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Glenice (Van Scyoc) Stanford Hello, I just got my BA in Criminal Justice on May 12 of this year. My son and family flew in from VA. for the event at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. I also just turned 62 years old, and have three grandchildren ages 18, 11, and 9.
Sorry. No news notes from this class year.
BJ (Stearns) Bannister I just married off my youngest daughter, Martha Marjorie, to Daniel Joseph Brinkman Jr. on July 21, 2007 at a park near Prescott, Arizona. My father, GE Stearns, and his wife, Rhoda Fyrnn Helm/Stearns, were able to be there courtesy of my younger sister Mary Anne Stearns Dorchuck, class of ‘70. Also Glenn and Helen Wilhelm of nearby Prescott Valley, AZ were happy to be there. I am now a GREAT Grandmother with my oldest grandson, Jeremy Young, and his wife, Elizabeth, having a baby girl as I write, July 24, 2007. Life is made of rain and snow and all the sunshine to make it glow. Keep in touch. Norman Elliott I’m sorry, but I have not changed anything in many years. I am approaching 10 years with my current employer, have lived in the same house almost that long, am approaching by 23rd anniversary, and it has been 35 years since I started working full time as a computer programmer. Cheryl Orser Hello Friends of Rio Lindo, I’m having a great year at Laurelbrook Academy. This is my 11th year here after returning from spending 10 years in Malawi Africa. After spending 31 yeas in the elementary I’m teaching English as a Second Language in the academy of about 40 students. I also work in the library. My health is good, and I feel so blessed! May God bless each of you! Love, Cheryl Linda (Frolich) Sipes We still live in Alaska and now when we travel we go to see our kids. We have a 4 year old granddaughter, Kalin, and a brand new grandson, Nickolas. Michael and I sold our business several years ago and now we are working on another tourist-related project. I think we will always be in Alaska. Say “hi” to all my classmates and I enjoy hearing about everyone.
Brenda Butka My brother, Gary Butka, has triplet daughters who just celebrated their first birthday! (Yes, he was class of 1966...) IN MEMORY OF... Clarence “Sach” Lai Clarence passed away on July 23, 2007 from a massive heart attack. Clarence was born on November 25, 1948. He attended Spring Valley Junior Academy for Elementary School in San Francisco. He then attended Rio for his four years of High School, being a member of the first 4-year club of that school. Upon entering Rio Lindo, he was paired up with an older student as a roommate since he was only 13 when he arrived at the boarding school. This older student determined that the new kid had too much soul to be known as Clarence and felt he should be nicknamed Sachmo. In addition, when friends found out his last name was Lai, as a joke, they started calling him “Truth” instead. He became Sachmo Truth, but over time it was shortened to Sach, which has stuck with him ever since. He went to Pacific Union College and earned a Bachelor’ of Science Degree in Biology. Sach began working for the genetic engineering firm, Cetus, which became Chiron and is now Novartis, in Emeryville, CA. He retired from Novartis in March of this year after 32 years of dedication to the company. Sach married Claudia Earl (’66) in December, 1966. He was blessed with three children, Cherie Lai Martin (’86), Caine Lai (‘92) and Clay Lai (‘93). He was adopted as “Pops” by many close childhood friends of the kids, many of whom became like sons to him. He is also survived by his brothers, Cary and Chris, and his sisters, Clara, Carolyn and Cathy. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We all have many precious and lasting memories of Sach.
IN MEMORY OF... Kathleen (Williams) Robbins 11/10/1948 – 12/16/2007 “How I Became a Seventh-day Adventist Christian” by Marty Robbins (husband)
I am an Adventist Christian because of Kathi Robbins. I would not be where I
am today as a person, Christian teacher, an Adventist, and as a preacher of
the gospel wherever and whenever possible had I not met and fallen in love
with Kathi. Julia (Aitken) Schmitz-Leuffen When the Alumni & Development Director e-mailed us to see what news we have he suggested the following info: “recently married” - nope, widowed 8 years ago and haven’t found a new companion in life. “have a baby” - another no, but this one laced with relief. Still waiting for grandchildren too. “moved” - yet a third no, imagine an American staying in one house for coming up on 27 years! “get a new job”, well if you don’t count the endless changes in serving as a volunteer or having your adult children floating in and out of your life, never mind adding one’s parent’s tasks to ones lists, “no”. “start professional school” - now here is one I might well contemplate `someday`. So many interests, so little time.... “finish school”, can’t finish what I haven’t started. The school of life is mighty interesting though. “settling down” - there are days I truly wish that would happen! “retire” - yet another on the wish list, but in my case retire from what? And that’s the news from Corsier, Switzerland. Always love to hear from former classmates.
Calvin D. Knipschild Greetings everyone, especially my classmates from 1967. I am starting my 4th year at Loma Linda Academy heading up the Music Department. The school’s ‘Pro Musica’ choral group had a wonderful tour to Australia last year. I am still directing the Christian Edition Men’s Chorus, now in its 27th year. I would love to see you when we are singing in your area. My family is doing well. My son Erich is joining the Portland Fire Dept., and my daughter DeAnne just finished her Master’s and was hired by La Sierra University. My wife Linda, still my greatest joy, is the head nurse for the Critical Care Unit at Glendale Memorial Hospital. God’s richest blessings to all of you.
Link to Class of 1968 Website: http://rio68.homestead.com/ Kathe (Stout) & David Alves We had planned on attending the 40th reunion for the class of 1968 this year but needed to change plans as we will be in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea implementing a new medical clinic. We send our greetings and plan to attend in 2009. We are still living in Chehalis, Washington and own a corporation that provides medical services to nine corrections facilities and a busy primary care clinic (we hope it will be sold this spring). Dave still works as an environmental enforcement agent for the state. Kathe is enrolled in a post-masters program for psychiatric nursing. Our son and daughter are both married and have successful careers and busy families. We are very blessed and maintain our health with a vegan diet and active lifestyle - necessary to keep up with our busy grandchildren. Kathie (Gregory) Farrar Due to Ray’s work, we moved from Windsor to Valencia last summer. Ray’s job changed again, so we may move to the Bay Area this summer. I am still working in the OR. Our daughter, Karin (‘94), married George Curkowicz, an Australian Engineer living in San Jose. Karin works in San Francisco at Frog Design. Our son, Andy (‘96), moved from Healdsburg to San Jose. He is extending his education & pursuing a career in Fire Protection. I hope to see many classmates & friends at Alumni. Rose Marie Walter Greetings. I just read the great reunion summary written by Margaret and thought I'd update the information on me. I did go back to graduate school and got an M.L.S., Archives Specialization in August, 2007. I am now at my first archiving job, working for Willamette University as a Processing Archivist. I love the work and am enjoying being on the west side of the mountains again. Sorry to miss the reunion, but my new job started on 1 April and I was still unpacking that weekend!! See you all next time. Rose Marie
IN MEMORY OF... Byron Roth Byron Roth passed away on May 19, 2008. He is survived by two siblings who attend Rio Lindo, Janice (Roth) McDonald '71 and Gordon Roth '72. His daughter Erin is currently attending Rio Lindo and is in her sophomore year. Byron had adult onset diabetes for many years. He had been having serious health problems since July 2007 including a stroke and a heart attack, and he had quadruple-bypass surgery in August. Most recently, he had two very large strokes. He went from the hospital to a nursing home in Calistoga where he was staying when he passed away.
