LETTERS FROM CLASSMATES
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There are currently 63 letters.
Check the Guestbook for entries from classmates!!
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From, David Ruder, 5/14/01 Dear Classmates, So glad you are doing this! It is much appreciated, and we love the idea of a BBQ. It should be fun. About myself. Music has been a big part of my life. I recently retired @ age 60 (June, 1999) from 35 years teaching. I taught, during my career, bands, beginning instruments, choirs, and handbells - a specialty of mine. Parallel to my teaching career I've been active in music in several churches in the Bay Area. With vocal choirs and hand bells. My wife is a nurse at Stanford working Neonatal dept. She is an accomplished pianist & organist as well, and has been my accompanist in several ways thru the years. We also have two grown children, one married, the other finishing grad school. Handbells have given me an avenue for traveling around this country & in other parts of the world to teach and direct. I edit a handbell newsletter and write articles as well as compose for bells and voices. I direct a community & church handbell teams. I've developed some unusual things for bells that have greatly advanced their use. That's enough - I'll be looking to hear what my classmates have been doing. Best Wishes - David Ruder daveruder@aol.com |
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From, David and JoAnn (Cook) Smith, 5/14/01 We grow and have a pistachio orchard and our harvest is Sept 1 to Sept 15. Maybe next time. djenterprises@vtc.net |
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From, Donna (Taylor) Van Schaack, 5/14/01 My husband retired almost two years ago and we have been enjoying his retirement. Our children are all grown now and we have 5 grandchildren. Our next trip is to see our son married in Norway in June. dvanschaack@home.com |
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From, Mr. Parkers Widow, 5/14/01 Mr. Parker was at our 40th reunion. He was the Librarian. His wife writes... He died 5/5/98 of lung cancer. Bill really enjoyed his years on the faculty of SJHS and Pioneer High. Thank you for the invitation. Hope you have a great celebration. V. Parker |
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From, Barbara (Andrews) Peddy, 5/14/01 Since the 40th reunion we have added two grandchildren to our eight then. My Mom passed away at 98 after
living with us for ten years. I am still enjoying being an teachers aide (ESL) and probably will continue
for a few more years.
My e-mail address is: momavo@aol.com ( avó is grandma in Portuguese ). Barbara |
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From, David Yamamoto, 5/15/01
As for myself, I have left public education after 39 years. Most of that time were spent as an administrator
for programs and services for children with disabilities. I am now in business for myself as a management and
business consultant. I have four children...ages 40, 35, 13 and 11. Also have three grandchildren. My
wife and I have lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan for the past 15 years. Any of you up this way, you are most welcomed.
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From, Gerry (Robinson) Crema, 5/15/01 Hi: Sorry, I will not be able to attend the class reunion. I will be in Italy for the month of September (where I seem to spend so much of my time lately). My husband, Alfio, and I have purchased a small apartment in the northern part of Italy. A town about, 20 minutes outside of Venice - it is a very beautiful, old city called Treviso. The only frustrating part of this - is trying to learn to speak Italian!! Here in San Jose I spend my time playing tennis (alot-probably too much), volunteering my time at the
Thrift Box in Willow Glen (it benefits the Stanford Children's Hospital), and visiting with my six grandchildren.
I will miss all of you. If some of the dates change - I will call right away. I would really like to see
some of my old friends. Please write to me and keep in touch. You can write to GcDakota@aol.com (in Italy
TVCrema@aol.com) at either address.
