Camp Herrlich Reunion, +16 days

Greetings:

Above you will find the photos that I got of those attending the reunion. There are two photos because somehow or other no one noticed that the entire Duehne delegation was not present when the group shot was being taken. We are attempting to edit these so that everyone will appear in one picture.


Top Photo
Front row: Karen Duehne Aromando, Sarah Harrold, and Kenny Duehne
Back row: Debbie Negro Gainor, Ellie Duehne Harrold, and Carol Duehne

Bottom Photo
Front row: Tyrone Wims, Ruth Heins Phillips, Barbara Clausen, Louis Clausen, Norma Olsen Levett, and Rene Wiker
Middle row: Warner Wims, Judy Elevick Reilly, Ruben Colon, Karen Kangas Repka, Steve Perge, and Nancy Gundersen
Back row: Linda Larson DeLong, Jim Lindsey, Pastor Ed Wiker, Gloria Pabon, Bob Gundersen, Phil Olsen, and Ralph Palumbo

Missing: Pat Petersen Puchalski and Hector Maldonado

Herrlich Reunion, +4 days

Greetings:

Our reunion has come and gone. And, I for one, believe that it was definitely well worth all of the time and effort that went into it. It still amazes me that I actually got the opportunity to spend time with so many people that mean so much to me. I truly feel sorry for those who were unable to attend. I am indebted to each and every one of you who sacrificed the time and expense to make the trip. You all contributed in making the reunion a truly memorable weekend.

The reunion reminded me of something that Henry Ford once said, "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress but working together is success." It was clear that our successes working together created a bond among us that the years could not change. Almost forty years later, it was like we had never been apart. The years may have changed our bodies but, our love for one another clearly lives on. Must be that old Herrlich Spirit. It was really refreshing to see that the present camp staff is carrying on the same Spirit.

Our reunion attendees were:
Chaplin Colonel Ruben Colon, 1967-70, from Maryland
Linda Larsen DeLong, 1969, and husband, Tom, from Pennsylvania
Carol Duehne Dunn, camper 1966-71, from New Jersey
Eleanor Duehne Harrold, camper 1965-7, staff 1970-3, and daughter, Stacy, New York
Karen Duehne Aromando, camper 1966-70, staff 1971-5, from New York
Kenny Duehne, camper 1968-72
Debbie Negro Gainor, 1971, from Louisiana
Bob Gundersen, Camp Director 1970-1, and wife, Nancy, from New York
Norma Olsen Levett, 1968 from North Carolina
Phil Olsen, 1970-2, from Maryland
Gloria Pabon, 1969-70, and husband, Elmer Santiago, from New York
Ralph Palumbo, 1965, 1967-70, and wife, Nellie, from New York
Steve Perge, 1969-72, from New York
Ruth Heins Phillips, 1970, and husband, Alan, from Connecticutt
Pat Petersen Puchalski, 1968-9, from Ohio
Judy Elevick Reilly, 1967-69, from Maryland
Karen Kangas Repka, 1968-70, and husband, Charles, from New Jersey
Pastor Ed Wiker, Camp Director 1962, 1967-9, and wife, Rene, from New Jersey
Tyrone Wims, 1968-70, from Pennsylvania
Warner Wims, 1968, from California
Hector Maldonado, 1967-72(?), from Ohio
Louis Clausen, 1962, and wife, Barbara, from New York
Jim Lindsey, 1968-71, from Indiana

I am confident that I can say on behalf of all the attendees, a big thank you to Bob Gentile for all that he did to make our reunion the success that it was. Not only did he provided the use of the camp free of charge, but he went out of his way to help us at every turn and he made sure that everything went smoothly. Then, there was the food. I can honestly say that through the years I have been to a lot of camps but, none of them ever served better food.

I want you all to be aware that the camp is in dire need of our financial assistance. There are two major projects that must be addressed so that the camp can continue it's mission. The lake is in need of an immediate dredging and the dining hall has deteriorated to the point where it desparately needs to be replaced. I would ask that you seriously consider making a contribution. Every dollar counts. The LSS and the churches can no longer be counted on to provide the necessary funding. Let's make sure that the Camp Herrlich experience can continue to brighten the lives of as many children as possible. Please give what you can.

