Claude Hart put on quite a party! If you missed it, you missed the best reunion we've ever had! Our thanks to Claude and Judy Hart for pulling it all together, IT WAS GREAT! For those of you who could not attend you missed an evening of culture and music, beginning with Richie’s violin (fiddle) selections. You may not have known what talented people are in our class. Thomas and Claude both sang solos (this is for real) and they were wonderful! Jeannie and Nancy Nixon sang the ever popular, “I Can't Help It, If I'm Still In Love With You.” The high point of the evening, however, was when Leon and Claude demonstrated the way the Jitter Bug should REALLY be done. You've been holding out on us, guys! We were riveted by harrowing tales of Houston Homicide Detective, Winston Polly, not only does he have the shiniest head, but the silverest tongue in our old class. None of us had seen Clyde Kelly since 1961, he's better looking than ever; he and wife, Pauline made a lovely couple on the dance floor. Sue Schulle Brooker made her first class reunion this year, and had such a great time she wants to have one every year! We had hoped for a family reunion between Billy and Ronnie Riley, after 10 years, “BUT Noooo !” ... we missed you Ronnie!  Tye and Melba Cox dropped by for a visit. Nadine and Nelda, particularly enjoyed reminiscing about the glory days in Graves Gym. The C. M. Huckabees and Jimmy's sister, Jerry Horne Smith made an appearance to say hi to our class. Jerry lives in the Austin area. Claude's brother, Bobby, had heard the class of ‘61 has more fun than anyone, and he wanted to see it for himself. Also, Jeannie's sister, Debbie came with her. It was good to have some of the “under classmates” there, and we set a fine example. Thomas brought videos of old football games, the old days were recaptured if only for a while. It was good to see old pals, and it was good to know, when all is said and done, that status ... and looks ... and grades ... and mistakes ... and lost dreams, are not important, but OLD FRIENDS ARE! The memories of growing up together glow brightly in our minds and hearts. We sincerely missed each of you who couldn't be there for this great celebration of friendship! We continually miss those deceased, who can never attend: Doyle Adams, Lewis Barker, Diane Calk, Eddie Farmer, Jimmy French, Eddie Fullen, Don Gaines, Martha LeMay, Annette Marrs and Teddy Sorrells.

We hope to have a huge turn out in 2001; the site of the next reunion will be Coleman. There was a discussion of several possibilities. Claude generously offered the Lodge building, if we wanted to use it again; some wanted to have it back in Coleman. Judia came up with the idea of having it at Mo Ranch, for which there would be an expense, but probably not more than we would spend on a motel, but you have to book two years in advance.  At any rate, see you in Coleman in 2001!