Reunion Images and Classmate Testimonials

Sorry for the delay in sharing the following images, comments, testimonials, and sentiments. Time goes by too fast, and the more time elapses, the more it accelerates. Is that part of the Law of Relativity? Regardless, this is dedicated to all of you who were there, anytime between September 1964 and June 1968 and in all the reunions and get-togethers since graduation; by the way, it only takes two to make a reunion and we hope to continue the linkages, whether in small or large scale.

Attribution of course will be given to our roving photographers, correspondents, and contributors, whose voluntary efforts make this posting possible. There are over 100 images to be displayed; the editor believes this may be a little overwhelming for one blog session, so the graphics will be spread out over several posts in the next few weeks.

First of course came the preparations for the Friday May 16th school bash...

The Corps of Volunteers who gathered in the school "cafetorium" included, left to right, Maria E. Consuegra (Mendez), Silvia Gonzalez, Lourdes Carroll (Fernandez), Elena Pastoriza, "Webmistress" Adrianna F. Ramirez, and Amalia Garcia. The photographer was Marily A. Reyes (Benitez) - hereafter identified as "MAR."

Maiden surnames above are shown in parenthesis; lack of same does not imply single status - it implies the blog imp-oster just plain forgot a Significant Other's surname or did not want to further delay publishing this in searching for Who's On First and all of that. Heck, there are days he's not sure what he is named - although he has been called by many monikers not to be repeated here.

But of course we cannot leave the irrepressible and lovable Bestial Lunk out of the picture - Bill Urbizu; who, ably aided and assisted by the other Infernal Committe members, did a lot of heavy lifting to make things happen. The photo is courtesy of MAR - as are all subsequent ones posted, except as noted.

The photographer got into the picture here...surely you can spot her; this begs the question: Who captured the image? There are a couple of possible paparazzi...but it was Marily's camera.

Dear friend and Informal Committee commissar Ricardo Reimundo (aka "Lumumba") ensured things would not balloon out of control during Reunion Friday...

Were the ladies perhaps thinking of putting together one of those helium balloons-and-lawnchair contraptions so as to overfly the bay "in style?" Personally, would not recommend that as a traveling medium, although considering what passes for "service" in the airline industry today, perhaps it is an idea whose time has come; it would certainly be an uplifting experience.

OK, Elena and Amalia! Get back to work; no time to play tag now!

T-shirts, t-shirts; gotta have t-shirts! If by chance you did not get yours, maybe you want to go to the Class of '68 website - Webmistress Adrianna may yet have some in stock; stock up on t-shirts. Stop groaning...blog minime knows he would have never made it on Madison Avenue, with all them Mad Men. He does qualify as far as the mad - as in loon - part.

Decor and arrangements coming along nicely...the roving blogger hears the food in the new/old cafeteria is light years better than the vittles in the old/old cafeteria; if the quality of the edibles on Reunion Friday was any indication, all one can say is: Too bad we had to wait 40 years for gourmet cafeteria rations! But then, the Israelites had to wonder 40 years in the desert too, and they did not even get free t-shirts to commemorate the experience.

AQ photo

As the guests started to arrive that Friday, they could not help but behold this poignant reminder that one of their own would not be joining his classmates...but there is no doubt "Armandito," the diminutive version of his name - but diminutive he was NOT, in body or spirit - was there, his impish smile unseen. More than one of us experienced a "lump in the throat" moment and some tears too, when confronted with this necessary remembrance. God bless and keep you, Armando!

At least none of us needed permission to park on the grounds, said privilege once made evident by the mandatory permit we had to affix to the windshields of our wheeled steeds four decades earlier.

The blog author well remembers sticking the sticker on the windshield of his wheezy, lumbering 1960 Prefect; yes folks, there was once such a marvel of automotive engineering. The quaint little car did not help the flow of traffic one bit, barely managing to keep out of its own way. But in retrospect, it is easy to understand why blogger's papa insisted this be his boy's first car - zero-to-30 in about 60 minutes; cheap too...$350 cash at Paigo Brothers on NW 36th street back in Anno Domini 1966.

