'One Night' - but a moment To Remember.I simply hope that we all can have one with Steve and Dave, Garth and Debbie, and even Barry.
Dave with his friends - "The" Lombardo clan.
Steve with his friend Gordie (...remember my name, just in passing...)
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Billings "good old days" theme.
Andrew Seary a Winning Driver.
Lynn Beauvais & Sons.
Randi, Ann-Christine,Mom&Dad Gurholt
The “good old days” theme.
My parents moved to Chateauguay where their children would be exposed to ‘good’ people.
When we moved to Seigniory Park, I was one of a few on my hockey team able to even barely keep up with the likes of Bobby and Barry Oliver/ Roddy Artagnan, in the Heights or the Heggisson/ Kaye/ Laroux/ Cutway line in Colonia, or the Carl Noble factor in the Terrace. I could at least score one goal to their five for Seigniory Park.
Seignory Park development (Concordia Estates) only went as far as Woodbine street. Concordia Street and Oliver Street near ‘The Pines’, were still fields. Barry Jones, Pierre Lacroix, Willy and Sandra Traynor, Mark Hacon, Glenda Drummond – were still yet to be a presence.
Craik Street had just evolved from a dirt path beside “Northern Circle ( the domain of Glen Finnerty, Susan Wilding, Gary Roundtree and Andrew and Kaj Larsen) to become a street connected to Saint Francis street -which only went up as far as Maple at this time.
We were vaguely aware that Indians lived nearby, but our exposure to that culture was mostly through movies featuring Ronald Reagan and other celluloid icons.
My dad had been a lacrosse player for Verdun. He bought his sticks in Kahnawake. Later when he began to teach me this game, he brought me over to Kahnawake to a sport shop owned by Mr. Two Rivers. While Mr. Two Rivers and my father chatted, I took my stick outside. I met a boy who told be I could braid the leather strands that came out the bottom of the ‘basket’. This was my first contact with a new (actually a much older) culture. I liked this village. People were friendly –they seemed to really ‘know’ each other when they stopped to talk and pass the time of day. I enjoyed that brief glimpse of their world.
In grade 8 (1969), the people of Kahanwake, (Kahnawakero:no) consented to have their children, (many who already attended school in Lachine), go to HS Billings. Whether we know it or not, due to their consent, we were indeed privileged to acquire a very real educational experience the "school of life”. We were (through this experience) enabled to widen our cultural horizons.
It was at this time, both in the United States and Canada the concept of integration and “inclusiveness” found it’s way into the High School system. We were in the throws of an alleged “age of Aquarius”. New ideas and courage were needed by all. HSBillings at that time, was bussing students in from St.Tmothy, Beauharnois, Maple Grove and needed numbers to fill this “Regional” institution.
I noted that those from Chateauguay, who wore fear of this integration openly, had rougher times than those who used their sense of humour, or became involved in “common activities” – football, wrestling, field hockey and athletics.
I made new friends –many; names like Beauvais, Snow, Loft, Rice, Deere, Deerehouse and many others entered into my lexicon.
It could not have been easy for these children of Kahnawake to enter this place of East,West,North and South Wings –especially with some very uniquely behaved adolescents on our paler side of the cultural equation. It would take time and some very real ‘human dynamics’ and empathy on all sides to reach a working balance.
Was high school easy?
No! Everyone who enters high school no matter where or when, are at a very sensitive stage of their own personal evolution.
Where does a school spirit come from?
Individual students? The times we live in? Is it bottom up or top down in nature?
What is a “Good Old Days Theme”?
Simply remembering the "good"? Simply engaging in nostalgic gibberish?
Would it be of particular benefit to focus on the negatives of adolescent behavior? Are negative stories from the past what we wish to focus on at a Reunion? I doubt it.
What Makes A High School?
Is it the teachers? The administration? The mass of students? The programs? The white or blue collar nature of the working environment surrounding it?
Community Makes a High School
I had neighbors, friends and acquaintances who made up our common communities and High School, who led by example; good people with good names - such as Stevens, Reid, Oliver, Hart, O’Hanley, Kane, McComber, Lamarre, Houston, Lahache, Hillock, Johnson, Keipert, Ghorayeb, Darcy, McManus, Stark, Montour, Zimmerman, Gurholt, Bobbitt, Noble, Seary, Maclean, Bates, Allen, Rennie, Kaye, Holden, O’Connor, D’Aguilar, Pinter, Muir, Williams, Goodfellow, Markhauser, Parent, Culham, Lee, Robichaud, Cutway, Mackenzie, Poirier, Perry, Gulkin, Artagnan, McKee, Spratt, Burton, Dempster, Bennett, Jones, Young and Toth to name only a few.