Gerry (Robinson) Crema |
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From, Carl W. Cannon, 6/02/01
Hi Classmates,
Carl W. Cannon |
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From, Carl Churchill, 6/02/01 Hi Classmates, Well, my wife Holly and I still live in Santa Cruz (hard to leave this paradise) and I've recently graduated from Cabrillo College where I majored in "Desktop Publishing and Digital Media Production." Yep, I've finally learned how to use a computer...ha, ha. Holly has her own company and is currently a Tradeshow Consultant (which has allowed us to travel all over the world doing tradeshows). I'm starting my own company doing web site designs and multimedia production. This new career is FUN!! We have two children, Glynis 40, Greg 37, and one grandchild Aaron 18, plus one 2 year old Yellow Lab named "Gem." All is well here in Santa Cruz and feel free to drop us a line. My e-mail address: ToFlicka@aol.com See ya at the reunion, Carl & Holly Churchill |
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From, Sandy Mathews, 6/16/01 not much to say, have had a very busy life, a son 37 who is my pride and joy and a 26 yr old foster son, who will always be at an 8 yr level, he has been with me for 21 yrs now and is just as sweet as he can be. have done a lot of paintings, made miniature houses, etc after a partial stroke retired me sooner than expected. we do a lot of volunteering with people older than i am (which is hard to believe) moved to a 4 plex last year after 22 yrs in a home in saratoga. (not THAT kind of home!) will try to make it to the reunion, not sure yet. it will be kewl to see everyone again. qnmum@webtv.net |
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From, Shevlin de la Roza, 6/19/01 I graduated in 1956 from Willow Glen High School but I attended Lowell Elementary, Kindergarten through third grade. I hope to meet some Lowell people at the barbecue. |
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From, Marcella Wallzce Elliott, 5/30/01 Still working at Lockheed Martin in public relations. Planning to retire next year and eventually move to Sacramento area. wcl99@yahoo.com |
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From, Tab & Nora Preez, 5/31/01 Hi Elizabeth, Just a few lines to play catch up. I married Josie Galvez in 1956 - divorced in 1968 - we had five children Tab, Dan, Paul, Valen, Dana - all kids on their own doing fine - I have 6 grandkids - love them. I married Nora in 1977 (no children of our own) even though she loves mine as her own - she helped to raise them. I went back to school after being a contractor, I graduated in 1983 with a B.A. and got my masters in 1984. Nora is a nurse. See you soon, Tabby |
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From, Hope Constuble Jones, 5/19/01 To All My Class Mates, Sorry I am unable to attend the 45th as it is a difficult time now. My three grandsons are missing and my son and I are trying to find them. We found my granddaughter but getting her from state to state is causing a lot of problems. My husband took an early retirement which has put us in a difficult way financially. I am now holding down three part time jobs to be able to make it through all this. God is blessing us so we are making it above the water. Hope to see you all at the 50th... God bless you all, Hope Jones |
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From, Jack Alpan, 6/26/01
Comments: Attended San Jose State College from 1956 to 61. Began my dental career as a dental technician in 1961 in Los Angeles. Graduated from USC School of Dentistry in June 1965, married Jenny in September, served as Navy Dentist at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base for two years, started private practice in Los Angeles in 1967. Took Volitional Science course (the moral and rational alternative to political and social so-called sciences) from Andrew J. Galambos and was inspired to do research into the ways and means to increase one’s control over one’s life, liberty and property. Bought office building to move and expand size of practice 1977. Started holistic dentistry practice in 1970 teaching patients how to prevent dental disease. Did 24,000 blood, urine, saliva and hair mineral analyses to determine best lifestyle to prevent dental and other degenerative diseases. Published first book “Human Tune-Up – Degeneration/Regeneration” in 1986 http://www.galaxymall.com/books/tu. Wendy was born in 1970 and is a Naturopathic Doctor (natural healing with optimized lifestyle – does tests to determine which foods and supplements are best), and does dental material sensitivity testing to determine which materials are least harmful plus many other tests to help her clients improve their health. David was born in 1974 and is an Orthodontist with two offices – Los Angeles and Beverly Hills – AESTHETIC ORTHODONTICS – since 1999. At age 27, he’s also planning a third office in Las Vegas. He also does TMJ therapy to help relieve chronic pain for his