Thank you for your prayers. I have now been in Stonecrest Assisted Living in Woodbury for over one month. The staff have enabled a smooth adjustment time for me. I continue to be challenged with weak legs.  I spend 95% of my time in a wheelchair and the remainder with a walker. I continue to exercise to maintain as much strength as possible to decrease falls. I am now able to go to the Fitness Center to use equipment from my wheelchair that doesn't require a transfer.

 

I have gotten outside with assistance a few times when the weather allows. I continue to keep busy with two care attendants, each coming for a half day per week. My Physical Therapist comes once a week. My afternoon nap helps me regain energy. People ask when they can visit. I suggest giving me a call first (651-260-3717). Most of the time late afternoon works for visits. Stonecrest is now open to 4 visitors at a time.

 

Last week I was able to make my first trip home for a few hours. I enjoyed a walk around our community, a visit with neighbors (and their dog) and dinner with grilled steak. Yesterday I was able to attend my first live concert at Stonecrest. What a blessing to hear our church pianist/organist in concert where I live.

 

It has been a year since we started sharing my health changes on Caring Bridge. Amid Covid this has been a great communication tool. Our family has found God faithful and our source of strength. I feel blessed with all your prayers and concern expressed on my behalf. May you know the blessings of our Lord as well.

 

Duane and Carol Harms

Journal Entry by Carol Harms — October 7, 2020

Duane has been home a  month and a half! It has been a busy time of adjustments for both of us. We are glad he is receiving home health services to meet his current health needs. Patient Care Attendants (PCA) and PT are scheduled to come twice a week and a nurse once a week. These services give Duane the best opportunity to optimize strength, balance and independence.

 

Last week we had 4 planned Mayo appointments. The  neurologist indicated the level of improvement has plateaued.  He confirmed the multiple diagnoses of Demyelinating Disease Central Nervous System, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Parkinsonism and Alzheimer's Disease. The spinal leisons have stabilized and show no new inflammation on the MRIs.  Duane continues to have significant difficulties with walking and is now primarily in a wheelchair. He can use a walker, but has had a few falls. Given Duane's age, what is the prognosis for the future? The likelihood of improvement of current symptoms is low and the likelihood  that the degenerative process will continue slowly is 50/50.

 

We are grateful for a visit from Jennifer and grandson Brendan for 6 days the end of September. This visit was a good opportunity for her to be with her dad and see his neurological  changes. Their visit also gave us an opportunity to see the challenges of online learning for a sixth grader.

 

Last weekend we enjoyed  visits from Mike & Lisa, Duane's sister Joan and brother Allan (and their spouses) to celebrate Duane's birthday. It was a wonderful weekend of reminiscing and celebrating life. Thank you to all who joined in to encourage  Duane on his birthday! He was thrilled!

 

We are grateful for the prayers of family, friends, neighbors and others for Duane's health journey. We appreciate each one of you! Our God is faithful. Our faith continues to grow in new appreciation of our awesome God.

Heart count:23 Hearts2 Comments

When I last wrote I asked you to please be praying for decisions that need to be made for best care for Dad after his hospitalization.  Today we experienced the answer to that prayer.  

Dad was admitted to the hospital July 24, and by July 29 the medical staff indicated that he was stable enough to be discharged.  He was showing progress with antibiotics to treat his UTI. However he was not strong enough to be released to his home. He needs round the clock care yet.  So Mom was asked to select her top 3 facilities that she would trust to help Dad with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech therapy, and daily living care. 

Under normal circumstances a person would get recommendations, visit various sites, and select the place that fit the needs best.  BUT this is a time of COVID when entrance to a care facility is very limited. We learned some lessons from the last transitional care facility Dad was at and decided not to return to that location. This time Mom received information from the VA social worker, investigated some options online, got some recommendations, asked lots of questions over the phone and then submitted her top choices. It took lots physical, emotional, and mental energy  to search for where to entrust a loved one in a time of COVID restrictions.  After a time Mom ranked her choices. For the past 6 days we have been waiting to hear if Dad was accepted into the first choice facility. (Its like waiting to hear if you've been accepted to the college of your choice - but the waiting room was the hospital!)  Thankfully the hospital had the availability to care for Dad until something opened up somewhere. 
  
Today, I'm thankful to report, Dad transitioned out of the VA hospital in Minneapolis to a transitional care unit (TCU) or short-term skilled nursing home. He is now moved into a private room at Boutwell's Landing in Stillwater. It is 30 minutes, about 15 miles, from their home in Woodbury and part of the Presbyterian homes care facilities in the Twin Cities.  The goal is for him to have the best opportunity to reach his optimal strength.  It was our 1st choice!! 

