438 W Grand Ave. #620 Oakland, Ca 94612 (708) 334-9299 (510)285-6884 lrlazarus18@gmail.com
What a nice opportunity to share with you all after so many years. Currently Bill and I are living in Oakland where we have retired to after living in Chicago for most of our married lives. I have worked mostly in the arts, and taught art in the public schools for 25 years. Bill worked as a newspaper reporter and as a lawyer. We lived in Miami and Casper, Wyo. as well as in Chicago before retiring to Oakland. We have two kids, our son and his family are nearby in Alameda and our daughter and her two daughters are outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. If our son hadn’t moved to the Bay Area we probably would have stayed in Chicago. It’s a city that we had grown to dearly love. Nonetheless, we are very happy to be back here, where I was living before I met Bill. We have greatly enjoyed reconnecting with old Berkeley friends and as a retired art teacher I now have time to pursue my own work. I’m painting with a group of artists weekly, doing a lot of knitting for the grandkids, walking and hiking. We belong to Kehilla, a politically active Jewish Congregation and, I’m also a member of Audubon. I also take a lot of photos, a few of which I post on Instagram under the name lynlaz. And, oh yes, we watch a lot of Netflix! I cannot write without mentioning our 7-year-old granddaughter Norah who has a rare genetic disorder, Fanconi anemia. We are currently looking for a bone marrow donor thru an organization called Be The Match. Norah’s story can be found in more detail at www.norahneedsyou.com.
55604 Pinehurst La Quinta, CA 92253 (310) 405-1684 jlajka@aol.com
A lot has happened in 55 years, but I will give you the highlights. Went to Cal Berkeley for 2 years before 4 years of pharmacy school at USC. Still happily married after 51 years to Judy (Kerstein) who I met on a blind date in 1966. We have 2 children, Jason and Lindsay, each with 2 daughters who live in LA cityside. So, we have 4 granddaughters ages 12, 9, 9, and 7. Miss seeing them so much as we usually did before the pandemic. I have been a pharmacist for almost 50 years having owned and sold pharmacies in Pasadena and Hollywood, and Boulder, CO where we lived from 1991 to 2004. Judy and are avid golfers at PGA West where we have lived for the past 16 years. I got my first hole-in-one after 55 years (as evidenced by the most recent picture of me that I will send you in a separate e-mail.). Other than that, we have lived a really fulfilling life. Some of our classmates might know that we won a televised game show in 1986 which was very exciting and was fortunate to put our kids through college without any student debt. I am currently a pharmacist 2 days a week at Walmart and other than golf, my main hobby is competitive, tournament bridge. Looking forward to the document you are putting together. Sincerely, Jay Astor
N158 State Park Rd, Apt 5 Appleton, WI 54915 (920) 268-8514 BBarth3@new.rr.com
Exploring the United States from an elevated position in multiwheeled transporters of goods and people. Striking it rich in my second marriage with a blended family of six boys and subsequently seven granddaughters and blessed with good, long-haul friends! Stay healthy!
447 Zion Street Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 264-7009 (818) 458-1499 cell paulapea30@yahoo.com
“The Last 55 Years” Wow! Has it really been 55 years since we graduated from U. S. Grant High School! Well, I guess time really flies when you’re having fun and I’ve certainly had my share. I’ve been blessed with good health, a wonderful family and friends and a life full of adventure. Post graduating high school, I attended CSUN majoring in Sociology and Education in hopes of becoming a primary school teacher; however, my teaching plans changed when a close college friend took a job at a radio station and encouraged me to apply for the sales manager’s secretary position there. Over the next few years, I worked at K-Earth and K-100 Radio in Los Angeles and KDEO in San Diego. When my boss purchased a radio station in Yreka, CA, I followed him to assist in upgrading the station and rebuilding the format. Afterwards I journeyed to San Francisco and t worked for a year as an executive assistant/office manager at an international construction/mining equipment firm. In 1975, my parents retired and moved to Palm Desert where I visited and remained until my father passed away later that year. In 1976, I decided to return to Los Angeles. I interviewed at VIP Agency, an executive search firm, and was hired as the office manager and executive assistant to the CEO. While working there, I met Stephen Alsberg, an executive recruiter and single parent of two young daughters (4 and 6 at the time). Stephen was formerly a road manager for rock and roll acts (Randy Sparks Trio, The Turtles, Flying Burrito Brothers, and Frank Zappa) and the son of WGA writer Arthur Alsberg who’s credits include Bachelor Father, Bridget Loves Bernie, The Ghost
and Mrs. Muir, The Jetson’s, Herbie the Love Bug and many other projects and plays. After a whirlwind courtship we married in 1977. We’ve been married for 44 years. In 1978 our son Matthew was born. Raising our children together has definitely been the highlight of my life. Heather is a home-health nurse; Savannah is a scheduling director for Team Tutors and has been married for 25 years to her husband Josh who works in facility maintenance at Birmingham High School. We have a grandson Bishop (22) who works in engineering design at Ford Design Center. Our son Matthew graduated UCLA and was a Hip-Hop musician for ten years traveling the world with fellow Hip Hop artists. He also worked for Mush Records, an Indy label. He decided to obtain a law degree specializing in entertainment law and graduated with honors in 2015. While attending law school, he met a lovely woman, Ally and they married in 2016. Ally graduated in 2017 and is an attorney at a health care firm in Los Angeles. They have two children, our grandchildren, Julius (2 years) and Helena (3 months). Matthew worked in content acquisition at Sony PlayStation Vue for six years and is currently at Amazon Twitch. Stephen and I lived in same home in Lake Balboa for thirty-three years, during which time I was employed as Office Services Administrator at North L.A. County Regional Center (13 years), a human services agency for the developmentally disabled, and Facilities Manager and AVP, Security and Safety at California Credit Union (16 years). While at the credit union I was liaison to local law enforcement agencies and a member of the FBI Bank Robbery Squad, as well as, on the Advisory Board of California Credit Union Security Network. At the encouragement of Judy Degelman West, who I reconnected with while our sons attended the same school, I served as a member of the reunion committee for the 20-year reunion through the 50th birthday gathering. Due to the financial crisis in 2009, Stephen and I took early retirement and moved to Nevada City, CA, a town of 2,800 in the Sierra foothills. The transition from the big city to a small town with one main street has
been a challenge. Luckily, my love for reading, music and culture has afforded me the opportunity to become a community volunteer both at the Nevada County Library and The Center for the Arts serving and donating my time to help make a difference. Stephen and I love to entertain and up until last year we hosted Thanksgiving dinner in our home for family and friends (up to 40 guests) every year. We’ve been fortunate to be able to travel extensively in Europe, the UK, U.S. and Japan. In 2007, we traveled with our entire family and brother and sister-in-law to Italy for 3-weeks. One of our favorite trips was crossing the Atlantic on the QE2 and visiting Ireland. Our home is located within a 1-1/2 hour distance to Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Reno and Chico; we love to take short day trips in search of good food and wine. Prior to the pandemic, I was fortunate to spend a week each month in Los Angeles visiting my son and family and spend time with our new grandson Julius. Since March of last year we’ve been sheltering in place and social distancing with our rescue pooch Sweetie. I’ve also been actively involved in genealogy in search of my biological family (I was adopted at birth). For the past 50+ years all of my efforts have been unsuccessful; however, I’ve been working with a genealogist who recently discovered that the parent’s names on my original birth certificate were falsified. I’m happy to report that after taking a 23andMe DNA test we’ve finally uncovered the true identity of my biological parents and also found that I have three half-siblings; two of which I’ve connected with and established a virtual relationship. Last October, we took a road trip to L.A. to meet our new granddaughter, Helena where we visited and stayed and with our son and his family. Life has been very good! Wishing everyone good health. Please take good care.