patients. Jenny was my Administrator during my thirty years in practice. I retired in 1997 due to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia probably caused by my 37 years of exposure to mercury in mercury-silver (amalgam) fillings. I spent 19 years implanting toxic amalgam fillings and 18 years removing them. Jenny now works with David and travels with me to see the world. My second book “18 Steps to Freedom” was published in 1997 http://www.galaxymall.com/books/18stf. This book came from the inspiration of Andrew J. Galambos. His Volitional Science course was transcribed and published in 1999 as Sic Itur As Astra (SIAA - This is the Way to the Stars). SIAA will be worth a fortune in the Natural Republic. It is the most important book written in our century. I spend all my retired time helping my son and daughter and planning trips. Jenny and I just got back from two weeks in Michigan visiting friends and touring the state. In July, we will travel through MD, NC, SC, GA and FL. We want to tour all the states. We have been to Europe, the Caribbean Islands, Panama Canal, Central America, South America, and the Orient. I enjoy sticking pins on the wall maps of the world and the U. S. indicating where we have toured. I am still called upon to give public speeches on “Preventing Dentistry” or “How Dentistry Effects Your General Health” or “What You Can Do to Increase Your Control” Over Your Life, Liberty and Property” or “The Mercury Dental Filling Cover-Up.” Jenny and I love to see good movies and read good books. We are waiting for our first grandchild. I wish all of my classmates from San Jose High class of 1956 a happy, healthy and prosperous rest of your life. I’m now 62, going on 26. Love and Kisses to all of you. jalpan@mediaone.net |
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From, Mr. Ross Bergantz (music), 7/12/01 Sorry, I can't make it this time. Thanks for the invite. We will be in Indiana on vacation - but please try me for the next one!!! Best Regards, Ross |
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From, Richard Conger, 7/12/01 Retired after teaching autoshop for about thirty years. Raising apples in Sonoma County - hoping to plant grapes and get rich! Still collect pinball machines - have my SJHS car - 24' Hupp - no grandkids yet. rc@silverballranch.com |
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From, Jacqueline Harmon Butler, 7/12/01 And now. a little bit about me: I saw the movie "An American In Paris" at a very young, impressionable age and dreamed of being an artist and living in Paris. I spent my formative years hanging out in North Beach with the Beat Generation, wearing a black beret, writing stories and painting. It wasn't t until I was all grown up, had gotten married and divorced and raised-two children, that I finally went to Paris. It was love at first sight I began writing about my travels, which led me to my current incarnation of travel writer. I am an award winning writer and have contributed to many publications, newspapers, magazines and e-zines, including the San Francisco Chronicle and Examiner, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the New Orleans Times Picayune, Medical Economics magazine. True Love magazine. Mocha Memoirs e-zine. Virtual Italia e-zine. My Backyard e-zine, and Travelers' Tales. I am currently working on a novel about a woman "of a certain age" who travels to Italy and falls in love with a much younger man. What should have been a one-night stand continues, much to the shock and dismay of her friends and adult children. I am featured in the anthology, "Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel," due out in the fall of 2001. Visit the website at: www.wildwritingwomen.com When not traveling and writing stories, I am a sales executive in the fashion industry. My children, Laura age 40 and Timothy age 39, are both happily married. Laura and her husband Alfred Corn have two adorable little girls, Isabelle age 2 years and Sophia 6 months. Laura is enjoying being a mother and spends her days happily taking care of her little family. Tim and his wife, Heidi, have only been married a year and are thinking about having a baby sometime in the next couple of years. Tim is a sales executive in the steel industry and is also a model. It is nice seeing him in TV commercials and print ads in magazines. He did a photo shot for a major Italian chewing-gum company and it's fun to see his face plastered all over Italy promoting the gum! jam747@earthlink.net |
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From, Katherine (Russell) Scamporrino, 7/12/01 Married 45 1/2 years. 2 children, Bridget, Dominic and 5 grandchildren. Just retired May 4, 2001 after 31 years with Santa Clara Unified School Dist. Husband retired (Lou) 1999 - after 44 years with ATT/Lucent. italia2@earthlink.net |
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From, Natalie (Martinez) Sollis, 7/15/01 Gone on vacation. "Sorry". |