Minnesota has strict visitation guidelines for care facilities during COVID. This means for 14 days Dad will be in quarantine, only visited by medical staff.  After day 15 he can have one 30 minute visit one time a week outside. When a caregiver is able to be present, masks worn and physical distance 6 feet apart. 

Dad has a few exceptions to this rule. Today because of some of Dad's memory issues Mom was able to enter his room to help the nurses with the orientation and paperwork needed to move in.  A care conference has been set up for Thursday of this week to talk about goals and expectations for Dad's care. (Mom will attend by phone.) In the next 14 days Dad has 2 doctors appointments at Mayo which Mom will be allowed to drive him to. While it'll be an adjustment from the daily visits in the hospital, it will provide 2 or 3 visits over the next 2 weeks. 

When I talked to Mom tonight she said that there were many things that confirmed this was a good fit for Dad's needs, and that she anticipates he'll receive excellent care. She felt it was an answer to prayer for guidance selecting a care facility, as well as how Mom and Dad are adjusting/accepting the transition.  They are at peace with the care he will receive.

For those of you wondering about a medical update.  The UTI is being treated with antibiotics.  His strength is better than when he entered the VA, but less than when he left Mayo 3 and 1/2 weeks ago.  He is able to walk about 20 feet using a 2 wheeled walker with assistance from a healthcare worker. He also requires assistance with transfers from bed to chair to standing.  His tremors in his hands are a source of frustration - especially when eating.  There are some memory issues, but not the same level of confusion from when he went into the hospital over a week ago.  He has lost 45 pounds since March. His appetite is improving.  He has been in the hospital or a TCU for 44 days since June 18.

Mom also mentioned at least 5 serendipitous moments - meeting friends without planning at various random locations, like parking lots, hospital hallways, and waiting rooms. Such a source of encouragement when only one visitor was allowed in the hospital and must be doctor approved.

We are grateful to the Lord's presence and the prayers of so many! Please continue to pray for the adjustment to a new place, for the caregivers to have eyes to see and respond well to Dad's needs, and for Dad to continue to heal and gain strength.

• 
  Since you can't come to visit, here's a view of Dad's room.
•  
• 
  Mom and Dad take a selfie in Dad's new room in Stillwater. Note ...
•  
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  Dad has transitioned to a new location for a short term skilled ...
•  
• 
  The view from the outside of the place were Dad is in transition ...

Duane had three appointments today at the Mayo Clinic. 

Dad has been rearranging his closet over the last few days. To conserve energy bucket points we were able to move clothes that he uses closer to the front of the closet where he sits on a stool to change. Now that we have warmer weather we brought summer like clothes to the front. Also due to Dad’s weight loss, Lori and Mom helped clear out clothes that don’t fit. 

 

Wow, would you believe we graduated from Augusta High School 57 years ago?   It took us 12 years to go through grade school, Junior High and High School.  You can multiply 12 times 4 and it still does not equal 57 years.   I must admit that since  high school, I think I have gained at least 4 times the knowledge and wisdom that I had back at HS graduation in 1962.    However the foundation of the first 12 years of school, was the basis of learning for the following 57 years.   Life is an education, perhaps it has included more formal class room learning for you, but life also includes real life experiences through both good times and hard knocks.     That was just some thoughts off the top of my head, I guess, as I am getting older, these strange thoughts come and go… anyway…we have a new year to learn even more and to experience what life has in store for us.

 

"Just Lunch” will happen in January…the second Wednesday of the month…January 9th at 11:30 am at Sugar Shanes Cafe at 430 State Street in Augusta, Kansas.   I understand that this restaurant has been newly decorated and it looks nice.  They re-opened November 2018 after remodeling.

 

January is a great time to be together to share about what happened through the holidays in your life.  Did you get to see all of your family at some point in the last few weeks?  Did you travel anywhere?  Did you get surrounded with snow or ice?  Perhaps you were bathing under the bright sun.   Did you actually see Santa Clause this year?   What big plans are in store for you in 2019?   I could go on…but you get the idea if you attend “Just Lunch” You will be able to share and learn more about our classmates.    Just being together can be an encouragement to each other. 

 

Have a great January.

 

Duane Harms

 

We did have a good time at our 55th reunion.  We enjoyed being together at all three events, at Stearman’s in Benton for Friday lunch, and at the Palmer Ranch Friday evening for a time of visiting and eating.  Saturday evening at Marriotts we were served a great meal along with a time of comparing the past to the present and biding in a silent auction of items classmates donated.   

