Go Tigers!

Feb. 19, 2010

"The closing of Westport High needs not be looked at with sorrow for it presents us with a great opportunity ; several graduates could pool their financial resources, buy the property and convert it to condominiums. It could be called Westport Woods, a Center for Senior Living.

Classrooms could be converted to apartments of various sizes and amenities.
Elevators installed for those depending on walkers or wheel chairs
One gymnasium can be used as a gymnasium and fitness center, the other used for parties, dances and social gatherings
The auditorium can be used for meetings, motion pictures, concerts and theatrical productions both professional and amateur
The cafeteria will serve as a Food Court offering snacks, casual meals and fine dining
The library shall remain a library and reading room stocking current newspapers and magazines as well as novels and reference books
One or two classrooms would remain classrooms for continuing education
A room will be designated as a music room where the residents can practice and learn various instruments
The basement will be used for an Arts and Crafts Center providing facilities for wood working, metal working, jewelry making weaving, painting and pottery
On the main floor there will be a small shop where the resident's arts and crafts will be sold to the public
The parking area on the west side of McGee will be fenced, well lit and have a security guard/attendant"

Larry Morgan

Feb. 19, 2010

"With the Kansas City MO school board approval they are planning on closing about 29 to 31 of it's 60 schools in the K.C. area. They are planning on laying off up to 285 school teachers. Westport and possibly Northeast are two high schools in the planned closings. The K.C. Star Sunday paper said there has been a decline in enrollment from a peek of 75,000 students in the late 1960's to 17,000 students today. The proposal is that Westport Middle and High --- Students go to Southwest. Folks have moved to the suburbs and away from Kansas City and kids have dropped out of school and they say there aren't enough students and money to keep them all open. It has been on the news the last few days. I am sad that it has come to this but if they close our school that doesn't mean they will tear it down. Hopefully someone will come along and buy it and use it for somthing else.. The building is special in the hearts of all of us classmates" . ...Juanita

Feb. 16, 2010
"Just another sad occassion my fellow Westport classmatres and Dear friends..those of us living in or near to K.C. will know what is in the K.C. Schoolboard plans, the closing of about half of all K.C. schools, this includes our dear old treasured Westport, perhaps some of our old elementary schools.. it is truly another sad situation in our lifetime and our memories..I will pray and protest in my own way this closure and not only the loss of our dear old school, but to me even a historical loss of a grand old structure about 100 years ago..just venting and passing on my thoughts to you..God Bless You All" -

Art White

Jan. 13, 2010

"I have new information for the Westport 1957 Database. I live in Munds Park, AZ which is about 20 miles S. of Flagstaff. My youngest son, Sam, invited me to move in with him. It's beautiful down here & my best friend lives in Flagstaff. Hope all is well with you. I have heard nothing about any of our classmates for over a year & yes, I did send my new email."
Gladys Elain Fredin [Chenault]

Jan. 5, 2010

"To all of my Westport friends, best wishes from our family, Howard, Jeff, Greg and Carol, for a Happy New Year filled with happiness, health and success".

Warm regards,
Carol Nicholson Williams

Jan. 2, 2010

"Hi to all our classmates from the 1957 Westport Gals Lunch Bunch. We wish everyone a new year filled with lots of love, happiness and good health.
Our Christmas luncheon on December 5th was a great success. Twenty one gals enjoyed the luncheon which was held in the lovely home of Diane Morrow Kaster. This year we decided to adopt a family and forego the gift exchange amongst ourselves. Through the generosity of all the gals, even the ones who were unable to attend the luncheon, we were able to share $350 with a single mother, who is battling cancer, and her three children. That was the best part of the afternoon; however, we did have fun with a white elephant exchange and a baby picture identifying game. We made plans to make the "Adopt a Family" an annual project for our group, so next December we hope to expand on the idea. The gals attending the luncheon were Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Betty Turley Smith, Beverly Kerr Martin, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Carol Nicholson Williams, Diane Morrow Kaster, Donna Dodds Haas, Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Irene Zamarippa Lopez, Isabel Avila Cheney, Judy Arnold Eckel, Juanita Furness Candillo, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Linda Betke Hunter, Mary Nichols Bay, Mary Hamilton Ruf, Nancy Shepherd Coates, Pat Jenkins Turley, Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Terry Murphy Renfro and me, Merry Krause Becker.