Peace, Love,

Big Jim

Camp Herrlich Reunion, -6 days

Greetings:

Well, we've finally made it to the last week before the reunion! Less than a week to go! This sure has been a long time coming! This will probably be my last post before the reunion. Our nation's current economic situation has wrecked havoc on the auto industry. Thankfully, General Motors has seen fit to lay us off for the upcoming week, allowing me the opportunity to drive down to North Carolina to visit my parents and take care of some of their business matters before heading to the reunion. Since I have not yet been able to bring myself to make a decision on which laptop to purchase, I will be pretty much offline once I leave home on Monday. So, if you have any last minute questions for me, please get them to me right away. If you must reach me after Monday, my cell phone number is: 405-413-1634. Please bear with me on this, I'm an old guy and new to cells, I have some real issues attempting to retreive messages and I just don't understand texting. So if you don't actually get to talk to me, your best bet is to call back.

At this point, we have eight people meeting for the pre-reunion dinner at the McCarthy Family Eatery located at 347 Route 52 in Carmel. It's right across the road from the old lumber yard. I suggest using one of the computer mapping services to get driving directions. If all else fails, their phone number is 845-225-6012. There's plenty of room if anyone else would like to join us. Oh, before I forget, I'm planning on arriving early, about 5pm so that those who need to can still get over to the camp and get settled before dark.

I am happy to announce that Pastor Wiker has agreed to lead our Sunday service up at the Chapel, weather permitting.

I trust that I don't need to tell anyone what they need to bring for a weekend at camp but, I must say, don't forget your flashlight. And, please bring your Herrlich pictures. If you have a recent photo for the memory book bring it along.

To those of you who are not attending the reunion, you will be missed and I guarantee that you will be in our thoughts. If your situation has changed and you can get there, please do so. I can assure you that no one will be upset. Otherwise, expect to hear from me in post-reunion blogs and as we work on putting together the memory book.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped make this reunion a success. That goes for those who helped plan, as well as, those who asked the tough questions that helped us cover all the stuff we might have missed otherwise. I'm really looking forward to seeing all of you. Please forgive me if I forget to thank you in person.

Please drive safely and I'll see you all next weekend!

Peace, Love,

Big Jim

Camp Herrlich Reunion, -15 Days

Greetings;

Just two more weeks, gee, the tensions starting to build. From all indications, we should have a pretty nice event. Sadly, most folks can't spend the whole weekend, but, after forty years, an awful lot of folks have apparently decided to make the effort to at least put in an appearance. In case I don't get to you at the reunion, let me take a moment to thank each and every single one of you who has taken the time to help make this a success. I can't wait! Judy, Norma Olsen Levettt, Tyrone and I are planning to get together up near the camp for a pre-reunion dinner on Friday. If you'd like to join us, drop me an email. Ruben can only make it for Saturday. Hector and Pat Petersen Puchalski will be flying in together for Saturday and Sunday. Karen Kangas Repka and her hubby will be joining us on Saturday. The Duehne delegation, seven strong will becoming in on Saturday. It looks like if you can only spare one day at the reunion, you probably want to make it Saturday.

Those staying at the camp will be bunking in cabins in the Girl's Unit. That's what we all remember as the Boy's Unit, the one nearest to the lake. A number of you have voiced concerns about using the outhouses down in the units. Let me assure you that they are not the same ones we had forty years ago. The rest rooms at the dining hall are still around so, if you don't want to rough it, you can just climb the hill and go in comfort.

The issue of alcoholic beverages has been addressed. We will be able to serve beer and wine. However, this will be very strictly monitered. We're all getting a bit too old to be tying one on. A glass or two of wine most of us can still handle. Consider this as an opportunity for some mood adjustment not an old fashioned attitude adjustment. There will be limitations, every car leaving the grounds will need to have a sober designated driver. This must be handled in a responsible adult manner so that everyone can enjoy themselves and no one ends up getting hurt or in any kind of trouble.

