Frank Bachara

I just wanted to say thank you to the organizers and cooks for this 45th event, It was truly great.

Thank you! Really enjoyed ourselves.

Also if you did not get a letter from me please call me and I'll send you one. I tried to get everyone.

You were mentioning the next gathering; how about for our 65th or 66th year here?

Thanks again and my home phone # is 760-373-7138.   God Bless!

Debbie Munguia (Knowles)

Frank it was great seeing you and your wife.  Glad you were able to attend.  I sent an email yesterday to all the classmates who have emails on this website and informed everyone that we are planning a party for our 65th birthday in two years.  OUCH 65!!!  It's going to be a "Medicare/Depends Party".  We'll keep everyone updated as plans are made.  And of course we'll have a 50th reunion in five years.

DeAnna Gassaway (Brooks)

 What a blessing seeing most of you at the 45th class reunion! I am extremely bummed I wasn't able to spend more time with all of you precious beautiful and handsome classmates and spouses! I had last minute revisions on a catalog job (even after it was approved and uploaded to the printer)! Please know you are all in my heart and prayers! The next class reunion I would love to play live music with any musicians from our class and I will have the trilogy published I am working on in between jobs!

God bless all of you!

Love!

DeAnna

Debbie Munguia (Knowles)

Thanks Deana!  It was our pleasure.  And thank you for the Tiramasu...it was delicious.  Sunday Dan asked if we had any left.

John Davies

Debbie Munguia (Knowles)

John we missed you and were worried about you.  Glad to hear all is well.  "Pampers" that's a good one!  The next party is in 2 years and it's the Medicare/Depends Party or Pampers...whatever you want to call it.  They both serve the same purpose.  Lol

Take care and keep in touch!

Manuel Avila

I have been lax in commenting for the class website and I have a good excuse.  I was celebrating all the birthdays that seem to appear in my email as reminders when I realized birthdays were popping up like locusts during an insect storm.  I took me a few birthdays to finally see what was happening.  I think there was a one week gap between birthdays that was enough for my bloodstream to cleanse itself.  I decided to wait until I had a plethora of birthdays to celebrate which not only would cut down my alcohol bill but would also give my kidneys a chance to return to normal.  I have been told yellow is not a good skin color for my type of complexion.  O’Douls might becme a drink of necessity!  Sooo, Happy Birthday to Steve Helms, Patricia McCain Crawford, Carolyn Kirkendoll Johnson, Paul Moore, Roger Longcrier, Glenda Killingsworth Ursua, Ray Koehler and Bob Warner.  Happy Birthday to Tom Thompson also, even though we missed each other from grade school to junior high.

I was glad to see messages from Frank Bachara, DeAnna Gassaway Brooks, Rick Davis, Larry Morphis and Kathy Bermudez Forcum besides my drinking partner John Davies.  By the way, I would not put much stock into what Rick and Larry and anybody else said about my baseball prowess.  If I was any good at all would have started or at least played my Senior Year in baseball but I did not.  That is a fact.  So much for my athletic glory days.

The Reunion went well.  The food was great, the setting relaxed and comfortable and the company outstanding.  Talked to Coach and Phyliss Carll the other day and they said they had a great time.  They did not talk to all the people there but it was not for lack of trying.  My two fingers are tired now so I will sign off until the next time.

Manuel

Rick Davis

After pondering and even discussing the issue recently I felt it appropriate to respond on the message forum rather than the private message option I have chosen in the past. Ditto to all that Manuel said in his comments regarding the reunion. It was great seeing and talking with everyone-in hindsight only wished there would have been more time with each and everyone of you. A huge debt of gratitude to the reunion committee-everything was perfect. Most of us had the easy job-just showing up and enjoying the company, great food and strolling down memory lane wiht the very special people of our earlier and formative years. My only regret is always the same-not having ample time for a more in depth exchange with each of you. The letter from Frank B. touched me in a way I cannot express to others. Seeing Mr. O'Donnell is always a personal high as my relationship with the best and my favorite teacher of all time can not be adequately explained. I really was hoping for an opportunity to play him another game of chess so I could win my first game against him but it never seems to happen. Thanks to all of you for all the memories of yesteryear and the ones yet to come. So looking forward to all our futures together. Bye for now and to all be good.