We are fortunate to have this little piece of the past courtesy our good friend and classmate Richard Reinhart; blogger is glad to see he is not the only artifact pack rat in the bunch.


On the other hand, one is glad the pack-ratism did not extend to keeping the Prefect - white it was, just as in the photo; the styling reminded one of a 1940s American car built for midgets. Hmm - perhaps dad Quiroga thought that was precisely the reason he should acquire it for his offspring. He's always had a unique sense of humor...

Then the guests began to arrive, and a special evening began to unfold.

Left to right: Cecilia Grande Gonzalez, Ana Diaz Cepero, and Silvia Gonzalez Dalmau.

We'll follow this simple convention on names/surnames whenever possible, to help jog memory - the author's is not that sharp, except when it comes to irrelevant facts or things that happened around 43 AD, more or less. The name, maiden and married surname will be displayed, in precisely that order. And if errors are made, your understanding is requested - and pray tell us what needs be done to fix said errors.

L-R: Marta Sotolongo Pardo, Charmaine Gauthier Icaza, Isabel Sanchez Rodriguez with...Mr. Rodriguez, of course.

Our beloved Infernal Bestial Bill Urbizu and his decidedly Better Half Diana made their appearance...just teasin' you, Bill - you'se a good guy...but, pray tell, what brand embalming elixir you've been downing all these years?

Glad you're having a good time! Left - Mr. Cepero, Ana Diaz Cepero's Other Half, with Juan Pino, brother to classmate Lilly Pino. Clarification: The term "Other Half" will henceforth be adopted when referring to spouses - we're not getting into any arguments about which Half is the Better Half!

L-R: Lorna and Nelson Orta, Maria del Carmen Fernandez Palmieri with Mr. Palmieri, Marily Benitez Reyes.

Our Infernal Unofficial Most Excellent Roving Photographer with her Other Half, Frank Reyes. This begs the question: "Who photographed the photographer?" Answering "the camera" is not a valid response!


Juan Gonzalez - Cecilia Grande's Other Half, and Juan Dalmau, Silvia Gonzalez's Soul Mate, seem to be wondering what happened to Mr. Dalmau's libation...OK, who took his drink?! 'Fess up!

"Woman, Man, in Black." As to the alien-looking creature on the right, one wonders how is it Men In Black in fact did not show up and haul it away to Area 51; perhaps the storage costs were a factor, what with all these Federal deficits...Marily should perhaps be choosier about her company. Really, really, they just let anyone in these days!

To say it was a great honor and pleasure Brother Francisco Martin - who we remember best as "Brother Andres" - joined in the celebration is indeed an understatement. Thank you, Hermano Andres; we who had the pleasure of your instruction appreciate your valiant efforts to keep our Spanish from mutating into Spanglish! God bless you.

L-R: Amalia Garcia, Marily, Teresita Casajuana

As previously stated, there are quite a few graphics to share with all of you. This will be the first installment - otherwise, nothing may be posted until...who knows when! In such a case, you may think the class blog and website have disappeared into the ether. No such luck! All kidding aside, we're not letting the ball drop for another twenty or - God forbid! - forty years. Forty years? No can do! There will be no brain left in the blogger when he's 98; not that much left at this point as it is.

Please share your images of the Reunion! It will be a pleasure to publish them in the future. You are reminded that pics from the past are also most welcome; help us flesh out the history of our class.

Now, some from-the-heart testimonials and compliments from our friends; to these, nothing need be added; we'll start with Graciella Cruz-Taura, who had earlier sent her comments to the blog.

This was a truly great class reunion and the organizers deserve our most heartfelt "thank you" for all the hours they spent enthusiastically putting together this gathering.

