The Cap and Gown Reflects

Striving for the stars AT MAPLEHURST?

Sun, 2 Aug 2009 13:34:02 -0700

Okay, I confess I’m practicing for the big reunion! Any dancers out there? It’s only a few weeks away so get those boogie shoes out and start stretching!

Several of my friends told me I should put this video up so I figured what the heck. This was the result of a performance class I took two summers ago. My partner, David, (all of twenty something) is now an instructor. I lucked out getting him as my partner when both of us showed up to the first class as singles. We practiced for three months before the actual performance, originally done with a big group at another studio I was taking lessons at.

KEEP ON DANCING!

A tribute to the JHs class of 1969

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 12:46:07 -0700

July 10th marks the 40th reunion of my cronies from JHS. Floods of memories come to mind as I think of all the years I spent with many of them in elementary and junior high school. Wishing i was headed back “home” to join the fun, It only seems fitting I should recall a few of those connections.

The first that comes into focus was the daily walk, with neighborhood girls, to Lincoln Jr. High. (Thank God we could walk to school in those days!) The trail started on Royal Ave. at Chris Nelson’s.

She picked me up and we would head down Harding to catch Sue Curtis, Shari Guiltnan, and our affectionately known “Pipsqueak” Marsha Wallgren near the corner of Stewart. We then lugged our bookstraps up Lakin where Sandy Larson would join in and lead us along side her garage and through a shortcut to Catlin where Cathy Farnham and Bev Swanson would join the pack. (SalLee Hitchcock would usually catch up with us somewhere in between). By now we were singing all the latest tunes, complete with the “VRoom-VRroom” chorus in “Leader of the Pack,” to the accompaniment of our very cool transistor radios. (Was it WJOC we synchronized to?) Next, we headed over Third St. and through a short cut to pick up Angela Vullo and Judy Kroon. A few minutes later we were meeting up with all our buddies from Persell Elementary (? sp.) giggling and discussing everything from study notes, to Pee Coats, to after school activities.

We had so much fun in those days. The Tastee Freeze was our summer hang out and Allen Park Ice Rink was our second home in the winter. (I wonder if Sue Garvey and Sal Lee still have their racers?) Of course there were also the school dances at the Teen Center in the lower section of the YWCA. They were short lived but I’m still scared by a certain someone’s invitation asking me if I wanted to dance and when I blushingly, and heart throbbingly, said “yes” told me to, “Go ask someone!” How did we survive some of those mean spirited junior high days?

The Teen Center at the YWCA

The answer, of course, was friendship! The cat fights turned out beloved sorority sisters, and the dating games were most often laughed at in the lyrics of “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry If I Want To!” By the way, do you remember the King of the 45’s, Denny Joanethis? He had every mylar ever spun, I’m sure. (We miss you, King!) And when he wasn’t spinning we were being entertained by his cousins, John, Junior, and Dave singing “Old Stuball Was a Racehorse” at the Lincoln Talent Show or Debby Benson’s wreck-room parties. And of course, who can forget dancing the Soupy Sails with Donn Johnston, or the night one of our unnamed goofballs put a bean in his ear incited by the song “DON’T Put Beans in Your Ears.” (Yes, he had to go to the hospital to have it removed.)

Ahh! The memories. I sure wish I could be in Jamestown this weekend to drop in and see all those mentioned above and many more whose faces come to mind. Patty Cusimano and Bruce Horn, I am depending on you to say hello to everyone for me and to give each of them a big hug for me. 45 years is way too long to be apart!!!!! I would love it, too, if you could take some pictures and email them to me. It’d be fun to post them on this site!

CHEERS to the JHS CLASS of ‘69!

Summer is here!

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:13:08 -0700

The June gloom is finally clearing out here in San Diego and mango margaritas are marking the blenders. That means summer has arrived! The morning overcast that lasts until midday in May and June is burned out and the bright California sun (responsible for all those California girls the Beach Boys used to sing about) is doing its tanning wonders. Unfortunately, for those of us 69er’s, the wrinkles are also touting the sun’s wonders.

As I drive by Mission Bay and see all the water activities in full suit, I can’t help but think of the days we spent skiing on Chautauqua Lake semi-lathered up in Sea ‘n Ski. (Do they even make that lotion anymore?)

My dad contributed to our fun when he purchased a used, 15 foot run-about that provided hours of exercising entertainment once we headed out of Celeron to join those of you with real boats up in Lakewood. (I distinctly remember having mahogany, inboard/outboard, Chris Craft envy. Was it Bruce’s or Lynn’s, or both? They were sweet!) Of course, my most memorable moment was the day my brother and I had nearly approached Lakewood Beach when an electrical storm bolted out of nowhere. We somehow managed to drop anchor and swim to shore just short of being burnt toast. I was never so afraid in my life. And I never new a little boat could hold so much water to be bailed out, either. Yikes. What fun?

So... are we planning any water events for our 40th? I’m not sure how many will be willing to sport a bikini these days, and I pray no one would be willing to don a Speedo, but it sure would be fun to see the old stomping grounds from off shore! Hey are those fireworks I hear in the background?

School’s out for summer!

