We are trying to keep the website manageable as it grows, and to do that we are adding various 'bookmarks' to make it easier to get about expanding content. At the end of each month of bulletin board postings, there is a Return To Top Of Page bookmark to allow you to move back more quickly. We are also adding a Births bookmark here so you can get to births without having to go through hundreds of listings. Finally, we have added a search page to give you a quicker way to track down a name...Keep the information coming and happy searching... Send your postings to Webmaster
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06/30/09
Information Needed: We got a short
email from Diane Cox with her message that she was
"...pretty sure" that
06/22/09 Jimmy Wesson Class of 1968:
Ronnie Wesson asked that we clear up the
confusion about his brother's death with friends and
classmates thinking it was Ronnie who had died. Jimmy
passed away over a year ago. Ronnie, on the other hand
is retired and continues to live in Rialto, CA. Thanks
Ronnie for the clarification...
06/20/09 Royce Smith, AHS Class of 1961
Writes: "This is Royce Smith and am looking for
information if anyone is working on a 50 year reunion. If a
committee has formed I would like to volunteer to help.
Since we are currently in northern Minnesota, I can only act
as a helper, but anything by computer or phone is possible.
Thanks, Royce Smith." Royce can be reached at
dianeandroyce@aol.com
06/07/09
Sandra
Whatley Sent This Information:
Thanks for letting us know about Gary's passing back in January
of this year.
Gary Franklin Holland (1956 - 2009)
Gary Franklin Holland 1956 - 2009
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2009
at 10:00 a.m. at Coronado Baptist Church, (5165 Norris Rd.)
Pastor Jack Lee will officiate. Gary F. Holland beloved
Father and Grandfather went to be with the Lord on January
28, 2009 surrounded by his loved ones. The family would like
to extend their appreciation to the ICU staff at San Joaquin
Hospital for their compassion and care shown to Gary and
other family members during his stay. He leaves behind a
loving mother, Delores F. McMillan; father, Charles F.
Holland; his loving children, Nicole Christian and her
husband, Jonathan Christian; and Shea Holland; adored
grandson, Xavier Christian; sisters, Debra Kelley, Mamie
Allen, Molly Holland; brothers, Jim Cannon, Tim Cannon,
William Cannon, Randy Cannon, Michael Holland and Charles
Holland; along with many other family members, friends, and
co-workers. Just out of High School, he joined the 82nd
Airborne, Military Police. He was an avid golfer, and loved
all sports especially bowling, fishing, and riding his
Harley. We will keep you forever in our hearts.
06/05/09
Elena 'Flores' Alvarez, Class of 1972:
Elena had lived in Ohio for many years and had came home at the
end of May to visit her family in the local area. On May
28th she passed away while in Bakersfield. She will be
remembered for her gentle spirit and soft spoken ways. RIP
Elena...
05/27/09
Leslie Blankenship, Class of 1971: We
were alerted to the death of Leslie Blankenship several days ago
by Linda 'Neeley' Moss (Class of 1975) and waited until we could
get an electronic copy, to post of the obituary. It
appears below. Many of you will recall a group of Hilltop
boys from the late 60s and early 70s and Les was among them.
Their numbers are dwindling. I remember him being quiet,
good natured, and that he had an easy laugh. RIP Leslie...
05/14/09
Cruse Eugene 'Gene' Welch, Class of 1954:
Linda Leary sent me an email earlier today to alert us to
the fact that longtime Arvin businessman and
Member of the Arvin High School Class
of 1954, Cruse Eugene ‘Gene’ Welch passed away. Gene
was a fixture in the local farming and industrial community
as co-owner of G & W Manufacturing at the corner of Tejon
and Widmere Roads. Over the years Gene and/or the company
provided lots of fabrication, modifications, and repairs to
all sorts of equipment. RIP Gene…
04/24/09
Class Websites For Free: Jeff Nunnally of
the Class of 1978 pointed me to the Shutterfly website where you
can build and post a class website for FREE. I checked out
the Class of 1978 website and the Shutterfly templates and they
look great. If you are interested in creating a class
website for your class, I encourage you to go to
www.shutterfly.com and
look at their 'Shared Sites' link. I also encourage you to
check out the class of 1978 site at
www.arvinhighclassof78.shutterfly.com and if you like what
you see, get in touch with Jeff at
nunnallyjln@msn.com he
says he'd be glad to help you get going. There is a catch,
but it's a small one. Shutterfly has some small ads on the
page; in my opinion, they are discrete and don't detract from
the experience.
04/22/09 Help Wanted:
At my request, the Arvin High Alumni Association has been
looking for someone to take over the webmaster duties here at
the AHAA website for about four months now. As the current
webmaster I have been taking care of the website since late 2006
and feel like it’s time to bring in a new level of talent. I
know that there are alumni out there with better webmaster
skills than I possess, who could move the website ‘up a notch’.
The website is currently using FrontPage 2003, which is software
that is still available for purchase on the Internet, but is no
longer being supported by Microsoft. While I am more than
willing to mentor someone in the fundamentals, a person would
need to have at least a 'mid-range' computer skill set to
succeed. Familiarity with Microsoft Office will be a real
jumpstart in using FrontPage software.
Additional requirements: (1) PC based computer with an ability
to access the Internet; (2) Own or able to acquire FrontPage
2003 ($189-$300 if new); (3) A high speed connection (dial-up likely won’t cut it); (4) able to devote approximately an
hour a week to updates; (5) Willingness to manage webmaster
email, alumni enquiries, concerns, and forward appropriately; and of course (6) Other duties
related to the website as directed by the AHAA Board.
If you are interested, email details of your interest regarding
this volunteer position to the AHAA Board Secretary
(Cheryl Rodriquez) at
secretary@arvinalumni.org or to the AHAA President (Rick
Leary) at
president@arvinalumni.org
04/12/09 2003
Arvin High Alumni Association Scholarship Recipient Testimonial:
My name is
Elizabeth Lopez. I am a 2003 Arvin High School graduate and an
Arvin High Alumni Association
scholarship recipient. After high school, I decided to enroll
at C.S.U.B to major in Mathematics and obtain my minor in
Women’s Studies. The transition from high school to university
was not as difficult as I thought it would be because my high
school teachers had prepared me well. Some of the teachers that
prepared me for college were Mr. Regpala, Mr. Coccari, Mrs.
Brakeman, and Mr. Meyers. All of them challenged me
academically and always believed in me. I will be forever
grateful to them! For the most
part, my college experience went smoothly. Of course, some
quarters were easier than others. The quarters that I had the
most difficulty with were the ones where I had to take multiple
math classes and work at my part-time job at the same
time. During this transition, I had to stay up late at night
studying and wake up early to go to work. Eventually, all of my
efforts and sacrifices paid off in the winter 2008 when I
obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.
I am currently teaching mathematics at
Arvin High School as an intern. At the same time, I am
working towards my Masters degree in Educational Administration.
I knew that once I got my degree in mathematics, I wanted to
teach at Arvin High School because I always wanted to make a
difference in the lives of my students, just like my former
teachers did in my life. By the way, I want to thank the Arvin
High Alumni Association for supporting me in furthering my
education…
04/12/09
Beard, Rudy, Class of 1960:
I noticed today in looking over the
Class of 1960 website that they had listed the
passing of Rudy Beard in May 2008. I went back and checked
our postings for last May's Bulletin Board and couldn't
find that we had noted his passing. I made a point of
placing his name in the 'Memorial' page along with his other
Classmates. I may have reported his death and missed
memorializing it earlier,
but in any event, please send us an email, even if you think we
might already be aware of a classmates passing, this way we
never drop the ball and leave anyone unaccounted for.
webmaster@arvinalumni.org
04/12/09
Slimming Down The Link Bars:
You may notice today that the number of link bars has shrunk
recently, and will likely shrink some more in the future.
This is because as a webpage ages, like people, it tends to gain
girth. In an effort to keep from covering the whole home
page with 'Link Bar' we've placed a
'search link' on every page and
consolidated a lot of the information onto the
'About
The AHAA' page. From there you can now find
information and email addresses for the board as well as links
to our constitution, bylaws, mission statement, minutes of our
board meetings, quarterly newsletters, and our donors/members.
Take some time to visit that page and click around, since there
is a lot of new information to look at. Thanks for
clicking!!!
03/29/09
Information Needed:
I was looking over the 'In Memory' page and figure that
statistically we have been able to list only a fragment of the
names of classmates who have passed on. Some classes
appear to have been able to go 20 or 25 years without losing a
classmate. If it's true, that's great! But
realistically it's just that the information never makes its way
here. I am asking you to make
an effort to send in the names of classmates you know to be
deceased so we can honor their memory on this website. You
can email them to
farrellneeley@aol.com
03/23/09
Storts, Buddy, Class of 1959:
Recently we were in Yuma, Arizona visiting Family (Jerry and
Linda 'Duffell' Storts) and while checking out the AHAA website,
I noticed the passing of Jerry's brother Buddy Storts, was not on the memorial
page. So, I thought I'd send you the info regarding Buddy
Storts, AHS Class of 1959. He
was also ASB President while at AHS. I can't remember
exactly when he passed, but it was several years ago. I
just wanted to make sure it was listed so his friends would
know. Patty 'Duffell' Jeffers (AHS
Class of 1972)
03/12/09 Home Is The
Sailor, Home From The Sea: I
received a terrific life update from Kathy 'Williams'
DeMoure-Aldrich (Class of 1969). I emailed Kathy to find
out how her career as a merchant seaman was coming along.
When we heard from her last, she was on her way to the mid-east
with supplies for our Troops in Iraq. Here is Kathy's
email.
March 11, 2009: Well, I’m
signing off my ship, the USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1)
today after over three years aboard to FINALLY go to school
for my third mate’s license. I’ll be going to school in
Virginia Beach, Virginia for a few months and then go back
to another ship. It will take about two years to get my
license, but I’m on my way at least.
I’m flying home from Dubai, United Arab Emirates after being
at sea for the last five weeks providing support to various
navy ships that have been fighting pirates in the Gulf of
Aden. Our ship housed the suspected pirates in one of it’s
holds during that time while we waited to transport them
near Djibouti and Kenya where they will be taken to be tried
for piracy. It’s was a long five weeks, very unlike our
normal operations which is supplying fuel and supplies to
navy ships.
I’m glad to be getting back to Virginia and taking a few
months of living like a normal American with normal work
hours and weekends off. I normally work two shifts of four
hours a day, eight hours apart, seven days a week unless
we’re in port where our schedule changes every three days.
Of course I’m expected to steer while we’re supplying the
navy ships too since there are only three people aboard that
are allowed to do that based on their performance. I’ve
worked many sixteen hour days or more with little time off
in between. Going to school again is going to feel like a
vacation.
Anyhow, that’s my latest.
Katherine DeMoure-Aldrich (AHS Class of 1969)
03/09/09
Newsletters In The Mail:
The quarterly newsletters for the Arvin High Alumni Association
went out in the mail today and should be arriving in mailboxes
by week's end. There are a great series of photographs of
the AHS Constitution Teams and a number of updates on AHS
Alumni. If you have news items you want to submit, they
can be sent to Linda Gonzaga at
gztrck@earthlink.net.
Submissions for the June edition should be in to Linda by May
15, 2009.
Delores Jean (Richards)
Brown
1944 - 2009
02/21/09
AHAA Scholarships and
College Graduates:
The question is posed sometimes about what happens to the kids
we give scholarships to. More directly, "...do any of them
ever graduate from college"? That's a fair question to ask,
and the answer is a resounding
YES!
If any thing, we have been slow about not letting you know what becomes of them. To rectify
that, we have a new link at the bottom of the scholarship page
entitled 'Where Are They Now'.
Today, we begin posting the first one of these, and we'll post more as they
come in. Rest assured, that your donations go to a
very worthy cause and the return is remarkable. The first
one we are posting is
Elizabeth Lopez, AHS Class of 2003.
Today Elizabeth is both a college graduate and a high school
math teacher at a school called
Arvin High...............CONGRATULATIONS
ELIZABETH
02/20/09
Alumni Golf Tournament Date Set:
I received an email from Jim 'Fizzer' Young (Class of 1956) yesterday
confirming that the Arvin High School Homecoming Game this year will be on
Friday night, October 23, 2009. The
Arvin High Alumni
Association 8th Annual Golf Tournament will take place the
following day, Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Sycamore Canyon
Golf Course. The tournament has been renamed
'The Frank Barle Memorial Open' in memory of beloved longtime Arvin High
School Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director, Frank Barle.
This is also the 60th Anniversary year for the founding of Arvin
High School. Make plans now to
get your team together and participate in this event.
Entry forms
02/14/09
Passing of Noemi Perez Class of 2008:
It is always 'sad' for me to post the passing of anyone who ever
attended, worked for, or supported Arvin High School. It
moves beyond sad to 'heartbreaking' to post the passing of
younger Bears, who have just recently graduated. Since
I've been Webmaster, I have experienced this about a half dozen
times. It never gets any better; it never makes any sort
of sense to me!
On February 8, 2009, Noemi Perez,
a
2008 graduate of Arvin High School, and a standout athlete with
a promising collegiate career (CSUB distance running) ahead of
her was senselessly killed, in a head-on collision, by an
allegedly drunken driver on Bear Mountain Boulevard, just West
of Vineland Road. The allegedly drunken driver came away
with minor-moderate injuries.
In her high school career, Noemi had
helped the Bears to a title in Volleyball in 2006 and a title in
basketball in 2007. She was voted the 'Most Inspirational'
athlete by her teammates in Volleyball, Basketball, and Track.
In her senior year, Noemi was voted 'Outstanding Female
Athlete'. Her life-goal was to become a high school
teacher. She was both a college-prep and advanced
placement student at AHS.
Noemi was buried on Thursday,
February 12th. But first, her body was carried around the
AHS track where she'd ran so often, one last time. The
loss to her family, friends, and community is immeasurable.
On Friday, February 13th, the students at Arvin High School
released thousands of red balloons, which had been purchased
with the intent that the proceeds benefit Noemi's family with
associated expenses.
It was a beautiful memorial tribute
from other young Bears, her family, her friends, and her
community.
RIP Noemi...
02/14/09
Never A Charge To Post:
Just a quick note to dispel a rumor I heard. The AHAA does
not charge for items posted to this website. This website
is a free service to all alumni, regardless of whether or
not they are members of the Arvin High Alumni Association.
So if you have 'general information' that would be of interest
to the alumni of AHS, please send it along to
webmaster@arvinalumni.org and we'll get it posted for free.
At this point, we don't have a commercial page or sell
advertising, so we haven't posted those kinds of 'direct-buy'
postings. We're not necessarily averse to that idea, it's
just that we haven't done it in the past. We have
acknowledged 'members, donors, and sponsors' and would of course
continue to do so.