37 Angelina Augusta, KS 67010 (316) 371-4170 bowen@airtoair.net
I actually attended North Hollywood High. I guess I’m the token Huskie in this group. But my roots were in Dixie Canyon and Millikan, where I made friendships with so many Grant alums. I earned a degree in zoology from UCSB and served in the California Air National Guard as a medic, where I was eventually released as a Conscientious Objector. In 1972 I moved to Wichita, Kansas, to direct a church-sponsored halfway house for young men. In 1973, I began a business as a commercial photographer. In 1976 I married, bought a forty-acre horse farm and raised Arabian horses and two daughters. Following our divorce, I retained custody of my girls and after four years, married Gail Senn, who brought two sons into our clan. We are still newlyweds after 27 years. We live on a lake in a small town on the outskirts of Wichita, a city of around 400,000. Like many others, Gail and I have traveled the world with my business and for pleasure. Our three grands live nearby and outside of COVID restrictions, have been active in our lives. From 2001-2010 we owned a home on Maui where I could surf the geriatric waves out front. I started surfing while at Millikan and have continued as we still visit Maui each year. Over the years my business concentrated on aviation photography, as Cessna, Beechcraft and Learjet are all headquartered in Wichita, being named The Air Capital of The World. My primary business is shooting business jets for marketing and advertising, shooting air-to-air from one plane to another. I also have shot a lot of World War II aircraft and have published four coffee-table books on aviation. Through aviation,
Gail and I have become friends with aviation heroes and astronauts. Although the pilots I fly with and direct, deserve the awards, I’ve received honors including having been inducted into two aviation Halls of Fame, including the International Air and Space Hall of Fame, located within the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and I am credited with over 1,000 magazine covers. I always say that it takes a team to make it happen, especially the pilots. I’m still working, as I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. Overall, life has been a great adventure for me. We’ve all had speed bumps (a heart attack for me in 2008 and Gail is currently going through breast cancer), with many of us having faced, or currently facing challenges with finances, relationships or health. But for me, family, friendships, and a personal faith have brought me comfort and support and I hope the same for you. Here’s to 2021!!!
230 Surrey Drive Jacksonville Oregon, 97530 (818) 481-9166 Sherrycaplan47@gmail.com
Divorced after 36 years of marriage, one child Stay at home mom, after divorce paralegal for a law firm in century city. 14 years personal assistant to the newspaper columnist dear Abby. Have done a little traveling over the years, travel to Churchill, Manitoba to see the polar bears, spent a month in China and one day at the panda research center Cleaning exhibits and preparing their food. Several trips to Africa to see the big five and the great migration. Docent at Los Angeles zoo for 19 years. My special duty included providing enrichment for lions and giraffes. Helped hand raise approximately five giraffe calves. Move To a small historical town in southern Oregon in 2017. To keep myself busy I walk dogs that are trained for the disabled and I am a docent and give tours the city of Jacksonville and some of the historical homes.
1501 North Bundy Drive Brentwood, CA 90049 RNatker7@yahoo.com
Graduated San Diego State University: 1970 Taught for LAUSD: 1972-2010 (Retired) Attended Azusa Pacific College for Master’s Degree as Marriage.Family.Therapist: 1975-1981 Married Andy Natker, Shopping Center Developer, + 2 young boys: 1985 Had OUR 1st son, Josh: 1989 Privately practiced Educational Therapy: 2010-2015 Extras… . Love our family! . Have 4 grandkiddies . Volunteer @ St.John’s Medical Center ER . Love to travel the world. . Manage family real estate investments. (Guess I’m not retired!) . Live in Lake Arrowhead and Los Angeles . Staying healthy and active (hopefully)! . Feel blessed for the life I've lived and pray for world peace, equality, safety & good health for all.
Currently San Rafael but intending to move. (415) 902-0984 danacurtin@yahoo.com
100-word summary -- who can tell a life of 55 years? Here's one version: Blessed but unexpected life. College in Colorado – met my perfect boyfriend then fell in love with girl. Never the same. Graduated Pomona College in French. Studied at Sorbonne and UCSB to teach. Subbed twice at Grant. Gypsy life, spiritual. 35 years in L.A., then up to Bay Area, El Cerrito, Marin, Sonoma. 2004 'til now, back and forth to the Carolinas. Made sure I always had jobs I loved, working in TV, educational testing, ultimately educational publishing. Taught guided autobiography writing groups. Breast cancer twice. Now heavy body versus previous slender jock. Book of poems. Writing memoir. Very grateful!