As I think back tothe 1992 reunion, I recall that it was a rather damp and chilly weekend. You'll probably be well advised to pack a sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket at the very least. And, it can always rain, so don't forget some sort of raingear.

Several people have, in my opinion, been going a bit far in praising me for putting this reunion together. While everyone enjoys a pat on the back, I want to explain just how we came to be having this reunion. Through the years I have pretty much stayed in touch with several of you. Tyrone and I both lost touch with Ralph Palumbo for a few years. Then out of the blue Ralph contacted Tyrone, I called him and we spoke for quite some time. In case you are not aware of it, Ralph has faced a number of serious health issues through the years. After talking to him, I got to thinking about Kathy Connelly Lillestollen(1969, 1971), many of you will remember her as "Spot". Over the years, our paths crossed a number of times. Aside from Herrlich, her best friend in college was a young lady that I was dating and had taken to my prom, then she married the son of the pastor of a church in my neighborhood. So, we had ended up running into each other periodically until I moved off to Oklahoma in the mid-70's. I lost track of her until I started looking for people for the 1992 reunion. I found out that her family had relocated to Nashville but, they were off living in Sweden at the time so, she missed the reunion. Well, I set out to locate her and soon discovered that she had passed away. In discussing her death and our own frailty and mortality with Ralph Palumbo and Tyrone Wims, the thought arose that if we were ever to have another Herrlich reunion, we had better do it very soon. Clearly, if Kathy had not passed away, we would not be having this reunion. Out of a tragedy, we are rediscovering each other and the joys we once shared. I really don't remember which one of us brought up the idea of having the reunion first. Guess that's not really important, but I want you all to understand that this was a group venture not a solo act by me as so many of you seem to think. So, when we all get to the reunion, please thank Ralph and Tyrone because if they hadn't helped get it all started and then continued to help and push me along the way, there's just no way we'd all have gotten back together.

If you haven't told me when you'll be at the reunion, please do so as soon as possible.



PLEASE BRING ALONG ALL OF YOUR HERRLICH PICTURES!



Peace, Love,

Big Jim

Camp Herrlich Reunion, -23 days

Greetings:

I received word from Bob Gentile that there will be campers still at the camp until 6pm on Friday, August 29. The staff will be having a party off site once the campers leave. There will be about 20-25 current staff remaining Friday night with some possibly staying as long as Sunday. We will have the use of the camp once the campers are gone. If you plan to arrive on Friday, please arrange your schedule to arrive at 6pm or later. Breakfast on Saturday will be the first meal available at the camp. I foresee no problems sharing the camp with some of the present staff. As a matter of fact, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to meet some of them.

Area Motels

In New York: Heidi's; Route 22, Brewster, 845-279-8011
Henry Van; Solon Road, Brewster, 845-279-3428
Bellaire Motor Inn; Route 22, Brewster, 845-279-3350
Smalley Inn; Main Street, Carmel, 845-225-9874
In Connecticutt: Hilton; I-84, Exit 2, Danbury, 203-205-2000
Sheraton; I-84, Exit 2, Danbury, 203-794-0600
Marriott; I-84, Exit 4, Danbury, 203-797-1256

Most of these motels have websites and offer lower rates online. I've given you a number of options so, you can select the establishment that best fits your tastes and budget.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could give me some idea of when you might be at the reunion. It would help immensely with planning the numbers for the meals.

How about some more memories?
Do you remember....
** Carving soap figures
** "Cricket"
** Richard Howell's stories
** Endless card games
** Nap time
** Washing windshields at the Mahopac Drive-In
** Watching the first moon landing
** Singing on 42nd Street
** "Dimples"
** "you FOOTLOCKER"
** Playing basketball against Lake Carmel
** The wild collies
** The nativity scene in the goat pen
** water lillies
** Marsha and Jeanne baking brownies
** Ping pong
** Being refused drinks on Main Street in Brewster
** Gerry wiggling his ears
** Larry Bramble waking up
** The luau band
** "People"
** Staff pajama parties
** Palisades Park
** The party at the Girl Scout camp

Just over three more weeks and we're on our way back to camp, I can't wait!

