Ohhhhh Man, Ohhhh Man - - Was that a PARTY or what!?! Did we even think we could top the adventure of 2003!?! With about 85 Class of 65 buddies and a couple dozen more spouses/guests, did we think it could be anything other! Though we regret not seeing some of the faces from 2003, we had many NEW FACES and personalities to enjoy. In addition, for all the planning that was made during the past year, the entire planning process turned upside down by Reunion Weekend and we all just "hung on" for the ride of our lives! It's no wonder we ALL came off our celebration A LITTLE HOARSE (have you ever talked and laughed and smiled so many hours "all in a row"), A LITTLE HIGH (realizing what an amazingly great and diverse class we are), and A LITTLE LOW (that it all had to end with the setting sun on a HOT HOT HOT Sunday evening in the park). Where can we even begin...

The Reunion Train arrived right on time for a glorious reunion weekend, yet, who could have guessed that high winds would "derail" that air flight out of Montana, leaving the hopes of Jim Wieser arriving on time to be with us as Master of Ceremonies on Saturday night fading like the western sunset. A disappointed Jiver, Jim phoned from the airport to inform us that due to weather conditions, it was getting next to impossible for him to make the 7-1/2 hour flight home in time for the festivities. "The Letter" by The Box Tops, you know, "Give me a ticket for an airplane, ain't got time to take the fast train," was not going to work for Jim that day. By then, even The Monkees' "Last Train to Clarksville" wouldn't have gotten him to Hammond on time! Enter Plan B. Did we have any fear that putting a micro"phone" in a woman's hands would be anything but a positive energized encounter! Elaine Engle Bielefeld stepped up to WELCOME our friendly crowd and show that she could "MASTER the ceremony" very finely! There was never any doubt.

The next little twist involved our very own Preacher John Sweisthal from Ft. Lauderdale. He travels the country with his Good News Ministry - - matter-of-fact, a handful of 65ers attended his series when he was the guest speaker at St. Patricks in Chesterton last year. Well, at our age (ahem) guess there's a FIRST TIME for everything - - John had dutifully and enthusiastically booked his air flight, room and rental car...for NEXT week! Upon realizing that he would not be, as Peter, Paul & Mary sang, "Leaving on a Jet Plane," our pilot/traffic flight planner classmates - John Gerbas and Ron Saczawa, tried their expertise to "make it happen," but, John S. made the decision that maybe it was in The Plan that he join us only in spirit. Having intercepted that phone call, Ted Zagar took over toastmaster/chaplain duties with a dedication worth repeating here in its full content as Ted had envisioned it. We raised our glasses:

1st toast
To our departed classmates who number 27 and who cannot be with us but in spirit. Some passed on while quite young, like David Polich, who never left his teens as he fell during the Vietnam War. Others left more recently, like Pauline Bradtke, who passed just this last Christmas. Pauline enjoyed our reunion two years ago, and her departure before this reunion underscores an important reason why old friends get together: we do so because we CAN do so. Life has given us yet another opportunity to share our past times together, as we make new memories this weekend to enjoy tomorrow and the tomorrows beyond that.

2nd toast
Raise your glasses to OURSELVES! We are survivors. We are HERE tonight! Each life has twists and turns, hills and valleys, but no matter what life has brought to you these past 40 years, you got through it all and you are here tonight, a fellow survivor!

3rd toast
When we walked off of that graduation stage four decades ago, we each had a unique set of goals and dreams. We were idealistic youths, and some of our dreams have been realized, while others have been exchanged for something more attainable. But no matter how well we have done, as it says in the good book, "All fall short in the eyes of the Lord." Each of us can be a better person than we were 40 years ago, or even yesterday. This final toast is to our 2nd "graduation," our 40th reunion. We walk away from tonight not filled with the idealisim of youth, but with the determination of a senior generation thankful for the days and years that we have been given, and even more thankful for the days and years that lie ahead. No one knows how many grains of sand remain in the hourglass handed to each of us at birth. But regardless of how much more joy life affords us, this final toast is to a better future for us all, for we can all inch closer to the throne of God, day by day. May the next time we meet find us all better people than we were 40 years ago, and better than we come here this wonderful evening! A toast, TO US!