Our next luncheon will be on January 23 at Houston's on the Plaza at 1:00 pm. The weather may play a part in our meeting so feel free to check with me as we get closer to the date to see if we have made any changes. Again, Happy New Year to all our Westport High School friends."

Warm hugs from Merry Krause Becker!

Dec. 23, 2009
2009 has been a year of technology for us: we both got new computers, Dick received a Kindle for Father's Day and we have new cell phones that "do it all." As opposed to leaving phone messages or emailing grandchildren, we've learned that texting gets an instant response. Dick's garden railroad has continued to grow with bridges, curves, a tunnel and lots of track. I have become fascinated with genealogy and learned that I have ancestors going back to the Revolutionary War and beyond. Also a first for us is that we have become actively involved in politics. Living in MA makes the world of politics very interesting, indeed. Happy Holidays to all of you. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Karen Harris Schrader

Dec. 10, 2009
The following email from Sara Booth was received... please contact her directly with any memories of Miss Eggleston.

Dear Jim,

I ran across your website for the Westport Class of '57. My great-aunt Mabel Eggleston taught Latin and English at Westport at that time. My sister and I are writing a family history and I was wondering if anyone had any memories of Miss Eggleston. I didn't know if it would be appropriate to post a comment on your website. I know it's a stretch but if you have anything I would appreciate knowing.

Thank you,
Sara Booth

sarakbooth@hotmail.com

Dec. 8, 2009

The following email was received by Bryon London, son of classmate William (Bill) Jay London. Please respond directly to him if you would like to share any memories you have of his father...Jim Carras

Dear Jim,

It was interesting to see "William Jay London" listed on your web site when I googled my fathers name. Bill was my dad, and died when his c-130 crashed off of Okinawa. I was only seven months old, so of course I have no recollection of him or the events.

Looks like your reunion was a great success! On behalf of my father I wish you and all the classmates all the best of Health and success.

Bryon London
blondon@powersoak.com>

Nov. 19, 2009

"Happy Thanksgiving to all!. Bev and I are enjoying life on the west coast with all the great skiing, hiking, biking wining, dining and dancing we can get in! I try to get as much tennis in as possible too. Two years ago I bought a new knee and it's been wonderful to be a kid again!" - Dick Kiehl

Oct. 23, 2009

"The Westport Gals of '57 met for lunch at Houlihan's north of the river on Saturday, October 17th, 2009. The food was good, the weather was great and the company could not have been better. Those attending were Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Mary Nichols Bay, Phyllis Morgan Lodl and her daughter, Kim, Donna Dodds Haas, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Juanita Furness Candillo, Mary Hamilton Ruf, Betty Turley Smith, Pat Jenkins Turley, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Isabel Avila Cheney, Beverly Kerr Martin and Merry Krause Becker. We made plans for our holiday luncheon and it will be held on Saturday, December 5th, 2009 at Diane's home. The menu will include barbeque from Smoke Stack. We will also continue to have our gift exchange. Be sure to get in touch with me if you plan to join us for some holiday fun and friendship. We are not planning to meet in November as most of us will have Thanksgiving plans and activities with our families. I hope everyone is staying healthy and happy and I will see many of you in the merry month of December." - Merry Krause Becker

Oct. 10, 2009

"This spring Mary and I took son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren ages 8, 6 and 5 on a one-week riding vacation in the Sierra. The little ones are all competent riders, and they loved it. I suspect this is going to have to be a yearly affair. I really appreciate the skill and dedication the Westport web site reflects. Congratulations to you. I'm retired, but I shepherd a group of former and present newspaper people. They message me, and every night I publish, via e-mail, a compendium of their comments and memories, along with some of my thoughts. This thing has been tremendously successful. There were 95 members when I took over two years ago, and we're up to 455 now and hope to keep growing. My best to all my Westport buddies."

Jack Justus Reber
P.O. Box 2239
Ramona, Calif. 92065
USA

Oct. 8, 2009

Retired and ready to do some traveling!!! Larry Morgan

Oct. 7, 2009

"It was good to hear from you. My cancer is in remission at this time so I feel wonderful and all my blood counts are normal.