Their parents passed on an element of strength to their children – positive attitude- to compete, to persevere, to be strong in character and to survive.
We had some excellent teachers – Howes, Dawson, Green, McElrea, Mahabir, Thomas, Calder, Bush, Munkittrick, Elias, Radakir, Maynes, Proulx, McKesey, Strike, Falcon (to name only some.)
This Reunion ‘movement’ has already become a positive experience, for many who have begun to use it as a point of reference for where they are and where they have come from – from the adolescents they once were, to the evolved and mature adults they are now (well o.k., most of them).
As a participant, it is those of positive attitude I wish to see, those who recognize that this event is not simply a nostalgic look at a contrived ‘Polyanna’ past, but rather a celebration of who we are now as adults some 30-35 years later.
There are those (not many) who wish to remind me that the “good old days” were actually –for them in particular, -the “bad old” days. I think we already know and remember the ‘bad’ as all high school students must.
We can go back to a litany of things:
- remember the loneliness, until our FRIENDS found us.
- remember the bullying by those who had trouble within themselves and at home.
- remember certain racial tensions for those who had not been prepared by parents to be open minded.
- remember that some teachers were really not cut out to teach and had to find out by experience.
-we remember that some students were neither ‘ready ‘nor properly trained at the art and skill of ‘learning’ but could they ever distract.
High School was and is a system, just as society is a set of cultural sub-systems. To make it work, one needs the ‘right attitude’.
To enjoy a Reunion, we go back, visit the physical structure for an hour or so, perhaps bump into someone pleasantly remembered – perhaps one last time – and then we leave it, once more – to retire to the reception and celebrate life in the "HERE & NOW, with old friends and acquaintances.
The Reunion is a way of recognizing and then burying the past- one last time with those who will perhaps derive some of the greatest ‘meaning’ by seeing “you” in particular, -that you have actually grown older and perhaps, - wiser.
Of course one can always announce that one is not going, and then proceed to take pot shots at it – so much for wisdom. What is gained by this? (Misery loves company?)
For some it is more comforting to remember and nurse the hurt.
Ah well, -It takes all kinds to make a world.
What “kind” are you these days?
Look at the pictures above. Here are some who have "become".
Monday, June 12, 2006
TEACHERS SHOULD BE A
Written by Lynda (Young) Chapleau
TEACHERS SHOULD BE A PART OF OUR MEMORIES
Reading the wonderful tales written so far, I couldn’t help but think how lucky we were to have some of our former “teachers”, especially those, who gave so freely of their time and patience. I think we might have taken these gifts for granted.
I remember Miss. Laporte and Mr. McElrea in particular, devoting so much effort with the Drama Club- putting up with our antics, both on and off stage.
There are two others I would love to see once more; two who made a profound impact on my life.
I will always remember her theatrical way of making everything we studied for Grade 10 English, so real; vibrant! She introduced me to the practice of journal writing. Everyone groaned and grumbled when they heard the topic, yet, we did use them for a time. I suspect by year end they were long forgotten, but that part stayed with me.
I’m not saying that I write a journal faithfully, yet similar to exhaustive and soul-baring letters I’ve written, leaving me purged and free, I have had the occasion to write my way through ‘things of torment’, in a beat up old notebook.
“Write down any ‘thing’ you want, as long as you get it out! ”, she would enunciate.
For these instructions, “given” to us, so many years ago; Mrs.Strike, I thank you. I am only sorry it is too late for you to hear me say this[1].
After graduating, I went back to pick up some required credits.
I recall even now, every September, all the way through high school, praying, “Please… don’t give me Mr. Falcon for History class!” I had heard the horror stories about how tough he was; how he’d go ballistic if assignments weren’t handed in!
How easy it was to buy into all of that!
Then, for the first time I didn't ‘have’ to take History, who did I get? - Mr. Falcon.
“Mr. Falcon, you brought History to life, inspiring me to ‘want’ to work.
The thought of disappointing you by not doing 'only my very' best, motivated me ever higher.”
