UNITED STATES VETERANS

ALEMANY CLASS OF 1966

Mark Belmont (Air Force)
Bob Cosgrove (Army)
Leonard J. DiTrapani (Vietnam 1969-70)
Les Dunkin (Vietnam 1969-70)
Bobby Guerrero (Vietnam 1969-70)
Robert M. Johnson (Air Force 1970-72)
Wayne Jzyk
Bill Killian (Army, Vietnam 1968-69)
Bill Ludgate
Brad Kopp (Army, Vietnam 1969-70)
Ken Matwiczak (US Army Air Defense Artillery, 1971-93)
Martin D. Molidor (Navy 1969-72)
Bob Morneau (USAF, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Airbase, 1970-72)
Rex Olliff (U.S. Army, Fort Ord 1970-72)
Bob Orlando (Coast Guard, 1970-74)
Jay Pelzer (Air Force, multiple trips into Vietnam 1971-73)
Jim Poltl (Navy, 1966-69)
Guy Proto (USAF, 1969-73)
Ned Ryan (Navy)
Don Soberg (Army Green Berets, Vietnam)
David C. Surges (Viet Nam 1971-72)
Richard Weier (Navy, 1968-71)
Ronald West (Navy, 1969-72)

Details of Service

Bobby Guerrero. Drafted in July, 1968, took an extra year (3 year enlistment) to guarantee a school, ended up in Personnel School. Started active duty 9/30/68. Boot camp and Personnel School at Fort Ord, CA. Also assigned there for an additional 6 months. Shipped out to Vietnam on 10/1/69, landed in Cam Rahn Bay and was assigned to Personnel Services Company (the Fighting 518th PSC, WE DON'T RETREAT, WE BACKSPACE!!). Served 364 days, including 2 visits to Thailand for R&R. Left Viet Nam on 9/30/70 with a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service ... 11/1/70 assigned to Oakland Induction Center in downtown Oakland, at the height of the Black Panther Party movement. Oakland was more dangerous at that time than Cam Rahn Bay, there were daily demonstrations and protests at the Induction Center, including some vandalism caused by explosive devices. Wearing your uniform on the street was a no-no, although the haircuts were a dead giveaway. 7/21/71: Got an "early out" from my enlistment to return to college, was awarded a Joint Services Commendation medal for Meritorious Service. My cousin, Richard Guerrero (AHS '67), an Air Force vet at the same time period, likes to tell me, "We never got a parade." I think anyone who served, wherever they served, deserves the honor of their service. Thanks, Bobby Guerrero

Bob Johnson. Graduated Loyola University in 1970 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt, USAF the same month. Assigned originally to pilot training, but washed out due to a previously unknown eye condition which kept me from flying at night ... Assigned to Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City SD from August 1970 to December 1972. Executive officer in the 28th Bomb Wing. We flew B-52's and KC-135s on missions originating in Guam and Thailand (don't know if that is still classified!). Also ran the secondary Airborne Command Post for SAC headquarters on a rotating basis with Offutt AFB. Did some additional training at Keesler AFB in Biloxi MS, was down south right after the big hurricane ... The most positive thing that I did while in the AF was a volunteer assignment rescuing flood victims from the Great Flood of '71 in Rapid City, SD ... God gave me a reprieve on December 24, 1972 (a date which I still celebrate each year with a prayer for my lost friends) and let me resign my commission a year and a half early to head back to law school. Lt RMJ

Bill Killian. I was drafted in 1968 while attending (then) Valley State College. While stationed in Georgia I volunteered to go to Vietnam, spent 13 months there in the Central Highlands attached to a South Vietnamese infantry unit as a radio operator. I stayed an extra month to get out the Army early. That's it for me.

Brad Kopp. I enlisted in the military (Army) in Feb '68, because I knew my draft number was coming up. I was in Vietnam from July '69 until the end of June '70 as a helicopter pilot. Upon my return I was stationed at Fort Wolters, Texas, a basic helicopter training base. I was a helicopter pilot instructor there for three years. I had volunteered to go back to Vietnam a year later but was told no because I was needed as an instructor. Thank goodness, why I wanted to go back is beyond me. But when your 21 years old you think you are infallible. I retired from the Army in 1989. As far as other people in the military I know that Bob Cosgrove was in the US Army for three years but never went to Vietnam.

Bill Ludgate. Just to let you know I served at that time but didn't get to go over to Vietnam. Also seeing all these emails since I'm going thru chemo and radiation now is a great help. God bless all of you. Bill Ludgate

Ken Matwiczak. Commissioned 2LT, US Army Air Defense Artillery, West Point, June 1971. Retired as Lieutenant Colonel, August 1993 ... Did not serve IN Vietnam. (Volunteered to do so, but Army had other ideas) ... Places served: Karlsruhe, Germany, 71-74 ... Fort Hood, TX (Killeen - just north of Austin), 75-76 ... Fort Bliss, TX (El Paso), 77, 82-86 ... West Point (Faculty), 79-82 and 89-93 ... Purdue Univ (for Masters Degree on Army time and Army fellowship), 78-79 ... Texas A&M Univ (for Ph.D. on Army time and Army fellowship), 86-89.

Marty Molidor. US Navy Feb 1969 to Dec 1972 ... Bootcamp and tech training (Radioman) San Diego, CA ... Two years NATO Southern HQ, Naples Italy ... 16 Months aboard USS Nashville, Atlantic Amphibious Fleet - Caribbean Ready Group ... We attacked Puerto Rico (with Marines) repeatedly, just in case Cuba ever needed a Thumpin.

Bob Morneau. I enlisted in the USAF in September '68, and was immediately shipped to Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Miss. with no training as a security policeman! I learned the hard way! Then off to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Airbase, Thailand, in June, '70 for a year. We were a top-secret base supporting the war effort in a tactical fighter sense. Gunship raids and major rescue missions were staged every day from our base, and we were always on alert for incoming Pathet Lao sappers and bombers. I had the job of patrolling the perimeters with my "Heavy Weapons" crew, and was trained in mortar weapons by the Green Berets from Nam. The Air Force had a ridiculous policy of sending us on patrol in the jungle off base armed with only a bayonet, after receiving intelligence reports of Pathet Lao activity in the area assassinating village chiefs! I could go on and on. I finally finished at Luke AFB, Arizona, in September, '72.

