Chris Parker

Having reflected on the reunion for a few days now I think for me the most interesting thing to come out of it has been the feeling of true warmth and connection.

I have told people through the years of my experiences at Wolfson and how wonderful that time was for me and how unique the class was. Most of the time I get a blank stare in response and something like "Are you kidding, I couldn't wait to get out of high school".

There has been no doubt that the special connection has been there since the beginning. I think Ed Whites' comments on this page are right on. There were so many tumultuous events going on in the world at that time I think Wolfson became a refuge from all of that for most of us. We turned to each other and found comfort and peace through things like Young Life. We were able to create something positive through our classmates that spanned everything from sports to teachers. There was a true pride in who and where we were. I think the fact that so many members of the class have known each other for so long, many since the early days of elementary school, also is special and unique. I think that is extremely hard to do in today's world.

You may recall that Wolfson was the first high school in Duval county to regain accreditation from the state of Florida. It was not generally a good time for public education in Jacksonville but Wolfson was able to overcome the odds through the hard work of its students, Principal and its teachers. The pride in the school and each other was overwhelmingly apparent.

In the end it is about the friendships though. It was evident in the room. When I saw Chris Pratt and Vicki Fox laughing and smiling together, I thought peas and carrots. Some things just go together so well that no matter how long you go between servings it still tastes as good as it did the very first time. There were many such pairings I tasted that night.

I am not sure what the future will bring us but I know that the Wolfson Class of 1969 will always provide the spirit,love and friendship to be able to handle anything. Thank you again for a great night.

Patricia Shaw Grove

What a wonderful reunion of a terrific group of people! It was so fun to reconnect with everyone; thank you to all who attended and I hope to see you at the next reunion (if not before). I posted the few pictures I took for all to see.

A very special thanks to the planning committee for all your work putting together this fabulous event - you did a terrific job!

Jan Spottswood

Chris Parker, you said it brother friend. You said it all. We all are blessed to have reconnected. This is a blessing I will receive.

Charlie Revels

Many thanks to everyone who arranged such a wonderful event!I can't believe how fast it went by! I did not have enough time to get by and talk with everyone, and I truly regret that. I hope we do it again in 5 years. I agree with everyone that it truly was a special group of people that I will always be grateful for. I love each and every one of you and I will always be there if you ever need me.

Shelley Davis Smith

The Wolfson Reunion was truly two wonderful and electrifying evenings that all of us will cherish. Even though we didn't get to spend a lot of time with one another.(For each night was ending before it began.)We all felt the significants of each night.
The Relentless energy that we all had.
A personal acknowledgement of Feeling those special connections again with people after more than forty years.
The Acceptance that we weren't as young as we once were.
And last and most important, the Authenticity shared between us.
I found this all very moving.
I believe it was something more than "Special" for everyone who attended. It will be one of my most memorable times for sure.
To the committee--THANK YOU for exceptional job.
Lots of Love to everyone.

Victoria Fox Blanton

Hey Sue Eng Chang! I just read your health update on your profile regarding the tumors on your liver and more chemo...I know that there are ALOT of Wolfson classmates who will lift you up in prayer daily as well as your beautiful family. May the Lord continue to bless you and bring healing to your body.

Love~ Victoria(Vicki Fox)

Margaret Akra Bulin

Absolutely! Sue is now on the daily prayer list!! Everyone let her know you are thinking of her! I just did!

Jan Spottswood

Sue Eng, I will pray for your recovery as well. What I remember about Sue was how smart she was in school.
Sue, God will hold your hand. Please let us all know any updates. We ALL are here to support you Sue.

Jan Spottswood

OH btw... I shaved my head this weekend for the Cause. It is only hair and it will grow back. For those with cancer, they do not have a choice. Let's all do something to make a difference for others. Shaving my head was easy for me, I do not have this horrible disease.

Ed White

I gotta see that! Jan Spottswood with a shaved head . . . Post a photo Jan! :-)

Ed White

It's not the shaved head . . . it's the shaved head on Jan!!! :-)

Jan Spottswood

Eddie, and Alan, I love it. and I have posted the photo on my profile. Many folks tell me, "You can pull this off". So I have. lol

Kissy pooh

Curtis Adams

I'm not saying nothing this time Jan

Ed White

You look great Jan!!! Much prettier than Okun . . . Ha Ha! :-) Eddy

Alan Okun

What a wonderful reunion week-end...there were so many precious moments that will live in a special place in my heart for many years to come.

