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Madeline Fernandez

Good morning! Today is the start of our 50th reunion. I hope you guys all enjoy and please please post pictures so we can see them. I can't make it but will be thinking of you these three days.  Have fun. 
St Monica's is very special to me.  Enjoy 😊 

Michael Downey

Hello class of '72.

Sorry I won't make it to our

50th class reunion.

I'm almost done with a mild case of Covid.

I don't want to chance getting anyone sick.

Have a Wonderful time and I hope to see some pictures,

sometime soon.

Love to all, Michael Downey ❤️

Stephen Leider

It was great to see everyone, stay safe and enjoy life!

best regards

Steve Leider

Donna Nowicki

Dear Friends,

I enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion, but missed catching up with some of you. There is never enough time. I loved hearing your life's stories, and am in awe of things that I never knew about you. I hope that we can catch up again, sooner than later. Let me know if you are in town and want to meet up for a meal and a chat!

Be well

Donna

Steven Mackin

We had a GREAT time over the weekend!! So good to see everyone, and know that after 50 years, we're all in pretty good shape!! Many thanks to the reunion comittee, and to Linda, Donna, Sofie, and anyone else I may have omitted, for the reception on Sunday. And a special thanks to Irma, Gary and Cathy Flannigan for heading the festivities on Saturday evening. I'm sure there were other worker bees involved, and thanks to them as well. 

Such a good time, and we'll look forward to the follow-up in five years!!

My best to all!!

Steve Mackin

Jane Robertson

What a great reunion.  It was so good seeing everyone.  I sure missed saying hello and getting a hug from many of you that I had intentions to get to and then poof you were gone.  Larry Panza for one.  So next time, I'm going to arrive early and stand at the front door to greet everyone, hahaha... I doubt that, but it's a thought.  

Here's hoping that everyone stays healthy and safe until the next time.  Maybe all those that were not able to attend for one reason or another will be there!  Just think, 50 years , wow.

Peace of Christ be with you all,

Jane

Carl Lubisich

Indeed, I had a wonderful time!! Great reunion, great to see everyone. Thanks to all the organizers!!

Susan Mackiewicz

jane robertson- i told my cousin pam that i saw you at the class reunion and how my uncle paul let the pony that you had come into their kitchen and eat something - was it oats or something else? remember how i told you that i always wanted a car like the one you had - but my dad gave me a 65 ford mustang - it was taken by some thieves on new years eve - i was really upset -the santa monica police called me when it was found - so a friend of my father fixed it up - that is the last time i remember anything about it - it was red with a white vinal top - everyone i knew thought it was the coolest car ever- hope you will be comeing to the next reunion in 5 years - i will always live at 1116 grant st for as long as i am alive - you can email me at susanma328@gmail.com - take care may god bless you - susan

Lourdes Garcia (Hernandez)

Thank you to all the reunion commitee for everything they did to make this one memorable as well. I was very happy to see everyone and sad as well for all the classmates that couldn't make it or didn't want to. God only knows if he'll allow us to get to the next one. It was great seeing everyone and Pepe and I hope to see you at the next one, God willing, maybe more of us. 

Don Engler

What a great reunion it was. I always enjoy them about ten times more than I thought I would. Thanks to all who put it together, every minute you guys spent on it was worth it to me. In school talk, I give you an A. To walk into that room full of people that were as happy to see me as I was to see then was the start of a party of good food, good drink and the best of company. And names, faces and St. Mo’s memories, It was fun to young again.

Don

Gary Nitti

A) Just wanted (and needed) to say "thank you" once again to the following Reunion Committee Members (please excuse use of last names - its how I remember them):

1) Irma Rodriguez - as always, the force behind all the reunions (10/20/30/40/45 and 50 if I have remembered them all correctly):

2) Naola Miller - for organizing Earth/Wind/ Flower and her after party Friday Night;

3) Linda Clint - for organizing the "Big Bash" on Saturday Night and the Sunday Morning Brunch at her home;

4) Debbie Hile - for keeping all the money straight and vendors happy;

5) Gloria Escalera - for organizing the catering and bar;

6) Miguel Garcia - for all the great music;

7) Eugene Arsenault - for all the small jobs happily done and the beer;

8) Donna Nowicki - who took on many small tasks which made the weekend a success;

9) Cathie Flannigan - who kept the whole thing moving the last 50 years, created and kept up out great webasite, and spent countless hours making it all work;

(I hope I did not miss anyone!!!!)

And all the other people who "pitched in" with extra help this time and anytime during the last 50 years but could not this time. The "Reunion Committee" has been working at this for two years and deserve our thanks. (Above is only a brief, and very brief, synopsis of all they have done).