Bob Orlando. I also served during Viet Nam. I was in the Coast Guard (June 70 - Sep 74) with time in Southern Thailand (remember the Stigo visit), in support of our efforts, for 366 days. Went to Con Son Island off the coast of So Viet Nam to assist with operations there on one occasion; flew in and out in a few days. I joined the Coast Guard to stay out of Viet Nam since my brother, Michael (AHS '64), had about all he could handle there; didn't kill him but nearly did in my parents. I came back in June 1972. The Coast Guard had me fly commercial air, TWA, out of Bangkok in civilian cloths, so I would not be hassled or spit on as I went through the terminals. I did look sharp though, in my custom handmade silk suit, but the short hair, that what was left, was my Achilles heel. My friends were supportive, event the hippy law students I hung with in San Francisco. I'm glad I can say I did; would not want to do it again.

Veterans Day is important to me. Having lived in a foreign country and seeing what a vote is worth and that it is worth fighting for, I take pride in my service. I've only missed one privilege to vote since I was of age. The Flag flies over my home everyday and night (with lights; solar lights). I think Ron's apology is not necessary; many served; the unfortunate took the brunt. Anyway, thanks for the thoughts. Regards, Bob O

Jay Pelzer. USAFA 1966-1970 ... Pilot Training 1970-1971 ... Mather AFB, Sacramento 1971-1976 ... multiple trips into Vietnam 1971-1973 ... Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio Graduate school 1976-1977 ... Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE SAC Headquarters 1977-1980 ... Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE Pilot, 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing 1980-1982 ... Hellenikon Air Base Athens, Greece 1983 -1987 Chief of Current Operations for Strategic Reconnaissance ... Yakota Air Base Tokyo, Japan 1987-1990 OIC Command Advisory Function ... Retirement July1, 1990.

Guy Proto. I was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. I was in from February 1969 to February 1973. I was stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida for a year and Andrews AFB in Washington DC for three years. I was in the technology end of research and development.

Ron West. Enlisted in the US Navy in Nov. 1969 ... Bootcamp: San Diego, CA ... Air Traffic Control School - Glynco, GA ... 1969 to 1971 Naval Air Station Kingsville, TX ... 1971 to 1972 Naval Air Station Midway Island ... May 1971 to Oct. 1972 Naval Air Station Barbers Point HI "All Navy Volleyball Team" ... Discharged Nov. 1972.

WE SALUTE YOU.


If we missed any of our class's Veterans, please email us
so we can correct it. See email links on main AHS-66
Blog page, above in right column.


http://thewall-usa.com/summary.asp

http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

http://www.military.com/veteransday?
ESRC=ggl_mem_vetday.kw&np=1

http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/faq/vetsday/vetshist.htm



Posted Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2006

"TINGLY" REUNION REFLECTIONS

(Oscar Rivera and Leo, old buddies together again)

It has been 10 days and I am still tingly all over from all the emotions from attending the reunion.

Top kudos are definitely in order for the 1966 Reunion Committee who brought all of us together and put on the best celebration of our high school years. Thank you, thank you, thank you all!

The Grand Prize goes to Danny McMahon whose unselfish nature, long hours, and enduring love for our class gave us all a beautiful night and a moment in time to renew our friendships and to again bond as a class.

I was fortunate to attend the Mass and to get Fr. Kerry Beaulieu to hear my confession. I asked if anyone will be hearing confessions and he and I walked over to the side of the church past the pews and Kerry started, Let us pray. I figured that we would be there well past the reunion dinner so I asked if he could do a general confession. He obliged. I am pleased he did since I went blank and could not remember if I had eaten meat the previous Friday.

Ok, now. This question is for all the other recovering Catholics. When did the Church stop saying the Mass in Latin?

It was good to receive communion. It was even more special to be in communion with my fellow classmates and especially to attend the Mass being held by Kerry, Art Holquin, Larry Neumeier and Tom Benedict. That was quite an honor. And, it was also emotional when we honored our classmates and teachers who have passed away. The homage from Tom Benedict was quite moving as well.

Also thanks for the open bar. I had earlier sprained my back and those first 3 martinis did the trick!

I knew the reunion would be good but I never expected all the fun everyone was having. If you were not discussing old times you were catching up on new times. And, it did not matter if you were a great success or a shmoe. You were a part of the Alemany 1966 class and that in itself made you special and accepted. That is all that matters to this class. That is why we were honored to have people like Jay Pelzer and Chuck Abel, et al, who attended the reunion. Even they felt the calling to attend even though we didn’t graduate together. Now that is a great class to belong to!

You did not have to be talking about old times. You could just raise your eyes and view your fellow classmates enjoying themselves across the room to know that this night was a reuniting of special friends.

Master of Ceremonies, Danny McMahon, is a class act and a stellar organizer. His updated slide show was a phenomenal work of artistic quality and again brought the class back to the era of innocence of the mid 1960s. I vote that Danny be presented with an honorary Academy Award/Alemany Award Oscar (Rivera) statue next time we meet. I’m sure we can get Oscar to pose naked while someone chisels out the statue.

Kudos to Marty Molidor for his great expertise and technical achievement in getting the slide show converted to CD. We cannot wait to get it. I know several of my local friends will be blown away by this historical collage of the 1960s.

Kudos to my dear friend Bob Johnson for coordinating the pictures and website tasks. Bob, you did us a great favor in posting the pictures of us. I have misplaced my Recuerdos yearbook and this was a fantastic way to get to see our classmates. Bob, we all missed you!

However, it appears that a majority of our classmates do not age. There must be some elixir or additive someone put in the Alemany holy water. I want to say this for the record. We have the best looking group of people, period! The ladies are truly beautiful and the guys are, well, the ladies are truly beautiful.

It was great to see the old teachers. Mr. Diaz looks the same and Coach Phil Ahn has the memory of an elephant. Truly amazing!

Upon reading many of the post reunion emails I find that I too felt the reunion went too fast and we should meet again soon. I think we should all meet at the Meddock house next year, Saturday October 27, 2007. Whatdya all say to that? Ken, do you have a BBQ?

Kudos to everyone who posted and emailed pictures of the reunion and pre/post reunion events.

I missed the brunch. I was devastated. I forgot to set my clock back for daylight savings and went to the Odyssey too early. Noone was there so I left. I went to the church to see if our classmates were attending Mass. I went inside for Mass and found that I was the only person there who was not Japanese. I gotta tell you that was a strange feeling. I thought I was still feeling the effect of those 3 martinis. I did not remember everyone being so short!

