This is to let Jim and everyone know how much I've enjoyed getting reacquainted with many of the classmates and seeing where we've all moved to since leaving home (for those of us who left).  This site has proven to be a big success because of Jim's computer skills and creativity.  If he were a college man today, he probably be a Bill Gates Geek!!!

  I think  Madera was a special place to grow up even though at the time I probably thought it was a little boring.   We had a small town atmosphere where everyone knew everybody and their business and what their kids were up to.  We were lucky to have grown up in a naive era without the problems society is incurring today.  (OK, there were a few drinking/party episodes)...But, no drugs to speak of (did they have them then?), no kidnappings, very little violence.  We were  also lucky to have had really high quality high school teachers who wanted to live in our small town and dedicate their lives to education, music, coaching, etc.  We each have a favorite whose imparted knowledge we still retain.  Mr. Mastin was mine.  I should have paid more attention in math!!!  My children are much cleverer at math than I, fortunately.  However, I AM in charge of the checkbook!!!!

I look forward to seeing everyone who can make it to the reunion and plan to stay a few extra days in Madera so we can have a longer visit.  Keep up the communications on this site so we'll have more to talk about when we meet. 

And, again, a special thank you to Jim (if I can speak for all of us) for the time and creativity he has spent on our upcoming 50th Reunion.  (It can't be that long, can it????)  Jayne

In full acknowledgement classmates ought to treat Jim to a lavish vegetarian dinner——his first. Juicy tofu burger (mmmmmmm . . .), sizzling Portobello mushroom steak (mmmmmmmm . . .), washed down with a fruity watercress wine, and post the whole dining experience on YouTube. As to his computer skills, I am grateful Jim saw to the matter right away that Madera61 have the proper security certificates—I checked and tested for their robustness. Under other stewardship this site could have been run like a leaky Facebook Junior, in which case bye, bye, Sam / Sarkis.