5727 Tobias Ave. Sherman Oaks, Ca 91411 (818) 943-9444 michele@micheledavis.net
It is so hard to believe that many of us have known each other since elementary school let alone high school, but here is what I have done so far. From Grant, I went to U.C. Santa Barbara for a year then transferred to U.C. Berkeley. When I graduated, I came back to LA and wound up in Marketing Research for many years, worked for Playgirl Magazine, and then I began selling radio time which I did for 27 years. I didn’t marry until I was 36 so everything started late. I married Dan Avey and was married for 21 years before we separated. He died shortly thereafter in 2010. We lived in the Laurel Canyon hills and then moved to Sherman Oaks where I still am living. We adopted two daughters, one from Downey and the other from Romania. The process of adopting our second daughter, in 1990 from Romania during the time of Ceausescu, was unbelievable, and rescuing her from the gypsies is truly my proudest accomplishment and worthy of a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. She is getting married this summer (delayed by Covid) and is planning to provide me with several grandchildren! After my radio time sales career ended around 1999, I decided to become a residential realtor and am still working and affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. I am also on the Board of our Charitable Foundation. So, if any of you are still in the area and are in need of a great realtor, please contact me. Shameless plug, I know, but what the hell? And, while I am at it, if any of you have any single men friends that want to meet someone, let me know. I am ready for that next chapter. However, I am not sure, if like John Schroeder, I am willing to go to South Africa, although I am not ruling that out! I have travelled quite a bit and am looking forward to resuming that once we get Covid under control with plans to go to Vietnam and Cambodia next. As for now, I am getting ready to plant my crop of tomatoes which are usually in great demand. And, as they say, “That’s a wrap”.
6216 Morelos Ave North Hollywood, CA 91606 (818) 633-0767 Cutegandmajuju@yahoo.com
After high school I went to la Valley College and majored in Theater Arts. I went from LAVC to doing local theater mostly at the Morgan Theater & Burbank Civic Light Opera. I got married in my late 20's and had 2 boys, one in 1975 and the other in 1978. My 1st husband left me when the boys were 4 years and 6 months. My Mom and Gram moved in with us & I had to work 3 jobs to put food on the table, but I did it & grew as a person. I found that going through hard times can really teach you things to succeed in life. Over the years I had some very interesting jobs. Two of my favorites were - Prize Coordinator on game shows and working for the City of Los Angeles as a Recreation Assistant at the parks. I worked for the City of Los Angeles for 20 years teaching taught Preschool, Mommy & Me classes, Science classes for young children and Summer / Spring Camps among many other things for the children and their families. When I started to work for the park, I had an incident that made me decide to fight what had happened to me, so I helped organize a Union for the Recreation Assistants of Los Angeles.
We worked long and hard, but we finally formed Local 741 with AFSCME Union, because of that, everyone that was 1/2 time got representation, health insurance, pay raises & more. I was lucky to be President of Local 741 for 15 years. I have retired from the Park & Union, but I stay busy with my husband, who was a teacher at Van Nuys Middle School for 30 years, my boys and grandchildren (Carter 13, and Caeli 11 years old.) I have had breast cancer 3 times & recovered after the 1st time, I helped organized the Los Angeles Breast Cancer Alliance & was on the board for 4 years. As I said before, bad things happen to everyone...but it is important we learn from those events to change our lives for the better & be able to help each other out so they don't have to go through the same thing. Life may have its bad times to learn from, but I have been Very Very Blessed to have a wonderful husband Terry (We have been married over 33 years). He took over raising the boys and is the best B-Pa (Grandfather) to our grand kids who he sees every week. I could not ask for more.
2345 Snowden Ave. Long Beach, CA 90815 (562) 477-2086 cell mdurst@mechdrives.com
Married to my beautiful bride of 49 1/2 years, Lyn. Two children, Leslie, and David and 5 wonderful grandchildren (2 girls and 2 boys). Managing and growing the family business. I am semi-retired now, working about 1/2 time from home. My son now manages the business full time with a significant shift to online business.
(541) 482-3006 2adusk@gmail.com
After UCSB and UCB, I stayed in the Berkeley area for most of 19 years, with a couple of forays to other places. I was a silversmith after my training with one of my professors at Cal and was hired to work in his small contemporary jewelry making company, followed by several other small companies for about 10 years total. It was a fun and cool time and my favorite vocation. Greenpeace came to us and I wax-carved a harp seal face pendant/pin prototype for them that was included in their fundraising endeavors; I hear they sold thousands of them. I eventually moved to Aspen, Colorado and spent 13 years there. It was a gorgeous natural environment…stunning actually, best when avoiding the rich and famous and the tourists. Not too difficult to do. Also, a great and enlivening time for me, studying various enriching modalities. That’s also where I became a West Coast Swing dance fanatic, which I pursued for about 8 years, driving 200 miles to Denver every chance I got, to dance. I traveled to many places in the west for dance conventions as well. I moved to Ashland, Oregon 21 years ago. That is hard to believe! It’s the longest I’ve been anywhere, and yet it doesn’t seem that long. The center of my life here has been studying with an energetic seer, learning about the fields and forces that are part of our daily lives that aren’t normally seen or talked about but that play a huge part in our lives and interactions with people…. learning how to be energetically empowered and safe in the world. It’s been fascinating and fulfilling to study these energetics. I have assisted and helped produce most of his events as artistic consultant. Hard to believe we’re 73/74!
775 Willow Heights Aptos, California 95003 bob.edmund@gmail.com
55 Years is almost inconceivable except I remember most of it! I have not been in the San Fernando/LA area since I left for college. I went to Stanford for undergrad, then on to UCSF for medical school and then, in the midst of Viet Nam, I sort of accidentally found myself doing my internship in the Army??!! That led to a career in the Army, first in Internal Medicine and then Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis. I became a Washington D.C. mouse at Walter Reed, but also spent time in Italy, Hawaii, and Korea. When I retired from Walter Reed, my (former) wife and I moved to Santa Cruz where I still live a bit out of town (and most recently escaped from a fire on the property next to mine!) Before Covid, I was in my Italian world for several months a year, with friends from where I lived near Pisa and Lake Garda. I long to be back there again before the kids that call me gramps finish college! I have really enjoyed hearing about everyone who has joined into this and hope some “real” meeting might come of this once this pandemic is gone. I’d love to hear from people!