Yet the joy and fun persist in memory today. I was not able to greet and meet everyone I remembered. I also wanted to introduce myself to all the classmates who I did not know personally and get to know them. I especially wanted to meet the ladies who never crossed the quadrangle and remain mysterious to this day. I did want to meet them and be continually amazed by their lives and achievements. But like I said, the achievements do not matter. What matters is that they were a part of our class and I'd like to get to know them.

I would like to tell everyone I did get to meet that I was privileged to know them and honored to be their friend. I choose not to mention names since I would forget one or two and probably run out of paper in the process.

This reunion made my heart glad and I look forward to our next reunion together.

Your classmate,

Leo Restrich

Simpsonville, SC

(Ed Note: It would not be appropriate to post this blog without a thank you to Leo's much better half, Marianne. To those spouses who trusted the Alemanians to return their loved ones undamaged, even if a bit weary, you have our heartfelt thanks.)

REFLECTIONS: "A MAGICAL REUNION"

I feel compelled to add my two cents and say how moved I was by the Magical Reunion last Saturday night. I know a large part of it was the unbelievable build up we all had with the months of planning and chatty e-mails and photos, but WOW! I guess I just didn't think it would turn out that everyone's energy would create such a powerful positive force there, that night, on that sparkling hilltop in that sparkling lovely room.

I thank everyone for coming and making it happen: for me, I think it's one of those things that you're not always sure right then what the repercussions of it will be, but you know you're glad you did it and were part of it, cuz somewhere down the line it's going to metamorphose or add to the whole roll of your better life. Anyway, as you can see, I'm still carried away by the night!!

All the arrangements were perfect! The beautiful location, the huge room, the formal tables, the pace of the evening, the slide show, anecdotes, roll-call, impulsive photographs of our grammar schools, the sold-out-ed-ness, but not turning anyone away, the lingering, pre-festivities, post-festivities, and now the thoughts and photos of the whole thing shared on-line. It's great knowing that others felt so touched also.

(Ann and Margie (Espinosa) Nelson at Charmaine's pre-festivities)

Don't know how the show could have been any better! What a great memory!

With love,

Ann Buchanan Gaines

Cottonwood, AZ

NOT JUST A CLASSMATE REUNION, A FAMILY REUNION TOO

(Chris (Belle) Monroe with cousins Christie and Marty)

I'm still floating on the reunion magic carpet cloud. I definitely need to join Barbara Broeski Tennis's reunion addiction support group, I am so hooked on connecting with all of you! The layers that were added by communicating on the Internet made this whole experience all the richer. I loved having some added context to greet each of you by having seen on the website and blog site your current pictures of family, grandkids, homes (so beautiful, Ron!), hobbies, not to mention the touching and hilarious commentaries. As Jude said today, laughter is the best medicine, and our group provides an abundance of joy, wit, and good will for each other!

(Linda, Jacci and I on our way to beautiful downtown Burbank)

I so appreciated the extra pre and post gatherings that were planned (and some also spontaneous), because the reunion itself did go by so fast. It started for me at the airport in Sacramento where Jacci Mahoney Hagen and I had planned to meet, and as we were chatting before the flight, who should be sitting right next to us, Linda Bishop Catlin! The time together at my older sister's home with Christi and Gary, Mary, Jan, and Paula, and at the Odyssey on Friday night around the "campfire" were delightful times to show pictures and have some in-depth time to get caught up with each other. Jan Zemba Wilkes came over on Saturday afternoon with her Mom, and helped me to materialize an Extreme Makeup Makeover that my daughters had coached me with in preparation for the reunion! On Sunday I took my Mom for a visit to Diane Mottola Belmont's and she and her daughters were so sweet to "Dottie Belle."

The Reunion Gala was a great tribute to the thoughtful, creative planning of the team, led by Captain Dan. I so appreciated Danny's gracious ability to spotlight our many accomplishments and just to honor each one of us by the "roll call." Sometimes I just stopped and watched and enjoyed the buzz of reconnection as we were milling around and people matched name tags to faces and memories. Marty's time-and-expertise-driven re-make of the slide show was a generous gift for all of us that reminded me of the amazing times that we grew up in. I loved seeing my cousins, Marty and Christy, and catching up on some family news. It was fun sharing all of this with my date, my daughter, Michelle. Some of you mentioned the resemblance of how much she looks like me in high school days. In a pre-reunion vanity fit, I had a fleeting fantasy of dressing her up in a tiara and formal and sending her in my place, and I was sure people would say, "Wow, look at how well-preserved Chris is!" Leo affirmed my wistfulness by coming up to her and inquiring, "Would you go to the prom with me?!!"

(Diane, Christi and Chris mugging for the camera)

The timeless nature of our friendships with the grammar school groups seemed to have an even deeper meaning when you realize that these are "kids" that we've known for as long as 52 years. Wow! So fun to see the St. Lizzie gang. I also appreciated the opportunity to give big hugs to so many of you who had sent prayers and encouragement for my sister, Maureen, and our family. She continues to grow stronger in little steps as she is going through the chemotherapy.

As I walked out to the parking lot of the Odyssey in bare feet (oh, those heels were killing me!) with Ellie McConnaughy, we were sharing our current passion in life, working with people to help them discover and develop their creativity and spirituality. It made me wish that I had the opportunity to discover and share with more of you on a deeper level what has made your lives meaningful, and what are your current dreams, hopes and visions. We've done some of that on the website, and I hope that dialogue will continue. We definitely need to gather again in 2011!!!

Sending lots of love and blessings to all of you,

Chris (Belle) Monroe

Somerset, CA

WIT AND WISDOM ACCORDING TO JUDE

Dear Class of 66, students and teachers, THANK YOU for the memories!

Re-connecting with long-lost Peggy Jones after 40 years was exciting in and of itself. To top off her surprise appearance, she even brought copies of her autographs of the Beatles and Stones and their 40+ year old album covers to share. Peggy and I saw the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl in 1964. She was arrested for jumping onstage at the Stones concert in 1965. The Beatles and the Stones? Hell, Peggy (Wildest Dresser) Jones was MY idol, and it was so wonderful to see that devil-may-care look in your eyes once again! Those other classmates who braved their first reunion in 40 years, like Eileen McConnaughy and David Gieg, deserve a lot of credit. It is enough of a challenge to face the changes after ten years, let alone four decades. That is why I am joining the 2011 bandwagon. Ten years from now will be too long to wait.