02/14/09
Reunion Planning Getting Underway:
If you haven't been planning already, it is now time to start
your planning for your class reunion. If your graduation
year ended in a 9 or a 4 (e.g., '54, '59, '64, etc.) then 2009
is a reunion year. If you are interested in helping to
plan your class reunion, or even be the first to put together a
reunion committee, check out our
'REUNIONS' page to get started. The
Arvin High Alumni Association asks
that reunion committees 'consider' having their reunions in the
Fall of the year during the homecoming period and around the
time of the annual alumni golf tournament. This year that
Falls on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24, 2009.
Setting up for around that date affords your
class the chance to see other alumni from across the years while
you are in town and they are in town.
02/07/09
Vicky 'Smith'
True, Writes:
I wanted to make sure that people were aware that
Maxine
Lum (Class of 1970) died in a car crash several years
ago on one of the bridges up by San Francisco. Anyone
that knew her will miss her energy and great smile! She
was a very special person and friend. She did get
married, but I do not know her married name. Take
care and God Bless!
Vicky 'Smith'
True
Richard Max
Mettler
1946 - 2009 Richard Max
Mettler 1946 - 2009 Richard Max Mettler has moved on to
a more restful place after having passed away January 2,
2009 at Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, CA. He was born
in Olean, N.Y. April 13, 1946 to Richard J. and Barbara
Mettler. He later graduated from
Arvin High School with the class of 1964. He is
survived by his loving wife, Patricia Mettler, and her
children, Lacey Luco, Jennifer Davlin, Mark Minzenmayer
of Texas. He is also survived by his son, Steven G.
Mettler of Bakersfield and daughter, Kristina Wren of
Arizona. Siblings include Thomas Hanigan, Kenneth
Hanigan, and Jeanne Vanderpool. Richard had 6
grandchildren on both sides of the family. A small
memorial has already been held in his honor as a
celebration of life. It was Richard's wish to donate his
remains to the U.C. Irvine Department of Medical
Research, therefore no formal funeral service will be
held. Richard enjoyed a variety of hobbies, all of which
included the application of technology in one way or
another. He was a generous and kind man who will be
missed dearly.
1956 - 2009
Alvena Jean (Stutler)
Gonzalez (Jeannie) was born in Dexter Missouri to Helen
and Elmer Stutler on January 7, 1956. Jeannie passed
away in her home, age 53, in Ewa Beach Hawaii on January
12, 2009. Jeannie spent the majority of her life in the
Bakersfield/Arvin area. In 1997 Jeannie and her husband
David Gonzalez moved to Hawaii where they made their
home. Jeannie is survived by husband, David Gonzalez of
Ewa Beach, Hawaii; step son, David Gonzalez Jr. who also
lives in Hawaii; and step daughters, Keisha and Danielle
Gonzalez of Bakersfield CA. Two sisters-in-law, Mary
Fuentez and Rebecca Mendez of Fresno CA; and three
brothers-in-law, Ricky Gonzalez of Northern California,
Danny Nunez of Los Oso CA, and Gilbert Gonzalez of
Bakersfield, CA. Jeannie is also survived by her
parents, Elmer and Helen Stutler of Arvin, CA; brother,
Joe Stutler and wife, Lonna; and niece, Alison Stutler
of Bend, Oregon; brother, Bill Stutler and wife, Sandi
of Tehachapi, CA; and nephew, Jerry Stutler of Olympia,
WA. Two nieces, Elizabeth Yost and husband, Brian of
Chowchilla CA, Sarah Machado and husband, Nelson and
their children Brandon, Lesley and Mathew from Madera
CA. Additionally, Great Aunt Gladys Drake of Sikeston,
MO; good friend, Evelyn Maloy of Arvin, CA; and the
entire Zavala Family also of Arvin CA. She was preceded
in death by her niece, Jennifer Stutler and good friend,
Nancy Snider. Jeannie excelled in academics, majorettes
and sports in school, graduating
from Arvin High School in 1974. After high school
she trained and became a dental assistant working for
several dental offices both in Arvin and Bakersfield.
One of the dentists that Jeannie worked with and most
remembered her was Dr. Falletti's office in Bakersfield.
Jeannie is remembered for her love of the outdoors,
shopping, love of Christmas and her undeniable love of
spending time with her parents, family, and close
friends. She loved the weather and climate of Hawaii and
loved to spend time gardening in her back yard with her
husband, David and their three dogs, Pua, Harley and
Chica. She loved to spoil her nieces (Jennifer,
Elizabeth, Sarah and Alison) and nephew, Jerry. She
loved all animals especially her dogs which she pampered
and spoiled as much as she did her nieces and nephews.
Although Jeannie's life on earth was short she was loved
by her family and friends and will be missed. A memorial
service to celebrate her life is being planned by her
family and will be announced at a later time. Rest in
peace Jeannie, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt and
friend. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested
for the Alzheimer's Foundation, Humane Society or a
charity of choice in Jeannie's name. Alvena Jean
(Stutler) Gonzalez 1956 - 2009.
http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000122936589X
01/06/09
January AHAA Board Meeting:
The first AHAA Board meeting for 2009 is set for Wednesday,
January 14, 2009 in the banquet room at El Pueblo, in Lamont,
CA. The meeting gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Alumni
interested in volunteering or becoming members of the AHAA Board
are encouraged to attend and make their intentions known.
The dress is casual and the meals are based on individual choice
from the menu and only limited by the size of your wallet.
Why not resolve to become a more active
Alumni High Alumni Association member in 2009?
01/02/09
Pasqual Ortiz:
I received an email a couple of days back from Mary Durham
(Class of 1954) making us aware of the untimely passing of
Pasqual Ortiz. Mary noted that Pasqual had expired on
December 18th, just a week before Christmas. Our hearts go
out to his family and friends at this time of loss.
Carlos & Donna Royal
12/20/08
Lost & Found From The Class of 1960:
One more Classmate has been removed from the
missing list thanks to Cecile Scott. She sent us the address of
Margaret Blankenship Buckley. We have only 26 remaining on the
missing list. Our goal is to account for all our classmate prior
to our 50 year reunion. I know this is the time of year you
spend with family and friends, which makes it a good time to
review and discuss the missing list. We need everyone's help
in finding the last few classmates so rack your brain and ask
your family and friends if they know a brother, sister, Mom or
Dad, cousin, or other relative or a married last name of any of
these people. Donald Bailey,
Shirley Bratcher, Barbara Campbell, William Carson, Henrietta
Conrad, Mary Daniel, Irene Del La Rosa, Roxie Graham,
Frank Guevara, Ruben Henson, Barbara Hope, Jessie Jones, Robert
Keeton, Sandra Kornder, Manuel Leon, Reba Matthews, Rita McNatt,
Maxine Patterson, Ernest Perez, Roy Rye, Bea Salazar, Margaret
Sanchez, Alvin Sharp, Helen Sullivan, Dennis Swearingen, and
Glenda Wiggins...
Carlos
& Donna Royal
12/13/08 Nina
Valli: Class of 1986 Writes: I
graduated from AHS in 1986. Since that time, I completed
my undergraduate degree from California State University
Bakersfield and then obtained a JD from University of San
Francisco, School of Law. I married my husband, Dario
Valli, in 1995 and now have 3 lovely little ladies. I
practiced law for about 5 years until my eldest daughter was
born and since that time I have practiced off and on—where work
from home was available, but being a mom has primarily consumed
my time. I do occasionally submit articles, dealing with
military spouse legal issues, to Military Spouse Magazine.
My girls are 10, 7, and 3. Presently, we live in Northern
Virginia, quite a change from California! I hope all my
old Arvin friends are doing well!
Nina Valli, 703-327-4254 -- home, 703-405-5062 -- cell
05/13/09
Jane 'Davis' Coughran, Class of 1955:
I received an email today from Clovis Davis alerting us to
the passing of Jane Y. 'Davis' Coughran. Clovis noted
that Jane expired on May 4, 2009 in Ardmore, OK. He
wanted her friends and classmates to know of her
passing...RIP
David Corbell
(1951 - 2009)
David
Corbell 1951 - 2009 Visitation is today Friday, May 1, 2009,
at Greenlawn Mortuary, 3700 River Blvd., from 9 a.m. - 1:30
p.m., with graveside services to follow at 2:30 p.m. David
Corbell entered into rest on April 29, 2009. He was born to
Haskell and Eva Corbell on January 23, 1951 in Stigler,
Oklahoma. David and his family moved to Bakersfield, CA in
1960. David was a member of the Arvin
High School Class of 1969. David is survived by
his mother, Eva Tate of Bakersfield; the love of his life
and wife of 30 years, Wanda; and their three children,
Travis and his spouse Tedi and daughters of Bucharest
Romania, Dustin and his girlfriend Brittany, and Taylor
Corbell. He is also survived by one sister, Katherine Maine
of Bakersfield and one brother Houston Corbell of Pine
Mountain Club. He is preceded in death by his father,
Haskell, and father and mother-in-law, Jack and Leona Terry.
Papa's pride and joy were his two granddaughters, Chloe and
Carys. David proudly served his country as a member of the
U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He will always
be loved and remembered for his love of Harley Davidsons,
muscle cars, hunting, fishing, and having a great time with
loved ones. A special thanks to Dr. Risbud and staff,
Optimal Hospice and the many family and friends that
surrounded him with love.
Delores
Jean (Richards) Brown "Jeannie" 1944 - 2009 Jeannie was
born on March 14, 1944 in McIntosh, South Dakota. She
went to be with our Lord on February 18, 2009. She was a
long time resident of Arvin, and
graduated from Arvin High in 1962. She retired
from the Arvin Union School District after 32 years of
service. She was a Christian woman of faith, full of
loving wisdom and patience, and will be greatly missed!
Jeannie is preceded in death by her parents, Ida and
Jack; siblings, Leo, Donald, Richard, Sheryl, and
Jacquelyn. She is survived by her other siblings, Bette,
Viola, Carol, Marlene, Veronica, Diane, Harold and
Frank; her husband Roger of 46 years; her daughters,
Karrie, Lori and Kim; and grandchildren, Cariann,
Branden, Isabelle and Jack. Services will be held at the
Community Family Fellowship Church, 3540 L St. (at 36th
St.) in Bakersfield, on February 28th, at 11:00 a.m.
James
Edward Leonard 1941 - 2009 Basham Funeral Care James
Edward Leonard, 67, went to sleep with the angels and
rose up to Heaven to be with our Lord on February 18,
2009. He was born October 19, 1941, in Arvin, CA to
Lonnie Layton Leonard and Ruthie "Lou Ella" (Chandler)
Leonard. James graduated from
Arvin High school in 1959, an active member
of the student body and then entered into the Navy soon
after graduation. He served mainly at Pearl Harbor as a
radio operator and was very proud to serve his country.
He was honorably discharged and remained in the reserves
until 1965. After coming home to Arvin he went to work
for Southern Auto Supply where he wore many different
hats before retiring from the company some 35 years
later. He had many hobbies but was found most of the
time to be working and restoring old cars which he had a
deep passion for. He was also an avid race fan and spent
his younger years at Mesa Marin and Bakersfield Speedway
repairing race cars for old friends. He made many dear
friends along the way and will always be remembered for
his smile and laughter that touched so many lives. James
was preceded in death by his father Layton Leonard and
his dear friend David Church, who was like a brother to
him. He is survived by his mother Lou Ella Leonard of
Arvin, CA; two daughters, Stephanie Maheras and Marcy
Ancheta, a son-in-law Daniel Ancheta and two beautiful
granddaughters, Grace and Ella Ancheta; a brother Larry
Leonard and his wife Olga and a sister, Marsha Kennedy
and her husband Rob, all of Bakersfield, CA; 12 nieces
and nephews, 8 great nieces and nephews; one remaining
aunt and uncle and countless special cousins who have
shared many lasting memories through the years. Funeral
services will be held in the outdoor chapel at the Arvin
Cemetery on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
officiated by dear friend Kevin Reeves. Military honors
will be presented. The family would like to thank
Optimal Hospice, Glenwood Gardens, and Right at Home
Care Service for all their great help. A special thanks
to those caregivers, you know who you are, who touched
James' life and made his passing a peaceful one. We are
grateful. For additional service information, please
contact Basham Funeral Care at 873-8200.
Carlos "Charlie"
Merjil
1957 - 2009
Carlos
"Charlie" Merjil 1957 - 2009 Greenlawn Southwest Charlie
was an admired and beloved husband, father, grandfather,
brother, uncle and son. He filled the room with a lively
personality and brought great humor and a loving
presence to anyone he came in contact with. He
befriended anybody and didn't bat an eye whenever
someone needed help, no matter who it was. Charlie was
an outdoor enthusiast and loved to take his family
fishing and camping. Born in Lonepine, CA., in 1957,
Charlie was a graduate of Arvin High in 1975 and spent
his entire life in Kern County. Charlie spent his entire
career working in the welding industry and he became a
member of the local 155 Ironworkers Union in 2003. He is
survived by a loving wife of 30 years, Jeannette; his
four children: sons, Jeremy-29, Cameron-22, Jerick-14;
and daughter, Cylar-11; and daughter-in-law, Carie;
granddaughters, Hannah, Chloe, and Lucila; father Jose
Merjil Sr.; six brothers and their wives: Jose Jr., and
Gloria, Mario and Patricia, Leopoldo and Beverly,
Gilbert and Peggy, Eduardo and Melissa, Gustavo and
Julie; along with 26 nieces and nephews and numerous
great nieces and nephews and many, many adoring friends.
Although he will be very badly missed, his memories and
presence will be cherished forever. Memorial Service
will be held at Greenlawn Southwest Mortuary on Monday,
February 2, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation is scheduled
for Sunday, February 1, 2009, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00
p.m. at Greenlawn Southwest Mortuary.
Alvena Jean
(Stutler) Gonzalez
12/30/08
Two More Class of 1960 Members
Found: We just keep chipping away at that missing
classmate list with your help. Here is what I would like you
to do. Send this list to all your friends and
relatives because that is how we have been
finding people. Oma Darlene Ford sent our missing list to
her brother and Nell Moody (Reeves) sent it to her
sister-in-law and both found a missing classmate for us.
Darlene with the help of her brother found
Frank Guevara and Nell
with the help of her sister-in-law found
May Jane (Daniel) Edmonds
. We have only 24 more to go, I
know we can do this...I know we can find all our classmates
prior to our 50th class reunion but it will take your help
so please forward this Missing list to your friends and
relatives.