Peace, Love,

Big Jim

CampHerrlich Reunion, -29 days

Greetings:

With a little less than a month left before the reunion, I am amazed at how many folks still haven't felt any need to advise us of their plans. I don't know how we are suppose to be able to plan without some idea of how many people are going to show up. I guess that's my problem! Here's the rub, the camp is doing all the cooking for our reunion. Breakfast is $5.00, Lunch is $6.00, and Dinner is $9.00. We need to give them some sort of idea how many people to expect for each meal. Otherwise, things like not having enough food prepared to feed everyone could happen. We have reached the point where we need to know, as best you can tell us at this point, when you will be at the reunion, which meals you will need to be fed and how many will be in your party. The purpose of this is to allow the camp to plan menu, manpower, etc.
Please email this info to me asap at: jameslindsey@sbcglobal.net or call me at: 260-456-0969 weekdays between 8am-noon, or 8pm-10pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time. If you call and I'm not in please leave a message. Thank you!

Another issue that seems to need to be addressed, since several of you have expressed a need for them, is directions to the camp. If you go to the camp's website: http://www.campherrlich.org/, there is a section on directions with a link that will provide you with door-to-door instructions. In my opinion, the easiest way to reach the camp is to get to Interstate 84. Take NY Exit #18, Route 311, Lake Carmel/Patterson, at the stop sign at the bottom of the ramp you will need to turn north. (If you have been travelling west on I-84, like from Massacusetts or Conecticutt, north will be a right turn. If you have been heading east on I-84 from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the Hudson River, etc. you need to turn left). After this turn onto Route 311, you will drive a little less than a mile, up a hill, and take the first right turn you come to. This is Fair Street. As soon as you turn onto Fair Street, you will be making an almost immediate turn onto the first road on the left. This will be Deacon Smith Hill Road. As you drive down the hill, the camp will be on your right. If you still manage to get lost, just call for help, the camp phone number is: 845-878-6662.



Next, where to stay? After all these years, the only place that sticks out in my memory is Heidi's Inn: http://www.heidisinn.com/. I'll be getting with both Bob Gentile and Ralph Palumbo in the next few days to discuss more options.



What will be happening at the reunion? While I feel that most of us would be content to simply have the opportunity to enjoy each other's company all weekend, I guess we need some "activities". What I'm thinking, and as always, remember this reunion belongs to all of us not just me, so if you want to do anything different, please speak up, I'd leave Friday for renewing acquaintances, if we have the energy, a Saturday morning hike around the lake might be in order, films and pictures in the afternoon followed by a camper's choice in the evening and possibly a bit of attitude adjustment. Sunday morning we should offer some sort of worship at the chapel (weather permitting), the afternoon will allow time to begin work on our memory book project and maybe an evening campfire. Monday will probably end up filled with all the farewells.

Well, if any other questions arise, please get them to me so they can be addressed.

Peace, Love,

Big Jim

Camp Herrlich Reunion, -38 Days

Greetings:

I remember growing up listening to WBLS, the New York City radio station that exclusively played soul music. They featured a disc jockey, the late Frankie Crocker, who was known not only for playing the best music but, for being one of the smoothest talkers anywhere. I particularly recall a few lines he used most nights when he signed off. "May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live." He would follow that with: "If you should live a hundred years, let me live a hundred years minus a day, so I would never have to know that people as nice as you ever passed away." It's been over thirty years since I last heard him say those words. Last night, I was reminded of them when Ralph Palumbo gave me the unfortunate news that another one of our former Herrlich staffers, 1971 lifeguard, Kathie Kerr Belscher, had gone on to glory. We have no further details at this time. Please join me in offering a prayer for her and her family and for Rev. Gerry Gengenbach's wife who is ill.

With the Herrlich reunion looming in the not so distant future, I have been spending a lot more time than I should reminiscing about those relatively carefree times we shared so long ago. I can still remember the optimistic feelings that we could do anything, like they were yesterday. A couple minutes later, my mind will wander back into the present from wondering what became of all that seemingly unlimited energy to dealing with my aging body's aches and pains, diet restrictions, forced exercise, and even mortality. None of us knows how much more time we have or what ailments we might acquire. Please take advantage of your opportunities as they come along. In all likelihood, this will be our last reunion. I simply can't imagine having either the time or energy to do this again. Even though it's been almost forty years, I have found that when I have talked to most of you, the years disappear, the friendships that we developed way back when seem like they were only yesterday. We have a bond that has withstood the test of time. How can you bypass your last chance to spend time with people that mean so much to you? If you can make it to the reunion, please do it.