4 Fieldstone Court Randolph, NJ 07869 H: (973) 366-6687 C: (973) 886-8025 jillgranik@gmail.com
After graduating Grant, I attended San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN) and graduated with a Bachelor’s in English and Theatre Arts. A year later (1970) I had a Teacher’s Certificate and started teaching English and Drama at Arroyo Seco Junior High in the Wm S Hart School District (Saugus). And in 1980 I was granted a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and instruction from the University of San Francisco. In 1968 I married Bob Granik and subsequently had two sons, Joel in 1975 and Brian in 1979. In 1982, Bob was transferred to Rochester, NY, (talk about climate shock!) and I started teaching English at Penfield High School. Three years later, he took a new job in Northern New Jersey, and we’ve been here ever since. When we moved to New Jersey in 1985, I decided to pursue other vocational paths and immediately ended up as the office manager at my sons’ day school, Gottesman RTW Academy. Over the years my job developed into Director of Operations, managing all non-educational aspects of the school. I finally retired in 2016 after 31 years on the job, but I continue to manage the school’s data base and website. Over the years I found a passion in making jewelry, and, when I discovered I had way more than I could wear in a lifetime, I opened an Etsy shop (www.jilliangboutique.etsy.com). I’ve been selling there and at local vendor shows (virtually now, of course). I have two beautiful grandchildren who are the loves of my life; Zev is 20 and Miriam is 19. Fortunately, they live nearby in Long island, so I can hug them whenever I can. Bob and I are enjoying each other’s company now that we’re both retired and have the time to do so. We do a little travelling (Aruba, cruises, etc.) and otherwise just relax when we can.
6000 De Soto Ave #217 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (818) 515-8151 dianeshapiro1@yahoo.com
I have been a high school counselor for the past 21 years at Cleveland HS in Reseda. I have two daughters and 5 grandchildren ages 15, 16, 19, 20 and 23. Thank you for putting this together. I can’t wait to read everyone’s bio!!
73290 Desert Rose Dr Palm Desert, CA 92260 (818) 402-6712 Barmar49@hotmail.com
I had been living in the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks area most of my life until recently. Both my kids graduated from Grant and some of the same teachers were still there! I lived the last 20 years in Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. I sold my business and retired four (4) years ago. We just moved to Palm Desert in May of 2020. Enjoying life as best as possible with Covid 19 restrictions. We are happy to be in the desert (even with the summer heat) and learning to play golf. Life has been good to me!
50 Robin Place Reno, NV 89509 (775) 240-9171 Jan.gilbert1@gmail.com
Where to start? I met my wonderful husband, Michael, when I was teaching first grade in Santa Monica. He is an artist who has done ceramics, painting, and writing poetry. We moved to San Diego county and began our career as property managers. We worked for Cal Tech for 10 years caring for the Frank Capra ranch in Fallbrook. We had our daughter, Melissa, there. We had an opportunity to move to Northern Nevada to work for a woman on her large property in Washoe Valley. We lived there for 35 years, enjoying the beauty of the sierras and our employer who inspired me to get involved in progressive politics. I co-founded a statewide progressive coalition called Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (www.planevada.org). I was their advocate/lobbyist for 25 years at the state Legislature in Carson City. Being a small state makes it quite easy to be involved. I even ran for the state Assembly one time. Three years ago, we moved to Reno and have loved living here near our daughter. Michael and I just celebrated our 49th anniversary. We have always been avid organic gardeners and are involved in the burgeoning urban farming community here. We are both cooks and with the pandemic, find our lives to be smaller but rewarding. We have been blessed with good health and love exploring the “hood” as our neighborhood has been called. The Truckee River is 5 blocks away and creates an interesting environment. Those are the highlights of my 55 years after high school. It’s hard not to go on and on with the specifics but I’ll stop here. Love to you all.
45 Vernal Spring Irvine, CA 92603 (949) 502-8383 judithwhitmore@gmail.com
After graduation from Grant, I attended the University of Arizona. During summer break in my junior year, I got my first professional singing job as a background singer for Capitol Records. I had intended to have a career in music, but instead I got married at 21 and soon had two children. My husband and I lived in Beverly Hills. I was vicepresident of a non-profit organization that raised money for a research and treatment center for children with cancer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In 1975 we moved to Aspen, Colorado, where I learned to ski and can peaches. We had horses, dogs, and a large vegetable garden. We lived in an area called Starwood where our closest neighbors were Annie and John Denver. John was a pilot and loved telling stories about flying his Learjet with his Dad. He made it sound so exciting that I made up my mind...even though I had a fear of flying, I was going to become a pilot. On my first lesson, I fell in love with flying. My first solo flight was a thrill, and later that same day I flew to New York with John and Annie in their Learjet. I sat in the cockpit for about an hour during that trip. It was there I set the goal of becoming a Learjet pilot. After I got my private pilot’s license, I was invited to join Aspen Air Rescue. From 1977-1983, I worked on all Colorado searchand-rescue operations with the Civil Air Patrol and Pitkin County Mountain Rescue. I also got my hot-air balloon license in Aspen, and served as codirector of the Snowmass Balloon Race for two years.