12/07/08 Wendy Reiswig's New Book: In my ongoing dialogue with AHS classmates, I learned that our own Wendy Reiswig from the Class of 1972 has a new book that is just hitting the shelves at Amazon.com this month. Many of you will remember that Wendy was always a talented artist, and she's parlayed that into a career (wood block print and photography among other art forms) all these years since she left Arvin and moved to California's North Coast 30+ years ago. Wendy's latest work is a book on 'Asian Ball-Jointed Dolls'. I found the topic fascinating and I plan to buy a copy just as soon as they are in stock. To learn more about her book and what she's up to, here are some links to click on. Congratulations Wendy!!!
www.junkyspot.com, or Wendy's own website, www.resin-life.com.
12/05/08 Teacher Michael Tucker (1947-2008):
 Michael
Jerome Tucker was born September 15, 1947 in Torrance, California and
peacefully left this world on December 1, 2008. Mike spent his childhood
in southern California where he developed his life-long love for the
ocean. After moving to Bakersfield with his family in 1963, Mike
graduated from South High in 1965. He was the first member of his family
to graduate from high school and continued his education at Bakersfield
College. After earning his AA, he got a call from Uncle Sam. From
1968-1970 Mike risked his life as a Crew Chief Door Gunner in the 120th
Assault Helicopter Company with the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Upon his
return, he married Carolyn and became a stepfather to Tonya. As he
earned his Bachelor's Degree at Cal State Dominguez Hills, they welcomed
a son , Erich. He brought his family back to Bakersfield where he began
his teaching career in mathematics at McFarland High and earned a
Master's Degree in education and a lifetime administrative credential.
He and Carolyn divorced in the mid-80's. While at his next teaching
venture at Arvin High, Mike met the love of his life, Jennifer and
married in 1994. Four years later, Mike welcomed his second son, Dylan
Michael. Mike enjoyed teaching for the interaction with the students,
but also for the time it allowed him to spend with his family. The many
calls, cards, and letters that arrived weekly from Mike's former
students were a testament to his devotion to his profession and his
profound effect upon his students. The family would like to thank
Hoffman Hospice and nurses Katie Trobisch and Kathy Dunham, and Drs.
Oliver and Cartmell. Also, a special thanks to Grandma Karen and to
Mike's sisters Sandie, Darlene, and Susan for making sacrifices to care
for their brother. The kindness shown by both Kern High and Fruitvale
School Districts eased the family's pain in this difficult time. Mike is
preceded in death by his father, James, and his mother, Sylvia. He is
survived by his wife Jennifer, sons, Erich (Faith) and Dylan,
stepdaughter Tonya, and sisters Sandie, Darlene (Tom), and Susan (Paul).
He will be missed by his extended family as well. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made in Mike's name to Hoffman Hospice, Trinity United
Methodist Church, or the
American Cancer Society. Services will be held Friday, December 5,
2008, at First United Methodist Church on Stockdale Hwy at 3:00 P.M..
Michael Jerome Tucker 1947 - 2008
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11/28/08 Search Engine Added: The search engine available for this web authoring program is limited, but has held up pretty well on the Class of 1972 website for a year now, so I am creating a tab for it here today. I thought about it really hard and came up with the title 'Search'; it's funny how these flashes of inspiration come to me. In either case, it may help you find information your looking for without a two hour search of the site. It WILL NOT search for data offsite...Happy searching...
11/28/08 I Think It's The Time Of Year: But I have received a lot of notices of the passings of Classmates around the holidays each of the past two years and this year seems to be starting off the same. One of these is recent and one is from years gone by now; each of them are important to memorialize:
Kimberly 'Zimmerman' Murphy (Class of 1982) http://www.legacy.com/Bakersfield/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=120338640
Donald Ray Walker (Class of 1972) http://www.legacy.com/Bakersfield/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=3443385
11/20/08 Raising Them From The Dead: It's been more than a year now since I raised anybody from the dead on this web site. But here we go again. I got a nice email assuring me that Marvin Baker of the Arvin High School Class of 1960 is NOT Dead, and is in fact alive and well. I immediately wrote back to make sure Marvin was sure that he was alive. We apologize to Marvin, his family, and his friends. We may have others on this memorial list (especially from the 50s and the 60s) that are alive and the only way we'll know is if you or they contact us. I do my best to make certain before we post a death, and I save every email I get regarding this site to be sure I've got my facts straight and to be able to prove that I don't post maliciously...If you know of any others who are listed as deceased who are not deceased, please email me so we can fix them. Sorry Marvin!
11/16/08 Class of 1987 Passing: Ernesto Colon dropped us an email earlier this month to make us aware of the passing of Sergio Gasca from the Arvin High Class of 1987. According to Ernesto, Sergio passed away in June of 1997. I always appreciate those of you who take the time to let the rest of us know about these deaths of classmates, even if they occurred many years ago. Frequently we will wonder what became of this or that classmate and it helps bring closure in all of our lives to be aware of the death of someone we knew when we were young...Thanks Ernesto...
11/16/08 Class of 1954 Passing: The local papers recently carried the obituary for Mary Stamps-Lawson. Mary was a member of the Arvin High Class of 1954. Please make other classmates who would have known Mary aware of this sad news. Keep her family in your thoughts in the weeks ahead as they deal with this loss...
11/12/08 Class of 1972 Passing: Jeff Campbell sent us an email this past week to let us know about the untimely passing of our class of 1972 classmate Sherry 'Gage' Handy. Jeff and I both knew Sherry since we were little boys (kindergarteners), as did many others among you. Our hearts, of course, goes out to her mom and dad and her three kids. Sherry's death brings the number of Class of 1972 passings to 31 that we are currently aware of. The following link that Jeff passed on should take you to the full obituary...http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000119827195X
11/05/08 Class of 1964 Passings: Sharon 'Risner' Garrison sent us an email alerting us to the passing of two members of the Class of 1964. Roy Marufo and Rita Diane Robinson are gone from our presence, but not from our memories. Please make other classmates aware of this loss and join us in sending condolences to their loved ones...
10/29/08 Hilda Sumaya (Class of 1975) Writes:
10/29/08 Winnie J. Royal (Class of 1958) Writes:
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"We held our 50th class
reunion at the Crystal Palace and one of the hostesses said her
father graduated from Arvin High, but has passed away and she
has not been able to find out what year he graduated. I told
her to give me his name and I would see if I could find out.
His name is Ramon A.
Gaytan or Gaxtan, I cannot distinguish which from her writing.
Is there a way to find out if he actually did graduate from
Arvin High? I checked the 'In Memory', but did not find his
name. I believe she said he died about 15 years ago. Also she
said she thinks he would have graduated close to 1958.
Any help in this matter
would be greatly appreciated!" wjroyal@sbcglobal.net
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10/15/08 Rudolph James Ortiz (Class of 1959): I have been carrying around this obituary in my wallet. It was given to me at the AHAA Board meeting on the 1st and carrying one reminds me that I need to post it. In this case, Rudy graduated from AHS and went on to a long and distinguished career in nursing at KMC and San Joaquin hospitals. He is survived/mourned by his mother, his sister, his daughters, and a number of grandchildren and friends. We join his family and friends in acknowledging this loss...
10/12/08 Sergio Contreras Class of 1961: In my stack of obituary clippings you folks have sent me, I found one for Sergio Contreras from back in June. Our sympathies to his widow, Josephina (Rosy) Contreras, his family, and friends at this loss. I am placing Sergio in the Class of 1961 because the obit doesn't say for sure. If any of you have better information regarding the passing of this classmate, please send it to me @ farrellneeley@aol.com
10/10/08 Hi Farrell, Sorry to bug you but our home phone number has changed. Please update our info. Anyone that wants to call us can do so at 808-292-1776. This number will not change. Thank you so much and we hope you are doing well. Robert c/o 93 and Esmeralda c/o 94
10/09/08 Rudy Jack Beard AHS Class of 1960: I received an email from Donna Royal that Rudy Jack Beard of the Class of 1960 passed away on May 25, 2008. We wanted to pass this information along to all who knew him, along with our condolences to his family and friends...Thanks Donna for the information!
10/06/08
On behalf of the Class of 1998:
I wanted to say thank you for posting our event on your website. Its
awesome to have this site available for announcements and your resources for
reunions are a great help. To our fellow classmates it was a pleasure
seeing you all and I hope to see you and others at the next reunion.
Remember to continuously check out http://www.myspace.com/arvinhighclassof98
for more information.
Thanks to you all!
Norma Castro: AHS Class of 1998....
10/01/08 Lois C 'Sherer' Sherrill Class of 1959: We want to take a moment to mark the passing of Lois. She was married to Cecil Sherrill and worked for the Lamont School District for 32 years. She continued to live and give to the community throughout her adult life, and will be remembered fondly by hundreds of children who came to know her over the years. Our sincere condolences go out to the family...
HELP
09/28/09 Barbara Jane Henson: Some time back a personal ad ran in The Bakersfield California. Now normally, that wouldn't get as much attention out of me as a personal ad on Craig's List, but in this case it involves a deceased Arvin High Alumna and her son. What makes it even more peculiar is that I never saw the ad and it was called to my attention by a Foothill High Alumna. The original ad was from the daughter-in-law of Barbara Jane Henson (Donna Henson). Barbara would have attended AHS some time between 1969 and 1973. Barbara was killed in a tragic auto accident on Alfred Harrell Highway in 1980. Her son was three years old at the time and suffered severe injuries himself. Today he is 32 and he has never seen a picture of his mother and can't remember what she looked like. Some folks have already looked through the year books to no avail. We now turn to you in hope that one or more of you may have known Barbara or her family and by some chance have a photo...Barbara had a brother, Cletus, and a sister, Susie. Barbara's married name was Keplinger...Questions, information, or pictures can be sent to Charlene Robison (wife of Charles 'Robert' Robison, Class of 1971) at ccr08@att.net
09/10/08 Melville Harris (Class of 1954): The obituary for Melville Harris (Class of 1954) was in The Bakersfield Californian on Sunday past. I am certain that many of you knew him and will feel a sense of loss at the news of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and loved ones.
09/08/08 AHS Men's & Women's Golf Team: Over recent months a few of the alumni have gotten to know the coaches of the men's and women's golf teams at Arvin. Coach Diane Batchel is overseeing the women's team and Coach Francisco Morales is overseeing the men's team. I raise this issue because the programs can use some help. To that end, things like clubs, bags, gloves, shoes, visors, blouses, shorts, and so forth are always in demand and always in short supply. James 'Weasel' Williams (Class of 1972) and others, recently put on a drive for the girls team to acquire six new sets of clubs and an equal number of used sets for practice and non-travel team members; in the spring James plans to take the same approach with the men's team. Right now they still need one more new set of ladies clubs and two more used sets of ladies clubs. They can also use new visors, blouses, gloves, etc. IF YOU WANT TO DONATE contact jwilliams42@bak.rr.com or farrellneeley@aol.com to arrange for local pickup or purchase and delivery... Coach Batchel can be contacted through diane_batchel@khsd.k12.ca.us and Coach Morales can be contacted at francisco_morales@khsd.k12.ca.us. I have to believe that there is at least two or three of you who could help them out. These kids are just like you were at that age and many of you would never have been able to afford the things it took to play golf; that's why you didn't take the game up until you were 35. Donate today...
09/08/08 Before I post Another Passing: I want to note someone new coming into the world. This past week my youngest daughter (Rachel 'Neeley' Hollis) delivered her second child and second son. His name is Sawyer Neeley Hollis. He weighed 6lbs - 14oz and was 19.5 inches long. He joins an older brother, Jackson Cage Hollis, and Dad, David, at home in Glendale, CA. Mother and baby are doing fine despite Sawyer having a touch of jaundice. Proud Grandparents are Sheree 'Ambrose' Neeley Edwards (Class of 1973) and yours truly, Farrell Neeley (Class of 1972).
09/08/08 Class of 1955 Passing... Mary Durham (Class of 1955) sent me an email to ask that we note the passing of Janet Newton from the Class of 1955. Some of you will recall that Janet was married to Charles Porterfield of the Class of 1953. Charles too has previously passed on. Our condolences to all who knew both Janet and Charles...
09/05/08 Ruthie 'Ramos' Tafoya (Class of 1988) Writes: I am living in Bakersfield with my husband, Gene; son, Cris (14 years old) and daughter, Jackie (12 years old). Currently I am finishing up Master’s Degree from CSU Dominguez Hills and working for UC Davis. I would love to catch up with old classmates! My email address is rbtafoya@ucdavis.edu .
08/29/08 Class of 1998 10th Reunion: I received an email from Norma Castro informing me that the Class of 1998 will be holding its 10th reunion at the Camino Real (formerly El Cazador) on the Truxtun Extension, on Saturday, October 4, 2008. For more information, contact Norma Castro at morma7@yahoo.com or phone her at 661-303-4228. They also plan to have a presence at the homecoming game on October 3, 2008, so make plans now to attend both events...
08/29/08 "Bad News On The Doorstep..." So goes a line from 'American Pie'. I have been away for a few days and am just stunned with how many emails I got while I was gone regarding deaths of classmates from across the years at Arvin High School. Here goes: Pat Toles (Class 1954); Patricia 'Sue' (McClellan) Olds (Class of 1953) http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000116241689X; Birdalee Weber (Class of 1953); Twila (Harris) Cota (Class of 1971) http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000116408227X; and Barbara (Watkins) Taylor (Class of 1955) http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000116408219X. Our sincerest condolences to their families and friends.
08/20/08 Linda Fay 'Dozier' Leon (Class of 1961): When I posted the names of deceased classmates on the 17th, I was not able at that time to get a class year for Linda 'Dozier' Leon. Today I have reason to believe that she was a member of the Class of 1961 and I am posting it here accordingly. If any of you have information to the contrary, I'd be glad to post a correction. Until then we will at least honor her memory with this posting.
08/17/08 The Following Passings Should Be Noted: They were called to my attention this past week either in phone calls, emails, or obituary clippings sent in by many of you; they appear here in no particular order, so please don't take offense and send me angry emails. In some cases I will need your help in getting the class year correct if I wasn't given one. Shirley James (Class of 1978), Sergio Contreras (Class of 1960), Ruby Lee Devin (Class of 1952), Phyllis Barksdale Bolles (Class of 1958), George Leon (Class of 1956), and Carol Leon Garza (Class of 1968). Some of these Bears have passed recently and for others it has been many years. It remains important that we recognize their lives on these pages...
08/16/08 Life Update For Ron Dominguez (Class of 1973): We got a nice email from Ron Dominguez (Class of 1973) letting us know that he is alive and well and living in Bakersfield. Ron is the Manager of a Marketing Division for a Timeshare Corporation (its a world famous company so Ron's being modest I think). At any rate, Ron is well, living in Bakersfield, and the father of two. If you want to get in touch with him, his email is rsd3655@yahoo.com
08/13/08 Football Schedule: The updated 2008 Football schedule is posted on the calendar page if you want to find out who the Bears are taking on this season. If you have an entry for the alumni calendar, drop us a line and we'll get it posted. We welcome information about community events and matters of interest to the alumni of Arvin High School...