We need to give a big thanks to Ralph Palumbo who is taking the time to call people about the reunion. Between us, at this point, the following people are planning to attend: Norma (Hanauer) Martin, Rev. Ruben Colon, Norma (Olsen) Levett, Tyrone Wims, Karen(Kangas) Repka, Rev and Rene Wiker, Ralph Palumbo, Rev. Gerry Gengenbach, Judy (Elevick) Reilly, Rev. Ralph Midtlyng, Gloria Pabon, Linda (Larson) DeLong, Kristi Vaiden, Bob and Nancy Gundersen, Ruth (Heins) Phillips, Phil Olsen, Eleanor Duehne and her sisters, Deborah (Negro) Griner, Clay Reasor (director in 1972-3), and me. Only about a dozen people have told us that they will definitely not be attending. This means that we have yet to hear anything either way from over thirty of you! We hope that many of you will find it in your hearts to join us. Please take the time today to let us know one way or the other!

Peace. Love,

"Big Jim" Lindsey

Camp Herrlich Reunion, -52 days

Greetings:

Here's hoping you and your's all had a good Fourth of July Weekend! For me, it provided a much needed break and the opportunity to spend a little time down in Oklahoma with friends and family. Well, we've now enjoyed our last holiday before our reunion. Nothing left in between these holidays but the dog days of summer. Maybe we can start a movement to make Christmas in July a national holiday. Has anyone else noticed how much more we appreciate air conditioning now that we've gotten old and can't spend our summers at camp.

I spent some time chatting with Bob Gentile, the current Herrlich director, he has decided to waive the fee for our use of the camp for the reunion. This means that if you can get yourself to the reunion, the only thing you'll need to pay for once there is food, unless you require the comforts of a motel. This is quite a present we've been given. Hats off to Bob! When you get to the reunion please make sure that you remember to personnally thank him. We'll need to come up with some way to repay him for his extraordinary kindness. Oh, if you plan to stay at the camp, don't forget to pack some bedding.

While wandering around on the internet, I discovered an interesting Herrlich story. You can find it at: www.allisonswonderland.typepad.com/page/2/, you'll need to scroll down to the article titled, 'Happy Thanksgiving". You should enjoy seeing how another group of people have been effected by the Herrlich Spirit.

If you haven't read the comments, please do so, and, feel free to leave your own.

I need to know your plans! Will you be attending? If you haven't let me know yet, please advise.

How about a few more camp memories? Do you remember:
** Hiking to and from the train?
** Greased watermelons?
** The Big Cheese?
** The races for "seconds"?
** The Great Water Hike?
** 13 straight days of rain?
** Mahopac Drive-In?
** Praying to the Great Pumpkin?
** Birch Hill Diner?
** Sybil Ludington?
** Skunk cabbage?
** Ralph Palumbo's carnival rides?
** Charles Roberts driving on the wrong side of the road?
** Giggle Belly?
** "Tisch"?
** The staff lounge?
** Soothing baths under Fleischmann's dam?
** The Herrlich Olympics?
** Hunting each other with BB guns?
** Driving to Brewster for Carvel's ice cream?
** Grand Central Station?

