Go Tigers!

July 20, 2010

Hi Westport Classmates,

Once again the Westport Gals Lunch Bunch enjoyed time and lunch together on June 26, 2010, at Mimi's Cafe in Overland Park. The following gals were able to join in the fun: Ilene O'Hare Blogin, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Isabel Avila Cheney, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Beverly Kerr Martin, Carol Nicholson Williams, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Barbara Jones Field, Donna Dodds Hass and Merry Krause Becker. We made plans to meet again on July 31 at Jack Gage American Tavern at 50th and Main in Kansas City. As always if you would like to join us, please feel free to do so. Take care and stay cool.

Merry Becker

July 17, 2010

Bill Gallup Obituary
William Russell Gallup, 71, moved to heaven on July 9, 2010, after a short hospitalization due to complications from a fall. Bill was born Aug. 19, 1938, near Keokuk, Iowa. As a youngster, he lived in Iowa and Arkansas before his family moved to Kansas City, Mo. His fondest childhood memories included the time spent with extended family in Arkansas. Following graduation from Westport High School in Kansas City, he joined the Navy. Bill was an expert in automotive parts and taught related classes in local junior colleges. He worked at Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the metro area. Bill was an Eagle Scout and a Scout master. He was a long-time member and an elder in the Community of Christ Church and attended the Bannister Ridge Congregation. Bill was a talented musician. He played a number of instruments, including the harmonica and guitar. He enjoyed playing with the Bannister Ridge Runners, a group whose musical ministry brought great joy to hospitals and nursing homes. He enjoyed cooking and creating leather art. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Kaeding and stepfather, J.F. (Tex) Kaeding and one son. He is survived by his loving spouse, Lorene; a sister, Martha Jo McConaughey (Jack); six brothers, Leonard Gallup (Shirley), Royal Kaeding, Loyal Kaeding (Tessa), Jack Lee Kaeding, Julious Durwood Kaeding (Twila), Kenneth Kaeding (Anne) and nieces, nephews, grand- nieces, and grand-nephews, all too numerous to count. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 15, at Flora Cemetery, Viola, Ark. The family suggests contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 8745 James A. Reed Rd., KCMO 64138 or Community of Christ Bannister Ridge Congregation, 9801 Blue Ridge Extension, KCMO 64134. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.speakschapel.com. Speaks Suburban Funeral Home, 18020 E 39th St, Independence, MO 64051, 816-373-3600 Published in Kansas City Star on July 12, 2010

June 25, 2010

Hi Westport Classmates,
The last Westport Gals luncheon was held on May 22nd at the Blue Moose Bar and Grill in Prairie Village. We had an excellent turnout with 16 gals attending. Jane Gooch Hollander was able to join us for the first time and it was great to see her. The following gals enjoyed a pleasant luncheon outside on the patio: Janis Blackwell Jones, Barbara Hinshaw Goodwin, Donna Dodds Haas, Judy Arnold Eckel, Juanita Furness Candillo, Cherlyn Hughes Bruns, Isabel Avila Cheney, Carol Nicholson Williams, Terry Murphy Renfrow, Pat Jenkins Turley, Diane Morrow Kaster, Phyllis Morgan Lodl, Carolyn Beck Casey, Kaye Peyser Muehlberger, Jane Gooch Hollander and Merry Krause Becker. We have become friends all over again and we have one very important thing in common. We spent some of the best years of our lives together at Westport High School. Our next luncheon will be on Saturday, June 26th at Mimi's Cafe at 11 a.m. Mimi's is located at 11885 W. 95th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. Congratulations to Jerry Bybee's great nephew, Casey James, Casey came in third in the American Idol TV show. He did an awesome job and will be on tour with the top 10 from Idol.

Happy Father's Day to all our fathers and to our sons who are now fathers!

Merry Becker

June 16, 2010

Thanks to Juanita Candillo and others, they researched the Feb. news about the "riot" that took place in front of Westport at the close of the school day.

