Update 4 on Jessica Young

Update on Joyce Graves Gadd's granddaughter, Jessica Young. Jessica seems to be holding her own after her terrible ordeal earlier this month. The doctors have set her broken leg, ankle, arm, and wrists, but are waiting on the broken bones in the spine as they should heal themselves. They interviewed Jessica the other day for a TV spot and it was good to see her so bright-eyed. Joyce ask for all to continue the prayers for Jessica as prayers have got her this far.

Get well soon Jessica. We are all behind you. Also may we send prayers to Joyce’s husband Roy on the loss of his brother-in-law in Cleveland, OH. We are all thinking of you Roy and may God bless the family at this time.

Bill and Jo Ann Jones 42nd Anniversary

A big congratulation to Bill Jones and his wife Jo Ann who just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary with a weeks stay in Branson, MO. Their son came down from MN to visit with them. They stayed at a condo on a beautiful golf course and they got to play a lot of golf. They saw some really good entertainment and had some great food. It was a good week of R & R for all of them. Bill and Jo Ann you hit a milestone for anniversaries and we wish you both many happy years together in the future! God bless you both and your lovely family.

Carolyn Holliday Eichner

Carolyn Holliday Eichner and her husband Robin celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on July 25th. They were married in Los Angeles, CA in 1972. Congratulations to the Eichner's on this special anniversary and may you have many more.

Eddie Huey

Eddie Huey has provided his email address and an updated home address for our alumni records. That info will be in the updated 4th quarter class directory. If you want to email Eddie prior to then just go to the Class List web page on our class website and click your mouse on his surname.

Update on Carol Blake's Knee Surgery

Just a brief update on Eugene Blake's wife Carol after her recent knee surgery . . .

Seems as though Carol had a little set back with the knee. She had to stop therapy this week, but will be back on track soon. Their son Jason flew to Clemson, SC and rented a car to drive up to see his mother and daddy. Jason is doing fine and Eugene says that at six foot five, single, no children, and a good job Jason is a Hot Commodity! Stay on the mend Carol. We need you walking before long.

Update 3 on Jessica Young

The latest news on Joyce Graves Gadd's granddaughter, Jessica Young . . .

Jessica is awake and was just put into a room with limited visitors. She will have surgery Friday (7/20) for the broken bones. The swelling in her brain has also gone down. So Jessica's health is looking up. Joyce asked for everyone to please keep Jessica in your prayers for her healing.

October 2007 Mini-Reunion

Linda Terry and Pat Hayes Smay are making the arrangements for the Class of 1961 to have a mini-reunion toward the latter part of October 2007. This will be a rather informal get together probably at a local restaurant in Shreveport. Of course all 1961 classmates and their guests are invited. If you want more information email Linda and/or Pat by clicking on their names in the first sentence of this posting and they will bring you up to speed.

Judy Pace Smith

Received this info from Judy Pace Smith . . .

What a blessing to say my husband, Edsel, and I celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary in June. However, I can't seem to calculate these years correctly, as in my mind and heart that is how "mature" I should be, or that I should be the age of our 41 year old son! Just doesn't add up! Also the first of June Edsel retired for the second time. He retired in 1986 from the Louisiana State Police after 25 years and last month from Louisiana Pacific after 20 years. Sadly his mom passed away on June 5th and until this week we have not really realized he is truly not working! After her death and all business aspects taken care of we were finally able to "go away" for several days for much needed R & R. For many years we rode motorcycles cross country, but I gave it up a while back. Edsel still has his bike and who knows, I just may take it up again myself. Bill Robert's story about his trip to North Carolina brought back wonderful memories of when we made that same trip and rode the "Deals Gap" ride. What a ride, huh Bill? Thank you Linda and Bill for keeping us all connected thru this new Blog.

85th Birthday of Carolyn Holliday Eichner's Dad

This news just in from Carolyn Holliday Eichner . . .

On August 8, 2007 all of Carolyn and Robin's family will come together to celebrate her father's 85th birthday on August 9th. He is a wonderful father and grandfather and all except two grandchildren (one has to work and the other is serving in Africa for 3 months) will be there for this very special day for Mr. Holliday. A great time will be had by all.