With that, a WONDERFUL evening of dinner, dancing and reminiscing began! It was with a twinge of sadness that Tina Bialek was not able to be with us after she had worked so paintakingly on the classy Reunion Booklet that was handed out to all attendees. Seems somehow Tina managed to break a bone in her leg w/o quite realizing it until the doctor insisted on casting it, turning Tina's Dynasty reservation into one at Community Hospital. Luckily, she and her team were ahead of the game and the Booklets were printed and delivered in time for our Big Gig. If anyone forgot to take theirs or if any of you that were not able to be with us would like a Booklet, please e-mail us with your mailing address and we will get one to you. Our "Get Well Wishes" also go out to Bob Kukula Kingsley and Mary Ann Spisak Graham who had planned to be with us, but had unexpected health issues. And, we were so happy to see Marv Gonsiorowski, complete with a NEW knee, and looking like he was ready to start dancing again soon; in fact, we think he did sneak out on that dance floor!

The majority of attendees were from our Indiana-Illinois area and we are grateful that we can enjoy more frequent gatherings, but, all in all, this year the electricity came from our California Jivers! Yes, though many other states sent one or two, and even four from Ohio, the Golden State delivered in a big way - - six classmates made the long trip back home to The Region and we were so energized by that! The warm WELCOME also included our Colorado friends, plus Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin - - all out-of-towners - - and not-to-mention our biggest Jiver of all - - Ron Saczawa, who, again, came in all the way from Germany! We don't dare start mentioning all the attendee names, yet we should, as EVERY ONE is SPECIAL!

Friday and Saturday evenings sailed on by, floating on a sea of music from the 60s. Yes, it was our "time set apart," free from jobs and cares and hustle and bustle - - and we all felt just like The Vogues "Five O'Clock World," singing, "But it's a five o'clock world when the whistle blows, no one owns a piece of my time." The weekend was OUR TIME! We'd be hard pressed to say which evening was the most enchanting. With all the happy smiles, all we can say is "58 looks GREAT!"

Did we wonder who requested "Aquarius" by The Fifth Dimension, "When the moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter aligns with Mars." It didn"t matter! We thrilled to The Beatles all over again - - "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," "Picture yourself in a boat on a river with tangerine trees and marmalade skies." The Beatles further assured us this could be possible, "With a Little Help from My Friends!" Was there any doubt that the tunes of the 60's were going to make their mark! "Matty told Hatty about a thing she saw. Had two big horns. And a wooly jaw, Wooly Bully. Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully, Wooly Bully, Watch it now, Watch it." It was our senior class picnic all over again, with Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs! Many enjoyed reliving their H.S. days through the many memorabilia items on display that classmates somehow located in the dusty trunks of their basements or attics. Buttons, pins, pictures, letters, sweaters, Play programs, a Code of Conduct - - lots of sentiment was being stirred. Some classmates were even exchanging videotapes and movie camera reels with their old buddies from our Noll days!

We topped off the evening with a panoramic picture to capture the 2005 evening. If anyone would still like to order that photo, please let us know, or, you may contact Wahlberg Panoramic Photography of Cedar Lake, IN, direct at 1-219-374-5454 or 1-800-642-4686. The cost is $25. A successful raffle, with winning names being called by Ron Saczawa, sewed up our reunion expenses perfectly and provided some great donated prizes besides! Thanks to all who made it such an overwhelming success.

Did the Sunday weather forecasts nearing 100 degrees keep us from being the COOL JIVERS that we are? Heavens no! Armed with enough food to feed an army, enough ice to simmer the heat, and cool drinks all around, the old trees at Wicker Park kept the warm breezes coming all day and a handful of pedestal fans did the trick in the pavilion. The HOT HOT HOT summer day turned into a very enjoyable day indeed, complete with Ron Saczawa conducting the afternoon games - - there's nothing like a tossed water balloon to cool off a body a few temperatures! About 50 people joined in the sunshine from noon to 6PM, including Mrs. Dorothy LaMere (remember those Latin classes) and husband Al LaMere.

NOTICE #1: Please, please, please send any photos and/or CDs that you may have taken of the weekends festivities to Elaine Engle Bielefeld, P. O. Box 351, Lowell, IN 46356, phone 219.696.1805, or by e-mail at ebeely@hotmail.com. That way, we can post the photos for everyone to enjoy on our class website at www.bniclassof1965.com.

NOTICE #2: A brown-rimmed pair of men's glasses was left at our Wicker Park picnic grounds. Please contact us if you lost your glasses on Sunday! There was also a pair of ladies narrow reading glasses with multi-colored frames left at a table on Saturday evening at the Dynasty which also may be claimed by return e-mail.