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:56:12 -0700

Yea! School’s out for summer! Though the song didn’t come out until a few years after we graduated (1972), who can’t identify with the lyrics?

Today was my last day with students. It’s always a day of mixed blessing for teachers! Summer begins as a few tears trickle down the cheeks saying good-bye to those adorable faces you worked so hard to educate. Hopefully, something will remain. It might just be a memory of playing the Dating Game (my second graders above) or it might be looking forward to a summer of dating preceeded by events kindled at the graduation party at Maplehurst and an all-nighter on the beach in Erie. Either way, the memories are worth a rewind to recall great times and to stir some interest in reconnecting with old classmates sharing their stories. Enjoy the few recollections this site hopefully triggers, and get that invitation to our reunion in the mail with a check, QUICK! I, for one, can’t wait to see you in August! It’s been way too long!

Bottle of Wine...

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:55:52 -0700

Today we had record breaking temperatures in San Diego - the thermometer outside my classroom was registering 99 degrees at our 2:10 dismissal bell. - Unheard of for this time of year.

Sitting here awaiting the predicted cooling off period (supposedly this evening), I couldn’t help but consider sipping a cool glass of white wine. Maybe a little music to accompany it, too. Aha . . . memories flame again . . .

Remember those beloved 45’s alongside a bottle of Strawberry Hill? It was probably the source of the first wine hangover most of us encountered as we approached the legal age of 18. Oo-oo! Nasty! (Funny - I just had a flashback to the Pastime’s dance floor. Wonder if there is a connection there?)

I’ve matured a bit now in my connisseuring tastes; “Two Buck Chuck’s” (aka Charles Shaw’s) Cabernet sold exclusively at Trader Joe’s is now my bottle of choice, followed by a close second in the bright orange label, Yellow Tail Merlot. Hey, come on! One needs to be frugal as she approaches retirement age.

In my pursuit of an image of Boones Farm beverages I ran across the following recipe. I dare anyone to put it on buffet table August 22nd!

High School Party Punch

1 bottle Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill
1 bottle Boone's Farm Strawberry Margarita
1 bottle Boone's Farm Strawberry Daiquiri
1 bottle Boone's Farm Fuzzy Navel
1 bottle Boone's Farm Orange Hurricane
1 bottle Boone's Farm Wild Island
1 bottle Boone's Farm Melon Ball
1 bottle Boone's Farm Mango Grove

Measure the Boone's using a 16 ounce Solo cup; portion a flavor by filling the cup up to the first ring inside. Add this portioned amount to an empty 32 ounce Gatorade bottle. Repeat the process until all colors flavors are represented in the mixing bottle.

Blend the ingredients by rocking the bottle back and forth. Be sure to do this gently since Boone's is carbonated else you'll end up with a nice shower.

CHEERS!

Mashed Potato at Lakewood drive-IN?

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 23:03:35 -0700

As I’m sitting here watching KPBS’ very entertaining “DOO-WOP” special I couldn’t help but be reminded of one of my favorite dances of the 60’s - none other than the “Mashed Potato.”

I think we should seriously consider having it be at least a contender for the official dance of our 40th.

If you don’t remember the foot stomper, the above photo and “youtube” link should refresh your memory. The photo should also stir up a flood of memories surrounding the Lakewood Drive-In. Weren’t those the same hot dogs dancing on screen during intermission?

Okay, the valentine couples would probably have no idea (they were parked somewhere out in the back forty sucking lips), but for those of us actually watching the flick, I’m sure the “hots” were quite literally steaming up our windows.

Sharon reminded me of how we would assemble in the Jamesway parking lot to pile into someone’s trunk before heading through the admission gate next door. It significantly reduced the fee. (Hm! Maybe we should rekindle some of that genius now that our 401 K’s are about the size of our 60’s income).

Once in, the real challenge began - finding a window speaker (the ancient predecessor of today’s mini headset) that worked without static drowning out the dialogue. Ouch!

Ahh-h! The memories. I think I’ll go mash potato my way to the kitchen to make some popcorn to go along with my Doo-Wop entertainment. It’s intermission and I don’t have any “dogs.” Besides, I need all the exercise I can get at this old age!

Yamaha couples

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:08:01 -0800

Who can forget the exhaust pipe leg burns of the late 60’s? How many girls snuggled up to their honeys on the back of a Yamaha or Honda only to sport a 3rd degree burn bandage soaked in Neosporin to prove their adventurous love?

Hmm! I think the real burn usually came later when Cupid plunged his arrow into a rival beauty, and bachelor #1 was off chasing bachelorette #2 while bachelorette #1 was on a family vacation to see her grandmother. The exhaust was usually quite steamy after those rides! Class rings even exchanged fingers to announce the betrayal!

Just for fun, let’s try this Valentine quiz . . . Can you match the names of Cupid’s long standing couples within the class of ’69?

Debbie Alan
Pam S. Tom
Sharon Brian
Terri Chuck
Mary Ann Brian
Sue Craig
Wendy Jimmy
Pam M. Rick
Cathy Larry
Pam S. Too many to list?
Debbie Jack

Now for the real challenge . . .

Who is still together?

Who did I miss?