Happy Birthday Mr. Holliday. May you have many more Happy Birthdays to come.

Update 2 on Jessica Young

Joyce Graves Gadd has provided an update on her granddaughter Jessica Young . . .

Jessica has come out of the coma but due to the swelling in her brain she is talking like a baby. The doctors say that is normal. In a few days they will set the broken bones, which include a broken ankle, lower femur, wrist, two broken bones in the spine, and a collar bone. She also has problems with a rotator cuff, and there is blood in the stem of Jessica’s brain. The doctors are watching that closely.

When Jessica was found this past weekend on the side of the Interstate she was non-responsive, and its only by the Grace of God and the thousands of people praying for her that she is still alive. We are so excited she woke up, so please keep the prayers going.

Our prayers are with you Joyce and your whole family.

Betty and RD's Visit With Camilla

Camilla Fulco Doughty and Betty Molcany Barber and her husband, RD, had a very mini-reunion (okay, 3 people!) at Camilla's home in Northridge, CA in April. The Barber's were on their way to Oakland to visit their youngest son, Scott, and decided to make a nostalgic trip through southern CA on the way to northern CA. They spent two days with Camilla and agreed that the southern girl may not live in the south, but she hasn't lost that southern hospitality. Chatty days, late nights of Double Nines dominoes, good food including freshly squeezed orange juice from trees in Camilla's back yard, and a visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library made for a fast two days of fun. The visit to the presidential library was awesome particularly when we saw the actual Air Force One that he used for traveling displayed inside the building. As we stood on the floor and looked up and up and up, we were just speechless. Going through the plane gave us a touch of history as the guide explained the different sections. Of course, jars of jelly beans were on the tables. No, they wouldn't let us sample the candy! Now, we are trying to get Camilla and (Bubba) Brian to west Texas to enjoy Texas hospitality.

Clark & Kay Visit Betty & RD in Lubbock

Kay (Kitchens) and Clark Smith spent the weekend of July 14 with Betty (Molcany) and RD Barber in Lubbock, TX. Coming from the Houston area, the Smiths were very appreciative of the dry west Texas weather. The four of us spent three days catching up on kids, grandkids, jobs, retirement, playing Double Nines dominoes, eating, and seeing the sights of Lubbock. Since we only had Saturday to see everything, we gave them what we call the 50 cent tour which mainly involved a lot of driving. Tradition is that anyone that visits Lubbock has a picture made with the huge Buddy Holly glasses displayed outside the Buddy Holly museum. Being the good sports that they are, they certainly didn't want to break with the tradition! Now that they know that Lubbock is the best kept secret in Texas, maybe it won't be so long between visits.

Bill Robert's Motorcycle Trip

Here is the story of a recent motorcycle trip that Bill Roberts wanted to share . . .

On Friday June 22, at 5:30 am 30 Harley riders left Jacksonville, FL heading west on I-10 and then I-75 North to Hayesville, NC. That was a 12 hr - 500 mile ride. The motel had 20 rooms, and the group took all of them. The motel was on the side of a mountain overlooking a large lake. The next day (Saturday) we rode to Robbinsville, NC to see "Iron Horse,” a motorcycle lodge and cabins/campground. Then we all were back on the road to ride the New Cherohala Scenic Skyway, up another mountain which was 5,500 feet high and then to Deal's Gap, NC; 318 winding curves in a little over 11 miles. This was too much fun to even stop to eat at noon. At 6:00 pm when we came out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into Cherokee, NC we finally stopped to eat. When we got back to the motel we had gone 488 miles. We left Sunday (after eating) and came back to Jacksonville, FL. In one week-end we traveled GA, NC, TN, SC, and FL and rode 1,500 miles in three days. Not bad for an old guy like me at the young age of "64". What Fun!

Jackie Johnny Jones

Johnny Jones sent a note saying . . .

Hello fellow classmates. As some of you already know I have a huge toy collection with all kinds of toys. During the whole month of August 2007 I will have a toy show at the Shreve Memorial Library on Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. On display will be my Tonka truck collection, some of my old Life magazines, a very old BB gun, Mickey Mouse toys, and some other toys. I hope that some of you can come see my collection.