NOTICE #3: Until further notice, please DO NOT attempt to complete your Alumni Survey using the online Questionnaire version. It has been brought to our attention that some have completed this form and we have NEVER received it! A couple of classmates have attempted several times and have lost their completed questionnaire in cyberspace! We have tested the online survey and it seems to work at times and other times not. And, it is not possible to print out a hard copy before attempting to file it electronically. We promise to work on this and let you know. Also, SOON we will be sending out a blank survey as an e-mail attachment which you may SAVE AS, complete, and return as an e-mail attachment, unless you prefer to complete a blank form and send it in the U.S. mail. Please check YOUR entry in our CLASSMATES section of our www.bniclassof1965.com and see if we have posted your Bio. All Surveys we have received to date have been posted. You may also check under the NEWS section to see if your name is listed under "Surveys Received." If it is NOT there and you know you have completed a survey, unfortunately, it was never received. Please, please consider completing, by picking and choosing the questions that you are interested in, and either mail or e-mail your completed forms. Again, we'll be mailing out the BLANK soon. If you need one NOW, just send us an e-mail.

NOTICE #4: Just a reminder that all classmate e-addresses are posted in our CLASSMATES section. Please continue to inform us if your e-address should change. Feel free to check out e-addresses of classmate friends and keep in touch!

NOTICE #5: Our classmate Patricia Niksich Robinson (robinp@hammond.lib.in.us) has informed us that the Hammond Public Library, 354 State St. and Sibley, downtown Hammond, was given a donated copy of our recent 2005 BNI Alumni Directory, valued at $100. As a reference book, it is not permitted out of the library, so, bring a pencil and paper or use the nearby copy machine if you want to make copies. The 2005 BNI Alumni Directory is located in the Suzanne G. Long Local History Room, 2nd Fl., to the right of the elevator.

That about wraps it up for now... Thanks again to all classmates - - we value your friendship, whether you were able to attend the 40th Reunion or not! Hope you enjoyed the recap and may we see you in the future. Should we close the 2005 Reunion with Mary Hopkins "Those Were the Days," "Those were the days my friend, We thought theyd never end, We'd sing and dance forever and a day." And, finally, Tommy James & the Shondells "Crystal Blue Persuasion," "There'll be peace and good, brotherhood, crystal blue persuasion, yeah."

Oh no, Oh no, what's this we're hearing - - the rumblings can't be true. Could it be? Should it be? What is Ted Zagar talking about? Are you ready to hear about it soon? Has the idea been planted? Is nothing sacred? Can't we all just turn the "Big 6-0" quietly into the night? Must it be celebrated in public display? Should we? Could we? Stay tuned down the road... We just might gear things up in 2007 for the biggest 60th Birthday Bash that "BNI" and "The Region" has had to date!!! Stay tuned...and...stay healthy!

The 2005 Reunion Committee

John Wohadlo and his lovely guest enjoy a whirl on the dance floor as the swinging DJs turn up the heat to the sounds of the 60's. It was truly a night to remember. And, the happy smiles will last for a long, long time to come.

If a Komara can't do it, nobody can - - the Limbo King just had to be Bob Komara! The combo of Bob's coaching/physical stamina and the gymnastics/dance talents of his wife Patti has to be a definite WIN that tops any overall scores for fitness. If not, someone's cookin' the books! Yep, the Komaras are an example to us all to stay healthy and fit!

Pauline Bradtke danced the night away, leading the Jivers movin' to the music and swayin' on the dance floor. Shown here with Cindy Burney, (affectionately nicknamed the "energizer bunny,") these ladies enjoyed a rousing chorus of Wooly Bully. Hey wait, that was one of the best loved songs from our Indiana Dunes class trip. Some things never die! You go girls! Stay forever young!

Mary Ann Baker (married to fellow Jiver Jim Fiegle), Kathy Balousek and Kim McCarthy enjoy a light moment between musical notes. Do you suppose they're discussing the fact that all three have remained local gals after all these years. Whether you came from near or far - - tears and smiles of joy at recognizing old familiar faces were seen all around the hall. What fun it was to be a part of the scene!

Ray Kolodziej and his lovely wife Diane enjoy the moment, flashing their friendly smiles to our cameraman. One of many couples that mingled and mixed the night away, leaving pleasant memories of a special evening.