All through school, in past History Classes I had barely squeaked by with a passing grade, but that term, I had achieved 99% average.
Mr. Falcon encouraged and challenged us learn, to do our best and ultimately, to have faith- in ourselves.
I learned from that experience, ‘never again give too much credence a second hand opinion’, but rather, judge and asses things, on my own.
Mr. Falcon was and is the best teacher I have ever had.
So, while I am so looking forward to seeing my fellow classmates and friends, at the reunion, I can't help but hope, that I will also have the great opportunity to meet Mr. Falcon once more, if only one last time- so that I may shake his hand and thank him in person for dedicating his life to teaching. The opportunity is seldom and the time is upon all, NOW.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
A Special Smile
A Special Breed
These are only three -there are, many many more.
Left Top: Kevin Carlin
Left Below: The Lovely Debbie Hanney
(Yr 2006)
Top Right: Ricky Rice
There were certain people in high-school that helped make 'young' life endurable.
Now don’t get me wrong. High-School was and is a good place, -but not for everyone.
There are those who ‘got it’ quick and did not have to worry. They understood the rule –the real rule. You know… “don’t get in the teacher's way, do your homework, don’t laugh too hard at the expense of authority and you’ll be O.K.”.
But there were many in high-school who did not, “get it”.
They came from another walk of life –the hard road traveled.
They chose to speak up when things looked wrong; chose to be “the tail that wagged the dog”. They did not fear for loss. They did not cave under the threat of “detention after school”. They had already gotten "it", the harsh version, from outside – from their own worlds and experiences.
Now, somewhere, between those who “got it” and those "who chose the harsher reality”, were another -most unique breed, -those who navigated a different path. They were “here and now” and had the ability to enjoy, if not savour, their experience, without being "crunched" by those taken up with their own sense of "authority" or "power" in the classroom. They also seemed to escape with nary a scratch, outside, from those who of a different rule and authority.
These unique souls knew a language of survival- humour- "make them laugh!"- make the teacher laugh, make the students laugh, -and keep safe distance.
These marvels seemd imbued with a sixth sense – a ‘wisdom beyond years’.
These people somehow knew where a situation "hinged" and where the lever of force lay.
These people knew-that with just the right amount of humility, perhaps a dash of self deprecation and large amount of humour, an entire unpleasant episode could be turned into-a memory, a funny story, something we might cherish -forever -legend!
We all knew a number of these people and loved them secretly and dearly for their ability and how they made us feel under circumstances, which were not always 'the best', but were never 'the worst' by any means, simply because of their existence and blend in our social fabric .
Friday, June 02, 2006
Starting Point for the Vision.
I have gone to various hotels in Montreal to price blocks of rooms (50-100), a reception area for the Friday late afternoon informal reception, Saturday late afternoon coctails, evening dinner, bar in that reception room for the post dinner festivites (I've asked John Saunders to consider being the host since that is one of his many talents on ABC TV).
The idea is to allow all to have a central point. Drive in, check in, refresh, have a Friday welcome reception after a nap.
Would you believe many of the major hotels are solidly booked up!? Fortunately I have one major that has committed to me - the Bonaventure- they are in quoting phase right now. But they are at least quite flxible on numbers as our group grows.
(To date we have 32 registered on the Alumni site.)
The Bonaventure has a reception area with a sizeable outdoor Terrace that backs onto a stream and waterfall! I can just see the pictures now. Given the "smoking law" that just went into effect in Quebec, this is good. Smokers -if there are any, can simply slip out from the reception area on to the Terrace. If it's raining, it has a covered area. I am still looking at all possibilities.
One thing is non negotiable as far as I am concerned: - I am not tending bar, cleaning up, soliciting volunteer cleaning crews, coordinating cleaning crews, applying to liquor boards for licences, cleaning up afterward, collecting bottles etc. I am one of you. I am going to enjoy linking up with old friends and meeting with people.
I will help whoever accepts hosting the festivities and coordinate this whole thing with others as we lead up to the event - but that is it. We are "grown up" now and can afford for once in our lives to spend a little money and have a good time.
I intend to take full advantage and leave Chateauguay Friday afternoon with Jane and get the heck out of the house. We'll check in to what ever Hotel we end up selecting. I will proceed to the Weclome area and be there to greet those who come in from out of town (or from Chateauguay like me).
