To Gather or Not to Gather?
That's the Question!
2023 will mark 60 years since our high school graduation. Once again, we have had inquiries about our next reunion. Do you want one next year?
Please Contact Us with a "Yes" or "No" comment so we can determine class interest. While you're at it, feel free to add any thoughts or suggestions you'd like to pass onto the planning committee.
Please Contact Us with a "Yes" or "No" comment so we can determine class interest. While you're at it, feel free to add any thoughts or suggestions you'd like to pass onto the planning committee.
60 Year Reunion!
The following e-mail was sent to all classmates on record as of 11 July 2022. If you didn't receive your copy, please check your SPAM/Junk mail box. If it's not there, perhaps we don't have your current e-mail address. Please Contact Us!
Greetings from the CO 1963 Reunion Planning Committee
After an enjoyable lunch and meeting concerning the 60-year reunion, some of the following topics were discussed: When, Where, Plated or Casual Buffet, Afternoon or Evening, Anticipated Head Count, Lost Classmates since the 50th. There was the customary banter about offspring and their offspring, places visited, and what happened over the last two years.
For a quick bit of information, since June of 1963 with a graduating class of 140 people, we have lost the ability to communicate with 54; 34 have passed on and 20 are missing.
Getting down to business, I had a discussion with the new head of sales at the Holiday Inn of Carol Stream and what was once a need to reserve space for an event a year in advance has transformed to two months being the new norm. Giving thought to our age, current inflationary pressures, and uncertainty of what lies around the corner, we thought two months was a good number to use at this time.
One of the lessons we’ve learned repeatedly, is the fact this class does not enjoy showing any sign of preference until things are cemented in place. So, for now, there will be no formal news about a reunion until we are approximately six months out from having to make a choice.
After an enjoyable lunch and meeting concerning the 60-year reunion, some of the following topics were discussed: When, Where, Plated or Casual Buffet, Afternoon or Evening, Anticipated Head Count, Lost Classmates since the 50th. There was the customary banter about offspring and their offspring, places visited, and what happened over the last two years.
For a quick bit of information, since June of 1963 with a graduating class of 140 people, we have lost the ability to communicate with 54; 34 have passed on and 20 are missing.
Getting down to business, I had a discussion with the new head of sales at the Holiday Inn of Carol Stream and what was once a need to reserve space for an event a year in advance has transformed to two months being the new norm. Giving thought to our age, current inflationary pressures, and uncertainty of what lies around the corner, we thought two months was a good number to use at this time.
One of the lessons we’ve learned repeatedly, is the fact this class does not enjoy showing any sign of preference until things are cemented in place. So, for now, there will be no formal news about a reunion until we are approximately six months out from having to make a choice.
Bring on Spring!
Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20th, in all time zones in North America. This year, the first day of spring will occur on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 11:33 a.m. EDT for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, which is marked by the arrival of the Vernal (Spring) Equinox.
...away!
September 11 Joint Luncheon
As most of you know, we had planned/scheduled a joint luncheon with the class of '64. Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. Perhaps it was the 9/11 date or the COVID numbers spiking in the wrong direction or the Delta variant or any one of a number of different reasons, but apparently neither the Co64 nor our class could not muster a quorum and Pal Joey's was notified of the cancellation. However, two of us were hungry enough to show up anyhow. Perhaps things will work out better for our annual Winter luncheon in February!
Archived from the Class Gathering page on September 11, 2021.
September 11, 2021, Class Luncheon Update
Tom and Carrie (Co'64) are asking for a commitment by Friday if you plan on attending the combined luncheon on the 11th of September at the Pal Joey’s in Batavia so we can determine how to go about the arrangements with the proprietors. If the number in attendance is below a threshold number, ordering off the menu will be the method of dining. If the number is above the threshold, pre-arranged dining offerings will be the way we will go.
Please email Tom a confirming "Yes" or "No". If you are concerned about health issues, that’s understandable and accepted.
Please email Tom a confirming "Yes" or "No". If you are concerned about health issues, that’s understandable and accepted.
Archived from the Class Gathering page on September 11, 2021.
Class Gathering 2021
Tom Overton, Wednesday April 14, 2021 after meeting with Carrie Stirber Stark, Co64:
Tom Overton
450 W. Lincoln Highway
Dekalb, IL 60115-3003
815.751.3452
Email - tomoes1445@msn.com"
- We are having a lunch at Pal Joey’s in Batavia on September 11th between the noon & 3:30 PM.