B) Also, I wanted to say a special "thank you"  to everyone who came and enjoyed all the friends and good times. It's been 50 years, this was a special event, and many classmates who could not particiapte because of prior commitments (family stuff, surgeries, trips etc. which could not be rescheduled) still sent their warm regards to all;

C) Finally, be sure to update your "class creator" profile; everyone has a story to tell which we all want to hear.

Thanks again, my best to all,

Gary

Harold Rumenapp

Hi Everyone!  Just wanted to say thanks for all the hard work by the Reunion committee.  It was fun to see everyone who attended and amazing to get the tour of Saint Monica's classrooms and gymnasium!  I sure wish it had been so nicely refurbished when we attended!

I also wanted to let everyone know that if they wanted a copy of the Mame video that I put together, here is a link that should allow you to download it.  It is a zipped file about 1 megabyte.   You may need to copy and paste the link below.  Let me know if you have any issues getting it.  Enjoy!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b7VWx2vQ_ujW4BcYG5aJR7_U2qcWT35t/view?usp=drive_web

Ed Kelley

Thank you to the Reunion Committee for a night of wonderful memories.  I was reluctant at first to come due to being cane dependent but would have missed a night of great conversations and sweet memories.  My St. Clement's classmates started in September of 1960 together and it is a reminder that the years have flown and the importance of reconnecting with people that you shared some incredible history with.  Thank you again to all my classmates of '72 and to the great young Mariners that showed us around and made us feel appreciated and welcome. with affection, Ed Kelley

Irma Rodriguez (Vargas)

HI Everyone,  

I concur with alot of your comments - I too did not have enough time to make it around to talk to everyone - such a bummer.  I am sure we'll keep that in mind for the next one - yes, since so many of you asked, we will be doing a 55 yr.   Wish i had more time to talk to each of you.  

Also St Monica's Alumni director - Ernie Soto - was impressed with our class.  He said he's been to a few reunions and this one was hands down one of the best attended and most fun reunion he has seen.  I told him we had a GREAT class.   
 

He asked me to pass on this Homecoming information coming up -so here it is below.

Irma Rodriguez Vargas

**********************************************************************************************   

Once a Mariner, always a Mariner. Homecoming is a time for Mariners old and new to gather as one community and celebrate both school accomplishments and individual successes. Due to the pandemic, there has not been a proper homecoming in over 4 years. We are eager and excited to welcome our amazing alumni back to their home! Check out the information below for dates and times of Friday's festivities. Mariner Alumni will receive a "Homecoming 202" T-shirt, water bottle, and button pin!

Are you coming to one or all of the events? Make sure to RSVP here. Space is limited for the Alumni Tailgate Party. 

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @saintmonicaprep to see highlights from throughout this week and to stay connected to your alma mater! 

Questions? Please reach out to Ernie Soto at esoto@smprep.org.

To the Green and Gold - All Hail! 

Homecoming Pep Rally - 9/30 

Friday before the school day ends, join the student body as they get fired up for the football game! Do you think you can beat the students in a relay race? Come on Friday to find out! 

Alumni Tailgate Party - 9/30 

This year, we decided to partner with Nostalgia Bar & Lounge, a new local restaurant to bring you a fun and delicious homecoming experience. We will begin to gather at 5:30 pm at Nostalgia Bar & Lounge, and make our way to SMC field at 7 pm for kickoff. Mariner Alums can come enjoy complimentary appetizers and receive 2 free drink tickets. Make sure to RSVP here. Space is limited. 

Address:

Nostalgia Bar & Lounge

1326 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

Homecoming Football Game - 9/30 

Alumni Admission is free of charge for the game. Please show the flyer at check-in. Check-in for the game is on 16th St. There will be a seperate alumni line at the entrance gate so you can by-pass the ticket booth. Look for the "Alumni Check In" sign. There will also be a dedicated alumni section in the stands. Gather to reconnect with old classmates and friends while you cheer on your Mariners! 

Deborah Hile (Saenz)

I just want to say that I had a wonderful time planning the reunion and finally enjoying a very special evening.  I was so happy to reconnect with special friends I had missed for many years. Life gets in our way, but making the effort, as so many of you did to come from near and far, to our 50th Reunion made the wait that much more meaningful.  I too,  echo not being able to chat with everyone I wanted to was sad, but 4 hours just wasn't enough time! I wish ALL my Class of '72 the best life has to offer-good health and happiness and much love and we will see you @ the 55th! Yikes, really are we that old?