Ken still has eye problems but can drive now in the daytime.
That is a blessing.

We are enjoying all of our eight grandchildren and six of our grandchildren live down the street. We live two exits from KCI Airport and are enjoying living up north.

Other than enjoying retirement, keeping up with our church and helping out with the grandchildren and our the children, we are incredibly lucky. " Janis Blackwell Jones

Oct. 7, 2009

Manuel Reyes and his family (including six Grand Dauthters) all live in Overland Park, KS. Take a look at Manuel's Bio >>click here.

Dos Mundos and Staff Recieve LifeTimeAchivement Award from GKCHCC 2006

Clara Reyes Editor & Manuel Reyes Publisher of Dos Mundos and now have two Spanish Radio Stations 1340 AM & 1480 AM

Business of the year Award to Reyes Media Group Curtis,Diana (Daughter)Raymer,Manuel,Clara Reyes, Edward (Son) and Susie 2007

Submitted by Manuel Reys

Oct. 7, 2009

On September 18th, 2009, the following classmates came together at Loose Park and had lunch. Also, Barbara (Jones) Field brought 4 Monarch butterflies she raised and they were released at the park to fly to Mexico for winter.

Kaye (Peyser) Muehlberger, Merry (Krause) Becker, Carol (Nicholson) Williams, Barbara (Jones) Field, Juanita (Furness) Candillo (not in this first picture)

Kaye (Peyser) Muehlberger and Barbara (Jones) Field

Juanita, Merry, Carol, and Kaye

Barbara, Merry, Carol and Kaye

Submitted by Juanita Candillo

Oct. 5, 2009

"Jim, I do not have any pictures, which is ok since I would not know how to get them into the computer and forwarded anyway. I am very limited in computer skills.
As for news, I finally retired last Wednesday , the 30th of Sept was my last day. That completed 48 years in the packaging business.
Marilyn and I are planning a trip to visit old friends and family this fall. My sister Jane is living in Keller Texas, and will be one of our stops on the trip. Marilyn is now a "stay at home Grandma" and I am training for the next class reunion.
See you then." Ken Pollock

Oct. 4, 2009

"Congrats on the great class of 57 web site. My e-mail address is
mach1gil@everestkc.net." Jerry Gillihan

Oct. 2, 2009

"My name is Manuel Ramentol. In case you wonder who Maria is: she is my better half, constant companion and caregiver. I have been a Parkinson's patient for at least 9 years..
First, thanks for this great link to a part of my own history. Most likely you do not remember me, or even we were never introduced or share a class.
Just the same, I wish you count you as a friend, and hope you do likewise.
I was able to make to the 40nth Class of 57 reunion, but missed the 50nth.
I have been in touch with Juanita Furness, (Mrs. Candillo)
I hope you are in good health. My wife's computer is my window to the world.
No longer do I drive, or even walk as well as I did a couple of years ago,
Parkinson works slowly, bu as it progresses there is no going back.
So, I do my best to keep busy: t is the best therapy.
Keep always your spirits high.
Peace." Manuel Ramentol

Oct. 1, 2009

Hi Westport Gals,

"Our last luncheon was the picnic in Loose Park and what a beautiful day we had. There were only 5 of us that were able to make it but we had a very nice time. I guess I should say 5 of us gals and 4 special guests. The guests were beautiful, small and very light and they were headed for Mexico. They were butterflies that Barbara Field brought with her that were ready to be released for their flight south. The following gals enjoyed an afternoon in the park: Juanita Candillo, Barbara Field, Kaye Muehlberger, Carol Williams and Merry Becker.

We decided it was time to go north for our next luncheon so mark your calendars for Saturday, October 17th, at 11:30 a.m. at Houlihan's Kansas City North. The address is 8660 Boardwalk Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, 64154. The phone number there is 816-584-9910. Ilene provided me with some basic directions and said Houlihan's was really easy to find. Go out I-29 and take exit 8 for NW Barry Road. Turn right at NW Barry Road. Go to the second light and turn left at N. Ambassador Drive. Go about 1 block and Houlihan's will be on your left. It is across the street from Wal-Mart.

