WOW! · Sun May 21, 09:27 AM by Susan Stott
Wow is the about the best word I can come up to explain how I felt yesterday. Seeing everyone after so much anticipation was wonderful.
I have to also commend the current Milton Band on what an outstanding and impressive job they did. The legacy goes on….....
I had many request for a place we could all put any personal info up or even just emails so we can stay in touch. I hope to eventually be able to put it all in an organized manner on the website. Using this forum is about the best I can do for now. Here anyone can post a comment at any point.
Please continue to stop and see what’s going on at the site and I hope to be an integral part in continuing the “5 year” plan. Maybe we can get a newsletter going also.
For now if you want to leave any info here just click the “comment” button and post away.
Thanks to Leon for his energy and his unending dedication he has always had. What a wonderful “Mentor” we all had. Also thanks to Mark Broyles – this was his “brain child”, he did an outstanding job.
I hope to see some email addresses and some phone numbers soon.
We also already have some pictures taken yesterday and in my email box. As soon as we can get awake I’ll get Reid to post these for us.
Update: Here’s the photos!
Love to All,
Susan Westbrook
commenting closed for this article
Wow, is the word of the day…..This reunion was an absolute blast and I had a great time. I enjoyed seeing every single member of the band that I went to school with (and the best part was I did not hear even one threat of someone filing for a restraining order on me, LOL). The reunion was awesome and the after party at Smokejack was off the charts!! I want to take the time to thank everyone for coming out. It seems to me that a lot of friendships were reignighted at both events, which is just too cool. Once again, I want to thank Leon, Mark, Susan and all the rest of the reunion committee for coming up with this brilliant idea. Without you guys (an gals), this never would have happened, and it proves the point that the bonds that were made in the band are everlasting ones.
— Ken Hudak 86 May 21, 10:16 PM #
How incredible!!!! This was better than ANY reunion I have ever been to. It was so nice talking to EVERYONE! Just like someone said (Ron Cochran, I believe) – it is just like coming home seeing all the familiar faces. Even though most of us haven’t seen each other in 20 or more years, it was so easy to pick up where we left off all those years ago. I can honestly say that there was not a single person there that I didn’t want to see and talk to. I wish I could have spent a week with you guys!!! THANK YOU MARK and MR.COLE and all the volunteers who put time into this. It was absolutely PERFECT in every way!!!! My email address is LSaunders@GeorgiaSouthern.edu. I hope that we can all put our email addresses up and nobody will try to sell them or solicit to us:) I look forward to staying in touch with a lot of you!!!!
— Laura Hamrick Saunders (one of the Hamrick sisters) May 22, 08:04 AM #
I thought this morning it would be nice to have some other social events from time to time. They could be orgainzed, but out at a place where we could all sit and be “catered” to. I would love a Monthly or Quarterly , Drink, Dinner, Lunch or Bruch get together. Anyone interested?
Susan Westbrook Stott ‘80
— Susan (Westbrook) Stott May 22, 02:52 PM #
I would like to get in touch with John Zimmerman. John…are you out there? We missed you at the reunion. Please email me when you get the chance at LSaunders@GeorgiaSouthern.edu so we can catch up.
— Laura Hamrick Saunders (one of the Hamrick sisters) May 22, 03:47 PM #
Boy was it great to see all the old faces. Forgot how much I missed lots you guys.
Some had changed so much and others very little.
When I started to high school,being as small as I was(4’10”,90lbs)they took care of me and made me feel a part. Which I will always be greatful. We had great folks then and today.
Susan I’ll try to be there any time you guys want to do something.
Those in charge did a great job. Gave Mr Cole something to do in his spare time.
Say prayer for Broyles he had some surgery today.
My email:
stanstrick2000@yahoo.com
Stan Strickland ‘78
— Stan Strickland '78 May 22, 03:52 PM #
Well, I have to agree with everyone else… WOW! The entire event was so great and I am so glad that I made the long drive from Indy to be there. It was so great to catch up with everyone… I really would love to keep in touch with you all so please e-mail me at coltsrn@sbcglobal.net I really love the idea of every 5 years getting together for this…. 20 years is just too long. Life is too short, we need to stay in touch with all of the friends we have made throughout the years. It was also nice to see the guys who inimidated me as an eighth grader….Jeff Crocker, Munch, Ronnie…. You all are a bunch of really great guys… Any photos I get, I will be glad to send to you all via e-mail once I get the addresses, if you like. Let me know. Thanks again to the entire reunion committee and especially Mr. Cole…. You all made this so special! Looking forward to seeing all of the photos! Angie
— Angie Putz '86 May 22, 05:58 PM #
What a great event! It was wonderful to see everyone. Thanks to Mr. Cole, Mark Broyles, and the reunion committee for such an outstanding job. I wish we could do it every year!