- Cost for appetizer and pizza buffet lunch will be $15 per person.
- Please send to T.O. by August 20th.
- This will be a joint lunch with the class of ’64.
Tom Overton
450 W. Lincoln Highway
Dekalb, IL 60115-3003
815.751.3452
Email - tomoes1445@msn.com"
Archived from the Class Gathering page on September 11, 2021.
Tom Overton, Tuesday April 6, 2021.
"Good afternoon. Carrie Stark from the class of 64 and I are polling people to determine if another combined reunion is feasible, if so, what type, indoor-outdoor, afternoon-evening, able to consume alcohol or no and an approximate period of the year. If you have an interest, perhaps you wouldn’t mind passing that on to me so I can process the results and attempt to put a plan together making a majority happy.
Thanks for your time and enjoy the day.
Tom Overton
815.751.3452
Email - tomoes1445@msn.com"
"Good afternoon. Carrie Stark from the class of 64 and I are polling people to determine if another combined reunion is feasible, if so, what type, indoor-outdoor, afternoon-evening, able to consume alcohol or no and an approximate period of the year. If you have an interest, perhaps you wouldn’t mind passing that on to me so I can process the results and attempt to put a plan together making a majority happy.
Thanks for your time and enjoy the day.
Tom Overton
815.751.3452
Email - tomoes1445@msn.com"
Archived from the Home page on September 11, 2021.
September 11, 2021, Class Luncheon Update
Tom and Carrie (Co'64) are asking for a commitment by Friday if you plan on attending the combined luncheon on the 11th of September at the Pal Joey’s in Batavia so we can determine how to go about the arrangements with the proprietors. If the number in attendance is below a threshold number, ordering off the menu will be the method of dining. If the number is above the threshold, pre-arranged dining offerings will be the way we will go.
Please email Tom a confirming "Yes" or "No". If you are concerned about health issues, that’s understandable and accepted.
Please email Tom a confirming "Yes" or "No". If you are concerned about health issues, that’s understandable and accepted.
Archived from the Home page on August 21, 2021.
WCCHS Class of 1963 - Reunion 2023 Planning
Classmates, early as it is, we want to stir the pot and ask if the Class of 1963 will have a 60 year anniversary reunion. Sign in and check the new Reunion 2023 Planning page. If you don’t remember your wego1963.com log-in User Name and Password, please see our Member Registration notes or use our Contact Us page to get started.
Archived from the Home page on August 21, 2021.
City of West Chicago cancels both Blooming Fest and Railroad Days 2021
Archived from the Home page on August 13, 2021.
Taking the Pulse
Tom Overton & Carrie Stark (Co64) have confirmed plans for another joint luncheon later this year. Check our Class Gathering page for more details on both our 2021 class luncheon and our 2023 60-Year Reunion.
Archived from the Home page on June 20, 2021.
How are you?
Our classmates want to know how you and your family are doing during this difficult time. Please Contact Us with news you are able to share and we'll publish on our the secure
Classmate News page. Log in to see updates.
Classmate News page. Log in to see updates.
Archived from the Home page on June 20, 2021.
COVID-19: We All Need to do Our Part!
As soon as you can, get the
Whether you've had the or not
Continue to wash your frequently with or Wear a face Practice social and Whenever possible, stay
Whether you've had the or not
Continue to wash your frequently with or Wear a face Practice social and Whenever possible, stay
Let's try to get back to a new normal!
Archived from the Home page on December 20, 2020.
Added 2 More Photos to Our 55 Year Reunion Page
Friday, October 19, 2018 - Table #1 (Photo by R.Haag).
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Friday, October 19, 2018 - Table #2 (photo by R.Haag)
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We recently received a couple more pictures of our 55 year reunion back in October 2018. While our official reunion dinner was in the Stratford A room on the 20th, these pictures were taken the night before when several of us gathered in the Holiday Inn's new Burger Theory restaurant for dinner. Both photos are from Reggie Haag and have been added to our 55 Year Reunion Candid page. Thanks Reggie.
Archived from the Home page on September 20, 2020.
Olde North Pancake House to Close
First opened in 1963, the Olde North Pancake House , located on the southeast corner of North Av (SR64) and St Charles Rd in unincorporated West Chicago, will close it's doors. According to an article in the Wheaton Patch, the current owner purchased the business in 1973. While no reason was given, the full announcement can be found on the restaurant's Facebook page.
Archived from the Home page on September 20, 2020.