I was President of American Theater Company in Aspen for six years. We did shows with wonderful talent including Julie Harris, Vincent Price, Shawn Cassidy, John Travolta and Hal Holbrook. During my five-year term as President of The Aspen Playwrights Conference we premiered fifteen new American plays. It was also in Aspen that I served on the Board of Directors of Ballet West and volunteered for five years at Aspen Valley Hospital. In 1983, after a divorce, I moved back to Beverly Hills with my children. I continued flying and got my instrument rating, twin-engine rating, and commercial pilot’s license. My first jet type-rating was in a Citation, and soon afterwards I attained my goal of becoming a Learjet Captain. After that I got a sea-plane rating...now that was fun! With the skills I learned at American Theater Company, I became an independent producer. My first show was a musical called Taking a Chance on Love. It got a rave review in Variety, so I decided to do it in London. While there, I lived a block away from my dear friend Lynn Landman Hanauer. A well-known British producer and I became business partners, and we did a big West End production of Leonard Bernstein’s Wonderful Town. I commuted to London for one and a half years. During that time, I met Wes, who worked at UCLA. I eventually sold my house in London and returned home for good. Wes and I were married, and I retired from the theater. I went back to school, earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, and then a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I had a private practice in West L.A. where I shared an office with Wes, who is also an MFT. In 2000, we moved to Newport Beach where we both relocated our therapy practices. A year later I made a significant decision. I had been taking writing classes for many years, with the intention of someday writing
a book. One day I said to myself, “It’s now or never.” I wanted to concentrate my efforts on writing a novel, so I terminated my therapy practice, and enrolled in writing classes at UC Irvine. My first book was published in 2013. It’s a romantic adventure titled Come Fly with Me. It became an Amazon Kindle #1 Best-Seller. It was followed by a cookbook and an illustrated retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Ten years ago, I returned to my first love...singing. In 2013, I formed a trio called “Act Three” with my brother Bill and a friend. We did several shows in Orange County, then unbelievably we did our show at Carnegie Hall in New York. Our journey to Carnegie Hall was documented in the awardwinning film “Once Upon a Dream.” “Act Three” recorded an album at Capitol Studios, and we continued to perform in New York and Los Angeles. In 2018 I began performing a solo cabaret act. That was followed by a show with my brother. In 2019 I returned to Capitol Studios to record a solo album – fifty-two years after I first entered that building as a background singer. I will be recording my second album, with legendary jazz pianist Michael Lang, this summer. I am looking forward to returning to the stage to sing as soon as the venues reopen. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, a son and a daughter who, thankfully, are happily married, and four wonderful grandchildren. Life is good.
3004 Stratmoor Hills Ave. Henderson, NV 89052 (310) 251-9224 heal5111@gmail.com
Married twice, 4 children, 6 grandchildren, two careers with the last being a financial consultant/CFP at Merrill Lynch for 32 years. Retired in 2016 and we just moved to Henderson, Nevada in December.
912 Maltman Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 665-4093 galejaffe@yahoo.com
Life summary Education: Master's in Teaching English as a Foreign Language Master's in Counseling Work: I worked for LA Unified School District for 36 years. I held a variety of jobs. I taught ESL at Hollywood High School. I became a counselor, a career advisor, and ran some special programs. I left and became a Pupil Services and Attendance Counselor and eventually became a coordinator in that department. Now I volunteer for the Nine O'Clock Players, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Los Angeles. I am on the board and help with various projects. Personal: I met Allen climbing in 1983. We still climb. We live part time in Joshua Tree, Mammoth and Los Angeles. I love to be outdoors hiking, climbing, and skiing.
1839 Shoshone Drive Bishop, California 93514 (805) 570-1943 gregjames@earthlink.net
As to what I have been doing for the last 55 years, following graduation from Grant, I attended UCSB and graduated with a degree in history in June 1968. Following that, I attended UCLA Law School and graduated in 1972. After law school, I worked as a litigation attorney for the County of LA. After saving up some money, in 1976, I got in my VW bus with a friend a drove from LA throughout Central and South America. After a year of adventuring, I decided to return to California to work on an environmental cause. In 1977, I moved to Bishop in the Eastern Sierra and began to represent the County of Inyo in its water battles with the City of LA over its export of water from the Owens Valley. Since then, in one capacity or another, I have continued that representation. In 1981, I married and we had two boys (one severely autistic and
the other adopted--no grand kids yet). My wife and I separated in 1997, and I remarried in 2008 gaining two stepsons, and now, one granddaughter. I continue to work as an attorney on environmental and water law issues in the Owens Valley, in California and in Nevada. Surprisingly, when representing a coalition of rural governments, Indian tribes, ranchers and environmental groups in opposition to a plan by Las Vegas to pump and export groundwater from central and eastern Nevada, I got with work with Janet Govenar Gilbert. When not practicing law, my wife and I enjoy hiking, walking our three dogs, downhill and cross country skiing, bicycling in the Eastern Sierras, visiting our second home in Santa Barbara traveling in our smallish motorhome and spending time with each other and our granddaughter.
16444 Bosque Drive Encino, CA 91436 (818) 399-1542 doreen.nortman@gmail.com
I went on to USC to get my BA and MS in Special Education. I received two teaching credentials, one regular and one in Special Education. I trained at the John Tracy Clinic and became a teacher of the hearing impaired. Then moved to Maryland to be near my boyfriend (Donald) at the time (now husband) who was doing research at the National Institute of Health (NIH). I worked on a Federal Grant doing research on the Deaf/Mentally Retarded, we were married in 1974 and moved to Durham, N.C. where Donald did his medical residency, and I managed the Speech & Hearing Center at Duke University and did itinerant teaching. We had our first child there in 1976 and moved back to L.A. in 1977 where Donald did his Fellowship at UCLA in Nephrology (Kidneys and Hypertension). We have been in L.A. since, have 3 grown kids and 7 Grandkids . Donald is practicing at Cedars and I am running his office from afar. All of our kids and Grandkids live in L.A. but our kids all went to college back East and remained in the East for several Years. Two went to Law School and one went to Business school and they are all employed (thank goodness). That about sums it up.
3773 Terra Granada Drive #1A Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (310) 500-7954 mw4544@gmail.com
How to tell you about the last 55 years... Parents bought a post war tract home and moved to Bluebell Avenue in 1952, 1st grade Riverside Drive Elementary School Grades 1-6 Mother- Maxenne, Micki, homemaker Father- Iriving Klein, Liquor Salesman Two brothers, Marty, 3 years older, Steve, three years younger, Sister Judy, 9 1/2 years younger Both brothers are deceased, sister is living in Northridge. Grew up from 5 to 12 with a relatively "normal " life. When I was 12, my parents bought "Dixie Liquor" at the corner of Riverside and Coldwater Canyon, and sold our home in order to buy the store. We moved to an apartment on Hazeltine and lived there until around 16. Well, this is too long a story to go on in such detail. Father passed away in 1964. Went to Millikan Jr. High and then Grant High. Here's a fact, purely for interest, I would add that my #3 grandson, Jayden went to Millikan Jr. High as well, for their Performing Arts Major and now is a freshman at the Los Angeles School of the Arts, a voice, opera major... Millikan took him a long way! Stayed at home for college out of need to help my mother, did an AA Degree at Pierce. Started UCLA in 1966, and then met my husband Mark and the rest as they say is "history". Mark is retired for almost 10 years now. He was a Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Century City for 40 years, and we have been married for 53 years... OMG!