 

We had 39 of our classmates present at one or more of these 55th reunion events.  We had 104 classmates that walked with us at our graduation in 1962, and today we have 84 living classmates.  This means that 46% of our  graduating class were present for this reunion.  That is very special.  Several of our classmates wished they could join us but their health or their spouse’s health was such they could not travel.   

 

Much thanks and appreciation goes to the team that made this reunion possible.  Diane Perkins Wuthnow who planned the details and gave great guidance for the Saturday evening program.  Betty Burdorff Brown and Jill Todd Boucher planned the silent auction.  Diana Seitz Lawson and Trudy Wentz Jacobson worked on the decorations.  Louise Simpson Reimer share about how our class volunteers during our retirement, Betty Burdorff Brown shared about the ABC’s of changes of the medical world during our life time, Linda Ralston shared about her fathers story as an orphan arriving on a train in Kansas, Duane Harms compared sports in our high school day to how it is today, and Tommy Palmer showed videos of funny stories that took place while we were in high school.  Those mentioned already along with others who were involved to make this Saturday event special was Ron Penland, Kent Morrison, and Bill Johnson,

 

For Friday noon at Stearman’s in Benton, we give a special thank you to Jim Dewitt for reserving the place and to Tommy Palmer for making some of the arrangements.  Stearmans prepared a special menu for us to select from.  We even saw several airplanes take off while we were there visiting. 

 

Friday evening at 4 pm and following we were at the Palmer Ranch just west of Augusta.  This was a very relaxing time enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Palmer Ranch.  The special water effects helped us to enjoy a cooler evening.  Thanks to Trudy Wentz Jacobson for getting many of the snacks, we appreciate people who helped move chairs, Joe Eldringhoff and others, a very special thanks goes to Tommy Palmer and his son Todd and family for providing this great location.   This is also the location that videos were made for the Saturday evening program…thank you Tommy for producing these videos and thanks for all who appeared in them. 

 

Thanks goes to Roger Brown, Betty’s husband who took many pictures of our reunion.  Roger will soon provide these pictures to Tommy Palmer to post on our class web site.  You may copy them off the web site after they are posted.  Special thanks goes to all of the guest who attended along with members of our class.  Our guest both endured our stories and made our event special because they were present. 

 

[posted Feb. 10, 2016]

 

Hi AHS Classmates of 62’

I have heard from Buck Leedom and thought you would be interested in learning what he shared.

You may recall that yesterday, Feb. 9th. Buck went to Oklahoma City to begin a process to implant a devise that will actually pump the blood so his actual heart doesn't have to do the work. Yesterday was the doctor’s evaluation.

Buck says: “Now I start the process of tests in Wichita. March 15th I go back to OKC for finalizing my surgery, I hope. Once I get a surgery date, I will go down 2 days before to get ready. Surgery will last 6 to 8 hrs, and then start recovery for 4 weeks in OKC.

I want to thank everyone for sending cards and e-mails.”

You can send a card to Buck at the following address:



Gary Leedom

8127 Peach Tree

Wichita, KS 67207



Here is his email address:… thebuckleedom@yahoo.com



Keep Buck in your prayers.



Duane

[posted December 13, 2015]

 

Christmas…a time to celebrate the Birth of Jesus…and it is also a time that our families get together. For most of us that no longer means we go to our parents home for Christmas. However for many of us it could mean that our kids come to our house, we have become the grandparent home, to celebrate the holidays. Sometimes we go to our kids house and join the grandkids or even great-grandkids. For others it could mean spending some special time with some very special friends. Travel is required when we are miles apart from family and friends. It is great when we can connect with family and friends at this time of the year. For others, it may mean a short trip across town to exchange gifts with the family or friends. We can be thankful for being able to share the holiday…even at times a person may have health limitations…but we still can bring up many memories of the past.

It is my hope that this will be a special time of the year for you. Have a Merry Christmas!

Duane

[posted October 21, 2015]

 

It is always a challenge to get everyone together for a reunion. That we understand. For that reason…we have a question for all of you to consider:

Would you like to have another Mini-Reunion in Augusta next year…like perhaps in September 2016? Please reply…yes or no…or other comments…

Or would you prefer we just wait until our 55th year 2017 for the next big try to get together??

I understand that “It’s Just Lunch” will continue, and the next one will be November 11th at the Holiday Bowl. One question has been raised if everyone would like to skip the December “It’s Just Lunch”? and then meet again in January.

Any comments to the three questions above would be appreciated.

I hope everyone is having a great fall season….it is really nice here in Minnesota.



