Manuel Avila

I am a tad late but it is time again for classmate BDay salutations. A toast to DeAnnaGassaway (Brooks), Dave Edmiston, John Marin and Sally Warfield. I will also add upcoming salutations to Shirley McCain (Nelson) and Frank Bachara. Hope this email finds you all in good health and fine spirits. I add my condolences to Frank and his Family for the passing of Teri. Like John, I have fond memories of her. Till next time, you all be good and take care of yourselves.  Manuel

Debbie Munguia (Knowles)

Hello Everyone!  I hope all is well and you're all in good health.  Marvin, I hope you're on the mend and doing well.

I finally posted the pictures from our "Just Because" Party...sorry it took so long to get around to it.  Life threw me a bit of a curve ball. The day after our party, my mother who was 96 years old and in a nursing home was taken to the ER and passed away two weeks later.  After dealing with funeral arrangements, my brother, sister and I had the daunting task of cleaning out her house with 60 plus years of "stuff" to go through.  Our goal was to have the house cleaned out by the 1st week in November and on the market before Thanksgiving.  We met our goal after hiring a lady who has an Estate Sale business.  We put the house on the market the week before Thanksgiving and it closed escrow 6 weeks later.  Now I have to figure out where to put the stuff I brought home from her house.  Dan and I finally emptied out the boxes in the garage from our move, now I've added more.  I'll get to it someday. 

I hope to see all of you at our 50th reunion next year!  Can't believe it's been 50 years!  We can't be that old... 

Manuel Avila

Happy BDay to Susan Willard (Whitton/McPhee), Janette Sanders (Ashworth) and Kathy Bermudez (Forcum). May they have many more. John, be sure you are sitting down when you imbibe the libations, would not want you to fail down with the sudden influx of alcohol! Janette and Kathy are old neighbors from the Acacia Court neighborhood when the Avila Family first moved into Tehachapi. I say first because Dad moved the family away our Junior year of high school and moved back later. We lived in a total of five houses in Tehachapi, twice on Acacia Court. Dad sure liked to move. Everybody take care.  Manuel

John Davies

Thanks for the pictures Debbie....they are great....reminds me of some other "kids" I know!!!  And thanks Manuel for staying on top of BD's....you are like a finely-tuned machine, man!!!  It gives me reason to have a celebratory beer (or two), which also helps to wash down all those prescription pills!  I don't know if I need the pills, but someone has to pay so the doctors can make their Mercedes payments!!!!  It's hard to believe summer is almost here again....reminds me of the olden days finishing up another school year.  I still remember Mrs. Spacke, my fourth grade teacher.  She always carried a yard stick with her when we went to PE or recess outside.  She would get everyone lined up for a foot race and at the count of three she would yell "Go!" and hit the end of her yard stick on the ground, sometimes breaking the stick.  Her yard sticks always had repair tape on them!!  She was a great teacher, one of the best!!  Why do I remember old stuff like this, but sometimes can't remember what day it is???  Well anyway, I hope everyone is doing well.....take care.  I look forward to hearing some old memories from the rest of the gang.....John

John Davies

Time marches on.  Doris Day's passing last week reminds me of 7th grade.  The LA Lakers had given tickets to Tehachapi Junior High School basketball teams in 1965.  Several coaches offered to drive us to the Sports Arena in Los Angeles to watch the game between the Lakers and Chicago Bulls.  Mr. O'Donnell was one of the drivers.  While the game was being played, Mr. O pointed out a lady sitting near the Laker players' bench.  He said "That is Doris Day.  She comes to all the Laker home games."  Being the out-of-touch person I was back then (and still am to this day!), I asked "Who is Doris Day?"  Everyone proceeded to tell me she was a famous actress, etc., etc.  When we got back home after the game, I immediately did an internet search......oh wait a minute, the internet hadn't been invented yet!!!  Well, maybe I read a magazine article or something.  Anyway, I got up-to-date on who she was.  It seems we are losing many of our childhood icons nowadays....time is definitely marching on!!  We ate lunch at McDonald's that day, my first visit to a McDonalds.  Hamburgers were 15 cents, fries were 10 cents, and sodas were 10 cents.....quite a deal!!  Well, anyway, just a memory from 50+ years ago....hope someone else remembers this event or other similar things that happened.  Be well everyone....John

Manuel Avila

John, this month has quite a few BDays to celebrate. You can celebrate them one at a time or use a large single container. Happy BDay to Patricia McCain (Crawford), Paul Moore, Steve Helms, my neighbor Roger Longcrier, Tom Thompson, Carolyn Kirkendoll (Johnson), Glenda Killingsworth (Ursua), Ray Koehler and Bob Warner. I do not remember having so many BDays to celebrate last year but then I do not remember much of last week either! Hope all is going well with everyone.

