THANK YOU FROM KARLA

Carron:

Thanks so much for coming to the Wake. It means so much to know people care. I didn’t realize you were in Springville, that is very close to me in Waubeek. Don’t know when we could get together, but I’ll keep it in mind. You are right; lots of things to deal with now.

I haven’t read the blog site for a while, but I understand you let people know about my Mom’s passing. Thank you.

Please extend my gratitude to all my classmates. I will get to the site to view the messages; I just haven’t done that yet.

Brett Atwood sent me a personal note, and it just touched my heart to know people care. My Mom will be missed by not only her children but a host of people. It’s a great tribute to the life she lead.

Thanks again for your kind expression of sympathy

Karla

UPDATE ON THINGS

Dan and I went to Mrs. Bonifazi's visitation on Wednesday night. The place was packed!!! A true testiment to the wonderful woman she was! It was so good to see Karla and her sister, Krista, who I got to know through my old job. They were both so upbeat and positive. Amazing.

Also, Darcie and her Divas had their Flood Relief Giveaway today (and it continues tomorrow from noon - 5:00 at 1511 9th St. S.W. in Cedar Rapids. Everything is FREE!) It's unbelievable how much stuff was donated to their cause and the attitudes of the people who came to get stuff were inspiring. These people lost everything and they still had smiles on their faces.

How is everyone's summer going? Any news to share? Photos? How's August 16th looking for everyone? Dan and I would like to have a gathering here at our house in Springville. Would that work for anyone?

We're off to Uptown Friday Night and then to the Barbeque Roundup! These events used to be held downtown Cedar Rapids, but have changed locations. No stinkin' flood is going to stop us eastern Iowans from having a good time!!!

MESSAGE FROM KARLA BONIFAZI

Dear Friends:

I’ve had some very sad news last night. My Mom a.k.a. “Grandma Pockets” was in a terrible car accident and was killed, Thursday night June 19th, 2008.

She evidently pulled out in front of a semi turning onto Hwy 151 just outside of Anamosa. In traditional “Grandma Pockets” fashion, she was dressed in her clown outfit and on her way to a gig.

Although the accident was awful, her body was spared and we were able to view it. She just looked like she was sleeping. My brothers and sister’s and I all know she lived a wonderful life and touched many people; that is why I am sharing this with you. She will be greatly missed by many, but we will always have those treasured memories that made my MOM who she was.

Thank you all for being a part of my life.

Karla and Randy

VERY, VERY SAD NEWS

I have some very sad news to share. Karla Bonifazi's mother, Regina, was killed in a car accident yesterday, Thursday, June 19th. This Gazette article is not very complete since they didn't have a name yet, but is has been confirmed that it was Karla's mom.

You can send Karla and her family your condolences at simmen@iowatelecom.net. You can also leave a message on Goettsch's website.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bonifazi family at this time.

MORE FLOOD PHOTOS

Doug Wortman sent this link of some more flood pictures. The aerial shots give you an idea of the widespread devastation.

I just got off the phone with Darcie. Her Chrome Divas are doing a relief project for the flood victims - many, many of whom lost everything. I would like to encourage the Class of 1981 to join in this effort. If you have anything you would like to donate, whether it be food, clothing, bedding, dishes, or toiletries, let me know. I can pick it up and deliver it to the Divas for the flood victims to pick up for free. Money, of course, is also appreciated, so if you would like to make a monetary donation, that would be great, too!

E-mail me at csbungum@yahoo.com with any questions or if you need a phone number or my address to send a check for me to give to the flood victims' fund.

MORE FLOOD PICTURES

Michelle Phillips sent me this link for more flood pictures. Unbelievable.

THE TOWN OF PALO IS UNDER WATER

A friend who works at the Duane Arnold Energy Plant in Palo sent me these pictures. The entire town was evacuated.

Photos of CR flood

Dan and I did exactly what the media and cops are telling people NOT to do. We went on a gawking tour of Cedar Rapids and took these pictures. The TV shots and the newspaper photos do not begin to do it justice. It is absolutely horrific and beyond comprehension.

For amazing photos of the Anamosa devastation, visit the Class of 1980 blogsite for pics taken by Lisa Heitland.

Video of CR flood

SORRY

Sorry I have been so lax about posting on the blogsite. I have been moving this past week and I finally just got hooked up to the internet and am slowly locating everything in the mass of boxes I have in the basement! Bear with me. And, send some good, fun summer pics for me to post!

I think we need a class gathering soon. What are you all doing the weekend of August 16th?

MORE MONTICELLO FLOOD PICS

Click on this link for some more photos of the floods in Monticello. It's getting bad in Cedar Rapids, too. Parts of Edgewood Road are closed and they are ordering an evacuation of the town of Palo. It's 1993 all over again!

BRENDA'S DAUGHTER AT A BAND CONCERT

Click here for some photos of Brenda's daughter, Kristin, at a band concert in the park in Monticello. Bren, she looks just like you!!!