News article from the Kansas City Times "here"
Photo of the event "here"

Do you remember that day? (email jim@carras.com with your comments to post)

June 11, 2010

Read the article in Time Magazine July 3, 2010 about Westport closing.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1993877,00.html

Jim Carras

June 10, 2010

Carol Williams and Juanita Candillo continue to amaze me. Their dedication to preserving the history of the Westport area as well as the school is truly a gift to the City. Having followed news reports of the closing of KC schools, I was truly saddened that Westport was on the list. The declining school population illustrates the need for tough decisions, but emotional ties remain. Even though important documents seem to be missing, what has been preserved will contribute greatly to the history of Westport.

I’m sure other ’57 grads are working with them and also deserve credit. Who knows? Maybe some of the items packed away for safe keeping will appear at our 55th reunion.

A work in progress… thanks for your dedication and hard work.

Karen Schrader

June 10, 2010

Dear Mr. Joe Robertson, (the reporter about Westport of the Kansas City Star)

I am sending you this message with deep appreciation for all of your interest and effort to give the people of Kansas City the true picture of our love and devotion for our dear old Westport High School. You deliver the message of our hearts when you speak of old trophies and treasured memories we had at Westport High School where we spent our young impressionable years and where the foundation of our lives were being built.

I also want to thank our dear Carol (Nicholson) Williams for loving the memories of our school enough to want to do everything she could to preserve as much as she could and the many hours she spent on it. I also want to thank Duane Kelly (the brother of Clint Kelly from the class of 1955) for helping her. I took a picture of Carol holding the trowel that laid the cornerstone of Westport and the envelope she found it in, right after she found it. I was privileged to have been there when we were especially looking for items that represented the years we were going to Westport. Carol's devotion represents many of us former students and how we feel about our dear old school. I am proud to have been a graduate of Westport High School and will always hold dear the good memories that brought all that graced the halls of Westport together just by having been there.

Westport High School,
We will miss you and we are sorry to see you close, but we love you and will hold you in our hearts and cherish the good memories we had there.

Thank you,
Juanita (Furness) Candillo
from the class of 1957

June 6, 2010

"I was happy to go and speak to the junior and seniors of Mr. Debarthe's classes. Talking with them and answering their questions made me realize how strongly I still feel the Spirit of Westport.

They asked questions such as, Where did we hold our Proms? Did we work while in school and where?, Where did we live when we went to Westport? How were our sports teams? What did it feel like to go away from home to a big college? How often have we gotten together since graduation? They were very receptive to us and some came and gave us hugs afterwards.

We told them how important they were as the "last Senior Class of Westport"

We loved the building, the halls and classrooms, in short the experience of going to Westport, but most important were the people we went to school with. It represent a time in our lives that can never be replicated. It was the time of not only learning, and making friendships, but the building place of a great part of our character. We tell the stories of teachers and classes we all remember and laugh at experiences we shared The longer we talk the more we remembered. It was a good time for us."

Dear Mr. Robertson:

Thank you so much for the article you wrote about the closing schools of Kansas City. As a product of those schools, I have been sadden by the need to close so many of them. I am very grateful to have had the privilege to attend Westport High School and appreciated you comments about Westport. I was one of the class of 1957 who went to visit with Mr.. DeBarthe's Juniors and Seniors and found them delightful. Most of them indicated they were planning to advance their education at college or other training which pleased me greatly.

I particularly enjoyed the comments in your article of SunSierra Payne, a junior moving to Southwest next year. "... she came away from the visit with the Class of ’57 believing a better goodbye is possible. 'I want it remembered the way the alumni remember it, not the way people think of it now.'she said. 'I like Westport for the good times.'”
I have stood with pride as I have cheered the Westport students over the years marching in the Snake Saturday parade. I still "revere the name of Westport " and will always "speak of her with pride."
I love the Westport High School Building, and will hate to see it stand empty. I hope the class of 2010 can remember Westport as I do, by keeping in contact with classmates thru the years. It is the memories of my experiences at Westport and the people sharing those memories that will always keep Westport alive in my heart.
Thanks again for the time you devoted to presenting these schools as we remember them.