Sitting with Ann Turner and Penny and Pam Mertens during the slide show unleashed in all of us some long-buried demons of being in class together for four years and trying every day of those four years to disrupt the orderly flow of education. When Danny was asking the crowd to stand up for recognition, we whipped ourselves into an adolescent frenzy by whispering parallel irreverent questions so our group could jump up with each query. For example, Those with PhDs? became -Those who dye their hair? Forgive us, Dan, if we got a bit unruly and tried to steal the glory, we were just transported back to a time when causing trouble seemed infinitely more important than Latin or liturgy, and so worth all risk of censure and punishment.

Laughter is the best medicine for the ailments of old age. Seriously, I was so impressed by the breadth and depth of the achievements that Danny acknowledged. In spite of our frequent attempts to thwart its influence, the superior education we received at Alemany was evident in the faces and the stories of all of you, not just the academic part, but also the humanitarian part, above all. I came home and decided to take the part-time teaching position at the Community College. If so many of you could devote your entire lives to financially unrewarding careers, this is the least I could do! You inspired me to be a better person, at least for one semester. For me, this spirit captures the essence of what it means to be a part of our class.

How gallant of Leo Restrich to wear the Gyoengyi Molnar nametag in silent protest of her absence. Gyng was one of my very best friends in high school and college and I miss her, which reminds me to say how happy I was to at least have Kathy Dunlay there; and how much I missed seeing their old friend Bob Johnson (aka Cuddly BJ)--not to mention Annie B.s and my co-wahines, Pat Maryon and Anne Talbot, and my other De La Salle chums, Cha-Cha, Mary O, and Steve Kohler. Thanks so much to Jim Dantona and John Stigmon for telling me that I was a tomboy and fist-fighting feminist since 5th grade. It was perhaps the nicest of all the compliments I received that night. I did not need to squeeze myself into that panty girdle after all: everyone made me feel incredibly lucky just to be alive.

How insightful of Charmaine to bring the girls side together in Hollywood, starting with the vague and haunting memories of the Sunset Strip nightlife en route to the Sunset Towers hotel. Sitting at the rooftop table underneath a brilliant blue sky with this eclectic group of 24, I truly appreciated the beauty of my hometown for the first time since my exodus in 1973.

It is a bit of a relief to read so many comments that echo my feelings of the dreamlike, surreal brevity of the experience. I did not take nearly enough photos, talk to so many old friends, or venture to meet classmates I never got to know in high school. It was like the Beatles song: You say good-bye, and I say hello, hello, hello. And the night was over. It was a moment in time that touched me deeply, and I am very grateful to Danny, Charmaine and the extraordinary committee who orchestrated turning back the clock, literally and figuratively, as Sr. Marie Gerard would've said (while banishing me to the corner of the room in English IV for mocking her).

Love and gratitude to you all,

Jude Judy Hawkes

Ketchum, ID

AFTERGLOW AHS '66

(Two friends with a lifelong bond, Peggy Jones and Marsha (Mankiller) Haney on Reunion Night)

Wow ! That's the most fun I've had in a while...Thanks to all who made my evening so sweet and memorable...there were so many great and unforgettable moments but the highlight of my evening has to be the reunion of the "Gertie" gang from St. Ferdie's...I had the best time with you guys as I always did when we were in grade school...so glad you crashed the party ! Does anybody have the St. Ferdinand's group picture they could send from that night ? I didn't get one but would love to see it !My biggest regret was the missed opportunity of not talking to / not talking longer to so many of you...Jude Hawkes, Christi Brecht, Jan Zemba, Kathy Krebs, Pam and Penny, Tina Cross, Jane Lind, Jacci Mahoney, Dan McMahon,and Ann Turner just to name a few. How time flies when you're having a blast ! And to think Danny had to sweet talk me into it ! My Thanks to all who put this together, good job. I also had no idea reunions could be so much fun, Marty. Marsha and I would have loved to have seen Suellen Keller and Patti Sellers... maybe next time.

Here are my "homies" from St. Ferdie's that I especially wanted to thank for my great evening last Sat. Are you wondering if this taking care of us all of us will never end ? You are the BEST reunion organizer I've ever met ! And I didn't even get the chance to tell you I had a crush on you in junior year...so little time...Thanks Danny.

PeggySt. Ferdie's "Gertie's" Gang (Shown L to R) Steve Modugno, Chris Fusano, Peggy "Gertie" Jones, Mike Modugno and Ralph LaPreziosa who were a gang of cousins that used to tease me constantly and nicknamed me Gertie after I was called upon during Health period to explain why it was wrong for "Dirty Gertie" to put her candy bar on the back of the toilet ! No one wanted to volunteer to answer that one ! Of course, I secretly liked the boys attention but don't tell them that. (Ooops, editor's blunder) They all left in 6th or 7th grade when they built St. Didacus school in Sylmar and St. Ferdinand's wasn't the same fun after they left. We really knew how to torment the poor teachers.

Until the next time we meet, All My Best to All,

Peggy Jones

Bellingham, WA

"MORE REUNION REFLECTIONS"

This 40th reunion was by far a wonderfully graced experience for me, not to mention a hell of a lot of fun. How we have all aged so “gracefully.” The mass was very special and I continue to marvel at the fact that from our class there are four priests – one of whom is an august Abbot! And two Religious Sisters. Not bad…

This coming May 25th, Kerry and I celebrate our 33rd anniversary of ordination. The years have been good despite the difficulties that the priesthood has faced in recent years. Despite the “bad press” – God has been very good to me and has opened up wonderful opportunities for me to serve Him and His Church.

Now that I am the “34th successor of Blessed Serra” as pastor of the Jewel of the California Missions, it’s strange to realize that more years of priesthood are behind me than before me. I’m in a wonderful parish that continues to challenge my creativity and indulge many of my interests – history, conservation and preservation, improving my Spanish, my love for liturgy and music. I suspect that I will probably retire from this assignment. San Juan is a great place to retire.

Wait till my mom and sister sees the composite – they will love it. I should go back to the flat top!

Be assured that I will indeed remember all of you at the Table of the Lord during this month.

Fr. Art Holquin

San Juan Capistrano, CA

(Ed Note: The photo composite at the lead of this article is courtesy of the creative mind of "Big John" Stigmon)

(DR.) BARB (BROESKI) TENNIS

SPEAKS OUT ON THE DANGERS OF

POST REUNION WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME (PRWS)

Is there such a thing as reunion addiction?