08/03/08 Gerald Sanderson (Class of 1956) Writes: "...it's with sadness that I report the passing of Walter V. Tallon, Class of 1957. His death was published in The Bakersfield Californian on April 15, 2008. Is anyone doing a website for the Class of 1956? I have photos I'd like to share if there is a site to send them to, including three class pictures of my Arvin Elementary School class taken in 1946-47, 1947-1948, and 1949-1950. Let me know! Please update my Address: Gerald Sanderson 13198 Kirkwood Lane Neosho, MO 64850 Email: arvin56@live.com
07/30/08
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07/05/08 Chuck Jones, Class of 1971 Writes: Hello folks, I'm Chuck Jones. I went to school in Arvin from the second thru tenth grades before my family moved to Arkansas. I was a member of the class of 1971. My dad was pastor of First Baptist Church in Arvin. I grew up at 573 Walnut Drive (when I wasn't at the pool or the park or running the streets with Dennis Bailey or Tommy "Coyote T" Sims). I now live in Wynne, Arkansas and I'm in the panelized housing business. I also work in economic development and affordable housing issues in the Mississippi River Delta. I have 2 older sisters who graduated from Arvin High, Jo Lynn 'Jones' Rowland (1968) and Judy 'Jones' Wilson (1969) who both reside in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg Tennessee. I have been married for thirty years and have two daughters and one granddaughter. I not only remember the Arvin High Fight song but also the Haven Drive Fight Song (Come join the band, and give a cheer for Haven Drive ...) I can be reached at wallpanels@hotmail.com
Class of 1968 Reunion
September 27, 2008
Noriega's Restaurant
for more info contact
Martha Pichardo McGuire or Linda Gonzaga
(661) 587-2667 or (661) 845-2678
06/30/08 Class of 1952 & Class of 1958 Classmates Passing: I received emails this week asking me to post a note on bulletin board regarding the passings of Margaret 'Rexroth' McDonald of the class of 1952 and Leo Leach of the class of 1958. I am sure that many of you knew these old Bears. Even for those of us who did not know them, we are diminished by their passings...
06/11/08 Class of 2008 Member Anayeli Gomez Writes: "...I would really appreciate it if my friend's name appears on the 'In Memory' list. His name is Luis F. Chavez and he passed away in a car accident on September 15, 2005, during our sophomore year. He would have graduated with us this spring. I do not know how you guys determine whose name is listed, but it makes me feel bad that my friend's name is not being remembered."
Anayeli...Please consider Luis 'remembered' forever as both an Alumnus of Arvin High School and fellow Bear...
06/11/08 Class of 1960 Update:
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Hi everyone we have good news to report.
With your help, the help of my sister Winnie and some of her 1958 class members we have had a flurry of activity in finding our missing classmates. We have now accounted for 194 of our classmates. We have 147 active addresses alive and kicking, 47 deceased and 28 still missing. I know we can do it, we can find those last 28 with your help; join the hunt. By the way, 5 updated their information using the website, don't drop off the radar, keep your information up to date. We plan to have a great 50th Reunion. Waaa-whooo!
Here is our latest report: Found Gerald Webb Darlene Graham Mickle Loyd Leon Hooser Ina Burrow Sims Alford Moran
Deceased Betty Ayers Gary Forbes
Loyd Hooser has a webstore, check it out. Whozer's He said, "If you need something, he can find it." Just let him know what you are looking for, he has contacts around the world.
Darlene Graham Mickle said she does real estate in Tehachapi, CA.
Carlos and Donna Royal |
06/11/08 Class of 1968 Reunion:
Arvin High Class of 1968 – 40th Reunion, Looking for classmates - for more information contact:
Martha Pichardo McGuire - (661) 587-2667 marthamcguire@prodigy.net
Linda Gonzaga (661) 845-2678 or (661) 345-5433 gztrck@earthlink.net
Date & Time: TBD
06/03/08 The Passing of an Arvin High School Icon:
The Barle family informed us this afternoon that Mr. Frank Barle – for whom our stadium is named – passed away this morning at 10 a.m. Mr. Barle taught, coached and served as athletic director at AHS. He was a member of the 49ers – the group of staff members that were the first teachers at Arvin High. Mr. Barle attended our football games regularly. He never forgot a name and could identify a student even 50 years after they had been in his class. He was a true gentleman and a Bear through and through. We will miss his gentle presence and keen sense of humor. The family will notify us of funeral arrangements which we will share with you.
Blanca G. Cavazos, Principal
06/03/08 AHAA Can Now Accept Online Donations: As of June 3rd we are set up to receive donations online through any of your accounts through PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and by Bank Transfer. This will allow you to donate, pay membership dues, and eventually buy merchandise from the alumni association that we can only offer now at local events. I encourage you to be generous and when we have some worthy cause we are promoting, I'll include a link to the "Giving To AHAA" page so you can take part instantly. Thanks for all your past support and all the future support you'll send now that it's so much easier.
06/02/08 New Names On The Class of 1958 Memorial Page: I have added the following names to the Class of 1958 'In Memory' Page. They had not previously been listed. I am uncertain when they passed, but certainly want to let their friends know that they have gone. They are Leo Colbert, Elsie 'Stout' Meyer, Gaylord Patton, Earl Armstrong, and Harold George. Thanks to Winnie Royal for the information...
06/02/08 Class of 1958 50th Reunion Committee: I received an email from Winnie Royal of the Class of 1958 letting me know that they have formed a 50th Reunion Committee. The Committee has selected October 17 and 18, 2008 as the reunion dates. The contact information remains the same. The class web site is located at www.arvinhs1958.com for further information...
06/02/08 David Alcaraz Class of 1964 Dropped us an Email: "...I was looking through the list of people in my class (1964) who are now dead, and I saw that Rick Maltone’s name was not on the list. I was informed by Phyllis Guevarra (nee) a mutual friend, that Rick passed on in November of 2007." Thanks David for the update, I'll get the word out...
06/02/08 Waylan Harris AKA Waylan Peaker Class of 1952: I got a forwarded email message from Rosa 'Peaker' Marcich regarding the passing of her father Waylan. Waylan died of cancer, a few days after his 74th birthday at his home in Mexico, where he had lived for many years. Rosa wanted his old classmates to know that their will be a memorial service on June 21st in Madrid, New Mexico. Waylan owned and operated a trading post/art gallery for many years before he retired to Mexico. For more information she suggested the following link...http://www.visitmadridnm.com
05/19/08
Wendy 'Reiswig' Bailey (Class of 1972) Writes:
"...I'm looking for a current address for Karen
Flescher. My brother Randy called me a couple of months ago with the news
that she is now up in Washington State, not too far from a house and boat we
own up there. Of course, I wrote down her new last name and
number on.....something.....which I can't find anymore. I'm going up
in July and would love to see her. I think she's living in Friday
Harbor, which is where we'll be staying on Neil Young's boat, Ragland. (not
with Neil, however, lol!)" If anyone has a current address or
email you can reach Wendy at
kbailey@mcn.org
05/09/08 Martha 'Reyes' Moreno, Class of 1995: Hello I am a graduate from Arvin High School Class of 95’. My student Name was Martha Reyes, now it’s Martha A Moreno. Wow, little bit of me. I married my high school sweet heart, Arturo Moreno and we had 2 children; 1 boy he's 10 yrs and 1 girl, she is 3 now. I went to College and have a certificate for Accounting which I’m planning to go back to school to get my AA Degree. Arturo Graduated from Bakersfield College and has a degree in Child Development but he's working right now for Bright House Networks has a supervisor for the installation department. I’m working for Grimmway Farms in the Accounting department. My email address is mmoreno@grimmway.com for my fellow classmates to keep in touch with me.
05/09/08
Rosie Villalobos, Class of 1980:
I graduated in 1980 AKA Rosie Villalobos. I am currently trying to locate
Simon Baeza Class of 1979 and Wendell Parks Class of 1981. If you have or
know of any information for them please let me know. My email is
rosie@ncinternet.net
Arvin Alumni Band Raffle - Scholarship Fundraiser www.arvinhighalumniband.org
Basket filled with:
Dinner for 2Movie Tickets for 2
Wine, Cheese and Crackers
1 Large Pizza
Mervyns Gift Card
His & Her Bath Robes
Bath Products
Advertising on Arvin High Alumni Band website
$20.00/mo. for link to their business website
$40.00/mo for logo/picture link to their business website
Advertising on Arvin High Alumni Band Newsletter coming June 2008
Business Card Size $25.00
1/2 page Advertisement $50.00
Full Page $100.00
Put on your Calendar April 18th, 2009 - 1st Annual Arvin Alumni Band Calvin Wren Memorial Golf Tournament
05/09/08 A New Stout Baby: Robert and I wanted to let you all know that our baby girl was born on April 27, 2008 at 5:25 a.m. Her name is Ava Greer Stout. She weighed 5 pounds and 9 ounces and was 18 inched long. Our three older daughters are in love with her and so are we. Esmeralda Stout, Class of 1994.
05/01/08 Class of 1964 Memorial Additions: Sharon 'Risner' Garrison of the Class of 1964 wrote in and asked me to add the following names to the memorial list for the class of 1964. I am always happy to be able to honor classmates who have passed on in this way. Thanks Sharon, here they are...........Alvin Bozarth, Roy Carlos, Diann McGhee, Jim Salie, Larry Shadden, and Floyd Williams...We are all diminished by their passings!
04/15/08 Class of '78 Reunion Planning Underway: I received this short email from Angela 'Vietti' Bracken yesterday and wanted to get it up ASAP. "...Please post that the Arvin High Class of 1978 is in the tentative planning stages for a 30 year class reunion. Tentative date is September 2008. All 1978 alumni can contact me at abracken@umsproducts.com
04/14/08 Help Me Out Here: I occasionally receive email that comes to me from this website requesting an email change or offering some tidbit of information. A problem sometimes arises from the fact that the links that are here come to me blind and if I don't get some cue, I am not sure which of the web sites I work on that it comes from. I volunteer to keep these pages updated, just as I volunteer the keep the pages of some other non-profits updated as well. AHS has easily 20,000 people who have attended there at one time or another. I didn't even know all the kids in my own class of 300+, so understand that your name won't necessarily ring any bells or help me know which web site your message came from. Please give me, (1) some clue that you are emailing about Arvin High School, (2) your actual name and, (3) your class year. That will help me 'dial in' exactly who you are, where you're from, and what year your information should be listed under. THANKS!!!
04/13/08 Mary 'Oxford' McRee (Class of 1956): I believe that Mary was a staff member at AHS when I was first a student there in the fall of 1968. I have her listed on the www.arvinhigh1972.net web site as a member of the faculty. I also recall that she was a Lifetime Member of the Arvin High Alumni Association. I received an email notifying me that she had passed away recently. If any of you have more information, I'd be glad to post it. RIP Mary...
04/13/08 Elsie 'Stout' Meyer (Class of 1958): I got an email reporting the passing of Elsie 'Stout' Meyer from the Class of 1958. Elsie was a friend of one of my older sisters and attended the same small Baptist church we did when I was a kid. As far as I know, Elsie lived out her life here in Kern County, the last time I saw her was in 1974 and she was living in East Bakersfield. RIP Elsie...
04/13/08
Shirley Gibson Vanderpool (Class of 1953):
Our
mother, Shirly Gibson Vanderpool was an Arvin High graduate from 1953 and
she passed away this year. Please add her to the In Memory page for the
alumni. Thank you, Katrina (Vanderpool) Mitchell & Kimberly
(Vanderpool) Tanner...
04/09/08 Note of Passings of Old Bears: I write myself notes on sticky pads whenever I come across written information or get an email regarding the death of any alumni. Recently I've written down notes on the passing of Jimmie Lee Salie (Class of 1964) and Dennis Bramlett Schultz aka Dennis Bramlett (Class of 1960). As always, if you knew them, news of their passing comes as a shock. If you didn't know them, the ranks of the Bears are diminished by their passings nonetheless...
04/06/08 Nancy (Liz) 'Embrey' James (Class of 1973) Sent us This Update:
We have another addition to our family! Carolyn Joy James was born March 28, 2008 at 1:38 AM in Bakersfield to Brad and Jacqueline James. CJ is Brad and Jackie's first child, and grandchild number SIX to Liz (Nancy Embrey) James (class 73). Born three weeks early, she weighed in at 6 lbs 5 oz and 20 in. Brad and Jackie met at USC where they both graduated in 2000. Brad teaches PE at Sunset Middle School and is Freshman Football Head Coach at Arvin High School, from which he graduated with the class of '95. Jackie teaches Special Ed at Thompson Middle School in Bakersfield. CJ was welcomed by uncle Jared James (class of 92) and his children Katelyn,13.. Kyle,11.. and Kody,10.. and aunt Jenifer James Griffin (class 99) and her children Landon, 2.. and Ryleigh, 10 months.. and grandfather Mike James (class 71). Welcome CJ!!!
Hearts, Liz
04/04/08 Carlos Royal (Class of 1958) Sent us This Update:
|
Several of you have asked about Ashley Faure, our granddaughter, and her diving since the Olympics are coming up this year. Well, she starts this week in her bid to make the Olympic Diving Team. It will be no easy task. In order to get an invitation to the Olympic Diving Trials she has to be in the top 8 at the Speedo Spring National April 13-14th, Minneapolis, Minnesota, (3 meter only). The 2008 Olympic Diving Trials are June 18-22 and will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana to narrow the field even further. Then the final two are selected at the Olympic Team Selection Camp July 27-29th, Knoxville Tennessee. The Olympics will be in Beijing, China August 08-24. Ashley will have a very busy schedule and her work cut out for her as you can see below. Some competitions will be eliminated depending on her qualifying or not qualifying.
You will be able to follow most of her competitions live on the Internet. http://www.divemeets.com/index.html Click on Upcoming & Current Events. |
03/26/08 AHAA Donations 2007: The final tally is in and tax receipts are going out in the mail. Total giving from all sources to the Arvin High Alumni Association in 2007 reached $41,448. Those donations were used for Academic scholarships, Constitution Team support, and other worthwhile projects going on at Arvin High School. Our goal in 2008 is to raise even more support so we can award more scholarships, fund programs, and support the kids coming out of Arvin High School who then become parts of "the long red line" that stretches from 1949 into infinity...THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!!