We have lived in San Francisco, Encino, Tarzana, Palos Verdes, Beverly Hills and now retired to Walnut Creek. Most likely we will move back to Southern California sometime in the next few years, too many kids and grandkids to be so far away. Kids... well that's another story. Scott, 51, is a Rabbi in Houston, married to Natalie, the Director of a NonProfit. They have two sons, Abraham, who getting his Masters Degree in Physics at University of Alabama, born with Spina Bifida and is the only person on the planet that doesn't know he's handicapped. He's a Wheelchair Basketball Star and the most lovely guy around- 23 years old. Sammy is the next Grandson,19, Freshman at University of Michigan. Interested in Politics and Hollywood. Allison, 48, is a self-taught photographer as well as Bar Mitzvah tutor and teacher. Jayden, her son, is 15 years old and he wants to be a musical theater star...but I think his voice is his ticket, so we shall see. And then... Mark and I were 22 when Scott was born, then 25 when Allison was born. I studied Interior Design when they were young and worked hard to become a Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers and that's what's been my life work ever since. However, we had a bit of a turn in the road when Scott and Allison were 12 and 15. We decided to have " one more " and the best we can figure, it was a complete fluke, voila... Triplets. Sara is a Cantor in Long Beach, married to Andrew who does Wealth Management and they have one daughter, Lucy, almost 4 and totally wonderful!
Ryan is a Life Coach, His business is "Sanctuary" check him out on Instagram, either under wakingupwithryan.com or Sanctuary. He lives in Venice with his partner Orie, who is a Developer/Contractor, and they are Engaged. We are so thrilled! Lizzie is a Cantor at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and is so treasured by her congregation... where the triplets grew up. So, not sure how it happened, but we have 3 clergy kids, it's a privilege! I am still working, whenever I can make it happen due to Covid. Mark and I have had our first vaccine and can't wait to get the second! I am an obsessive needle-pointer, so my legacy is covered for all our kids! We love theater, cooking, and travel... Is that ever going to happen again??? I have had a long list of some health challenges, but I always seem to come out clean and I am grateful. That's another long story. I am so looking forward to our getting a zoom call or maybe doing some kind of a reunion, when it is safe. It's so amazing to see how many of us are hanging in there, So, let's plan something... zoom anyone?
4358 Bridgeview Drive Oakland, CA 94602 (510) 915-3462 ljkrow@yahoo.com
Hello Everybody, It has been great seeing all your names bringing back so many memories. Here is a brief summary of what I've been doing for the last 50 years or so. I have been living in Oakland for the last 40 years, yikes. Ever since I went to Cal, I loved the cooler weather, the greenery and tolerance of the Bay Area. I'm divorced now and with my then husband and later ex, raised a son, Alex. We adopted Alex when I was 53. He is not quite 21, becoming an adult, and currently living in Southern California. So, I'm now parenting a young adult. Being an older parent has been a joy most of the time. Although I did make sure to dye my hair when he was in high school. I became a lawyer, in '78 and worked for about 25 years as an administrative law judge deciding mainly unemployment insurance cases. I loved the job, it felt like part law and part social work. I retired about 3 years ago. Aside from becoming a pandemic news junkie, I'm spending my time now gardening (I love growing veggies), hiking, walking and training the pit bull puppy my son brought home. I am also advocating for and volunteering to help immigrants in a variety of ways. I'm part of support group for an Afghan refugee family, and have been preparing for green card holders for their citizenship exams. Once upon a time, I was a theatergoer, spent time in museums, studied French and traveled. My favorite trip was when I went on Safari in South Africa with 16 year old Alex. I still have a lot of places on my bucket list and hope to travel again after the pandemic. I'm involved with my synagogue, and still avidly interested in politics. I have been a dedicated election volunteer in many elections, including the last one. Whew! I am sending a picture of me in my backyard. Best to everyone, Lita
17 Lexington Lane West, Apt H Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 (561) 660-0898 Lynnielh@gmail.com
It’s so strange to think where 55 years have gone! I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to live, travel, and work abroad. I have spent most of my adult life living in England and France. I was married to my husband Carl for 32 years. He passed away 11 years ago. Carl and I were pioneers in bringing the Self-Storage industry to England, France, and Germany. Judy Grubman Whitmore was one of our investors in our first London project in the mid 80’s. She even moved to London and lived around the corner from our house. I count as my greatest accomplishment a wonderfully close-knit family: my daughter and son, a step-daughter with whom I have been close for 40+ years and 4 very special grandchildren, all of whom are my greatest joy. In recent years I have spent more time in the US. Both of my children are now living in the States, one on each coast, each with partners and children of their own. Three years ago, I married Brian and gained 2 step-daughters, their partners, and 4 more teenaged grandchildren. Brian is English, born and raised in London. We divide our time between London and Florida. We are both active, when not in a pandemic. I play golf regularly, I love to play cards, mostly Canasta, but many others as well. This comes in handy especially during the lockdowns. I enjoy cooking, baking and entertaining. We adore travelling and can’t wait to start again. I am still extremely close friends with Judy Grubman Whitmore, who will always be my BFF. I can’t believe we have been best friends for more than 60 years! I am still friendly and stay in touch with my Prom date Ed Seltzer. I’m looking forward to hearing about all of you.
13238 Cumpston St Sherman Oaks, CA. 91401 (818) 941-5045 Judyreed87@gmail.com
I’m happily retired after a fun and fulfilling career working in high schools as a school secretary and a guidance counselor. I have 2 handsome sons, 2 beautiful daughters-in-law, and 3 delicious grandchildren. Some things never change. I still love the Dodgers (2020 World Champions), but I have added other interests: traveling (especially cruising), going to concerts (especially Rock and Jazz), and taking art history classes (especially Italian Renaissance). Recently I’ve become addicted to Words With Friends. Let’s play.