Please let me know by Thursday, the 15th if you will be joining us so I can make reservations.

Stay happy and healthy and I hope to see many of you on the 17th.
Hug to you from" Merry Becker

Sept. 2, 2009

Hi Westport Gals,

"The luncheon on July 25th at Cinzetti's was enjoyed by the following gals: Barbara Field, Barbara Goodwin Mary Ruf, Donna Haas, Kaye Muehlberger, Pat Turley and Isabel Cheney. I was unable to attend but I heard that they had a very nice time.

The next luncheon will be Friday, September 18th at noon at Loose Park. By being on a Friday the children will be in school and hopefully there won't be a large reunion-type group using the main shelter house. We will meet at the shelter house that we used for our Sunday picnic for the 50th reunion. Carol and I will arrive early to stake out the shelter house (if it hasn't already been reserved) or a nearby table or patch of earth. The menu will be of your own choosing as everyone will bring their own picnic lunch and beverage. You might want to bring a lawn chair or blanket just in case the shelter house is occupied. I hope the time and date will work for most of you. Let me know if you are planning to join us.

Take care and enjoy this unbelievably nice weather". Merry Becker

June 21, 2009 Westport Friends,

"I have a couple of luncheons to report on. The Westport Gals' Luncheon scheduled on Sat., May 16, 2009, at Loose Park had a change in location due to inclement weather. We went with our "Plan B" and met at Uno's Chicago Grill on the Plaza. The following gals were able to attend: Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Beverly Kerr Martin, Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Donna Dodds Haas, Isabel Avila Cheney, Carol Nicholson Williams and Merry Krause Becker. We always have a great time and leave feeling upbeat. Old friends make the best friends.

Our latest luncheon was held on Friday, June 19, 2009, at the home of Carol Nicholson Williams. Carol was such a lovely hostess and everyone enjoyed an afternoon of delicious food, fun and friendship. The friendship we all share is very special. The following gals were able to join in the fun: Judy Arnold Eckel, Isabel Avila Cheney, Carolyn Beck Casey, Linda Bethke Hunter, Donna Dodds Haas, Juanita Furness Candillo, Mary Hamilton Ruf, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Pat Jenkins Turley, Merry Krause Becker, Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Diane Morrow Kaster, Terry Murphy Renfrow,Carol Nicholson Williams, Ilene O'Hare Blogin and Betty Turley Smith.

Our next luncheon will be on Sat., July 25, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at Cinzetti's Italian Market Restaurant located at 7201 W. 91st (91st and Metcalf), Overland Park, Kansas. I will make a reservation for us, therefore, please contact me (merrybecker38@comcast.net) by July 20th if you plan to join us.

Happy 4th of July to everyone!
Merry Becker

June 20, 2009 - Dear Friends,
I promise to keep this message brief; however, I feel compelled to write a note to those of you who attended the WGs' luncheon yesterday in my home. I want to thank each of you for taking the time to gather. How fortunate we are to share this special bond of friendship. Think of it. There is just one common denominator among us: Westport High School; yet, we always manage to find a "million and one" topics to laugh/talk about.

I thoroughly enjoy hosting our group because it provides more time for us to visit at greater length, and we can position ourselves so we can actually hear each other. I have come to believe that all of us are avid story-tellers at heart....and what stories we tell. We might not solve all of the problems of the world, but we manage to cover just about every topic imaginable. Also, thank you for the delicious food you brought.

Although Bev and Mary Bay were unable to attend (Mary's flight was delayed in Chicago), we missed both of you. To all others who were not able to join us yesterday, we hope to see you at the next luncheon. (Merry will be sending out that information in a few days.) Whenever my non-Westport friends hear that I am attending/hosting a Westport Gals' luncheon, they are envious of our long-standing friendships.

With that said, I know you will join me in sending a special thanks to the ladies who have kept our group intact: Ilene assumed the lead role for a number of years, and Merry has now held the post for the past few years. The rest of us might take for granted that our luncheons will automatically continue, but these ladies have invested time and effort to coordinate our get-togethers and to ensure that our gatherings are well-attended.

Did I promise that this message would be short? So much for trusting me! I look forward to our next luncheon in July.