My e-mail is susan@enete.org. Please keep in touch!
— Susan Hamrick Enete '85 May 22, 10:17 PM #
WOW doesn’t even begin to describe it! When Leon and I began six months ago, we didn’t know if we would get 50 people. We got close to 400. Much of the credit goes to Reid and Susan Westbrook Stott for the incredible web site. Our dream was that we would have an event that accomplished something that no other reunion offered. That our event would be casual, affordable, fun and make everyone feel warm and welcome. Mission accomplished! The highest complement to Leon and everyone present was that no one felt inferior or superior to anyone else there. Believe what you read in our blog, it was old Family time and you can’t imagine the love and friendship that lasted from 11 Am till 2AM. I was afraid everyone would catch up and be ready to get back to their busy lives. The opposite was true. For one Saturday in 2006, the band WAS their lives. Just like we were back in school. What a transition Sunday was, saying so long to 1980 and hello to the real World. The high light of the reunion was when Leon took the stage and directed the current band and the Alumni in singing the Alma Mater. A huge spontaneous cheer followed by tears of joy! My personal high light was one on one time at Smokejack, sharing memories, dreams, Family photos, and remembering why these people are so special, still today. It was so good to see that all my fond memories for the last 30 years were 100% on the mark. I did care deeply about these people and still do. They have become the people that I knew they would and they are sincere, caring and remarkable people. For those who attended, you all have similar stories and I can’t wait to hear about them. I was curious to see if any would last till 4PM; many stayed until 5:30. I was afraid no one would have the energy or interest to come out Saturday night; many stayed until 2AM. In conclusion, WOW! You guys are the best.
— Mark Broyles May 22, 10:18 PM #
WOWWOWWOW!!!!! Unbelievable!!!!! This was a day I will never forget. Leon, Mark, Susan, all the volunteers and all the 400 or so proud Dixie Eagles alumni you all made this day awsome. Thank you does not begin. It was almost like being in a time warp. All of a sudden we were all 16 again. The memories become current events when there are so many others who share the same memories. Each person has a piece of the story and each one picks up where the other leaves off, a real family.
Seeing the new school and the performance of the 2006 Dixie Eagle Band really makes me feel proud. The thought that maybe some how, us old timers (class of 74) had a little part in making the family what it is today is really amazing. I really hope the youngsters on the stage will have the same kind of “to the bottom of your heart” happy memories like I do. The kind of memeories that no money can buy.
This could be the start of a new Dixie Eagle Family tradition. One that I really hope we can keep going, at least every 5 years (or every year,or more often would be great).
Another WOWOWOW for Smoke Jacks. I did not know such a place existed in Alpharetta: in St. Pete, Ft Lauderdale or Key West, of course but in Alpharetta, unreal. I wonder if I was dreaming. No way, It was all to real, to crazy real. Even now,Tue 5/23, 2AM back home in Ft Lauderdale and after a long day at the office, I can’t stop thinking that I want to be there. I haven’t felt like this in a very long time.
Please put me on the top of your contact list stay in touch. I will reply/respond and I hope to see you when I visit “Big A”. Email me at gymmom4hb@aol.com or jayem@fctcpa.com; or phone me at 954-682-8768 or 954-916-0804 or 954-315-7102.
I miss everybody already. My heart is with you all. Again, Leon, Mark and Susan 1,000 thank yous will never be enough. Leon, Mr. Cole, 100×1,000 thank yous will never be enough to tell you what a difference you have made in all of our lives.
Everybody remember to take good care, stay safe, somebody really cares and you may never know the moment you changed the life of another person.