112 Kenwood Drive Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 (201) 906-5186 mlsapoff@gmail.com
Hello to all and it's so nice to catch up. After graduating from college, I went on to New York and began teaching in a Middle School but my true passion was the Fashion Industry. I left teaching which I loved but wanted to pursue the fashion industry one of my reasons for going to New York. I worked my up and became a design director for a Children's Wear company and for many years was travelling and seeing the world. I loved it. I also married and still am and have two beautiful daughters and two sweet, adorable granddaughters and life has taken me full circle. I am now yes, back to teaching Fashion Design at a High School in New Jersey. Funny how life takes you in different directions, but we always seem to end up where we are supposed to be. Wishing everyone continued good health and happiness and hope to see you soon and catch up in person.
1948 Jelinda Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (805) 722-4100 joanbowman@cox.net
Fifty-five years, yikes! Highlights: I’ve been married since 1972, Steve and I have two daughters, Jessica is an educational specialist and Elizabeth is the Director of Los Angeles Farmer’s Markets run by SEE-LA. We moved to Santa Barbara in 1986 and built our home. We feel blessed to be living in such a beautiful place. I originally taught fifth grade, earned my master’s in Counseling and Guidance and later my Ph.D. in Human and Organizations Systems. I ran a small educational publishing company. I’ve been retired for ten years. With time on my hands, I started a food blog with my best friend called foodandfriendshipsantabarbara.com My sisters and I published an Italian cookbook inspired by my father’s love of Italian cooking and gardening. It contains three generations of our families recipes. I’ve held cooking classes over the years to raise money for Planned Parenthood. This year I spent most of my time working to make America “blue” again. I look forward to traveling again and enjoying our family and friends up close and personal.
1291 Vintage Oak St. Simi Valley, CA 93063 (818) 802-9715 laurie0747@yahoo.com
I’m a Retired Vice President of a Dutch Bank. My husband and I have enjoyed travels all over the world and hope to do more closer to home when things get better! We have 2 fabulous grandsons 15 & 12 that travel all over the States playing Ice Hockey!!
21 Gramercy 106 Irvine, CA 92612 1pattye@gmail.com (949) 214-9415
We moved to Orange County, Newport Beach in 1982. In 2012 we moved to a condo in Irvine, and I love it. We are only 5 miles down Jamboree to Balboa Island. We have been married for 52 years and have one daughter who is 49, a lawyer, but does not practice. She houses 160 homeless people in Uncle Dave's housing. So proud of her. We loved to travel. We have been many times to China, Japan, Europe, and Israel. My husband and I had our own business a sales promotion company, but in 2004 my husband loss his eyesight from type 1 diabetes so we retired. My husband has been a type 1 diabetic for over 60 years, and this has been part of who I am. I love to play golf. I have many golf friends and had the best of times with golf, although I have told myself I will quit when I get my hole in one. This last year due to covid I play only with my daughter and she brings the dog on the fairways. It really is fun. So, let’s hope we all get the shots in our arms so we can once again meet. I would love to hug my family again.
5109 Big Bend Trail Georgetown, TX 78633 cell (281) 658-1104
Wow! 55 years. Where do I begin? I married my college sweetheart in 1970. In late 1971 we moved to Houston, TX for Joe's job. I had worked in the fashion industry in LA (my degree is in fashion merchandising). I went to work for Continental Airlines in 1973 - 1985 and the travel bug was launched. In 1985 I became a travel agent and never looked back. I am still working part time specializing in cruises and river cruises. I am also doing groups with wine interests. We moved to Georgetown, TX in 2016 and love it. Although we did leave our daughter and grandson in Houston, we do get to see them often. My hobbies are golf and travel. We are going a bit stir crazy with this pandemic and anxious to get back on the road. I have attached a picture of Joe and I celebrated our 50th anniversary in Asheville, NC. Looking forward to getting together soon.
3058 Sunset Lane Oxnard, CA 93035. (602) 326-1185 Horsiemail@yahoo.com
Here's a short story about my blessed life: After high school I enjoyed 4 years at UC Santa Barbara, playing baseball and studying Hispanic Civ. The Angels gave me an opportunity to pitch for 2 years in the minors but they didn't think a skinny 5'11" guy could make it to the Bigs so I had to give up that dream for a career in sales. Darcy and I had 2 wonderful sons and 3 beautiful granddaughters. Our marriage ended in 2008; I retired and moved to Ventura. After 9 years of searching every golf course in SoCal I met Prudence online. We chatted for months and I decided to travel to Zambia (4 times). We got married in 2017! During the last 9 years thanks to several good friends and my beautiful Christian wife I decided to give the church another chance. I'm really enjoying this chance to learn more about God. I enjoy playing tennis, golf and cycling! We've been blessed with good health, a loving family and a peaceful beach nearby! Sending the peace of God to all 152 of my fellow Centaurians!
