Seasonal Notes
Hello Classmates . . .
After a period of inactivity, we have decided to take on a new project, reporting on events and activities of our Classmates. This is the first of what we hope will be many notes of interest. If you have any 'tidbits' to contribute -- please utilize the 'Post Announcement' link in the Member Functions bar on the left.
Note No. 1: Timmons Goes Hollywood
William V. 'Bill' Timmons reports that the Hollywood movie Becker's Farm (based on Bill's book by the same name) has been funded, is in pre-production, and should be released in 2025.
Bill has been a prolific writer the past few years, drawing on his 27 years of experiences as a Peace Corps Volunteer, living and working in over 40 countries. Becker's Farm was his first book, but he has also written:
The Man in the Black and White Dress
The Trojan Pony
Never Push An Elephant
Burma Tiger
According to his bio, Bill has taught English to the president of a West African country, served as a missionary in the Philippines, and worked with child welfare programs in slums, prisons, and orphanages in Thailand for which he received a Royal Decoration from that country's king. He has also dined with presidents, prime ministers, and an occasional drug lord. A colorful life indeed!
Congratulations Bill -- we look forward to seeing your movie!
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A Difficult Start for 2024
Hello Classmates -- we send greetings for 2024, even though it has been a rough start with the passing of several Classmates.
Let's hope that the bad weather is behind us, and that warm spring days lie ahead. We do not have any reunion-type activities planned for this year, so it might be worthwhile to gather a few old friends, the Neighborhood Gang, or people you keep meaning to connect with but never quite find the time.
But start saving up your travel money, because we are going all out in 2025. Next year will feature the Class of 1962 Reunion 62.5. Sixty-two point five being halfway between the 60th Reunion and the 65th Reunion. The plan is to hold the Class Reunion on the same weekend as the Reunion of the Decade (1960-1969) Luncheon. More details will be forthcoming, as well as a 'Save the Date' as soon as the Decade Committee picks a date for the Luncheon.
Remember to keep walking, drink your breakfast smoothie, and get plenty of sleep! We are here for you if you need any Classmate information or have any questions.
Ciao for now,
Kathie and Bruce
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Class Scholarships
Each year, the Napa High School Class of 1962 awards two $300 scholarships to graduating Seniors at Napa High. Part of the awards criteria is to consider candidates who have a link to our class, or to Napa High in general.
This year's recipients are:
Jacob Brambrink Jacob's grandparents volunteer at Community Projects, Inc. And since the Selection Committee of Dorothy (Gould) Arata, Sandy (Panfili) Carden, and Roberta (Del Rosso) Hall are members of CP, it was deemed appropriate to award the scholarship to Jacob.. He is now attending Napa Valley Community College.
Kaylie Martindale Kaylie is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in pre-audiology at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She is related to Edward Mulsoff, a member of the Class of 1961.
Classmate Bob Zanardi presented the scholarships at the annual awards program.
In Memory of Patti (Ahlswede) Rochon
As suggested by Dorothy (Gould) Arata:
Patti and I were friends since we were four years old. I darn near lived at the Ahlswede house during our elementary school years at Shearer. I noticed in her obituary that there was not an 'In Memory' gift designation listed. My thought was that she worked for the Napa Valley Unified School District (in our old high school building), and since she was our Head Yell Leader, and a dear friend; anyone that wanted to contribute in Patti's memory could do so by making a donation to our Class of 1962 Scholarship Fund. And for that matter, give in the memory of any of our class members.
We currently have about $9,000 in our account held by the Napa High Scholarship Group. If you would like to contribute, make your check payable to the Napa High School Class of 1962, with a note in the Memo Line: 'Scholarship Fund in Memory of Patti Rochon.' Send to: 142 First Street, Napa CA 94559, and I will forward the funds to the Scholarship Group. If you have any comments, give me a call at 209-226-9178, or by e-mail at storcks@aol.com.
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Napa High Grads Pen Memoirs
Two Napa High School graduates have each written wonderful books:
Don Graham, Class of 1963 (with a little help from Cork Kennedy), has written about his experiences during the Vietnam War. Titled 'Coming Home Whole,' this is the story of a draftee's journey to and from Vietnam. It is a terrific read and is available through Amazon Books.
Ray Guadagni, Class of 1964, brings us his memoir of growing up in Napa in the 1950's and early 1960's. Titled 'The Adventures of the Squeezebox Kid,' this chronicle will be a trip down memory lane for anyone who grew up in Napa. This book captures every detail and is also available from Amazon Books.
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55th Class Reunion
What a day!
On a beautiful day in Napa last Saturday, the Class of 1962 gathered at Compadres Rio Grill for a fantastic afternoon of friendship, fresh food, fun, fabled-stories, and farewell tributes to those who have gone before. The combination of indoor space and the outdoor Koi deck made for plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle, gather together, and visit to our hearts content. Four hours were not nearly enough, as many were left wanting more time.
A total of 75 Classmates and 45 Guests were present and accounted for. Several more had planned to come, but were way-layed in some fashion or another. The Mexican spread, along with the wait staff and bartenders were top-notch. No one went away hungry or thirsty. This venue is a 'keeper' and we will recommend it to other classes as well.
To those who were able to come, and to those who were there in spirit, we thank you for making this such a tremendous event. Plans will soon be underway for an even better gathering in the future. Stay tuned to this space for details. And for those who have not yet signed up for the Class Website, please go to www.classcreator.com/napa-california-1962 and log in.
Gracias Amigos!
Dorothy, Roberta, Sandy, Kathie and Bruce
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