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From, Daniel Delgado, 7/15/01 I retired as of 2/1/2000. I have a modular home in Bullhead AZ., which is 15 minutes from Laughlin NV. My wife and I spend time their during winter months. dandelg14@aol.com |
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From, Sylvia (Alpan) Hananel, 7/15/01 My brother, Jack Alpan, graduated in your class of 1956. I attended your last reunion and you sent me an invitation for this one. I had re-connected with my old high school friend, Irma, and we were talking about this invitation and decided we'd like to go. We graduated San Jose High in 1958, but we had a lot of friends in your class. |
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From, Margaret Milioto Cox, 7/21/01 Gary and I have been married for 34 years. We recently moved to Las Vegas in June, 2000. This is where our daughter Kathy, husband Dave and their 1 yr. old daughter Sarah live. We are living in an adult retirement Community and love it. MargeLouiseCox@hotmail.com |
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From, Ken Lucus, 7/21/01 I retired in June of 2000. Moved to Bend OR in January of 2000. I still enjoy water and snow skiing and playing golf as much as I can. We purchased Kayak's last summer, we have all the high Cascade Lakes at our back door, so we also try to go kayaking as time permits. Life Is Great! lucases@yahoo.com |
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From, Victor Madden, 7/21/01 Hi, Let's see. Retired from IBM in 1991, have a corporate relocation business. Still in sports playing about 125 softball games a year. Try to stay in shape also with country/western line dancing. 3 grandsons, with a granddaughter on the way. Looking forward, as always, to the reunion. See you there, Vic vmaddenrelo@gateway.net |
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From, George B. Clark (Basketball), 7/21/01 Dear Randy, Thanks for the information on your forty-fifth reunion. Sounds like a lot of fun. My SJHS Class of '48 met last Sunday to plan an event for our 53rd reunion. It is hard for me to think of all you young people having a 45th reunion. As you get older, I always think of former students as "kids". I am sorry to say Randy that Bonnie and I will be leaving on a vacation the same day that your are having your reunion. Otherwise, we would be more than happy to attend. Please give our best to your classmates and any of the "old" teachers that you see. Thank you for thinking of us. Have a good time! Sincerely, George B. Clark |
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From, Jacqueline Harmon Butler, 7/22/01 Hi everyone -- I'm especially excited this week because a book I've been working on for a long time finally got published! Yesssssssssssssss! "Wild Writing Women: Stories of World Travel" is an anthology, written by my writers group. Check us out at: www.wildwritingwomen.com This is really a dream come true for me. My first book! When I received this email today, I thought, well, why not share my good news with people who knew me when I was so very young. Hope to see you all at the reunion! Jacqueline |
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From, Barb (Blanchard) Balvanz, 7/25/01 Hi All: Would love to hear from anyone in the class. My husband passed away after an 11 year illness in March and I wasn't sure I'd be going to this reunion, but after recognizing a few of the names on the e-mail lists, I've changed my mind. I heard that Arleen Cuffaro and Dick Moore have been FOUND, two I really would like to see. If possible, I would like to know the names of each of the peoples on the e-mail list. Thanks and looking forward to seeing everyone. Barb (Blanchard) Balvanz BB55952@aol.com |
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From, David Pereria, 7/25/01 A lot has taken place since our last reunion. We lost our 2 1/2 year old son, gained a daughter who is now 14 months. Retired from United Airlines in May 2001. Retired from USMCR in November 1999. Been fixing up old boats and houses in my spare time. Renewed old friendships. Looking forward to seeing you all. taylorolane@cs.com |
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From, Nancy (Pugsley) Piazza and Naish, 7/25/01 Hello Class of 1956 We are so glad we are going to get together again. We sure hope a lot of classmates show up. Naish & I are retired and live in Lucerne, Ca. (Clearlake). We are on the water and love it. We travel a lot. This year has been real busy. South America and Cape Horn in February, Yellowstone in June, Italy in October and Eastern Caribbean in Dec with fishing in Florida. We are so glad our Sept. is free so we can get to the reunion. Can't wait to catch up on all of your travels and lives. Our three sons and three granddaughters are doing well. We travel to see them often. Just had #2 son at the lake with his 16 year old daughter and had a great time. Until September 8th, stay cool and be safe. Nancy (Pugsley) Piazza and Naish. nancy8@jps.net |