People can go out to Chateaugauy to visit or meet up with firends at the Alibi Pub, or check out Montreal or get together with others from the past that they meet (visit to each others' rooms), and /or go out to dinner in Montreal with friends.
On Saturday, after breakfast at the hotel ( I am not staying in Chateauguay Friday night) the High School will be open for the old grand tour -"walk about". We can go out there visit the school, and visit family and old friends at their various homes.
If the musicians in our crowd wish (and express the will to do so), we can put some money into a pot and I'll rent some equpment (guitars, drums, p.a. whatever) and we/they can "jam" between Saturday between 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the school while others come and go during the "walk about".
After 4:00 PM, most people will probably be headed back to the hotel or homebase to get themselves ready for the Staurday "get-together" commencing with a 5:00 Cocktail in the recpetion area, (outside if sunny on the Terrace (with brook running through it) or inside the reception room.
At 6:30/7:00PM we'll have a plated dinner or depending on pricing, a buffet. I prefer the plated dinner - but that's me. You can give me your feed back by clicking the comments button (below).
Now remember - only so many people can fit at one table . I think I'm going to have to ask you all who you wish to sit with or simply be arbitrary and assign you a table. Still it would be good if you tell me inadvance who you would like to sit with.
Hey! We have a year, let's make good use of the time...but please ...communicate with me. My e-mail address is mcconnell.leslie@videotron.ca.
That evening we'll have entertainment -either a disk-jocky or live band -depending on budgets and availability.
But what is crucial is to not let the entertainment get in the way of the reunion.
Remember, we are there not to re-live past dances from the gym, but rather to be able to circulate, see people, remember, hear ourselves talk, laugh and enjoy.
We may create separate rooms down the hall from the recpetion area by class year. 70,71,72,73, 74 etc. Hence '72 and friends, with the music and dancing in the reception room.
Andrew Clark (one of the best photographers around) has even quoted on having cds available of the evening -full of pictures for you by end of evening!
Now if we have John Saunders MC'ing this thing I know we are going to have a good time. Of course he has to be able to circulate too! So we can't expect to be over coordinated and we can allow for looseness in the plan as well as imbed some surprises.
Sunday, we can hang out at the hotel, or check out Montreal downtown, visit with friends in Chateauguay -whatever - leave...But I think it might be nice to do what we did last time - have a brunch just outside the school in back or on the side.
I believe Jacquie Ross has someone in mind who can help put this on -maybe not. I'll check. Remember it is a year away, while close, still has some planning and detail work to be done!
Communications are essential.
If you have any alternative scenarios or suggestions, please put them in the comments section of this entry for all to see. If you agree with what you read above, please say so. If there is something you disagree with, please say and state the reason.
We have room to move, but decisions must be finalized and direction set and expectations based upon this.
I look forward to your comments. Obviously cost will be a factor but so too will the saving of time and labour. We do not wish to recreate a wheel that already exisits that can professionally give us what we need.
I have gone to various hotels in Montreal to price blocks of rooms (50-100), a reception area for the Friday late afternoon informal reception, Saturday late afternoon coctails, evening dinner, bar in that reception room for the post dinner festivites (I've asked John Saunders to consider being the host since that is one of his many talents on ABC TV).
The idea is to allow all to have a central point. Drive in, check in, refresh, have a Friday welcome reception after a nap.
Would you believe many of the major hotels are solidly booked up!? Fortunately I have one major that has committed to me - the Bonaventure- they are in quoting phase right now. But they are at least quite flxible on numbers as our group grows.
(To date we have 32 registered on the Alumni site.)
The Bonaventure has a reception area with a sizeable outdoor Terrace that backs onto a stream and waterfall! I can just see the pictures now. Given the "smoking law" that just went into effect in Quebec, this is good. Smokers -if there are any, can simply slip out from the reception area on to the Terrace. If it's raining, it has a covered area. I am still looking at all possibilities.
One thing is non negotiable as far as I am concerned: - I am not tending bar, cleaning up, soliciting volunteer cleaning crews, coordinating cleaning crews, applying to liquor boards for licences, cleaning up afterward, collecting bottles etc. I am one of you. I am going to enjoy linking up with old friends and meeting with people.
I will help whoever accepts hosting the festivities and coordinate this whole thing with others as we lead up to the event - but that is it. We are "grown up" now and can afford for once in our lives to spend a little money and have a good time.