IN MEMORY OF... Dale Carpenter Dale was born in Nampa, ID on April 21, 1952. His family moved to California when he was 3 years old and settled in Northern California. Dale attended Rio Lindo Academy from 5th grade through graduation in 1970--the only student to attend this school for 8 years. After a short stint on the East coast and a few college classes, Dale returned hoe to work and play. He et and married Susie Waldon in 1975, his daughter Nicole was born in 1976, and Steven followed in 1980. After their divorce, Dale married Barb in 1984 and took on the role of step-father to 4 growing boys. He was blessed with the love of 6 children and the adoration of now 12 grandchildren. Dale was raised to be a good provider, a working man. He enjoyed his playtime too, but mostly he worked. Whatever he did, he gave it his all, including the love he gave to his wife, his family, and his friends. He was a beautiful man whose life touched others' in ways he could never imagine. Dale was sent to rest on May 25, 2007.
Marie (Tilstra) Aldinger This year I’m enjoying being back in the classroom teaching Kindergarten and First Grade at Fortuna Junior Academy in the mornings. I still work as the church secretary in the afternoons. My daughter Jean (2002) is married and living in Angwin. Thomas (2004) is living in Orlando, Florida. My husband and I enjoy company. Contact us if you plan to be on the North Coast. Victor Anderson I survived my first year as the principal at Pine Hills Adventist Academy in Auburn. It actually went well, the community has been amazingly supportive and I have a great staff to work with. Other than that, our children are growing and maturing and I am getting older. David Hanscom (Fall '07) I am living in Seattle and still living and working downtown. My wife, Babs, still lives in Oakland, CA. We have been married two years and have found that we are really enjoying our long distance marriage. I recently started a business teaching performance principles to surgeons. We have put on one seminar and have been encouraged by our early response. Please call me if you are around Seattle or Oakland. I would love to catch up. David Hanscom (Spring '08) I am still working way too hard and actively trying to slow down. I am trying to create some time to work on several projects. I have been working with my golf instructor over the last two years applying performance principles to surgery. We are all taught a high level of technical skills but not performance skills. All surgeons will intermittently have complications. They seem somewhat random and extremely frustrating to the surgeons and devastating to patients. I have been able to markedly elevate the consistency of my performance. What has evolved is that we started a company, TGIM (Thank God It’s Monday), which is putting on seminars teaching these principles to surgeons. The seminar is called “Awake at the Wound”. Anyway, it is a long story which continues to unfold. I also was playing golf over Thanksgiving and after having two out of bounds on the fourth hole I had a nine. I was a little discouraged but hung in there. On the 17th hole I hit a ball on a 165 yard par three which hit about eight inches in front of the hole, hit the flag, and went into the hole. It just goes to show that you can’t take any of this too seriously. Again, I am always looking forward to seeing old friends. Please call if you are anywhere in the Seattle area. Dawn Krause I just wanted to give you my new address. Yes, I’m moving but not just down the street this time. Across the country! I just graduated in May from the University of Hawaii with a second Bachelors degree in Art History and I will now be moving to Philadelphia to go to graduate school. I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Museum Studies at the University of the Arts. I have been working in Development for the past seven years, and it is really not my “cup of tea.” My passion is museum work. I have been a museum volunteer for years, but in order to actually get a job in one, I needed a Master’s degree. Friends have told me “You’re never too old to pursue you dreams.” They are right! I highly recommend that everyone go back to school in their 50s! Stay in touch. IN MEMORY OF... Vicki (Martin) Washington Vicki passed away October 14, 2007.
Margo Aparicio Dear Class of 1972, I wish I could have made it this year to our 35th Reunion, but I'll see you on our 40th for sure. Hey, remember at our 30th reunion I said I couldn't jog because I didn't want to end up as a National News Headline reading, "Woman Beats Herself to Death While Jogging"? Well, I had breast reduction surgery last year and went from an F to a C. Now I'm singing high C in pure joy! . . . And they're perky, too! I went suddenly deaf early last year. No, I wasn't practicing for any Beethoven acting role. I was sitting at work on a Friday morning and suddenly couldn't hear much of anything. Thinking it to be allergies, I did nothing for about 3 days. By the time I saw a specialist, he was screaming at me for waiting so long. (I'm pretty darn good at lip reading, so he really didn't need to shout at me!) Anyway, for several years now, I've been a paid test subject for new hearing aid technology. They needed people with excellent hearing they could use in a control group. My hearing tested at minus 5 in both ears - that's above normal (not dog whistle keen, but above normal). And now I was facing major hearing loss that according to the doctor most likely would not return. Hearing what I was being used for really got this doctor's determination up. He started me on heavy viral meds and tested my hearing every two weeks for 6 weeks. Much to his surprise and my delight, my hearing returned to normal - not super normal - just normal, and now I'm back on board in the hearing control group. Now, I don't know how many of you have ever served on a jury, but since we last met I had my first experience on a civil case. What a fiasco! I was to report in during the November elections week. I live in San Francisco and the voter information book we receive puts the AT&T Yellow Pages to shame. We're talking hefty here! So trying to be a good citizen, I checked my jury duty status by computer on Sunday evening as instructed and was told to check back on Monday evening for Tuesday, Election Day's, instructions . . . which after having spent half the night up with toothpicks propping open my eyelids, and plowing through ballot measure after ballot measure in the phonebook size manual ad nauseum, I kinda forgot about jury duty, my number was called, and I was listed as a "no show" at the courthouse. Late Tuesday evening I remembered and went into panic mode. I feverishly checked the computer for my number. . . It wasn't there! I'd been called! Would I be fined? Jailed? Hanged in the Town Square? I couldn't sleep! I dressed impeccably and raced to the courthouse early the next morning to plead my case. I was the sole person not dressed casual to sloppy and the only person actually happy to be there! I was the second name called and was put on a jury right away. Oy, yoy, yoy! We went through 5 mind-numbing days of torture. It was a roommate suit/countersuit dispute between two surly 50-year-old men who truly deserved each other, and both of them had first time trial lawyers who went beyond "incompetent boobery"! During deliberation we were all laughing in disbelief. And afterwards a jury member approached one attorney and offered to coach her! Oh yeah, our tax dollars were really hard at work with those folks. It seems that around me, "weird" always happens. I'm almost fully recovered now from an unexpected little surgery called Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication - which by the way was not really fun. I inherited my dad's bad genes. (We're not talkin' Levi's, Grzelak, We're talkin' G-E-N-E-S.) Basically, my esophageal sphincter quit working, and I had sort of like "acid reflux on steroids". It killed my dad, but my surgery took place before it turned into cancer. It's really pretty amazing. They separated the top of my stomach from its connecting tissues, wrapped it around my esophagus, and then sewed my stomach to itself to form a new sphincter muscle. They put you on a very restricted diet for 2 to 4 months giving your brain time to retrain the stomach to be a new muscle. My stomach was a quick learner! Only two months later, I was able to eat small amounts of most anything. Oh! And 3 years ago, I learned Italian for my job! It's such a fun and musical language! I'm by no means fluent, but I'm having fun using it, am learning more, and loving it! I can't say as much for Spanish 1 and 2 with Herbie Greer at Rio! Now, that was a big snore! Anybody else remember memorizing dull, boring dialogues like - "Pablo y Juan son dos muchachos. Viven in la ciudad de Mexico"? That was the very first two lines we ever had to memorize in Spanish 1, and it's about the only thing I remember! Anyway, I'm happy, grateful for all of Life's Blessings, I don't sweat the small stuff, and feel I'm one of the luckiest people in the world . . . Life IS good! I hope you feel the same way, too. If anyone would like to keep in contact, ask Brad Benson for my email info. Later. Kathryn (Walter) Frost Hey, I guess just a short version is better than none....my daughter Melissa and her husband Jon Claridge just had their first baby (my fourth grandson), and I’ve taken a four month break from work to be here in Great Falls Montana to help care for him while she teaches and Jon finishes his medical schooling. I will return to McMinnville in June to a completely unknown future which is a new thing for me. My oldest daughter, Kami, has three boys and is married to a great guy named Bill. They reside in Mississippi. Mack, my youngest, is a sophomore at Walla Walla College. I don’t much care for kids having flown the nest at quite such a distance.....not sure what the next part of life will bring............ Thomas King BSRS RT(R) ARRT The last time I wrote was after Margo Aparicio had me walk 10,000 million steps up the hill from Fisherman’s Warf in San Franciso. (I am in slightly better shape now.) Life is good for my wife Sue Ann and I. We still live in Portland, Oregon where Sue Ann is a Neonatologist at Oregon Health and Science University. I work as a lead radiologic technologist at Salem Hospital, which is 45 miles South of Portland. We finally finished our second home in Appomattox, Virginia, where our daughter and two grandchildren live. We enjoy spending time out on the farm, when we can. In April, Sue Ann and I will travel to Orlando, where I walk in my graduation from Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences. Finally, after many years, I finished my undergraduate degree. This Fall, I start my MBA/HCA program at Marylhurst University. I am thankful for the lessons learnt at Rio. I think we had an advantage in creating successful habits, during our “resident learning”. That is all for now. The adventures continue....... Mary Ellen Kingsfield Passed over again for Rose Parade Queen. Still waiting to be discovered to be a Hollywood starlet. Proud owner of original teeth. Shopping for a turbo-charged Hoverround. Umm...just lost my train of thought... No golden ticket from Paula, Randy and Simon. Guess we are all caught up now. Mike & Lyn (Gibbs) Shepherd Yes, almost 36 years later, Mike and I are still married and believe it or not living just hours away from Rio! We moved here in 2003 to start a new practice and help the small hospital in Clearlake. The area is beautiful and solved my 18 year battle with allergy to cotton defoliant. Alysa was married June 06 to Alan Darmody and Justin is engaged to be married this June to Lindsey Coy. The are both still back in the GA and TN area and aching for mom and dad to come that direction...we told them maybe when grandchildren show up! We are heavily involved in keeping a small hospital going, a small church growing and ourselves remaining as sane as possible. We are part of a medical volunteer group that is producing community health classes and the response has been amazing. NO ONE thought that the people in this area would come...we are now in the process of launching a web site and just created new brochures for the physicians and offices in town. Hope ‘72 plans a HUGE party soon, anyone wanting to stop by a really great fishing lake, vacation area and CLEAN air, come on up...
Link to Class of 1973 Website: http://rio73.fdns.net Lynn (Lukens) Badger Here’s the latest from our family: My husband, Dan, and I live on a small farm in Dinuba, CA. We’ve been married, as of August, 31 years! Our daughter Laurie (25) is attending UC Santa Barbara finishing her Theatrical Technical Arts Degree, emphasis in costume design. Our youngest, Sandy (22) is completing her Social Work degree at CS Fresno. I am working as a medical social worker and Dan is a Service Engineer for Philips Medical Systems, when he’s not out working the farm. Life is good! IN MEMORY OF... Rocky Decker (Class of 1973) Rocky passed away at home suddenly on July 14, 2007 of a pulmonary embolus. Rocky was born in Walla Walla WA on August 14, 1954. He lived with his family in Washington and California during his growing up years. When he was 12 his family moved to Chico, CA where he met his future wife Anita Wilde (‘74). They began dating in high school and married in August of 1975. They lived in Glendale CA while Anita finished her nursing program and then moved to St Helena where they have lived ever since. While in St Helena Rocky worked for T&O Masonry, drove for Napa Valley Petroleum, Biagi & Sons, and VanGo. He also helped manage the restaurant Rocky’s Country Garden. A restaurant his parents owned and operated. In 1984 his daughter Lisa was born. Rocky was a quiet, gentle man that was loved by all who knew him. He was very private, but always doing something for someone to make their life easier. He cared very deeply for his family and had several business adventures that he hoped would make him rich so he could make life better for all of them. Rocky is survived by his wife Anita, his daughter Lisa, his parents, David and Bertie Decker, his sisters Crysty Thomas (‘74) and Jani Nye (‘75), and their husbands Larry and Tim, nephews Ben Galusha and Luke Nye, and nieces Megan Galusha, Heidi Billings and Elizabeth Thomas, as well as several aunts and uncles. Rocky was loved very much by his family and will be missed terribly. Dan Ferguson Greetings from the great Pacific Northwest, after spending 23 years in Southern California, life twists resulted in a four year stint in Walla Walla (the community). I now live in Yakima, Wash. I teach full time for Walla Walla Community College in Correctional Education and also teach half time for Central Washington University in their Sociology and Law and Justice Programs. My son Eric (28) finished up at UNLV this year and is teaching English in Korea. My daughter Nicole (25) finished up at Walla Walla College last year and is working for a Christian Media Production Company in Spokane. I thoroughly enjoy the fresh air, hiking trails and fruit of Central Washington. I stay active in church activities but the majority of my spare time is spent in playing USTA team tennis and tournaments. I regularly thank God for emotional, physical and spiritual health and for a loving family. I look forward to seeing classmates for our 35th year since graduation. Diana (Dokos) Hergert I just finished reading The Rio Report, and enjoyed its articles and tidbits of information. Thank you to all who contributed! My condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones this year. Rio's physical campus is a much different place than when I attended ('72-'73). There is, however, something very special about reviewing memories of living and attending school and working at a boarding academy. My husband Don and I still live in Loma Linda. I work at the Loma Linda VA Medical Center, in the Cardiology Department. Don works for Loma Linda University, in the IT department. Our boys are 16 1/2 and 18 years old now, and doing well at Redlands Adventist Academy and Crafton Hills College, respectively. They both take guitar lessons (electric guitar) and love their computers! They're both very social! Don and I are still involved with music, music, music! He plays banjo and "jams" two or three times per week, either bluegrass or American roots music (there are established weekly jams nearby). We still take a performance jazz class at Crafton Hills College, which meets one evening a week (except for summers). He plays banjo in it, and I sing. We're involved with The Gathering Place Strummers and Singers; he plays banjo and dobro, I play guitar. "GPS" plays occasionally for churches and for their own Sabbath School at Loma Linda University Church (also named The Gathering Place). GPS also records 1/2 hr sing-alongs through LLBN (Loma Linda Broadcasting Network), which are broadcast by LLBN (and are online as well). We also play with a bluegrass group (formed from one of the jam sessions) called Mr. Crumb's Jam (when we do a gospel program, we're called the Gospel Heirs). Don plays banjo and dobro, I sing and play guitar. Don and I help each Sabbath with two to three song service/praise team-types of music at our own church, Azure Hills in Grand Terrace. We lead two hymns in an adult class, and then help with the Juniors and sometimes Primary II class. This year we bought a travel trailer so we can attend (at least three local) bluegrass festivals. Based on previous experience, sleeping in the car or in a two-man tent isn't as comfortable as having one's own "home" on the site. The bluegrass programs at the festivals are good, but we mainly go for the jamming, which goes on and on, into the wee hours of the morning. We've met some wonderful, wonderful people at the festivals! I look forward to attending our 35th class reunion this April. Several members of our class are stirring up interest so we can see as many as possible at Rio on April 5 (Thank you, Joni and Lori!). Bless you all. Donna (Smith) Ward Where to begin? I have been blessed with a fantastic teaching career, a wonderful son of 19 years, and a home I can call my own. I look forward to seeing as many as possible at the class reunion...it should be a kick seeing how those hours of tanning behind the dorm, slathered in baby oil, has affected our present youthful skin tone. See you soon!