Who will be speaking at the reunion?
(I can’t wait to find out!)

Who will be ready with pitchfork in hand?
:-)

Happy Valentine’s Day! Make your love count!

Happy New Year!

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:37:01 -0800

Wow! 2008 is closing and our 40th year out of high school is RUSHING in. Can you believe it?

My only new year’s resolution is the same each year - don’t make any resolutions! So far it’s proven quite successful. I must admit, though, I am resolved to do my best to stir up some excitement for our 40th reunion on August 22nd.

I’ve only been back to Jamestown twice since I left in 1975. The first visit was a month after my mom died (and almost a year to date after my dad’s death) in 2000 when I got a call saying my brother, Al, was in the hospital paralyzed from his neck down due to a bum landing on a trampoline at a friend’s house. (Just what makes us think we can do back drops in our late 40’s like we could in high school???) After some serious prayer, I’m happy to report he is fully recovered and the surgeon’s prognosis that he had less than one per cent chance of ever moving again proved unreliable. He’s living in Atlanta and owns a security business. The second visit was about five years ago when I flew back for a wedding in Buffalo. Unlike San Diego, Jamestown has a sweet comfort in it’s commitment to resist too much change over the years. It will always be home to me even though I have no family to claim there any longer.

Fortunately, “family” has the ability to surface when you least expect it - especially over the holidays. The “Hut Family” showed up behind by my cyber screen just this past week. Tom Hutchinson dropped by with a few photos of the born again Hut, AKA the Camel (CAML) Lodge. Recognize any of these familiar faces?

The boys wanted to revise the memories of “our” beloved Hut so twelve of them purchased a property in Panama and . . . voila . . .

the new CAML (Chautauqua Area Men’s Lodge).

Tom reports half of the guys left for various reasons over the years and there are now only six current lodge members. Hm-m! I wonder if they will be renting rooms the week of August 22nd?

Maybe we should have a contest for those living outside the city limits to guess who the current members are? (Winner gets a quart of Iron City Beer! - Do they still make that stuff?)

Have a happy and safe new year gratefully recounting days gone by, and counting down the days till we meet again next summer!!! CHEERS!

California turkey is basking in the sun

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:02:34 -0800

Is anyone else feeling aghast that it’s only a couple of weeks until Thanksgiving? Where did the year go? (Funny how every year seems to be a “leap” year the older we get!)

It was 90 degrees here in San Diego today - a Santa Anna (hot winds blowing in from the desert) was in full force extending not only the summer season, but also conditions to fuel the fires - quite literally!

As I watched the Chargers playing Sunday in the November, Pittsburgh snow I decided I’d better not complain. (About the weather that is - not the score!) SNOW???

I suppose many of you are gearing up for a holiday with family, and looking forward to the mini reunion Dale has put together for the Thanksgiving weekend. I wish I could be there, but I will be attending the West Coast Swing U.S. Open in Anaheim that weekend. The plans were made nearly a year ago or I would have made every effort to join you. You will be in my thoughts, though, with much gratitude for the God given friendships begun in high school and ready to be renewed 40 years later.

Happy Thanksgiving from Gabby and I!

(Oh, almost forgot. - She has had a miraculous recovery from her knee replacement surgery and should be a life long companion, according to the vet. Another reason I am very thankful!!! Are you counting all your blessings?)

ELK kissing vs. cow tipping?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:46:21 -0700

“I miss my kitty!”

Three weeks ago I made the BIG decision to adopt a cat. (Yes, I have been single WAY too many years! - Proof is that the decision to adopt was accompanied by a lifetime commitment to taking Zyrtec!)

As I prayed for God’s leading to the purr-fect kitty, I was soon to discover the SPCA missed a serious ailment with my “Gabby!” It required me to release her back to the humane society (ten days after a total, bonding, love affair) for surgery of the kneecap. The success of that surgery (and the decision to keep her alive) is still pending. Needless to say I have been through quite a spiritual challenge the last few weeks!

My poor little “Gabby Girl” with her pink cast!

Tonight, as I was leaving the Elks Club with some member friends, I was overcome with the desire to pet, and kiss, the entryway Elk. All I could say was, “I miss my kitty!”

While processing the moment of grief, some strange memory of cow tipping quickly came to mind. (Come on, you guys! You remember Ron buying the beer and heading out into greener pastures with a spotlight mounted overhead!)

My friends had never heard of cow tipping and laughed rather suspiciously, as I explained. (I guess it would be rather difficult to imagine such a pastime if you hadn’t really experienced the fields of Busti on a boring, high school, Saturday night.)

In any case, it serves as just one more lane to stroll down on August 22, 2009! I might have a little more compassion for those cow victims though, now that I pray for my Gabby Girl’s successful recovery!

By the way, spotlights will not be permitted on cars or trucks anywhere near the Maplehurst parking lot, the night of our reunion! Come early though. The spaces will be limited!

Are you Ready for some football?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:37:50 -0700

For those of us living way outside the city limits, the new football field is quite a site to behold. The trojan horse may not like it, though . . . artificial turf instead of fresh grass? Then again, it may roll over it a bit easier. (Does the horse even make it out to pasture these days?)