Duane

[posted October 5, 2015]

 

  Hi AHS Class of 1962,

October 14th events:

In 2 days will be the time to turn in your reservations for the mini-reunion for the class of 1962. That is correct, The RSVP is due Wednesday of this week, Oct. 7th . Let me know if you are going to attend and if you will be at the noon lunch and or the evening BBQ on Oct. 14th.

You can let me know by contacting me at 651-578-1084 or email dharms7@comcast.net

Many of you have already communicated your reservations along with the count. Thank you. However early on some others have said they will attend…and now I would appreciate knowing if you will attend the noon and evening meal and if you are bringing a guest. Even if you have not sent any reservations at this point…there is still time to RSVP.

The details of the lunch and BBQ are shown below.

October 14, 2015 in Augusta, Kansas

Mexican Buffet at the Holiday Bowl on South State St. in Augusta Kansas at 11:30 am

MEXICAN FIESTA

APPETIZERS: Tortilla Chips & Tex-Mex Queso,

FAJITA BAR: 2 Proteins: Beef, Chicken,

$11 per person includes coffee, tea or soft drinks and tax and gratuity.

Pay at the event.

The Augusta museum across the street will be open till 3PM for those who wish to visit.

BBQ at Fulton Valley Farm, 5079 SW Fulton Rd., Towanda, Kansas 67144

Arrive in the afternoon to explore the place, we will gather by 5:00pm

The BBQ will include roasted chicken and roast pork and more.

$15 per person this includes tax and gratuity.

Pay at the event.

Location: The BBQ is at David and Betty Corbin’s place. The Corbin Fulton Valley Farm is located about 6 miles north of Augusta, north on Ohio Street, turn left on SW 50th St, then turn left on SW Fulton Rd.

Place to stay Wednesday night: David R. and Betty Corbin have graciously offered their place for people who need overnight housing up to 5 couples. These accommodations are located in The Creek House which has 5 bedrooms. 3 queen beds, and 1 with twin beds. It has 3 baths with 4' walk in showers. This would be for out of town folks at no charge. Contact Corbins direct for overnight accommodations at 316-775-1894. http://www.fultonvalleyfarms.com/node/17

Another option for a place to stay is the Holiday Inn Express on Highway 54 and Andover Road. It is referred by the Holiday Express web site as the East Wichita I-35 Andover on 600 South Allen Street, Andover, Kansas 67002. The rate for 2 people is about $109 plus tax.

RSVP by emailing or calling Duane Harms … dharms7@comcast.net or call 651-260-3717.

Attached is another group of kindergarten pictures of our class.

Top row is: Stanley Paul Cyphers, Bruce Brandt, Janice Moore; middle row is: Robert Clark, Duane Harms, Joan Diane Perkins; bottom row is: Gary Marshall, Lynda Howard, Harold Ralston. Enjoy how young we once looked.



Have a great week, I hope to see many of you on Oct. 14th.

Duane Harms

[posted Sept. 14, 2015]

 

Hi AHS Class of 1962,

 

AHS Mini-Reunion Info…

Mexican Buffet at the Holiday Bowl on South State St. in Augusta Kansas on Oct 14^th at 11:30 am

 

MEXICAN FIESTA

 

APPETIZERS: Tortilla Chips & Tex-Mex Queso,

 

FAJITA BAR:  2 Proteins: Beef, Chicken,

 

Sides: Borancho Beans & Rice

 

The price of $11 per person includes coffee, tea or soft drinks and tax and gratuity.  Pay at the event, RSVP is important.

 

The Augusta museum across the street will be open till 3PM for those who wish to visit.  

The afternoon will be free to check old haunts around town.

 

BBQ at Fulton Valley Farm, 5079 SW Fulton Rd., Towanda, Kansas 67144 arrive in the afternoon to explore the place and it is our hope everyone will be there by 5:00 pm..

 

We will gather at the Corbin Barn for a catered BBQ and visit however long we wish. 

 

The BBQ price per person will be announced soon by email.

 

Pay at the event, RSVP is important.

 

David and Betty Corbin are offering their place at no charge for our evening event.

 

David R. and Betty Corbin have graciously offered their place for people who need overnight housing up to 5 couples.   These accommodations are in what they call The Creek House which has 5 bedrooms. , l king, 3 queen, and 1 with twin beds.  It has 3 baths with 4' walk in showers and a Jacuzzi in the master bath.   This would be for out of town folks at no charge.   Contact Corbins direct for overnight accommodations at 316-775-1894.  http://www.fultonvalleyfarms.com/node/17

 

The Corbin Fulton Valley Farm is located about 6 miles north of Augusta, north on Ohio Street, turn left on SW 50th St, then turn left on SW Fulton Rd.