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From, Louella Martin Pasquinelli, 07-27-01 Hi classmates: Looking forward to seeing all of you. I spend a lot of my time taking care of my 2 grandchildren Gina 4 & joshua 2 & love every minute. A little about myself. I am a 5 year breast cancer survivor. It was small slow growing & they said it would have taken me 5 yrs to even know it was there. It required only a lumpectory and a little radiation. Thank goodness for yearly mammograms. I am now released. I am really looking forward to seeing all of you. I still have my sense of humor.HA HA. Let me hear from you. Love Louella apasky@pacbell.net |
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From, Linda (Chaney) Stackpole, 07-31-01 i-am trying to work at details to come to the reunion--------things like airfares, car rental, splitting time between san jose and sacramento (where my mother is now), and where will i stay. the biggest question, is will i get time off approved. unlike many of us at this age i still work. so will keep you updated. linda (chaney) stackpole xstitchs@juno.com |
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From, Frank Amadeo, 08-01-01 What has been going on since the last reunion, My last reunion was the 25 year one. That was a very long time ago. I have been divorced for 15 years and just having a great time. I have 2 great kids and 2 grandsons and we all have a great time together. I am retired but working a part time job for fun, other than that just kicking back and enjoying life. frankv37@aol.com |
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From, Dorothy (Bent) Jimenez, 08-01-01 I just got married June 2, 2001, I will be there with my new husband. |
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From, Dorothy (Sandoval) Gonzales, 08-01-01 Since the last reunion, I have been doing about the same things. Watching grandchildren, going to their ball games and Karate classes. Enjoying my garden every year and going to few car shows every year. |
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From, Ron Machado, 08-01-01 San Jose High Reunion 2001 The last high school reunion I attended was our 25th in 1981. My wife Rachel and I still live in San Jose. I worked as an engineer with Loral aerospace, currently owned by Lockheed-Martin, until I retired 7 months ago after 41 years. Our son and daughter left the San Jose area. Scott and his wife Denise have lived in Arizona since 1997. Tauni and Doug moved to Oakhurst, California 5 months ago. I now spend my time on my hobbies and Rachel's "honey do" list. I am President of the East Valley Artists Association, an art group with which I became involved as a result of my watercolor painting hobby. My most accomplished art achievement resulted in selling a watercolor painting to the Triton Museum of Santa Clara for their permanent collection. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the 45th reunion. Sincerely, Ron Machado |
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From, Helen (Roberts) Steele, 08-01-01 2 Sons, Roy 45 has 1 daughter 15. Ray 40 has 1 son 7 and 1 daughter 3 I am still working. Retired 7 years ago from 1st Interstate Bank. Went to work for the City of Yerington. Husband Gary, retired he has 5 acres to keep him busy. We love to bowl. |
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From, Robert Wilson, 08-01-01 Hi there, Thanks to you of the committee for all your hard work!! What's new? Come Sept. I won't be locked in a room w/36 teenagers anymore. I retired from the Campbell Union HSD with 33 years of service. I've got a nice place on 25 acres in Hollister with horses and a metal shop + 1 HOT ROD FORD, so it couldn't be any better than this. I'm looking forward to our get-together. Bob robertw228@aol.com |
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From, Louella Pasquinelli, 08-01-01 HI everyone: Thanks to all of you who have e-mailed me or phoned. What a heart warming experience. Am really looking forward to seeing everyone. Send more. Thanks - Louella Pasquinelli P. S. You have done a great job committee apasky@pacbell.net |
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From, George Kotsubo, 08-01-01 Worked at Lockheed Martin for 26 years as Software Programmer, retired from there in 1993. Currently, I have a business as an Internet Marketing Consultant. Still live in San Jose. Looking forward to meeting all of you and to hear from you. George Kotsubo www.waveforces.com gkotsubo@bigplanet.com |
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From, Ron Delgado, 08-03-01 Thanks for the work your doing on the reunion and for the invitation. Although I was in the Class of 57 I will be attending. My Brother Bob was Class of 56. After serving 31 years with the San Jose Fire Department and 8 years with the Half Moon Bay Fire District and retiring as Fire Chief, my wife Diane and I are enjoying our retirement in Sun City Palm Desert, CA. Between golf, hiking and grandchildren our schedule is hectic but loving it. Life is good! Sincerely; Ron hmbc1@aol.com |