See the Most Recent Classmate News
See Bob McCoy on our Classmate News page.
Archived from the Home page on August 9, 2020.
Visit our Memorial page
in remembrance of our deceased veteran classmates.
Archived from the Home page on June 20, 2020.
"Co63 Lounge" to Open Monthly
On June 6th, nine of our classmates meet in a Zoom room for a virtual 57 year reunion. The consensus was that we should do it again. We know there were a few more people who wanted to attend, but for various reasons, could not make that date/time.
Since our Zoom chariot turns back to a pumpkin soon, the first of our Co63 Lounge meetings will be Saturday, June 20, at 2:00 PM Central. The lounge will be opened on the 3rd Saturday every month as noted on our Home page Calendar. The Zoom meeting ID and password are located on our secure Classmates => Contact Info page. No reservations required. Please stop by often.
Note: If you can not access our password protected Contact Info page, see our Registration section.
Since our Zoom chariot turns back to a pumpkin soon, the first of our Co63 Lounge meetings will be Saturday, June 20, at 2:00 PM Central. The lounge will be opened on the 3rd Saturday every month as noted on our Home page Calendar. The Zoom meeting ID and password are located on our secure Classmates => Contact Info page. No reservations required. Please stop by often.
Note: If you can not access our password protected Contact Info page, see our Registration section.
Archived from the Home page on June 6, 2020.
57 Year Virtual Reunion!
Less than a month from Mother's Day 2020, we will have been out of high school for 57 years! While this is not the milestone that 60 years will be in 2023, I wonder about the recent changes in our lives due to the impact of COVID-19. Has the "Stay Home" self-quarantine edict got you down? Are you tired of being in your own home day after day? Does wearing a mask when you venture out bother you? Can you even find a mask for sale?
Would you be interested in a virtual social event to compare notes on how we are surviving the pandemic or the economic problems it has created or anything else that's on your mind?
If you've been watching the news lately (Who hasn’t?) you may have heard of a computer program or app called Zoom. Some of you may already be using it to work from home or to visit family & friends while maintaining social distancing. This app runs on most any desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet or smartphone providing your device has a camera, microphone and speaker.
Software can be downloaded for free from zoom.us but it is not required for meeting participation. Only your email address is needed to sign up. No credit card required. Don't want to sign up? No problem! You can access our virtual gathering without the app using only your browser!
I’m arranging a Zoom room for a short get-together. No travel required. No face masks allowed. A modern day B.Y.O.B. social event from the comfort of your own computer.
For security reasons, you will need to know our Meeting ID and password. You can request this information using our ContactUs page. In turn, we'll email you an invitation with all the pertinent details.
Join us for a WeGo 1963 Virtual Reunion
Saturday June 6, 2020
2:00 pm Central Time
Reid Simmons
PS: If you requested an invitation, you should have it by now. If not, please Contact Us. Also, Contact Us if you would like to visit the "reunion hall" in the days before the reunion to verify your connection, camera, microphone and lighting are all good.
Would you be interested in a virtual social event to compare notes on how we are surviving the pandemic or the economic problems it has created or anything else that's on your mind?
If you've been watching the news lately (Who hasn’t?) you may have heard of a computer program or app called Zoom. Some of you may already be using it to work from home or to visit family & friends while maintaining social distancing. This app runs on most any desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet or smartphone providing your device has a camera, microphone and speaker.
Software can be downloaded for free from zoom.us but it is not required for meeting participation. Only your email address is needed to sign up. No credit card required. Don't want to sign up? No problem! You can access our virtual gathering without the app using only your browser!
I’m arranging a Zoom room for a short get-together. No travel required. No face masks allowed. A modern day B.Y.O.B. social event from the comfort of your own computer.
For security reasons, you will need to know our Meeting ID and password. You can request this information using our ContactUs page. In turn, we'll email you an invitation with all the pertinent details.
Join us for a WeGo 1963 Virtual Reunion
Saturday June 6, 2020
2:00 pm Central Time
Reid Simmons
PS: If you requested an invitation, you should have it by now. If not, please Contact Us. Also, Contact Us if you would like to visit the "reunion hall" in the days before the reunion to verify your connection, camera, microphone and lighting are all good.
Archived from the Home page on June 4, 2020.
Pheasant Run Damaged by Recent Weather!
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We received this picture from Barbara Alm Mazzochi today. Pheasant Run was the site of our 2nd, or 20 year, reunion in 1983.