Possible signs of the condition:

1. You wake up craving email and blog from a classmate?

2. You turn on the computer before your morning coffee and shower?

3. You get defensive if somebody wonders why you are carrying an old yearbook with you? (it takes a while to read all those things people wrote in the margins)

4. You would rather turn on the computer than the TV?

5. You forget to make dinner because you were going through a box of old photos?

6. You feel like no one understands you (just because their reunions were lame...)

7. You feel compelled to learn to dance the "Freddy" once again.

8. You say you can stop talking about it and thinking about it any time, but you were really happy that Monique said "out loud" that she would work on the 45th!

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, PLEASE CONTACT THE SUPPORT GROUPS WHICH ARE FORMING IN YOUR LOCAL AREA.

"MORE REUNION REFLECTIONS"

Dear Alemany class of 1966,

Along with Marty, I too will do a bit of reminiscing. My experience of the reunion of the class of 1966 was truly most enjoyable. I am grateful to Danny and all those who worked to put on such a meaningful event. I appreciate so much the brief conversations that I had with a good number of you. I am glad that I made the decision to attend.

It was such a different experience for one who has attempted to live primarily in the present. I have not seen much point in reminiscing about the past. Yet, it was neat to be able to share with you the little that I did in connection with the reunion.

Being the kind of person that I am who enjoys people and delving into the deeper realities of life, I wonder about what might be the stories of the lives of you all. It was a privilege to hear such from one or the other of you through the Emails as well as at the reunion.

As I mentioned to one or the other on Sat. p.m., would it not be great to hear all of those stories. That would take days of being together! We heard about the great accomplishments of many of you. Your lives and mine have changed much because of those stories.

What changes our world as well as our Church have undergone during those 40 years! If your story is comparable to mine, we have had our downs as well as our ups. Yet, in my attempt to live my Christian spirituality, I have found such to be what helped me to grow as a person.

Enough about such! In God's providence, I connected briefly with some of you last Sat. p.m. My involvement for four years in your lives was quite minimal. I was only a small "mustard seed" on a great teaching staff that worked with you back in those days. I believe that your class benefited from Alemany High School when it was at a great time in its history. I left there a week or so after you did. Being a slow learner, it took me eight years to get through a four year institution!

Now, I live in Arleta with four others members of my community in the condition that some refer to as retirement, as of six months ago. We Oblates call such RAM status. That stands for Reduced Active Ministry. I call it Reduced Administrative Malarky from being a Pastor in today's Catholic Church.

If I can share with any of you in any way as far as my spirituality is concerned, I can be reached at (818) 891-0579, and my email is FEWOMIMPB@aol.com.

(Fr.) Frank Wagner, O.M.I.

Arleta, CA

"REUNION REFLECTIONS"

The joy of this reunion has been, for me, in two parts. Working with Danny McMahon and Bob Johnson (the "Media Subcommittee") on the Reunion DVD (which will be mailed out in a few weeks) has been and continues to be the most fun I can remember having in decades.

The other part was the actual reunion at the Odyssey where everyone was having such a fantastic time. As I had feared, there just was not enough time. It was all over way too fast. There are a few conversations that were particularly meaningful to me.

For one, Bill Pawlak and I made true confessions to each other. Like the aforementioned Danny (Mac) McMahon, Bill and I go back to 3rd grade at Our Lady of Peace. Bill confessed to me that he had once taken a dime from me and later gave it back on instructions from his confessor. I confessed that I have always felt bad about punching him once, for no better reason than that was the type of kid I was. We made up at the reunion. There is not a nicer guy in the whole world than Billy Pawlak.

I had a delightful conversation with Alfonso Covarrubius who is enjoying his Golden Years after retiring from the US Postal Service. I was fortunate enough to have an extended dinner conversation with Tom Stratton. Tom remembered how my little car would often get stuck between first and second gear, and he remembered how to reach under the hood and get it going again. You may recall that Tom was always the guy who would fix the film projector when it jammed. But most of all we talked about the present and how we both have technical jobs that are ideal for old geeks like us who are better with computers than with people. And we found the perfect women to put up with our strangeness. It was so great to touch bases with Tom again after 40 years.

Peggy Jones had me (and many others) laughing with her wit and she told me something about myself that I will ruminate on for years. It was fantastic to talk with my old friend Colleen Murphy (my cousin's cousin). We shared how terrified we were of our common uncle when we were kids.

It was great to see Danny McMahon, his sister Patsy and, at breakfast Sunday, his mother, Verena the Great. It was a special treat to see my lovely second cousin Chris Belle Monroe having such a fabulous reunion weekend after all the pain and heartache she has been through recently.

It was also really neat to see my sister, Christie, my date that night, dancing up a storm, once again.

The joy of reconnection that was in the air, in that room at the Odyssey, was something that I will never forget.

Biggest surprise was the large number of the guys whom I now have to look up to. Wasn't Poltl a little guy??

My favorite group was the large number of guys who managed to stay awake for Mr. Diaz's early morning Science Seminar and who were able to goof off in Fr Weber's speech class ("able, ible, eyeble, oble uble") because the good Father was always too busy to actually attend. If you remember Pete Herron crawling out of Fr. Kernan's podium, you are in this club. Great to see all of you!

I could go on and on. It was simply wonderful. I had no ideas reunions were so much fun!

Thanks for the invite!!

Marty
Santa Rosa, CA

(Ed Note: This is the first in a continuing series of reflections on our reunion. Notes from clergy, faculty and classmates began arriving in the media sub-committee email box on the morning of the 29th of October. We will continue to share them with the Class as we receive permission from the senders. If you wish to have your reflections posted, please remember to add a specific authorization allowing the committe to post your thoughts. The legal department thanks you.)

THE "BOBBY" AWARDS

Presented for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Photo Submission

Presented by:

Adie and Ed Shaheen

And, The Winners are................

le Palme d'or -

Linda (Haney) Pearcy and Mary (Langan) Doyle for

"Two Friends in Dublin"

Ann (Turner) Olson for

"Ann and the King Crab"

For Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Costuming and Makeup

HRH Kathy Dunlay for

"Dibs on Bob Johnson"

and

Frank Hull and Barb Napoleone

for "Braids"

The People's Choice Awards

Marty Molidor

for "DA BUM"

Cha Cha (Faitel) Peterson for

"Super Model Cha"

The editorial board wishes to thank the countless number of classmates who through pure determination in mastering the art of attaching photos to their emails (some with the help of their children and grandchildren) made this all possible.