Cherry (Werner) Ashlock I am learning to enjoy life here in Southern California after living for 6 years outside of London, England. My oldest daughter is now a RN and will be working at St. Helena Hospitol while she takes more classes at PUC. My youngest daughter graduated from Loma Linda Academy and will start her freshman year at University. Yeah!!!! My husband commutes from Singapore! True and a bit strange, I realize, but it is very common in the banking/business industry. I decided to remain rooted and not move for the 2 to 3 years he will be starting his company. That is my update for now. Cheers! Debbie (Brown) Freeze I now live in Quincy, Ca. My husband of 21 years, Claude works for the Plumus District Hospital as a CRNA. We have about a foot of snow and coming from Texas—this is a treat!! Our daughter, Catherine Elizabeth Joy (Catie Beth) is 5 and loves it. We have a house and a great place to raise a child. We would love a visit or to hear from my classmates when possible. My mother, piano teacher a Rio for several years, Helen Brown passed away August 2007 unexpectedly. My father Charles Brown just recently remarried a lady in Chattanooga TN. They seem happy and we are relieved he is not alone. Came for a visit day after Christmas and had chest pain which led to 5 stints in his heart the next day. He is doing rehab in Chattanooga and doing well. We give God the praise as he truly was a “walking dead man”. I retired from practicing nursing when we adopted Catie Beth, but it came in handy while supervising dad’s care in Reno. Karen (Price) Ronk I am still living in Idaho. My husband pastors the most elderly church in the Idaho Conference, but I have started a branch Sabbath School for the town children and run it like a VBS every week. It is so much fun, and our attendance is growing each week. My son Matt moved here from Eureka, CA just 6 weeks ago. I am a happy mom now. He sells real estate for Century 21 and scored 33 listings today...new houses and lots in one subdivision. Anyone thinking of moving to Idaho? I am still working as a lab tech, just 6 hours a day, to keep me out of trouble. It is for a cancer chemo clinic and I am so grateful for the opportunity to minister to many of my patients. None of us knows how long we have on this earth, and we MUST be ready every hour. Doug Tilstra (Fall '07) I just finished my dissertation and defense (July 3, then went to watch the fireworks in celebration). I graduate July 26 with a PhD in Organizational Management (Leadership Emphasis) from Capella University. Douglas Tilstra (Spring '08) Here’s my news from this summer (after 7 years of work!). I’ve earned my PhD through Capella Univeristy’s School of Business. My dissertation is entitled “Leadership Curriculum and the Measurable Leadership Practices of Seminary Graduates: An Exploratory Study of the Members of the Association of Theological Schools”.
Lola (Aagaard) Boram Just an update from KY: Our oldest (Helen Faye, 14) goes off to Highland Academy in TN in August. She’s taking a laptop computer (thanks e-bay!) and cell phone while I had a portable manual typewriter and used the pay phone in the dorm – I feel old. Son Jonathan (10) will be in 5th grade. I go up for tenure at Morehead State University this fall. My 85 year old parents live next door to us, my sister Carla Aagaard (‘64) within walking distance, my Aunt Jean Turner within 7 miles. Come join us in KY – the cost of living is low! Tracy (Hill) Green (Spring '08) My eldest son, Christian Green and his lovely wife, Nicole (who is Mormon, Latter Day Saints) proudly and cheerfully announced the birth of my brand new grand son, Master Warren Corian (named after Cory) Elton-Green, who is 5 months old this month and is very happy and healthy. The senior attorney (number one immigration lawyer in the world whose cleints include: John Lennon, Bianca Jagger, Elton John, Master Chef Wolfgang Puck, David and Victoria Beckham, and many more high profile celebrity and non-celebrity clientele) in our law firm, my boss, passed. Therefore, please pray for his family. My younger son, Corian ("Cory"), is working as a Sous Chef at a 5 star restaurant in the San Francisco Bay area. What a joy life is. All of us love life. Nicole (past employee IT person for Kaiser Permanente Hospitals in California) is now a union representative. And Christian is a supervisor in his position for a high profile Fortune 500 corporation. Kamkuru, (Japanese meaning "to return to the realm of GOD")
Tim Altic I am making a skateboard park in Tel Aviv, Israel right now and will be done by Sept. 10th. It is exciting to be making skate parks in countries all over the world. Last winter I built one in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Here is a picture of the one in KL. I was working with a company who make climbing walls, which you can see in the background. Dan Ferguson Sorry to say, I have not kept in touch through the years. Thanks so much for being faithful to send mail and email even to those of us who have not been so good. My husband Bob and I are getting ready to celebrate our 30th Anniversary in 6 months. Our oldest daughter is 25 and a PICU nurse at Children’s Hospital in L.A.. Our youngest is 23 and will be completing her degree in nursing in 2009. God has been so god to us! My husband and I are getting ready to go to Australia in a few months to visit our youngest daughter who is there for 6 months. Anyone have any “must see” places in South East Australia? Marla King Hello fellow school mates, I am just taking a moment for you to know how my family is doing. We still number only two and that is good for now. Raising a teenager gives you a last chance to perfect your character and let go of long-standing and hidden ugly spots. What a blessing! I’d much rather be reformed as she is forming than send her off for others to do the job! But, that is not to say that homeschooling is the only answer for all. I know that Rio played a key role in my becoming who I am and what direction I have taken. Elder Will, Kainer, Lang, Mac Intosh, Griswold, Gibson, Carpenter, Leadbetter and Shavlick, are just to name a few that highly impacted my life while a student there. The corporate unity was amazing. I will ever and always be grateful. So, those of you who need that extra boost, I hear good things are going on these days at Rio. My 14-year-old wants to attend, but for now, we are working on a few things at home. God bless the present staff who will have a telling effect on the lives of our children! Sherry (Hassell) Nally I work in Human Resources here at Walla Walla University, as Assistant Director. I have lived in Walla Walla since graduating from Rio; came here to go to college and never left! I have two boys, Elliott 19 and Evan 17. My husband Dennis is enjoying retirement after working for the City of Walla Walla as Manager of Sanitation Dept. for 34 years. Gerri Smith Hello from Las Vegas! I’m still very involved in my church, Living Water and we are growing. We have been raising money for our building fund through various things (garage sales; a walk-a-thon), but we are currently undertaking our most ambitious project to date: a concert. Let me rephrase that: a CONCERT. We have rented the Cox Pavilion (part of the Thomas & Mac Center where they have the UNLV Basketball games, big name concerts, and the like). Our performers are two local bands, Merciful Grace and Steps to Faith, Lisa Marie Buster, and The Heritage Singers. The Living Water drama troupe, Liquid Life, will also be performing a dramatic piece. We will be donating 10% of our proceeds to a local charity and 90% will go towards our building fund. There is a second purpose to this concert as well. We are hoping to generate interest (outside of our mailers) for our two evangelistic series. One is about Isaiah and the other is about Revelation. I’m also preparing to begin a new ministry at Living Water, the aforementioned drama troupe, Liquid Life. We are auditioning people this coming Sabbath after church. We have five people, so far, that have expressed an interest and I believe the Lord will lead others to join in. I’m really excited about this, because this is a ministry that is as near and dear to my heart as the Youth. As we like to say: God is good all the time and all the time God is good! May God bless all with wonderful things and great Spiritual adventures this year! Connie (Gallno) Sunderland Harry and I are teaching English as a second language at Incheon SDA Language Institute in Korea. We’re having a lot of fun. I’m not real fond of the food, but we seem to get by. We have a built in exercise routine as we live on fourth floor in our apartment building that doesn’t have an elevator and we work on third floor several blocks away in another building without an elevator. Our temperatures have been in the teens during the day. We are looking forward to spring in another month or two. Jeanne (Nicholas) Toomey I have been living in Chino Hills for the last 16 years, married to Michael Toomey and have two awesome sons Ryan, 14 and Channing, 13. I keep very busy with our company Toomey & Associates, Inc., a Lawn & Garden Sales Company that we started 14 years ago. Being self-employed (and working out of the house) has blessed me with the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, yet still have a profession that I enjoy. I think about my years at Rio with a smile and enjoy reading up on how everyone is doing. Would love to hear from any of my classmates from ‘76!!