Cherlyn Bruns

June 3, 2010

Take a look at a recent article in the KC Free Press and KC Star regarding Westport closing.

http://www.kcfreepress.com/photos/galleries/2010/jun/01/westport-high-school/
http://www.kcfreepress.com/news/2010/jun/02/closure-looming-westport-high-school-alumni-look-b/#c1039
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/06/02/1988984/21-kc-schools-fade-to-memory.html

A note from Carol (Nicholson) Williams regarding the interview with KC Star.

Friends,

This is the thank-you note I have sent to Joe Robertson, the reporter at the KC Star who wrote the article in today's paper describing the closing of the schools in KC. If you are as pleased as I am, please email him at jrobertson@kcstar.com and express your appreciation. I am most grateful, not only for the two hours he devoted to my interview but also for his focus on our school. He is a relatively young man, but obviously his sensitivity runs deeply. So many of you are good writers. If Joe's article has had an impact on you, please consider writing a letter of appreciation to the editor of the newspaper. My name has been cited enough times. Let's hear from some of the others of you. Please and thank you.

Ron, I have an essay from one of Mr. DeBarthe's students who mentions the impact you and Don had when you spoke to the class. I shall make a copy and send to you. Our words did not fall on dead ears!

Carol

Dear Joe,

Although I speak on behalf of my fellow alumni, simple words fail to convey our appreciation for your article on the closing of schools in the KC District. As an English teacher, one of the most difficult tasks I experienced, even with AP students, was teaching the meaning of "voice" in one's writing. I wish that I had been able to refer to your writing as a model.

You certainly succeeded in capturing the essence of the mixed emotions felt, not only by the older alumni but also by the graduating seniors and the underclassmen of Westport. Thank you for emphasizing the thoughts of the students and for showing your readers, through their words, what it means to say goodbye to a school that has been their home.

I hope that you will be hearing from other members of my Class of '57 who can speak for themselves in expressing their appreciation, for you have afforded each of us, who loves Westport, a positive way to say goodbye to an institution that nurtured us during the vulnerable years of our lives....a school that set us on the path to greater academic achievement and civic responsibility. A building so full of memories that not even a bulldozer can destroy it.

Finally, thank you for using the English language to evoke emotions and provoke thought.

Warmest regards,

May 15, 2010

One last look at Westport High School while it is still open. These photos were taken May 2010.

Click to view photos

April 28, 2010

All Class Reunion:

There is change is on the date for the tour of Westport. The date has been changed from May 14, 2010, to May 7, 2010, at 3:00, at Westport. David Wells called yesterday and stated that the principal at Westport wants Westport Alumni to do something with the graduating class of 2010.

David, will get back with me about what the principal wants us to do with the class and I will forward the information on to everyone. Also, our meeting at Rhythm Lanes is tentatively planned for the 7th at 6:00 PM, will know more later this week.

Mary Adair-Dean Class of "66

April 27, 2010

Westport Classmates,
The Westport Gals of '57 have enjoyed several luncheons together since my last report in January. Eight of us enjoyed lunch together at Cascone's Italian Restaurant in Shawnee Mission, Kansas on January 23rd. The following gals there: Carol Williams, Donna Haas, Terry Renfro, Phyllis Lodl, Barbara Field, Juanita Candillo, Isabel Cheney and Merry Becker.

The next luncheon was held on March 6th at Bo Ling's in Overland Park, Kansas. The following gals were able to join us: Donna Haas, Juanita Candillo, Isabel Cheney, Carol Williams, Terry Renfro, Phyllis Lodl, Diane Kaster, Barbara Field, Kaye Muehlberger and Merry Becker.

