Class Bulletin Board

Family Mental Health Support

Classmates,

As we have passed our 20th year caring for our daughter Bessie as she struggles with crippling anxiety and bipolar disorder, my wife Bobbi and I can provide you a listening ear and perhaps some valued perspective if you have a family member struggling with these mental health challenges.

Dave Gerlits

50th Year Reunion Group Photo Gallery

  • The Coralville kids
  • Mark and Susan Ferguson – other recognizable people: Gayle Lindell (Larry’s wife), David Kacena, Bill Petrak, Jim Houghton, Janet Pate Barber, Julie Kent Larson, (Behind row) Bill Ackerman, Paul Roberts, Art Kistler, Greg Leichty, Dave Gerlits, Pat Vaughn, Arnie Moore.
  • Getting the Party Started
  • Big group photo

Jeff Hartzler and the 50th RAGBRAI

Good morning Dave.

I just got back from riding the 50th anniversary RAGBRAI. RAGBRAI was started in 1973 by John Karras and Donald Kaul, reporters for the Des Moines Register. They invited a few friend to ride their bicycles across Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. 120 people made that first ride. The next year 2000 made the trip.

This year there were 20,000 registered week long riders and 9000 registered day riders. In addition there were 8000 to 10,000 unregistered riders. 

I ride with a club called “No Name”. We are a loose knit group from all over the United States. This year we had 24 riders and 4 support personnel. 

This years ride was designed to be 500 miles in honor of the 50th anniversary. 

It was the 6th longest and 6th hilliest on record. We were also blessed with high temperatures of 96 to 99 degrees. The route always offers the opportunity to ride a 100+ mile day in honor of John Karras. Due to housing locations I was able to ride two 100+ mile days. The group decided to cut the last day short and finish at the Mississippi  in Muscatine rather than Davenport. That saved us 30 miles, 3 hours and the massive congestion trying to find our support vehicles and get back to Des Moines. In all I rode 520 miles, ate lots of pie, sweet corn, burgers, and brats. Drank 8 to 16 16 ounce bottles of fluids daily, and only lost 2 pounds.

I am taking 2 weeks off and competing in a ballroom dance event in Kansas City before getting back on the bike. 

That’s all for now. Be safe and hug your loved ones. 

Jeff Hartzler

  • Jeff Hartzler and the no-name bicycle club starting RAGBRAI 50 at Morningside University in Sioux City Iowa
  • Jeff Hartzler napping in Toledo IA after cycling 104 miles
  • Jeff Hartzler and the no-name bicycle club before setting out from Coralville, IA

2 – Heavenly Holiday – a Song by Mark Zanger

Lyrics:

We will be having a heavenly holiday today and everyday
Today is the start of everything 
We will be having a heavenly holiday today and everyday
Today I give Thee a wedding ring
My love, Sweet love
This day, For Thee
My love, Sweet love
This day, All for Thee
Sweet love, Sweet darling
Sweet love, Sweet starling
Take flight My darling
’Tis right Me and Thee 
We will be having a heavenly holiday today and everyday
Our answer to life quite merrily 
My love
My life
My wife soon to be

Mark Zanger

Dave Gerlits Loves to Zumba

I don’t dance at full throttle anymore, due to issues with my ankles, but I still love it.

Here is my favorite routine. This was one that the teachers asked me to lead – because I brought so much energy and enthusiasm to it.

Enjoy!