IN MEMORY OF... Steve Ogle Steve was killed in a motorcycle accident in Napa Valley on Sunday evening, May 25, 2008. Details of the accident are still being sorted out by the California Highway Patrol. Steve had many friends in the classes of 1977 and 1976. Following school, he established a successful construction business, lived in both Oklahoma and in northern California, and raised three beautiful daughters (who were the light of his life). Steve was living and working in Oakville, CA at the time of his passing. Steve leaves many who love and will miss him, including his three daughters (Brittany, Brooke and Taylor) his sisters Lee Ann (Ogle) Reeves and Mary (Ogle) Massei, brother David Ogle (all Rio Alumni), sisters Sherry, Terry and Sandy, and his former wife, Rhonda (Trumble) Ogle (1976). His brother-in-law and friend, Steve Reeves, notes that Steve took great pride and found great enjoyment in his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was doing what he enjoyed most at the time of his passing. Frances (Bray) Robinson I live in Zeeland, Michigan, and I am principal and grades 6-8 teacher at Holland Seventh-day Adventist Elementary, Holland, MI. I have three children. My daughter Abbe lives in Niles, my son Peter lives in Seattle, and my son Gabriel is attending Great Lakes Adventist Academy.
Link to Class of 1978 Website: http://web.mac.com/jgbeitz/classof78/Welcome_.html Gary Arnold I am an appliance technician for Sears. I was a bus driver. Any questions about appliances? I’ll be glad to answer (if I can). Our church had a couple do a seminar on Spiritual Warfare. Awesome! I have tapes on some of their seminars. Info on MSG, substitute sugars. Here’s some big news. By balancing the Ph in our bodies to more alkaline, we can, in most cases, get well from disease, even cancer. I have been learning info on health bit by bit. The Martins (Anchor Ministries/ Modern Manna Ministries) have tapes and cd’s. I encourage all who read this to contact me or the ministries mentioned to learn about this. I believe living healthfully God’s way, works! Pills make us sick(er) over time. I could say more. I’ll end here. Margaret (Liscoe) Hopkins Here is the latest update from me. My husband, Larry and I were married May 28, 2000 in Phoenix, AZ and then moved to Nebraska. We are currently living in Harrisburg, NE on a 480 acre farm. This is on the western end of the state, 12 miles from the Wyoming border. Our kids all live in Arizona so we are always making trips down there. Especially now that I have two new grandsons, Jordan (22 months) and Gavin (4 months). I also have two step grandchildren, Ryan, 15, (6'4" who is on the varsity basketball team), and Lauren who is 11. Only the youngest of my three (Sheryl - 23) is married. My brother, Bob is ahead of me for grandkids, he has 4. Both Larry and I are very active in our church and church school in Scottsbluff, NE. We are living in earth’s last days and feel it is very important to be ready for Christ’s soon return. All we read or hear about tell us the time is VERY soon. So glad to be in the country. I would love to hear from anyone. God bless. Cordula (Maier) Lemke I live in Portland, OR, and I celebrated my 25th anniversary in October of 2007. I have two children. Cassandra, 21, is attending Eastern Washington University in the state of Washington. She is taking Chemistry. I have a son, 14, Stefan, who is attending Rivergate SDA School. My husband, Sieg, has been the school Board Chairfor the last 8 years at Rivergate and loves coaching the soccer team. Stefan will be going on to PAA Portland Adventist Academy next year. I am an RN in the Med-Cardiac ICU at Emanuel Hospital. Our whole family likes to snow ski in the winter and scuba dive in the summer. I would love to hear from my old friends. Sally (Crow) McCarty A special Hello to the class of 1978! All is very well in the McCarty family. We still live in Sacramento, CA in the same house I grew up in. My daughter Stephanie will be going into the 3rd grade in August 2007 and we have a new puppy just 4 mo old on July 23. Her name is Angel, and she is a red Queensland healer. We lost our dog Peril in February. Shadow, a 14 year old blue Queensland healer was very sad. The puppy seems to be perking her up very well, they play every morning. I have 2 years to go to retirement. Stephanie will be 11 in December after my retirement in September 2009 and we want to start traveling to show her US HISTORY during the summer time. My home business is doing very well and keeping me very busy, I help my business partners realize their dreams. I have room to work with two more business partners at this time in the field of nutrition if someone is looking for extra income. First come first serve, the slots are filling fast. E-mail me for information and I will gift you 3 days to try for yourself. You can have your own WOW experience. To check it out for yourself: www.univeralifesciences.com. Colleen (Mead) Mizenko I just wanted to let you know: I left the church back in the early eighties and wandered lost in the world for 25 years. But the good Lord in his infinite mercy never forgot me and about a year ago, my path crossed with a young preacher and his wife, doing a seminar on the final days of earth. Much to my surprise, they turned out to be Seventh-day Adventist. With much soul searching and a lot of prayers, on October 29th, 2006, I stepped down into an icy pond in the back mountains of Pennsylvania to renew my commitment to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well, it’s been a year, and I keep busy these days with the women’s ministry and restudying the Bible to refresh my memory with the stories of my youth. I’d like to tell all you parents out there, don’t ever think that what you teach your children is falling on deaf ears, because I’m here to tell you that’s not true. “Raise up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” All those years, one thing stayed constant, I could not get the Bible and it’s teachings out of my mind. And when God decided it was time, those teaching is what brought me back home.I look forward to seeing each and every one of you in his kingdom someday. Keep your eyes on the Lord, and sinking won’t be an option. Kathy (Blower) Patterson (Fall '07) Just thought I would let everyone know that I am doing great! After a very traumatic divorce in 2003, I decided to go back to school while continuing to work full time, by taking classes through the University of Phoenix. I only need three more classes to acquire my Bachelors degree in nursing. I have been a RN for 27 years now, and have worked at the local hospital for 20 years. My son is now 21 and I have a daughter 16. Life is good and I am about to put a new manufactured home up on an acre here in Lake County. Kathy (Blower) Patterson (Spring '08) I just graduated this month, from University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). I have been a RN with my Associate degree for the past 27 years. David Whalin I remarried in July of 1998, and I am living in St. Helena. I am managing two funeral homes, a cemetery and a crematory. I have four children, two which start their freshmen year in high school this year. I hope to see everyone in April of 2008.