ROGER and JANE (LIND) GERAKIN

Building Homes and Images in Lake County

Thanks to Danny's personal letter it has been fun and so interesting to reconnect with high school classmates. Soon it will be face to face. I am looking forward to this reunion in the midst of many emotions.

Just a few lines about my life ... My husband, Roger Gerakin, and I have been married 32 years and live in Northern California just northeast of the Napa Valley. We have two children, Harp Ties (30) and Zeno (22). Harp and I both work at Best Image Marketing. She is the Product Manager for the Internet Division and I manage the Expertorial Dept.

Best Image Marketing began in 1983 with their Expertoria advertising service, building the professional images of leading real estate agents in newspapers nationwide. These services have now expanded to online newspapers and other community websites where a real estate agent can define themselves as the local "expert" of real estate in their market. Best Image released the first generation of the NUMBER1EXPERT online advertising service, designed exclusively for agents who outsell others. NUMBER1EXPERT went on to fuel record company growth that continues to this day. If you are interested you can see what we do at www.bestimage.com.

Zeno is in his last semester at UC Santa Cruz and also works for BIM part-time. Roger has invested in real estate for years, built and remodeled homes and created some beautiful woodworking. Right now Roger is building a house for Harp just down the road from us on a very steep slope that we call Mt. Kilimanjaro. Zeno helped with the framing this summer and Harp is planting deer-proof landscape. We love to travel and go to the tropics at least once a year spending much of our time hiking and bird-watching. Roger loves to sail, so some of our trips have been on a bare boat.Roger and I just spent the weekend on the coast in Elk for his birthday with Zeno and his girlfriend Aria who were also celebrating their third anniversary.

Harp made this hat out of ribbons and bows from my mother's presents for her 92nd birthday!

I wish everyone a safe trip and will see you soon in the Valley.

Jane (Lind) Gerakin
Middleton, CA

AILEEN BRUNO and DAUGHTER TYLER

"Perfect in Every Way"

I was an RN for a few years then got a Masters, which was relatively worthless, and then a Juris Doctor. My work as an attorney has been rather consuming. I have been in-house counsel doing litigation for Wellpoint for many years - Blue Cross of California is one of its subsidiaries.

I have been married for over thirty years and very busy like everyone else. My husband David Moll, MD, is an addictionologist and he still works (it is a rule) if I work he works. My daughter, Tyler is my only child, and of course perfect in every way. Now age 26, she is completing her masters in traditional Chinese medicine. She went to China on a fellowship after she finished her undergrad degree and taught English in a women's college. Ty was impressed with many things in China and came home after a year speaking Mandarin and changed her life course. This Master's (from Emperor's College in Santa Monica) takes 4 years with 4 quarters a yearit is more than another bloody undergraduate degree. Now she is checking out getting her doctorate focusing on infertility.

The one nice thing about her still being in school is that on Ty's breaks David, Ty and I have been able to take some nice vacations. (Most recently Prague and a Caribbean cruise). Ty helped me with the photo downloads, and I was worried that she may have gotten even for the photo I sent of her to her freshman dorm for identification - hair in rollers, greenmask, eating pizza and wearing leopard pajamas.

(Ed note: Ty was a dutiful daughter and sent this undoctored photo from the Caribbean vacation.)

I live in Camarillo, play golf at one of the local country clubs. My golf is nothing to discuss (it is somewhat schizophrenic: one never knows what type of golfer will appear). My handicap was in the low twenties the last time I looked, which was awhile ago.

I have two Chihuahuas which are highly entertaining.

Mary Seifert Dowling and I have kept up our friendship and she is fabulous. Wally Ernsdorf and I chat with each other a few times a year and his sense and style of humor has never abated. He never fails to make me laugh.

I have always been thankful that I went to Alemany. Life is good!

Aileen Bruno

Camarillo, CA

SENSATIONAL NEWS

In an email received this morning, Karen King shares this new information about a pending dediction for our dear departed classmate, Frank DelOlmo:

Dear Family/Friends/Colleagues:

It's official. Last night, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education approved the name for the newly constructed school currently known as Belmont New Elementary #6.

It's now going to be called Frank del Olmo Elementary School. District officials have informed me that it marks the first time an LAUSD school has been named for an LA Times journalist.

You are invited to the Naming Ceremony, which will be held at the school, Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. at 100 N. New Hampshire Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004.

Elected officials and the Mayor of Los Angeles have been invited to participate in the ceremony. LAUSD School Board Member Monica Garcia, in whose district the school is located, will serve as the emcee. The principal, Eugene Hernandez, will present a performance by the children of the school. And, acclaimed artist Richard Duardo, of Chicano Visions fame, has been commissioned to do a portrait of Frank that will hang at the school.

If you have further questions, contact:

Yonah Hong
LAUSD Community Outreach
1055 West 7th Street (9th Floor)
Los Angeles, CA 90017

(213) 893-6834(W)

(213) 276-2412(CP)

(213) 893-6827(F)

www.laschools.org www.lausd.net

Kathleen Gordon O'Riley

"If I Only Had Wings I Could Fly"

This picture was taken at our annual flight attendant retirement luncheon. I ended my 37 year, world wide adventure with American Airlines in March of this year. It was a wonderful journey and I would do it all again.

The first 10 years of flying was all fun, lived in NYC for a year, life in the fast lane, traveling all over on passes and discounts.

Then in 1978, I won some money on a game show Card Sharks, and decided it was time to buy a house. I found Camarillo one day, on a drive with a friend, it felt so right, I put my game show earnings down on my first house. My husband, to be, bought the house across the street. I married John at the San Fernando Mission in 1980, we have two sons, Patrick 23 and Michael 20. John was with LA City Fire so I flew on his days off and the boys got a fresh parent every couple of days. Our boys now live together in the Valley, Patrick has a degree in film and is researching and writing for a production company and Michael is at CSUN, a computer nerd with an Asian Studies minor, he hopes to go to school in Japan next year. John has also retired so we are redecorating our empty nest.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and went through all of the treatments, John was my rock and I am a survivor. Now I am now growing my hair back (bald was not a good look for me) and sleeping in my own bed every night, ah yes, life is good.

