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CLASS NOTES:  2006 and Prior

2006

Pam Boller Pingle is planning to attend the 50th reunion.  “I still live in Oregon, do lots of traveling, and am a travel agent part-time, having retired from 33 years of teaching.” (12/06)

Thanks to Troy Lemons we have found Jim Smeenge.  Jim writes, “After 35 years in the wholesale food business, I retired from Kellogg of Battle Creek as Regional Sales Manager, responsible for the Southeastern US and the Caribbean.  I am married to the lovely Mary (Miller) Smeenge.  We have four adult children, and are thoroughly enjoying retirement in sunny Florida.  I have high hopes of attending the 50th.” (12/06) 

Susan Miller Metts
found our Web page, and sent news and her current address.  Her “soul mate and husband of 35 years died six years ago after a long illness.”  She has one daughter and a grandson.  For 30 years she was an R.N. specializing in obstetrics at St. Mary’s Desert Valley Hospital in Apple Valley, taught Lamaze classes for 14 years, and also worked in a free standing birth center.  (12/06)

Troy Lemons
married (congratulations!) following the 40th reunion and is now living in Danville, CA.  He retired “after 40 years in computers and software, and now I work part-time as a Notary Public.”  He and his wife, Roberta, are planning to attend the 50th  in Newport Beach.  (11/06)

Joan Aunger
has changed her name to Joan Aunger Dean.  She is moving from Temple City to Coarsegold, CA after the New Year.  As the name implies, Coarsegold has a colorful history dating from the California Gold Rush.  It is located on the southern gateway to Yosemite making it a popular stopover for tourists.  (11/06)

Susie Cumins Newell
and husband Russ (AHS Class of ’56) are “definitely interested” in attending the 50th reunion.  They live in Silverton, OR and sent updated address information.  They will be in Santa Maria, CA around the time of the reunion to attend the high school graduation for one of their 23 grandchildren!  (11/06)

Helene Winer Blumner
sent updated address information, and hopes to attend the 50th reunion.  She is still working fulltime as a CPA and loves every minute.  She and her husband, Sid, a retired professor at Cal Poly, have two children and two grandchildren.  (11/06)

Toni Calamia Stevenson
sent current address information for herself, Linda Jackley Winn and Barbara Simon Jackley.  They are hoping to attend the 50th reunion.  (10/06)

Chris(tine) Miller Decker
sent us her new address.  “Art and I moved from Montana, after spending eight great years there, to Arizona in June 2006.  We wanted to be closer to our sons and grandsons.”  (8/06)

Diane Schroer Turner
saw this Web page, and sent in her correct name and address information.  She is looking forward to the reunion.  “It will be my first.” (8/06)

Bill Eldredge
: “Molly and I are alive and well in McCall, ID.  I am saving the date!  We will be there!  Looking forward to seeing all our old (oops!) pals.”  After reading this Web page, he adds, “I enjoyed reading emails and checking out where everyone lives. Big surprise: Annette [Gish Hall] lives down the hill from us in Eagle. Also, a friend here in McCall buys wines from John’s [Albi] wine store in Sandpoint.” (8/06)

David and I visited John Albi and his wife, Valerie (Vaughn, ’56), in Sandpoint this summer.  They have the loveliest gourmet delicatessen, an excellent wine selection, and a reputation for being one of the best caterers in the area.  (8/06)

Sharon (Shari) Lynn Day Hubbard: “I am looking forward to seeing everyone in June.”  (8/06)

Nancy Roscoe Gilmour retired in January ’05 and loves it.  She has two daughters (both AHS graduates) and five grandchildren, ages 2 to 13.  She married her husband, Gary, in 1994.  “We love to travel which includes some camping.  We’re going to Williamsburg, VA in October and on a Panama cruise in November.  Judy (Judy Bullock Cadenasso) and I try to get together at least once a year.  Looking forward to the 50th reunion.”  (8/06)

Vermille McLaughlin Sickler
hopes to attend the 50th reunion.  She retired in 2000 after 40 years in the banking industry.  She was widowed in 1997.  Six years ago her son bought the family home in Seal Beach and she moved to Leisure World.  “I love living here.  I enjoy traveling and went to Israel this May with 28 other people from my church.  Would love to hear from classmates.” (8/06)