There were so many of you I had not seen in 40 years! Whether hugging Martha or laughing with Arturo, I could not avoid the awareness of being at a place where we mastered the tools to face a tough world and to appreciate our parents' sacrifices to send us to the school of their (not the state's) choice! Raquel was right when stating we are special. We graduated the same year the Soviet tanks rolled into Prague, students protested everywhere from Paris to Tlatelolco, and political violence in the US seemed uncontainable. Yet we moved forward. Without forgetting the few who stumbled along the way or those who have died, let's be thankful to the Lord for the many blessings in our lives. I will count last evening at the cafeteria as one of them.
Sincerely,
Graciella

Ricardo and all of the Infernal Committee:

We should be the ones to THANK YOU GUYS, because never in my life could I have thought that I would have been able to experience such wonderful moments like the ones on Friday night. To have seen everyone and specially those that were close to me from way back of St Peter & Paul and ILS. I agree that we shouldn't wait 40 more years to do this, even though I understand it was quite and ordeal to everyone together and you guys had to put a lot of your time into this.

Well I guess I have no other way to put it but by saying THANK, THANK, THANK.

LOVE, ISABEL RIERA

Hello Marily, just want to let you know (and please pass it along to the others in the planning committee) that IT WAS GREAT seeing "everyone" again.
I think that it was a very good turnout. Everyone seemed to have a good time and get reacquainted with old friends.
We took a lot of pictures (like many others did) and I will pass along a few that came out really neat.

I hope that the picnic turns out great. Sorry, but I could not make it.

Take care and rest, you need it !

Cariños
Pepita

Finally, from our own Infernal Marily - Infernal here meant as a high-level compliment...

Yo todavia estoy flying high...

Las emociones me han soltado con un cansancio increible....

Gracias por haberme acariciado el alma dandome la oportunidad de trabajar con ustedes y lograr estos re-encuentros que mirandoles a cada uno abrazance y recordando el antaño, me ha dado vida y fuerzas para asegurarme de que esto se continue...
Ahi les adjunto mensaje de Pepita...

Un fuerte abrazo a mis infernals y gracias por regresar a mi vida,
Marily

Many no doubt can "feel the feelings" penned by Marily, but nevertheless, to maximize the impact of her words, a translation is in order.

"I am still flying high...

The emotions have let me go with an incredible weariness...

Thank you for caressing my soul, granting me the opportunity to work with you and achieve these re-encounters; seeing each of you embracing and recalling times past has given me life and strength to ensure this will continue...I attach a message from Pepita...

A strong hug to my Infernals and thank you for returning to my life,
Marily"

No one could have put it better, dear friend; until the next installment of this continuing, beautiful story, we close with a strong, mass hug for all of you - we love you and, as Red Skelton used to say at the conclusion of his show, "may God Bless."

WE HAD A BLAST!!

May 31, 2008 5:02 PM EST

STS-124 Discovery Launch. Taken from Space View Park, Titusville, about 12 miles away with the equivalent of a 1280mm lens.

A shuttle launch is something everyone should experience at least once.

Photograph by George Quiroga

We believe that to be the case - that WE HAD A BLAST - that is, not because of any scientifically-conducted polls, but based only on the anecdotal evidence comprised of the from-the-heart testimonials of our friends and classmates. These will be published, together with images from the Reunion, both of the Friday social hours - five of them, in fact - and the Saturday picnic. It is regretted the blog has not been updated since the last posting, but please understand that (1) your Infernal Editor was a bit under the weather, although he would have still made it to the Reunion even if it had to be on a stretcher; (2) after intensely working on this and other necessary tasks required to make the Reunion happen and be a success in a relatively short span of time, there is some burnout and jadedness involved - but be assured things will be back on track soon.

This is how it works: The Reunion came off very well, but that was thanks to all of you who participated, whether in the planning, organizing, and general running around, or - this perhaps being the most important thing to do - attending. Not all who signed up to come were able to do so, but you still honored us with your good, warmhearted intentions to affectionately join us in friendship and fellowship. Now, to ensure we can repeat the experience in the future, you've gotta stay linked/connected. You now know where to go; the Infernals are here at your service and perhaps annoyance. However, we can only help you if you help us. Therefore, the most important message in this post is: Please stay in touch! This requires very little effort now that the "infrastructure" is in place. You have the email address for the Class of '68 Committee - ils6468@gmail.com; you have the addresses, phone numbers, and other alternate email addresses for some of the Committee members, which were sent to you by email, if you provided one, or by "snail mail."

