs of pictures from the reunion. They are still in the works and coming along. Denis had to fall back and reformat because she discovered her first formatting was only good for display on a computer. So, her new formatting will be good to show on hardware types. Loma and Kenny are ready to send them out as soon as they are ready. The way I understand, it should be early November. If anyone missed ordering earlier, you may still do so. Just send $10.00 per disc to Kenny and tell him which ones you want. There is the reunion itself, the pictures from the "Good Old Days", and the Memorial. The picture of the Class on the Steps of the School is, also, available. You may order either an 8 X 10 or a 13 X 19. Picture pricing is $10 for the smaller and $20 for the larger. The pictures are ready to go now. Again, checks to Kenny. Ken's address is: Ken Runyan, 24149 Birch Terrace, Willits, CA 95490. Wolverine on! T


Next is an update on the Class of 67 Scholarship Fund Project:

10/29/08 "Hello again everyone, This is an update about the Class Scholarship Program. The Class Planning Group has been meeting twice monthly on the first and third Tuesdays. We have begun discussion regarding the Class Scholarship Program. Group came to consensus on the Program's first milestone. The Group would like to form a "Scholarship Board" to provide steering, oversight, and decision-making and would like to form a "Scholarship Research Group" to provide technical and interpretive support. The Group envisions the Board as having approximately five seats and the Reasearch Group as seating as many Classmates as have available time. The Group agrees all seats must be filled by Class of '67 Classmates such that control of the Scholarship Program will be retained by the Class. The Scholarship Program Board and Group will function as a subcommittee of the Class and Planning Group with all meetings/ actions/etc open to any Classmate and with reporting to the Class throught the Planning Group. PLEASE consider volnteering for either the Board or Group. The best result will be generated with the greatest possible level of participation.

If you feel you have time availalble to participate as a seated Classmate, PLEASE contact anyone of the Planning Group Classmates or come in on the next Planning Group Meeting - Conference on November 11. (1st Tuesday meeting moved from 11/4 to the next Tuesday to avoid a conflict with the National elections) Anyone of the Planning Group will be happy to assist you in getting hooked up for the conferences. Those Classmates currently active in the Planning Group are: Lome-Buletti-Wharton, Ellen Derego-Brown, Sonja Herrick, Marilyn Mickle-Lindstrom, Bruce Formslag, Lee Leishman, Eddie Marlett, Fred Olenik, Ken "the Artery" Runyan, Tom Tufts. By the way, The Planning Group would dearly love to have more classmates involved and helping. Lee just entered the Group last meeting and is engineering a project with Bruce and Ken to provide a "Classmates Map"for social use by the Class. The meetings begin at 8 PM PSTon those Tuesdays and last about an hour - hour and onehalf and are great fun! Currentlly we have the reunion discs project finishing up and then will start on the '09 Homecoming get-together plans among other things. Jump in if you can, the group would very warmly, affectionately, and appreciatively welcome your help and addition to the fun!

Anyway, in the interest of moving the Scholarship Program forward, the Planning Group would like to seat the Board and Research Group at the November 11 meeting - Conference. PLEASE, prior to the Nov. 11 meeting - conference, advise anyone of the P. Group Classmates of your availabilty to fill a seat. And, if possible, plan to attend the November 11, 8 PM meeting - conference. Information is available on the Class Blog. Fred is much better than I would be at providing updates and it is probably a lot more efficient than reading all this from me. Hope this finds everyone well and far, far from the Pricipal's office! '67 - on!!!!" TT


"Where's Willie and Waldo" Project

We will have an update on this project, soon. It is being headed up by Bruce, with Lee, Loma, Tom, Ken and myself, helping to get it launched. It will be tons of fun to locate all of the classmates from an arial view on Google Earth. Watch for updates...!!!


"Class of 67 and Homecoming 2009"...Plan to attend and watch for updates.

If you have news, views, or other information you would like to post on the blog, please send it along. We will plan at least a weekly blog post with regular updates on the current projects. We hope everyone will feel and be a "part of" this connection and communique.

When Day is Done....

The Class of 67, 41st Reunion, was an overwhelming success! The unofficial count was 99 in attendance, counting classmates (50), spouses and significant others (30), teachers (11), and visitors (8).

We hope everyone enjoyed themselves and returned home, safely, to find all well. Beginning with the "Meet and Greet" on Saturday at the Broiler and continuing to late Sunday night, it was an event of all events. Eddie described it best in his letter to the class, tonight, "For those of you who didn’t make it, you were their in our hearts, our minds, and in many of our conversations. But let me tell you, you will not want to miss the next one, guaranteed you will have a great time, and you will not want to miss another one, again."