Shirley Burgess Vanderbeck
is planning to attend the 50th reunion.  For over 40 years, she has served in the legal profession, and has earned numerous professional titles and awards.  In 2004, she was named recipient of NALS’ (Association of Legal Professionals) Award of Excellence, the ultimate honor, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to her profession.  Currently Shirley is serving as Certified Legal Assistant/Office and Property Manager to an attorney and councilwoman in Claremont, CA.  As Shirley continues her education (“You can never learn enough.”), she gives back by teaching and mentoring others, both in the classroom and by writing legal education-oriented articles.  Recently widowed, she has raised four children, and has two grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. “They have brought more joy to my life than I ever could have imagined.” (8/06)  

Cecile Bowler Driskill
sent updated email and address information, and says she’s doing well.  She took a cruise to Alaska in July.  (8/06)

Jack Anderson
, who lost his wife to cancer a year ago (see below) is getting married July 8th to Sandy Roberts of Sherman Oaks.  Congratulations!  They will live in Cambria and continue their B & B called Whispering Pines: www.whisperingpinesbedandbreakfast.com “Can’t wait to see all of you at the 50th reunion and hope to be able to recognize some of you without a name tag.  Have a great summer.”  (7/06)

David Pratt
is not totally retired.  He is serving on boards for both profit and non-profit, and recently joined the board of the YMCA.  “We now have eight grandchildren and enjoy our time with them and their families.  Marilyn and I had a great time at the 40th, and hopefully we can attend the 50th.” (7/06)

John Van Ornum
is retired after 40 years in baseball, and is working now more than ever.  “Hope all is well with our former classmates.  Was sorry to see the names of all those who have passed away.” (7/06)

There is updated address information below for John Albi, Sharon Lynn Day Hubbard, Ed Faeth, Mary Kloezman Stevens, David Pratt, John Van Ornum, and Judy Wood Bieser. (7/06)

Nancy Ford Truher
sent email and address updates for Cecile Bowler Driskill, Chris Dueker, Gloria Geisler Didion, Penny Havens Deley, and Dorothy Heffner VoogdThank you, Nancy!  (6/06)

Linda Stewart Little was sorting through some old papers and found the 40th reunion letter.  She checked the AHS Web page, and sent us some updated information about herself.  “I am happily retired and still at the same address [Pasadena].  Bob and I have been married since 1964, and have two married children and two young grandsons, all in Pasadena and Monrovia.  I’ll be watching for info on the 50th.” (5/06)

Bill Jacobs and his wife, Carol, live in Central Point, OR.  Bill writes, “After many years, I recently had the opportunity to communicate by letter with Chris Dueker, and that communication prompted me to visit the Arcadia Class of ’57 website.  Perhaps my wife and I will be able to come to the 2007 reunion.”  (4/06)

Vince Spencer has retired…for the 3rd time!  First, the City of Berkeley (’90), then the Navy Reserve (’99), and most recently Contra Costa Co. Environmental Health (’05).  He and wife, Charlotte, are enjoying their grandchildren while their children are busy pursuing their own careers.  They toured Ireland last summer, and are planning a trip to Italy in the spring or fall.  Maybe Greece after that. (2/06)

2005

Classmates continue to share retirement news.  As you can see from some following updates, “retirement” is in the eye of the beholder: 

Dick Croxall retired in July 2005 from Northrop Grumman Space Technology (formerly TRW Space) in Redondo Beach as VP/Chief Engineer after 39 years.  He is now working part-time performing critical program assessments, reviewing research programs, and doing curriculum development and education strategy for Cal Poly and UCLA Schools of Engineering.  And he is enjoying time with grandchildren, cars and coaching youth baseball.  He and his wife, Nancy, plan to remain in El Segundo where they are active in community activities and close to their two sons and their families. (10/05) 

Jack Shuler first retired in 2002 after 32 years of practicing dentistry just north of Boston.  He then directed the dental side of the Christian Medical and Dental Society, retiring a second time in 2005.  He and his wife live in Londonderry, NH, and have three grown children and nine grandkids--five of whom live next door!  Since 1984 they have been (and will continue) doing short-term mission trips with CMDS.  They have been to Mexico, Honduras, Jamaica, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Zambia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Iraq (1994), treating Kurdish homeless.  No more running marathons, but Jack still flies his vintage airplane and rides his Harley. (10/05)