03/24/08 Contact Update: Jayne Deaver, Class of 1972, wrote in to let us know that she is living and working in Bakersfield, CA. Jayne has four kids and works in graphic design, webmastering, and she designs and manufactures her own line of jewelry. Jayne can be emailed at valkyrie@bak.rr.com
03/10/08 Contact Update: Class of 1989, Email Address: marcos.a.armendariz@fritolay.com Marcos Antonio Armendariz, Tortilla Chip Business Unit Leader, Kern Site, 661-328-5904
03/07/08 Carol 'Hogan' Sanders Writes: Just wanted all to know that Carol (Hogan) Sanders is alive and well living in the Bakersfield area. Just found out I will be a grandmother for the third time. I am a Cafeteria Manager at an elementary school in the Panama Buena Vista School District. Its funny how many alumni work for the same district some I encounter on a regular basis. Sandy Davis twice widowed is still my closest and dearest friend. We have cried together and laughed together. I am now looking forward in the near future of retiring, but alas I am a workaholic. I also have a second job I enjoy a lot. If any of my 1973 classmates frequent the Mexican establishment that starts with a C and ends with an E and is on the same side of the street as the 'In and Out' burger place on Stockdale highway and California Avenue, look me up and say hi.
02/26/08 Old Okie With Cannon AE-1 35MM SLR: My kids tell me that I need to get a new digital camera and they may be right. In any event, I was at the High School this morning to talk some alumni business with the Associate Principal, Robert Moore, and the Athletic Director, Ralph Gonzales, (both fine men) and they were kind enough to let me shoot a roll of film while I was there. My eye is blurry and my hands shake more than they used to, but I think you can make out most of the images well enough to get a feel for how she is aging...click here to see the shots (p.s. don't throw away your old cameras, 'they' conned us into throwing away our vinyl 78s, 45s, and LPs and buying CDs, now the vinyl is prized by collectors for its fidelity...)
02/25/08
Larry Watson (Class of 1958) Writes:
I am in the process of retiring to take care of
my wife who is bedridden. Since graduating I went to BC for one year
then spent four and a half years in the Marines. I got out just before
Vietnam. I worked as a computer operator for 10 years and in the process
went back to college and graduated from California Baptist College, now
California Baptist University, in 1970. I also worked as a Security Officer
for 30 years, holding various positions with several companies. If any
"old" classmates or friends desire, my e-mail address is
WLarryWatson@gmail.com.
I now live in Muskogee, Oklahoma and yes there is such
a place beyond the song.
02/21/08 Are You Forming A Reunion Committee: If you are forming a reunion committee, and many of you should be, drop me a line and I will send you information on how to get the word out for free without breaking your pocketbook. Fully 67% of AHS Alumni still reside in Kern County! Most of that number are within a thirty-mile radius of Bakersfield. Don't get scammed by groups charging you online to advertise your reunion when you have free resources in the local area to tap into first. Reunion Planning Information!
02/21/08
In Her Own Words:
My name is Ruby Mae 'Williams' Schekel
and I Married Vernon Schekel, Arvin High Class of 1965. His email
address is
vernon1306@sbcglobal.net
and we still live in Bakersfield. We have a
daughter; Lenore, a son-in-law; John Lewis, and two granddaughters; Melissa
12, and Jennifer 8....They live in Porterville, Ca. My email is
rubylives@sbcglobal.net
I Wish You Enough; Ruby Mae Schekel.
02/21/08 Reunion Resources Page: As promised some months back, we have begun adding companies and phone numbers to our reunions resources page. As they come in, we will be adding other names and website information. Many of you who want to put on reunions are getting busy right now and our hope is that the information we offer will make it a little easier to find venues, caterers, banquet facilities, entertainment, and rental companies. We have a link to send in information and comments about where to go and what not to do so we need to hear from you to keep the info alive and current. Follow this link to see the new page!
02/07/08 Spoofing The AHAA Website: It has been a remarkable 24 hours! I have received more than 1,200 bounced emails back to my personal email account from America on Line. The problem stems from a practice called 'spoofing' where people who do these things send out a barrage of email identifying it as coming from a website they don't own, control, or have any right to use. The 1,200 that bounced back to me and shut down my personal email account does not account for the 300+ that appear to have reached somebody. If you got an add for Cialis, Viagra, Extend, or Adobe software, it didn't come from arvinalumni.org. I apologize for any inconvenience or embarrassment to you and if you placed an order, God bless you anyway...The good news is that it should pass like a storm if you don't respond. The web site is 'reasonably secure', I say this noting that I once had a corporate website with three fulltime computer-geek employees that experienced the same thing. Bear with us and this too shall pass...Farrell Neeley, Class of 1972, AHAA Webmaster.
02/04/08 Class of 1982 Passing: I got an email from a classmate this week about a passing of a Class of 1982 Alumna that I had seen earlier in the week on The Bakersfield Californian. Carol 'Cortez' Gutierrez passed away on January 25, 2008. She leaves behind many friends and loved ones and we note her untimely passing here today...Our hearts go out to Rueben, her kids, and her grandkids.
01/29/08 Life Update From Texas: My name is Erica Gonzalez, but my maiden name is Erica Salinas. I graduated in class of 1997. I am currently living in Houston Texas, and have been for the past 8yrs now. I married Daniel Gonzalez, also an Arvin High School Alumni, from class of 1994. We have been married for 10 years now and have two beautiful children. A boy, Daniel Gonzalez Jr, who is now 6 yrs old and a girl, Yanesli Arlene Gonzalez who just turned 4. Daniel is a Certified Journeyman Electrician, and I am a Supervisor in the dispatch department at night for a major trucking company. We still remember our home town and we just wanted to keep in touch with some of our old friends. If you wish to email me you can at erica_gonzalez@emtl.com. Hope to hear from some of you soon.!!!
01/28/08
Reynold Armstrong (Class of 1968)
Writes:
My name is Reynold Armstrong, Class of 1968, currently living in El Cajon,
California. I have lived in the San Diego area for the past 35 years. I
retired two years ago after 27 years as a police officer. My wife and
I now travel as much as possible. My e-mail is
lorrey@cox.net
01/27/08 Lidia 'Benavides' Garza writes: I'm e-mailing to inform you that on your website my younger brother is not listed as deceased alumni. His name is Jorge P. Benavides, he graduated Class of 1995. Today is 4 years since he was murdered by a drunk driver. It is still a great sorrow to our family not to have him here with us. My sister and 5 brothers and I all grew up in Arvin and we all graduated from Arvin High. My sister Gregoria (Class of 1984), my brothers: Lucio (Class of 1985), Virgilio (Class of 1986), Luis (Class of 1988), myself (Class of 1990), and Victoriano (Class of 1994) would appreciate it if you could add our baby brother to the list of students that have passed away. It would also inform any of his friends that moved away before he passed of his untimely death. Thank you for your time...The Benavides Family
01/22/08 Shirley Mae 'Carter' Robinson (Class of 1958): Once again today The Bakersfield Californian carried news of the loss of another AHS alumna. Shirley graduated with the AHS Class of 1958 and was also a graduate of CSU Fresno and Pepperdine University. Shirley started teaching in the Bakersfield School District and had been a school teacher in the local area for 35 years. Many local children learned to read, write, and do arithmetic from this lady while she taught in the Lamont School District from 1969-2004. Once again, there is a large local group of family and friends who'll miss her presence, but they will never forget the joy she brought to each of their lives.
01/21/08 Vera Mae 'Duke' Williams (Class of 1955): I noticed in The Bakersfield Californian today the passing of a member of the AHS Class of 1955, Vera Mae 'Duke' Williams. Vera was born in Bakersfield, but raised and educated in Arvin. She graduated with the Class of 1955. If my math is correct, Vera would have been 72 years of age at her next birthday. The obituary notes a large group of family and friends is left to cherish her memory. Rest in Peace Vera!
01/15/08 James Kennedy (Class of 1964): We got a nice email from James Kennedy (Class of 1964) this week wanting to make sure that old friends knew he was alive and well and living in Portland, Oregon for the past 35 years. James made note of the fact that he visits family here in the local area a couple of times a year, so a chance to see him in the flesh is for real. If you want to follow up with an email to re-establish contact, his email address is jearl43@hotmail.com
01/13/08 Roberto Jiminez Rangel (Class of 1973): Roberto is reporting that he is alive and well after leaving Lamont in 1974 to make a career in the United States Navy. Since 1974 he has lived in Hawaii, Minnesota, Colorado, and most recently in North Carolina. Roberto is close to retiring and hopes to move back to Bakersfield in the next two years. If Richard Gardea, Carlos Blanco, Terry Mancera, or Joe Soza are out there, he would love to hear from you or anyone else who cares to email. The email is osomex47@yahoo.com
01/07/08 Email Address Correction: I somehow managed to misspell Chuck Ethridge's (Class of 1988) name on his email address with too many 'Es' in the name. Here is the corrected address for any of you wanting to get in touch with Chuck. chuck.ethridge@gmail.com
01/06/08 Gerald 'Pigeon' Heath (Class of 1971): Once again it falls upon me to make you aware of the passing of another classmate. Often I do not know those classmates and so the emotion of it doesn't hit me quite so hard. This past week I ran into Sharrell 'Heath' Levingston (Class of 1972) and among the items she shared with me, were the death of her brother Gerald, last year. I met Gerald when I was a freshman in the Fall of 68' and knew him throughout high school. We called him 'Pigeon', because he raised racing pigeons as a hobby. Gerald was from 'Hilltop', spent his adult life working in the Kern County oilfields, raising a family, and more or less surviving just like the rest of us. I remember him as being a nice guy and speaking very quietly...RIP Gerald!
01/01/08 Marcia 'Barry' Conroy (Class of 1973): Someone asked me the other day if I knew what happened to Marcia Barry or where she was living. In one of those 'twilight zone moments' we all have in life, I got an email from her with an email address a couple of days later. I don't recall who asked about Marcia, but if you want to make contact with her, the email is happy3@sti.net
01/01/08 Great Pictures: I got some really great pictures at Christmas time of Robert (Class of 93) & Esmeralda "Espinoza' Stout (Class of 94), their daughters Alyssa, Eliana, and Olivia, and a sonograph of their coming new daughter. Unfortunately, I am not smart enough to figure out how to de-embed the pictures from a Word document for posting, so you'll just have to take my word for how cute their kids are until I get that sorted out...
01/01/08 Reposted Due To Email Error: We have a growing problem here on the AHAA website and I can only say that I will do my best to address each case as it arises. The other day I got this very nice email from some fellow claiming to be Phillip E. Allen, Professor Emeritus, School of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology. He claimed to have once been the AHS Student Body President, and a member of the Class of 1957. This troubled me deeply because if you look at this website on a regular basis, you know that Phillip Edward Allen (Class of 1957) is dead. Do the math, this guy would be at least 68 years old; that is almost ancient. Furthermore, I know that he must be deceased because it says so in our 'Memorials' section and here at the AHAA website we are 'almost' never wrong about anything...However, out of a fear of lawsuits, I am going to remove that name from the Class of 1957 Memorials. If any of you want to email this Phillip E. Allen person and try to mend fences for us, his email address is pallen@ece.gatech.edu
12/18/07 Why Are We Now Listing Ourselves As "The Official WebSite of The Arvin High Alumni Association":
Recently I have been wondering about ways to increase our web traffic at the Arvin High Alumni Association web site and in cruising through other people's web sites, I came across the "Arvin High School Project Alumni" web site. Its at http://arvin.projectalumni.org
There's only one problem here, it has nothing to do with the Arvin High Alumni Association and is one of 300 such bogus web sites set up by some guy named Steve Plant, in Florida. The catch, Steve gets folks to pay him $5 a head to join his Arvin Alumni web site for services that we provide for free...
If you read through the site, he admits he didn't go to Arvin High School or any of 299 of the sites he has up. The idea came to him when he built the web site for his alma mater, Clearwater High School, in Clearwater, Florida. Florida is full of con men and this guy appears to be another one.
The web site has links to the official AHS web site and if you read through it without knowing much about the AHAA, it looks like a dedicated effort by a true 'dot org' alumni association to keep its alumni in touch and working for the good of their alma mater.
So what's the problem here? This dilutes our brand and I doubt that there is much we can do about it. The site is slick to the degree that the AHS address and other info is on the opening page and he implies his site is the one working to truly 'help' alumni stay in touch. It implies any other Arvin High Alumni site is not...
The problem with brand dilution or brand confusion is that people don't support the real brand out of confusion, or they associate a 'rip off' from the 'copy cat brand' with the original and have bad feelings toward the 'true brand'. In other words, Steve takes the money; we get the blame.
So, when you talk with your Arvin High friends, please be sure to warn them that no one is charged to use our web site or list their email. Tell them that our ads for their reunions are free and that we don't ask for $100 a pop for banner ads like this creep is doing.
Be sure people know that our web address is www.arvinalumni.org
Beyond that, it's caveat emptor; buyer beware...
12/16/07 Reunion Planning Resources: Based on your requests, we have begun construction of a reunion resources page that will offer a listing of web pages, phone numbers, and people contacts for a bunch of Kern County area businesses that can be of service in bringing off a successful reunion. The links will include, venues, lodging, rentals, restaurants, caterers, and entertainment. If you have recently 'put on' a reunion, fundraiser, goat roping, square dance, or Bar Mitzvah and want to tell us about your 'picks and pans' with regard to available services, we'd like to hear about that too...
12/16/07 Arvin Alumni Association Invests In The Future: At the most recent AHAA meeting the board voted to invest a total of $30,000 into interest-bearing time-limited certificates of deposit. $13,000 of that money is from the Rocky Handy Memorial Scholarship Fund Endowment, $5,000 of that money is from the AHAA General Endowment, and the remaining $12,000 are general funds earmarked for scholarships and association operations during the next 12 months. This first ever investment by the AHAA is earmarked to mature in 120 days so that funds required for the funding of scholarships, come spring-time, are unencumbered and can be disbursed accordingly. The Handy Endowment and the AHAA General Endowment funds will be re-invested in April into some similar 'low-risk' financial instrument. Your alumni association is working hard to secure both the organization's present and its future, with your help...Please consider various methods by which you could donate. Follow this link for more information Giving To AHAA
12/11/07 Bears Passing This Way: I got an email tonight from James 'Weasel' Williams (Class of 1972) asking if I was aware of the passing of Sherry Ross (Class of 1973). I was stunned by the Weasel's email since I talked to Sherry a few months ago and she never mentioned any health issues. I have no further details, but will make notes here if anyone sends me something regarding memorial services and so forth...
12/11/07 Class of 1985 Loss: I noticed in the obituaries of The Bakersfield Californian this week that the Class of 1985 has suffered the loss of Leonel 'Chuckie' De La O, Jr. I have few details regarding his passing, but wanted to note his leaving us since I am sure he had many friends among AHS Alumni...