Seeing everyone so happy talking, laughing and re-connecting...the friendships developed so long ago still burn bright ... there was a lot of love among this group that came back together this week-end...it felt like time had stood still for 40 years and we were all teenagers again...

A huge thanks to the committee and everyone who worked so hard in order to make our reunion not only possible but so successful and so fun!

My best wishes for good health and much happiness to all of the classmates of '69...you are so very special...and yes, so very FINE!

Thank you for the BEST TIME EVER !!!

Alan Okun

Yes you're right Ed...she does look much prettier than me...
you look great Jan!!!

Jan Spottswood

Wow, thanks Eddy and Alan, However looking better than Alan is not saying much. ROFL. Alan you know I love ya.

Honestly, the head has so manyyyy nerves. It feels better than it looks. ha

Ed White

Sad news. Kristin Kennedy Bowen's husband Larry passed away last Wednesday, June 24th after a long battle with Liver Cancer. If you know Kristin and her spirit you know how much she would love to hear from you. You can send her a note through the private message function on her profile. Thanks.

Linda Richter Kunsberg

THANKYOU TO THE REUNION COMMITTEE
WHAT A BLAST FROM THE PAST
I SAY WE SHOULD HAVE A BIG NEW YEARS PARTY
WHY WAIT FOR FIVE YEARS MY NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS
lindalaugh@comcast.net
oh and jan s. you look great

Jan Spottswood

Chris Parker, where is the video taken at the reunion? I know the fellows were from comcast. Just wondering.
Adore you all, my classmates.

Chris Parker

I have the video in my hot little hands. We are going to record a short intro to it, have it professionally edited, add music and post it. I am working on it.

Keep those cards and letters coming.

Jan Spottswood

Wondering, I want to keep contact with our classmates who are here in Jax. Can we start having small group get together's at a place where we can have something to eat, and DRINK!. I would like to be included if you are meeting.

Maggie, thanks for the invite to your last get together with the girls. I hated to miss that.

I want us to stay together. I guess this means a lot to me and growing older, it means even more.

Jan Spottswood

Yesterday I lost my job in property management due to low occupancy. The economy has hit the apartment industry and considering my owners do not live in Jacksonville, they are not in tune with this market, I was let go after 5 years. Had no late rents for over 4 years, and 3 yrs consecutive I was given Property Manager of the Year. So.... anyone who might know of a job... please let me know.

This is networking, who better to go to than ole school friends.

Jan
Spottswood@comcast.net

Anita Barnett Campbell

I know a lot of folks may want to use this site for social networking, but there are some of us that are on Facebook too. I am. If you want to "find" me and other Wolfson grads, simply search on my name.

Again, it was great seeing everyone at the reunion. Don't forget, Barnett Jewelers is The FUN Gold Party Specialists in Jax! Call my "Brother Bill" or "Sistuh Susan" at 354-0332 to schedule your party - today!

Love to all and stay in touch!

Larry David Dollar

Dear Friends,

As you know, our dear Sue Chang lost her battle with Pancreatic Cancer Sunday evening. Her memorial service is being planned for this Saturday, Time and place is TBD and I will let you know the details as soon as they are confirmed.

Her children are faced with the loss of their mother and many monetary challenges as well. We are planning to collect any donations and cards of sympathy for the children or food for the reception after the memorial service. Please send your special memento, card or donation to me by Thursday so I can prepare a nice basket from our Mandarin Family to the Chang Family. There will be a green bin on my desk for you to drop off your contributions.

Also, if you would like to contribute food for the reception, you can send me an email so we can plan a beautiful tribute to Sue Chang who hosted so many receptions for all of us. I really appreciate any efforts you can make as I know how our Mustang Family always pulls together in times of need.

Any teachers who may have taught the Chang Children may want to write them an individual note as well. Their hearts are broken and I am certain this will help. Bless you all!

PS – Please forward this to any friends that you know may be interested in helping.


Tammie K. Talley
Mandarin High School
Athletic Director &
Head Volleyball Coach