Hey, Gentlemen Quarterly, here's your man! Looking good, everyone surely remembers Regis Romanak! With a smile like that, we can't decide if he should be a talk show host, a politician, or at least a tourism bureau chief! Stay happy, Reggie!

Happy smiles all around as Ron Medrea and wife Kathryn enjoy a pleasurable moment with Reggie Romanak. Maybe the real 3-ring circus was the man behind the camera - our own Jerry King. Come on, Jerry, don't keep these people waiting for the punch line!

Noreen Draus and her husband Dave Baker take center stage during this dance tune, flanked by fellow ladyfriends Bunny Fijut and Barb Benson.
1-2-3. CHA-CHA-CHA! And the beat goes on...

The look on these ladies' faces tells it all - - a perfect way to spend an evening. Terri Gargas, Mary Ann Luberda and Margie Quinn had a lot of catching up to do and it was a fun trip down memory lane. Suppose they're discussing all the laughter and fun we had at the basketball games as members of the Booster Club? With Mary Ann at the helm leading us in cheers, we dutifully switched our cordoroy vests from blue to gold and back again, synchronized with chants of GO-FIGHT-WIN - - Go Blue & Gold - - WIN!!!

This great team of basketball players is surely reliving some of their finer moves and I bet if they tried, they could do it all over again. John Swiesthal, Jerry King, Paul Schreiner, Jim Fiegle and (in front) Dave Hutchens. Go for it, fellas - - We're behind you all the way!

What a great pose. Reuniting so many classmates that had a common connection even before BNI! Too bad each grade school group didn't get into that same pose. Starting from the bottom: Kathi Zagar (class of '68), Joanne Zagar Stevens, Margie Quinn Norris, Mary Ann Luberda Nickoloff and Terri Gargas Ligocki. Then with the fellas: Ron Medrea, Reggie Romanak, Ted Zagar, Bob Komara and John Sabo. Great, great picture!

A great dinner was just the beginning of a Reunion to remember. Shown on the far left is Emma Zagar, mother of Joanne and Ted Zagar, who was in from Florida to relive the 60's with us, along with others at that table - - Elaine Engle, who worked so very hard with the many reunion details, Kathy Brock from N.J., Jim Wieser (with wife Melanie), our M.C. for the evening, and last but not least, another reunion committee member, John Lanigan.

These endearing smiles represented ladies who truly did travel from the four ends of the country to enjoy the pleasure of each other's company - from Minnesota, New Jersey, California and Florida, pictured are Pam Wojcik, Kathy Brock, Teri Perz and Rosemary Hyde.

Pictured here enjoying the festivities of the Reunion are Bob Komara, famed in The Region as a fine coach and teacher for many years and his equally well known wife, Patti, who runs Patti's Gymnastics centers throughout the area. They are also the proud parents of Kelly Komara - Miss Indiana Basketball, who played basketball in Greece after completing a successful era with Purdue Lafayette women's basketball. Kelly has recently accepted a position as graduate assistant coach with Auburn University in Alabama. Also pictured is the best "runner" in the class - John Bobalik, a fitness instructor/teacher for Purdue University Calumet.

The evening wouldn't be complete without our funloving cheerleaders leading a rousing cheer to our BNI Fight Song. ALL SET - - YOU BET - - GO WARRIORS!!! They can still keep the energy level high - - Sally King, Bunny Fijut, Terri Gargas and Cindy Burney.

Not to be outdone by the "tricks that mystify" deftly performed by the "Mister Bill" and "Long Jump Johnny" duo (see above), Lew "Pup" Schwerin (l) and John "Lanny" Lanigan assist a helpful guest in hoisting Susan Petroskey's pinata to a Wicker Park tree. This feat obviously took great skill and daring, and the boys were rewarded with a standing ovation from an appreciative crowd of picnicking Jivers! Notice that the two teams of classmate performers featured in this pair of pictures wear the "Blue" or "Gold" of our alma mater! "Lanny" also showed his loyalty to good ole BNI by serving on the Reunion Committee!

Fred Rodriguez and Barbara Straka enjoy the mild (read "perfect"!) weather that we were blessed with at the Sunday family-style picnic at Wicker Park. Old friendships were renewed and new ones were born during the 38th Anniversary Reunion Weekend!