I intend to take full advantage and leave Chateauguay Friday afternoon with Jane and get the heck out of the house. We'll check in to what ever Hotel we end up selecting. I will proceed to the Weclome area and be there to greet those who come in from out of town (or from Chateauguay like me).
People can go out to Chateaugauy to visit or meet up with firends at the Alibi Pub, or check out Montreal or get together with others from the past that they meet (visit to each others' rooms), and /or go out to dinner in Montreal with friends.
On Saturday, after breakfast at the hotel ( I am not staying in Chateauguay Friday night) the High School will be open for the old grand tour -"walk about". We can go out there visit the school, and visit family and old friends at their various homes.
If the musicians in our crowd wish (and express the will to do so), we can put some money into a pot and I'll rent some equpment (guitars, drums, p.a. whatever) and we/they can "jam" between Saturday between 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the school while others come and go during the "walk about".
After 4:00 PM, most people will probably be headed back to the hotel or homebase to get themselves ready for the Staurday "get-together" commencing with a 5:00 Cocktail in the recpetion area, (outside if sunny on the Terrace (with brook running through it) or inside the reception room.
At 6:30/7:00PM we'll have a plated dinner or depending on pricing, a buffet. I prefer the plated dinner - but that's me. You can give me your feed back by clicking the comments button (below).
Now remember - only so many people can fit at one table . I think I'm going to have to ask you all who you wish to sit with or simply be arbitrary and assign you a table. Still it would be good if you tell me inadvance who you would like to sit with.
Hey! We have a year, let's make good use of the time...but please ...communicate with me. My e-mail address is mcconnell.leslie@videotron.ca.
That evening we'll have entertainment -either a disk-jocky or live band -depending on budgets and availability.
But what is crucial is to not let the entertainment get in the way of the reunion.
Remember, we are there not to re-live past dances from the gym, but rather to be able to circulate, see people, remember, hear ourselves talk, laugh and enjoy.
We may create separate rooms down the hall from the recpetion area by class year. 70,71,72,73, 74 etc. Hence '72 and friends, with the music and dancing in the reception room.
Andrew Clark (one of the best photographers around) has even quoted on having cds available of the evening -full of pictures for you by end of evening!
Now if we have John Saunders MC'ing this thing I know we are going to have a good time. Of course he has to be able to circulate too! So we can't expect to be over coordinated and we can allow for looseness in the plan as well as imbed some surprises.
Sunday, we can hang out at the hotel, or check out Montreal downtown, visit with friends in Chateauguay -whatever - leave...But I think it might be nice to do what we did last time - have a brunch just outside the school in back or on the side.
I believe Jacquie Ross has someone in mind who can help put this on -maybe not. I'll check. Remember it is a year away, while close, still has some planning and detail work to be done!
Communications are essential.
If you have any alternative scenarios or suggestions, please put them in the comments section of this entry for all to see. If you agree with what you read above, please say so. If there is something you disagree with, please say and state the reason.
We have room to move, but decisions must be finalized and direction set and expectations based upon this.
I look forward to your comments. Obviously cost will be a factor but so too will the saving of time and labour. We do not wish to recreate a wheel that already exisits that can professionally give us what we need.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Resgister for the Reunion (Now) Please
I am talking to hotels about discounts.
The more numbers I have the greater the discount to you.
Some Hotels are entirely booked up for one of various conventions next year at the same time.
I need numbers now, so take a moment to register.
To register, go to WWW.hsbalumni.com .
The reunion is to take place next May 2007, Friday, Sat, Sun/ Victoria day Weekend.
How To Register
1) Go to the www.hsbalumni.com site home page,
2) locate on the right side the icon for "Reunion Sign-up '72 &Friends".
3) Click on it to open. There you will have the registration form.
4) Enter your information.
To see who else has signed up so far, come back to this input point but simply go to the
top bar and click on "Check Guest '72 guest list".
That's it! Those of you who do register can expect upcoming stories, pictures or highlights written about you in a most favourable light in the upcoming weeks.
I do have a lot of pictures from 1968,69,70 ,71, 72 and 73 year book. All of these years can be considered friends of '72 and attend.
Anyone who wishes may comment in the comment input areas of these blog entries. Conversely, should you simply want to send me a msg, send it to mcconnell.leslie@videotron.ca.