Several photos of the toys Johnny is displaying are in Album 02 on the Photos web page of our class website.

Eddie Huey

Linda Terry was recently in touch with classmate Eddie Huey and provided this info . . .

Here is an update on the goals and accomplishments of classmate Eddie Huey. He has a web site that is very interesting. Check it out by clicking on this link - www.edhuey.com. Eddie’s website tells about his life from his days in Shreveport until today. Seems Eddie is still active and happy. Write him a note as he will be glad to hear from his classmates at Fair Park High School.

Congratulations Eddie, on a musical career all these years and carry on my good man! Maybe you would sing for us at the big # 50 reunion in a few years? The pay is cheap but the audience is great and they'll love you.

Update 1 on Jessica Young

Here is the latest update on Joyce (Graves) and Roy Gadd's granddaughter Jessica Young. Jessica has now been upgraded from critical to serious/critical. She is moving around in bed and they had to restrain her arms. They are not sure yet if they will have to restrain her legs. She is still on the ventilator. They will do another MRI today (7/17) and compare it to the last one. Then the doctors will meet and decide when they can start setting all of the broken bones. So continue to pray for Jessica as Joyce and Roy know she has gotten this far due to all the prayers that have been sent.

Pat Hayes Smay's Vacation

This is a vacation update from Pat Hayes Smay. She just returned from Denver, Colorado and visiting with her youngest son and his wife (Chris & Ginny Smay). She flew into Denver and on the very first day of her arrival the three of them were off to Branson, Missouri for a weeks stay. Chris had just bought a new boat and wanted to try it out in the lakes of Missouri. They had rented a beautiful wood cabin about 5 miles out of Branson at Indian Point, which is on a gorgeous lake. There was a nice boat ramp to launch the boat and everyday they went out to view the sights of the surrounding area. Pat said it was just breath taking to see that part of the country in June.

They also went to see two shows in Branson that were very good and with these two shows they were able to eat supper as the shows were going on. The first show was Dolly Parton's Stampede. There were live buffalo to see along with all the things in a super rodeo. This meal was eaten with your hands only and Pat said she was glad they had all three washed their hands before going in. The food was good and the show was worth seeing. The second show was called the Show Boat. This was a very nice upper class show and the food was wonderful. They also ate while they viewed a fantastic floor show. This was the favorite for the three of them.

When the week was up they drove back to Denver and Pat stayed a few days and then flew into Houston, Texas where she had left her car. Her classmate from Fair Park and Woodlawn, Saundra Veyna, picked her up at the airport and they got to visit for a brief time. She then drove back to Shreveport a little on the tired side but was remembering the good times she and the family had.

Vacation time is over for Pat as she goes to work for the next few weeks at the Caddo Parish School Board Office on Midway St. in Shreveport. She's looking forward to a good year with the school system. Thanks Pat for the great vacation story.

Camilla Fulco Doughty

Camilla Fulco Doughty had her right hand operated on recently. She states the hand is almost brand new, but not quite back to fighting strength just yet. Camilla, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you on the recovery of that hand. Also, Camilla and Brian's grandson, Liam, who is so adorable, just turned 9 years old recently. Happy Birthday to Liam for that special day. Get well soon Camilla!

Brenda Martin's Father

Classmate Brenda Martin's father, Mr. Charles Martin, 86, was found dead this past week in South Caddo Parish. The death is currently under investigation and it looks like Mr. Martin met with foul play. We have been out of contact with Brenda for years, but she went to Claiborne, Midway, and Fair Park with a large group of us. Please pray for Brenda, her sister Cynthia, and her brother Phil that justice will be done, and that God will bless them as they go through this time of sorrow.

Update on Robert Watson

Barbara Neal McClellan of the '62 Fair Park class provided this update on Robert Watson . . .

Saundra Watson English (FP '62) will be going to Monroe a few days to be with her brother, Robert. He has cancer & blood clots in his lungs. The way she talked it sounds like it will anytime now before the Lord calls him.

Please keep Robert and his family in your prayers.