 

Please RSVP by Oct. 7^th,   many of you have said you are planning to attend the Mini-Reunion…but we need to know for sure and how many, so.

 

Please RSVP if you will be attending and will you bring a guest.   

 

Will you attend the Mexican Buffett price at $11 per person at Holiday Bowl on Oct 14^th at 11:30 am?   If yes…how many?

 

Will you attend the catered BBQ at the Corbin Barn at 5:30 pm? If yes…how many?

 

Price per person for BBQ will be communicated soon by email

Service for Carmen Stueven Laflin

 

Friday, September 11^th (tomorrow) at 11 am First Christian Church of Augusta on North State Street.

 

In lieu of flowers memorials to First Christian Church have been requested.   Our Class has sent a $50 memorial gift.

 

If you can, please attend the service and represent our class.

We suggest a card Shower for “Buck” Gary Leedom

 

Buck is at home receiving professional care.

 

His address is:

 

2034 Harvest Ridge Ct.

 

Andover, KS 67002

[posted Sept. 2, 2015]

 

 

Hi AHS Class of 1962,

 

The next “Its Just Lunch” is one week away on Wednesday, September 9^th at 11:30 am. The Holiday Bowl on south State Street in Augusta is the meeting place. Everyone from our class and their guest are welcome to attend. At this lunch the plans for our Mini-Reunion for October 14 will finalized. I am sure everyone who attends will have a great time.

 

We are looking forward to the Oct 14^th Mini-Reunion for our class. The following list of people have said they will be attending or at least they are planning to attend. Perhaps others might wish to add their name to this list, it is not too late. I appreciate the few that let us know they will be unable to attend. Sometimes we have a full calendar and have to make choices, we will miss them and we enjoy the time with the ones who are able to be present. Sometime after the Sept 9^th lunch…I will send out more details about the Mini-Reunion.

 

Ruth Ann Forpahl Tipton

Billy Johnson

Jim Dewitt

Don Johnson

Duane Harms

Trudy Wentz Jacobson

Don Hudleston

Kent Morrison

Diane Perkins Wuthnow

Bob Firebaugh

Diane Perkins Wuthnow

LuAnne Thompson Kriebs

Shirley Stulmann Feiler

Tommy Palmer

Buck Leedom

Trudy Barnes Sammer

Diana Seitz Lawson

Bob Butler

Karen Moore

Connie Turner

David Phillips

David R. Corbin

James Talley

 

David R. and Betty Corbin have graciously offered their place for people who need overnight housing up to 5 couples. These accommodations are in what they call The Creek House which has 5 bedrooms. , l king, 3 queen, and 1 with twin beds. It has 3 baths with 4' walk in showers and a Jacuzzi in the master bath. If someone needed housing they stated that they would be willing to host them as their guest. Their place is located north of Augusta with a Towanda address. You can contact them at 316-775-1894. For more information check their web site for the Creek House is below.

 

http://www.fultonvalleyfarms.com/node/17

 

Another option for housing which was mentioned in a previous email is the Holiday Inn Express on Highway 54 and Andover Road. It is referred by the Holiday Express web site as the East Wichita I-35 Andover on 600 South Allen Street, Andover, Kansas 67002.

 

Attached is the sixth kindergarten set of pictures of some of our classmates…this one has 9 more individual pictures. This month the pictures are; on the top row is: Frank Bennington, David Corbin, Suzanne Frentz; middle row is: Cheryl George, Don Arnold, Mary Myers; bottom row is: Everett Capps, Vickie Jones, and Robin Munroe

 

Do you remember all nine of these Kindergarten class mates? I believe only three of these kindergarten classmates graduated from AHS in our class of 62.

 

Have a great Labor Day weekend.

 

Duane

[posted August 14, 2015]

 

Hi AHS Class of 1962,

 

The date has been set for the Mini-Reunion of the AHS 62 Class …it is Wednesday, October 14^th.

 

This will take place in Augusta. The “It Just Lunch” will take place at the Holiday Bowl on south State Street at 11:30 am to 1:30 pm or longer if you wish.

 

The afternoon will be free for you to choose. Share a walk with classmates up and down the red brick State street business area might be in order.

 

The 15 or so classmates that met this last Wednesday August 12^th will find a place where we can share an evening meal together so we can continue our visiting. Place and time will be announced in September. Each person will pay for whatever they order at the restaurant.

