ALUMNI MEET-UPS

Keeping the connections going, the class of 1969 continue to gather. May this poem inspire you to pick up the phone, write an email or knock on a door. (Newest submissions will be added immediately after the poem.)

COMES THE DAWN
by Veronica Shoffstall

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,
And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans,
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn…
With every goodbye you learn.

In the summer of 2010 Lynn Rizzo was in town which was always cause for a celebration. This particular group met at Maggiano’s for a longggggggggg lunch! Thanks to Al Gerber for this submission.

Al, Urania and Dina standing, Jo, Lisabeth and Lynn

On Feb. 12, 2011, Fred and Pat hosted a McPherson Elementary/Amundsen Reunion at Richochet’s Pub located in the Lincoln Square area of Chicago. Photos courtesy of Christeen Oellrich.

Jesse Chin

Phil Oellrich and Ed Rojek

Fred Waring and Pat Kolder at Richochets Pub

Phil Oellrich and Harold Hansen

On Oct. 17, a group from Coonley School graduates (who went onto AHS and Lane Tech HS) got together for dinner at Ti Amo Cafe in Hoffman Estates.

Sitting; MaryAnn Maganzini, Liz Ross Cummings, Gail Williams Molitor, and Mike Heaney.

Standing from left; Jim Kehoe, Frank Bleeker, Bob Gedmin, Gary Marcuson (Lane Tech), and Roland Richter.

Coonley/AHS Graduates

“Pictures I took the day of the reunion follow. We spent many lunch periods walking to Budacki’s for lunch. It hasn’t changed much. One employee came out and asked, “What’s with the pictures?” I told him about our 40th – he smiled and asked me to come in for a complimentary drink!” Bob Gedmin