I am talking to hotels about discounts.
The more numbers I have the greater the discount to you.
Some Hotels are entirely booked up for one of various conventions next year at the same time.
I need numbers now, so take a moment to register.
To register, go to WWW.hsbalumni.com .
The reunion is to take place next May 2007, Friday, Sat, Sun/ Victoria day Weekend.
How To Register
1) Go to the www.hsbalumni.com site home page,
2) locate on the right side the icon for "Reunion Sign-up '72 &Friends".
3) Click on it to open. There you will have the registration form.
4) Enter your information.
To see who else has signed up so far, come back to this input point but simply go to the
top bar and click on "Check Guest '72 guest list".
That's it! Those of you who do register can expect upcoming stories, pictures or highlights written about you in a most favourable light in the upcoming weeks.
I do have a lot of pictures from 1968,69,70 ,71, 72 and 73 year book. All of these years can be considered friends of '72 and attend.
Anyone who wishes may comment in the comment input areas of these blog entries. Conversely, should you simply want to send me a msg, send it to mcconnell.leslie@videotron.ca.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Hi Les
The last time I saw you, we were at the
At that time you were working on getting all of us together in some way.
I have heard a number of names mentioned as to who is organizing this reunion, and God bless them and I would love to see them all, - but you are the one who encouraged me sign up.
I know many interested at this time, are trying to find ways to motivate others, - to show next year, over the Victoria Day weekend.
But alas, there is yet another reason -deeper.
I have recently attended the funeral of a MAN, who (unbeknownst to him), was one of my mentors. He was my neighbour - Bob Agnew.
Bob was older than me by four years and a great friend.
His brother, John, was the “best man” for me when I was wed to
Bob had a series of unfortunate health events that led to his death.
The last time I saw him, he was a postman - in
It was only at his funeral that I found out he had a 'Masters degree', in Engineering!
This, modest and telling revelation is one example of WHY we need to ‘Come Together’. (Before, while we are still able and not when it is too late).
We have over the years lost many of our friends, - Dave Crawford, Bob Howarth, Carol Howarth, my sister Jane Kennedy … the list goes on, unfortunately.
I am not trying to be a ‘downer’, but I want to let us all ‘know’, that our "time" is limited in life.
A reunion is the best opportunity to see each other in an environment where there are no (and can be no) pretenses! We can let go the masks of who we have become or try to be –
It is thanks to you and your friends, organizing this timely event, that an old friend of mine has been in touch, after more than thirty years - Nancy McLenaghen.
I won't try to recreate the tremendously interesting and informative years I had at
But, I will mention a few names in hopes that they too, will want to join us one year from now:
Kevin Carlin, Tom Stabb, Brian Stewart, Larry Smith, Tom Howarth, Isabelle Stark, Barry Kaye, Dave Poirier, Brent Butler, Lorel Butler, Bruce Tomilson, Mark McManus, Sandy Leedham, Bruce Bennett, Lenore Cutway, Nancy Murphy, Pasty Donna, Carol Crawford, Steve Heggison, Gary Reid, Ricky Hilton, Ernie Laporte, Wayne Reid, Ricky Reid, Euard Reid, The Palmer Boys, John Dial, Fred Green, Doug Miller, Mike Adamaky, Mike Parsons, Mark McManus, Mary Chartrand, Lee-Anne Chartrand, Susan Hayes, Susan Roman,
I can probably go on and on, but my hope is that these people in particular will remember others and INVITE, INVITE, INVITE!
I have purposely not mentioned people who are already on the site. I have also not mentioned spouses as I am sure they will be informed, at least we hope!
I am sure I could write an interesting story of each of the folks mentioned.
Count me in, - God-willing!
Jack Kennedy
Locker 102
Friday, May 26, 2006
Musicians or at least performers from Past, Present and who knows.
Top Left: Kevin Mcilwaine (Photo Gary Shaw)
Top Right: L McConnell vocals(Pay no attention to the belt).
Paul Anderson on base.(Photo by Gary Shaw)
Bottom Left : Sheldon O'Connor
Top Centre: Bruce Craig, Gervase Bushe, and Allan MacDowell.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Today's "open" Question.
I was just on the Classmates.com e-mail with John Dempster and then a nice sounding girl named Susan -( who left Billings before graduating and who married Steve Devlin.)