Therefore, when you move around, change phone numbers, email address, and so on, all it takes on your part is an email or phone call, or even a letter to any of us and your information - voilà! - shall be updated on our records. There is no need to spend money to stay together via some of those paying sites which do not offer as much as they claim to do.

There is also another very good reason for making our network of connections grow...there are many talented personalities in our group; one never knows when the skills, knowledge, and experience of one or more of us may come in handy; who better than your friend-classmates to lend a hand...after all, isn't "a friend in need a friend indeed?" Granted, not all of us are rocket scientists - starting with moi - but rest assured many a helping hand would be proffered from amongst our group, at least to point you in the right direction.

The blog and web site for our Class of '68 - for all of us who "were there" at any time from 1964 to 1968 indeed - will continue to live. Along those lines, please share your memories and materials from those days; cannot tell you how many good laughs - and some cries too - we had on Friday and Saturday, listening to anecdotes and reminiscences. Please help preserve those memories and bring them back to life again by making submissions to the blog and/or web site. Your editor confesses he is partial to any good stories involving the infamous curmudgeon Coach Al Minter - himself having lived through some of those stories - with Minter, being a survivor was a large part of the classroom experience...

Stay tuned - there's plenty more to come. Pray there will be many more wonderful gatherings like the ones just enjoyed, in the not-distant future. Speaking of wonderful gatherings, here is an idea, stemming from blogger's cousin's comment, to wit: "A shuttle launch is something everyone should experience at least once." Indeed, this was exhilarating and pride-generating; there are ten scheduled launches left...perhaps a good number of us could organize a "mini reunion" around one, secure a good viewing venue and have another blast!

Marine's Final Communique! For you, blokes...

I lied...the last posting was not the last one before the Reunion. But one dares not go against the Gunny's wishes - unless one wants to risk having hairless scalp ripped off. So, here is the message, unembellished.

"Dear Infernal committee,

Please review and pass on this info to ALL possible attendees.

SUBJECT: PICNIC

WHEN: SATURDAY MAY 17TH, 11:00 AM TIL SUNDOWN

WHERE: CRANDON PARK, SHELTER NO. 6

TAKE THE SECOND (SOUTH) ENTRANCE INTO

THE PARK

THERE IS A $5 PER CAR PARKING FEE

FOOD: BRING YOUR OWN OR PURCHASE AT

CONCESSION STAND, SEE MENU IN BLOG

DRINKS: BRING YOUR OWN OR PURCHASE AT

CONCESSION STAND, SOFT DRINKS AND

BEER AVAILABLE.

YOU CANNOT BRING ANY GLASS BOTTLES,

AGAIN, YOU CANNOT BRING ANY GLASS

BOTTLES, ONLY PLASTIC OR ALUMINUM

CLEAN-UP: WE MUST CLEAN UP THE AREA BEFORE

LEAVING OR THEY WILL NOT REFUND THE

CLEAN-UP DEPOSIT I PAID, THANKS IN

ADVANCE FOR YOUR COOPERATION

CRYING: NOT ALLOWED DURING PICNIC

FUN: UNLIMITED CONSUMPTION

?QUESTIONS?: CALL ME, (305)525-7803

IT'S GOING TO BE A SUPER DAY, CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL!

NELSON ORTA"

By the way, is there such a thing as an IMPOSSIBLE ATTENDEE? Be that as it may, it seems the Gunny is asking us all to remember and be responsible attendees, being on best behavior, and helping with clean up. Bill Mauldin illustrates the latter point best...

Up Front - Bill Mauldin - World Publishing Company - 1944

If perchance, during cleanup, you happen to find a nice Luger...please surrender it to your Blog editor for examination and safe disposal...

See ya, over and out!

Heed the Signs!

We do not want you to get lost on the way to the party Friday; by no means do we mean this to insult your intelligence or sound demeaning. Nor do we want you to get lost on the way to the picnic Saturday. So consider this just a diplomatic reminder to get your directions and your times straight, so all will go smoothly - the key here is FUN, not STRESS. Then too, sad to admit, guys do not ask for directions. Speaking of which, surely you know the campus is located at 3601-3603 South Miami Avenue, Miami F-L-A. Remember: 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Make sure you have your ride scheduled, and of course a designated driver, as needed.