Peace, Love,

"Big Jim"

Camp Herrlich Reunion, -70 days

Greetings:

Well, despite the limited number of entries, we have a clear winner in the occupations contest. Drum roll, please. It's Peter Gangsei who came up with seven correct. Here are the correct answers:
1. Sean Deneny: P. Television show marketing
2. Peter Gangsei: O. Roofer
3. Gerry Gengenbach: G. or H.Minister
4. Walter Haag: M. Retired, military
5. Eric Holk: A. or B. Attorney
6. Ralph Midtlyng: G. or H. Minister
7. Larry Monson: E. High steel worker
8. Tom Murphy: I. Occupational therapist
9. Marsha Nyberg: D. Guest house owner
10. Gloria Pabon: N. Retired, teacher
11. Ralph Palumbo: L. Retired, cable guy
12. Steve Perge: F. Mattress salesman
13. Larry Rhodebeck: A. or B. Attorney
14. Bill Schnelli: C. Car salesman
15. Paul Weidiger: J. Organic farmer
16. Tyrone Wims: K. Project Manager

That is now but do you still remember:
* Standing out in the sun, nervous as can be, waiting for The Train?
* First camp meal: spaghetti?
* Peter Gangsei telling time by the sun inside the dining hall?
* Big Jim dealing out pancakes?
* Those staff overnighters?
* Surviving on midnight snacks?
* Tyrone snapping his fingers and his campers marching in?
* Night Patrol?
* Singing "Lilly the Pink" during attitude adjustments at the Tamarack Inn, the Zig Zag Club, the Colony House, the pizzeria in Brewster, or the Monte Carlo?
* The last night all-nighters?
* Hoghead snakes?
* Trips to New York?
* Towner's General Store?
* Hanging out on the raft in the parking lot?
* How Naja used stones back in Lebanon?
* Water Carnivals?
* Camper's choice?
* The goats in the girl's bathroom?
* The Lake Carmel carnivals?
* Hunting for the Heike boy's shoes? or socks?
* "No soap radio"?
* Those summer romances?
* Walking across the lake during the Christmas 1969 reunion?
* The Appalachian Trail?
* The purple door knob?
* Mud Hockey?

Those are some of the things I remember, hopefully, you are planning to share some of your memories with us at the reunion.

Peace, Love,

Big Jim

Camp Herrlich Reunion, -74 days

Greetings:

Those of you who have been stumped by the photos in the earlier blog should be glad to find out that pictures, top to bottom, show: Pat Petersen Puchalski, 1968-9 lifeguard; Marsha Nyberg, 1969 counselor; Gloria Pabon, 1969-70 counselor; and Paul Weidiger, 1971+ counselor.

In the last few days, I've located Eric Holk and with lots of help from Mary Simon, I found Tom Zink.

Peace, Love,

"Big Jim" Lindsey

Camp Herrlich Reunion, -78 days

Greetings:

While thinking about the fact that our reunion was going to be over Labor Day weekend, I came up with the idea for a little contest. Can you figure out what kind of work your fellow staffers ended up doing? Below, you'll find a list of staffers and a list of occupations. All you need to do is match them up and email your answers to me by noon next Thursday, June 19th and I'll announce the winners on the next blog. Don't worry if you don't know them all, I don't think anyone will get them all. Have fun and good luck!

1. Sean Deneny A. Attorney
2. Peter Gangsei B. Attorney
3. Gerry Gengenbach C. Car Salesman
4. Walter Haag D. Guest House Owner
5. Eric Holk E. High Steel Worker
6. Ralph Midtlyng F. Mattress Salesman
7. Larry Monson G. Minister
8. Tom Murphy H. Minister
9. Marsha Nyberg-Leabman I. Occupational Therapist
10. Gloria Pabon J. Organic Farmer
11. Ralph Palumbo K. Project Manager
12. Steve Perge L. Retired, Cable Guy
13. Larry Rhodebeck M. Retired, Military
14. Bill Schnelli N. Retired, Teacher
15. Paul Weidiger O. Roofer
16. Tyrone Wims P. Television Show Marketing

Peace, Love,

Big Jim

Herrlich Reunion, -86 days

Greetings:

Having spent a great deal of time surfing the web trying to locate many of you. I came across some interesting things on my travels. I have decided to share recent photos I have uncovered of a few of your fellow staffers. Only, I'm not going to tell you who they are! Want some hints? The first worked at camp in 1968-69, the female in the second, 1969, the third, 1969-70, and the fellow worked 1971 and after. Can you identify these people? Do they look familiar? What are their names? Enjoy.....