I sent them, along with others on Classmates a couple of questions, one of which I shall ask you -you, who read this blog with any degree of regularity.
Here is the "open" question:
What student(s) in your highschool years had the greatest effect on your life during those times and more important HOW did they effect you, or how did their effect on you, change or influence who your are?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am going to give my answer, but through the "comments button" below.
So if you wish to read my candid response about him/her, you'll have to go to the comments.
I would like your answer too. I am sincerely interested. This is not an easy question to answer honestly, I find. So think seriously before you write.
I was just on the Classmates.com e-mail with John Dempster and then a nice sounding girl named Susan -( who left Billings before graduating and who married Steve Devlin.)
I sent them, along with others on Classmates a couple of questions, one of which I shall ask you -you, who read this blog with any degree of regularity.
Here is the "open" question:
What student(s) in your highschool years had the greatest effect on your life during those times and more important HOW did they effect you, or how did their effect on you, change or influence who your are?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am going to give my answer, but through the "comments button" below.
So if you wish to read my candid response about him/her, you'll have to go to the comments.
I would like your answer too. I am sincerely interested. This is not an easy question to answer honestly, I find. So think seriously before you write.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The Montage Contest
Can you name all the students in this montage from Cheerleaders, Ski Club , Indian Club to present day pictures of some? Go ahead I dare you.
The previous winners were Bruce Bennett and Gervase Bushe, but their task was not to name everyone.
I'll give you here and now the ones in colour pictures:
Top right - The handsome John Saunders, Third Row down second from right- The distinguished Ralf Behrens, Forth Row Down, third from right- The Charming Dr.Vincent Murphy, Fifth Row Down tucked between two ex "Terrace" dwellers -Les McConnell, Second from right Fifth Row, The still lovely Gail Kieran, Row Five First on the Right, the indelible "with a hint of fun" Barry Stephens, Bottom Row second from left 'the ever-wise but a touch on the wild side"-Richard Rankin and finally -bottom row Right, soaring high above the on-looking tourists of Venice Beach California completing a full gainer on the high rings -probably without the net- one of my best friends - Jimmy Williams.
Can you name all the students in this montage from Cheerleaders, Ski Club , Indian Club to present day pictures of some? Go ahead I dare you.
The previous winners were Bruce Bennett and Gervase Bushe, but their task was not to name everyone.
I'll give you here and now the ones in colour pictures:Top right - The handsome John Saunders, Third Row down second from right- The distinguished Ralf Behrens, Forth Row Down, third from right- The Charming Dr.Vincent Murphy, Fifth Row Down tucked between two ex "Terrace" dwellers -Les McConnell, Second from right Fifth Row, The still lovely Gail Kieran, Row Five First on the Right, the indelible "with a hint of fun" Barry Stephens, Bottom Row second from left 'the ever-wise but a touch on the wild side"-Richard Rankin and finally -bottom row Right, soaring high above the on-looking tourists of Venice Beach California completing a full gainer on the high rings -probably without the net- one of my best friends - Jimmy Williams.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
The Eye of the Beholder
“We don’t give it out.” She looked at once apologetic, but there was no hiding the suspicion.
“ I’m not into computers”, she said.
Off to the frozen food section I went.
What I remember most vividly about those miscast times were- little square pink chewable tablets in a flat yellow pack- they tasted like soap-THRILLS. It was not the last time I would begrudgingly play the role of co-chaperone in that town, but for a different "best buddy". My oh my, could her "best friend" ever make that gum snap, as she’d smile, with such a twinkle in her eye.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Look to the Present!
It's Heidi before and After (in living colour from Mexico)!
1972 and 2006
Looking Good Heidi!
...before and after.
Well done! How do you do it? I'll just shut up now ...a picture and a thousand words. Let the pictures do the talking.
Note: Heidi Umstadt was kind enough to allow us to publish these. Thank you Heidi.LM
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Look Deep Into The PAST
Look Deeply Into The Past!
(Right Picture Grade 8-2)
The year is 1967 -September. Expo 67 just finished a month ago.
Grade seven first year “HIGH SCHOOL”.
The Beatles are experimenting with ‘Meditation’ in India. The Rolling Stones are in the studio creating what will become ‘Jumping Jack Flash’.
Steve and Dave Porier, Robin and Marty Hewitt, Norman and Steve Perry and I have made decisions. We will grow our hair –long.