If Mrs. "Q" - on the left - say...is that Mr. Alonso in the middle? - was able to find her way there on a hot July day in '91, surely you can too.

Why, that's Danny Thomas on the left, and Brother Andres Agustin on the right - that same balmy day.




And then there is the picnic on Saturday. Here are some useful directional signs to help you get there without a hitch. They are very precise; you do not even need a GPS.

OOPS! Wrong signs! How did that happen? Never mind; must have run into a time-warp problem. Do not recommend woolen garments at Crandon, and by all means wear comfortable footwear...leather does not work well in the South Florida climate.

Follow this sign instead, and hop to it!

Just make sure you get yourself here around 11:00 AM or thereabouts, 'til the sun don't shine no mo'.

Don't forget your condiments for your fixins'.

Speaking of time-warps and things like that...thought you might like to remember our 1988 Reunion picnic through the magic of these images. Some of our friends and classmates depicted therein are no longer here to attend our 2008 outdoor gathering. But no doubt they will be there in spirit.

Recognize your friends? Top: Lilly Pino and Ricardo Reimundo; bottom: Elena Pastoriza.

Surely you recognize your classmates in this collage. However, you might not know everyone; not to worry, you will be properly introduced.

Let's see, starting with the upper left quadrant and working our way clockwise, we have Ricardo Reimundo, Nelson Orta, our much-liked Problems of Democracy instructor Don Masterson, Fernando Vidal, and that annoying little guy. Next in line, Mrs. Dinorah Orta and Mr. Jose Orta - also known as Nelson's parents. Quite a few of us who hailed from Sts. Peter & Paul remember being taught by "Mr. Orta," as we called him. To his right stand Elena Pastoriza, Lynne Quiroga, that annoying little guy, and Lorna Orta, Nelson's Better Half. Nelson Orta Jr. stands next to his dad in the following image, together with Fernando Rey and Mr. Orta. Nelson and Fernando are in the next one, being annoyed by that annoying little guy. What a pest! Somebody swat him down! No, do not bother - he's already swatted down...since birth.

Now you've got the idea how this works and how not to get lost on the way to our get-together. This will be the last blog posting until after the Reunion - aren't you happy about that? However, rest assured - perhaps to your dismay - the blog will not go away. The history and stories about our school, about us, shall continue. We of the Infernal Committee ask you stay with us for the ride...there are more places to go together, and future Reunions to dream about.

We are almost there!

Reunion Rehearsal

Because we CARE, and because we want things to go smoothly, no unpleasant surprises, "bugs" or critical system failures, with this Reunion, three of the Infernal Committee Members volunteered themselves for a strenuous dress rehearsal to ensure everything will go "just peachy" on May 16th-17th. The aforesaid dress rehearsal took place May 1-4, 2008. It was grueling and relentless...see what we do to assure your satisfaction and happiness on the Reunion days, dear friends and classmates?

The Three Committee Amigos - from left to right, Nelson Orta, Albert Quiroga, and Jorge Pastoriza - first tested the waters in the proving grounds chosen, since after all, water also flows in the Crandon Park environment. It was determined, with scientific precision, that water can be fresh or salty. Conclusion: Do not drink the water lapping the shore at Crandon Park. Drink it only if it comes in a bottle or from an H2O fountain.

Linville Falls, North Carolina - May 1, 2008 - Day One

Alternate modes of transportation for our group were also explored and delved into; after all, one needs be able to come-n-go...places to go, people to annoy and all that sort of thing.

The region is known for the creativity of its mechanics; the Yosemite Sam theme appealed to the Yosemite Sam side of Blogdevil's personality. In the end, the sub-Committee members decided inflation precluded purchase of this local artifact, even for the benefit of our group. Besides, the logistics of getting it on the plane for the return trip, and worse yet, refusing to let the airline treat it as checked baggage would have proven too daunting. We feared making too much fuss, causing them TSA boys and girls to be all over you in less time than it takes Larry The Cable Guy to say "Possum bake time!"