Blessings to all,

Debbie Hile

Pat McDonell

See you in 5

I only had one day to drive up and revisit Santa Monica and then attend the reunion. Santa Monica did not see that different to me. Nor did the school, or the church. I know I have changed and some of us are gone, and that that is sobering, but expected. Our reunion was too quick with so many people to speak to. But it felt very easy to be there, and even after 50 years we all enjoy each other's company. So nice to chat with you all and I truly appreciate the effort by the committee (Irma, Gary, Gene, Cathy and others) to organize it and the pre and post gatherings I could not attend. Sign me up for the 55th and maybe we can get my "other brother" Gary McDonald and others who could not come this year to come down for the Mid-reunion. 
 

Bill Beebe and I promised we'd show up this year after missing the past two. As we know, "junior" didn't get the chance to attend this year. The importance of these gatherings takes on intensity as we get on in years. I truly encourage people to come. We are older and wiser  - I hope - and St. Monica then and now is filled with great memories I embrace more than ever.  

Many thanks to the students who gave us the tours of our school. 12 years there. Memory lane for sure. 
 

Cathy Dambach (Finazzo)

Hello everyone! 

I was fortunate enough to travel to Alaska to visit my daughter for a week following the reunion.  But now I am home and have time to reflect.  I too want to thank everyone who was responsible for making our reunion such a success. Debbie, Irma, Cathie, Gary and everyone. The decorations were lovely, the food was delicious and the company...there are no words. And thank you to Linda for opening your home to all of us on Sunday. What a treat to relax in your yard with great fellowship and food.

I can't wait to see everyone again. But 5 years! Too long. Everyone take care and blessing sent to you with love.

Cathy Dambach Finazzo

Jane Robertson

I wanted to inform everyone that Colleen Henry (Rooke) passed away suddenly on Oct. 10, 2022. 
Her service will be at St. Edward's in Dana Point, Ca. On Oct. 28, at 11:30 am.  May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God , Rest In Peace .  Prayers for her family at this sad time. 

Irma Rodriguez (Vargas)

Thanks Jane for the update.

I had heard but did not have confirmation.  So sorry to hear that it is true.

Thanks for the update on the funeral services.

Irma Vargas

Lourdes Garcia (Hernandez)

I too was very surprised to hear about Colleen's suden passing. My condolences and prayers for her family through these tough times. Definitely makes us stop and think about what God has planned for us and yes, that we have to cherish every day He gives us.

Susan Mackiewicz

i am so sad to learn about collenes passing - her father sold my dad the same house that i live in today at 1116 grant street - i lost the only man - paul that i really loved years ago - he made me the most beautiful stained glass window as a christmas present - i think my last stupid ass boy friend threw it out paul was my soul mate - i will always remember him forever as the love of my life - i  will pray for all of the rookes family and their souls - may she rest in peace with our lord and savior jesus christ forever amen- susan marie mackiewicz

Y. Kathleen Hughes

Good morning class of 72 , from Amsterdam

coming to you from your resident unconventional  black sheep  hahhahah

I would like to extend an open invitation to anyone who has the courage to cross the Great Water..

mi casa tu casa!!  Due to Covid I was unable to attend the reunion but have longed to hear from anyone ...

I have never received any correspondence until 2022 and was happy to see everyone at last. 

Thanks Gary for all your efforts to keep people connected somehow...  stay well and may 2023 bring everyone health and peace.

Kathleen

Gary Nitti

Kath -

Glad to hear you are doing well and happy - that is what life's about. I very much appreciate your kind words, but I wish to say again that all the members of the Reunion Committee (Irma, Cathie, Eugene, Donna, Gloria, Miguel, Naola and Debbie - I hope I got everyone) were responsible for finding and communicating with all the classmates from the Class of '72. Keep us updated on your life! Great to hear from you.

Gary

Gary Nitti

My Senility is showing - I forgot to mention Linda as being on the Reunion Committee.

Gary

Y. Kathleen Hughes

Hi Gary !  thanks for the response 

DISCLAIMER : IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME DON'T EMAIL!!!!!  crazy I had to say it outloud

so here everyone is my email !!   alexandrakathleen@gmail.com

I was so saddened to hear about Diane ...she was my 1st roommate.  I loved her very much.
my condolences to all who loved her with me.

also  if anyone wants to call..  via whatsapp  it would be free :)

my home phone is +31 0634111235   
Amsterdam is wonderful...  My home is massive and open to any who would like to visit :)
I even have a guest bike ...you would be safe here..I have not had Covid yet...am vaxxed, masked always  and very conscientious about remaining so.  So anyone who is lazy about mitigations...don't bother.  But those of you who care...are all welcome :)

Kathleen