Robert Watson in Hospital in Monroe

This is to let everyone know that Robert Watson, who graduated with the Class of ‘60 and is a good friend to many of us in the Class of ‘61, is now in the hospital in Monroe undergoing health related testing. If you would like to send Robert a get well note or card his email address is rwat830@yahoo.com. I know his wife and family would appreciate the good thoughts and prayers sent to Robert. If any of you remember the sisters Sherrie and Susan Falls, who went to Woodlawn High School, then you might know that Robert is married to Sherrie. So please let’s offer up prayers for Robert, Sherrie and all the family at this time for the healing soon of Robert. Get well soon Robert and know you are in our thoughts and prayers for the future. We never forget our dear friends of other classes.

Prayer Request From Joyce Graves Gadd

Joyce Graves Gadd has sent an email requesting prayer for her granddaughter Jessica Young. Jessica was found on the side of the Interstate this morning by a passing motorist and no one knows for sure what happened. She has head injuries and multiple broken bones and is now in critical condition at the hospital. The next few days will be crucial for her recovery. So please offer up prayers for Jessica, Joyce, and the whole family. May tomorrow be better for all of them. An update will be posted as soon as the news arrives.

Update on Marvin Jones

Marvin Jones reports that since his heart attack earlier this year he has done amazingly well. He did all the rehab that was necessary to put himself back on his feet and make himself stronger. Now he is back to his old self and is working daily on his dune buggys and old cars. See, you can't keep a good man down, and that positive attitude he has sure helped the healing. Marvin your classmates of Fair Park High School are all keeping you in their thoughts for a good year with good health. Please take care of yourself and do some good hunting come this Fall.

Dean Bounds Knee Surgery

Johnny Johnson sent a note regarding Dean Bounds . . .

Dean Bounds is having both knees replaced Monday, 7/16/2007. Please let everyone know and keep him in your prayers.

Fair Park High School Alumni Group Forming

A Fair Park High School Alumni Association is being formed. Organizers are looking for all Fair Park High graduates from the 1930's to the present, former and current faculty and staff members and friends of the Shreveport school. Membership applications are available at http://geauxto.com/fpalumni. Information is available by email to the membership recruiter at David.Stanford@usarec.army.mil, the secretary at secfphsaa@hotmail.com and the director at CathyRBonds@aol.com. Or write P. O. Box 584, Greenwood, LA 71033.

Eugene Blake

Eugene Blake has provided an update on his wife Carol’s recent surgery for the total replacement of her right knee. She came home from the Rehab part of the surgery on Friday, July 13, 2007. She is holding her own and will have Home Health and Rehab come three times a week to help her adjust to the new knee. So again, please keep the Blake family in your prayers for Carol’s speedy recovery. The whole family has a bright outlook for her healing.

July Birthdays

Send Linda Terry your DOB and it will be posted in the News blog when the month of your birthday arrives.

July birthdays include . . .

Mary Ann Davis McMasters - July 19
Helen Lindsay Rigg - July 27
Kay Burford Murphy - July 30
Spate Anthony - July 30

Betty Sims Rose

Betty Sims Rose sent this email . . .

Betty's new grandbaby girl Makayla Elizabeth Rose was born on June 11th, weighing 8 lbs 5 oz and was 18" in length. Betty says that saying she is a little "chunky" is an understatement. She is just a cute little "pink" bundle of joy with a pair of lungs on her. She is very vocal about her needs!

She has a little brother Corbin (almost 3 yrs. old) who likes to hold his little sister (for a few minutes). He gives her lots of good kisses, but he still does not like being "upstaged." Betty said that the other night she went to visit the grandbabies and she always has to race up and down the hall with Corbin, and on the 10th lap Mimi (that's Betty) wore out. At that point, she opted for the couch and holding Makayla. Corbin didn't like her quitting on him and certainly did not like "his Mimi" holding Makayla. He looked at Betty with his little pouty look and said, "Mimi go home." He stayed mad until she finally went home. But the good news is he was okay a few days later and couldn't wait to give Mimi lots of kisses and hugs. Mimi had to bribe Corbin with a battery operated "Nemo" for the swimming pool though! Betty loves being a grandma and will do whatever it takes to make those babies happy.

Congratulations to Betty on the arrival of the new granddaughter.