John Davies

Manuel Avila

I enjoyed reading John's recent post on the Forum.  I have been keeping up with celebrating birthdays of classmates.  Although my doctor told me I had to slow down on the consumption of alcohol.  So now I drink very slow and no longer chug each drink!  Happy Birthday to Susan Gilliland (Close) and Debbie White (Taylor)!

My granddaughter goes to Tompkins so I most times drop her off and pick her up.  Of course it has changed since our 7th grade year.  Actually, that was my first year in Tehachapi.  Gone are the basketball courts because new classroom buildings were added and the dirt field is covered with grass  Like John said, memories will pop into my head when I am standing around waiting to pick her up.  At this point in life, I am glad anything pops into my head because it puts a look of remembrance on my face and takes off the blank stare I usually walk around with.

The Holidays are coming up.  I still celebrate Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas traditionally.  I do not appreciate the commercialism that has crept into this time of year.  Stores are advertising for Christmas right after Halloween and Thanksgiving seems to have been pushed aside because it holds no commercial value aside from selling turkeys.  Old people tend to hold onto what is familiar and comfortable for them.

Done ranting and raving for now.  In case I do not so for awhile, Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year to all.

Manuel

John Davies

Frank Bachara

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.

I wish I could give you all a present but I can't so I'll give you a story instead, my favorite Mr. O Donnell story.

I was comig home from work at the Carbon Black Plant in Mojave and stopped in to deposit my check at the Naval Weapons Center Credit Union, on Alta One. While leaving, in walks Mr. O and 2 of his students. He greets me, remembering my name and everything. After about five minutes of updates on our lives he says,

"Well Frank, as we're parting, did you ever imagine that when we last talked, 17 years ago, we would on such a glorious day like this, meet at the Credit Union?"

My response, "To be truthful, I never thought I'd live this long."

His parting words while patting me on the shoulder, "It's OK Frank, neither I nor any of your other teachers thought you would live this long either."

With that he walked away with the 2 students and left me scratching my head.

Thanks to Jesus and what He's done in my life I'm alive and well today. Thanks Mr. O.

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Manuel Avila

Glad to see posts from Frank and John.  It is always good to hear from anyone.

I had been holding off commenting on Marvin's birthday because it started me thinking.  Dae, Larry and I have the "next hurdle" coming up quite soon.  Seems like we were shaving before Marvin got out of knickers.  Just kidding Marvin!  Actually, Marvin and I lived only a couple of houses apart on Fir Street before my Dad moved again.  For those of you do not remember, Fir Street is the first street from Tompkins, which now an elementary school, towards town.  In fact, when I pick up my granddaughter from Tompkins, I park on Fir Street.  Looking at the old house brings back memories.  Of course the neighborhood has changed.

Getting back to my neighbor Marvin.  His Mom was the only mom on the block my Mom had as a friend.  They would do the sit down and have coffee in the morning and talk for awhile.  When I told my Mom I had seen her before she passed away, Mom told me she really liked her.  I also liked her because not only was she a terrific lady, she made the best and I mean the best rolls in the world!  She used to tell me if I scored a touchdown for her, she would make me a batch.  I am still a little upset with Coaches Carll and Williams for not giving me the ball more so I could score!  Marvin, being a lineman and so by description tougher than me, was not able to score touchdowns but I am sure he had more than his share of her rolls.

John, I am simpatico with you about the "Holiday Season."  I am known as the Grinch in my household.  But I do celebrate the CHRISTmas Season in my own way and my own terms.  I hope everyone has a reason to smile not only during the CHRISTmas Season but to carry over the good feelings into and during the coming New Year. 

Manuel

John Davies

Manuel Avila

John, I had been waiting for a few birthdays to roll around before I celebrated.  Doctor told me I had to curb my drinking activities down to a trickle.  A couple of birthdays that showed up on my email were Mary Herrera (Burns) and Jim wright.  I know that Dae and mine have also come to pass.  I will now have a celebratory libation for us all.  Like you John, my main function and goal now is to survive into the next year in some semblance of good health and relatively stable mental well being.  I use the term relative because it means I can be somewhere in the high or lows of "Normal" and still be considered functioning.  At least that is what my mental health advisor told me.

I too hope to hear more from you other classmates.  I have had some tell me they do not put messages in because they do not know what to say.  As you can tell by my ramblings, what you say does not have to be earthshattering or even informative.  Just reach out and contact.

