THE FIRESIDE LUNCHEON

One word was on everyone’s lips at the fifth event (a luncheon, at the Fireside Restaurant) – HOT!  We settled down, had a few cold drinks and soon we were discovering old friends and making new ones. The faculty that participated (7 in all) had a great time and left with a very small token of our appreciation and new memories of the Class of ’69.

Wayne Schleehauf, Ralph Culver, Al Amato, Larry Johnson

The Stage Crew - Tom Smoody, Harold Hanson, Tony Aleman, Bruce Albamonte

I just wondered how you managed the weather? You must have lots of pull with someone? Chicago weather never cooperates.       Harold and Karin Hanson

From the left, Robin Strand, Kathy Loerber Pepin, JoAnne Harris Hoffman

“…It was marvelous; I had a great time!”     Joanne Harris Hoffman

Ralph Culver and Joanne McCarthy Schoch

“Bon, my heart can’t wait 10 years for the next reunion, how about in 5?”       Ralph Culver

Kathy Koclanis Horan and Carole Pyant

“Being able to attend the 40-yr. reunion, was truly a most amazing time. I loved visiting with everyone and hearing of the many memories of my art classes. From the sculptures still on the closet shelves, to the banners at the Museum of Science and Industry. Or of how many of you have followed into some career in art or just in the pleasures enjoyed over the years. My heart was in my throat and tears were in my eyes with the joy of sharing. KUDOS to Bonnie and her committee for all the hard work that enabled this weekend to happen”.
My sincerest thanks….Shellee

Jay Anderson commiserating with Mrs. Langer, Ms. Himel, and Ms. Gerson

It was so good to see so many old friends again and to make new ones from classmates we had not connected with before – what a success – a friend of mine (who is our age) and graduated from Senn said all they did was meet at the cubby bear lounge for drinks – she was naturally impressed by our schedule of events – God bless           Jay Anderson

Charmaine Badal Gallagher and James Gallagher

A big thank you once again to Bonnie and the ones who helped set up a fantastic reunion! (well-deserved exclamation point because you believed in making this happen and all the events were just right) Starting with Johniece and Sharon at the Amundsen tour, I was very happy to see my long lost buds, then Claudeen, Al and Cathy, Georgianna, Mary Lou, Karen, Josephine, Jo Anne, Pat, Joanne, Bruce, Janice, Rita, and Rudy, Robyn, Susan, Debbie, Gail, Janis, Tom, Brenda, Rickie, Sue, Urania, Kathy, Michele, Elaine, Jean, Lynn, Janice, Alan, Annette, Susan, Forrest, Larry and everyone else I missed naming –thanks for being there and bringing special memories for me personally. Corny, but true, God brought your names to my heart when I was considering coming to the reunion, cuz Chicago seemed so far away, but I thought of each of you and pray that He will take good care of you. Pam Gilbertson we looked for you and Joyce Rapp you were missed and would have been provided for if you wanted to come. Thanks again, classmates, for a memorable time. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. You are welcome to visit us in Gastonia, NC. (Just call us at (704)854-9747 and let us know – we’d love to see you) Charmaine Badal Gallagher

Nick and Debbie Cosmas with Jim Lecas at top  of picture on the right

Kathy & Claudeen

Faculty members: Shellee Langer Greenfield – Jane Himel and Vicki Gerson – and, Janis Boghosian Ebert on right

“A delayed bit of gratitude due to health issues, but none-the-less sincere. It was a beautifully organized reunion, Bonita! So well attended, so well planned, so well handled. You deserve every credit for the great turnout and the pleasurable programs. You saw to every possible detail to enhance the whole experience. An amazing job! We were all so touched by the many thoughtful gifts, totally unexpected, but fully treasured, and even more by the appreciative and caring attentions we received. A heartwarming reunion in every respect. Thank you so much for an added wonderful memory of Amundsen!”With affection,    Julie Vasis

“This weekend was one of the highlights of my life.  Everyone I talked to was having such a wonderful time.  We can’t thank you enough.        Yours in Christ! ”   Janice Boghosian Ebert

JoAnne Harris Hoffman and Gail Anderson

Roland Richter with wife and Kathy K.

Jane Himel receiving the faculty bouquet

“I would like to thank you for the delicious luncheon and gifts you gave to the faculty. Some of my flowers are still blooming.  I’ve told everyone who would listen what a wonderful time we had.   Best of luck to you all.    Jane Himel”

JoAnne Harris Hoffman and Former Faculty, Alan Bohme

Alan Bohme posing with Pat Spejcher Ostenburg

“…You and your team did so much to help so many people relive our good and bad times and realize just how fortunate we are to have had those experiences.  I am indebted to all of you. Please thank everyone for me.”                   Alan Bohme

Kathy Koclanis Horan and Bob Gedmin share a hug

“I was just at the luncheon and had a wonderful time reading name tags. Some classmates have not changed very much in (40) years.”         Bob Gedmin

(from left) Roland Richter, Kathy Koclanis Horan, Mike Heaney, Tony Aleman, Bob Gedmin

“I know! Let’s have the next reunion in Australia!”       Kathy Koclanis Horan

Rickie Gates Taylor and our Ms. Pyant!

Dear Bonnie,
You (and your team) did an outstanding job of pulling together the ’69 reunion of AHS. The luncheon (and here’s a secret I’ll share with you) I thought: “I have nothing appropriate to wear and I’m having a “bad hair day” and ya da ya da…”’ I’m sooo happy that:

#1. Rosemary Tirio insisted that I attend (she may be little but she’s very influential and feisty!  I so enjoyed seeing the (chorus kids, especially)
#2. The food was delicious and my only “complaint” was that the “kids” kept coming over and were chatting me up! You know I’m kidding!
#3. When Alan Gerber gave me a CD of the ’69 chorus I was so touched because all I had was a reel to reel tape—or a cassette (Remember those?) Again, thank you for thinking of us and wanting to see us!
#4. The bouquet and thank you pins were the icing on the cake, which was delicious!
#5. Another great moment—Alan Sobel singing and playing in the bar—and insisting I sing along with him and then the Lorber sister joined in and harmonized with us on “Summertime.” Way cool—and touching.

Alan Sobel playing for the gang (in the air conditioning!)

“I miss you!” Alan Sobel