John Davies

Manuel, I didn't realize there were so many birthdays from our '70 gang in August, and that they are all younger than me.  But why should I be surprized, because nowadays, almost EVERYONE is younger than me!!!  Yes, I will go slowly with the toasts, mostly because my body cannot tolerate too much "celebration" at one time any more.  Did anyone run into any of our old-time school mates at the Tehachapi downtown celebration last month?  Do they have any gray hair yet????  I can only imagine all the stories every one of them could tell us.  Being in Florida, I often miss the opportunity to be able to run into old friends from yesteryear....some of it seems so long ago now, but some of it seems like it happened yesterday.  Does anyone remember the old lumber sawmill out on Highline Road near where Curry Street intersects?  It was not too far from the junior high school we attended in 7th grade.  Recently I met a guy who not only knew where Tehachapi is, but also knew about the old sawmill where apparently he had an uncle or someone who worked there back in the 50's.  It is truly a small world sometimes!!  Well, enough of my prehistoric ramblings.  I'll go back to the "rocker" for another month or so.  Until then, everyone be well and happy....John

John Davies

Manuel, it is good to see you are "back in town".  I assumed you were on your annual "mountain man" trek, but you were gone so long that I was thinking you had been attacked by a herd of rabid raccoons or something!!  Welcome back to the exciting world we have all been guarding while you were out in the boonies!  I see you brought the birthdays back up to date....I was becoming dehydrated!!  The Washington Nationals won the World Series, with neither team winning a home game.....so much for that "home field advantage" we always talked about back in our high school days, huh??!!  Now that I am retired, I was going through some old boxes and found a library book from THS.  I assume it is probably overdue to be checked back in.  I am afraid to notify anyone because I might owe, like, $72,000 in fines for not returning it!!  Should I just keep the book and not tell anyone??  Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.  Can anyone believe it is NOVEMBER already???  Another year almost in the books....hard to imagine where and how it goes so fast.  Hopefully everyone is happy and healthy and life is good.  Please take care and and someone drop a note here on the site when you can.....John

Manuel Avila

Time for the kind of monthly BDay greetings. We are celebrating the good health of Debbie White (Taylor) and Marvin Williams. I think Debbie has changed or deleted her email address so I hope she gets the messege. Marvin should be in good health from his surgery last year and giving everybody hell. Again! My advice to John about the library book is to personally turn it in to the NEW library and tell them he had a hard time locating them because they had moved three times since the last time he had been in. Might work! Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and you are all doing well. Manuel

Frank Bachara

I miss you all. Just got back from Nashville for the wedding of our first grandchild. It was a special blessing getting to do the ceremoney for her but it does let you know that you are getting up in months.

Want to say I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year.

God Bless You Richly!

Manuel Avila

This is my last greeting for the old year and I will couple it with my greeting for the New Year.The last year has brought many changes into our lives. Frank B. celebrates the wedding of his grandchild. To add perspective, my 1st and probably only grandchld turned 10. Many others of you have celebrated the births of grandchildren and possible great grandchildren. Rick D, and Marvin W. havegotten settled into retirement and I hope all you others have also. I hope the New Year brings joy to you all. By the way, Happy BDay to Mary Herrera (Burns) and Dae Lantz. Many more to the both of you and for the rest of us.  Manuel

John Davies

Manuel, thanks for the birthday updates.  Since all the restaurants are now closed, I am relegated to going to the nearest McDonalds drive-thru and ordering a large unsweetened ice tea which I then raise in a toast to honor all our great classmates who are celebrating another year on this planet.  My little “pea-brain” still struggles with the fact all of us “kids” are now in our upper 60’s.  I truly hope everyone is healthy and surviving this whole Coronavirus thing.  Who would’ve ever thought something like this would ever happen??  I hope we get through it soon....I can only paint the back door so many times before it won’t close any more!!!!  Well anyway, everyone please be healthy and safe and drop a line to some of us Old Codgers....it will give us some comfort knowing there are still humans living exciting times in this world!!  Take care....John