Terrain needed testing. After all, we wish to ensure everyone gets off on the right foot and also provide ambulatory tips to make things easier for you as you walk to and fro to the various points of interest found in our Reunion locales. The bar being one such point of interest, for example.

Since the mountain would not come to us, we went to the mountain...

And to yet another one, to ensure our testing was thorough and statistically valid.

After going over hill, over dale, through some steep knee-jarring inclines and declines, we reached this scientific conclusion: No need to wear hiking boots to Crandon Park, and certainly not to the Friday dance; the lay of the land in Florida can be described as flat, flatter, and flattest. Therefore, wear comfortable footwear suitable for essentially horizontal surfaces. The steepest incline you will find during our Reunion will be the stairs leading into the school "cafetorium."

Next test: The Brew-n-Wine sampling and selection test. After all, we want to ensure the bar is stocked with the finest libations on Friday. See what sacrifices we are willing to make for your sake, beloved Brothers and Sisters of the Reunion?

Blue Moon is good, Pilsner Urquell is good, Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout is good, Peroni is good...hmm good, hmm good. Now wait a minute, that sounds more like a certain soup commercial.

You might wonder how such small entity can hold so much. He had help.

From none other than the experts in the Alcohol Assessment Team (AAT), a Subcommittee of the Infernal Committee. You may wonder who the reclining fellow in the background is; he is our self-appointed In-House Attorney, Jorge Orta, Esq. Also known as Nelson's brother. Mr. Orta provided legal guidance throughout this assessment and evaluation process to ensure no member of the AAT ran afoul of municipal, county, state, Federal or international law, regulation, stipulation, treaty, or policy before, during, and after aforesaid assessment process and procedure. Non sequitur, res iudicata, ipso facto, corpus delicti, and other such nonsense as regulated by the EPA. See? We're really looking out for you and acting strictly in your best interest.

Conclusion: These brews are good...darn good! The question is whether they will be available Friday. There is always Crandon on Saturday, and if you need help assessing and testing your chosen beer, ale, stout, porter, cabernet sauvignon, malbec, rioja, or what have you, the AAT is here to help!

Finally...the culinary test. It must be said the Doctor in the group is also a fantastic gourmet cook! Not only does he not skimp on the quality of the ingredients, he makes sure the Real Stuff is employed - REAL butter; REAL olive oil - none of this low-fat, wimpy, bland stuff. What's a little cholesterol here and there? After all, no one gets out of here alive...and the red wine flushes your plumbing quite well. Ask the French. The Doctor knows. He is a cardiologist.

So, here is one suggestion for your picnic cuisine: How about a nice carpaccio? Or salmon sashimi; fried scallops - in butter - for appetizers, how about some nice manchego or gorgonzola cheeses. Who says guys can't cook? Eat your heart out, Emeril!

We pray you appreciate our efforts to make sure things go well with our Reunion. Hopefully, the results of these scientifically-conducted tests will serve as a reliable guide for your Reunion planning, and perhaps provide useful suggestions which enhance the soon-to-come wonderful experience of the joyful gathering. We're here to help, even if we are NOT from the government! Well, wait - slight disclaimer - one of these Infernals is from the government. Not to worry, he can hardly govern himself.

Regardless, the important thing is: We're looking forward to seeing y'all Friday and Saturday. The time is almost here!

And here's to all of you! Cheers and prosit! Can't wait to see ya!

Happy Mother's Day, Ladies!

Future La Salle graduate enjoys quality time with his mother - Havana, 1950

None of us would be here if it weren't for our moms; well, of course it is recognized daddies play a part, but Father's Day is still a while aways, so this one is for all the moms out there, our own and those Immaculata grads blessed with motherhood. And, for God's sake, as well as yours, you La Salle guys out there - you know who you are - better not forget your wives and mothers on Mother's Day. We do not want you to miss the Reunion because some CRS (do you really need it spelled out?) lapse resulted in your forgetting to duly celebrate and honor your motherly mate on her day...and you wind up in the intensive care ward recovering from multiple fractures and other trauma. The Annoying Blogger has already done his shopping and if he can, you can too!