4739 Santa Rosita Ct. Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707) 481-1797 msmr99@cs.com
After high school I went to LA Valley College and worked at gas stations. Transferred to Cal St. Northridge (Valley State as it was then known) and graduated with a BA degree in geography in 1969 after right getting married in 1968. At that point, the Viet Nam was raging so to avoid getting drafted into the infantry I enlisted in the army with the guaranty of attending officer's candidate school at Ft. Benning, GA. Long story short, the army found a medical reason why I could not go to OCS, for which I had a contract, so they had to let me go and then reclassified me 4-F, which meant I would go to war right after the women and children. I continued my education at Cal. St Northridge and USC where I earned several teaching credentials. I taught in the LA City Schools for about 3 years and then moved in 1976 to Santa Rosa, CA. At the time I had one daughter, Jennifer, who is now a high school French teacher in Montana. In Santa Rosa I bought and sold several houses and taught elementary school for about 27 years and had another daughter, Michele, who is a college graduate and now runs a restaurant on the water in Oakland. I separated from my first wife in 1991 and finally divorced in 1997 (I know, 6 years? Another long story that can't be shortened). I luckily met Marta, my best wife, in 1993 and we have been married for 20 years. Marta worked forever in medical imaging at Kaiser and various other health care facilities. She is now fully retired. My first daughter has two children, Henry (8) and Thomas (5). I have a second home in Whitefish, MT so we have a place to stay when we visit them
several times a year. We also hang out with Mike and Pam Young who have a place about a half an hour away on Flathead Lake. Mike and I do pretty much the same things we did in high school except that we drink better beer and have cooler toys. Mike did have a 1956 T-Bird back in the day which I think was the coolest toy anyone ever had. While teaching and being broke all the time I worked many second jobs for vacation money. The best one was after getting a real estate broker's license. Even part time it changed my financial situation greatly and even though I retired from the classroom in 2004 I still dabble in real estate. As an old guy I now mostly audit transaction files for the company to try to keep our agents out of legal trouble. Luckily, I'm still pretty healthy and active, running, strength training at the gym and I play volleyball 3 times a week, pre Covid. Can't wait for everyone to be vaccinated so I can get back on the court. Marta and I have traveled quite a bit but now it's mostly Montana and Maui where we have an awesome timeshare. I'd like to say we have a great time all the time, and we do, but with Covid, and being old and at risk, we mostly just hang out at home with the dog. Recently we've been having neighborhood "garage parties" which are basically outside and easy to social distance. We've got cool neighbors. I think it is great that so many of us are still interested in communicating after all these years. We had a great group at Riverside, Millikan and Grant. I think the public education system served us well. American democracy is great and I hope we can hold onto it over the next few years and hand it down to our grandchildren. I will never take it for granted again.
275 Edinburgh Circle Danville, CA 94526 (925) 683-3701 Crystal@CrystalSalvage.com
Married 56 years. Four children, five grandchildren and spouses equal a family of 17. After school, I spent the first 13 years taking care of our children. I started my professional career at a workers’ compensation company where I worked through the ranks to the position of AVP. When that profession was ended with a company buyout in 2007, I decided to join my oldest daughter at her real estate company. My husband, Alan, and I love to travel. My hobbies include interior design, crafts and some upholstery. And most importantly, as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I spend a lot of time with Bible study and my ministry.
4536 Park Cordero Calabasas, CA 91302 (818) 335-1966 eseltzerlaw@aol.com
After graduation I attended UCLA and then UCB, (a wonderful time). I graduated in March of 1969 and immediately boarded a plane for London, (my three month European adventure. The three months turned into three years of traveling the world, (the time of my life). I returned to the USA in 1972 and attended Southwestern University School of Law, got married, had two fabulous children, Joshua, (now 44 years old) and Alexis, (now 39 years old). I have no known grand children. Divorced in 1991. Re located to San Antonio Texas. Worked for Fairchild Aircraft then relocated to Los Angeles. Re married to Sylvia Parker in 2002. We now reside in Calabasas California. I am still practicing law, enjoying my kids and golf... a lot.
23034 Park Privado Calabasas, CA 91302 (818) 231-3351 sloanefam@gmail.com
Wow!! 55 years. That’s a lot of time to talk about. After graduation, I attended UCLA where I majored in English and received my Teaching Credential for secondary education. From 1969 through 1979, I taught English at Portola Junior High School in Tarzana. I married Steve Sloane in April of 1976 and we’ve been together since then. I left teaching to have my daughter, Jennifer in 1979. She was followed by my son, Zachary in 1982. Since then I have really devoted my life to being a mom. Both children are now married with children of their own, so I’m spending time being a grandmother to 3 adorable boys. In my spare time since 1979, I have done a variety of volunteering. Firstly, PTA at my children’s schools. For about 10 years, I was the organizer of a group of women who met to discuss Menopause issues…we called ourselves The Fan Club! I was on the
organizing committee for Run For Her (a run-walk event raising money for Ovarian Cancer research). But the volunteer “job” that is truly my passion (and my husband’s) is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. We have been involved with GDB for 13 years and have raised 11 puppies. The third puppy we raised was “career changed” because she didn’t have enough selfconfidence to work as a Guide, so we adopted her as our pet. Because of her endearing personality, we decided to have her become a Therapy Dog. She worked at Kaiser Woodland Hills Medical Center as a Therapy Dog until her death this past April. Losing her was quite difficult. When Petal, our current puppy, is recalled to the GDB campus for her formal training, we will begin to think about getting another dog as a pet…and as a Therapy Dog. Our family did a lot of traveling while the children were still at home. Most foreign travel was to Europe as we had close Swiss friends and we’d travel there with our children every fourth year. The Swiss family also traveled here in in-between years. We also own 2 timeshares in Cabo San Lucas, where we spend a week or two every year—a real get-away--without the children. We have also travelled throughout the United States. And finally, I am an amateur Watercolor artist. I have been painting for about 14 years. My house is full of my paintings, and I have sold some reprints to owners at one of the timeshares we own in Cabo San Lucas. But I’m not in it as a business…I just love to paint. I find it a wonderful stress reliever when necessary. I also love reading, cooking, lunching with friends, going to movies, and knitting. I’m sure I’ve left something out…55 years is a long time!!! Hello to everyone!
4222 Ethel Ave #26 Studio City, CA 91604 C. (818) 389-5141 H. (818)783-2607 jskuro@pacbell.net
As the years have flown by I’ve spent a good amount of time traveling both in and out of the country. I returned to school after a 12-year absence and all of the 6 years back in school were a pleasure. I never looked back. Became a teacher and a couple of years ago I retired after 30 years of a grand career. I’m an avid lap swimmer and have been involved in and part of a ceramic studio for years now. Life is busy, full, and rich with a niece who fills my heart. Just a few markers to put on paper.
(818) 404-0119 cjohnz13@yahoo.com
Thanks for obtaining all of the information from all of our classmates. Spent four years in the military of which two were on active duty. While still living in California I built a home (2005) in Jacksonville Oregon. The house sat empty for approximately 11 years. I retired in 2007 after 40 years in the motion picture industry. I spent anywhere from 6 to 8 months A year on location. throughout the United States, Europe and the orient. I finally moved to Jacksonville Oregon in 2016.
No photos for the following: Pat Charleston Mary Craven John Eaker