John Davies

Manuel.....thanks as always for your monthly reminder of how old all the OTHERS are getting!!  I feel bad for THEM!  Well, anyway, I hope everyone is surviving all the COVID stuff and all the unrest we are witnessing around the country.  I am not smart enough to profess being able to understand all the different viewpoints, but hopefully, we all will see a better world after all the scenarios are played out.  I am happy to finally see a few sporting events going live again.  I am about burned out on 1973 World Series reruns and 1961 I Love Lucy shows.  I can only watch so much TV before I go crazy (which is a short trip even in the good times!).  I am sorry for the 50th reunion delay, but I think Debbie (and the committee) were right to point out we would be better off waiting until next year.  Just think, we will all have more stories we can tell....well, if we can remember them!!!  It is still hard to imagine it has been 50 years since we graduated HS.....time has gone way too fast!!  Thank you to everyone in the class of '70 for being good people and good friends to all of us.  Why am I thinking about Mr. Ganzfried and Miss Christianson and Mr. Jasper and Coach Carll and Mr. O'Donnell, and....and......and on and on?  Wow, they and ALL our other teachers and coaches left a footprint in our lives.  What great people!!!  Hats off to the entire gang of people who made our entire school experience one that would carry us through our lifetimes!!!  We have been so fortunate......take care everyone......John

DeAnna Gassaway (Brooks)

Thank you Rick and Manual for your heart felt posts sharing memories from the past and encouragement for today with the difficult times our country is facing!

I look forward to the reunion next year and hope everyone attends!

Yes, the teachers and coaches were so special. I remember Mr. Gamble always called me and others out of class if we didn't sign up for choir. I had the opportunity of playing a classical piano solo at a church I grew up in and played organ for as well as playing keyboards for a few special services at churches in Tehachapi... such a blessing that Mr. Gamble showed up. I use to sing duets with him at church... I was always too shy to sing solos.

I am back practicing piano/keyboards again! I use to play years ago in LA and Orange County with some extremely talented world class musicians... I had to make a real livinng... instead of pursuiing a music career I went back to school and became a graphic designer after my two sons graduated from high school.

Love all you special classmates with all my heart and pray God blesses all of you!!!

DeAnna

I'm available for  graphic design, etc. to help with the upcoming reunion!

John Davies

Manuel, thanks as always for the “youthful” reminders of this year and yesteryear!!  I also remember running laps around that dirt field in 7th grade.  I can still hear Mr. Dorrington’s raspy voice imploring us to “cut the chatter” and pick it up on the lap speed.  I remember the gym was actually the cafeteria that had to be converted back and forth during basketball season.  We were flexible in those days.....but nowadays the flexible-ness is gone....well I am speaking for my own body....I realize there are still many agile members of the ‘70 team who have not aged very much!!!  Digressing, I think that school is now an elementary school, right?  Ah, those were the days when we were there, huh?  Well, enough of my faded distant memories.  Maybe someone can chime in with some new old stories.  Until next time, everyone please stay healthy and safe from all this COVID garbage.  Take care....John

Manuel Avila

It is time to celebrate our classmates but first I would like to comment on John's comment about our first Jr High. Not only do I have good memories of Tompkins, so do my two children and granddaughter. They also attended classes there when it changed to an elementary school. John, I also remember the cafeteria. For basketball practice, we would have to run "forever" to get in shape to play on "normal" basketball courts. Getting back to business. Happy BDay to Patricia McCain (Crawford), Steve Helms, Roger Longcrier, Paul Moore, Tom Thompson, Carolyn Kirkendoll (Johnson), Glenda Killingsworth (Ursua), Ray Koehler and Bob Warner. Many more to you all! I appreciate the updates sent by Roger, thanks Debbie, and Carolyn.  Manuel

Manuel Avila

Dear Classmates, I have very sad news to share with you. Frank Bachara passed away at home in Calif. City of Covid. No words can express my great sadness with his loss. I feel sadness for Michelle and his sons and their loss also. I ask that you all post memories of Frank as I will. He will always be remembered by those who have been blessed to share his life.

Manuel Avila

Happy New Year! After last year it might be hard to keep a positive outlook especially if you are a "bah humbug" like me but if I can do it, it should be easier for the rest of you who have a sunny outlook on life to begin with. I saw an old post by Frank and was reminded of his great outlook on life. He is missed but not forgotten.

Happy BDay to Mary Herrera (Burns) and Dae Lantz! We have many more to celebrate! Take care my friends. Manuel

Debbie Munguia (Knowles)

Hello everyone!  I hope you are all doing well.  Unfortunately I have sad news to report.  Rick Davis passed away yesterday February 13th due to cancer.  Words cannot express our sadness.  Rick always looked forward to coming back to Tehachapi for class reunions and visiting old friends.  He will be greatly missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.  Rest in peace dear friend.