Hope all are doing well.  Manuel

Rick Davis

The message forum is really a great means of keeping in touch, there is little doubt. For reasons unknown even to me I have chosen, in the past, to send messages privately. No regrets there but perhaps opening up a bit more to everyone, could yield benefits.  That said, I often think about how awesome it would be to attend a reunion with the class of 69 jointly. Closeness to that group could not be overstated. The strangest thing of our most recent reunion was the day at the city park. Remember how you used to know every other person you saw? That was the biggest change for this past visit-hardly saw any familiar faces. I cannot help but think this is natural, but it took many years for it to occur.

I am sooo thankful for growing up during the years that we all can look back to and be mindful of what normal used to mean. 9-11 changed everything and in an ugly way. What offends me is all the things that offends everybody else. PC is ruining our country and I wouldn't change places with anyone younger than myself. God oh dear, kids cannot even trick-or-treat without being poisoned or kodnapped. I really believe we are at a tipping point in our countries history.I spend little time stressing over this fact, but it was simply an area of rambling as John and Manual have discussed, that I thought I would raise, kust to stir the pot.

Then there is politics-another can of worms! In the big scheme of things I strongly endorse the notion of the fatalist. The world is unfolding as it should-sounds like the easy way out but in the end, our life is but a speck in time, and as long as they make chocalate and vanilla there will be preferences in both directions. For me, there is little to think about, I'm a vanilla kind of guy.

So John and Manual, there you have it, the next in a series of rambling-be careful what you ask for, you just may get it. Love you all deeply.

Manuel Avila

Have a stack of Birthdays to celebrate again, which is good!  Best wishes to Tom Booth, Peggy Melton (Selby), DeAnna Gassaway (Brooks), and Dave Edmiston.  May we all celebrate more.  I am assuming John has tipped a couple for the classmates and now that Rick has chosen to add his words of wisdom and ramblings to the Forum, he can join into the festivities if he has not already done so.  The rest of you can also imbibe in a whatever choice of drink you prefer in whatever quantities you desire too.  We made it this far so a little celebrating once in awhile in moderation should not affect us too much!

Rick, your ramblings closely align my own thoughts on the current state of affairs affecting our great country.  My bottom line is that, "You cannot legislate stupid."

Hope to hear from any and all.

Manuel

John Davies

Manuel, Rick.....you guys have amazing command of the English language...sadly it is a dying skill nowadays, huh??!!  I couldn't help but think on "pi day", you know 3.14.16, that our 7th grade algebra teacher, Miss Schuman, might have celebrated in a manner that would make us proud.  I'm sure she is still alive and kicking just fine!!  Ahh, those were the days!!!  I remember the desks we used in 7th grade had a book holder on the side of the desk, down fairly low, and being the short little squirt I was, it was difficult to reach the books while sitting in the desk seat.  I remember one time in Miss Schuman's class, I reached over to get a book in the middle of class, and I was leaning so far over, that the desk actually fell over, but the guy next to me on the right side saw it happen and caught the desk (and me) before I hit the floor.....one of my life's many many many embarrassing moments!!!  The person that caught me might have been Larry Morphis or was it Roger Longcrier, or maybe it was Peggy Melton!!!????  I can't remember!!  Yes, I too, have continued to honor birthday celebrants in the same manner that Manuel has done for so many years.  What a great group of honorees!!!  The doctor told me to stay hydrated, so I am following those instructions!  It's great to hear some comments from the "not-so-old gang".....how 'bout a few more??  Hope everyone is happy and well and enjoying the entertaining moments our illustrious presidential candidates are giving us!!!  Hang on for a wild ride!!!  Take care.....John

John Davies

I noticed that Patricia and Janette, and probably some others are having birthdays (get ready Manuel!).  But I am wondering why they are only 39 and the rest of us are, uh, well, you know!!  How does that happen?  Well, anyway, hope everyone is well and thawing out from the winter months....John

Manuel Avila

I know you have not heard from me in quite awhile, for some maybe a little longer would be better but here I am.  I have been saving myself for the BDay wishes and as John stated, there are a few.  We have John Marin, Sally Warfield, Kathy Bermudez (Forcum), Janette Sanders (Ashworth), Frank Bachara, Shirley McCain (Nelson), and Susan Willard (Whitten/McPhee).  Happy BDay to you all and many more to celebrate in the future.

I thought I would try to celebrate Kathy B's. BDay in a manner more consistent with her younger more free spirited days but after regaining some semblance of near reality and consciousness, I had to appreciate my limitations.  Tracie said I was wandering around the house like a stumlbing old fool.  I advised her I was not stumbling but rather wandering aimlessly and without immediate direction.  And I did not appreciate being called old!  As for the fool part, sometimes you cannot argue with the facts.  John, I am not positive but I think I was well hydrated!  I had to pace myself for the rest of the BDay's due to my now delicate constitution.