But it is not just about shopping - that only is a way to display some thoughtfulness on your part. The important thing is, make some quality time to cherish, honor, and love your mother and your children's mother tomorrow.

As for gifts, let us remember those motherhood bestows on us.

Lil' product of an ILS graduate and his definitely-Better Half relaxes after a "tough" school day, West Palm Beach, 1997

Mrs. is being taken out to dinner tomorrow; the Infernal Blogger's mom too, as well as mothers-in-law, sisters-who-are-mothers, et al. The venue is Sinfonía, in Miami...who knows, we might run into some of you classmates there; heard the food was excellent, from mom's lips and when your mom says something is good for you, well - it is, isn't it?

Not to worry, Little Big Man of the Blog ensures his Better Half stays away from the kitchen as much as possible. Lest you think she is a slave to cooking, rest assured he often volunteers for duty and even manages to concoct edible vittles. She just won't allow him to do bean dishes...something he finds hard to understand or digest...ha ha!

A pleasant evening at Mr. Tang in Chinatown, New York - November 25, 2007

Happy Mother's Day! Gents, don't forget...or the only gastronomic experience you may have is being transformed into dead meat.

A Bestial Message - "Tempus Fugit!"

Reunion Committee group at the Immaculata-La Salle Cafetorium - l-r Ricardo Reimundo, Silvia Gonzalez, Bill Urbizu and Marily Benitez - May 2008

The time has almost come, and it is time to act, if you have not done so already. So as not to re-state the obvious, and because it is well stated in the following message from our Bestial Infernal Committee gent, Bill Urbizu, we will share his short and sweet email message to the Committee members. It says what needs to be said and illustrates some of the effort put in by your friends in the Committee, not for our benefit but for yours. We want to make this long-overdue Reunion a success...for you and for us, but WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU; if you are not there to enjoy it and share the joy of the reconnection, the friendship, camaraderie, whatever you wish to call it, then it is all for nothing. We do not have the luxury to go another 20 years between Reunions; that is the reality. In these troubled and uncertain times, let us at least come together this once, re-establish our ties, connections, and re-connections. We shared one to four years together in a very special place; let us do so again. Some of us had "hang time" together in other schools, pre-ILS; here is an opportunity to have "reunions within the Reunion."

These days, one cannot have too many friends and one should enjoy and cultivate said friendships thoroughly and often. Believe it or not, we need each other; no man or woman is an island. Friends are the brothers and sisters you get to choose...therefore, we hope you choose to spend some time with your brother and sister classmates Friday the 16th, and Saturday the 17th, Anno Domini 2008. 'Nuf said! For now, that is...

"Dear Infernals:

We need to post on the website that Monday will be the last day to purchase tickets. On Tuesday, I need to inform the caterer of the # of persons attending the Friday night event.

We met at the cafeteria for lunch and decided on the layout of the tables, dj, cash bar and the reception table. The Decorating Committee will go back to the cafeteria on Friday, the 16th at 1 p.m. to begin setup. The caterer will provide table cloths, along with the tables and the flower bases for each table. The Committee will purchase the flowers, balloons, and the photo tags. I will be contacting ILS regarding the helium for the balloons. They have the tanks, but may need to be refilled since the Alumni event of a couple of weeks ago. I will ask Fredy to pay for this cost out of our budget.

Once we receive the list of attendees, hopefully today, who will be printing the photos of those attending from the Signum '68 book? This needs to begin happening NOW. Let me know.

As of 10 days ago, we had 65 persons coming. Federico Padovan has not provided the latest list. I'm hoping he provides it today. As soon as we receive the latest list, we need to start calling those that we have phone numbers for to remind them of the urgency to buy this weekend, and not wait till the last minute. Each of us needs to make 5-7 calls. That will mean reaching another 35 alumnis.

I'll get back to you as soon as I get the list from Fredy Padovan.

Beast aaarrrggghhh!!!"