Kathy (Stimpel) Smith Here is an update on my family: I don’t hear much news from my class of 1979! I hope everyone is healthy & happy. We are still living in Santa Clarita (close to Magic Mountain in case you don’t recognize the place). I was recently promoted to Sr. Executive Assistant to the President & CEO at White Memorial Medical Center in East Los Angeles. My husband has just received a call as Sr. Pastor at the Alhambra SDA Church “The Grace Place.” My older son, Kenton, continues to pursue his dream of becoming an actor and/or playing in a Christian band (drums). My younger son, Nicholas, just graduated from Glendale Adventist Academy and we are driving him back to Michigan to attend Andrews University where he will be majoring in Architecture. Would love to hear from you guys. God bless!
Rene’ (Hill) Dillow I just celebrated my 19th wedding anniversary last May. My husband, Robert and I have 3 children, April, 13, Ben, 11, and Ronny who has just turned one year old. Both my parents passed away at different times in 2005, so we have had a couple of years of sorrow and joy. God is faithful through everything. We live in Alaska and daily enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. We often have moose walking through our yard. This summer there is a mama moose with twins hanging around. I am an RN, but currently work for myself as a Mary Kay beauty consultant, so I can be home with the kids.
Brian and Tanya (Baradin) Hodges 2007 has been an eventful year so far. Our oldest daughter graduated from college, our younger daughter graduated from high school, and our son graduated from the 8th grade all within a three week period. Brian and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in July and spent a relaxing week in Victoria, B.C. to celebrate. We still live in the Bay Area and work for the same company. Hope to get an opportunity to see classmates in the future and catch up. Best wishes to everyone. Anita (Carey) McCart My husband & I recently moved to Buffalo, WY along with our son Blaine, daughter Krystle, and granddaughter Skia. My husband was transferred with his company in the gas industry.
Sorry. No news notes from this class year.
Michelle (Smith) Beckner I married Sam in 1998. He is a dental assistant. My ministry is homeschooling our two children, Andrew and Alysha. We look forward by faith to the return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Making memories, building lasting friendships, class outings, the commitment of teachers and staff, dorm worships...these are my treasured memories of belonging to the Class of 1983! Judi (Wilson) Culver Hi Everyone! I've been married now for 22 years and have two beautiful daughters. Emily is 16 and Riley is 9. My family and I live in Wisconsin. I am currently finishing my Masters in Counseling. Wish I could have attended the 25th, but I'll see you at the 30th. Frank Edgerly Hello Friends, I am now in Eastern Europe and after 14 years in Central Asia and Russia. My wife, Irena and our daughter Emily (3 years) are enjoying life in Eastern Europe where we enjoy the summers at our villa on the Black Sea, and the winters snowboarding in Bulgaria! We are loving life overseas but I often miss my friends and the good times we had. I would love to hear from any of you! John R Schultz I am still faculty in the Department of Anesthesia at Duke University, I have been here for 8 years, and loving every minute.
Tami
(White) Rapozo
Clyde and I are still living in Keizer, OR, home schooling our 4 children.
Clyde continues to work for Liberty Northwest Ins. Company and still enjoys
it after 17 1/2 years. I love staying at home with the kids, even though at
times I feel I have lost my mind, but have found my soul. Would love to hear
from any of my classmates! God bless! Patrick Tuia I still currently reside in Beaverton, OR with my wife (Annie) and children (Justin, Jordan and Jodeci). On February 16, 2007 my eldest son, Justin, became a proud father and yes, I am proud grandfather (I prefer Papa). Her name is Brooklyn Siavea Alexis Tuia (8 months at right). My middle son, Jordan, has committed and received a Football Scholarship to Eastern Washington University. My youngest daughter, Jodeci, continues to excel in 4th Grade. My wife and I celebrated our 19th Anniversary on June 16, 2007.
Sorry. No news notes from this class year.
Sorry. No news notes from this class year.
Linda (Davidson) Eckhart Hello friends! We still live in Angwin and enjoy it. I am a stay at home mom with our 2 year old, Megan, and our 6 year old Lauren, who is in first grade. Kyle and a partner started their own Prosthetics and Orthotics business with offices in Napa and Fairfield this year. Kyle manages Napa Valley Prosthetics and Orthotics, and I help with the bookkeeping. This new business keeps us busy! I wish everyone God’s blessings. Jenni Hall I have not been back since grad unfortunately. I’m happily single and have a beautiful almost 10 year old daughter (in Aug). Her principal, interestingly enough, is Ron Jacoban (class of ‘88)! Anne (Baerg) Rabin I’m currently living in Wilmette, Illinois. I graduated from Rio in 1987 and have only been back a few times. I really have wonderful memories of my time there and just wanted to send a shout out to all of my friends who may remember me! Christine Hughes - Roommate, Marsha Devine, Angie, Danielle (DeeDee) Melissa, Mrs.. Pride, Daniel Alveraz. Life sure does zip by VERY fast! I’ve recently changed professions from Social Work to Marketing. You know when you are about to turn 40 you do things like that!