— Pam Majors May 23, 01:33 AM #
Hi, This is Bobbie Kendrix Matsumoto. Class of ‘85. I am half way around the world and didn’t get to attend. So, I am feeling really jealous of all of you who were able to. I live in Japan. So, I am pretty much out of touch with everyone. If any of you have photos from the reunion with people from the 80’s in them, I would love to see them. I looked at the photos on the web site, but mostly seem to be from the 70’s. My email address is bkobeus@yahoo.com.
— Bobbie Kendrix Matsumoto May 23, 01:41 AM #
We’ll have to pick a spot and to get together, perhaps on a Saturday evening early. I missed the fun at SmokeJack’s and would love to go out and visit. Just come down 400 a bit and it would be a little better for me.
Susan
— Susan (Westbrook) Stott May 23, 05:57 PM #
307-734-2592
There are no words to describe the overwhelming feeling and exstatic joy I felt seeing everyone on Saturday. I just wished there had been more time to see everyone and visit!!
Come and see me in Jackson Hole, Wyoming if you ever find yourself out my way!!
Love to all!
— Susan Bullock May 23, 09:28 PM #
Add my name to the list of those saying WOW! I can’t think of another day that I enjoyed more thoroughly. The feeling I got from seeing so many old friends is indescribable. And how about the Wind Ensemble, they were great! Having Leon direct the final number, the Alma Mater, was a wonderful idea.
The evening at Smokejack was a great ending for the day. More laughs, memories, and good times with old friends. Many thanks to Leon, Mark, Susan and all the volunteers for making Saturday such a special day!
Great seeing everyone!
Dave
— David Medlin May 24, 08:56 PM #
The reunion was a wonderful time, many thanks to the committee who worked so hard to put everything together. It was awesome to see the old gang, and to reminisce with Melvin was priceless beyond compare. Hope we can do it again soon. Richie, don’t miss out again!
— jeff menz May 25, 08:56 AM #
This is Debbie Padgett Cagle, Class of ‘80. I was unable to attend the reunion due to all the activity surrounding my oldest daughter’s College graduation. Next is her Wedding… June 17th. I’m in serious need of a long vacation. I looked at the photos on the web site and it looks like everyone was having a great time. I really must check out Smoke Jack soon….
— Debbie Cagle May 30, 01:20 PM #
I’m sure sorry I had to miss the reunion, I can’t believe I had to leave town THE SAME DAY it was scheduled! Oh, well…looks like everyone had a great time, I hope there’s another one soon!
Tom Wilson
— Tom Wilson '77 Jun 3, 10:47 PM #
Keep your eyes open for a few “after party” pictures to be added. I finally downloaded them:) A GREAT time was had by all:)
— Laura Saunders '83 Jun 16, 10:33 AM #
I really enjoyed the reunion!! I wish I could have gone to the party!! Thanks to everyone for a good time!!
— Duane Foster Jun 21, 04:54 PM #
Check out a few pictures from Smoke Jacks!! They are on the website now!!!
— Laura Hamrick Saunders '83 Jul 6, 09:52 AM #
I’m really impressed with the turnout we had at the reunion. I guess that WOW is the best way to sum it up! It was so great to see everyone again and to catch up. Mr. Cole, if you happen to read this, know that the reunion was just a very small justification of your legacy.
One thing that touched me on a personal basis was the listing of those who had passed away. My brother Tom (class of 1980) passed away in 2000, and seeing him honored with the others helped bring back some of the good times.
Mark and Susan, thank you so very much for all the preparation and hard work.
To my friends out there, I teach at Northview High (located in what we fondly called Shakerag). Email me at stone@fultonschools.org . Let me know how things are going.
Love to all, Brian Stone (class of 1984)
— Brian Stone Oct 16, 03:34 PM #
Hey guys…. Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I can’t believe that it has been a year already since we all got together. I had such a great time seeing all of you after 20 years! WOW! I am hoping to get down there soon and see some of you all again. So, who’s up for a night at Smokestack’s? Anyway, I sent in some of my photos that I took so enjoy! Hope to hear from you all soon! Take care- Angie
— Angie Putz '86 Mar 20, 10:29 PM #
How fun to read the thoughts of all these names from the past. Looks like a great time and I’m sorry to have missed it. Susan, your pics were great and I would love to know the names on the pics. I recognized Neil Chadwick, I think! But that’s it.
— Robin (Anderson) Laney Dec 29, 06:30 PM #