Earlier this year we posted a story about the resort being up for auction (see our Archive page for more details). On March 1st the Daily Herald ran a story about its last day of operation. The auction failed to produce a buyer but, according to the Kane County Chronicle in mid-May, the city of St.Charles indicated the resort may have a contract pending but was not at liberty to say who the buyer is or even what the resort's future might hold.
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Archived from the Home page on May 29, 2020.
The Coronavirus
The COVID-19 virus is spreading at an alarming rate and there is currently no cure let alone a vaccination. The country is on "lock down" with the recommended (and in many places mandatory) self-quarantine at home. The economy tanking, and the number of new cases and death count are rising daily!
While these are serious times, it seems like the perfect time for a little levity. Perhaps this excerpt from a email that's currently circulating , will put a smile on your face:
Heard a doctor on TV saying in this time of Coronavirus staying at home, we should focus on inner peace. To achieve this we should always finish things we start and we all could use more calm in our lives.
I looked through my house to find things I'd started and hadn't finished, so I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle of wum, tha mainder of Valiumun srciptuns, an a box a chocletz. Yu haf no idr how feckin fablus I feel rite now.
Sned dis to all who need inner piss. An telum u luvum. And two hash yer wands, stafe day avrybobby!!!
While these are serious times, it seems like the perfect time for a little levity. Perhaps this excerpt from a email that's currently circulating , will put a smile on your face:
Heard a doctor on TV saying in this time of Coronavirus staying at home, we should focus on inner peace. To achieve this we should always finish things we start and we all could use more calm in our lives.
I looked through my house to find things I'd started and hadn't finished, so I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of Chardonnay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle of wum, tha mainder of Valiumun srciptuns, an a box a chocletz. Yu haf no idr how feckin fablus I feel rite now.
Sned dis to all who need inner piss. An telum u luvum. And two hash yer wands, stafe day avrybobby!!!
Like today's service men and women we met an obligation in honor of the heritage passed on to us.
More than a few of us entered this building and launched our tours of duty. 19 classmates may have taken the oath and started service in the Army. Did you? Did you enlist or were you one of the drafted millions? Shareable memories? Contact Us!
Army Induction Center, 615 W. Van Buren St, Chicago, 1967.
Army Induction Center, 615 W. Van Buren St, Chicago.
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Army Induction Center, St, Chicago.
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Army Induction Center, St, Chicago, March 2017.
Archived from the Home page on May 9, 2020.
Pheasant Run Closing....
Many of us remember our 20 year class reunion held at Pheasant Run Resort in July of 1983. Cocktails in the Atrium Room. Dinner in the Williamsburg Room. Dancing to a live band. Strolling down Bourbon Street.... Well, cherish those memories - we won't be able to relive them....
According to articles in the Daily Herald, the Kane County Chronicle, the Kane County Connects and other sources, the resort has been up for public auction since November 2019. However, at least one source indicated the auction did not include the Pheasant Run Mega Center or the 18 hole golf course. The auction ended February 12, 2020 but the final $6 million bid did not meet the minimum selling price. The property's future remains unclear.
While its website does not yet mention it's closing, the resort has laid off about 75% of its employees and is not scheduling any more events. In fact, it's Book Now page shows no available dates in the near future.
If any of you have pictures from our 20 year reunion, please pass them on to us for inclusion on this site. Originals will be returned to you immediately after we scan them.
According to articles in the Daily Herald, the Kane County Chronicle, the Kane County Connects and other sources, the resort has been up for public auction since November 2019. However, at least one source indicated the auction did not include the Pheasant Run Mega Center or the 18 hole golf course. The auction ended February 12, 2020 but the final $6 million bid did not meet the minimum selling price. The property's future remains unclear.
While its website does not yet mention it's closing, the resort has laid off about 75% of its employees and is not scheduling any more events. In fact, it's Book Now page shows no available dates in the near future.
If any of you have pictures from our 20 year reunion, please pass them on to us for inclusion on this site. Originals will be returned to you immediately after we scan them.
Archived from the Home page on February 1, 2020.
7th Annual Class of '63 Winter Event
Here we go again, planning your Saturday of Super Bowl Weekend. Will you join us this year? Class of '63 luncheon February 1, 2020 noon to 3 pm, Pal Joey's party room West Chicago. Don't know how they do it but same price $15 per person for salad, pizza, pasta & pop. Cash bar.
Archived from the Home page on December 29, 2019.
WeGo Wild Cats Win State!