John Davies

Debbie, thanks for letting us know of Rick’s passing.  He was almost like a second brother to me...so many memories.  I think everyone has a Rick Davis story...a complement to his place in our hearts and memories.  Rick made his place in this world and left us with a good perspective on this world and all the people in it, and thinking of him brings a smile to all our faces.  Thank you Rick, and also a “thank you” to every member in our class of ‘70.  What an amazing group we have been a part of.  Salutes to Rick and our entire team as we march through this thing called “life”.  Be well and take care....John

Manuel Avila

With the loss of two of our classmates, BDay greetings take on a special significance. I am very happy and honored to be able to celebrate the BDay's of Debbie Munguia (Knowles), Jim Wright, Peggy Melton (Selby) and Tom Booth. I do not know about John but all I seem to be able to raise is a cup of coffee any more. Tracie gets tired of me raising a glass of spirits and then taking a long "nap." However, raise one or two or several of whatever drink you are able with me for these young at heart classmates..

John Davies

Manuel, thanks for your heartfelt messages each month.  As always, your perspectives are right on.  I agree with the naps and all that, and will continue to hoist a beer in honor of our classmates’ birthdays.  Yes it is true I am a little shaky and occasionally spill a “drop or two” but those around me have accepted my feebleness.  In fact I sense disappointment when I don’t mess up or err in some way, or I forget what day of the week it is!  What was I talking about?  Oh yeah, I am hoping we all can get together this summer for a reunion of some sort.  It is probably still a little early to predict the COVID situation....what a mess that whole thing has been in our lives, huh?  Well anyway, just wanted to drop a note to everyone who still reads this stuff.  Please everyone stay healthy and happy, and join me in waiting for more Manuel and Debbie and anyone else who will send us all a note or tidbit of advice as we navigate these golden? years!!!  Take care all....John

Manuel Avila

John's last message mentioned forgetfulness! I vaguely remember what he is talking about. Now, getting back to the 1st day of the month BDay greetings for last month. Yes I know it is the 5th but read the above! Tilt a glass, bottle, jug, keg of whatever to the BDays of Peggy Melton (Selby), DeAnna Gassaway (Brooks), Dave Edmiston and John Marin. I hope you celebrated your special day with Family and friends. Celebrate each and every day for all are special. Just a thought but have you ever thought of your birthday as twofold? The day you were birthed and the day your mother gave birth. Just a thought from an old person who remembers "stuff" at some time during the day, week, month or year. Take care my friends.  Manuel

John Davies

Manuel, I remember in the olden days when every Dad handed out cigars when Mom gave birth to a new baby.  I still have a couple of those cigars when my kids were born.  Those truly were the good old days, and you are correct when you mention our birthdays were also a big day in our Moms' lives (and our Dads' too!).  I wonder if this cigar tradition still happens.  I haven't received anything in years!!!  It is one thing for sure that we all still have in common.....BIRTHDAYS!!  Well, that and being in the class of '70.  I can't pick up a keg anymore.  I can barely bend over to tie my shoes each day without breathing hard.  I'll stick with the beer glass and give kudos and thanks to all our fellow "counterparts in crime"......By the way, I don't know the actual definition of the word "kudo" but it seems good.  I think it was invented after we left school (along with many other things).  I still think the word "swipe" is a bad thing (as in stealing something), but now it is good, as in when my credit card gets swiped, and then the Amazon truck shows up the next day with a gift for ME!!!!  Wow, life really is a beautiful thing!  Well anyway, thanks for joggling a couple of dusty old brain cells with your insights Manuel.  I found a senior class picture of my Wife Pam and also one of my Mom.  The pictures are still posed in almost exactly the same way from generation to generation.......but the hairstyles are amazingly different.  Well anyway, I could go on and on, but I think it is time for my daily nap.  Everyone please take care and enjoy the "beautifulness" of this world......John

Manuel Avila

Most of you thought I would forget again about the BDay's on the 1st. All probably do not care but I did remember! John, you are correct about the cigars. Maybe the practice is not popular because of evolving health concerns. Bubble gum cigars were also popular at one time. Possibly dentists put an end to that practice. Not to sure about the gender reveal parties that are popular now. I read some of those have caused injury and death. Cigars could be long term detrimental to your health not immediate, even though you do not "inhale" the smoke. Was I rambling AGAIN?! Back to business. Celebrate the BDay's of Shirley McCain (Nelson), Kathy Bermudez (Forcum), Janette Sanders (Ashworth) and Susan Willard (Whitton/McPhee). Raise a toast of good cheer or fond memories to all. Take care good friends. Manuel