12/06/07 Where In The World Is Erik Arias: According to the latest information out there, Erik Arias (Class of 2007) is studying at California State University Bakersfield, majoring in Business. The Arvin High Alumni Association tries to track the progress of our scholarship recipients so we can report their progress to those of you who support the scholarship program. If you have any information on an AHAA Scholarship recipient, please let us know about it so we can pass it on the 'alumni family'...
12/06/07 Reporting In From Panama City Beach, FL: Peggy Duncan (Class of 1959) Reports that after a long career in Navy Civil Service, she has been retired since 2000. Peggy worked as a Resource Management Analyst, Business Manager, and Comptroller at China Lake, Panama City, and Guam respectively during her 23+ year career. Peggy wanted old classmates to know here whereabouts...She can be reached at pegr@mindspring.com
12/03/07 Very Important Correction: Steve Floyd (Class of 1972) sent me an email telling me that he had just spoken with Billy Hooker and that it was actually his older brother, Jimmy Hooker, who had passed away. Get the word out to anybody who knows these two classmates so no one is shocked to see Billy out walking around or getting phone calls from him. I also need the class year for Billy Hooker, Yolanda Mancera, and Mike Jones so we can list them correctly. If anyone knows that information, send it my way...Thanks Steve for the correction...
12/03/07 Rocky Handy Memorial Scholarship Fund Update: Thanks to a couple of generous Class of 1972 donors, the fund grew by $550 over the past couple of weeks. This brings our current total to $12,825. I just want to remind all of you that donations of any amount are appreciated and will help put us over the top in our efforts. Donations should be sent to: AHAA, P.O. Box 272, Arvin, CA, 93203. Be sure to write RHMSF in the memo line so it gets properly credited...
11/28/07 Dotting the 'I's and crossing the 'T's: I got a very nice email from Della 'Tarver' Owens (Class of 1975) the other day, thanking us for posting the information on Bernard's passing so quickly. Della also reminded me that her older sister, Josephine Tarver (Class of 1961), was missing from the 'In Memory' page and asking me to list her passing. I took care of it that night, but wanted to list it here on the Bulletin Board so old classmates could follow the link...Thanks for the information Della...By the way, and just to aid in accuracy, Bernard passed away on the 17th of November. The reason for the date of the 18th listed on the Home Page is because that was when I posted it to the site...I hope this clarifies the discrepancy if it confused anybody...
11/27/07 Jack Wells Is Alive & Well: I got a nice email from Jack Wells (Class of 1977) to say that "...I retired from the United States Air Force in 1995 and have lived and worked in the Austin, Texas, area ever since. If you want to email me: wells78660@hotmail.com I would love to hear from my old classmates and loves from high school to just see how you all are doing.
11/26/07 Robert Laramee (Faculty): NO HE IS NOT DEAD! I post so many deaths that I can just hear the gasp when people open this page sometimes...Mr. Laramee wrote to remind me that he taught at Arvin for 36 years and wanted to be listed among the faculty. To which I reply, I know and I'll make sure the information gets entered. When I sat down to write the preamble 'thank-yous' in my doctoral dissertation, you were one of three English teachers at Arvin that I credited with teaching me "...to be creative and to write". Let me say it here publicly again, "...Thank you Bob Laramee for putting up with me and having the patience to teach me...."
11/26/07 Martha Leon (Class of 2007): We got a report this week that Martha Leon is attending California State University Northridge. We like to keep you updated on where our scholarship recipients are studying after their years at Arvin.
11/26/07
Remembering The Departed:
James 'Weasel' Williams (Class of 1972) emailed me while I was gone out of
state this week to let me know about deaths of classmates that he had become
aware of. Frequently classmates have passed on and we are not aware of
it for years. However, it never fails, that someone writes me soon
after we post to say how much the news affected them, even if the classmates
has been gone for years. I am sure it will be the same here.
From the Class of 1969, we note the passings of
Yolanda Mancera, Billy
Hooker Jimmy Hooker, and Mike Jones. From the
Class of 1974, James mentioned attending the
funeral of Ronald (Bud) Moore this past week.
Our hearts go out to all of their families and others who knew and loved
them...
11/19/07
Gone & Not Forgotten:
Christine Smith wrote in today with this update and request..."I did not see
Myra Lee Mathenia Smith's name on the Arvin High Alumni website. She
graduated with the class of 1959 and was killed in a motor vehicle accident
in 1965. Please include her on your memorial page. She is still in our
thoughts."
And she is certainly still in the
thoughts of her old classmates...Thanks for letting us know Christine.
11/18/07 Another Old Bear Gone: I received word late this evening from Alaina 'Handy' Divine (Class of 1973), that Bernard Tarver (Class of 1973), had lost the valiant battle that he has been fighting against Cancer. I have known for some time that he was making a great effort to turn the tide, but that the tide seemed to be turning against him instead. Many of you will recall Bernard as a classmate, fierce athletic competitor, or friend. After Arvin, he went on to a career at USC and had been a successful businessman for many years as I recall...Our hearts go out to his family and our memories of him will live on forever...RIP Bernard!!!
11/16/07 Lost In The Middle With You: Once in a while I drop the ball and lately it has been happening far to often; I may go into therapy if I can find a therapist in Bakersfield who hasn't already rejected me!!! I do make a point of going back and checking the emails I have received to be sure I handled them properly. I got one a few days back (actually 30 days back) from Janie Williams (Class of 1985) and somehow 'saved' it to my AHAA email file before I posted it. SORRY JANIE!!! Here is what Janie wrote, "...Living in Fresno, CA. Have taught for the last seven years. Presently teaching third grade in Kettleman City, CA. Thinking about taking part time classes and working on a physical science degree." Email address: theyoungest1@yahoo.com
11/16/07 Class of 1964 Memorials Updated: Thanks to Sharon 'Risner' Garrison (Class of 1964), I was able to make a number of additions to the Class of 1964 'In Memory' section today. Some of them are posted for the very first time and will come to you with an accompanying and appropriate level of shock and sadness. Others are names that have previously been listed but were erroneously placed in the wrong years. I want to thank Sharon and remind the rest of you that I need help to 'get and keep' this alumni web site correct and keep it updated. If you have relevant information, please contact me at farrellneeley@aol.com
11/15/07 The Fund Keeps Growing: Thanks to a check for $750 from an extremely generous neighbor of Laura 'Handy' Downum, the Rocky Handy Memorial Scholarship endowment fund has grown to $12,275 this week. This means we are less than $2,800 from reaching our initial goal of $15,000. If any of you want to donate and help push the fund over the top, the checks can be sent to: AHAA, P.O. Box 272, Arvin, Ca, 93203. Just remember to write RHMSF (Rocky Handy Memorial Scholarship Fund) in the memo line of the check. This link will take you to the scholarship page... http://www.arvinhigh1972.net/Rocky%20Handy%20Memorial%20Scholarship.htm
11/09/07 Matthew Regpala (Class of 1992): I have been teaching math at Arvin High School for almost 10 years now. I am married with 3 kids and live in Bakersfield. This year, I took part in the alumni band performance at Homecoming and it was lots of fun. Classmates who want to contact me can email me at limitdne@bak.rr.com or at my myspace at www.myspace.com/limitdne. (Webmaster's Note: "It strikes me that Tom and Juanita Regpala raised some pretty good kids, and I feel privileged to know them...")
11/08/07 Launched Today: We launched a new page today devoted to putting on class reunions...If you are planning a class reunion, you need to check out the 'wit and wisdom' there, related to bringing off a successful class reunion. I love to hear about successful class reunions, but I also almost lose bladder control hearing from you about reunion disasters...At any rate, go to the reunion page and follow the link...In the mean time, keep sending in information on the disasters...I may write a book.
11/07/07 Life Update: I have been in communication with Cleatus Doyal (Class 1972) in recent days and he wanted me to pass along his email information so that any old friends could get in touch with him...Clete is alive and well and happily married to Bonnie for the past 34 years. He and Bonnie have three kids and one grandkid...Clete is now the Senior Pastor of First Christian Church in Santa Maria, CA. The web site is www.fccsantamaria.org and his personal email is clete.doyal@fccsantamaria.org
11/06/07 Checking In From Vegas: Hi to everyone! I am still here, teaching 6th and 7th grade in Las Vegas. Hope you are all well, healthy, and happy. Would love to hear from anyone, if you get to Vegas, stop by and say hello. Nancy Elizabeth Embrey James, (Class of 1973). Heartnana@aol.com
11/06/07 Sherrie 'Brooks' Pospisil (Class of 1985): Currently living in Phoenix Arizona.. We are stationed at Luke AFB for the time being... Looking to hear from old friends and classmates as well as fellow Crimson Bear Brigade members.... my email is pospisilfamily@cox.net or sherrie.pospisil@luke.af.mil I also have a myspace page www.myspace.com/sherrbearz just let me know you are from Arvin. Hope to get in touch with you all soon...
11/06/07 Offline & Disconnected: That's right...we were off line for a couple of days while our internet host (One World Hosting) moved there servers from the mid-west to Andover, Maryland. Don't ask me why...but they swear service will improve and we won't get spammed with Viagra ads so often now...The move has been scheduled for the past two weekends in a row and finally came down this past weekend. At any rate, we apologize for the disconnect and I appreciate all the people who emailed me to let me know that the site was 'down'..
10/31/07 Ramiro Flores, Class of 77: "I am trying to get the address and/or phone number for Mr. Jack Nielsen, the old chemistry teacher from Arvin High that retired several years ago. If you or anyone that you know could help me I would appreciate it." The last we heard, Jack was living in Three Rivers, CA. Contact me at rcfloresdad@aol.com
10/31/07 This Just In: The Class of 1997 reunion has been moved to Senior Pepes Restaurant and the price has been reduced to $40 per person. As far as we know it's still set for November 3, 2007. For more information you should contact vero3sal@hotmail.com or susiemurillo@hotmail.com if you want to attend.
10/29/07 Recalled in Passing: I received an email this week telling me that the name of Claudette 'May' Warren (Class of 1967) should be added to the memorial page. I do not know when Claudette passed, I do know that many of you who knew her will mourn her passing upon hearing of it...
10/29/07 Rocky Handy Memorial Scholarship: We've played this pretty close to the cuff in recent months while we organized and put on the 1st Annual Rocky Handy Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser. Our inaugural event was a dinner that took place at the home of Mr. & Mrs. James 'Weasel' Williams (Class of 1972) on Saturday, October 13, 2007. There were about 50 guests present, with Rocky's Mom, Rocky's Dad, Rocky's Sisters Laura, and Jennie, and numerous other members of the extended Handy family. We all ate and drank way too much, heard a bunch of great Rocky Handy stories, and somewhere along the way we raised a little over $10,000 to endow a scholarship in Rocky's name. The ultimate goal is a minimum $15,000 endowment so we can use the annual interest to fund this scholarship forever. Plans for next year's event are already underway with Laura 'Handy' Downum (Class of 1969) chairing that effort...Details will follow in coming weeks...The date is set for Saturday, September 13, 2008... Thanks to all who helped and all who gave... Photos of the event are posted on the Class of 1972 website at www.arvinhigh1972.net
10/29/07 Class of 1978: My name is Carol 'Holman' Bennett (Class of 1978) and I am currently living in Bakersfield and work for KCSOS in Alternative Education. I'm married with two married children and four beautiful grandkids (two boys, two girls). My email is cabennett@kern.org
10/29/07 Millie Collins Checks In: Millie Jo Collins (Class of 1972) sent us an email last week to let us all know that she is alive and well, living in Ash Flat, Arkansas. Millie remembers Arvin with great fondness and misses all her old classmates from Haven Drive and Arvin High School. If you want to get in touch, Millie can be reached at mjcvalleygirl@hotmail.com
10/26/07 Recalled In Passing: In going back over the week's obituaries in The Bakersfield Californian, I noticed the obituary of one of my grade-school friends and fellow Class of 1972 classmates. Linda Marie Denny (Class of 1972) passed away this week in Bakersfield, CA. I note the middle name because we had two Linda Dennys in the Class of 1972. Linda was a sweet girl and always treated people well. Her obit notes that these were traits she carried throughout her life. RIP Linda...
10/20/07 Randy "Gonzo" Gonzalez: (Class of 1982) I work for East Niles Community Services District as a Water System Operator in Bakersfield. I've been married to Mary Crisel for 24 yrs. We have two children, Ashlee and Seth. I also have a son, Scott. Look forward from hearing from old friends. You can email me at gonzrr@aol.com
10/19/07 Class of 1962 Please add me to the Alumni Email List. I was a graduate of the class of 1962 - Judy Pavlovic - My email address is jcombs@entercom.com Thank you. Judy 'Pavlovic' Combs...
10/18/07 In Her Own Words Lisa 'Gonzalez' Morales (Class of 1985)... Living in N.E. Oklahoma ... Looking to get in contact with old , fellow crimson bear brigade alumni, as well as high school friends... email address is LisaMorales@cableone.net.. myspace address is .. myspace.com/soonerxxoo
10/14/07 New MySpace Page My name is Patricia Castellon (Class of 93), and I too have a myspace page. It's www.myspace.com/lanegrapatty. Please post it so friends can get in touch with me.
10/14/07 From Ramiro Flores: I am Ramiro Flores, class of 77. went to UCLA, both undergrad and grad, and finished medical school. I live and work in Los Angeles and have 3 children. I would like to hear from former classmates. My email is rcfloresdad@aol.com.
10/14/07 Remembered In Passing: Gary Carnahan (Class of 1965) emailed a couple of times this week and they overlap here because I got behind in posting. Gary asked if we would add Diana 'David' Pasqua-Pearson's name to the list of deceased classmates from 1965. Diana passed away on September 8, 2007 according to the obituary in The Bakersfield Californian. Thanks again Gary...
10/14/07 More 'First Person' Details: I noticed my email and info on there is really old, so I wanted to send in an update: Charles (Chuck) Ethridge class of 1988. I am currently living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with my wife Christina (12 years) and our three sons. Christina and I both work as Realtors and remain very active in music. chuck.etheridge@gmail.com
10/14/07 In Her Own Words: "Darla (Tripp) Adams here (Class of 1988), Marching Band, Choir, and Drama. Married and living in Bakersfield since 1992. I would love to get in touch with old friends. My email is imnot5150@msn.com, if anyone would like to drop me a line, I look forward to catching up."
10/14/07 In His Own Words: "My name is Gary L. Carnahan and I graduated from AHS (Class of 1965). I live in Carson City, NV. I just wanted to let you know that Herb Allen (listed under cooks and custodians) and Margaret Allen (listed under secretaries) on the staff web page in the Class of 1972 web site, are both deceased. Their daughter, Linda Allen-Baier (Class of 1965) with whom I am in contact, currently lives in Alexandria, VA. She can verify this information if necessary. Her email address is: drbaier@cox.net. I would appreciate it if you would update their status on the website.".........................Thanks Gary...
