Welcome Shamrocks

Final Report on Reunion Weekend

Now that Thanksgiving is well over and Christmas is fast approaching, I think it may be time to get caught up. It has now been over 2 months since out exciting 50th year reunion weekend and I have been negligent in updating this website to recap that weekend. I apologize for not sending this out earlier, but I hope the memories of a great weekend have not yet faded.

Overall, approximately 65 classmates attended at least one of the events of the weekend. The weekend began with a Happy Hour Reception at the Gold Dust Saloon on Union. For those who claimed to be golf enthusiasts, the weekend continued with a golf event at the Pueblo Country Club on Saturday morning. The highlight of the weekend was the Dinner on Saturday night. Following the night of laughs, reconnections, story-telling (and a few embellishments) and fond memories, Sunday morning began with the celebration of Mass at St. Mary’s followed by a nature walk and lunch at the Nature Center.

A recap of the weekend’s events is highlighted below:

Friday Night Meet & Greet at the Gold Dust Saloon:

The weekend got off to a fun start with the Friday night reception on the back patio of the Gold Dust Saloon. About 35 classmates and spouses were in attendance, some of whom had not seen each other in 50 years. Many of the classmates had traveled from all parts of the country and the state to celebrate the weekend in Pueblo. Some classmates were able to only attend the Friday reception. Those attending only the Friday event were Joe Meglen (Utah), Kathy (Cover) and Barrett Koller, Joanne (Baca) Urbina and Anita (Cardinaly) Smith, among others.

Saturday Morning Golf Event – Pueblo Country Club

It was a perfect day to play golf, or at least to walk around and search for errant golf balls as Dave Boyer did, serving as a caddie for every foursome. The golf event was sponsored by Charlotte’s Way Foundation and La Sonrisa Cigars with every golfer getting a goodie bag before teeing off. There were awards presented at the dinner for various “accomplishments”. It was amazing to see how many classmates became “good” golfers after high school. George would have been proud.

Saturday Night Reunion Dinner & Entertainment – Pueblo Country Club

The featured event of the weekend was the reunion dinner at the Pueblo County Club. The night began with Happy Hour at the bar. Prior to dinner everyone was ushered outside for class photos on the steps of the club. Getting everyone to follow directions of the photographer was reminiscent of Sister Boras yelling out commands or Brother Frank threatening with his paddle. But eventually all of the photos were taken.

Estevan (Steve) Flores served as the MC for the evening. A special moment of the evening was a Memorial video narrated by Tom Hocking and produced by Lee Hill. This video can be accessed on the “In Remembrance” page of the website. (There is a link to the YouTube video).

We were honored by the presence of our special guest, Joe Bonaquista (Roncalli teacher and baseball coach), who gave an inspirational talk and shared a remarkable recollection of his time at Roncalli. At the young age of over 75 (not sure of his actual age) he recalled every Roncalli student and where they sat in his History classes. He also remembered every baseball player and the position they played in high school.

The evening was highlighted by welcoming speeches from our valedictorians, Ray Petros and Robyn (Ruede) Caponi and were followed by remarks from Mike Mudd. Their remarks were poignant and reflective of our years since graduation. This was followed by awards for golf and classmate recognitions, and animated games of Shamrock Family Feud and Shamrock Jeopardy, hosted by Tom.

The winners of various awards were:

Golf Event:

Best Legs: Kelly Montano 

Messiest Scorecard: Sam Montoya

Best Head Cover: Robyn Caponi

Worst Dressed: Bob Mayber.  Tom Hocking (Forfeited due to Conflict of Interest)
 

Class Recognitions:

Traveled the farthest to attend: Bob Sneddon and Nancy Kerrigan

Married the Longest: Donna and Pat James

Most Grand Kids: Jesus Flores

Longest Military Service: George Krasovec

Most Hair (Male): Mark Madrid (Estevan just missed by a haircut)

Least Hair (Male) – only category: Ken Dent (Dave Boyer missed by a hair!)

Oldest Living Parent: Jolene (Maurello) Van Vranken.

Most Surgeries: Art Valdez. Honorable Mention – Jack Klun

Best Golf Caddy: Dave Boyer

Game Events: 

Shamrock Family Feud

Shamrock Jeopardy

Winning Team of Shamrock Jeopardy: Captain-Robyn (Ruede) Caponi and Kathy (Treanor) Allen outdueled the team of Ray Petros and Alice (Clementi) Birch...although Ray was correct on several answers the judges and moderator disallowed.  Sorry Ray...

Other Recognitions

Also, many thanks to Mike Mudd, Ed and Bev Mendicello, Tom and Lee, Estevan Flores, Jolene (Maurello) and Regis Opferman for setting up the venue for the evening events. The Country Club staff was also fabulous throughout the weekend.

Sunday Morning Nature Walk – Nature Center

The weekend was capped off by a small gathering at the Nature Center.
The leisurely walk along the Arkansas River was interrupted but entertaining with Regis Opferman’s lizard hunting adventures. 

All had to stop in their tracks when he spotted a lizard. Although he came equipped with a lizard noose, the lizards were too crafty and avoided capture. Only Regis would have a “lizard noose”... really!!  (See pictures below)

Ray and Catherine Petros described the history and background of the Arkansas River development along the walk. After our experience with the Pueblo nature, several more people, including Robert Bernard and his wife, joined others for brunch.

Special Recognitions:

Organizing Committee:

Estevan (Steve) Flores
Tom Hocking
John Carleo
Mary Jo (Coffee) D’Orazio
Jolene (Maurello) Van Vranken
Mike Mudd
Ed Mendicello
Regis Opferman

Volunteers:

Bob Mayber
Joe Kocman
Ray Petros
Lee Hill
Bev Mendicello