A big thanks to Nancy Gundersen, she provided a new address for Phil Olsen(who's interested in attending). She also suggested that I find Clay Reaser. I found him and he may make it for a day or two the next week he'll be heading off to France. Betty Bommer has sent best wishes to all, she will probably not be able to make the trip because of a severe back injury. We could all throw in a prayer for her rapid recovery.

Peace, Love,

"Big Jim" Lindsey

Herrlich Reunion, -96 days

Well, we've made it to Memorial Day weekend. The semi-official start of the summer. Seems when you're looking forward to something like our reunion, the time sure drags by slowly. We still have a whole summer between us and our weekend together. In the process of driving up to attend my daughter's graduation, last weekend, twicw we sped right by the camp exit off of Interstate 84. Unfortunately, a tight schedule would not allow us to stop. Guess I'll have to wait until August like everyone else.

I hope you've all started making your travel plans. Airlines are continually threatening to raise fares in the face of the rapidly rising fuel costs. It would be wise to lock in a good fare while they're still available. On our trip east, we were somewhat pleasantly surprised by the gas prices we encountered, the highest price we paid was right near home in Indiana. The gas prices across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticutt and Massacusetts were all cheaper. We filled up for thirty cents a gallon less in Massacusetts than what we'd paid in Indiana.

If there are any special activities that you think need to be incorporated into our plans, please let me know. The lake will probably be too cold for a water carnival so, let's skip that suggestion.

Those of you still on the fence about attending need to make up your minds before time decides for you. Remember you don't have to stay all weekend. We'd really love to have you attend, if at all possible. If you have questions about the reunion please feel free to ask. I'll do my best to get you answers. If you haven't returned the questionaire yet, please do so.

Camp Herrlich Reunion

Hello Again:

It's great to be able to just type something up and everyone gets to see it. Nothing to fold, no envelopes to stuff, no stamps, no charge. Some of this new techno stuff is really alright. It's just a darn shame it wasn't around years ago.Us old timers just don't understand all the ramifications of all this "new" stuff. Several of you emailed me concerning the blog, you can click on the"comments" prompt in the lower right hand corner of the page and let everyone see what you write. While I understand and appreciate the power of a bully pulpit, the real reason for this blog is to give everyone a voice. So, please feel free to comment.

The responses to the reunion questionaire have been extremely slow coming in. Please don't keep putting it off until you simply run out of time, money or vacation time and can't attend. To date, it looks like I'll be coming in from Indiana and joined by Rev. Ruben Colon from Georgia, Rev Ed Wiker and Rene from New Jersey, Karen (Kangas) Repka from New Jersey, Tyrone Wims from Philadelphia, Ralph Palumbo from the Bronx, Bob and Nancy Gundersen from Nyack, NY, Peter Gangsei from Wisconsin, Ruth (Heins)Phillips from Connecticutt, Karen Duehne and Eleanor (Duehne) Harrold from the Bronx. Kay(Brookshaw)Aho lives in the state of Washington and she'd like to attend. Norma (Olson)Levett will probably make the trip from North Carolina.Carol (Sautebin) Wright wants to come but hubby, Gordi Wright doesn't want to drive across NY to attend. Pat(Petersen)Puchalski wants to come in from Ohio but doesn't know if she can handle it and the start of her final school year at the same time. We'll work on Gordi and Pat. No one else has responded. What's up with the rest of you? A lot of your friends appear willing to travel a good distance to see you. Come join us. It's only a few days and you don't have to stay all weekend. Please help us fill the camp!

For those of you who have not kept up with the camp through the years, you can catch up at their website: www.campherrlich.org.

For those of you contemplating flying in, please make sure you check flights through the airport in Newburgh, New York, it's only about thirty minutes from the camp and you don't have to deal with any New York City traffic.

Thanks to Rev. Ruben Colon! He kept up with Hector Maldonado through the years so one more has been located.

June graduates: Ruth (Heins) Phillips youngest son will be graduating from law school next month.

Our oldest daughter will be graduating from Smith College in May.