10/09/07 New Entry in the Baby Derby: I got the nicest email from Esmeralda and Robert Stout (Classes of 94 & 93 respectively) yesterday letting us know about their new email address. They are now at esmeralda@stouthawaii.com and wanted all their old classmates to know. She closed the message by saying that "...we are expecting baby #4...at the end of April 2008". Regular mail reaches the Stout's at 23810 Golden Pheasant Lane, Murrieta, CA, 92562...Congratulations Esmeralda and Robert...
10/01/07 Law School Bound: Gloria Loya (Class of 2001) is currently attending the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California Berkeley. Gloria is a Yale University graduate and continues to prove that some smart people come out of Arvin High School...Congratulations Gloria...
09/27/07 AHAA Donor Development & Donation Policies: At the September meeting of the Arvin High Alumni Association (AHAA), a good part of the meeting was given over to a discussion about how to best promote various means of giving to the AHAA and how donations given to the AHAA should be handled to insure that the sacrifices of the donors are always handled with the utmost integrity and professionalism. The AHAA is seeing a greater willingness from both alumni and the community to donate to the AHAA and its programs in support of Arvin High School, than we originally expected. Calvin Meek (Class of 1955), James 'Fizzer' Young (Class of 1956), and Farrell Neeley (Class of 1972) agreed to form an ad hoc committee to draft a set of policies and procedures for consideration by the entire AHAA Board in the coming months. Expect to see more concrete details by January 2008...
09/24/07 Remembered in Passing: I am just now catching up on email from last week and I wanted to note an email from Renee Baeza (no response to my question about whether or not Renee is an AHS Alumnus, but we thank Renee either way). Renee wrote to ask that we list the passing of Narciso "Chicho" Mendez (Class of 85)...Thanks for the update Renee!!!
09/23/07 Alive & Doing Well: I got an email this week from Steve Floyd (Class of 1972). Steve says he is doing well and living in Bakersfield. Steve wants his old classmates to drop him a line and his email is sunset68@hotmail.com for anyone who wants to email him and get in touch...Good to hear from you Steve!!!
09/19/07 Multiple Web Sites: We now have several web sites that deal with Arvin High School and its alumni in one way or another. We have the www.khsd.k12.ca.us/arvin/ site, the www.arvinhs1958.com site, the www.arvinhigh1960.com site, the www.arvinhigh1972.net site, and most recently the www.arvinhighalumniband.org site. Check them out, and consider starting a web site for your own class year...
09/18/07 In Memory: I got an email last night from Mary Durham (Class of 1958) regarding the passing of Elwanda 'Ford' Kissinger (Class of 1952). If you were at AHS 55 years ago...you knew her as something more than a name memorialized on this website...RIP Elwanda! 'All' AHS Bears are diminished by your passing...
09/16/07 AHAA Meetings: Our monthly AHAA meeting attendance is growing each month. I came back to town and started attending regularly in 2006. At that time, we struggled to get a quorum together to conduct business. Since Larry Hallum and Rick Leary have been sharing Pres & Vice Pres duties, we seem to be gaining attendance every month. Get off your duff, turn off the TV, come help out, and hook up with your old friends. Next month our meeting is on October 10th. We meet at El Pueblo in Lamont at 6:30p.
09/09/07 Andrew Hughes: I received information this past week that Andrew Hughes had passed away in Oklahoma City, in 2004. Many of you, as I did, had him for Freshman English in 68'-69'. We learned the term 'sub-human' from him, which he used to describe how he felt about the some of the local community and some of the students. He also helped some of us understand literature, art, theatre, and that there was a life beyond the South San Joaquin; RIP Andrew!
09/04/07 Class of 1970: Debby Giles-Schipper (Class of 1970) reports that she is currently living it up in Las Vegas, NV. Debby says she is "very happily unmarried with grown children". Debbie reports that she has been teaching children with Mental Retardation for over 30 years and loves to travel. She would love to hear from old friends! Contact her at msdkschipper@yahoo.com
09/02/07 Class of 1972 & Not Forgotten: I have been having one of those times lately where you feel that you have forgotten something important but can't remember what it is. Today it became a long-forgotten face. It was the face of a teenage boy; I couldn't place it and I couldn't shake it either. Tonight it hit me that it was the face of a classmate that died back while we were still in High School. I went back to my 1971 Praeterita and found the picture of Mike Tyler on a memorial page with Daniel Hobbs (Class of 1972). Daniel Hobbs we had memorialized previously because Daniel and I had several classes together and had become friends before he died. I never knew Mike Tyler well, but I did see him daily coming from the industrial arts area at the end of second period when I was coming from the 'team building', as we both went to our lockers. Today, we remember Mike Tyler (AHS Class of 1972), (gone now for over 36 years) and add his name to the Memorials on the AHAA website; RIP Mike!
09/02/07 Class of 1972: The Class of 1972 website is now live. The content is limited at the moment, but will be growing every week as we post pictures, information, emails, and class bulletins. If you have information for that website, email it to farrellneeley@aol.com and I will get it posted ASAP. If members of any other class-years want to post a class website, I can share with you what it takes and what it costs if you are interested. Send questions to farrellneeley@aol.com
08/30/07 Livin' On Myspace: Socorro 'Gonzales' Torres (Class of 1992) and her husband Jesse Garcia Torres (Class of 1986) report that they have a new myspace page and want you to check it out. JESSE= dadies4x4@yahoo.com and SOCORRO = socorrorgt@aol.com. They invite all their friends to join MYSPACE. I don't know much about MYSPACE, so if I got the address wrong, email Jess or Socorro for better information.
08/25/07 Class of 1961: Judy 'Morittz' Powless (Class of 1961) sent a nice email this past week to let all her old classmates know that she has been living in Oklahoma since 1966. Judy says she raised nine children since she's been there, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Northeastern State University. At this stage in her life she is getting to enjoy reading, traveling, camping, and fishing. Judy hopes everyone is well and she would like to hear from old classmates. her email address is judypowless@peoplepc.com
08/23/07 Alive & Well: Sandra Medina (Class of 1988) just wants everyone to know that she is alive and well and wants to hear from old friends. If anyone is planning a 20-year reunion, you can count her in. Sandra left a cell number of 661-865-3102 and her email is helloiamsandra@aol.com
08/22/07 Class of 1985: Eddie James Free (Class of 1985) dropped us an email last night to let us know that he is alive and kickin'. Eddie wants to stay in touch with old classmates. He is specifically looking for Larry Henley (Class of 1985). Larry's last known whereabouts, according to Eddie were 'somewhere in Alaska'. We don't have contact info for Larry, but if any of you do, shoot it to Eddie at eddie.j.free@gmail.com
08/21/07 Living In Bakersfield: I got an email last night from Diane 'Langston' Cox (Class of 1969). She married Guy Cox (East High Class of 1965) while she was living in Grants Pass, Oregon and they both missed the valley smog so much they moved back to Bakersfield. Diane and Guy have a construction remodeling business. Dianne reports two daughters, three grandsons, and two granddaughters. Diane says she would "...like to hear from anyone". Let me interpret that into Lamontonian or Arvinite, "...if you are a 'nice' person who knows Diane and wants to add something positive to her life", drop her an email at gcdc51@netzero.net
08/16/07 New Web Page: The new 'Minutes' web page is up and running. Check it out to see how we handle the serious business of the AHAA and where your donations go. Keep checking back for the first message from our Alumni Association President, Larry Hallum (Class of 1961), on the new 'President's Message' webpage.
08/11/07 Email Update: Patricia Castellon (Class of 1993) reports that she is now living in Battle Mountain, Nevada. Patricia would like to hear from old classmates. Her email is pattycastellon@aol.com
08/09/07 Life Update: Lisa DeLaCruz (Class of 1985) reports she is working full time as a private caregiver and says she has three wonderful boys, Mike (20yrs), Tom (19yrs), and Luis (15yrs). Lisa has been single for almost 5 years after a 16-year marriage. Lisa and her sons attend New Life Ministries Church in Kingsburg, CA. She reports that her family loves God and loves getting involved in labors of love (e.g., ministry). Lisa would love to hear from old friends! Her email is oneEternal1@hotmail.com
08/09/07 Stunned........: I usually get an email with one or at most two names of classmates who have been reported as deceased. Last night I got one from Barbara Daugherty (Class of 1956) that had so many names that I am still stunned. I am grateful for the information, just sad to hear of so many old Bears gone. Some may have been posted previously, but most are new to this site. The Class of 1956 Reunion Committee is sending these forward through Barbara...Here goes...
Manuel Alderete, Donna 'Armacost' Kindig, Walt Brown, Grace 'Castro' Sanchez, Ramona 'Cavillo' Martinez, Jack Clifton, Bob Cramer, Pete Espinoza, Leon George, James Gist, Carolyn 'Hallum' Thome, Leona 'Holt' Enos, Dean Hunter, Gerald Johnson, Mary Key Gallaher, Pat Leary, Norene Nixon, Juanita 'Oxford' Young, Fredrica Owens, Lois Mae Shelton, Willie Simmons, Clinton Tremble, Virginia Vanzant, Wanda Turner, John Maytubby, J.W. Heathcock, Helen 'Hughes' Olsen, Nadene Wilson, Helen Leach, Darrell Mulsick, Mercedes Vallin.
08/09/07 New Web Pages: In the next few weeks you will see two new web pages here at arvinalumni.org begin to take shape. The first of these new web pages is entitled 'Minutes' and will be a posting of the complete minutes of our most recent meeting where the minutes of the previous meeting have been (1) reviewed, (2) revised where appropriate, and (3) approved by the members. The second new web page you'll see is entitled 'Giving To AHAA', and will deal with how you can use various methods to provide much needed support to your alma mater through this organization. It will cover Donor Levels, our Master Endowment Plan, Individual Scholarship Endowments, and instruments of Planned Giving. Stay tuned as your alumni association grows and matures to better achieve our mission...
08/08/07 Tee Time: Jim Young (Class of 1956) asked me to be sure to let everyone know that we need more hole and tournament sponsors and that the tee time for the AHAA Golf Tournament is 7:30a. The start is a 'shotgun' format so don't laze around and show up at 8:30a and expect to be on time. Jim needs to hear from you today to help make this a financial success. His email is jyoung2@bak.rr.com and his secret phone number is 661-854-1105
08/08/07 Bear Memories: Linda Gonzaga (Class of 1968) asked me to make a point of posting the passing of Don Gallander (Class of 1968). It seems that we missed it when the passing was first noted some time back. My apologies all around! If by some chance I miss a posting you requested, please email me again if it hasn't been posted within seven days. Often I post daily, but I try to never let a posting go more than a week.
08/08/07 Where Are They Now: If anyone from the class of 1992 knows how to get in touch with Margie, Howie, Magda, or Meche, Socorro 'Gonzales' Torres (Class of 1992) is trying to get in touch with them. Socorro can be reached on the internet, early or late, at socorrogt@aol.com
08/08/07 Alumni Meeting: You missed a great alumni association meeting tonight if you weren't there. I think it was the best turn out we've had in the past year. Excitement levels are high as plans are moving ahead for homecoming, the alumni golf tournament, and selection of our 2008 distinguished alumni. Why not make plans now to be with us next month on Wednesday, September 12, 2008. We meet at 6:30p at El Pueblo in Lamont and never run more than an hour and a half tops. The food is great, the company can't be beat, and the memories recalled are 'priceless'.
08/07/07 Bear Memories: Socorro 'Gonzales' Torres (Class of 1992) dropped me an email yesterday to say that she had noticed that the passings of a couple of alumna had not been posted. Leticia Subia (Class of 1986), passed away in 1998. Socorro also mentioned that Veronica Victoria (Class of 1991) died along with her husband in 1994. We note with sadness these passings of women so young and will list them on the memorial page .
08/05/07 Becoming Our Parents: Carlos Royal (Class of 1960) routinely sends me email with pictures of his nesting Sparrow Hawks (American Kestrels for your purists) and in return I recently faxed him the design for an Owl Box that I use in my wine grapes. Carlos and I commiserated over the days of the 'short handled hoe' (I still use one around the yard), picking cotton, and moving sprinklers in potatoes by hand. I am currently fighting aphids in my 'Giant Pumpkins' and the heat is killing my 'Italian squash'. And as a true 'Okie', I fight each year to keep the red-headed caterpillars from decimating my 'poke weed' crop (the neighbors think its marijuana). The other day I found myself out giving away 'Okra' to relatives and neighbors and I suddenly knew that the thing that I have feared worst all my life has come to pass; I have become my father.
08/03/07 Jesse Garcia Torres Gets His Own Email: At the end of last month I started getting emails from alumna Socorro "Gonzales' Torres (Class of 1992) from Rapid City, South Dakota regarding her and her husband Jesse Garcia Torres (Class of 1986). At that time Socorro only gave me her email address for email to both her and Jesse. I am pleased to report that due to my efforts (I think), Jesse now has not one, but two email addresses of his own. If you want to email him, it's torresdad4x4@aol.com or dadds4x4@aol.com. Jesse, guys from Lamont have to stick together when it comes to wives and having your own email address(s).
08/03/07 AHS Grad Now CSUB Grad: If I read the 'Lamont Reporter' correctly this past week, and God knows I read better some days than others, Tiffany Garay (Class of 2003), graduated from California State University Bakersfield on June 9th. Tiffany earned a Bachelors degree with a major in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice. Rick Garay (Class of 1974) and Corby 'Burkett' Garay (Class of 1975) are the proud parents. Unless I missed the other connection, that would make Don and Carole Burkett (AHS Staff Retired) proud grandparents. Congratulations Tiffany!!!
08/03/07 Life Update: Pamela Gomez (Class of 1987) reports that after graduation, she went on to earn a Master of Science in Counseling and now works as an academic counselor at California State University Bakersfield. Pamela's family consists of a husband, Joaquin Gomez (Class of 1984), one daughter who is 22 years old, one grandson, and three Pugs. Old friends can email Pamela at pgomez@csub.edu
08/01/07 Bear Memories: Pamela Gomez (Class of 1987) emailed today to let us know about the passings of Melissa 'Hicks' Howard (Class of 1987) and Kerry Stephen (Class of 1983). Pamela, thanks for the updated information.
08/01/07 Home In South Dakota: Socorro 'Gonzales' Torres (Class of 1992) reports that she is happily married to Jesse Garcia Torres (Class of 1986). Socorro says that she and Jesse have 9 children and currently live in Rapid City, South Dakota. I like Jesse already because he is from Lamont. Socorro says that they live 15 minutes from Mt. Rushmore and 20 minutes from Sturgis. The Sturgis Rally is this week and she and Jesse plan on cruisin' their Goldwing at this year's event. You can get in touch with Socorro at Socorrorgt@aol.com and it appears you have to reach Jesse either through Socorro or by snail mail at 924 Haines Ave., Rapid City, SD, 57701. If your going to Sturgis, be on the lookout for them and their Goldwing!