A couple of you have sent us the following news alert (paraphrased) from the Daily Herald via the News Break app:
Boys soccer: West Chicago Wins State Championship
West Chicago residents will never forget where they were the night of November 9, 2019, when the Wild Cats stunned Morton 2-0 to win the Class 3A boys soccer championship. Many of them were in Hoffman Estates, jammed in the frigid stands like sardines in a can, rooting on their Wildcats as they won just the second state title in school history and the first since the football team won in 1974.
Archived from the Home page on December 29, 2019.
Chicago Bear's Trivia from our High School Years
Since the NFL regular season is now underway, we thought it might be interesting to see who remembers the Bears from our time in high school, namely 1959 thru 1963. Even if you don't now (or didn't back then) follow football, you're welcome to play. You can, and should, keep answering the questions until you get the correct one. There's only 10 of them!
As of late Sunday night, September 1, the high score belongs to Terry Duber.
Archived from the Home page on October 18, 2019.
WCCHS Expansion
Going up! Construction is well underway on an addition to the west side of the school where our visitor's bleachers used to be:
- Live time-lapse camera or
- Why it's needed video.
Archived from the Home page on October 18, 2019.
Pedestrian Underpass Located!
At our Winter Event in February, 2018 (one and a half years ago), someone said there was a new pedestrian underpass in West Chicago but they couldn't remember where. After we left the West Chicago Pal Joey's that cold and windy afternoon, several of us drove around town looking for it. In fact, we even thought we found it just east of the new train station.
Unfortunately, a short exploratory walk later, we discovered that underpass did not go under all the tracks and come out on Geneva St as we had anticipated. This underpass was intended only for west bound commuters to get back to the METRA parking lot without having to walk across the other two tracks!
Well today, after our joint reunion with the class of '64 (and thanks to Barbara Alm Mazzochi), the new underpass has finally been located. As you can see from the the picture below, it goes under the EJE/CN tracks, rather than the CNW/UP tracks, and connects the students west of the Canadian National tracks with the high school and the new football stadium. No wonder it took so long for us to find it!
Please, current WeGoan's, don't laugh so hard. Some of you didn't know it's location either!
Unfortunately, a short exploratory walk later, we discovered that underpass did not go under all the tracks and come out on Geneva St as we had anticipated. This underpass was intended only for west bound commuters to get back to the METRA parking lot without having to walk across the other two tracks!
Well today, after our joint reunion with the class of '64 (and thanks to Barbara Alm Mazzochi), the new underpass has finally been located. As you can see from the the picture below, it goes under the EJE/CN tracks, rather than the CNW/UP tracks, and connects the students west of the Canadian National tracks with the high school and the new football stadium. No wonder it took so long for us to find it!
Please, current WeGoan's, don't laugh so hard. Some of you didn't know it's location either!
Archived from the Home page on October 18, 2019.
Thanks, Class of '63
We received the following from Caroline "Carrie" Stirber Stark, Class of '64, this morning;
I want to thank the Class of 1963 for joining us for lunch Saturday. It added a nice change for us. With more and more classmates passing on it is nice to expand our gatherings.
As most of you know, especially those of you who attended Saturday's reunion, Carrie was instrumental in planning and pulling off this event. Thank you, Carrie.
Pictures will be posted here when we recieve them from the Class of '64 photographer.
Pictures will be posted here when we recieve them from the Class of '64 photographer.
Archived from the Home page on August 17, 2019.
Union Pacific 4014 "Big Boy" was in West Chicago
On July 26, 2019, the Union Pacific's "Big Boy", a 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive, rolled into West Chicago. This was one stop on an eight state tour celebrating 150 years since the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Hundreds of people lined the tracks to see this piece of history pass by. Over the next three days, crowds gathered at the Larry S. Provo Training Center, 335 Spencer St (behind the police station) to see engine 4014 up close. Many of these people waited in lines for over an hour and a half to tour the "Experience the Union Pacific" car which contains information and pictures of the Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869.
Hundreds of people lined the tracks to see this piece of history pass by. Over the next three days, crowds gathered at the Larry S. Provo Training Center, 335 Spencer St (behind the police station) to see engine 4014 up close. Many of these people waited in lines for over an hour and a half to tour the "Experience the Union Pacific" car which contains information and pictures of the Golden Spike ceremony at Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869.
Videos shot by Richard Mann and Reid Simmons.