Judging by their choice of picnic garb, Carol Krol (l) and Bernadette Golan seem to have taken a stand to support the "Blue Shirts" acrobat act of Schwerin-Lanigan (see above). Carol joined the Reunion festivities from Milwaukee, while Bernadette has remained a "local" living in the south part of Lake County.

Well, classmates Mary Lou Trgovich and Dan Zurawski have enjoyed over three decades of marriage, but it would seem that we have a "split decision" in terms of loyalty to our Sunday afternoon entertainment teams. Looks like Mary Lou supports the "Blue Shirts" and Dan will go the other way and make Bill Schweitzer and John Gerbas feel like the team to beat (see above)! Hey, what's with all of this "Blue and Gold" stuff anyway? Now talk about LOYALTY to one's school colors!!! By the way, Mary Lou and Dan contributed much time and creative energy to making the Reunion a whopping success through their efforts as Reunion Committee members.

The Meet and Greet soiree held on Friday, June 27, 2003, was filled with excitement and anticipation as over 125 classmates reconnected for a fun-filled and inspiring weekend that will long be remembered. Ted Zagar and Nancy Bryzgalski are shown here reminiscing with Jiver buddies.

Bunny Fijut (c) and Terri Gargas (r) retreat indoors at the Sunday picnic at Wicker Park. Can't blame them, as that's where all the great grub was spread out! Bunny and classmate-husband Jerry King remain in NW Indiana, while former East Chicagoan Terri enjoys Florida sunshine year 'round! A dynamic duo, Bunny and Jerry brought lots of enthusiasm to the Reunion Committee meetings!

Approximately 125 classmates attended the Reunion Weekend festivities with 50 guests. Mary Jo Spain (l) left her Colorado digs to join "Region locals" Janet Potasnik (c) and Barb Benson (r). Old friendships never die, they just get better and better!

It's never finer than when old friends get together again. Marilyn Cak, Bunny Fijut, Jim Gajda and Cindy Burney couldn't agree more! There was lots of catching up to do all during the spirited Reunion weekend.

What fun it was to reminisce with all the familiar faces of so long ago. Taking a few moments to get reacquainted, Elizabeth Craciun, Bob Backe, Bunny Fijut and Cindy Burney are in the "cheese" pose for cameraman Jerry King.

Reunion Committee members Linda Szymanski (l) and Annette Gordon (r) make Barb Benson (c) feel "right at home" at the Sunday picnic. Linda and Annette worked extra hard to make our name tags for the Reunion Weekend. Ya just can't tell a "player" without a scorecard--or an ID badge!

Lewie, Lewie, Lewie - - you're still the life of any party! Your vibrant and outgoing personality is a fact known to us all. You help us to convince ourselves that we can think young forever. Keep going strong and keep showing us the way, Jiver buddy.

Our macho-man teddy bear, John Gerbas, is being teased by classmates Kathy Balousek and Kathy Brock. Geez, John, hope Kathy Brock, our N.J. Superior Court Judge, isn't serving you any papers now is she? If so, being a pilot, RUN for the nearest hangar!!!

Who says that "puppy love" doesn't last forever? Classmates Mary Lou Trgovich and Dan Zurawski have found the perfect "prescription" for long and happy marital bliss. Hmmm - - wonder if the fact that Dan is a pharmacist helped him mix the proper potion.

No reunion committee would be complete without the spirit and charisma of this great bunch of Jivers - - Elaine Engle, Jerry King and Sally King Zimmer. All classmates were heartily welcomed to join the reunion train ride to the Radisson on June 28, 2003, through the efforts and personalities of these Jivers - - the best of the best.

You won't find any finer gents then or now as our Jim Fiegle and Dale Conger. Dale has made Michigan his home for many years as principal of an elementary school and Jim has spent his years in the energy field working at our local utility company. As I'm sure we all remember, Jim's lovely wife, Mary Ann Baker, is also a '65 Jiver!

Which of these two happy campers is a professional in the field of spirituality? Well, that's the former Sister Angeline (now called "Ang") sitting pretty at the Wicker Park picnic with classmate and evangelical speaker, John Schweisthal. Ang remained in the area (Michigan City) while John calls Florida home these days!

No party would be complete with out Felix' smiling face, just as we remember him from H.S. Always a great person to have around, many Jivers had the pleasure of getting reacquainted with FJ!