Karen Hunter Slawson and her husband are officially retired, but now serve as CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in their county of Marion in the Willamette Valley, OR.  They advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care, “A rewarding, but not so easy endeavor in these days of wide-spread drug use.”  Karen teaches yoga (eight years) at several health clubs and the local junior college.  She and George also stay in shape by keeping up with six grandchildren and one great grandchild! (10/05)   

Dick Heilman
and wife, Lynne, are no longer living in England, “…twelve glorious years.”  Apparently we have been way behind with his address info.  There is some legitimacy to this.  After 14 (!) corporate moves to England, CT, and several locales in Southern, and Northern CA, they are now happily living and golfing (for the past eight years) in beautiful Pinehurst, NC, “golf capital of the world.” (10/05)

Sad news for Spring/Summer 2005:  On June 12th, Jack Anderson lost his wife, Ginny, to a long and brave struggle with cancer.  He writes, “A memorial service was held in Cambria on the 19th, three days after what was to have been our 26th wedding anniversary.”  For the last four months of Ginny’s life, Jack was her 24/7 caregiver, and describes this time as, “the happiest days of our lives.”  He says their eight children are doing well, and appreciates any suggestions others are willing to share who have lost a spouse.  Their B & B, Whispering Pines, will remain open for guests.  (8/05) 

Rene Caron still works full time, and is grateful to be enjoying life in good health.  “Fortunately, we are able to do some traveling to fun and interesting places, enjoy our family, friends and favorite pursuits, and stay in touch with a number of close friends from high school.”  He sends updated information for himself, Jerry MacDonald (living in OR on the Columbia River), and Tom Arthur, and says he looks forward to receiving any future notices regarding the 50th reunion coming up in ‘07. (8/01)

Nancy Gough Purnell
sent us new phone and fax information.  She retired in 2001.  Congratulations, Nancy!  (3/05)

Gay Ellen DeGero
sends an email full of interest. She begins by saying that during August, Glenna Rasmussen kept coming to mind, and she decided to Google her name. She found her obituary (July 2004) and a guest memorial sign-in book. Gay thought we might want to know, since Glenna was an important influence in the lives of so many students. Gay, herself, is busy. Since retiring after 28 years as a teacher and school psychologist, she has been spending more time with her two grandsons, volunteering politically and continuing her travels around the world. Recently she toured South America by land, water, and trapeze, observing the tropical forest canopy via harness, cables and pulleys! Quoting Gay: “Who says, we’re old? I’ve been fortunate to travel far, wide and lots. I love it! ‘Hi’ to all my classmates.” (10/04)

We are delighted to hear from Jean Ramage who has contacted us from Honolulu where she is a professor of psychology at Argosy University.  Jean still has a very personal connection to Arcadia, as her daughter and her husband are now raising their two sons in the home on Santa Anita that Jean grew up in, and will be going to Arcadia schools.  She asked if there might be a 50th reunion.  Yes, Jean, we hope to see it happen.  (8/04)

Marilyn Tumilty Reames’
son, Jeff, 43, died in June 2003 in a tragic automobile accident in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Jeff was also the son of former classmate, Dave Jones.  She and I caught up on each other’s news by telephone.  She is grateful to have her other children and grandchildren in her life. She and her husband, George, are planning to sell their home in Coeur d’Alene and move to Washington to be closer to them.  (6/04) 

Thanks to Duke Haubelt’s AHS Web site (see note below), we recently found Jack Anderson. He and his wife, Ginny, live in Cambria, CA. Jack is a retired Air Force Major and served in Vietnam.  Between them, he and Ginny have eight children who are grown and “out of the nest.” They have both had their battles with cancer, but are still traveling when they can and hosting guests at their wonderfully private and relaxing B & B called Whispering Pines.  (1/04)

The beautiful Julie Albi is now Julie Albi Laul.  She married Virgil Laul, a professor she met while serving as assistant to one of the deans at UC Irvine.  She recently retired (oh joy!), and is now free to ride her horse and travel to all kinds of exotic and romantic destinations.  Best wishes!  (12/03)

David Gilmour
and Nancy Montgomery Gilmour built and opened Paradise Foods, a grocery store in Corte Madera, CA, in May 2001. David’s daughter (30) was severely brain injured in December 1998, and this is his solution to the additional expenses required for her long-term care. She is making a miraculous recovery and the store is doing well. Nothing like starting over in your sixties! (12/03) 