The Big Boys were designed by the Union Pacific Railroad to pull heavy trains up steep grades, especially the Wasatch Range in Utah, without helper engines. Twenty-five Big Boys were built for the UP by ALCO (the American Locomotive Company) in 1941. They were the largest steam locomotives ever built and they remained in revenue service, primarily between Ogden, Utah, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, until 1959.
In 1961, while most Big Boys were destined for the scrap yards, 4014 was donated to the Rail Giants Museum in Pomona, California. Today, only seven other Big Boys still exist in static displays and museums across the country.
In 2013, the Union Pacific reacquired 4014 and sent it to their Cheyenne, Wyoming shops for a multiyear complete rebuild. At the same time, it was converted from a coal burning engine to #5 oil. In May, 2019, it was fired up for a test run under its own power. Later that month, 4014 joined UP's 844, a 4-8-4, as part of the railroad company's Heritage Fleet.
The last large steam locomotive to come through West Chicago was UP's 3985, a 4-6-6-4, in 1995. Unfortunately, 3985 had mechanical problems in 2010 and is currently awaiting a rebuild in Cheyenne after which it too will join 4014 and 844 as part of UP's Heritage Fleet!
In 1961, while most Big Boys were destined for the scrap yards, 4014 was donated to the Rail Giants Museum in Pomona, California. Today, only seven other Big Boys still exist in static displays and museums across the country.
In 2013, the Union Pacific reacquired 4014 and sent it to their Cheyenne, Wyoming shops for a multiyear complete rebuild. At the same time, it was converted from a coal burning engine to #5 oil. In May, 2019, it was fired up for a test run under its own power. Later that month, 4014 joined UP's 844, a 4-8-4, as part of the railroad company's Heritage Fleet.
The last large steam locomotive to come through West Chicago was UP's 3985, a 4-6-6-4, in 1995. Unfortunately, 3985 had mechanical problems in 2010 and is currently awaiting a rebuild in Cheyenne after which it too will join 4014 and 844 as part of UP's Heritage Fleet!
Archived from the Home page on August 17, 2019.
Summer Event Confusion?
We've had some classmates asking about our plans for this year's Summer Event. Just so there is no misunderstanding, our Summer Event this year is the Joint Reunion with the class of 1964 in August!
If you want to see who was in the Co64, a link to their senior yearbook can be found at the end of the Summer Event Newsletter below or a list of seniors can be downloaded from our News page.
If you have not yet signed up for this event and would like to join the fun, we still have a few slots available. HURRY! Time is running out!
If you want to see who was in the Co64, a link to their senior yearbook can be found at the end of the Summer Event Newsletter below or a list of seniors can be downloaded from our News page.
If you have not yet signed up for this event and would like to join the fun, we still have a few slots available. HURRY! Time is running out!
Archived from the Home page on August 17, 2019.
Summer Event Newsletter
WEST CHICAGO CLASS OF 1963
AN INVITATION TO A COMBINED REUNION
WITH THE CLASS OF 64
AN INVITATION TO A COMBINED REUNION
WITH THE CLASS OF 64
Fellow classmates:
If you read the newsletter about the 55 year reunion, you are aware we discussed having a combined reunion with the class of ’64. That has come to fruition and the date has been set for August 17, 2019 at the Pal Joey’s restaurant in Batavia, IL. The hours are between 12:30 and 3:30 and the cost will be $15.00 per person.
Due to a limited space size, the maximum number of attendees we are allowed as of this writing for the event is 30. The class of ’64 has had an average of 35 – 45 attend the mid-decade reunions and the room will accommodate 80 max. If there is a large interest, we will address that with Pal Joey’s and the Co64 committee members and contact the later requests by phone with updated information.
To keep track of the openings, please visit our website, www.wego1963.com where you will find the new address of Pal Joey’s and the current tally of those planning to attend with the remaining available space. Due to the short lead time, send your check, payable to WeGo1963 Reunion, directly to Reid Simmons by August 3, 2019.
If you read the newsletter about the 55 year reunion, you are aware we discussed having a combined reunion with the class of ’64. That has come to fruition and the date has been set for August 17, 2019 at the Pal Joey’s restaurant in Batavia, IL. The hours are between 12:30 and 3:30 and the cost will be $15.00 per person.
Due to a limited space size, the maximum number of attendees we are allowed as of this writing for the event is 30. The class of ’64 has had an average of 35 – 45 attend the mid-decade reunions and the room will accommodate 80 max. If there is a large interest, we will address that with Pal Joey’s and the Co64 committee members and contact the later requests by phone with updated information.