The cooler, fall, football temps can’t help but usher in a few memories of those games at the old athletic field. For some reason, I remember the popularity of wearing cozy, plaid ponchos to keep us warm while rooting for the touchdowns. I think my mom actually made one for me out of a soft, red, wool blanket.

Some of you are probably remembering “listening” to the game while smooching along Robin Hood Trail, rather than recalling attire. (Is the trail still there with all the new construction?) Others probably have memories of marching to big band sounds and/or fixating on a blazing baton.

You were quite impressive, Linda!

Maybe we should plan a “field trip” next August when we’re all together! I’d like a behind the scenes tour to be included! - I never did know where that horse was bedded down in the off season.

let’s cheer! We’ve got a date!

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:00:29 -0700

It’s official . . . Terri Toter (aka Terri Bartholomew) has booked Saturday, August 22, 2009 at Maplehurst Country Club for our BIG 40th reunion! Thank you, Terri!

Dale said a note will be going out to everyone shortly to confirm the date, and a meeting to plan the details will take place after Christmas. All volunteers, raise your hands!

I AM EXCITED! HOW ABOUT YOU?
(Sharon, do you still have a spare room available? I’m already planning on coming a week early!)

We are going to have some fun catching up on all those old hut stories. And, of course, I’m sure I will be reminded of the notorious party I had when I had to call my mom and dad to come home because it had been announced on a Warren radio station and was getting a “little” out of control. (Anyone remember my mom making you drink coffee before you left? Or were you too busy being counseled by my dad on the consequences of getting into a fight after throwing eggs at passing cars? ) . . . Oh, by the way, just who was it that was out on the porch sipping Bud from my mother’s crystal punch bowl when she got home? I never did hear the end of that one!

The punch bowl survived, thank goodness, and is now in my dining room hutch hoping it will survive the California “Big One” whenever it arrives. Dad survived until 2000 when he had a stroke on their 51st wedding anniversary (age 89), and mom joined him in Heaven a year later (age 84) while undergoing open heart surgery. They really did enjoy having all the kids over!

Let’s be sure to toast Dottie and Jack, and all our parents who survived US, at our grand 40th soiree!

Start spreading the news and watching those airline fares to grab a special, soon!!! I’ll be looking for you!

We’ve Come a long Way, Baby!

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 00:54:46 -0700

The difference between hockey moms and pitbulls might be lipstick, but the difference between the political platforms of the 60’s and the ... hm-m, what do we call this era - the 00’s? ... is dramatic! I happened to stumble upon this bit of trivia and was stunned: “The picture to the left shows the first teacher allowed to teach pregnant (and showing) in Clear Creek School District. It was the end of 1968.”

Shocking isn’t it? In our day, women were fighting to teach while pregnant and now we have a female with a family running on the VP ticket. It’s probably my conservative bent, but I say to Palin, “You go, girl!” (And I’ll be praying for strength for her husband!)

Now if this doesn’t stir up some comments, I’ll really be surprised! :-)
Come on, 69er’s, let’s hear from some of you!

Look out Michael Phelps!

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:07:12 -0700

Okay, this entry has nothing to do with our class, but I hope it causes you to reflect and feel a bit thankful, and inspired. It is Sunday, after all, and most of us have been in some kind of competition that would cause us to appreciate this incredible story.

Please meet 6’6,” lean and “mean” Kendall Bailey whose fans proudly don his picture on T-shirts that boast “Taste my bubbles!” Kendall is the son of some dear friends of mine from church. He holds the American and Pan-American records in the 100 meter breaststroke, and is currently rated in the top ten world champions for his class. He will be competing for the gold medal on September 10th in the Beijing Paralimpics.

What makes Kendall really special is that he swam the 100 meet with a qualifying time of 1 minute 15 seconds (the world record is 1:10) in spite of two major handicaps: autism and cerebral palsy. After a long struggle with some coaches trying to get him disqualified, he will be leaving with the American team this coming Wednesday for training in Japan, and then onto Beijing for the final competition.

These pictures were taken today at his going away party.

Kendall’s whole story was written up in the New York Times and can be read at the following link:
Kendall’s Story

I guarantee it is worth pouring a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea and taking a few minutes to enjoy the read!!! It can’t help but cause you to say an extra prayer for your kids and grandkids and to believe all things are possible!

Go Kendall!

Varsity ‘69ers inspire American Dream team!

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:02:27 -0700

There is little doubt the Men’s American Olympic “Dream Team” got its inspiration from our beloved varsity Trojans . . . Compare moves (and the crowd) for Heaven’s sake . . .
See what I mean?

These young, new guys had to have snuck a peek into our old Centralians before they strategically planned this jump shot against the contending Chinese dribblers! I’m sure of it! Even their uniforms smack replication of our guys’ best attire donned as sophs.

Note the stylish, scoop-neck, tank top and slenderizing waist band that’s still seen in today’s “sport-court” fashions. Of course, the latest baggie pant look doesn’t do half justice to the short-shorts that our guys flaunted up and down the shiny hardwood. If you’ve got the legs, show ‘em!, right boys? Hey, if nothing else those knees are a good distraction when the score is down.