Our parents have taken to the times in their own fashion. Men are growing side burns. Ladies in the neighborhood wear caftans and practice Yoga. Some also make pottery. The arts are blooming and Viet Nam percolates.
We are Lilliputians, delivered into a land of giants. Mitch Morrison, Bruce Porier (Grade 12) and Bruce Maybury (Grade 11) are names invoked with awe by the girls. Us ‘guys’ have all gone ga-ga over the grade eight /grade nine visions in the halls. Oh –and yes, we still have grade 12 in 1968 and a dress code –for a while. (But that‘s another story –told best by Roddy McManus.)
My home room teacher, new it would seem, a person of color, with meticulous accent and a certain ‘just so’ way of turning pages –especially his bible. He has a smile that calms even the most untamed of little beast. I question openly, almost defiantly, his decision to teach, as his strength so clearly seems to lie in his penchant to preach. All is quiet as he casts his spell – turquoise blue lagoons, diving carefree in the sun. How can one even think of passing notes or being mischievous, when this man is talking? Ah! But therein lies the challenge for Steve, Les, Mike and others. Just don’t get caught! We do so like this Mr. Mullahoo. That is what makes things so difficult. He knows us as he once was. Being very careful not to let it show, he enjoys our place in time.
Then the greatest of contests! The Seniors basket ball games. Mythical beings draped in gold and blue gleaming satin, larger than life . “Swish” –a basket, a massive roar, the rhythmic booming of feet on the benches of the folding bleachers.
Next, a competition of a different order, involving fellowship, angst, loyalty and dread. The Royalty Ball, the Dance, lights flashing, “I can’t Get No… People Are Str…In The White Room”. Girls from the older grades, looking like nothing I have ever seen before. I’m just dazzled. Even the girls from my grade have transformed into wonderful nuances of beauty –each in their own right. I understand for the first time that the adventure of Life has really begun – the music from the speakers stop suddenly. The girls gather in front of the stage. We hear it, the rhythm, the thumping, pounding, the curtains open –a live band! THE HAUNTED 1-2-5! My young friends and I have arrived.
We will never -be - the same again.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Richard Kilpatrick - World Traveller, Troubador, Student of Life.From HSB, some of us went straight out to work, others to University /Cegep. Rick launched himself out into the world.
See also in the HSB Radio shots pictures of Mark Stafford and Brian McInnis.
Well Done Richard.
Everyone else please send more of these into me via e-mail if you prefer snail mail, let me know by e-mail and I'll send my coordinates.
Thanks. Les
Hey buddy - yeah, I've been planning on scanning some old photos - just been caught up with the end of semester here. I tried posting the night Les first emailed us all but I must not have clicked the right buttons - Here's a few I've just scanned - the first one some of us at the school radio station; the second is one of me in Vancouver right after graduation, and the one below it on the same page is me a couple of years ago in Riga, Latvia; the last set of photos, starting at upper left, me '73 Morocco; below left in Nice, France and next to it, also in Nice with Mary Pinnseneault; and the photo on the right is me in Genova, Italy late '70s.
And, here's a couple of poems for the hell of it -
all good things -
Rick
Exposed
A tree quivers
in a melancholic field,
a land desiccated
where the screams
of cut forests are muffled
by duplicity.
I find beauty in this sorrow
and shudder
as separateness
confides in me
and together, we watch
night’s last violet shadow linger
towards dawn
on her red knees,
shame on her lips.
Apparition of the Face of Aphrodite
“The wise man must be wise
before, not after” – Epicharmus
As I walk in the dirty rain
I see her, Bitch Goddess, a superlative
on high heels, full bodied
like a lager made from the sexiest
mountain springs, and I, drunk
that I am, dare to be foolish and come
undone like a Dali canvas dripping
off a Scorpion sky, ask if I could be her slave,
her knave, her male concubine (though not
faithfully in such terms)—yes, it was
coup de foudre (that sudden, overwhelming
numbness called love)—she, a masterpiece
of DNA, graces (I let myself suppose) in embryo. But I gather
myself, wipe them Gypsy Spanish blues
from my lack of face and disappear, hoping
I can disappear, when cherubic boy, perched,
appropriately, in his quiver tree, catches me (his 5-megapixal
Cyber-shot never lies), my harlequin escape hindered