I am bringing my mom, 'Mrs. G' our typing teacher, to the reunion. She is 87 and still going strong. She lives in Leisure Village, just a short drive from my house. She is looking forward to seeing all of her old (but not too old) students.

Kathleen (Gordon) O'Riley
Camarillo, CA

Four Years Worth Of Memories
by
Frank Del Olmo and Adrienne Poirier

Chances are that as many Alemany Seniors go through the motions of this Sunday's graduation exercises, some of the thoughts that cross their mind will concern the many memories of events and people that made the Monarchs' four years here so great.

Remember Freshman year: Initiation by our Senior "big sisters" ... lights on the football field ... Frosh football team league champs ... Saints Alive - The Cure of Ars with PAM MERTENS as the devil ... April Foot Clash Day ... Basketball team undefeated in league, and into CIF playoffs ... Jan Seider, our Homecoming queen ... Mr. Diaz's early morning Science seminar ... JAN ZEMBA, our Penny Princess candidate ... Stage Door" ... "Carousel" ... Fr. Dummer and the start of the Alemany band ... SB presidents Sharon Wheeler and Bob Kinnaman ... Cheerleaders: KATHY ALBUS, SANDY SAVKO, KRIS GILMORE, and PAT SELLERS ... Officers: PAULA CARABELLI, JAY PELZER, KATHY ALBUS, JOE DISPENZA, PAT MARYON, TOM LOPEZ, DAVE SURGES, and MARTY MOLIDOR ... Moderators: Sr. Fredrica and Fr. Cunningham.

Then Sophomore year: "Irving Shmock" to the girls for losing the chocolate drive ... KKK Juniors as Big Sisters ... Death of President Kennedy ... victory in the interclass volleyball games ... Jeanne Hitchner, Homecoming queen ... PAT SELLERS, Penny candidate ... "Night Must Fall" ... "Guys and Dolls" ... The Beach Boys vs. The Beatles ... Championship track teams ... Frankie and Johnnie" with LIZ COLLINS, BRENDA BIAFORA, PEGGY JONES, and SUELLEN KELLER ... Homeroom No. 39, the FIRST with $100.00 in Mission collections ... The Shamrock Shuffle with Kasey Kasem and Terry Stafford ... SB prez. Art Golden and Sue Surges ... Cheerleaders: MARGIE ESPINOSA, KATHY BELL, and SHARON ANCELL ... Officers: MARTY MOLIDOR, PAULA CARABELLI, DAVE SURGES, TERRI ICARDO, KATHY ALBUS, TOM LOPEZ, and FRANK DEPASQUALE ... Moderators: Sr. Carmen Mary and Fr. Tona.

Junior year: Upperclassmen ... Block schedules ... Sophs our little sisters ... Ptomane Cave ... The Caf Boycott ... ILAP ... Mary's Day at Immaculate Heart ... The Wall at Mt. Sinai Temple and the "beanies" ... Luana Kawahara, Homecoming queen ... "The Valiant" ... "Visit to a Small Planet" ... The Mustang drive ... The POWWOW's editorials ... another track championship ... retreats at Manresa and Valyermo ... KATHY DUNLAY, Penny Candidate ... "Flower Drum Song" and the wild cast parties ... Fun and frolic (and flying bricks) in the Physics lab ... T.P. ... Getting our Senior rings ... Who was in the WFC? ... Junior Exclusive amid the bamboo and water fountains in the gym ... The sunbather at UCLA ... SB presidents Kathy Bazar and Bill Pelzer ... Cheerleaders: DIANE MOTTOLA, RITA DESIATO, KRIS GILMORE. MARY SEIFERT, and DIANE MANNEMANN ... Officers: PENNY MERTENS, REX OLLIFF, JACCI MAHONEY, DAVE SURGES, CHRIS BELLE, MARK SMITH, and WALLY ERNSDORF ... Moderators: Sr. Anne Elizabeth and Fr. Christiansen.

Finally our Senior year: blessing of our rings ... Senior sweater day ... Homecoming queen CHRIS BELLE, princesses KATHY DUNLAY, PAM LONGWORTH, TERRI ICARDO, TERRY ARTEAGA, and JUDY HAWKES ... Football team to Las Vegas ... DON SOBERG, BILL MERRIKEN, and the KRLApes game ... "The Diary of Anne Frank" ... Fr. Rath and his English-Religion questionnaire ... Superfox ... Geopolitics class ... Dominick's after the games ... The parking lot ... Red-hot baseball team ... SB presidents MARTY MOLIDOR and PENNY MERTENS ... "Hamlet" ... "Yojimbo" ... Senior Prom in Beverly Hills ... Prom Court: HELENE CROSS, JEAN ROTH, JACCI MOHONEY, JANE LIND, and KRIS GILMORE ... "South Pacific" ... Pep rallies ... "Vinnie" SALHOFF, "Dizzy" COFFEY, and "Buddy" DEL OLMO calling all the action on KMPC ... The Wabash Cannonball ... Frosh little sisters ... ANNE GATTUSO's pills ... KAREN KING's fat lip ... Christmas at the Music Center ... SAT test ... Cruisin" after school ... illegal excursions to Bob's ... The "Rock" ... Brlllo sope pads ... SDD ... SDD No.2 ... Cheerleaders: DIANE MOTTOLA, MARIE DELONZO, KATHI GIBSON, and MONIQUE LUSSIER ... mascots JUDY HAWKES and MONICA DE LA SANTOS ... Officers: PAM MERTENS, DAVE SURGES, MAGGIE CALABA, DANNY McMAHON, JOANN GUZZARDI, BOB JOHNSON, TERRY BOWLES ... moderators: Sr. Augustine and Fr. Wagner.

(Ed Note: Thanks to Linda Haney Pearcy for providing her copy of our last PowWow edition. Original spelling from the article was left intact.)

A QUICK NOTE FROM THE CO-EDITOR

In the flurry of activity, before the BIG BASH on the 28th, new blogs have been added in the last few days. They include the Pam (Longworth) Pelton's, Pat (Maryon) Critchfield, Ellie McConnaughy, Bobby Guerrero and Ariana Ramirez, Karen King and the Monique (Lussier) Padberg's.

Don't forget to scroll down and see all the new blogs!!!!!!!!!

THE MONIQUE (LUSSIER) PADBERG FAMILY - 2006

The True Story of Why Monique is "All Tuckered Out"

Since I got a scolding from Bob Johnson about being on the reunion committee and not sending a bio, I will attempt to give a short run down of the last 40 yrs since we graduated.

