Benton update posted today on Facebook

Today, August 12th 2010 marks the end of Steve's third week of treatment. This is the halfway mark. It's all downhill from here. As an indication of how well he is doing, he drove him self into his radiation treatment today. He's a pretty stubborn guy if you don't know him:).

Facebook | Steve Benton

Steve & family have created a fan page on Facebook for all of us follow his journey through cancer treatment. The Wyeast Last Class Facebook page has the link on the wall or you can email me and I will send you the link.

For those non Facebook folks, I'll post highlights every now and again here on the blog. We send Steve and his family all the positive thoughts and prayers through this tough time - Hang in there Steve, we'll stand with you!

This is the last entry in the blog:

Facebook Steve Benton: "Steve officially started chemotherapy treatment July 21st in the evening at his home. The following morning Steve felt fine, and experienced no side effects. He headed off to The Dalles for his first round of radiation. Steve will be in treatment for 6 weeks. Chemo, 7 days/week and radiation 5 days/week."

Synopsis of July 12 meeting

A great time was had by all and the surprise guest of the evening was Mary Jo Chrisman!!! She was in town visiting and stopped by to catch up since she wasn't available during the reunion.

We reviewed the input given for the reunion & future planning for the next reunion. It was agreed that everyone had a great time, had good weather and wished that more classmates could have attended. Comment was given that the food was good but the cost per person a bit high and those that got to go on the Mid Valley & Wy'east tours had a fun time reminiscing.

Debbie Vaday gave a treasury report, we still have a few folks to repay but there should be around $500. left for planning for the next big reunion.

There was mixed response on when the next reunion should be and whether to have a potluck or catered. Kathy Gale Morris suggested a 60th birthday party in 2012. We decided that it would be a grand idea so we will begin planning/picking a date at the next gathering (more to follow on that). It was generally agreed that 10 years is too long to wait.

We will try to get as many addresses confirmed as possible and send out save the date postcards to all, plus keeping the Facebook & blog updated with news and events. Please everyone, keep in touch so that you don't miss any future events.

We've had such a good time visiting at each of the planning sessions, we've decided to continue them at least quarterly. If a classmate comes to town or someone wants to call a no host - you all come- in between the quarterly gathering that’s fine too!

Steve Bickford offered up a gathering at his place on October 27 for a grape crush! Details will be forthcoming as the date draws nearer - mark your calendars!!! December will be skipped as we're all too busy during the holidays. Comment was made about a possible winter gathering in AZ for those that travel south after the 1st of the year or maybe we'll have one before everyone leaves.

We will begin picking a date and having conversation on what/where/when for our birthday party at the Crush Party at Bickford's on October, 27th.

Group photo from the 40th Reunion

Post Reunion Review - Gathering

You're all invited... post reunion review gathering at the Charburger in Hood River on Monday, July 12 at 6p (dinner at 6:30 for those working late). I've reserved the back room there so more the merrier.

We'll go over the survey results and the plan is for JoAnn and I to get together earlier in the day to get the CDs done of the reunion pictures.

I have the booklet that Chris made in a PDF format now too if any of you would like a copy that way. That can be emailed but we aren't too sure how large the power-point show of photos will be so the plan is to put that on CD. If you haven't already let us know if you want a copy.

Hopefully it'll be a nice day so that you folks in Portland might be inclined for a drive :)

Francie

Benton update

Great news, Steve is home celebrating Father's Day with his family!!!

News and Reminder

Please keep Steve Benton in your thoughts... he had emergency surgery on Friday in Portland. Reports are that he is up and around and may be home in the next few days.

AND

Don't forget to pick up your group photos from Positive Negative Photography on 13th St in Hood River. If you can't get in there to get it and have requested a CD of the photo presentation let us know and we can mail them together.