Warm regards, - Carol (Nicholson) Williams

February 5, 2009 - What a great day for our luncheon. There were 11 of us that met Thursday, Feb. 5th at Uno's Chicago Grill on the Plaza. The following gals were at the luncheon: Nancy Wilson (all the way from Florida), Terry Renfrow, Irene Lopez, Juanita Candillo, Mary Ruf, Betty Smith, Pat Turley, Phyllis Lodl, Mary Bay, Carol Williams and me. Lunch was good but the company was even better. I want to thank Nancy for making time to join us. We all enjoyed visiting with her and I hope that seeing all her old friends helped to make her visit to Kansas City a little easier.

The next luncheon will be Thursday, April 16 at 12 noon and it will be at Taqueria Mexico #4 located at 3300 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas and the phone number is 913-722-9200. I will send out another note as we get closer to the date so you don't need to let me know if you will be able to attend until later. Check your schedules, however, and I do hope many of you will be able to join us.
An update on Donna's recovery is a good one. She seems to be coming along very well and appreciates the cards and notes sent her way. Donna, you are doing great and hopefully, you will soon be able to join us at a luncheon.

Cherlyn is doing better also, however, she is having quite a bit of back pain and isn't sure what the next step will be. Cherlyn also appreciates our cards and notes. Cherlyn, we miss seeing you at the luncheons and we hope that you too will be able to join us soon.
Try to keep up with the weather. It seems to change faster than a teen age girl can change outfits in one day. Take care, stay healthy and most of all stay happy. Hugs! Merry Becker

January 31, 2009 - The next Westport Gal's luncheon for the class of '57 will be Thursday, February 5, at 12:00 Noon at Uno's Chicago Grill on the Plaza.
Uno's is located at 4710 Jefferson St., adjacent to the Plaza theaters parking lot, just across the street, west of the theaters. Please email Merry (Krause) Becker at merrybecker38@comcast.net if you plan to attend so that she can give Uno's a number and possibly reserve the back room. Nancy (Conklin) Wilson will be in town and plans to attend the luncheon. Juanita (Furness) Candillo

January 13, 2009 - The next Westport '57 class gals luncheon will be 11:00 AM, Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 at Chili's restaurant at 5880 Antioch, Merriam, Kansas, 66202 The phone # is (913) 262-0067
It is located at Johnson Drive and Antioch, right off of the freeway I-35 All gals from the class of 1957 are welcome. RSVP Merry (Krause) Becker at merrybecker38@comcast.net to reserve a place at the table and/or get on the email or telephone list to be notified of the monthly luncheons. Juanita (Furness) Candillo

April 21, 2008 - "SUCCESS!! We got a new DVD Player and the disc you sent played perfectly. The original still does not . Thank you...(Juanita)...so much for taking the time to send a new one. That was so thoughtful of you and I enjoyed watching it very much. I must admit that it's been fifty years since I've seen anyone in our class and would have been hard pressed to recognize any of them if I had met them walking down the street, and I'm sure they'd feel the same about me. I think Jim Carras and the committee did a wonderful job of putting it...(the DVD)...all together and I'm sorry I couldn't attend the reunion. Do let me know if you're going to be in my area and I'd love to reciprocate your kindness. Fond regards", Barbara (South) Cheek

Nov. 18, 2007 - "Dear Classmates, we thought that you would want to be informed that Juanita Furness Candillo had Laparoscopic RYN Gastric Bypass surgery last week. Even though the surgery was deemed successful, the day following surgery, Juanita experienced complications related to a vastly increased heart rate which caused serious concern. When she did not respond to medication, plans were made to sedate her in order to shock her heart into a regular heartbeat. Fortunately, on the morning of the planned procedure, her heartbeat returned to normal. Those of us who were aware of her surgery and the post-surgery heart condition maintained a prayer vigil for her. Thank God that she is now doing fine and has returned home.

The Westport Gals, here in KC, have sent flowers, but we would encourage our fellow classmates to send messages to Juanita's email address or cards to her home address, both of which are listed in the Reunion Memory Book. We know that Juanita would be so pleased to know that her classmates are thinking of her and keeping her in their prayers. So, if you have a moment, please let her know that she is in your thoughts." Reunion Committee