So many did so much to make this happen. Thank you for all of your efforts! Mostly, thanks for attending! Our next get together is slated for Homecoming 2009, when those who can, will assemble and march in the Homecoming Parade in Willits, behind the "Class of 67" banner. I believe at the clean-up on Monday morning, I over heard Hud volunteering to lead us, dressed as "Atilla the Hun".

Denise is working hard to put together the DVD's for the reunion from the multitude of photos taken by Ken, Bruce and others. The arial shots of the reunion, taken by Bruce, from Jon's helo, were exceptional. So, if you didn't order your copies at the reunion, please let us know what you would like. There will be three separate DVD's...first will be a memorial DVD for our deceased classmates, second is a presentation of photos and music from high school, and third will be a compilation of photos and music from all sessions of the reunion. Each are $10. Order details will be posted, shortly. If at all possible, you will want to order all three. These will hold cherished memories of classmates and lifelong friends for many years to come.

We are completing the classmate contact list. If you need any contact information for any classmates, please let me know. We felt it appropriate to share contact information by request, rather that posting it or sending it out to everyone by email.

The format for the class blog is undergoing some changes. This may not be the template and format, going forward, but it will have a new look as we enter our 42nd year...just as we are forever changed (for the good) from this awesome experience.

We are hours away from the 41st!!!

Dear Classmates,

Hope this finds everyone well! It seems like just 41 years ago we were all at the School. Now I think it's something like 41 hours and we'll be there again. Doesn't sound like we've made much progress. 41 years and we're going right back where we started. Could be a lot worse though. At least we have a great place and great memories to which to return. (Is that right or correct?)(Where's Rockefeller when you need her) I am looking greatly forward to seeing everyone. I will try my dangedest to make the Rendezvous Saturday night at the Broiler. I have a pretty fair set of "May Pop" tires on Old Paint so am hoping the drive goes uneventfully. If I don't get there, please, punch Olenik and Runyan in the arm for me and I will see you all Sunday. Best regards! T

APPROACHING LAUNCH TIME.....

Hello everyone,

There is just over a week to go. More and More Classmates are coming on board. I think this is going to be more than just a great time but a special occasion. If you have not secured your ticket, I recommend you do so. The ticket price is rolled back to the original $35 amount. However, "at the door", the price is $45 and comes with no guarantee of a meal. It looks like a ton of Classmates are scheduling to meet Saturday night at the Broiler. I am going to be driving but will try my darnedest to make it. Please remember to bring items of nostalgia and Class/School trivia. We are going to put the nostalgia up for display/review and are going to have some fun with the trivia. If you cannot attend, PLEASE, send a current picture of yourself and a few words about what you are doing. We will put them up. Also, it would be nice to have current address and phone info so we can put it together for the Class.You can e-mail or snail mail to Ken Runyan. You have his e-mail address and his house address is 24149 Birch Terrace, Willits, 95490, His phone is: 707-354-1864. Oh, another also, let Ken know if you are coming to the Broiler*** Saturday night so that he may tell the Broiler how many seats will be needed. I hope everyone is happy and healthy coming into this last week. I am looking forward to enjoying the great people of the greatest class! See you soon! Tommy T.

*** There has been so much enthusiasm for the Saturday night Broiler Meet & Greet that it's run up over 60 people and counting.
Nancy contacted the Broiler tonight to warn them, and here's what they have to say about that.
Fine...........Bring em' on - but:
They consider any parties of 30 or more a banquet, and they have to bring in additional help to provide the service required, and we will have our own room, isolated from the rest of their dining patrons.
The cost per person is $25.
This includes;' Dinner (choice of NY Steak, Chicken or Prawns), Water, Coffee Desert and TIP. (=bargain, Cheaper than individual meals there) Additional drinks for dinner will be paid for as you go.
They still open at 5:00pm, and we can still do the meet & greet in their bar area, where it will be a NO HOST bar for drinks.
Please talk to others that are coming to make sure they know what's happening. Contact anyone that you know doesn't have email, or that will not get this message. K

Reunion Update...Get Ready...Get Set...

Classmates,

The price of tickets ordered after July 31st has been rolled back from $45 to $35. However, the caterer needs meal count with some lead time prior to the reunion. Therefore, "walk-in" attendees will be at $45 and no meal guarantee can be provided. Get your ticket check to Runyan at 24149 Birch Terrace, Willits, CA 95490 (the "Terrace" is important because there are number of Birch's). Ken's e-mail is ken.runyan@comcast.net, phone is 707-354-1864.

Ellen and Ken are putting together nostalgia and trivia items and display for the reunion. Please send or bring any and all nostalgia and trivia items to them or to the reunion. Should be great! Good sources have it the Kathy Sullivan is going to attend - coming all the way from Hawaii. Yep, should be great!