Barbi Knopp Wesser
and husband, Don (AHS ’56), lost their home of over 30 years in Scripps Ranch, San Diego, due to the devastating CA wild fires of October 2003.  They were given only ten minutes to evacuate.  Their children and close friends, along with others in the community, have been helping, and they are planning to rebuild.  During 2004 they will be living in a rental home in the nearby area. (11/03)   Update: As of March 2005, they are back in their home, newly built and furnished.  Congratulations! (3/05)   

Ralph Rittenhouse’s
wife, Ann, was featured in a lovely, large picture on the front page of the Pasadena Star News (Nov. 2003).  Ralph was quoted in the accompanying article, written in light of the recent wild fires to address building restrictions and fireproofing requirements for home construction in nearby canyons and foothills.  Ann and Ralph, a builder for 30 years, have spent the past four years living in a trailer on their property while building their dream home in the Pasadena Glen area, a canyon above Pasadena.  (11/03)

Sally Galliher Wheeler, after sharing tragic news in 2000 (below), has some exciting news: she has retired from her position of many years at Cisco in the Silicon Valley and moved to her tropical paradise home in Hawaii…permanently!  She promises to still visit the mainland occasionally to see her married daughter and friends.  Aloha, Sally! (11/03)

Bonnie Merry Booth
and her husband, Chuck ’56, have moved from Woodlands Hills (home for 40 years!) to Irvine.  They love being closer to the ocean, play lots of golf and enjoy their grandchildren. 

Louise Simons (aka Dian Louise Simons) found our Web page!  She is using her first name Dian and last name, Copeland.  She is living in Seal Beach, CA. 

Duke Haubelt
sent us address information for Betty Beaudette Fruchey and Pat Lenz Jones.  Glad to find you both! 
We have found Kay Petrusha Thompson. After living in Southern CA for a number of years, she and her first husband moved to San Jose in 1972. She became a realtor in the area known today as “Silicon Valley” (lucky break!).  Her second husband Marty died of cancer in 1998.  She has two children and three grandchildren whom she thoroughly enjoys and loves to travel with.  She is living in Saratoga, CA.

Sally Galliher Wheeler shares tragic news: On February 15, 2000, her daughter Erin, 29, was killed tragically from smoke inhalation in a mobile home fire. Some of Sally’s former AHS friends are in regular touch with her.  Cards and letters are always appreciated.

Bill Hohlt
writes that he received the “57 Reunion” letter…a little late! It finally found its way to his new address in Walnut Creek, CA. Glad to find you, Bill.

We have heard from Celia Crawford Bruneau, Gay Ellen de Gero, and Rosemary Kay Chapa. Celia has five children, two grandchildren and recently graduated from law school; Gay, delighted to discover our class Web page, writes that she is busy both at work and on weekends; and Rosemary, widowed in 1969 with four children when her husband died in Vietnam, remarried in 1991 and now has seven children and 12 grandchildren! 

A dinner was held at the Villa Nova Restaurant in Newport Beach on Saturday, August 28, 1999. Before dinner many of us met at Megan Geffeney Wagner's home in Newport. The following morning a brunch was held at the home of Karen Johnson Madden in Long Beach. Julie Albi Crosby served as Southern CA coordinator. Thanks, Julie, Megan and Karen for making this a successful weekend. (9/99)

Shauna Scanlon Shuppy is busy living a full life in Salt Lake City. She is an administrative assistant at the University of Utah, has four children, 12 grandchildren and runs a travel business with trips to Hawaii. 

Karen Cunningham Schaeffer’s husband, Dave Schaeffer (Class of ’55), died of a heart attack in August 1999. Both attended the 40th reunion. (2000)

Alice Bishop Kennedy, and her husband, Jay, moved in January 1999 to South Carolina and are building a home there on Lake Keowee. (1999) 

Doug Carlston's daughter writes that her father and his wife, Marsha, are currently living in Southeast Africa where Doug is serving on the staff of African Bible Colleges.  His e-mail address is dmcarlston@eo.wn.apc.org.

Carolyn Stirling has moved to Oregon, "a long time dream realized," where she works in health management and plays by singing with Sweet Adelines in Portland.


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