My biggest regret was not finishing college. In 1969 I married Guy Proto and we lived in Washington DC for the majority of his time in the Air Force. In 1973 we moved back to California and a year later we had a son, Jason. In 1979 we were divorced and I moved to Thousand Oaks in 1980 where I have lived since then. I love this area and life here is wonderful.

I worked for a time in interior design but then had to find work that actually paid enough to live on. I went to work for a financial investment company where I met my husband Skip. We have been married 22 yrs on Dec 1st. We have 4 kids between us. They are all amazing people and we are very proud of them.

Skip is manager of the Re/Max Gold Coast Realtors office in Thousand Oaks. After our marriage I opened a gift shop in Moorpark and did interior design, again, which I loved. After doing this for 12 yrs I got a little burned out and went into outside sales for a large showroom in the L.A. Mart. I had a great territory but the traveling got to me after 5 yrs and realized I wanted to be around more for my grandchildren.

Our first grandchildren were twin girls who are now 12 yrs old. Then in 2001 three of our kids had babies at the same time so we have 3 grandkids that are all 5 (which makes it feel like triplets when they are all together) and we have a 2-¬Ω yr old. The count is 4 girls 2 boys. Watching them grow is truly the most amazing thing in my life.

6 yrs ago I started my own business, All Tuckered Out. It is a line of kids and baby blankets that I have manufactured in L.A. and are sold all over the country through sales reps. I have a trademark on my special blanket for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. I haven't made my millions yet but I get great satisfaction from my designs and hearing how kids love their blankets from reps and from store buyers.

Having 6 grandchildren to bounce ideas off certainly helps. They are the love of our lives and we are lucky to have 4 who live minutes away. Our other two live in Oregon, which, at least is not all the way across the country, but we wish we could see them more.

My time at Alemany was certainly a time of growth for me. Being on the committee for our reunion has given me the opportunity to see people again I have not seen in years and to also reflect back on a time that helped shape me as a person.

Being able to read everyone's bios has been inspirational as so many have gone on to pursue their dreams and have such full and wonderful lives. What a gift it is to be able to share this all with each other. I feel incredibly blessed to have my family who I love and who has brought so much joy to my life. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone on Oct 28th. How can we cram 40 yrs of news into a few hours?? Let’s do this again in 5 yrs.

GO IRISH!

Monique has thrown down the gauntlet to all you Bruin and Trojan fans out there. Here is how she describes the weekend of October 21st (when she should have been doing her reunion committee work!)

It's 11:30 PM, I just arrived home from one of the most incredible football games I have ever been to in South Bend, watching the Irish beat UCLA in the last 20 seconds of the game. Even for people who aren't football fans, let me tell you the sound in that stadium...well I can't believe I can still hear!!. What a week end. There is something indescribeable that happens at Notre Dame Stadium. My husband, Skip, graduated from ND in 1962 and I have a nephew who graduated 2 yrs ago and another who is in his freshman year and he took us all over. What fun!!! Don't even get my husband started on talking about ND. My brother in law also lives in South Bend and runs the hospice program there.He's an amazing man. Unless you go and experience it you just don't know how special it is. What a week end!!!! I have no voice today Ha Ha.

Monique (Lussier) Padberg

Newbury Park, CA

KAREN KING

My Life and Times:

Where Did Those 40 Years Go?

(Pictured above: Frank's daughter, Valentina del Olmo, received her MSW from UCLA in June of 2005. Her Aunt Lisa Garcia (Frank's sister) and her Mom (Karen King, Class of '66) share the proud moment. Karen said, "We know that Frank was standing with us. You just can't see him." )

I have so enjoyed reading the bios and blogs from my classmates. The lives, loves and accomplishments described are truly amazing. I am honored and humbled to be part of such an interesting, intelligent, and professionally diverse group of high school classmates. As a reunion committee member I have been asked to submit my own bio, and threatened with lifetime detention if I don’t, so here goes.

I have several college degrees and certifications and have used that training to support myself through the years. I have an AA degree in Child Development, a BA degree in Child Development, a BA degree in Mexican-American Studies, and a Paralegal Certificate in Litigation from the UCLA Paralegal Training Program.

From 1970 to 1982 I was married to our classmate, Frank del Olmo. During those years, Frank helped to establish the Chicano Studies Department at CSUN and began his lifelong career at the Los Angeles Times. As a journalist he covered riots, wars, immigration issues (we’ve come full circle on that problem), bilingual education, and gang problems in the barrios of LA. There were days when he wore a bulletproof vest under his dress shirt. That was an exciting, often scary, very intense period of my life and has left me with a few interesting stories about people met and places seen.

Frank and I had one child, Valentina, who currently lives in Long Beach and works at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center as a psychiatric social worker. She is accruing the 3200 supervised hours that she needs to enable her to take her licensing exam. Her goal is to become certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Eventually she would like to relocate to the Bay Area and work at Stanford, her alma mater.

I have lived my entire life in California. Cities include Northridge, San Fernando, Echo Park, Silverlake, Glendale, Menlo Park, and Mountain View. My favorite place to live was Menlo Park. I have traveled to various cities in England; Paris, France; and Mexico City.

I like to read and am always asking for book recommendations. Time permitting I like to crochet, do cross stitch projects, and knit. I can easily spend way too much time and money in bookstores and yarn shops. I enjoy a well-made movie, almost any type of musical concert, and community theatre. Valentina and I like to visit antique stores. She has an interest in old glass and pottery. I collect old glass, pottery and metal shoes. They are inexpensive and I always have something to look for when we go antiquing. My best find was a souvenir shoe from the 1893 World Exposition in Chicago – the world fair written about in “The Devil in the White City”.

I am currently looking for a way to exercise that does not aggravate arthritic knees. It is those arthritic knees that remind me that I am 58 years old and, indeed, 40 years have passed since that graduation day in 1966.

(Ed Note: Karen sent this additional message on October 25, 2006:

"I found out over the weekend that LAUSD is naming a school after Frank. I believe the dedication is Nov. 1. I am trying to get more info. Apparently the school chosen for this honor was used in the filming of the movie "Godzilla" and they are also putting a plaque at the school to recognize that. To a person, the family thinks that somewhere Frank is having a good laugh about the whole thing.")

Karen King

Northridge, CA