There will be a "No Host" early-bird dinner get-together Saturday August 30 at the Broiler in Redwood Valley. A "No Host" cocktail hour will begin at 6:30 PM (optional 5 PM start time for those who would like to visit a little longer before dinner) with the "No Host" dinner to seat at 7 O'Clock. Please RSVP to Ken Runyan prior to a week before the event so he may communicate seating needs with the Broiler. Ken's number is 707-354-1864 or e-mail. His e-mail address is above.

The reunion activities will include brief comments by David Page and a moment of silence for our deceased Classmates. David will be attending from Southern Oregon.

Bonnie Mitchell has written a very nice press release regarding the reunion. It was published in the Willits News with our Class graduation picture. Bonnie will be attending from Arcata and may have news for us.

If you have any homework you still need to attend, you may be in luck. We will have some of the teachers attending. Might not hurt to bring some running shoes in case we have to run laps.

Also, remember, we will meet at the School at 1:30 in the afternoon for a Class picture in front of the School. We will, then, go on a walking tour of the Halls - led by one of our Teachers. Should be extra great. We will then caravan to Huddle's house for the remainder of the day/evening. Should be super duper great!!!! See you in a couple weeks - Green & Gold on '67's, Green & Gold - On!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TT

A special thanks to Bonnie for writing this excellent article for the Willits News and working with the editor to get it published....

Class of 1967 plans Aug. 31 reunion

The Willits News
Article Launched: 08/01/2008 10:45:08 AM PDT

Special for The Willits News

In an unprecedented effort to contact every member of the Willits High School graduating class of 1967, organizers of the class's 41st reunion hope to reunite with most of their former classmates and teachers on Sunday, August 31.

The reunion will begin with a gathering on the entrance steps of WHS and continue later at the home of classmate Richard Huddle. There alumni hope to visit, to reminisce, and recognize classmates some haven't seen in 41 years.

Former class salutatorian Vernell Soulliere-Falgout will be traveling all the way from Petal, Mississippi; several other alumni are planning to attend from the Seattle, Washington, area.

In an odd-year reunion effort, according to spearheading organizers Fred Olenik of Utah and Tom Tufts of Southern California, the genesis of the single-class reunion began in January 2008.

Having met at former multi-class reunions, WHS grads Doug Forrester, Bruce Formslag, Dennis McClelland, Jon McKee and Ken Runyan began the area effort, while Olenik set up a blog address (willitshighclassof67.blogspot.com/) with Tufts sending emails and calling numerous classmates.

As a result, nearly 80 percent of the class has been contacted and currently 53 graduates of the 109 are planning to attend the weekend event.

The 1967 graduates will begin their day with a meet-and-greet at the high school at 1:30 p.m., followed by a group photo at 2 p.m. and a tour of their old high school led by a former teacher. The group will then caravan to Richard Huddle's house south of town.

According to reunion treasurer Ken Runyan, classmates still have time to send in their $35 per person checks to him at 24149 Birch Terrace, Willits, CA 95490. After July 31, the cost will increase to $45 per person.

Reunion activities will include a moment of silence and remembrance for deceased classmates, a recognition of former teachers, a photo gallery, a trivia board and, of course, food and music.

Former teachers planning to attend include Ruth Rockefeller, Tom Schubert, Larry Stranske, Nancy and Douglas Oliver, and Hugh Walters. Marilyn Mickle and Felix Soto have been working on contacting teachers and say it's possible others may attend.

Organizers are eager to contact everyone in their class and are still trying to reach 16 fellow classmates. As organizer Fred Olenik said, "This class is the first to reach out to each and every classmate. All the barriers are down for this reunion. We're getting older and we really want to see everyone."

Anyone who knows how to reach the following students may contact Ken Runyan at ken.runyan@comcast.net; Olenik at folenik@comcast.net; or Tom Tufts at satufts@pacbell.net: Cynthia Bean, Mike Clark, Chester Elliott, Brenda Enox, Josie Francis, Kazumi Kabori Hibbs, Marlene Hinzman, Jon Jay, Danny Madden, Kathleen McDonald, Karen Northington, James Reed, Elizabeth Reynolds, Penny Terhune, Susan Lind Turner and Virginia Van Pelt.

Classmates can keep posted of the coming event by checking the class' blogspot or by contacting any member of the planning committee. As Tufts put it recently in a phone interview, "I have such fond memories of high school. Yellowstone is pretty, but people are beautiful and I don't want to wait another year to see everyone."

The original article can be viewed at http://www.willitsnews.com/ci_10068241?source=email