 

If you need a place to stay for the night or nights, you might want to reserve a room at the Holiday Inn Express on Highway 54 and Andover Road. It is referred by the Holiday Express web site as the East Wichita I-35 Andover on 600 South Allen Street, Andover, Kansas 67002 The rate for 2 is about $109 plus tax. You might be able to find a better rate for this site on the internet.

 

The following classmates have stated that they are planning to attend. Some are bringing their spouse as well. We understand that life can cause a change of plans…so when October 14^th comes…we will really know who is attending. In the mean time, perhaps knowing who is making plans might encourage others to attend as well. There is still time to decide to attend the Mini-Reunion of the Class of 1962.

 

Ruth Ann Forpahl Tipton

Billy Johnson

Jim Dewitt

Don Johnson

Duane Harms

Trudy Wentz Jacobson

Don Hudleston

Kent Morrison

Diane Perkins Wuthnow

Bob Firebaugh

Diane Perkins Wuthnow

LuAnne Thompson Kriebs

Jill Todd Boucher

Shirley Stulmann Feiler

Tommy Palmer

Buck Leedom

Trudy Barnes Sammer

Diana Seitz Lawson

Bob Butler

Karen Moore

Connie Turner

David Phillips

 

If you are not named on this list and you plan to attend…reply to this email. The count will help the two places we eat at to have an idea of how many will be present.

 

I hope your summer is going along okay. IF you have any news that you would like to share with the entire class…email

me and I will send it on to the class.

 

Duane Harms

[posted August 5, 2015]

 

Hi AHS Class of 1962,

“It’s Just Lunch” will be next week, Wednesday, August 12th at the Holiday Bowl on South State Street in Augusta.

 

The Holiday Bowl staff are expecting you at 11:30 am.

 

Some of the Mini-Reunion planning will take place at this next lunch meeting. Billy Johnson will gather your thoughts on this. At this point it is being planned for October about the 13^th or 14^th of the month. More info will come after next week’s lunch. We have several out of state classmates that are hoping to attend the October lunch. If you would like to attend the October time and have not email me…you can still do so. Just hit reply to this email and it will get to me.

 

Duane

Attached is the fifth kindergarten set of pictures of some of our classmates…this one has 9 more individual pictures. This month the pictures are of; top row is: Alovis Heckerman, Irvin Hill, and Gary Leedom; the middle row is: Sara Gunnerson, Darrell Dennett, and Emily Higgins; and the bottom row is: Carolyn Wilcoxson, Stephen Thoreson and Stanley Adams.

 

Do you remember all nine of these Kindergarten class mates? Several of them moved on to other towns and schools before our graduation.

Hi AHS Class of 62’

 

This email is a collection of info that I have received…that you might be interested in…

 

The attached photo is a picture of Lloyd and Betty Dotson, Bill and Lynda Johnson, and Mack and Janice Bonds. Bill and Lynda traveled to Texas and were able to get together with Lloyd and Betty Dotson and Mickey and Janice Bonds 8-4-15. As you can see Lloyd is doing well with his new knee and Mickey is out of the hospital and doing well. They both mentioned receiving cards from classmates and were grateful.

 

We received word from Trudy Barnes Sammer that David Souter (Class of 64) is not doing very well with his health. David is a Chiropractor in McPherson, KS. You may recall that Sally Souder Puckett of our class passed in May of 2010.

Dennis Murrey a member of AHS Class of 61’ died and his funeral will be this coming Monday. You may remember Dennis who was in basketball and football during our high school days. His brother David was in the AHS Class of 64’.

If you have any news you wish to pass on to our class of 62’….let me know and send me the info…that is how I learn about most of the things I share with you. Thanks for the times you have sent me the info.

 

Duane

[posted July 16, 2015]

 

 

Hi Class mates of 62 AHS,

 

Three things…

1. JJanice Maggard Bonds’ husband Mickey is in the hospital awaiting the Dye test results. Mickey has had open heart surgery in the past. Please pray for Janice and Mickey during this time.

Mickey & Janice Bonds, 7915 Shire Lane, Beaumont, TX 77706

 

2. “It’s Just Lunch” was great today at the Holiday Bowl in Augusta. About 14 were present. Billy Johnson reports that: The staff at the Holiday Bowl were very gracious and the food was great. The group decided that For August to return so…you can mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 12^th at the Holiday Bowl

 

 

3. Your opinion is needed…Would you like to have a mini-class reunion?? Please reply yes or no. Class members who are “out of town”…meaning live outside of Augusta…would you like to gather for a expanded “It’s Just Lunch”? October 2015 was the suggested month. If enough are interested then some of the classmates who regularly attend the “It’s Just Lunch” would plan the event. The “out of town” class mates would possibly make an stronger effort to attend the mini-reunion if they knew others would also come from a distance to attend along with the regular in town class mates.