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From, Adrian (Sortillon) Lawrence, 08-03-01 Since our last reunion we have built a house on Richland Chambers Lake. It is one of the largest lakes in Texas. Travelled to Barbados with family members and had a great trip. Have enjoyed grandsons Chris and Shawn's baseball & soccer games. I'm still trying my luck at lotto, or any jackpot that comes along. My husband Hal belongs to a Bass Club which he enjoys doing along with some golfing. Looking forward to the reunion. Adrian Lawrence |
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From, Adrienne Reiko (Akahoshi) Iwanaga, 08-03-01 Sorry - I'm an event planner & I have an event that day. atyrequest@aol.com |
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From, Ginger (Rose) Russell, 08-03-01 Hi, After grad. from S.J. High I went on to nursing school at S.J. Hosp. & finished in 1959. numerous nursing jobs, but the longest was off & on at Valley Med. Center. Married Phil in 1973. He was raised in San Carlos. We have 2 children - Matt 36 & Beth 30. 3 granddaughters 3 yrs, 9 mos & 4 mos. Really enjoying them. All live in the S.J. area. I haven't worked in nursing since 1994. Husband works for a Co. based Cambridge, England. Needless to say he travels a lot. Retirement is in his near future. We love to travel, play golf & snow ski. Fortunate to have been to several countries already. Have always lived in San Jose area, except for 6 mos in Hawaii & 9 mos in San Diego. Looking forward to seeing "old" familiar faces! Hope I can recognize a few. 45 years is a long time. Ginger Rose Russell phruss2@aol.com |
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From, Alicia (Collins) Chisholm , 08-06-01 Hi, It was 45 years ago when we had to remember combination locks, rallies in the gym, watch out for the nettles in the first corridor, polishing the silver trophies. My husband of 43 years has been retired for 11 years from Lockheed Ocean Systems. We live close to our 2 sons and daughter and 4 grandsons. We travel a lot with Elderhostel programs. I play tennis, bridge, dabble in the arts, take classes and just generally have a good time. I have been a volunteer at the History Museum for the last 16 years. Life has been good to us. Alicia Chisholm MalcolmChisholm@email.msn.com |
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From, Jack Middleton, 08-06-01 I retired last year and recommend it to everyone. Virginia and I have a 5th wheel and travel. Virginia has not retired yet so I get to kick her out of bed every morning so she can go to work (love it). We plan on full time RVing when Virginia retires. I have two children and 7 grandchildren, six boys and 1 girl. I'm bringing my shotgun and shooting clay before the reunion, come join me. See you there. Jack mident@shasta.com |
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From, Macleen (Gullo) Silva, 08-07-01 Hi, My email box is full - Who are all these strange people sending me messages? It's like Christmas in August. Hope to see all of you at our class reunion. Glad to hear from so many old friends see you at the reunion. (08/08/01) Macleen macleeng@earthlink.net
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From, Judy (Hawkins) Bucher, 08-09-01 We had planned a vacation long before I heard about the reunion. Thanks Much, Judy
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From, Barbara (Blanchard) Balvanz, 08-09-01 Since our last (40th)... reunion my husband passed away in March of this year after 11 year battle with emphysema. We were married 43 years. My two sons are still happily married (19 and 15 years) to the best two daughters-in-law I could hope for. They have brought my total grandchildren to eight. I hope to make some long overdue visits to friends who have moved away and of course frequent visits to Bellingham WA where my younger son pastors a church and is raising 6 of my grandchildren. My older son, his wife and his two daughters live in Fremont I fill my time with gardening, computer e-mails, local day activities at many community centers in SJ, where I have met more wonderful people and take classes. Barbara bb55952@aol.com
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From, Beverly (Kartchner) Hayes, 08-09-01 Info: School Teacher - Interior Designer B.A. SJS University M.A. Chico - California State University 3 children 7 beautiful Grand Children Still married to Highschool Sweetheart, we like to: Read Travel Garden Cook Take Photographs Listen to Music I am a artist thanks to Mr. Mark Briggs. Thank you for tracking me down - This is the first info I have gotten. Bev |