Jerry Freeman

Jerry Freeman sent a note about his Mother’s recent death . . .

I really appreciate the thoughts and notes sent by each and every one, and my heart filled thanks to these friends for their response. My thoughts are with them as well.

Sue Scott Gough

Sue has provided the following schedule of activites that keep her busy these days . . .

Sue's Schedule:

This is what is going on in my life at this time.

• Church & ladies bible study - every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – noon.
  
  
• Curves - try to go on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Friday’s of each week.
  
  
• Red Hat Society meetings - starting next week - the first Wednesday of each month I will be going to places with the Red Hat Society Chapter - "Sassy Sexy Ladies."
  
  
• Red Hat Society Chapter - on Wednesday of next week - July 11 - 11:00 a.m. meet for lunch at Lucky Village restaurant on Westheimer/Beltway 8 - then shopping at the Harwin Mall on Harwin.
  
  
• Ediets group - Saturday - July 14 - 11:00 a.m. - ?- luncheon here at our house for Ediets group and family.
  
  
• Church group luncheon's - every 3rd Sunday of the month - on Sunday - July 15 - lunch with my Bible study group at Sandy's on I-10/Dairy Ashford.
  
  
• Church group women's ministry presents Psalms & Psalads - ladies, join us for an evening of praise, worship & fellowship with Dawn Smith Jordan - no charge - just bring a salad to share - on Sunday - July 22 - 6:00 p.m. - a ladies special meeting.
  
  
• Red Hat Society chapter - August 1 - Brookwood Community in Brookshire - tour of facility, eat at their cafe - shopping for items that are handmade by the people that live at the Brookwood Community Center.
  
  
• Lisa's MOP’s group - August 20 - gathering for the mothers of pre-schoolers and their kids here at our home - 10:00 a.m. - noon (?).
  
  
• Sometime in August - meet with Linda (a preacher) from the Ediets group that used to be spirituality and weight loss (now Christians "praying thin")- She will be in League City sometime in August - She lost her husband last August the night before I left to go to my 45th class reunion. We will meet for lunch.
  
  
• 2nd annual family reunion - September 1 - from 11:00 a.m. - ? (waiting to see who can come to get a head count).
  
  
• Ladies bible study group - beginning September 10 - November 26 - Beth Moore’s newest Bible study & updated version of a woman's heart: God's dwelling place. This study is an in-depth journey with God & his Tabernacle. 9:30 a.m. on Monday’s of each week! (Childcare provided at the 9:30 a.m. class).
  
  
• Awana - at Bear Creek Baptist Church - I will be working with Awana's - the sparks - kindergarten when school starts back.
  
  
• Awana is a national, nondenominational ministry for children ages 3 (by Sept. 1, 2006) through grade 5 with the purpose of reaching children with the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Each week children are taught about the love of Christ and how they can have a personal relationship with him. Fun bible studies, worship, scripture memory, games, puppets, crafts, awards, and other activities transform our Awana program into a lively weekly experience (during the school year) where fun and learning go hand in hand.

Judy Sewell Wilson

Judy has been having problems with her computer. She provided this info . . .

I thought some of my recent computer problems and what I have done to correct them might be worth mentioning to others. Recently my computer started running very slowly even though I have a fast internet connection. It was awful! I was considering buying a new computer, but one of my computer club members suggested I hire a local technician to evaluate my computer. Turns out there was nothing wrong with my computer except being overloaded with stuff. The lady I hired recommended reformatting my hard drive and doubling the random memory on my computer.

I decided that was the way to go. I was not really ready to go to the new Vista software that would be on a new computer as I use that software at my part-time job and also get updates on it at my computer club meetings. I also decided to get a bigger monitor. The lady I hired has found me a very affordable 22" flat panel monitor. This approach has saved me a bunch of money and all the stress of changing to Vista. I am well pleased with the updates so far.

Eugene Blake

Eugene sent a note that his wife Carol had a complete right knee replacement on Tuesday, July 3rd. She is in rehab now and is walking with the help of a walker. All seems to be ok except she has lots of bruising and soreness still.

So please let’s everyone keep her in our prayers for a complete recovery.