Hmm! I wonder how many teammates can still fit into their sexy gym suits? Those slimming waist bands were elastic as I recall, so probably all of them! ;-)

GO TEAM, GO! (To the big reunion, that is!)

Gas prices now and then!

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 18:58:59 -0700

Whoopee! San Diego has seen yet another one cent drop in gas prices for the eighteenth day in a row. That brings us to a low $4.09 a gallon - at the cheap station.

Do you remember what we paid for a gallon when we filled our tanks to head out to Lake Erie State Park on prom night?

(Wait a minute. Did WE even fill them up? If memory serves me correctly, I think an attendant serviced us back then).

If the the stats below are accurate, we paid just a bit more for a WHOLE TANK, that evening, than San Diegans paid at the highest average price ($4.63) PER GALLON of regular SELF SERVE this summer. Good grief!

Of course, prices were even lower during the gas war of the late 60’s. I remember taking my dad’s full power-steering, bronzey-brown, Buick Invicta to the bright orange Minute Man station on Fairmount Ave. when prices were only 16.9 cents a gallon. Not only have prices changed since then, but so has the definition of a “gas war.”

Here’s a few other stats I thought you might find interesting.

1969 Economy / Prices
Economy
President: Richard M. Nixon
Vice President: Spiro T. Agnew

Population: 202,676,946
Life expectancy: 70.5 years

Dow-Jones
High: 952
Low: 769

Federal spending: $183.64 billion
Federal debt: $365.8 billion
Inflation: 5.7%
Consumer Price Index: 36.7
Unemployment: 3.6%

Prices
Cost of a new home: $27,900.00
Cost of a new car: $
Median Household Income: $8,389.00
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.06
Cost of a gallon of regular gas: $0.35
Cost of a dozen eggs: $0.62
Cost of a gallon of Milk: $1.10

We won’t be short on topics for conversation come our 40th, will we?

Rock’n roll - not just music of the 60’s!

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:10:21 -0700

“Whoa!” was the sentiment most of us living in Southern California expressed this morning about 11:45, as we began feeling the pulsating beat of Mother Nature tuning up. The shyest of dancers were moving to the rhythm - as excitedly as we could move to “Proud Mary,” in some cases, I’m sure.

The choreography, for me, began with a split second freeze as I wondered, “Ut oh, is this an...” and upon the next few seconds of walls shaking, windows rattling, and a flash of panic directing my steps, I realized ... “Yes, it’s an EARTHQUAKE! Get to a doorway!” A most unsettling, powerless experience that brings a “rush” unlike any of the music our generation listened to!

When the rock ‘n roll was over I called my cousin who lives very near where the epicenter was reported (5.8 on the Richter Scale - a significant one!). Surprisingly, they only lost a nicknack in the rumble. The pool was sloshing as vigorously as their heartbeats, but, for the size of the quake, there was minimal damage. Good news.

The whole ordeal got me to thinking about “Rock’n Roll,” and wondering what the top songs of ’69 were. I found this reminder on the internet:

Top 100 Hits of 1969/Top 100 Songs of 1969

1. Aquarius, Fifth Dimension
2. Sugar, Sugar, Archies
3. I Can't Get Next To You, Temptations
4. Honky Tonk Women, Rolling Stones
5. Build Me Up Buttercup, Foundations
6. Dizzy, Tommy Roe
7. Hot Fun In The Summertime, Sly and The Family Stone
8. I'll Never Fall In Love Again, Tom Jones
9. Everyday People, Sly and The Family Stone
10. Get Together, Youngbloods
11. One, Three Dog Night
12. Crystal Blue Persuasion, Tommy James and The Shondells
13. Hair, Cowsills
14. Too Busy Thinking About My Baby, Marvin Gaye
15. Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet, Henry Mancini and His Orch.
16. Crimson And Clover, Tommy James and The Shondells
17. Grazin' In The Grass, Friends Of Distinction
18. Suspicious Minds, Elvis Presley
19. Proud Mary, Creedence Clearwater Revival
20. What Does It Take (To Win Your Love), Jr. Walker and The All Stars
21. It's Your Thing, Isley Brothers
22. Sweet Caroline, Neil Diamond
23. Jean, Oliver
24. Bad Moon Rising, Creedence Clearwater Revival
25. Get Back, The Beatles
26. In The Year 2525, Zager and Evans
27. Spinning Wheel, Blood, Sweat and Tears
28. Baby, I Love You, Andy Kim
29. Going In Circles, Friends Of Distinction
30. Hurt So Bad, Lettermen
31. Green River, Creedence Clearwater Revival
32. My Cherie Amour, Stevie Wonder
33. Easy To Be Hard, Three Dog Night
34. Baby It's You, Smith
35. In The Ghetto, Elvis Presley
36. A Boy Named Sue, Johnny Cash
37. Baby, Baby Don't Cry, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
38. Only The Strong Survive, Jerry Butler
39. Time Of The Season, Zombies
40. Wedding Bell Blues, Fifth Dimension
41. Little Woman, Bobby Sherman
42. Love (Can Make You Happy), Mercy
43. Good Morning Starshine, Oliver
44. These Eyes, The Guess Who
45. You've Made Me So Very Happy, Blood, Sweat and Tears
46. Put A Little Love In Your Heart, Jackie DeShannon
47. Do Your Thing, Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
48. I'd Wait A Million Years, The Grass Roots
49. Touch Me, The Doors
50. More Today Than Yesterday, Spiral Starecase
51. I've Gotta Be Me, Sammy Davis Jr.
52. Lay Lady Lay, Bob Dylan
53. Atlantis, Donovan
54. Traces, Dennis Yost and The Classics IV
55. It's Getting Better, Mama Cass Elliot
56. This Magic Moment, Jay and The Americans
57. Run Away Child, Running Wild, Temptations
58. Hawaii Five-O, Ventures
59. Galveston, Glen Campbell
60. I'm Gonna Make You Mine, Lou Christie
61. Gitarzan, Ray Stevens
62. Can I Change My Mind, Tyrone Davis
63. Time Is Tight, Booker T and The MG's
64. This Girl's In Love With You, Dionne Warwick
65. Color Him Father, Winstons
66. Black Pearl, Sonny Charles and The Checkmates, Ltd.
67. Indian Giver, 1910 Fruitgum Company
68. Mother Popcorn (Part I), James Brown
69. Twenty-five Miles, Edwin Starr
70. Things I'd Like To Say, New Colony Six
71. When I Die, Motherlode
72. That's The Way Love Is, Marvin Gaye
73. Everybody's Talkin', Nilsson
74. Worst That Could Happen, Brooklyn Bridge
75. Chokin' Kind, Joe Simon
76. Smile A Little Smile For Me, Flying Machine
77. Polk Salad Annie, Tony Joe White
78. Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town, Kenny Rogers and The First Edition
79. Games People Play, Joe South
80. You Showed Me, Turtles
81. Come Together, The Beatles
82. Oh, What A Night, Dells
83. Something, The Beatles
84. This Girl Is A Woman Now, Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
85. Tracy, Cuff Links
86. Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon, Paul Revere and The Raiders
87. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me, Diana Ross and The Supremes
88. I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Marvin Gaye
89. Gimme Gimme Good Lovin', Crazy Elephant
90. Hang 'Em High, Booker T and The MG's
91. Your Good Thing (Is About To End), Lou Rawls
92. Baby I'm For Real, Originals
93. You Showed Me, Turtles
94. Love Me Tonight, Tom Jones
95. Ramblin' Gamblin' Man Bob, Seger System
96. Laughing, The Guess Who
97. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me), David Ruffin
98. Soul Deep, Box Tops
99. Hooked On A Feeling, B.J. Thomas
100. Sweet Cream Ladies, Box Tops

Guess we have a selection of dance tunes ready to go for our big 4-0!
Any requests? ;-)

piercings and tatoos

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:46:35 -0700

My dad always said, “Grass doesn’t grow on a busy street.” He was referring to his shiny, smooth head, and well-read intellect, of course. I wonder how many “69ers” could now concur? I guess we’ll see at our 40th!

Today, all the rage amongst teens seems to be tatooing. A friend of mine recently shared how her grandson is now in the process of moving to his first apartment because he directly disobeyed his dad’s mandate that there would be no tatoos while living under his roof. The “Whoops, I’m sorry!” excuse wasn’t going to cut it this time.

I nearly had a similar charge during my sophomore year at SWCS. Piercing (ears, that is) was the latest rage back then. My mom had shown me a darling set of 14k gold and pearl, pierced earrings that belonged to her grandmother. I was convinced they would be much more fashionable, and practical, to sport than the, then popular, slip on model all of us girls were wearing. (You know, the ones shaped like a “U” with a large sized, fake pearl on one end and a smaller sized one on the other). She told me I would have to get my dad’s permission, though, before getting any piercings done.

My dad promptly responded that only “barbarians” had their ears pierced, and there would be none of that under our roof. The best debate I could muster wouldn’t even be entertained. The answer was, “NO!”

Now, as every manipulative teenager knows, the word “NO!” usually can be worked around. I simply reasoned. What could my dad really do if I came home with holes in my ears? He wouldn’t kick me out - I was only a high school sophomore for heaven’s sake. And, once I had the holes there was no going back. They would at least look better with cute little pearls hiding them.

The next thing I knew, Rhonda, Cheyanne, Diane and I were boiling pots of water, sterilizing needles and wincing in agony while freezing our earlobes with ice cubes. (I still chuckle at how petite, little Cheyanne had the toughest lobes. I had to yell for a thimble to help me push the needle through her’s). Mission accomplished!

I will never forget my dad’s reaction! He was not a man of violence. And reason almost always directed his gentle temperament. But not this time!!!

I was sitting in a corner chair doing my homework when I boldly smiled and invited him to look at my new earrings. He exploded . . . kicking my books across the living room floor and yelling, “I told you NOT to get your ear’s pierced!” Then he stormed upstairs to see what part my poor, innocent mom might have played in this caper. (She assured him she was not to blame and that I had snuck the earrings out of her drawer).

The next day things calmed down a bit and my dad, feeling more remorse about his reaction than I did about my disobedience, bought me a pair of cheap Cameo’s that I treasure to this day.