To keep track of the openings, please visit our website, www.wego1963.com where you will find the new address of Pal Joey’s and the current tally of those planning to attend with the remaining available space. Due to the short lead time, send your check, payable to WeGo1963 Reunion, directly to Reid Simmons by August 3, 2019.
For questions and answers, please contact one of your Webmasters or the Planning Committee chair person.
Thank you for your time.
The WeGo Class of 1963 Planning Committee.
PS: For you convenience, here's a link to the Class of 64 Yearbook.
Thank you for your time.
The WeGo Class of 1963 Planning Committee.
PS: For you convenience, here's a link to the Class of 64 Yearbook.
Archived from the Home page on August 1, 2019.
Coach Kerner Passed Away July 23, 2019
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Coach Kerner. Dick was voted one of our favorite teachers and, as such, attended our 50 year reunion in August 2013. His obituary, from Norris-Sergent, appears on our new Faculty & Staff page.
Archived from the Home page on July 8, 2019.
Mini-Reunion: Lunch with Sherry Cadwallader
Some of us enjoyed a lunch with Sherry and Brett Jones on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Tom Kelley's Chophouse & Pub in New Lenox. It was really nice to reconnect and reminisce with another classmate.
Sherry & Brett will be attending a family wedding Memorial Day weekend then travelling to Pennsylvania to visit relatives before returning home to Barstow, California.
Sherry & Brett will be attending a family wedding Memorial Day weekend then travelling to Pennsylvania to visit relatives before returning home to Barstow, California.
Archived from the Home page on May 23, 2019.
Join us for Lunch with Sherry Cadwallader Jones
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After years of searching, we finally found one of our missing classmates. In 2015, she tried to find members of our class by setting up a page for West Chicago Community High School Class of 1963 on the ClassReport.org website. Here's her profile from that site:
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After graduation I attended Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois for a year and a half. In 1965 I married classmate Phil Brance and moved to San Diego where Phil was based on the USS Canberra during the Vietnam War. We were married for 9 years and had two children [Todd (1970) & Heather (1974)] . We divorced in 1974. Three years later I met and married my current husband of 38 years [Brett Jones]. He was a National Park Ranger. In 1983 I graduated San Diego State University in Physical Anthropology. Subsequently, we obtained our teaching credentials and we have been teaching ever since.
In one of her emails since we initially made contact, Sherry said Phil Brance died of cancer on October 15, 2007. Our Missing and Deceased pages have been updated accordingly.
Sherry & Brett will be in Illinois in late May for a family wedding and would very much like to have lunch with us on Thursday, May 23, 1:00 PM at Tom Kelly's Chophouse, 495 Degroate Rd, New Lenox, Illinois. See it on our map!
Please Contact Us for head count if you're interested.
Sherry & Brett will be in Illinois in late May for a family wedding and would very much like to have lunch with us on Thursday, May 23, 1:00 PM at Tom Kelly's Chophouse, 495 Degroate Rd, New Lenox, Illinois. See it on our map!
Please Contact Us for head count if you're interested.
Archived from the Home page on April 3, 2019.
6th Annual Winter Event has Record Turnout
15 Classmates and 6 spouses attended our 5th Annual Winter Social event at Pal Joey's in West Chicago on Saturday, February 2, 2019. The party didn't breakup until almost 4 pm! Plenty of pizza, pasta, salad, soft drinks and conversation. You can tell by their smiles, they had a good time! Sally & Don Stearns, from southern Illinois, came the farthest!
Archived from the Home page on April 3, 2019.
Our Alma-mater After a January Snow
West Chicago Community High School, January 19, 2019. The morning after a heavy snow storm.
Archived from the Home page on March25, 2019.
Our Reunions
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Two years before our first Class Reunion, the organizing committee sent a survey to classmates whose addresses were on file. Most of us responded, answering a few simple questions and providing a short summary of our lives since graduation.
The survey results were compiled and published in a booklet, titled "Eight Years After..." |
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Archived from the Home page on February 21, 2019.
USPS Address Change - PO Box Closing
With the transition to primarily electronic communications, the wego1963 reunion mailbox is being closed effective February 28th. We will continue to reach out to classmates that do not have access to the internet using their last known address and phone number. Our contact information is available after you log in. Use the Contact Us page to reach the wego1963 webmasters.
Need help logging in please go here: About Us and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Need help logging in please go here: About Us and scroll to the bottom of the page.
Archived from the Home page on February 11, 2019.