 

You can reply with your yes or no response…by simply clicking reply on this email. Say yes or no…please state if you would attend if it were in October. After gathering the responses, a date can be set…and more info would be sent out. Please note any replies to this email comes directly to me, Duane Harms. Please reply with your response by Friday, July 24^th.

 

By replying YES you will only be saying you will make every effort to attend if the date turns out to fit in your October calendar. When the date is selected then we will ask for your actual RSVP.

 

Tell us if you like the idea of a mini-reunion…if you will make an effort to attend…and is October a good month for you….

 

Thanks,

 

Duane

[posted Nov. 3, 2013]

 

Hi 1962 Classmates who served in the military,

You are invited to share your story about your military service. The Augusta Class of 1962 has a web page listing your name as heroes who served Uncle Sam.

Take a look at this web page: http://ahsclass62.com/27.html
You will note that 4 names are shown with brown lettering. On these 4 you can click on their name, then a page will pop up and you will learn more about their military experience.

When you share your military story with us, it could be posted on this same web site for all of your classmates to read.

Sharing things like:

Dates of your Service

Places where you served

Any special types of service or interesting stories you would like to share

Positions held

Awards Received

Any other details that you wish to share such as a photo or two

You may share all of the above ideas or just a few of them, or perhaps you wish to communicate your military story in a totally different way…that is okay.

Please submit your story to either Tommy Palmer at TPalmer355@aol.com or to Duane Harms at dharms7@comcast.net

It would be great that by the end of January 2014 many contributions of military stories were posted on our class web site. Each of you has a story from your military experiences…share it with others who wish to learn more about you. Veterans Day is Monday, November 11th, sharing your story would be a great way to celebrate this special day.


Thanks,

Duane Harms

[posted Sept. 27, 2013]

Hi Class of 1962,

 

Perhaps you have already read the following announcement on our class blog: http://ahsclass62.com/23.html

 

If so, congratulations…thank you for checking in on the class blog to learn what is going on with class members. There is a picture of Ron Penland, Tommy Palmer, and Gary Marshall that was posted this summer. All of this to say check back every so often to learn what is new… Thank you Tommy Palmer for updating the class blog.

 

Please reserve September 22 and 23, 2017 for our 55th Class reunion. This is 4 years away, since this is such an early notice you will have time to make plans to be present for this special celebration. At this point your biggest challenge is to find a 2017 calendar to post this event.

The dates of 22 and 23 are a Friday and Saturday. Write this down…now…thanks.

 

More details will be coming in the days and years to come. If you would like to help with this reunion please let me know. We still need ideas for the Friday evening place and Saturday day time activities. When we get closer to our reunion, we will need people to share in ways to make each event special for all who attend.

 

One major assignment we all need to consider between now and our 55th reunion…is to stay healthy so we can have the privilege of seeing each other. Please write down this date…September 22 and 23, 2017. Perhaps we have great memories…but writing this date down will really make our memory the best.

 

IF you have any news that you would like to be sent out by email, (this would be a quick message) then rely to this email and I will forward it on to the class. IF you have any thing that you would like posted on the blog (this would be something that people could see over a longer period of time) then email Tommy: TPalmer355@aol.com

 

Thanks,

 

Duane Harms

 

651-578-1084

 

dharms7@comcast.net

[posted Sept. 21, 2013]

 

Class of 1962, please reserve September 22 and 23, 2017 for our 55th Class reunion. This is 4 years away, since this is such an early notice you will have time to make plans to be present for this special celebration. At this point your biggest challenge is to find a 2017 calendar to post this event. The dates of 22 and 23 are a Friday and Saturday. Write this down…now…thanks.

More details will be coming in the days and years to come. If you would like to help with this reunion please let me know. We still need ideas for the Friday evening place and Saturday day time activities. When we get closer to our reunion, we will need people to share in ways to make each event special for all who attend.

One major assignment we all need to consider between now and our 55th reunion…is to stay healthy so we can have the privilege of seeing each other. Please write down this date…September 22 and 23, 2017. Perhaps we have great memories…but writing this date down will really make our memory the best.



Thanks,

Duane

651-578-1084

dharms7@comcast.net

Class of 1962, please reserve September 22 and 23, 2017 for our 55th Class reunion. This is 4 years away, since this is such an early notice you will have time to make plans to be present for this special celebration. At this point your biggest challenge is to find a 2017 calendar to post this event. The dates of 22 and 23 are a Friday and Saturday. Write this down…now…thanks.