I can honestly say I’m glad only EAR piercing was the rage in our day. With today’s style and my sassy 60’s attitude I’d probably be having to get a sagging tatoo lift (from who knows where) before our reunion next year!!!

time for lunch!

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:31:57 -0700

I would guess most of us remember the cafeteria at our old alma mater. Lunch was the highlight of the day. Not because of the food - it was terrible by most standards. And not because it was a much needed break from classes. Nope! It was, in fact, gossip central!

The lunch table was much more a home base than “Homeroom” was, as I recall. Where you sat, and who you sat with, nearly held a social hierarchy all its own. There was the nerd table, the party kids’ table, the popular kids’ table, the jocks’ table, etc.

You might shift tables once in awhile if something major occurred at your home base. That usually revolved around who was having a crush on who, and who was jealous of who, as a result. There were also those delightfully entertaining cat fights that might start the musical chair game. But for the most part, your lunch buddies were just that - your buddies.

One of my table buddies was Rhonda Bowles. She passed away last year from lung cancer. I am so glad I was able to see her about a year before that to share some of those lunch stories that will forever leave their memories in tow. (Rhonda, you will be missed at the 40th!).

I can only remember one time when an actual food fight occurred in the lunchroom. I don’t recall who started it , but a few tables of guys were involved. The rest of us howled and ducked in disbelief as overcooked peas whizzed by, slamming against the walls. What a mess they had to clean!

Pam (Martin) Wilson was kind enough to send me the following 1950’s memorabilia. It’s a good reminder of what we wished was in the cafeteria menu. (Surely a selection less enticing to throw). How do you think the choices measure up in the low carb vs. high protein diet debate?!

the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog!

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:27:54 -0700

Today I spent an hour in the Apple store for my “One to One” training to accomplish . . . absolutely nothing!

Some of you may be enjoying your new iPhone G3 but for the rest of us Mac users its recent release has resulted in some serious inconveniences. For days, I have been trying to retrieve and download the new software for “MoblieMe” that will allow me to successfully publish this web blog with a spot for comments. Still no luck!

Of course, I guess inconveniences are relative when considering life in high school with NO COMPUTERS. Remember spending hours typing reports - and retyping them when a mistake was made that white-out couldn’t fix? I thought I’d never get through typing by Master’s project for that very reason.

I learned to type at SWCS. My dad issued a command that I would take typing whether I wanted to or not - it was going to be necessary to know for the future! I rolled my eyes back then, but am ever so grateful, now, that dad knew best.

I’m even more grateful for the memories of Larry Ammons cracking me up all through typing class. We were seated next to each other at the back of the class, probably because both of our last names began with “A.” Larry had a quiet, but timely sense of humor. (I think we were usually making fun of our teacher). I could barely keep a straight face.

In case you didn’t take typing, here’s a bit of trivia for you . . . “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dogs” contains every letter in the alphabet. Practice! Practice! Right, Larry?

Another crown to add to my royal collection

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:35:33 -0700

I don’t know about you, but the older I get the more I make my claim for royalty status.

Why, just his morning I had the privilege of adding yet another glistening crown to my already extensive porcelain collection. By now I’m sure I have the equivalent of a brand new, super sport, Mercedes in my smile.

Fortunately this new addition was fully covered under my dental plan. Last year I wasn’t so lucky. A root canal gone subtly bad for a painless period of time resulted in my need to have two major extractions. A royal bridge was not an option to “reroot” the problem. Instead I was the lucky recipient of bone graft surgery adorned with implants. The entire process took a year. (Implants take all forms these days, don’t they?).

When you see me at the reunion I will be smiling. Just don’t count me arrogant, though, if I flaunt my crown. It won’t measure up to Debbie’s Homecoming tiara, but it will enable me to chew the hors d’eourves. ;-)

A toast to royalty!!!

Mr. Thurnau shows up for face lift?

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:20:08 -0700

Wow! I just decided to google “SWCS” and I found a fascinating website. For those of you still living in town you probably already know about all the changes in our old senior parking lot. But I was pretty shocked. It’s way ahead of me in the face lift department. (I still believe in growing old gracefully - but I learned long ago to never say “never.”)

I particularly enjoyed browsing the pictures in the May, 2008 Spotlight. As I scrolled down past all those young students (thinking how many years have passed since we looked like that), I ran across a great shot of Mr. Thurnau in designer shades. He was part of the ground breaking team for the new athletic complex.

I don’t know if Mr. Thurnau remembers me, but I certainly remember him - with great respect, I might add. He was “cool!” Day after day we would file into his classroom and receive a neatly outlined social studies worksheet. While he lectured we would take copious notes to prepare us for those traumatic year-end Regents Exams. I barely squeaked by with a grade in the 70’s if memory serves me correctly.

“Social” studies were much more interesting to me than “social studies” in the ’60’s. In fact, Mr. Thurnau noted that publicly one day when I rolled into class with a purely innocent hickey, popular proof I could land a date with a Lakewood Beach lifeguard! I can still feel my face flush as he chuckled with delight teasing me.