The latest luncheon was held at the Trezo Mare Restaurant on April 17th. The restaurant is just 5 minutes north of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Once again we had a very nice turn out and the following gals enjoyed the atmosphere of the lovely restaurant and the company of good friends: Janis Jones, Barbara Goodwin, Donna Haas, Carol Williams, Terry Renfro, Phyllis Lodl, Judy Eckel, Cherlyn Bruns, Linda Hunter, Juanita Candillo, Isabel Cheney, Kaye Muehlberger and Merry Becker.

We always have a great time at these luncheons and we have become a very close and caring group of friends. We are working on the plans for our next luncheon and it will most likely be towards the end of May. I will let Jim know when we have a date and location and he will post it for us. Thanks, Jim, for keeping the web site up and running. It is always good to hear what our classmates are doing. I must report that Jerry Bybee's great nephew, Casey James, is still in the running for the American Idol title. He is one of the last six still in there and they perform tonight, April 27th. Good luck, Casey!!
For now, Hugs from Merry

April 11, 2010

I have looked at the other Westport High School websites and find your work superior.
You have done an excellent job and I want to congratulate you, the website is something to be proud of. Larry Morgan

April 9, 2010

Hello 1957 WHS graduates. I transferred to Westport from Leavenworth High School and was a junior at WHS in 1957. I graduated with the class of 1958 and serve as webmaster of our 1958 website (http://sites.google.com/site/westporthighschool). Please let me know if you are aware of other WHS websites or class reunions and I will add links to our 1958 page. I reside in Orem, Utah. I was able to visit the school during the summer of 2009, visited with students, teachers, and administrators, and took a lot of pictures of the school. I have posted some of them on the 1958 website. It is sad to learn about Westport closing. Kip Sperry kipsperry@gmail.com

April 9, 2010

"Sam Keith just recently moved to Leawood Ks. to a townhome where he doesn't have the maintenance that he did on a regular home. He is still driving and barely passed his eye test to get his drivers license recently. He said he is 87 years old and still driving. His new address is 2233 Condolea Ter. Leawood Ks. 66209 for those that want to send him a card or letter". Juanita (Furness) Candillo

March 26, 2010

"Hi, I don't know you, but in the early sixties I dated a boy that was in your class while he was stationed in Arizona at Williams Air Force Base in pilot training; my father was a pilot stationed in Phoenix also. He was a 1961 graduate of the USAF Air Force Academy, and as fine a person as I have ever known and a credit to your class, and our country. His name was John Ernest Stackhouse and he was killed in Thailand flying an F-4C in the Viet Nam War on September 13th, 1966. I would so appreciate it if you would put this by his name on your website rather than leaving the space blank...I think Johnny would like it, too. Thank you very much for your consideration about this. "

Sincerely, Anne Nevitt Hill
Austin, Texas

March 18, 2010

"Since they turned 70 last year, Ron's wife - Carol - and Don's wife - Martha - and sister Vivian from Chicago threw a 140 year old birthday party for Ronnie and Donnie the day before Thanksgiving with 71 in attendance and 41 stayed over for turkey day at Ron & Carol's pad. Best family reunion that we ever had with 28 grandkids under age 12. And Carol did her part - including producing and hosting the gala - from a wheel chair because she fell Oct 3 and broke bones in both of her feet. Kudos for her courage and persistence. She is just now just past the "Tim Conway Shuffle" but she's making progress. We are thankful for life, for family and God's graciousness to us all." Ron Philgreen

March 11, 2010

"Do we have any American Idol fans in our group? It may interest you to know that classmate Jerry Bybee's nephew is one of the top 8 male contestants. His name is Casey James. He is 27 years old and he is from Fort Worth, Texas. The top 8 girls sang last night and the guys sang tonight. Tomorrow night at 7 p.m. they will eliminate 2 girls and 2 guys so be sure to watch and see if Casey makes it through this round."
Ilene Blogin

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