Mark & Tonya (Pullen) Henkes Hello from the Class of 1988, hope this finds you all well. I am really looking forward to this up and coming year. I can hardly believe that it will be our 20 yr. reunion. I really hope that we have a big turn out. It will be a lot of fun to see everyone and find out how your lives have changed since that day we all graduated and left to join the real world. Mark Henkes and I , married since 1999, are living in S outhern California with our two boys. Kyle just turned 17 and will be a senior this year. I can hardly believe it. Anthony our youngest is 7 and going into 2nd grade. Both keep us busy. I am working at Loma Linda University Medical Center in the Emergency Department as the Assistant Nurse Manger. I have been their since I graduated from nursing school almost 10 yrs. ago. I love it. Mark is a geologist and works for an environmental firm out of Long Beach. He is a Project Manager and seems to always have a lot of work to do. Well we hope to see a lot of you this next reunion. Erica L. (Weekes) Jacobs I recently married Earl Edward Jacobs Jr. on June 3, 2007 in Lafayette CA. We currently reside in Berkeley CA with our daughter Gabrielle. I am an Adverting Media Director for Carol H Williams Advertising and Earl is doing the Lord’s work as a Community Liaison for Healthy Oakland Community Center. Would love to hear from you. May God continue to bless you and your family. Karen (Gomez) Vega Good news from the Vega Family! Our boys Max, 3 ˝, and Gabriel, 2 ˝,have been doing wonderfully in speech and occupational therapy. The doctors think that they should be able to be mainstreamed completely by kindergarten. We are hopeful, which is a wonderful place to be. It has been a difficult road-and we still have a while to go-but God has blessed us with wonderful doctors (we have up to 4 doctors appointments some days!) that are helping out the boys tremendously. We wish everyone at Rio and its alumni a wonderful new year and many blessing from God! Karen (Gomez), Cesar, Max and Gabriel Vega
Mia (Borja) Chambers Hi, my fellow classmates! Mia Borja here, now known as Mia Chambers (or *Mama* as I’m most frequently called). I’m still in Southern California (Costa Mesa, to be exact). I have two boys: Theo, who is 6, and Ty, who is 3. I’ve been married for seven years now. I started a new business last year thinking this would be my five-year plan but, as the old adage goes, be careful what you wish for. My business is steady and thriving and I wanted to share it with you: http://www.AcumenVA.com. Life is good. I would love to hear from you all. Our 20 year reunion is coming up (gulp!). Let’s get together and have dinner on Alumni weekend. If you contact me, I’ll do the rest. Many hugs, Mia. Wendy (Williamson) Creason Hope all is well with everyone. Drop me a line sometime. Cheryl Melodias (soon to be Losado) Hi everyone. I’m getting married on Kona in March 2008 to Jayson Losado. I am gaining a 13 year old daughter, Tiana and we have a 6 month old son, Dominic Jayce (DJ). I am currently living in American Canyon, California and working for the Napa County Public Health Department as a Public Health Nurse. I hope to see everyone next year at our 20th! Can’t believe it’s been that long. Justina (Knoefler) Orrick Hmmm...what to say about me:) Have had a lot of adventures through the years. I am married and have three children: Kassandra (16), Lieselotte (13), and Ron Jr. (11). My husband Ronald and I, after having climbed the corporate ladder have semi retired to a small hobby farm in Central Wisconsin. If you ever watched Green Acres reruns as kids that is how our adjustment to the country has been. I am currently staying at home riding shotgun in my children's lives while my husband works for Footlocker.com. Lana (Munson) and Matt Young We have been married for almost 16 years now. We have two beautiful little girls. Samantha is 5 years old and Abbigail is 2 years old. In April 2006 we moved to northern Idaho near Coeur d’Alene (up in the pan handle). We are very pleased that we made the move but do miss our friends and family back in California. Matt is still enjoying his career as a respiratory therapist and I am trying to balance per diem work as a nurse in cardiac surgery and being a mom and home school teacher. I am finding that the latter is much, much harder work than being a nurse!! We pray that God has blessed in each of your lives and we hope to see all of you at our 20th class reunion. We would love to hear from anyone.
Gerry Larson I am currently living in Walla Walla, WA, along with my wife Lauri, and our four girls. Lauri is a family physician. I am currently finishing up a masters degree in sport ethics at the Univ. of Idaho. I am also coaching basketball at Walla Walla Univ. After teaching at Loma Linda Academy for 7 years, I am taking some time to raise my kids. Lord willing, I will get back into education when my youngest starts school. I have nothing but fond memories of my time spent at Rio. If you're ever in Walla Walla, look us up. Let God Lead! Natthaya Peky (Sai-Kow) Pleanpichitr I am now working with The Boston Consulting Group as Project Interpreter. My husband is an AVP overseeing trade finance business operation for Mizuho Financial Group, Thailand. This coming September will be our 10 year anniversary. We are still very happy together, though without kids. I also started a small online shop as my second acts, selling certified products, for women’s beauty and have been using the products myself. It’s a domestic web but will launch worldwide in few months’ times. Check it out at http://www.tohome.com/plaza/EnRich.
Janet (Waddell) Jones I have been remarried for just a year on July 16th. By getting married I have become a mother again to a great 21 year old and have an AWESOME 3 year old grand son. I have my 8 year old daughter Kitana from my first marriage and LIFE is Great. My husband Chuck and I have just opened our our own Repossession Agency, we Repo anything mobile. I am still living in the Fortuna area. Love to all. Erin (Thomsen) Rodriguez (Fall '07) I just celebrated 10 years of marriage to my husband, David. We have a 3 1/2 year old daughter named Isabel, and a second baby is on the way! We live in Bishop, CA, where I work as a full-time mom and part-time medical transcriptionist. There are many times when I think of all the good times at Rio, and all the many people who crossed my path when I was there. Erin (Thomsen) Rodriguez (Spring '08) My husband David and I had a new baby boy on December 28, 2007. His name is Nicolas, and he was 7 lbs 8 oz and 20 inches long! His big sister Isabel welcomed him with a lot of love and kisses.
Sorry. No news notes from this class year.
Michelle (Nelson) Valcarenghi Big News! I’m pregnant with our 3rd child. The baby is due January 9, 2008. Looks like it will be a girl. I still run my home child care center here in Davis, and my husband, Jon-Paul, is a criminal defense attorney in Sacramento. My daughter, Anna, will be starting 1st grade this fall, and our son Alex, who is almost 3 years old, is recently potty trained. Exciting for us, not so much for you. It was great seeing some of my old classmates at Robin’s wedding, where I was a bridesmaid, in April. I’d love to be in touch with others so send me an email!
Brian Campbell I have started my own computer business, BB COMPUTERS in Santa Rosa, CA, and it is going well. I’m still single but have a girlfriend. I still live in Windsor, CA if any one wants to look me up. So, not too much after high school… I’m just a bit older. Karin (Farrar) Curkowicz I married George Curkowicz, an Australian Engineer living in San Jose, and I work in San Francisco at Frog Design. Kecia (Harrison) Entriken Hello. My husband David and I finally added a baby to our family in Oct. of 2006, and celebrated our 10 year anniversary in June. We’re still living in Sheep Ranch, CA now with our daughter, a dog, and 2 cats. My husband is an electrician, and I’m a SAHM. Tonya (Facundo) Kamaloni My husband, Eric Kamaloni, and I welcomed our son Riley Sione Kamaloni on December 20, 2007. Janelle (Burghart) Randall After leaving Rio, I graduated from Andrews Academy and then Andrews University. I’m living in southwest Michigan and own and operate 4 assisted living properties in Michigan and Ohio with my husband, Chris. In October, Teagan, joined older sister Addison (2 1/2 years).