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Short Biography from Lelde (Patvalds) Gilman, 8/16/01 Dear Classmates, The last reunion I attended was in 1976, it seems almost impossible that this will be our 45th! Yet here we are on E-mail......no "techno-turnips" we, but at the forefront of the new technology, as always, with a bulldog tendency to embrace the new.....Oh, well. After high school, I attended UC Berkeley and majored in Political Science, got married, had a daughter and received a BA in Political Science in 1960. I went to work at International House in Berkeley for a couple of years and then went back to get a Masters in Librarianship at UC. Thereafter, I worked as a medical librarian at the Biomedical Library at UCLA and spent 25 years there in various positions, winding up in charge of the entire collection of books and journals. It was a most gratifying career. Along the way, I was divorced from my first husband, met and married a colleague, Nelson Gilman. We were together for 21 years before separating. In 1992, I decided to retire early from UCLA and to move to Portland, Oregon, where I had lived for a year in the 60's. For about 5 years, I turned off my computer, had no E-mail, read and gardened intensely, and volunteered for National Public Broadcasting in Portland. Then, the itch to work part-time and to do something entirely different overwhelmed me. I turned on my computer again, got a E-mail address and found that I had some catching up to do technically! (Like Windows 98, etc.) In 1998, I went to work for the Northwest Danish Foundation, a nonprofit ethnic, cultural enterprise. I currently manage the office and work with the program director. I am still bilingual in my native Latvian and can also make myself understood in Spanish. I am keenly interested in politics at all levels, in journalism, in how the news is manufactured, distributed and received, in various cultures: ethnic, commercial and scientific. My fondest memories are of journalism class and putting the Herald together after school with some of you! I look forward to seeing you all and catching up on life! Fondly, Lelde lelde@aol.com
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From: Rochelle (Aslanian) Brajkovich, August 19, 2001 Hi Classmates, Sorry I'm not going to be there to join in the festivities. I had all ready made plans to go to Las Vegas. I'll be there in spirit. I read all the letters from you and laughed and cried. As for me, I have two children, Twins, Sherril and Scot. Sherril is the controller for the Felice's in Gilroy, married, no kiddies. Scot is at Lockheed-Martin and is divorced with my only grandson, Bryan who is going to be l0 next month. I retired from Bank of the West in June l998 after 26 years, sold my home in Evergreen, and moved to Sierra Vista AZ. Bad mistake. I miss everything about the Bay Area, especially the ocean, San Francisco, and all the fun things to do there. This town is "hicksville" We are very close to the Mexican border, so there is a lot of weird things going on here. I miss my family most of all. I get to San Jose about 3 or 4 times a year, I was surprised how many of you still live there. I wasn't interested in dating when I got here, not into cowboys, but I had a plumbing problem several months ago, and called a business here in town, and have been dating the owner of the company since, hence the email address leakfix@c2i2.com. My goal is to move back to San Jose, and he's all for it. Yippee. See I'm already talking like the locals. Wish you all a great time, remember me with smiles and laughter, for that's how I remember you. All my love, Rochelle leakfix@c2i2.com |
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From: Carole (Havens) Betz, August 21, 2001 Hi, yes we will be attending. I am currently working as a merchandiser and having a good time doing so. My fiancee is a computer admin. person. The slow-down in business has affected our circumstances. I live in Antioch, California. Plan to marry before the end of this year. We have Robs' 14 year old son with us and my grandson who is also 14 years old. Life is very busy right now. I have two children Shannon and Stephen. Shannon has no children, but my son has 5. So I have 2 granddaughters, and 3 grandsons. Ages are 6 to 20. I have been single since 1980 and am finally going to take the plunge again. I worked for the US Government for 22 years and quit to take care of my very ill birth father. Since his death I have been working for a real estate appraiser off and on since 1993. I am looking forward to seeing everybody and being able to catch up with their lives. I lost all of my parents in 1 1/2 year time period and suddenly I became the oldest in my generation. Wow what a shock. Its funny but I still feel about 21, don't look it but sure feel it. Carole clovebetz@yahoo.com |
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From: Kathy Downing Ludlum via Bruce Howard Ludlum (husband and Caregiver), August 23, 2001 Sorry but Kathy does not feel up to it ( maybe 2006 ) will be better for her! Have fun in 2001 !!!! BLudlum@aol.com |
