September 12, 2007   Coffee Klatsch News

          It was great being back with the guys at the Coffee Klatsch. Of course, as you can imagine, lots of the discussion surrounded the pros and cons of touring Alaska by motorhome or by boat. I thoroughly enjoyed the caravan land tour but would like to do the inland water tour of Alaska also.

          There was also lots of reminiscing of old times, especial with the “mystery guest” (see latest mystery guest on AOCDS web page). This was the first time the mystery guest ever attended a CK. Unfortunately, since he’s from out of state, he seems to think it would be a little much trying to make the CK’s on a regular basis. We had one other newbie Carole Carpenter, who said she felt a little out of place being there with all the guys, but that sure doesn’t sound like the Carole I remember! It was also good to see Bill Miller. Bill said he’s given up being a motel owner, just too much of a hassle. Tony Rojo is looking well and fit since he had back surgery. He said there is still some pain but feels just a whole lot better.

          Those in attendance were: Tony Rojo, Terry Williams, Carole Carpenter, Mystery Guest (retired in the 80’s), Bob Mennis, Al Massucci, Bill Miller, Don Mendenhall, J.D. Green, Bob Talley, Chuck Kimbell, Mike Brown and Don Williams.

Just a footnote: The guesses on the mystery guest have been amazing. I don’t know whether J.D. or the mystery guest will be insulted or flattered but most of the guesses (and the guessers are absolutely certain they are right) have guessed the mystery guest is J.D. I know they both will get a big laugh out of that. To date, only one person has made a positive ID.

Second footnote:

Mystery Guest update, 10/9/07

What a hoot getting the many guesses for the latest mystery guest. There were about seventeen guesses submitted. Only George King and Mike Phoenix got it right on the first guess. J.D. Green received most of the incorrect nominations, other nominees were Joe Kretsinger, Jerry Alvis, your’s truly, Carl Lorenzen and Charlie Stumph. How’s that for some wild guesses. My apologies to Mystery Guest Marshall Rhodes for all the incorrect guesses. I will leave it up to Marshall and J.D. to decided whether they were insulted or complimented.

Gene

Coffee Klatsch  February – March 2007

Better late than never! The February CK was a little on the light side in attendance. No matter the quantity to quality is always superb. There were no “newbie’s”  with a few infrequent visitors and one snow-bird. Ray Mayer said the cold weather in Durango, CO got a little to cold and was lasting a little to long so they decided to make their annual outing a little early. Besides, they have a new grand baby to admire. Ray said in the summer months he stays busy with his landscaping business. Some guys just refuse to retire.

Bob Mennes said he is, for all intents and purposes, totally retired, even though he is on call if the company needs him. Bob said he hasn’t been called out in two or three months. Of course that could all change when the weather turn warm.

Ed Dunacheck said he and Wynona are selling their home in Orange. They have bought a place in Sun City, Riverside County, on the golf course. Wynona will live there, while Ed spends most of his time at his place in Yucca Valley, that is, when he’s not tooling around in his recently acquired RV. I have a feeling once Ed completely divests himself of his interest in OC he will become a rather infrequent visitors.

It was great to see Larry Schram there after his recent five way bypass surgery. He said he is exercising regularly and feeling great. He looked well!

It’s always good to see guys who brave the 91 Freeway traffic from the Inland Empire to attend our CK, Bob Talley is one of those brave souls and is a frequent visitors.

Those in attendance at the February CK were: Ed Dunacheck, Tony Rojo, Terry Williams, Ray Mayer, Joe Mitchell, Bob White, Al Massucci, Don Mendenhall, Dob Mennes, Bob Talley, Don Williams, Ann Chavez (Gorczyca), Tom Fox, Larry Schram, Howard Mol, Royal Lord and Jack Devereaux.

 NOTE: The March CK is partially complete, at this time. The full article will follow after testing your Instigator skills to see how good of a Defective you were/are. Several photos were taken, which we will use as multiple mystery guest photos. Email your responses to Gene at gmenj@aocds.org. The winner will receive a free cup of coffee (and I may even throw in a muffin) at the next CK. Now be patient for the photos as our webmaster is an extremely busy fellow, with multiple duties, so he will need a little time to get this all set up. Oh yes, those who were in attendance at this CK can not play, obviously! Enjoy!

Click here for the Mystery Guests

 The March CK was one of the best ever! Not only did we have quantity but the quality was sensational. Counting myself there were thirty-one attendees, plus three guest visitors. There were two “newbie’s”, six out of staters, and one out of town visitor. I got some great photos of most of the attendees. Just for kicks I’m going to hold off naming the attendees and see how many folks can identify the attendees by their photograph. To avoid giving to many clues I’m going wait until a little later to give much newsy information about the attendees.

Ed Dunacheck said he took his RV up to Taft for a short visit, which turned into a little longer visit than he planned, as he was snowed in and couldn’t get his RV out.

  Coffee Klatsch - January 10, 2007

The New Year was started with a good turn out! It was good to see Al Massucci back with us. He said, there for awhile, he thought he would have to die to feel better. There were no "newbie's" and only one "out-of-towner" Joe Mitchell, even though he's seems to be with us as often as our regulars.

Surprisingly there wasn't much discussion about the turnout at the Board of Supervisor's meeting. It was interesting getting a lesson on the history of the checkered band on Chicago P.D. hats, from Al Massucci. Yes, Al was young enough at one time to have worked for Chicago P.D. before coming to O.C.S.D. Al say's there's actually an Illinois state law preventing any other agency using the checkered hat band. (That little story kind of gives you an idea just how deep and profound our CK discussions are!) There were some other hat stories and of course any time hats are mentioned Ed "Louie the Hat" Stavenhagen's name will come up with an antidotal tale.

Tom Conner says he and the wife have finally, really, really retired! He said they would not be going back to Yellowstone this year, so don't be looking for them if you go to Yellowstone Park this year. Tom said they plan on doing some summer time traveling, which they've missed out on the past several years.

Those in attendance were: Tony Rojo, Tom Conner, Dewey Wiles, J.R. Johnson, Al Massucci, Tom Imboden, Jaena Imboden, J.D. Beisner, Joe Mitchell, Chuck Kimbell, Bob Talley, Ed Dunacheck, Don Chaney and Tom Fox.