Kristopher Cabreira After 5 years at Paradise Valley Hospital (now ex-Adventist Health hospital) in San Diego, CA and 3 1/2 years at Adventist Health System / West’s Corporate office in Roseville, CA I am starting a new job February 2008 in the assisted living/elderly care sector. I will be the Community Relations Director for Emerald Hills in Auburn, CA; the facility is part of the Emeritus company. I’m looking forward to this change as in August 2007 I received California State’s certification to be an administrator for an assisted living facility, so this would be a great start. I definitely believe God has been working out all the details for this change in jobs; I definitely thank and praise Him! I finished a Certificate in Gerontology and am currently working on other courses (management and marketing) from a local community college’s online program. Guess I started liking school now, wish I did during the academy days! Not sure all this coupled with my MBA education will be plenty, maybe I’ll get more education (I’m not that bored, really!). Still involved with photography, videography and a little bit of graphic design work. No serious relationship right now, just dating around; I’m letting God work out every detail of my life! There are a lot of people on myspace.com, including me, so if anyone wants to contact me, you can find me there! God bless! Brenda (Meriam) Perez The last couple years have been very busy for me! My husband, Christian and I got engaged in 2006 while in Germany cheering on the US men’s soccer team during the World Cup. We got married last November, and are living in Moorpark, CA. I’ve been working full time night shift as a trauma ICU RN for several years now, and graduated with my BSN last year. I am now an Auntie to a two year old boy (Carter), a one year old girl (Reagan), and an un-named baby boy who will be born later this year. After how busy I have been for the past two years, my only new years resolution is to relax, and enjoy life for a bit! Emily Thomsen I’ve been living in Collegedale, Tennessee off and on since I graduated from Southern in ‘03 with a degree in Wellness Management. After graduating I spent four months backpacking the Appalachian Trail and then a year in Norway as a student missionary. I’m still planning to move back to California! My latest excitement—I have a new wellness coaching business! I work with people throughout the country over the telephone to help them lose weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve fitness, and enhance their overall quality of life. Check out my website, www.beinhealthnow.com.
Alberto Barcenas We’re still living in Boston after four years and loving it! I got married in April after 6 years of dating. I’m still working as a middle school teacher and graduated last year with my MA in Education. Philip finished his MBA and is working for a non-profit Arts organization. I recently became an uncle!! We hope to move back to Norcal next summer. Cara (Christensen) Duncan Hello, everyone! How are you? I haven't spoken to some of you since our 10 year reunion and hope all is well with ALL of you! Alot has changed since I last talked with you. In October of 2006, I decided to go back to work. I was saddened not to be a stay at home mommie anymore with Madison as it was my plans to be with her until she was atleast in Kindergarten. But God had a different plan...I started working as the office manager at the Meadow Glade Church (our home church) in Battle Ground, WA. I knew the opportunity was going to be available in June, but the gal who had worked at the church for 10 years didn't give her resignation until September. After thinking it through, I was determined that this just wasn't for me and was going to turn them down. I prayed about it and when they offered it to me, well, what do you know...I took the job!! Madison started daycare/preschool and did not like it at first, but now she loves it!! I really have been blessed by my job and enjoy working for our church!! I work for 5 pastors...some of you may know our senior pastor-Rick Bowes from the board at Rio or from Ukiah or Walla Walla?! I have a wonderful group of mentors and enjoy going to work everyday!! And who could complain when Hunter's school is across the parking lot from my work and Madison's daycare is just across the street?! We have been truly blessed by this and our wonderful church that we attend!! This year we reached a membership of 1222, so I do take care of a BIG church, but the people that we have become associated with are tremendous!! Tim and I are doing well. We are moving to Battle Ground, WA come June 25 and are very anxious as we are moving within campus walking distance to my work and the kids' school, and we will have a BIG backyard and 4 bedrooms. Hunter is just finishing off his Kindergarten year at Meadow Glade SDA Elementary and will turn 6 in July and Madison will be in preschool another year until Kindergarten. She will turn 5 in September! They grow so fast, but I have enjoyed every minute of it!! And I love being a mom!!:) I truly hope you all are doing well and look forward to when we can visit sometime soon!! If you are ever in Battle Ground, come by, the door is always open!! Take care! Love, Cara and family Andy Farrar I moved from Healdsburg to San Jose and am extending my education and pursuing a career in Fire Protection.
Valerie (Spier) Keene Hi All! It was great to see so many of you at Alumni weekend. Hopefully for our 20 year there will be an even better turnout. I am currently in Paradise. I got moved down here in May and started working at the clinic associated with Feather River Adventist Hospital doing medical records. I have my only little place now, which is quirky to say the least. I’m having fun fixing it up though. I hope to go back to school, finish my degree and start working on my teaching credentials in the next few months. Nothing else really going on for me right now. You are all in my prayers and I hope that life is bringing you joy.
Rustin Amundson I am 27 years old and I am still in school, but it is my last year in a radiologic science program. That's a fancy way of saying x-ray technologist. Recently, my wife Andra and I have celebrated our four year wedding anniversary and we have a 2 year old golden retriever named Ginger. Currently we are living in Eugene Oregon finishing up my internship. I am looking forward to being stuck in a rut with steady job/paycheck and that same place to lay my head. Life is fantastic, I am jealous of no man. Hope everyone is doing well. See you all soon. Erin Bartsch After Rio I went to PUC where I got a BS in Psychology. From there I went onto Purdue University where I got my Masters in Child Development, where I became an expert on formatting documents. After having my fill of Indiana (and flat land), I recently moved to Eastern Oregon—Pendleton, to be exact. I’m currently working for Head Start as an Education Manager, where I supervise Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms in Pendleton and Milton-Freewater.
Sorry. No news notes from this class year.
Sorry. No news notes from this class year.
Brandi Barnett A lot has changed since Rio. I've been with the same man, Noah, for three years, and we have a child together. Our son, Joshua, was born September 13, 2007 and he is such a handsome boy (just like his daddy). Right now we live in Montgomery, Texas. Noah works at a Chevrolet car dealership and I'm in the pharmacy field when I go back to work. If anyone wants to chat or play catch up please contact me. Marcella (Demark) Bauer I got married this year in November. So now it will be Marcella Bauer! My husband’s name is Chris, and we plan on having a large wedding later when we will invite former classmates to. That’s all that is new with me. Melinda Fletcher I just finished my first year of teaching kindergarten at Foothill Adventist Elementary in Milpitas, CA (near San Jose). This summer I’ve been enjoying the chance to take a break, go on a family vacation to Oregon and visit with friends. I also kicked off my M.Ed. program by taking 2 summer classes at PUC. Now that August is coming up, I’m getting ready for another year of teaching kindergarten.
Karla Maldonado Aloha Rio alumni! Well unfortunately my time in beautiful Humboldt County is coming to an end. My boyfriend and I are relocating to the Santa Cruz Mountains. I am going to be teaching a Special Day Class 4th-6th grade in San Jose. I’m very excited to be moving but sad to leave Humboldt. My boyfriend is from Santa Cruz, so we will have family and friends close by. We are very pleased to have jobs and are ready for our new adventure. No plans for marriage or kids yet, we are barely getting our careers in action. Lots of Love. Samuel Nam I wanted to drop you a line and let my fellow Rio Lindo Academy Alumni members know what I'm doing these days. I am currently working as a financial consultant in Los Angeles at Corban Financial and Insurance Services. Our firm specializes in Christian financial investment and debt counseling. I feel very blessed to use my education and skills in the field of business to help others. We offer our counseling free of charges or fees, and I wanted to offer my services to any Rio Lindo Alumni Alumni. We offer all of the following services and programs: Retirement Accounts (401k, IRA, RothIRA, 403(b), etc.), Estate Planning, College Saving, Life Insurance, Accident and Disability Insurance, Long-term Care Insurance, Health Insurance, Employee Benefit Plans (we administer both large and small plans), General Investment and Debt Counseling. Also, if anyone is interested in educational gifting or donations to Rio Lindo Academy, we can help! I hope this email finds you well. Samuel Nam, Corban Financial and Insurance Services
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