What would you most
like the class to know about you?
That Jesus has become number
one in my life and I pray that is true for all of my classmates, so we
can have a "real reunion" after we have all passed from these wrinkling,
aging, bodies.
What classmates do
you know that you feel deserve special recognition and for what do they
deserve that recognition?
I believe that Dan Thomas
and everyone involved with setting up these reunions every five years deserve
special recognition.
Do you have any ideas
for the program itself? What would you like to see?
If there is music, I would
like to hear oldies and not so loudies.
What would you most
like the class to know about you?
That
I am still alive (for some reason!) and kicking - and that I would like
to catch up on what everyone else has been doing since the last reunion.
What classmates do
you know that you feel deserve special recognition and for what do they
deserve that recognition?
Two
people come to mind immediately - Dan Thomas and Pete Peterson. The reason(s)
for the special recognition include their tireless efforts to insure that
everyone is informed about the class reunions (Dan) and that everyone feels
totally comfortable while at the reunions (Pete). You are both great guys
and deserve to be recognized for your efforts! Also, I am sure that others
contribute and they should be recognized as well, however Dan and Pete
should get "special honours!!!". Also, there is a third person, whose name
escapes me right now - however he maintains an ALHS website and he should
also be recognized. There are more... obviously, however you would know
them better than I.
Do you have any ideas
for the program itself? What would you like to see?
I
would just like to see everyone again! I really appreciate the opportunity
to get together with a lot of my classmates and find out what they have
been doing since the last reunion. Also, I have observed that several people
seem to "keep things going" at previous reunions. I hope that this continues
- I can mingle with any crowd, however I know that others have a hard time
"breaking the ice". To that end I would like to see the efforts in past
events continue.
What has impacted you the most in the last 35 years?
There are many things that have impacted me in the last 35 years...most likely my two girls, my husband, owning my own business, and travel outside the US are in the top four. Also, I'm amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit following natural or man-made tragedy (ie tsunami and Sept. 11).
What classmates do you know that you feel deserve special recognition and for what do they deserve that recognition?
I feel that the Reunion Committee deserves MAJOR recognition for putting everything together for us to enjoy ourselves every 5 years. This can only be a labor of love for them since they keep coming back for more. Help make their job easier by updating them on your whereabouts in between reunions...PLEASE. Congratulations on a wonderful job Reunion Committee!!
Do you have any ideas
for the program itself? What would you like to see?
I, unfortunately, will not
be able to attend this year since I am scheduled to have a hip replacement
3 weeks before the reunion. The past reunions have been great!
I think we entertain ourselves by 'catching up' with each other.
The only suggestions I would make is to have the music not be too loud.
Also, the photo displays have been wonderful at past reunions, but maybe
we could help the committe by giving them copies of some of our archive
of photos. clippings, etc. for the 40th reunion. Possibly even have
a grad photo of ourselves and then a family photo that is more up-to-date
next to it to see how we have 'progressed' through the years.
Turning 50+ has been magical
for me.
I have spent the past
35 years studying, learning and teaching health and wellness. Starting
out in the medical field was a great education but complementary practices
combined with technology are where I am aligning my energies and focus.
I have always loved meeting and working with people. I believe my gift
is to make a difference in the world by touching the life of another human
being. To find true health, leads to wealth, which leads to happiness,
which is ultimate health.
I can't wait to see where the next 35 years take us.................
I don't know what other classmates
have done so it will be very fun to hear.
As far as the program, just
talking with everyone would be a blast.
Thanks again for all your
work!
Sally
While preparing to respond to the questionnaire for the class reunion, I used it as an opportunity to reflect on many things in my life, but most importantly on the impact that my high school experiences had.
I believe it is important to take some time to reflect on the events that have shaped our lives for the past 35 plus years. The class of 1970 shared a time in our nation's history that was turbulent but at the same time momentous. We all shared, in some eay or another, the tragedy of the Viet Nam war. Either by losing a friend, relative, or fellow soldier, or by voicing an opinion that wasn't popular at the time, we all shared in the impact that war had on our community.
Our generation also witnessed together the civil unrest of the 60's, which focused attention on improving civil rights for all; and directed attention to the environment---locally and nationally by celebrating and honoring the first Earth Day. At the same time, we were preparing for our futures either by studying, working, or serving the military.
I have enclosed some photos of some of the most important events in my life the past 35 years. Of course, the first and most important was marrying my classmate, Cordie, almost 31 years ago and having three wonderful daughters. My youngest daughter graduated this year and continued a strong family tradition of Abraham Lincoln H.S. graduates since all three of my daughters are now alumnae (and both of my parents).
The other photos are from my work with Doctors of the World at a refugee camp near Kosovo in 1999. At that time Slobodan Milosovic was instituting a policy of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and there was a massive refugee crisis as many ethnic Albanians fled Kosovo for safer territory. For various reasons, I volunteered to serve my fellow man. I have thought long and hard about that experience and the decision I made to go there. And believe I was called to help those in need because of my many blessings from having been raised and educated in the Midwest, in Iowa, yes, in Council Bluffs at Abraham Lincoln H.S.
While you are a student in high school you never suspect that the experiences you have, the education you receive, the mentors you have, the friends you have, will have such an impact. But now, through the "magic" of ageing and experience, we all probably know better. We all know that those things did make an impact on who we are and what we have accomplished.
Many thanks and accolades go to my fanily, friends, teachers,
and especially to my classmates of the Abraham Lincoln H.S. class of 1970,
and especially to my favorite classmate who is now my wife of (gulp) 31
years!!! The class of 1970 has made an impact for the better in our community
and the world and has much more to offer. Go A.L.H.S. Class of 1970!!