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From: Elizabeth (Perez) Donaldson, August 24, 2001 I retired 9/1/98 from the Santa Clara County Court System. I worked for 28 years at the SJ Municipal Court in the Criminal Div. and for 20 of those years I was the Assistant Supervisor. I have been a widow for 25 years. I have two adult children, Raymond (38) and Stephanie (36). Two grandchildren Anthony (5 yrs) and Amanda (2 yrs). I am very active at St. Francis Cabrine Church in San Jose. I am the treasurer of the Italian Catholic Federation, President of the Mexican Catholic Organization and I on the parish council. Since retirement I do travel a lot, especially on cruises (been on 13 of them). I now also baby sit my granddaughter and started a granny club, all of which keeps me busy Liz |
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From: Jeanne (Cook) Jorgensen, August 24, 2001 Hi, Just found out I was "missing". We moved from San Jose a couple of years ago and I guess mail stopped being forwarded. I retired from the Santa Clara County Library System, where I was Program Librarian, in 1999. I have done children's work, run the Bookmobile Unit and handled References and Collections Development during the last few years. I still substitute occasionally at Saratoga, Campbell, and Cupertino Libraries. My husband of 40 years, David is semi-retired from his and a partners company, Approval which builds test equipment systems. We love living in Santa Cruz. Our two adult children, Nick (36) and Kyra (33) have each given us a darling grandsons Ben (2 yrs) and Lucca (1 yr). Nick, Kristine and Ben live Ann Arbor MI, where Nick completing a PhD Pol. Sci. Kyra, Frank and Lucca live in Santa Cruz. David and I keep busy traveling, being docents at Big Basin, delivering Meals on Wheels and babysitting. Best Wishes Jeanne jeannejorgensen@hotmail.com |
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From: Ray Quibelan, August 24, 2001 Hi, I w/wife and 2 guests plan to attend and the check is in the mail. Previously we had other commitments, but now we can attend. It has been a long time since I attended the last reunion. I attended the 15 year reunion, so it has been 30 years since and by the photos on the SJHS website, all have changed except for a few. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Please pass a message onto Art Pasquinelli that his old bud, Carl Arevalo/wife will be accompanying us, so it will be a reunion of the class of 54' as well. Best Regards, Ray Quibelan rmqcnslt@pacbell.net |
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From: Robert & Maxine Walker, August 24, 2001 Hi, Robert and I had planned on attending the reunion. However, he has to work the day of the reunion. Maybe next time. Robert & Maxine Walker ROBNMAXWALK@aol.com |
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From: Larry Sandoval, August 28, 2001 Greetings from Del Norte, Co. I came here after I retired from Pacific Bell in '94. I love it here. Sorry I am unable to attend this year's reunion. I will attend one soon. Thanks for the interest. Larry Viejofeo@iWon.com |
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From: Doug Turner, September 1, 2001 Hi, Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it this year. By the time I found out about it other plans had been made that can't be changed. Thanks to Ginger Rose Russell and Randy Hall for locating me. I plan to retire at the end of the year after working for the past 35 years as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in the Public Health field. Hopefully a 50th will be held and I will be able to attend. Have a great time, Doug Recently remarried and now living in Ventura dturner@west.net |
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From: PETER S SPARACO, September 2, 2001 Hi, gang: My name is Peter Sparaco, and I graduated in 1957. Sorry to inform you that I will not be able to attend the Sept. 8th reunion, due to the fact that my family and I will be out of town for that whole weekend. However, I would really like to be kept informed of any other events that might include any of the classes of 1955 through 1959, especially the class of 1957. Sorry, also, about the late notice. I was informed of your website only today, by a fellow classmate, who just happened to see an article in the S. J. Merc. I would like to be added to your mailing list, and please feel free to divulge my e-mail address to any of the above mentioned group who might be interested in contacting me. My complete mailing and e-mail address are as follows: PETER S. SPARACO
E-MAIL: PSPARACO5@AOL.COM Thanks for any help you might be able to give to me. Sincerely: PETER |
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From: Jack Harris, September 4, 2001 Hi, I was given a flyer by Miriam Whitten(Baker) and saw that I was on the missing list. I will not be able to attend.(I'd love to), but add my name and address to the others so maybe next time... Jack harriszz@earthlink.net |
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From: George and Judy Katsinis, September 7, 2001 We are looking forward to the trip down and the reunion for sure, thanks for all the e-mailings and all the info. Bye for now and see you all soon. rose@rvi.net |