NFL Playoff Brackets
The NFL Post Season is over! Click "Download File" to see who won the Super Bowl.
| playoff_brackets.pdf |
Archived from the Home page on February 2, 2019.
6th Annual Winter Social Event
Good conversation. Good food. Cash bar
Our 5th Annual Winter Event at Pal Joey's in West Chicago, will start at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 2nd, 2019.
Our 5th Annual Winter Event at Pal Joey's in West Chicago, will start at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 2nd, 2019.
We started this event in February 2014 after our 50 Year Reunion and it has continued annually ever since.
The buffet includes unlimited pizza, pasta, salad and soft drinks.
All classmates, spouses/partners/guests welcome! We usually have 15 to 20 people attending but the room will easily accommodate more.
The cost is only $15 per person, including tax & gratuity, and is payable at the door when you arrive.
However, we do need a head count to let Pal Joey's know how much food to prepare. Please respond via our RSVP page.
Thanks. And bring an appetite!
The buffet includes unlimited pizza, pasta, salad and soft drinks.
All classmates, spouses/partners/guests welcome! We usually have 15 to 20 people attending but the room will easily accommodate more.
The cost is only $15 per person, including tax & gratuity, and is payable at the door when you arrive.
However, we do need a head count to let Pal Joey's know how much food to prepare. Please respond via our RSVP page.
Thanks. And bring an appetite!
Archived from the Home page on January 12, 2019.
55 Year Reunion has Come & Gone! - No More Snail-Mail!
The following letter was sent to all classmates in early November, via USPS:
WeGo Class of 1963
I would like to take this opportunity to inform those that missed the 55 year reunion what a great time we had. The camaraderie and food were top-notch, there were no speeches taking up valuable conversation time and the hospitality offered the group by Holiday Inn was second to none. Perhaps we may see some of you the next time.
Speaking of the next time, this letter will be the last mailing we will send to those having an email address on file with us. Those without an email address will continue to be notified via the USPS for the
foreseeable future. Our website, www.wego1963.com, will have all the information regarding future class activities with a method for everyone to respond should they be interested in participating.
Among the conversation topics at the reunion were several comments about a more relaxed and informal gathering with perhaps another class or classes. We have made a connection with the Class of
1964 planning committee. Their reunions have most recently been held during the afternoon at a more reduced per-person cost than us. We will be pursuing that thought a bit more in the coming months.
Our next scheduled activity will be our 5th annual winter social held at the Pal Joey’s in West Chicago on February 2, 2019 between the hours of 1 and 5. The cost is $15.00 per person for pizza, pasta, salad
and pop. This is a pay at the door event, but we need to know how many might be coming in consideration of Pal Joey’s. Should you wish to join us, please contact us via our website, www.wego1963.com, an email to tomoes1445@msn.com, or a phone call to Tom Overton, (815) 751-3452 by January 15th.
We, the committee, would like to extend our best wishes to you and your family for this upcoming holiday season. Stay safe and healthy so we can see you all again.
Your Class of 1963 Planning Committee
I would like to take this opportunity to inform those that missed the 55 year reunion what a great time we had. The camaraderie and food were top-notch, there were no speeches taking up valuable conversation time and the hospitality offered the group by Holiday Inn was second to none. Perhaps we may see some of you the next time.
Speaking of the next time, this letter will be the last mailing we will send to those having an email address on file with us. Those without an email address will continue to be notified via the USPS for the
foreseeable future. Our website, www.wego1963.com, will have all the information regarding future class activities with a method for everyone to respond should they be interested in participating.
Among the conversation topics at the reunion were several comments about a more relaxed and informal gathering with perhaps another class or classes. We have made a connection with the Class of
1964 planning committee. Their reunions have most recently been held during the afternoon at a more reduced per-person cost than us. We will be pursuing that thought a bit more in the coming months.
Our next scheduled activity will be our 5th annual winter social held at the Pal Joey’s in West Chicago on February 2, 2019 between the hours of 1 and 5. The cost is $15.00 per person for pizza, pasta, salad
and pop. This is a pay at the door event, but we need to know how many might be coming in consideration of Pal Joey’s. Should you wish to join us, please contact us via our website, www.wego1963.com, an email to tomoes1445@msn.com, or a phone call to Tom Overton, (815) 751-3452 by January 15th.
We, the committee, would like to extend our best wishes to you and your family for this upcoming holiday season. Stay safe and healthy so we can see you all again.
Your Class of 1963 Planning Committee
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