Great accomplishments: Last Monday, April 21, 2008, our former lifeguard and cancer survivor, Pat(Petersen) Puchalski, conquered the Boston Marathon for the third time in three tries. Her time was 4:39:35. To the uninitiated, that means she ran the over 26 mile long course in a little over four and a half hours at a speed of almost ten miles an hour. I get tired just thinking about doing anything for four and a half hours. Imagine running that long! Well done Pat!

Regardless of your political view, please remember that our young men in war zones deserve your prayers, Norma (Olson) and John 's Levett's daughter's fiance is stationed in Baghdad.

Love, Peace,

'Big Jim"

Camp Herrlich Reunion

Greetings:

Well here we go! The old guy using another of the new-fangled techno-toys. Thanks to Norma (Olsen) Levett, who came up with the idea, I can get info out to everyone a bit easier. And, you can respond!?!

First, if you are not already aware, we will be having a reunion of the members of the 1968-1971 Camp Wilbur Herrlich staffs. The reunion willbe held at the camp over Labor Day weekend, August 29- September 1, 2008. If you worked there then, please make every effort to attend. We are all getting older, five of our members have already passed on, please take advantage of this opportunity. You need not stay the whole weekend, but please get there.

We are planning to do something along the lines of a yearbook updating the info on everyone. We will be working on this some over the weekend.If possible, bring along a decent photo from your Herrlich years and one of your family now.

I've spent a good deal of time trying to relocate everyone. The following is a list of those located thus far:

1968: Rev. Ed and Rene Wiker, Norma (Hanauer) Martin, Norma (Olsen)Levett, John Levett, Tyrone Wims, Karen (Kangas) Repka, Ralph Palumbo, Warner Wims, Dorothy (Walker) Shonsey, Rev. Gerry Gengenbach, Judy (Elevick) Reilly, Karla (Supienko) Edwards, Walter Haag, Kay (Brookshaw) Aho, Rev. Ralph Midtlyng, Richie Midtlyng, Sandy (Heverly) Marin, Sean Deneny, Becky (Ludwig) Gibbons, Pat (Petersen) Puchalski, George Kitz, and Rev. Ruben Colon.

Deceased: Bill Coombs, Mary Jo Vircks, and Jim Jacobson.

1969: Rev. Ed And Rene Wiker, Art Baddof, Judy (Elevick) Reilly, Peter Gangsei, Rev. Gerry Gengenbach, Walter Haag, Karen (Kangas) Repka, Betsy Larson, Linda (Larsen) DeLong, Kathy (Miller) Stange, Rev. Ralph Midtlyng, Richie Midtlyng, Marsha Nyberg-Leabman, Gloria Pabon, Ralph Palumbo, Steve Perge, Pat (Petersen) Puchalski, Larry Rhodebeck, Bill Schnelli, John Shouse, Martha Singer, Linda (Walters/Shouse) Turner, and Jeanne Zammataro.

Deceased: Bill Coombs, Debbie Tyrrel, and Kathy (Connelly) Lillestolen.

1970: Bob and Nancy Gundersen, Ralph Palumbo, TyroneWims, Peter Gangsei, Larry Rhodebeck, Karen (Kangas) Repka, Carol (Sautebin) Wright, Sandy Minkus, Steve Perge, Ruth(Heins) Phillips, Rev. Ruben Colon, Sheila (Berg) McCurdy, Mary (Jerard) Kenny, Merrily Szantor, George Kitz, Helen (Lundgren)Newman, Rev. Ralph Midtlyng, Richie Midtlyng, Kristi Vaiden, Mitchell Wright, and Gordi Wright.

Deceased: Debi Tyrrel

1971: Bob and Nancy Gundersen, Bette Bommer, Rev. Donald Burggraf, Eleanor (Duehne) Harrold, Shirley Furtick, Peter Gangsei, Mary (Jerard) Kenny, Kathryn (Kerr) Belscher, Rev. Ralph Midtlyng, Richie Midtlyng, Sany Minkus, Tom Murphy, Deborah Negro, Steve Perge, Larry Rhodebeck, Sue (Schuette-Weidger) LaLama, Mary Simon, and Paul Weidiger.

Deceased: Kathy (Connelly) Lillestolen.

If you know the whereabouts of anyone not listed, please get their info to me as soon as possible. Thank you!