Friday (June 27): Hospitality Room at the Merrillville Radisson. From 6:00 p.m. until "all hours" a large (est. 75-100 classmates and guests) group enjoyed food and drink provided by Jim Wieser and oldies jams provided by Ted Zagar. The turnout convinced the Reunion Committee to rent the room for two--not one--days, to allow classmates to get together for "chillin" and "hanging out" between other reunion events.

Saturday (June 28th): For those interested in satisfying their weekend obligations, a Roman Catholic Mass was celebrated at 5:00 p.m. at a nearby church, St. Joan of Arc. Former teacher Father Stanley Dominic assisted in this service and also joined us for the first portion of the Reunion dinner/dance. At 6:00 p.m., the BIG GIG began in Composer's Row, lst floor, of the Merrillville Radisson Hotel, with cocktail hour, appetizers included, running from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (Cash bar format--open all evening). Dinner music and "1965 Bee Hive Jive: Revisited In 2003!" music was provided by Sally King Zimmer's two "DJ" sons. Dance music from the 60's (and some before and since then!) predictably "jammed" us JIVERS into a swingin' mood until 1:00 a.m.! After hours parties continued in the Hospitality Room and, no doubt, in many hotel rooms!

Sunday (June 29th): Family-style picnic at Wicker Park, Shelters 1 & 2, (intersection of Indianapolis Boulevard and Ridge Road, Highland, IN). Keg of beer was provided by Lew Schwerin. We were joined by several former teachers of ours at this concluding bash!

That old Simon and Garfunkle song came to mind as the Sunday picnic found Jivers from California, Florida, Colorado, and many other points near and far pulling together for fun and games! Reunion Committee Member Tom Krull worked hard to "make it all happen," and he enjoyed the rewards with his spouse on that memorable sunny afternoon!

Bishop Noll Institute's FABULOUS class of 1965 celebrated its 38th anniversary reunion during the weekend of June 27-29, 2003. Friday night brought an unexpected high number (estimates range from 75-100 of classmates and guests) of former classmates together at Merrillville's Radisson hotel during a Hospitality Suite Bash! The nostalgia rolled on through Saturday evening as the BIG GIG, a grand dinner/dance featuring 1960's jams, had 175 JIVERS and dates doing the Twist, the Limbo, and other oldies dances! Sunday found the party move to Wicker Park where croquet and clicking cameras mixed with great food and comaraderie! We were joined by a number of our former teachers on Sunday, who heeded our invitation to "Bee" there or "Bee" square!!!

The 38th Anniversary Reunion Weekend was successful BEYOND everyone's expectations! Classmates arrived from California to Florida and even from Germany. The food was great, the jams were so jivin' that the dance floor was filled to capacity, the emotional high was so thick that you could breathe it right in, and the renewal of old friendships and the creation of new ones was done at a level unprecedented since our high school days! Watch this space for TONS of weekend photos, like the one to the right! PHOTO: Even spouses of our classmates "got into the act!" Rick "NOT A JIVER" Dorn--spouse of Annette Gordon--fooled no one with that special I.D. badge! Annette and other REUNION COMMITTEE members put in long hours making this the BEST REUNION EVER, so their families and friends who patiently awaited "their return" received special JIVER status!

The dance floor just wasn't big enough for those "fifty-something" Boomers who still show the youngsters that, yes, we ARE alive and kickin', PLUS "our" music has feelin', meanin', and you can DANCE to it! Can you recognize any of these party hounds hoofin' across the wooden floor?

What fun it was to get all the (ahem) old buddies together again! Suzi Kovach, Nancy Bryzgalski (married to classmate Tom Kolodziej), Mary Narvid and Cindy Burney. Friday night's Meet and Greet soiree was just the beginning of a warm and friendly atmosphere that permeated all weekend long!

Georgette Mytych and Betty Sejda schmooze for the camera while enjoying a wonderful evening reliving days gone past. Reunions have a way of doing just that!

It might seem that the "Yellow Shirts" troupe of Bill Schweitzer (l) and John Gerbas kept the Sunday picnic crowd captivated with complex tricks like pulling quarters out of ears, but in truth these old friends were merely sharing the pleasures of our high school years! Bill flew in from California, while John LITERALLY flew one of his own airplanes to attend our COOL reunion! Because the lads live so far apart, pre-reunion practice was impossible, thus making it a necessity for John to hold a cup for any dropped quarters! FUMBLE!