 

More details will be coming in the days and years to come. If you would like to help with this reunion please let me know. We still need ideas for the Friday evening place and Saturday day time activities. When we get closer to our reunion, we will need people to share in ways to make each event special for all who attend.

 

One major assignment we all need to consider between now and our 55th reunion…is to stay healthy so we can have the privilege of seeing each other. Please write down this date…September 22 and 23, 2017. Perhaps we have great memories…but writing this date down will really make our memory the best.

 

Thanks,

 

Duane

 

651-578-1084

 

dharms7@comcast.net

Posted for Duane Harms December 13, 2012

 

Dear 1962 Classmates,

 

Please review the list of known names of the military service personnel below who are a part of our class. For each of you are on this list, it would be appreciated if you would write a review of your military experience. For those who are not on this list, when you communicate with these servicemen, please asks them if they are aware of this request. Thanks!

 

A challenge we will have in gathering these military reviews are the veterans of our class that are deceased. If you know a family member of a deceased military person in our class, ask them if they could provide information regarding their military service. Most of the information would be on their discharge DD214 but getting that information might seem like an intrusion for some of the survivors. Four known deceased are Keith Beshirs, Gerald Goucher, Gary Keely, and Richard LaFevre.

 

Please write a review of your military experience. After completion and submission, your review document will be placed on our Class web site. Take some time over the next few months summarize your military experience in a document and submitted it to Tommy Palmer tpalmer355@aol.com for posting.

 

We grew up and graduated in the very front of the Vietnam conflict where some were called to arms. We had so many pilots and high ranked officers in our class, that it is appalling and something to make us be very proud. For this reason, we are asking you a favor to become involved in this project. This will be posted on our class web site and maybe handed over to some Military Museums for their record keeping. At the very least the documents submitted will be recorded for our children and grandchildren to read and learn about our amazing soldiers in the class of 1962.

 

Tommy Palmer says: “Our classmates, including myself, would really enjoy and cherish this information and it will be a part of discussions from now until the end of our reunions and meetings together.”

 

Jim Talley has made a template that is attached and can be used to help all our military personnel to complete this project.

 

Jim Talley has also written a one page draft about his military experience (that is attached) as a proposed example that each military class member could review to gain insight on this project. Consider this draft as a tool that might help you communicate about your military experience. Please email Jim any questions you might have about this project, talley5308@twinvalley.net

 

This request is coming to you during this busy holiday time…that is why you may wish to take the next two to three months to work on this project. I will send another reminder about this in the middle of January. Please submit your military review to Tommy Palmer when you have completed them.

 

We appreciate your efforts on this project,

 

Duane Harms

Classmates of 1962 in Military

 

Stan Adams: Lieutenant, Ordinance Corps, Corps of Engineers
Fred Batdorf: U.S. Marine Corps (1961-1966), U.S. Army (1967-1975)
Larry Benton: U.S. Army
Stanley Benton: U.S. Air Force
Keith Beshirs: U.S. Air Force, 55th Organizational Maintenance Squardon
Richard Bradley: U.S. Air Force
Bob Butler: U.S. Marine Corps
Lonnie Coots: U.S. Marine Corps, Helicopter Pilot (1979-1996)
Stan Cyphers: U.S. Army
David K. Corbin: U.S. Air Force
David R. Corbin: Kansas National Guard (1963-1969)
Bill Daigh: U.S. Navy, (1965-1967)
Jim DeWitt: U.S. Navy, 1963-1965) served on aircraft carrier Midway
Gerald Goucher: U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot
Duane Harms: U.S. Navy (1966-1968)
Mike Howerter: U.S. Air Force (Intelligence Analyt)
Cecil Johnston: U.S. Army
Bob Kaufman: U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot
Gary Keely:
Richard LaFevre: U.S. Marines
Michael Mahaffey: U.S. Air Force
Gary Marshall: U.S. Marines Helicopter Pilot (1968-1977)
Jesse Moon: U.S. Air Force
Lloyd Nelson: U.S. Navy (Certified Hazardous Waste Management Engineer)
Ron Penland: U.S. Marines, Naval Flight Officer, (1967-1975) Helicopter Pilot
Curtis Roby: U,S. Army
Charles Rummell: U.S. Air Force ( 1969-1993) pilot and flight instructor
Jim Talley: U.S. Army, Lieutennat Colonel (1969-1989) (1990) Operation Desert Storm
Victor Thomison: U.S. Army

 

 

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