Allright! Before signing off on this post, the LIB (Little Infernal Blogger-the acronym DOES NOT reflect "its" politics) is going to editorialize a little bit. A list of attendees to the Friday dance/social has been provided by ILS. As of the date of this post, we have close to 100 attendees; 89 to be exact, and a couple more have "checked in" since then. On the surface, this seems a good turnout, and it is good indeed. However, considering the efforts made so far to make this wonderful gathering happen, it seems the response could have been a little better. A lot better, in fact. Granted, the opera is not over - the Fat Lady has not yet sung. Therefore, by Monday May 12th we may be at the 100 mark or better yet, beyond it.

We have emailed, called, wrote, begged, pleaded, cajoled, even made personal contacts, here and there, to solicit and encourage your participation, my friends. We have over 100 email addresses in the Contacts list; 134 "snail mails" have been sent, with less than a half dozen returned as undeliverable or addressee unknown. We have not yet given up and do not be surprised if you receive a phone call to gently remind you to come on down and have fun!

Really, what would keep you from coming to the dance, the picnic, or both? Geographic constraints? OK, that is valid. Yet we have some classmates coming from as far as Alabama, California, and North Carolina. Family matters? Family first, of course. But don't forget, you may be missing the gathering of your ILS Family. Fear the years have been less than kind on you and afraid to show your face? We did not just invite your face, but all of you, body and soul. Believe it, what is inside is far more important than the external side. Your Blog-fiend was recently described, while enjoying adventure and camaraderie in North Carolina, as resembling Uncle Fester, from the Addams Family show. Remember him?

That, Blog-fiend thinks, is actually a complimentary description. Now, if this "Uncle Fester" is ready, willing, and able to show his mug on Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th, you can show yours! It cannot be worse. However, small children and animals should be kept at a respectable distance lest they be frightened to death.

Are you afraid your non-Immaculata-La Salle Better Half will be bored if he or she is dragged to these happenings? Fear not! There will be others there who are not alumni either. Mingle, mingle! No doubt your spouse will find some kindred spirits - besides those at the bar - and enjoy an engaging, interesting conversation. We have many talented people in our group who may share some common interests with your soul mate. Does your Better Half or Significant Other wish to discuss why the Ardennes breakthrough was decisive in ensuring the defeat of France in 1940? "Uncle Fester" is available! Wish to discuss the merits of India pale ales, porters, stouts, and pilseners? "Uncle Fester" is available! And he'll drink to that with your Better Half, or Halves, or what have you. Wanna talk design, web construction, programming and other craft or "techie" stuff like that? Adrianna may humor a request or two, and Mrs. "Fester" - that is, Mrs. Quiroga, can run you through the intricacies of computers and computing. There is something for everyone here.

Are you afraid to come because you fear running into someone who conjures up nightmares or less than pleasant memories? Listen, by now, we're more than adults - we are or should be Adults Plus. We can be civilized to each other and let bygones be bygones. No one is getting younger; carrying grudges or unpleasant recollections about some failed social encounter in the past gets no one anywhere. Time to forget those in many cases petty faux pas of the past, and move on. Shake hands, hug, high-five each other and make peace. Do not forget the purpose of this is to re-connect with each other, enjoy the company of friends we may not have seen for years, catch up, celebrate and be proud of our triumphs while traveling through the Road of Life.

If it helps and you have some grudge or irritating memory of "Uncle Fester," you may place a paper bag over his head, thus creating the appearance "it" is only an illusion. However, he is not responsible if his Better Half objects, although he fears she may, in fact approve.

Last, do you think it "has just been too long since we've seen each other, and no one cares?" Well, suffice it to say your Blogging classmate and his little band of buddies from his school in Havana never gave that a thought, after we began finding each other, one by one, during the past two years. We had not seen each other, in most cases, since 1960...yet it seems as if we were together yesterday, and the joy of our re-encounter was not in any way diminished by the passage of time. Therefore, banish those negative preconceptions and do not be afraid to see your friends again. You will not regret it.

We're not gonna put a gun to your head and force you to head this way - to the Reunion, that is - after all, it is a free country. But we certainly do not aim to miss you...please join us.

Havana - 1959