07/31/07 Bear Memories: Pauline 'Baguio' Fishman (Class of 1970) dropped me an email this week and asked if I could post the news of the passing of her cousin, Delfino Fronteras, Jr. (Class of 1970). Delfino passed away in October of 2006, but for those of you who knew him, the knowledge of his passing will be no less painful.
07/31/07 Life Update: Pauline 'Baguio' Fishman (Class of 1970) can be reached by old classmates at fishmanpa@co.kern.ca.us
07/30/07 Slow on The Uptake: There is a certain degree of brain damage that we incur as we age and I confess that I have experienced my share. Carlos and Donna Royal (AHS Class of 1960) have both sent me news releases about their granddaughter recently and I wasn't smart enough to see that they meant for me to post them. In any case, the young lady (teenager) has gone out and managed to win the Lady's Senior Diving Championship (she was injured prior to the Juniors event) and will compete at the National Diving Championships at Stanford on Saturday and Sunday, August 4th and 5th. Her name is Ashley Faure and she will be competing in the 3-meter event. The event can be seen online at www.attblueroom.com/teamusa starting at 11:30 a.m. each day. Congratulations to both the grandparents and this future Olympian.
07/25/07 What Now??? Today is Rocky Handy's (Class of 1972) birthday; Rocky would be about 53! My recollection (and forgive me if I am wrong) is that his life was cut short by an inattentive driver running a stop sign out in the Arvin area. James 'Weasel' Williams (Class of 1972) called me tonight to say 'we need to do something to remember Rocky." The Weasel and me were both Rocky's classmates. James is planning to put together a BBQ at his place off Olive Drive, to raise some money for an AHAA Scholarship in Rocky's name. It would go to some AHS student who wants to pursue a career in agriculture (and we don't mean choppin' cotton, movin' sprinklers, or pickin' spuds). If you want to help, James can be reached a jwilliams42@bak.rr.com
07/25/07 Life Update: Mo Pacaldo (Class of 1971) wrote me this week and wanted you to know this: "I have worked for Chevron USA as an electrical an automation technician for past 30 years. I am happily married with two sons." Mo has his own dojo and Mo's web site is http://angelfire.com/mo/mpac
07/19/07 New Email: Ashley 'Robinson' Sierra (Class of 2004) asked if we could list her email and that of her husband, Regino Sierra (Class of 2004). Ashley can be emailed at ashelysierra@gmail.com and Regino can be reached at regino.sierra@gmail.com. Old classmates should make a point of dropping them a line.
07/17/07 Corrected Email: Just to prove that I am not the only one who slips a cog now and then, Linda Leary tells me that the email she gave me to list was wrong, so if you have been trying to email her, it's no wonder it keeps bouncing back. The correct email is learymom4@sbcglobal.net
07/17/07 Corrected Date: Under the heading of slipping cogs, and chardonnay and email don't mix, include listing the incorrect dates of reunions. It seems that your webmaster somehow listed an old date and a new date for the class of 97' reunion. The correct date is Saturday, November 3, 2007. It's still being held at Coconut Joes and Coconut Joe's is still in Bakersfield. If you see any other mistakes, drop me an email at farrellneeley@aol.com
07/13/07 Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace: The 6th Annual Arvin High Alumni Association Golf Tournament can handle 34 'Teams' this year. Late word is that the slots are almost half full with less than ten weeks until tee off. If you plan on having a team, you need to get off the dime and get hold of Jim Young (Class of 1956) at jyoung2@bak.rr.com or Larry Hallum (Class of 1961) at lhallum2003@yahoo.com today. If you don't golf, sponsor a hole, or volunteer to come help out!!!
07/13/07 Wish List: Over the past year, the Arvin High Alumni Association has compiled a 'Wish List' of needs (most going directly to the school; the joint is almost 60 years old and things are falling apart), that there is simply no federal, state, or local funding for...Here are some examples! This list is not exhaustive so ask if you are interested in donating something you don't see here.
If you are considering making some sort of a gift to your alma mater, here is a way to have a lasting impact. If you would like to get details on donations of cash, stock, securities, time shares, chattel, or real property to the alumni association endowment fund, contact farrellneeley@aol.com for details. Gifts can be received during your lifetime or given as a bequest. The Arvin High Alumni Association is a full-fledged 501(c)(3) and your donations are fully tax deductible to the maximum extent of the law.
Supporting AHAA yearly membership @ $25 each
Junior-Senior year internship scholarships for 2008, 10 @ $250 each
Post High School Academic scholarships for 2008, 19 @ $400 each
Gymnasium floor replacement @ $150,000
Constitution competition scholarships for 2008, 24 @ $400 each
Personal Lifetime AHAA Membership @ $500
Corporate Lifetime AHAA Membership @ $1,000
School Digital Message Board for in front of the High School@ $30,000
Gymnasium Score Board 1 @ $40,000
Football Field Score Board 1 @ $85,000
New athletic department weight room 1 @ $250,000
07/13/07 Debating The Bear: At our most recent alumni association meeting there was extensive debate over the logo we and the high school sometimes use of the Bear and the Bear foot print. We would be only too pleased if some of you graphic artists out there would offer up some of your renditions for us to consider using on clothing and so forth. By the way, it is extremely important to Larry Hallum that we find a foot print of a Bear with five toes and not four toes. I recall a Bear being killed in Lamont, off Haebecker Road, by the Eastside canal in a dry year when I was a boy. Larry, upon reflection, I think it may have been that pathetic, old, starving, four-toed bear that we got the original print from.
07/13/07 Tuning Up: Rumor has it that Barry Thome (Class of 1985) has managed to pull together 30+ alumni to be part of the alumni band. You can email Barry at bvthome@yahoo.com if you want to lend your instrumental talents this this worthy effort. We're all looking forward to hearing them 'fire up' at games in the Fall.
07/12/07 Shipping Out: Katherine 'Williams' Demoure-Aldrich (Class of 1969), emailed us early yesterday to say that she was shipping out for the Middle-East later in the day. She works for Military Sealift Fleet Support Command; we know the ship, but I'm never sure how close we have to play it to the cuff these days so it will remain unnamed. Katherine is a Steering Helmsman and lives on a 50-acre farm in Virginia when she is not deployed. She would like to hear from Arvin folks while she's away at kdemoure@earthlink.net
07/12/07 Breaking News: Calvin Meek (Class of 1955) has agreed to chair the nomination committee for the first Distinguished Alumni Awards. The committee will consider up to three people a year for this designation. They ask that you take some time to reflect upon Arvin alumni that you know and what they have done that you feel singles them out for this distinction. Having been around for nearly 60 years, Arvin High should have a backlog of nominations since literally thousands of students have passed through those red-bricked halls since 1949. Cal can be reached at 661-845-0167. Nominations for the 2008 awards are due by September 30, 2007. Nomination rules and forms are on the Distinguished Alumni Page.
07/10/07 Retired & Traveling: I got a note from William Roberts (Class of 1953) that he came through town in late June for the funeral of his brother Charles Roberts (Class of 1956). William and his wife Barbara have enjoyed over 40 years of wedded bliss and decided while they were out here from their home in Montgomery, Texas, they would cruise on up the coast and take in Oregon and Washington over the next couple of months. Master Chief Roberts spent a career in the Navy as a Submariner and retired in 1975. He says he and Barbara are enjoying their 'Golden Years'. The Roberts plan to return back through Bakersfield on their way home in September. If you want to make contact, the email is wjroberts@netscape.com
07/10/07 Life Update: Donnie King (Class of 1973) writes that he is back at work after suffering a major heart attack in July of 2006. That was followed by a quadruple by-pass that kept him down for about nine months. Donnie says that despite it all, he is doing great and happy to be counted among the living. If you want to contact Donnie, you can email him at bad_ass_55@yahoo.com
07/10/07 Career Change: Lynn Klase (Class of 1959) is now managing the Kern Valley Golf Course at Lake Isabella. Lynn wants his old classmates to know he's up there and he suggests they come up and see him some time. The course is about one mile south of Kernville. lyklase@earthlink.net
06/25/07 Close Encounter: I was in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago and ran into Tim Paulson (Class of 1975) at the annual California Teachers Association meeting. I am not a teacher (some will tell you I barely got through High School), but my friend David Sanchez was being inaugurated President, so I promised to sober up, take a bath, and drop by. At any rate, Tim came up and hugged me after the inauguration and we spent a few minutes figuring out where Gilbert, Toby, Heidi, and Holly had all ended up. The answer is Bakersfield, Bakersfield, Sweden, and Sweden. Tim tells me he is a school psychologist and lives with his wife in Davis. For those of you who will remember him, Tim's dad, Russell 'Pop' Paulsen (Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Lamont, CA) is still alive, still pastoring, and lives in the Sacramento area.
Life Update: Steven Toler graduated in 1968. He married Junell Mason, who also graduated from Arvin in 1971, and has been married for 35 years. They have 2 children, Jenny, age 30, and Lacey, age 28, both living in Arizona, Steven worked for the California Dept of Corrections for 20 years and is now retired and living in Anthem, Arizona. Steven says it would be nice to hear from some of the old classmates. He can be reached at lilgardt@aol.com
Retirement: I ran into Richard Padgett the other day at Smart & Final in Bakersfield. He told me that he was retired and living in Bear Valley Springs now; he comes into town about twice a month. When I was at Arvin (Class of 1972), he was the Team Coordinator in the English Department. We assured each other that we looked fine (i.e., both older, fatter, and grayer) and wished each other well.
Career Change: Kennedy Reyneveld (Class of 1981) is back in town after completing a two year stint working as a systems design engineer over at China Lake. Kennedy tells me he picked up a Masters in Electrical Engineering at CSUN before his time at the Lake. He would like to hear from other alumni. His email is kennedyer@msn.com
Career Change: James 'Weasel' Williams (Class of 1972) has just joined in the formation of a new drilling division of a publicly traded firm located in Houston, Texas. James will be handling operations in the Rocky Mountains specializing in building the directional drilling division of this publicly traded company. James keeps apartments in Texas and Colorado while he and his wife Terry continue to have a home in Bakersfield to be near their three grown children and their grandkids. jwilliams42@bak.rr.com
Looking For Classmates: Treva 'Curtis' Clark is living and working in Bakersfield and wants old classmates to know she is still in the county. She can be emailed at clarkt@bcsd.com
Life Update: Virginia Velasco (class of 1976) is alive and living in Bakersfield. Virginia is the mother of three (i.e., Darla, Melissa, and T.J.) and the grandmother of three (e.g., Kaylonie, Avory, ,and Natalie). Virginia would like to hear from classmates. Her email is ibminnime4u@sbcglobal.net
Life Update: Sandy Davis (Class of 1973) is teaching pre-school in Bakersfield and enjoying her grandkids. Sandy is still hangin' with Carol Hogan, but would like to hear from other AHS alums from 1973. Sandy's email is noahsark49@sbcglobal.net
Life Update: Carol 'Hogan' Sanders (Class of 1973) reports she is living in Bakersfield with her husband of 32 years, Don. Carol is a mother and a grandmother and still wants to hear from old classmates from back in the day nanakaro48@aol.com
Alumni Band: Barry Thome (Class of 1985) is trying to assemble an alumni band to play at sporting events and other AHS get togethers in the new school year. If you are interested in being part of this effort, contact bvthome@yahoo.com for more information!
09/08/08 Before I post Another Passing: I want to note someone new coming into the world. This past week my youngest daughter (Rachel 'Neeley' Hollis) delivered her second child and second son. His name is Sawyer Neeley Hollis. He weighed 6lbs - 14oz and was 19.5 inches long. He joins an older brother, Jackson Cage Hollis, and Dad, David, at home in Glendale, CA. Mother and baby are doing fine despite Sawyer having a touch of jaundice. Proud Grandparents are Sheree 'Ambrose' Neeley Edwards (Class of 1973) and yours truly, Farrell Neeley (Class of 1972).
April 17, 2009 James 'Weasel' Williams (Class of 1972) reports the birth of his newest grandchild, a boy, Jacob Ryan Stratton. Jacob was born to James' oldest daughter, April, and her husband, Brent, on April, 17, 2007 in Bakersfield. Jacob weighed in at 9 pounds, 11 ounces, and 21 1/2 inches long. Jacob has a brother, Alexander, and a sister, Adrianna, waiting at home to help sort him out, just like your older siblings helped sort you out.
05/09/08 A New Stout Baby: Robert and I wanted to let you all know that our baby girl was born on April 27, 2008 at 5:25 a.m. Her name is Ava Greer Stout. She weighed 5 pounds and 9 ounces and was 18 inched long. Our three older daughters are in love with her and so are we. Esmeralda Stout, Class of 1994.
04/06/08 We have another addition to our family! Carolyn Joy James was born March 28, 2008 at 1:38 AM in Bakersfield to Brad and Jacqueline James. CJ is Brad and Jackie's first child, and grandchild number SIX to Liz (Nancy Embrey) James (class 73). Born three weeks early, she weighed in at 6 lbs 5 oz and 20 in. Brad and Jackie met at USC where they both graduated in 2000. Brad teaches PE at Sunset Middle School and is Freshman Football Head Coach at Arvin High School, from which he graduated with the class of '95. Jackie teaches Special Ed at Thompson Middle School in Bakersfield. CJ was welcomed by uncle Jared James (class of 92) and his children Katelyn,13.. Kyle,11.. and Kody,10.. and aunt Jenifer James Griffin (class 99) and her children Landon, 2.. and Ryleigh, 10 months.. and grandfather Mike James (Class 71). Welcome CJ!!!
10/09/07 New Entry in the Baby Derby: I got the nicest email from Esmeralda and Robert Stout (Classes of 94 & 93 respectively) yesterday letting us know about their new email address. They are now at esmeralda@stouthawaii.com and wanted all their old classmates to know. She closed the message by saying that "...we are expecting baby #4...at the end of April 2008". Regular mail reaches the Stout's at 23810 Golden Pheasant Lane, Murrieta, CA, 92562...Congratulations Esmeralda and Robert...
June 3, 2007 Nancy 'Embry' James emailed me this today, "...We have a new granddaughter, her name is Ryleigh Kate Griffin, she was born on June 3, 2007 in Bakersfield. She weighed 9 pounds 13 ounces, 21 inches long. Beautiful, of course! Her parents are Jenifer James Griffin (class 99) and Bobby Griffin (class 98). Welcomed home by brother Landon, and grandparents Nancy 'LIZ' (Embrey) James (class 73) of Las Vegas NV, Mike James (class 71) of Bakersfield, uncles Jared James (class 92) and Brad James (class 95)