I am quite sure Mr. Thurnau would be shocked to know I am now a 23 year veteran educator who even holds a secondary social studies credential. I’d like him to know he was one of the most inspiring teachers I ever had. If only I still had all those pages of notes!

Here are the links to our high school websites:

SWCS
Spotlight

See anyone else you remember???

Meet you at the phone booth!

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 11:41:41 -0700

On July 1st California instituted a new law allowing only the use of hands-free cell phones in automobiles. Cell phones? Who needed cell phones in the late 60’s. We had the Lakewood phone booth.

The phone booth was conveniently located right there in the middle of the village on the Southwest corner of Chautauqua and West Summit. The gathering point of many a nights of just hanging out, it was certainly THE communications tower for the Class of ’69, especially on weekends. It was particularly convenient for me since I lived just inside the Jamestown city limits and could call ahead to find out what everyone was doing in the Village, and where. I bet that if that phone could talk it would have had a plethora of stories to tell - who wanted to date who; and who was in a traumatic break-up. Who was grounded. Who had a car for the night. Who was buying beer for who. Who was jealous of who . . . and on and on.

As I recall from my last visit to Lakewood several years ago, the phone booth is now deceased. But a beautiful clock tower is just down the block. I suppose it could be the new gathering spot for the Class of ’09 . . . then again, they probably just use hands-free cell phones and plan ahead where they’re going.

We’re looking for you ... Pass it on!

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 13:45:16 -0700

My attempts at creating this website were inspired by former Trojan, now retiree and journalist, Mike Fitzgerald from the class of 1966. He just advised me to start an email list to alert the Class of ’69 members whenever I post things. So, consider this the “alerting call!” Let me know your email address by including it in the “Make a Comment” section below or by sending me an email. And, PLEASE, pass the site along to anyone you have contact with from our class. I want to hear from as many as possible!

You gals may remember Mike as the handsome whistle-blower at Lakewood Beach. He was the Lifeguard/Red Cross instructor there every summer. I had a big crush on Mike during my junior and senior years. Earning my Senior Lifesaving Certificate was just one of the by-products i received for the hours I spent flirting and swimming with him at the beach. (I also landed a few dates - a story for another
time).

The night I passed the final life saving test, I celebrated (with some of the rest of you) slugging down Sloe Gin Fizzes and playing pool at the now deceased Hide-A-Way bar on Fairmount Ave. We decided to take an evening plunge off the end of the dock at the beach following “last call.” Whoa! Too many fizzes can do very strange things to your sensibility. I had never even considered skinny dipping before ... but it was really dark at 1:00 a.m. And I never had a clue fizzes could distort your orientation in the water. Once I dove in I didn’t know up from down or sideways from . . . well, you get the picture. I think I was saved only by God’s grace in the fearful adrenaline rush I encountered. To this day I never drink and dive!

Mike is maintaining a class of ’66 webpage. Check it out!

The Hut Family is the best family...

Sun, 6 Jul 2008 18:39:29 -0700

Funny how a song like that can stick in your head after all these years. I can still visualize Class Day when a model of the infamous tree house was carried down the dimly lit aisle of the SWCS auditorium. It was a solemn moment for all who enjoyed the parties.

“The Hut” was, to many in our class, a symbol of achievement. It was designed, built, and camouflaged by the most creative of minds. - I mean there were three stories for heaven’s sake, counting the roof! I can remember sneaking out of school one afternoon with some other partners in crime to help paint the interior. By daylight the structure could be appreciated for its architectural genius. By night, it was appreciated for the big pit below that housed the 25 cent Iron City bottles. Who knew good beer in those days?!

Unfortunately boys will be boys and girls will be girls and well... you know the story. The blaze heard ‘round the world ended the feel-in-the-dark walks up the tracks behind Jamesway. But the memories live on and will certainly be a major topic of conversation for many of us as we converge in disbelief to celebrate our 40th reunion.

The Hut family is still family!

(Hey - does anyone have a real photo of our dear sanctuary?)

Weight watchers to the rescue

Sat, 5 Jul 2008 11:21:38 -0700

40th Reunion! It can’t be! I wonder how many of you, like me, naturally sneak a peek toward the mirror as you contemplate reconnecting with your long lost cronies? A high school reunion can be intimidating, or inspiring if you believe the press from Weight Watchers. A year’s notice in advance helps me at least think about getting motivated to take that extra ten pounds off. I even attended my first meeting. Sticking with it, of course is another story.

I celebrated the Fourth of July dancing and watching fireworks at a party overlooking Mission Bay in San Diego, CA (my home since 1978). The gals were asked to bring food and the guys, drinks. Weight Watchers addressed the holiday temptation at my first meeting. I was armed with homemade Tabbouleh salad (whole wheat bulgar, and lots of veggies) thinking that would be my solution to the tempting macaroni salads, and lasagna dishes I knew would be present. Needless to say, it worked - until I got home and devoured another plateful from the leftovers. There is still half a bowl to go. I should have known Tabbouleh on a buffet table on the Fourth just wasn’t going to match the calorie ridden alternatives. Weight Watchers should have addressed what to do with the leftovers you have to bring home!

A new day, a new beginning! That reunion is a ways off after all. Good thing I’m starting early!