Never "merciless," Ted Zagar dreamed of the perfect costume for our 38th anniversary reunion. "Ming the Merciful," was artfully designed by Elaine Engle and presented to Ted, our biggest and best Jiver of them all! Our thanks to Ted for his concept of the Reunion Train which has reconnected all of us Jivers!

How could 38 years have passed since we laughed and lived our high school days? You could feel the excitement of a truly memorable evening in the smiles and enthusiasm of Sally King, Terri Gargas and Elaine Engle - - June 28, 2003, will truly be a date to remember.

While we're sure the YMCA craze was not even born back in the days when we dusted the gym floor with our bobby sox, dancing to the tunes of the 60's, we aimed to show at the Big Gig that we still had the fever! Or, was this really Richard Simmons' exercise class!?!

Our Sunday picnic in 2003 at Wicker Park brought out our former teachers (and some are now former nuns) Alma Clare, Mrs. Dorothy LaMere, Christopher, and Georgia (l-r)

Classmates, spouses and friends showed that we've still "got the groove," or is it that the doctor has been telling us that "we've got to move." Enticed by the CD tunes spun by none other than the talented DJ sons of Ivan & Sally King Zimmer, we danced the night away! In our hearts, it was American Bandstand all over again! Long live Dick Clark!

Sally King and her team "planted" centerpieces reminiscent of the old Blue & Gold days for the BNI Class of 1965 "BEE" Hive Jivers! Remember folks that the "Bee Hive Jive" was the name of our first high school dance! Heard that Bunny Fijut even enlisted hubby Jerry King to help with the spray painting! Easy on that aerosol can there, Jerry!

Wally Kopacz and John Makarowski take a moment out from the jivin' that was going on to "pose" for the camera. There was so much catching up to do that the weekend just wasn't long enough!

. . . but carries a colorful stick! Susan created a pinata for the Sunday Picnic at Wicker Park. One side featured a "Noll boy student," and as you can see, the flip side's "Noll girl student" is sporting a plaid school uniform!

Reunion Co-ordinator Ted Zagar (l) assists Ron Saczawa (c) in presenting a raffle prize to Walt Kopacz (r). Ron flew in from Germany for only one single day just to join his old mates from high school, and he came with a bag full of raffle goodies from Europe. Walt was one of many generous '65ers who contributed a total of $500 to the Nazareth House in the name and memory of baby Austin Doppler. Infant Austin's passing after three weeks was mourned by the classmates who came to appreciate the BNI 1965 website-building efforts of Austin's father, Carl Doppler. Nazareth House in East Chicago assists infants in need and classmates Eileen McKern and Barbara Hines are two of its volunteers. GREAT JOB to the contributors and the volunteers!

Our 38th Anniversary Reunion was over all too quick, but the memories will never die! The weekend was jam packed with reminiscing, creating new and renewing old friendships (such as shown here with classmates Ted Zagar, our reunion coordinator, and Bob Kukula Kingsley, remember folks, our 1965 Class Salutatorian)! Blessings and thanks to everyone who came--near and far. We love you all and hope to see EVERYONE at our 40th Anniversary Reunion on July 23, 2005!!!

Three old "buds"--John Gerbas, Jerry King, and Ron Saczawa--PARTY HEARTY (you better believe it!!!) at the Saturday BIG GIG Reunion Dinner/Dance. Ron flew in from Germany, where he has lived since 1967, to become a JIVER ('65 Bee Hive Jive dancer) once again!

Just seeing the eager faces of this crew - - John Swiesthal, Dave Hutchens, Paul Schreiner and Jerry King - - and who doesn't know them from the Class of '65, makes you think it can't be 38 years since these fellas laughed their way up the BNI halls. Hey, now it's up to John to keep 'em in line as he travels all over the country preaching with his Good News Ministries. If you've ever caught John's presentation at a local church, he manages to spread The Word, while still keeping his humor intact. A good example for us all.

Enjoying the fruits of their labors, committee members Jim Wieser (shown here with his lovely wife and law partner, Melanie Sterba), and John Lanigan, pause for the camera. In the background, taking in the music of the 60's, is Glen Matthew, spouse of Thelma Stocki.

The Reunion featured approximately 125 classmates and 50 guests. One guest "soared" above the rest as he was the only one with wings! Cookie Zagar brought her green parrot, Rico, to share the weekend excitement!