Another year down the drain. I can’t believe how fast time flies.
Our 2006 Old Broad’s Luncheon was held at Pat Bates home in Fountain Valley, CA. She has the neatest house. Pat and Carl (Gibbs ’50) are both "artsy craftsy". Carl does all the wood work – Pat does the Tole painting and knitting among other things. They sell their wares at craft shows. The house has so many handmade cute things – very homey. We had a great time.
Our 2007 Old Broad’s get together will be at Jackie Wilson’s in Culver City, CA on September 22nd. She doesn’t have e-mail so I’ll send out the info (map, time, etc.). If you haven’t attended before let me know, or you can call Jackie (310-837-9075) and we will add you to the list.
I received a letter from Alec Fraser’s sister. She said Alec passed away in July ’05. He had been to Mike Peak’s party two months earlier. It was the first class function he had attended. His sister told me all about the accident Alec had as a child. His legs were smashed and had to be amputated. Neighbors on his paper route took up a collection to buy his artificial legs.
I also got an e-mail from May Valentino’s son Sean. Mary was married to Eau Claire Kelly ’52. He passed away in August ’06. He played in the "Starlighter’s" band at school. Mary lives in San Diego.
Diane Dilworth and her husband John have traveled all over the world. I don’t think they have missed many countries. Last month they were in Fiji. John had a heart attack while snorkeling. She said "At least he was doing what he loved". Diane lives in Houston, TX. Our thoughts go out to their losses.
Orma Freeman said she and her daughter did CPR on her husband, he’s fine now – with a pace maker. I took CPR years ago. I have never used it but I feel better knowing I could do it if I had to.
Tom Blair and his Norma Jean got married December ’05 (after 20 plus years together). Tom is still working on and off in the L.A. area. He got his "crane certification" and is busy doing dredging work and loves being outside. He keeps in touch with all his buddies in the area but still calls Hawaii home.
A note from Lois Kenison saying she has added family Christmas card pictures to her photography hobby. Lois is so good at what she does. She gave me a set of note cards – of flowers and animals, but they are to pretty to send so I just keep them. She is really a pro.
Toni Wilson and her husband Ralph left last September for an eight week road trip across the country. They made many stops and side trips from coast to coast and took hundreds of pictures. She said there are so many things to see in this country without leaving our shores.
I got a note from Lorraine (Hamilton) and Gary Poitner. They live in Roseburg, OR. But go to Arizona in the winter. They have a place between Lake Havasu City and Parker at a resort on the lake. They got married on graduation night. I think there are six couples still married from the ’53 class. Lorraine sent a picture not long ago. You can’t believe how young they still look.
Robin Allen has returned from Christmas Island and living in Utah. She said it was really a life altering experience. They got home just in time to witness the birth of their 4th set of twin grandchildren. That’s 50 plus. She says she can remember all their names. I can’t even remember my own name at times. Robin keeps in touch with Donna Sullivan (she quit school to marry Bryon Steele). She also keeps in touch with Delorse Cordova (she married Wally Rogers). I called Delorse with some info she wanted. She lives in Santa Ynez, CA. We had a great talk and she would like to join us at our get togethers.
Jimmie Thomas came over. He was in the process of moving from Anaheim, CA to Cedar Creek, Texas to be near his son’s family. He bought a new home at about half what they are going for in California;
Cynthis Pestana and her husband Jim have moved to Wellington, NV. Their son and daughter live in Topaz, NV so they will be near their grandchildren. Cyndi says she is just a few miles away from Margie Hunt in Gardnerville, NV. They are going to drive down together for our O.B. Luncheon. I was glad to hear that because I always worry about Margie making that drive alone.
Theresa Blackwell went to Spain for "Carnival", she got a great deal at a bed and breakfast then went on to the coast – this was her dream trip.
Pat (Brown) Hall called. I hadn’t talked to her for a while. She and Bob are doing fine. I hope we can get them to our next reunion.
Celina Bacon, Shirley Zullo and I went to the Cerritos Performing Arts center to see Debbie Reynolds. It’s a cute show directed to folks our age – it was fun.
Gloria LaSalle has finally retired and is spending a lot of time traveling. She sees a lot of Al Schafer (they both live in Camarillo, CA). I talk to Al quite often. Even though he is in the ’52 class we have adopted him. We have also adopted Joann Napoli ’54. Joann lives in Redding, CA. She just had her second knee replaced and is doing good.
Jerry Rettela keeps in touch regularly. He is very active in the VFW in Port Angeles, WA. Jerry is trying to get Routes 112 and 113 named as Korean War Veteran Memorial Highways. He also is involved with the YMCA, Elks Club and collects and delivers books to various hospitals in the area. Also, he is on the steering committee for the Senior Games in Olympia, WA.
Have you been watching "Greece – You’re the One"? The first show started out in front of VHS (boy, it looks empty without the Myrna Loy statue), then they filmed in and around the auditorium. It has been many years since I have seen old Venice High. Probably not since the movie "Greece".
The subject keeps coming up about having a 55th reunion next year. You usually have to guarantee a certain head count to book most rooms. The ’51 class had their’s at the Hacienda Hotel in El Segundo, CA, one of the smaller rooms. So if we can get a quorum (I watch to much CSPAN) we can go from there. I am enclosing a form, please return it by May ’07, or e-mail me. Remember this is your reunion so if you have any ideas let us know.
Til next time – Take care.
Sharon
714-897-5653