Every one have a good day and good year.  You will hear from me again.

Manuel

John Davies

Well, I am seeing there are birthdays.....Yolanda and Rick.....and others I probably missed.  Yolanda is 39 and Rick is, well, the same age as me!!  Manuel, lest we not forget these celebrations must be honored in the appropriate way.  Let's do our part, and hope many others will join in.  (It's for our health too, you know!!).  I guess summer has arrived, particularly here in FL.  Of course we don't have much of a winter here....have never seen even a snowflake in the 26 years I have lived here in Central Florida!!  I hope all is well with everyone.  I am starting to feel old.....I'm sure others in the class of '70 will feel that way too....someday....no rush please!!  Go Rays!!  Take care.....John

Yolanda Vasquez (Gum)

John - you are so nice but I have given up on lying about my age.  Actually, it's becoming more of an accomplishment that I have gotten to the good old age of ??.  Can you believe that next year is already our Medicare Party?  I am so glad to hear that you and Manuel are still celebrating our birthdays and keeping the website active.  I am one of those people that should be on here more often but you and Manuel are so eloquent with your story telling it's hard to keep up with you.  But, I'm also one of those people that enjoy your posts so please keep them coming. 

Yolanda

Manuel Avila

Well, I am back.  I saved myself responses to the BDays of Mary Ursua, Dennis Yearton, Rick Davis, Yolanda Vasquez (Gum) and of course my celebrating participant John Davies!  I had trouble deciding if I should celebrate by having one large vessel of alcoholic beverage or a single libation for each BDay person. Since I took so long making my decision, I forgot what I was thinking about. I do remember being told to clean up my litter of several small and one large empty alcoholic beverage containers recently. A trip to the reclamation center was made.

I do enjoy reading the responses made to any and all Message Forums quips posted. I do not do FaceBook or any of the other social media outlets currently in use since they do not seem to be compatible with my flip phone. I do utilize email and internet news media to keep up on current events to keep myself the informed person I strive to be.

Until my next rantings and ravings, take care all you classmates!

Manuel

John Davies

Responses have been slow this summer.....maybe it's too hot, huh??!!  Where is everybody??  I am hoping everyone is well and life is good.  I recently took a vacation to Washington DC.  It was great and I encourage everyone to go there if you haven't already done it.  The highlight of the trip for me was a visit to the Vietnam Memorial Wall.  I went to the section where Robert (Bob) Cote's name is and just reminisced back in time a little.  Losing Bob was a tough time in Chris and his family's life.  Bob was one of the good guys in this world, a true class act. Most of us probably know a few other names that are on that wall too.  Wow, those were real men (and women!)!!  I was humbled by the whole experience.

I'm not trying to be depressing, but I recently saw an obituary in the local paper of a man who was born and raised here in central Florida, but had moved out that way to California City and was working in the Gold Queen Mine in Mojave at the time of his death.  it reminded me of the "hundreds" of times Jim O'Donnell and a bunch of us kids had visited that area and went in and out of some of those old mines.  It's almost a miracle that one of us didn't turn up missing during one of those adventures!  Ahhh, the good old days!!  I still remember O'Donnel had a "Goldwater for President" bumper sticker on his station wagon in '64 when we were in 7th grade.  I wonder who he is supporting this year???!!!!!  I better sign off before I get into political trouble here.  Please take care everyone and drop a note to the rest of us when you have a chance!!!!

John

Manuel Avila

Good to hear from you John. And a Happy BDay to Larry Morphis and Patricia McCain (Crawford). In the old days, I would have celebrated Larry's BDay with a bottle of single malt scotch. Larry might have even have been with me! Now, just a glass is more than enough to celebrate.

I agree with John about Bob Cote. Another name I remember is Manuel Cazares. These are people I knew. The loss to their families cannot be measured or understood. I have friends who returned from combat in Vietnam. It has taken them years to be able to talk about some of their experiences.

I remember going out with Mr. O'Donnell and into one of those caves somewhere in the desert. You cannot know the meaning of "total" darkness until you step into a cave. Someone tried to explain it to me but the actual experience is total and complete.

John and I will continue to post Forums for the class but we would appreciate some help.

Manuel